Saudi Medical Horizons Journal

Premenstrual syndrome and its impact on the quality of life among female medical students at King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Rasmah Alharajin — 2024-10-14

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women, impacting daily activities and potentially hindering academic performance. Female students, in particular, may experience exacerbated effects due to neglecting symptoms. This study investigated the prevalence of PMS and its association with factors influencing female medical students' quality of life (QoL) at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey distributed to 264 students assessed demographics, family background, menstrual characteristics, PMS symptoms, and study-related QoL. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: PMS prevalence was 34.8% (92/264). Students in clinical years (40% vs. 29% in pre-clinical) and with introverted personalities (43.5%) were more likely to experience PMS. The most commonly reported symptoms were depressive effect, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability (all 100%). Students with PMS reported a higher impact on study-career satisfaction (28.3% vs. 20.3% without) and stress levels (57.6% vs. 37.8% without).

Conclusion: This study suggests a significant prevalence of PMS (34.8%) among female medical students. An association was found between PMS, year of study, personality type, and specific aspects of study-related QoL, particularly impacting study-career satisfaction and stress.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Among the General Population in Makkah

Mokhtar Shatla — 2024-10-14

Objectives: A growing global health concern is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is
prevalent in Saudi Arabia as well. In this research, we aimed to assess the knowledge,
Perception, and Attitude toward Chronic Kidney Disease among the General Population
in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: In Makkah City, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in
2023. A random sample of the general population aged 18 to 60 was given an online
questionnaire; individuals with CKD and healthcare professionals were not included.
Results: The study's findings showed that 73.6% of participants had little or no
awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD), suggesting that the public had a poor
comprehension of the condition. Being young, unmarried, and having a family history of
renal disease were all positively correlated with higher awareness levels.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the urgent need for public health measures, such as
education and awareness campaigns, to raise public understanding of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Makkah, Online questionnaire, Survey,
Public awareness.

The Manifestations and Complications of X-linked Hypophosphatemia in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Afaf AlSagheir — 2024-10-14

Background: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a genetic disease of phosphate metabolism in which inactivating mutations of the phosphate regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked (PHEX) gene lead to local and systemic effects. In our pediatric clinics, XLH was observed to be associated with multiple complications despite conventional treatment. There is a need for novel treatment modalities to prevent disease progression and aid in the resolution of symptoms.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to understand the manifestations and complications of XLH in patients followed up at the endocrinology clinics in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted by reviewing the medical files of all XLH patients at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.

Results: All the patients (N=24) who were included in this study had PHEX gene mutations. The mean age was 18.7 13.6 years and 68% were females. The mean height standard deviation score (HSDS) was ‑2.96 (-5.25 to -0.97) and 12 patients reached their final height (mean final HSDS, -3.28 [-1.39 to ‑5.39]). Skeletal deformities (mainly genu varum) were observed in 68% of the patients and 29% had craniosynostosis; 54% had undergone corrective osteotomy. Hyperparathyroidism was observed in 54% of the patients and 45% of the patients had nephrocalcinosis (grades 2/3).

Conclusions: In our study, a majority of the XLH patients suffered from complications arising from the use of conventional therapy, thus indicating the need for novel treatment modalities for these patients. Additionally, no correlation between genotype and phenotype was found.

Coffee Consumption and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study among Saudi Adults

Najla AlMutairi — 2024-10-14

Background: Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed stimulants in Saudi Arabia. We aim to examine the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep quality among individuals residing in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data was collected through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The study included adults 18 years and older who reside in Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine the population characteristics, and the logistic regression model was used to examine the association between caffeine consumption and sleep quality.

Results: A total of 636 respondents participated in the study. Nine out of ten respondents reported consuming caffeine (90%). The respondents were predominately aged 30 to 44 (52.04%), females (63.11%), married (62.89%), and overweight/obese (60.47%). Around two-thirds were Saudi nationals (69.68%). More than half of the respondents reported a good quality sleep score (56.88%). In multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders, body mass index was the only statistically significant demographic predictor for sleep quality. Overweight/obese respondents had a statistically significantly lower sleep quality score mean than non-overweight/obese respondents (coefficient -0.48; P-value 0.05).

Conclusion: Caffeine consumption was highly prevalent among Saudis; however, it was not associated with poor sleep quality. On the contrary, those with high body mass index, particularly in obese individuals, were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Caffeine consumers have to monitor their caffeine consumption carefully and set a daily consumption limit for themselves.

Cohen Syndrome, A Case Report

Wadah Faisal Elmihana — 2024-10-14

Background: Cohen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. It is primarily considered in children presenting with microcephaly, early-onset hypotonia, neutropenia, and global developmental delay.

Results: A 16-day-old female infant with low birth weight and dysmorphic features was evaluated. This case highlights the importance of considering Cohen syndrome in the differential diagnosis of infants with similar clinical findings. Early recognition allows for timely intervention and support.

Conclusion: While there is no cure for Cohen syndrome, early diagnosis and management can improve quality of life.Genetic counseling is essential for affected families.

Two Case Reports of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Basidiobolus Treated Medically, With Literature Review.

Walaa Alshenawy — 2024-10-14

Basidiobolus is a rare fungus which leads to cutaneous and extra cutaneous manifestations such as gastrointestinal disease that are associated with significant morbidity. Majority of cases in literature were reported from Saudi Arabia. So far no guideline exists for Basidiobolus management. Here we report two pediatric gastrointestinal Basidiobolus cases both has been started on medical therapy alone. Furthermore, we conduct brief literature review that include descriptive review of reported cases in the literature since 2013. So far 79 pediatric cases have been reported in the last 10 years. We noticed significant trending up of medical therapy in compare to surgical therapy in last decade in compare to previous reports before 2013. In addition to that, similar cure rate has been observed. We have reported increase in Voriconazole popularity after decades of Itraconazole traditional use to treat Basidiobolus infection.

The Interaction between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review

Hyder Osman Mirghani — 2024-10-14

Patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) face a much greater risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) when compared to the overall population. Despite numerous case reports and literature reviews delving into this connection, there are only a handful of systematic reviews that have specifically concentrated on this link. As a result, the objective of this systematic review is to assess the depth of the relationship between SLE and cardiovascular diseases. An extensive search was conducted primarily using PubMed and following PRISMA criteria. The search targeted English-language studies investigating the link between SLE and cardiovascular diseases. Clear inclusion and exclusion criteria were set to guarantee the quality and relevance of the evaluated research. The research encompassed a broad spectrum of studies from various global regions, with no particular emphasis on any specific gender or age. An evident trend revealed a significant proportion of SLE patients experiencing cardiovascular conditions. According to the findings of our investigation, in general, it was discovered that patients with SLE have a greater chance of developing CVD. It is essential to conduct additional research on the connection between identifiable SLE-specific risk factors that can be modified and the likelihood of developing CVD in order to bolster the creation of preventative and treatment measures.

Burnout Syndrome among Emergency Physicians and Residents: A Systematic Review

Abdullah Mohammed Basnawi — 2024-10-14

Objectives: To study the risk factors and prevalence of burnout and its dimensions among emergency physicians in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process.

Results: We included fourteen studies with a total of 1810 patients, and 1068 (59%) were males. The MBI-HSS was the scale used to assess burnout. The prevalence of burnout ranged from 15.57% to 76%. The following factors were associated with higher burnout risk: smokers, people using medication for sleep disorders, number of vacation days annually, number of workdays per week, female sex, single status, early medical practice participants, resident physician/surgeon employment category participants, people whose current job negatively impacted their family life, and people with back pain.

Conclusion: Saudi physicians in emergency medicine have the highest burnout rates of any profession, making them particularly vulnerable to burnout. Nonetheless, there remains a high level of job satisfaction among emergency physicians, and further research is necessary to fully understand the intricate relationship between burnout and job satisfaction. Because burnout is linked to particular personality traits and particularly coping mechanisms, doctors who are at high risk of experiencing burnout should be recognized early on and appropriately consulted. In order to make progress toward the goal of effectively treating burnout syndrome in the future, more case-control studies pertaining to behavioural intervention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are required.

Atorvastatin vs Rosuvastatin in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review

Hyder Osman Mirghani — 2024-10-14

The main objective of this study is to compare any differences in the clinical response to rosuvastatin and atorvastatin in patients with cardiovascular disease. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Clinical Key were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process. We included eleven studies with a total of 6168 patients; 3231 (52.4%) patients received Atorvastatin, and 2937 (47.6%) received Rosuvastatin. Regarding ACS patients, Rosuvastatin outperformed Atorvastatin in improving laboratory indices and inflammatory markers and lowering LDL. In STEMI patients undergoing PCI, Atorvastatin was linked to less dysfunctional coronary circulation, better coronary microcirculation in patients with STEMI having primary PCI, and may enhance microvascular coronary perfusion immediately following PCI more effectively than a high-dose rosuvastatin preloading. The one study included patients undergoing CABG and did not find any differences between Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in preventing post-CABG atrial fibrillation (AF). These results suggest that when developing treatment plans for patients with cardiovascular disease, physicians may be able to combine atorvastatin with rosuvastatin. Cost considerations, tolerability, and patient-specific characteristics should all be taken into account during the decision-making process.

Effectiveness and Outcomes of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review

Hyder Osman Mirghani — 2024-10-14

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness and outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in patients with nasal polyps.

Methods: A thorough search was conducted for pertinent literature using PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Library. Rayyan QRCI was used throughout this extensive procedure.

Results: Our results included nine studies with a total of 780 patients, and 490 (62.8%) were males. The follow-up duration ranged from 4 months to 24 months. All of the included patients underwent ESS for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Patients with CRSwNP and refractory CRSwNP reported better self-evaluated olfactory function after using ESS, experienced a higher reduction in polyp load, and better quality of life.

Conclusion: Patients with CRSwNP reported significant improvements in quality of life and major symptoms when using ESS. The quality of the available data, as established in this evaluation, is low enough to make firm recommendations for the best course of surgical therapy. From a precision medicine perspective, high-quality studies are needed to phenotype these patients in order to identify which ones will benefit most from each type of medicinal and surgical therapy, including a combination of both, with long-term efficiency being a crucial result.