BackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the pattern of traumatic injuries and determine the predictors of inhospital mortality in patients admitted to the emergency department.Patients and methodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of 3,786 patients with traumat injuries admitted to the emergency department of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2012 and December 2014. Data on patient characteristics, trauma characteristics and outcomes were extracted from medical records. A negative binomial regression model was utilized to identify significant predictors of inhospital mortality.ResultsOf all injured patients, 77.5% were male, 29.8% were aged 15–25 years and 25.7% were aged 26–45 years. Blunt trauma was the main mechanism of injury, including motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in 52.0% and falls in 25.8% of patients. Most patients had injuries to the extremities (61.3%), followed by the head (32.2%), chest (16.9%) and abdomen (8.9%). Injuries were mild in 49.7% of patients, moderate in 30.2% and severe in 20.1%. The sex of the patients was significantly associated with the mechanism of injury (p<0.001), severity (p<0.001), anatomical site of injury (p<0.001), admission to the intensive care unit (p<0.001), need for trauma team activation (p<0.001) and type of transportation to hospital (p<0.001). The predictors of inhospital mortality were age (rate ratio [RR] for each 10-year increase=1.174; p<0.001), falls and burns (RR=2.337 and 1.728; p<0.001) and moderate and severe injuries (RR=6.438 and 181.780; p<0.001).ConclusionOur results suggest different patterns of trauma injuries according to patient age and sex. MVCs were the leading cause of injuries, but falls and burns had the highest inhospital mortality. This suggests the need for a comprehensive national education and prevention programs that address all causes of injuries.

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by nonscarring hair loss that can involve the scalp, face, and body. Severe AA subtypes have a poorer prognosis and can be challenging to treat. Tofacitinib, a recently introduced Janus kinase inhibitor, has shown positive results in treating AA. This multicenter study demonstrates the efficacy of tofacitinib and the patient response rate in a Saudi population.It also highlights patient characteristics that may serve as predictors of the therapeutic response to tofacitinib. Methods A prospective cohort study design was utilized. Study participants were included from three medical centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score was used to assess the percentage of hair loss at baseline and the percentage of hair regrowth at 3 and 6 months. ResultsThe sample size was 68 with an average baseline SALT score of 76.8 AE 27.6%.Data at 6 months were available for 45 patients. Of these, 62.2% achieved a SALT score of >50%. Patients with a score of <50% had a significantly higher baseline SALT score compared to patients with >50% score. The past use of systemic steroids was associated with a diminished response to therapy (P = 0.015). The response to therapy was significantly higher in patients with AA compared to alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.Conclusions Tofacitinib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for severe AA and exhibits a good safety profile.

Background: Misuse of topical corticosteroids (TCS) is common and constitutes a serious problem in many parts of the world where they can be obtained without prescription. Limited studies have been performed in Saudi Arabia to address this issue. Purpose: We aim to study the prevalence, predisposing factors, and adverse consequences of TCS use without prescription in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using an Arabic questionnaire distributed through social media applications in May 2020 in Saudi Arabia. Individuals aged 18 years and above who used TCS within the last 2 years were included. The questionnaire consisted of detailed questions about TCS use and demographic information. Results: A total of 720 participants completed the questionnaire. TCS were used without prescription by 43.1% of respondents. Being female was the only identified risk factor for the use of TCS without prescription. The main reason for purchasing TCS without prescription was that the problem seemed too trivial to consult a physician (36.6%). The most common conditions for which TCS were used were treatment of pruritus without skin disease (23.7%) and cosmetic reasons (19.9%). Side effects were reported in 25.6% of participants. The most common side effects were hypopigmentation, itching, redness, and skin sensitivity. Conclusion: The use of TCS without prescription is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. We recommend that local health authorities regulate the use of TCS.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic an inflammatory skin disease with early onset and with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 20%. Although the pathogenesis of the disorder is not completely understood, it appears to result from the complex interplay between defects in skin barrier function, environmental and infectious agents, and immune abnormalities. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and determinants of Eczema among Saudi female aged 21 to 32 years old in Jeddah city. Methods: A cross sectional study involved 190 female students from IbnSina National College for Allied Health Sciences in Jeddah city were chosen by convenient sampling. Data were collected by Interview questionnaire (ISAAC: Core Questionnaire for Asthma, Rhinitis and Eczema) after getting their consent. SPSS used for data entry and analysis. Results: Prevalence of eczema among medical college females was 16.6%, Eczema was similar in Saudi and Non-Saudi females (13.97% and 12.66% respectively, P = 0.545). Eczema was associated with eye allergy (34.2%) with statistical significance P = 0.003. Eczema was associated family members history with statistical significance P = 0.012. There was not statistical significant relationship between eczema and education level, parental jobs, drugs chest and nose allergy. Conclusion: Prevalence of eczema among female medical students was 16.6%. Eczema was significantly associated with eye allergy and Family history of skin allergy was risk factor of eczema.

Background: Trauma is a major cause of death worldwide that can result death or permanent disability. Globally, 6–10% of all deaths are attributed to traumatic injuries. In Saudi Arabia, trauma is a public burden as a result of its socioeconomic impact. Our aim is to describe the pattern of traumatic injuries and predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients admitted through the ED of King Abdulaziz Medical City. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3786 trauma-injured patients admitted from 2012 to 2014. Data on: patient characteristics, trauma characteristics and outcome characteristics, were extracted from a prospectively collected database. Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve were applied. Results: Of 3786, (77.5%) of victims were males, (29.8%) injuries occurred in the age group (15–25 years). Blunt injuries constituted (87.1%), followed by burns (7%), intentional injuries (5%) and drowning & foreign body (1%). Data showed seasonal variation with two main peaks in March and August (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality rate was (4.7%. Significant predictors of in-hospital mortality were age (p < 0.001), intubation need (p = 0.009), ISS (p < 0.001), RTS (p = 0.007), GCS (p = .004) and road traffic accidents (p = 0.001). The cut-off points for prediction of in-hospital mortality: were as follows: ISS = 22, AUC = 93%, ATS = 9, AUC = 78% and GCS = 8, AUC = 83%. Conclusions: Our recommendation is targeted to ED policy makers to recognize the patterns of injury and the seasonal variation to structure and distribute the facilities and staff in a cost-effective manner. Also, enforcing trauma preventative measures should be encouraged. Secondly, for ED physicians to enhance the use of in-hospital predictors of mortality. Finally, educational programs targeting the general population are essential to cover all aspects.