SAUDI MEDICAL JOURNAL

Quality of life improvement in children with otitis media with effusion post ventilation tube insertion: A prospective cohort study
Alkhaldi AS, AlSahli LM, Al-Ibraheem SA, Alhashem MH and Al-Saab FA
To study is to establish the OM-6 scores in Saudi children with OME and subjectively assess the change in QoL following VT insertion. The Otitis Media 6 (OM-6) questionnaire is a widely used measure of the quality of life (QoL) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Myringotomy with ventilation tube (VT) insertion is indicated when OME persists with clinically documented hearing impairment.
Shifting sands: Unveiling the changes in respiratory comorbidities and fungal pathogens in Saudi Arabia
Khateb AM, Alofi FS, Alturkostani MA and Almutairi AZ
To investigate epidemiological changes in respiratory fungal infections (RFI), including fungal isolation and colonization, at one of the main centers in Medina. The incidence of RFI is rising due to an increase in the number of immunocompromised individuals, a higher prevalence of respiratory viral infections, and an aging population.
Milestone: COVID-19 five years ago
Giant left gastric artery aneurysm with intrathoracic extension
Akcali A, Ogan B, Buğra Sezen C and Metin M
Splanchnic artery aneurysms, particularly those involving the left gastric artery, are infrequent occurrences and often lack noticeable symptoms, but their rupture involves a significant risk of mortality. We present a case involving an unruptured left gastric artery aneurysm (LGAA) that extended into the right hemithorax. This case report outlines the categorization, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges associated with such aneurysms. Our findings could offer valuable insights for clinicians and radiologists when adopting a systematic approach for the early detection and management of LGAA.
Association between factor I fibrinogen (rs6050) and factor XI plasma thromboplastin (rs4253417) genetic polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous miscarriage in Saudi women
Kaabi AM, Alkhuriji AF, Babay ZA, Barakat IA, Kaabi AM and Kaabi RM
To identify genetic polymorphisms in factor I fibrinogen (rs6050) and factor XI plasma thromboplastin (rs4253417) in Saudi women with recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM). Furthermore, to compare the levels of clotting factors in the blood of patients and healthy controls.
Cochlear implantation at King Abdallah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia: Single institution experience, a 5-years retrospective analysis
Alqahtani SY, Almasoudi SM, Almalki ZA, Badr KM, Alghamdi SA and Alghamdi FE
To review the outcomes of the cochlear implantation program at King Abdallah Medical Center (KAMC) in Makkah from its launch in 2018 to 2023, focusing on patient demographics, procedural details, and complications.
Does obesity affect children's likelihood of survival after being diagnosed with cancer?
WHO prequalifies diagnostic test to support safer administration of P. vivax malaria treatments
Management of trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)
In this issue
Hypothyroidism is a risk factor for transient ischemic attack: A meta-analysis
Li J, Liu H and Li Y
To evaluate whether hypothyroidism is a risk factor for transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Does sleep apnea treatment influence patients' risk of getting into car accidents?
Spectrum and classification of variants with clinical correlation in children with Wilson disease
Al-Obaidi RG and Al-Musawi BM
To study the spectrum and classification of variants in Iraqi children with Wilson disease by direct gene sequencing with clinical correlation.
GLP-1RA and SGLT2i utilization in people with type 2 diabetes with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or at high risk of ASCVD in the Gulf Region: Results from the PACT-MEA studys
Al-Dahi WA, Khalaf SH, AlRomaihi DA, Alamuddin NM, Al Kandari HM, Abdalla DK, Alfadehla HY, Jayyousi AA, Siddique MA, AlAlami UA, Subbarao GC, Chetty SJ and Abdulla JA
To provide insights into the real-world usage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar who either had established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (eASCVD) or were at high risk of developing ASCVD.
Risk factors for depression symptoms in adolescents: A population-based study
Candrarukmi D, Hartanto F, Wibowo T, Nugroho HW, Anam MS, Indraswari BW, Santosa Q and Hanum N
To ascertain the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identify related risk factors among adolescents.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio, and red cell distribution width as prognostic indicators for length of hospital stay in pediatric asthma
Eltyeb EE, Gohal GA, Alhazmi SA, Alqassim MA, Hakami EF, Moafa MH, Mutahar NH, Shanaq MM, Shanaq SM, Almalki AJ, Jabrah AA, Mashhour SA, Dagreri AA, Othathi RS and Abdelwahab SI
To examine the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) and the length of hospital stay (LOS) in children with bronchial asthma METHODS: This hospital-based study examined the records of children with asthma admitted to Jazan Hospitals, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were extracted at the time of admission. Length of hospital stay and laboratory parameters were acquired from blood.
Concordance between homeostatic model assessment and triglyceride glucose index in assessing insulin resistance among HIV-infected patients
Budak GG, Vatan A, Güçlü E and Karabay O
To evaluate the concordance between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in assessing insulin resistance (IR) in people living with HIV (PLWH). Additionally, we aimed to estimate a cut-off value for the TyG index in PLWH.
Prevalence and clinical considerations of Y chromosome microdeletions in azoospermic and oligozoopsermic infertile men from Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia
Shamsi MB, Dada R, Balahmar RM, Zaytuni D, Alharbi G, Imam SN, Rajih E, Latif M and Ahmad S
To characterize the potential role of Y-chromosome microdeletion (YCM) as a genetic cause for infertility in the Arab population from the Al Madinah Al Munawarah.
The future of personalized medicine in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities and challenges
Mawkili WA
Personalized medicine is a healthcare approach that designs treatment plans of each patient, considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This model leverages genomic information, advanced diagnostics, and data analytics to predict disease risk, optimize prevention strategies, and provide customized treatments. In Saudi Arabia, personalized medicine is gaining momentum, driven by the country's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform the healthcare sector by integrating advanced medical technologies and improving healthcare delivery. The Kingdom has made significant strides in genomics and bioinformatics, with initiatives such as the Saudi Human Genome Program and advancements in institutions i.e., King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Continued investment in research, education, and technology, alongside international collaborations, will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of personalized medicine. This review explores the current state, challenges, and future prospects of personalized medicine in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its transformative impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Hepatobiliary manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective analysis
Aljiffry MM, Dahal BM, Baeisa RS, Alzahrani AA, Alshahrany TA, Hijji SB, Alsahafi MA, Saleem AM, Alghamdi WS and Mosli MH
To evaluate the features and frequency of hepatobiliary diseases in individuals with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A rare case of a horseshoe kidney with a single left-sided ureter presented with recurrent urinary tract infection
Ayed A, Alwadai RI and Rezigalla AA
The horseshoe kidney (HSK) is a common renal abnormality mostly asymptomatic. This may be linked to chromosomal and organ anomalies. A 27-year-old male patient presented with mild recurrent lower abdominal pain associated with dysuria. No history of renal disease. Laboratory investigations revealed red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and bacterial growth in the urine. A CT urogram showed an HSK with a unilateral left-sided ureter. The patient was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and managed with regular follow-up. This report describes a rare case of an HSK with a unilateral left-sided, typically implanted ureter and highlights the radiological findings and management. Asymptomatic HSKs may present with or without associated anomalies. UTI is a common asymptomatic presentation. An HSK with a unilateral left-sided normally implanted ureter is rare. The present case of HSK was associated with recurrent UTI, which was managed accordingly.