Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is defined as acute diffuse inflammatory lung injury causing increased pulmonary vascular permeability with increased lung weight, loss of aerated lung tissues leading to hypoxemia and bilateral radiographic opacities associated with increased venous admixture, increased physiological dead space and decreased lung compliance. Aim of work: to determine the prevalence rates of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates in King Abdulaziz Hospital, Taif city, Saudi Arabia and to find out the most important causes of RDS in preterm babies in Taif city. Methods: a cross-sectional questionnaire based study carried out in Saudi Arabia, Taif city, King Abdulaziz Hospital from January to June 2016 (6 months period) on preterm neonates. Results: 57.1% of newborn were male gender and 42.9% were female, 4.4% of babies were extreme preterm, 86.5% were preterm, 4.4% were late preterm and 4.7% were full term, the prevalence rate of RDS in newborn was 54.7% in the 6 months of this study. Conclusion: RDS is one of the major problems among newborns and a major reason for increased morbidity and mortality among infants. Preterm babies are the main risk factor for development of RDS. Mother's illnesses, especially hypertension and Diabetes are very strong risk factors for the disease in preterm babies. Cesarean delivery, especially in preterm babies and male gender stays other important risk factors for RDS.

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent cause of death and serious disability with a risk extending far beyond the acute phase of the disease. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, high mortality rates are still a common problem. Aim of the work: was to assess the incidence rate of pulmonary embolism among patients attending CCU of King Faisal hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia and the most common risk factors of pulmonary embolism in these patients. Patients and methods: a cross sectional study for 6 month duration, in the period from June 2016 to December 2016. Patients were chosen from CCU of King Faisal hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. The study includes 20 patients diagnosed as pulmonary embolism from both sexes (male/female =10/10) with mean age 58.9±19.9 years old and 20 healthy control volunteers (male/female =14/6) with mean age 52.1±19.5 years old were chosen for comparison; incidence rate of pulmonary embolism was calculated and the related risk factors in these patients were evaluated via a questionnaire done to each patient and control. Results: 80% and 70% of patients and control lived in Taif, respectively. Incidence rate of pulmonary embolism was 5.5%. 25% of patients were smoker and 15% of control group were smoker. Conclusion: the presented study assessed the incidence of pulmonary embolism and its risk factors in King Faial hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia. All risk factors of pulmonary embolism mentioned in international researches were emphasized in this research particularly travelling history, oral contraceptive therapy and cancer with respect to other risk factors.

Background:Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) secondary to surfactant deficiency is a common cause of mobility and mortality in premature infants. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major angiogenic factor and prime regulator of endothelial cells proliferation. So, VEGF may contribute to surfactant secretion and pulmonary maturation. Additionally, circulating CD34 + stemprogenitor cells are elevated along with its mobilizing cytokines in neonatal RDS. Aim of work: This study aimed to elucidate the role of cord blood VEGF and the circulating CD34 + cells in preterm infants with and without RDS.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a fatal disease caused by block in the oxygen supply of blood vessels of the heart muscles, leading to permanent heart muscle damage and death of its cells. Aim of work: to assess the relationship between incidence of acute myocardial infarction and its participating factors. Patients and methods: observational, descriptive correlation questionnaire based study on 50 Saudi and non Saudi patients with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), medical ward and followed in outpatient department (OPD). They were chosen from King Faisal Medical Center, cardiology department, Taif, Saudi Arabia from the first of March 2016 to the end of April 2016 (2 months duration). Results: Prevalence of MI patients in the 2 months of research was 1.4%. MI was precipitated by a number of factors in Saudi Arabia as old age, increased body mass index, stress, obesity and consumption of high caloric rich diet. Conclusion: The main risk factors of ACS in our patients were hypertension, Stress, obesity; high cholesterol diet and positive family history of cholesterol in addition to old age and smoking.