No abstract

Background and objective Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the common genetic diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This disease results from a genetic mutation that causes malformation of the red blood cells (RBCs), leading to various systemic complications, including vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), acute chest syndrome (ACS), osteomyelitis, avascular necrosis (AVN), and stroke, to name a few. The leading cause of mortality in SCA is these systemic complications rather than the disease itself. Understanding the risk factors of these complications can help reduce mortality in these patients and improve their quality of life. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors of SCA complications among pediatric patients with SCA at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, KSA. Methods This retrospective study was carried out from January 2012 till June end 2019. It was conducted among pediatric patients with SCA. Patients were screened for eligibility, and we excluded those with thalassemia and those who had a medical history of chronic diseases. Data were collected from patients’ electronic medical records. Results The study included 102 pediatric patients with SCA; their mean age was 7.88 ±4.22 years; almost half of them were females (56%) and 44% were males. The dominant body mass index (BMI) classification among them was normal (49%). Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common complication with 38 cases followed by VOC with 32 cases. Other complications observed were ACS (25.5%) followed by stroke (15.7%). HbSS was the most prominent genotype among these patients, and it was associated with a higher rate of complications. However, there was no significant relationship between genotype and patients developing complications. Finally, patients with high white blood cell (WBC) counts, elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), and hypoxia developed more complications, and there was a significant relationship between these conditions and the development of complications (p<0.05). Conclusion Based on our findings, patients with high WBC count, elevated SBP, and hypoxia are at greater risk of developing complications. Accordingly, healthcare providers should consider putting in place all measures required to provide a good quality of life for these patients, including raising awareness about the risk factors that lead to these complications, appropriate immunizations, and precautionary measures to promote these patients' welfare.

No abstract

Objectives: To examine the knowledge and awareness of brain death among the Saudi population and to identify what is needed to improve awareness in this community. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July-December 2018. Data was collected from a sample of the general population via a questionnaire, which obtained sociodemographic data and included questions about assessments and guidelines for brain death. We conducted descriptive statistics, as well chi-square tests to compare between groups, with statistical significance considered at p≤0.05. Results: We recruited 1244 participants with a mean age of 27.17±9.84)female: n=992; 79.7%, male: n=252; 20.3%(. Of these, 1208)97.1%(were Saudi, 444)35.7%(were married and 800)64.3%(were single. The majority had a university degree)n=837; 67.3%(, 676)54.3%(were currently students, approximately a third of whom were from health specialties)n=393; 31.6%(, and 192)15.4%(were unemployed. A mean score of knowledge of 5.53±2.61 was observed, equivalent to 42%. There was a significant difference in total knowledge score depending on marital status, region, and educational level and specialization. In contrast, there was no significant difference in knowledge depending on gender, age, nationality, or place of work. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Saudi Arabians have little to moderate knowledge about brain death. Education and work-based awareness programs about brain death are needed, particularly regarding prevention and causes.

No abstract