Objectives:To delineate the clinical features and outcomes of dengue infection and to guide clinician of early diagnosis and identification of risks factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever.Methods:This study is a retrospective cross-sectional. Clinical records of 567 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of dengue infection, admitted to a single hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2010 and June 2014 were reviewed.Results:Dengue infection was most common in adult males. Sixty-eight percent of infections were in Saudi nationals. In addition to the diagnostic clinical features, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were typical of dengue infection. Approximately 4.1% of adult patients and 7.1% of pediatric patients developed dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Abdominal pain and vomiting were more common in patients developing DHF. Mean platelet count was lower in adult, but not pediatric patients developing DHF. Peak alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was higher in adult and pediatric patients developing DHF. Three patients died, 2 of them developed DHF. Ninety-eight percent of adult patients and 92% of pediatric patients made a full recovery.Conclusions:Dengue infection is common in Jeddah. Abdominal pain and vomiting, thrombocytopenia, and elevated ALT are typical of severe infection, which is more likely to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

No abstract

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is an integral component of initial resuscitative care during critical situations like sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, and airway obstruction. Tragic consequences of such life-threatening emergencies can be prevented with adequate knowledge and training on BLS principles. This study sought to assess the current status of public knowledge and attitude towards BLS in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, a study was conducted amongst residents of Jeddah, during July 2020. Participants were asked to fill a validated online questionnaire consisting of 9 demographic items, and 23 items determining attitude and general knowledge on BLS and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Results: A total of 740 participants completed the questionnaire, with the majority being between 18 to 39 years old. Overall, the study findings show inadequate levels of BLS knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 5.3 (SD±2.8) out of 15. The highest rates of correct responses were observed in the question concerning the recognition of the national emergency contact number (72.3%). Participants who had previously received BLS training had significantly higher knowledge scores (p<0.001), as well as those who took BLS courses within one year or less (p<0.001), and those who previously witnessed CPR (p<0.001).Conclusions: In general, knowledge about BLS among the participants was very limited, yet a positive attitude towards BLS training was observed. Therefore, a nation-wide effort is advised to enhance the public exposure on BLS.

No abstract