Background: Stroke is a major neurological condition that often results in significant motor, cognitive, and functional impairments, impacting daily living activities. Various rehabilitation techniques, including neurofunctional exercises such as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Bo bath Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT), are utilized to enhance recovery. However, the effectiveness of these interventions compared to conventional physical activity remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of neurofunctional exercises versus standard rehabilitation on functional recovery in stroke survivors over a six-month period. Methods: This study was conducted, involving stroke patients who were divided into two groups: one undergoing rehabilitation incorporating neurofunctional exercises (study group, SG) and another engaging in standard physical activity at home (control group, CG). Functional recovery was assessed using the Barthel Scale (BS), Rankin Scale (RS), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at baseline (during hospitalization) and six months' post-stroke. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for group comparisons and within-group changes. Results: Baseline comparisons indicated significantly higher BS scores in the control group (U = 820.5; p = 0.001), while the study group had significantly greater NIHSS (U = 647.5; p = 0.001) and RS (U = 811.5; p < 0.001) scores. After six months, the CG retained significantly better BS scores than the SG (p = 0.021), while RS was significantly higher in the SG (p = 0.019). No significant between-group differences were observed in NIHSS scores (p = 0.755). Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in BS for both groups (SG: p < 0.001; CG: p = 0.005), while NIHSS significantly improved only in the CG (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Neurofunctional exercises did not provide substantial additional benefits compared to standard rehabilitation. Patients in the control group demonstrated greater functional improvements in daily activities, suggesting that conventional home-based physical activity may be equally or more effective in stroke recovery. Future research should explore individualized rehabilitation strategies and long-term functional outcomes.
Background: Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent health issue leading to functional limitations, often accompanied by depressive symptoms and sleep disorders. This condition persists for over three months and is not associated with any identifiable pathological cause. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six participants (mean age: 38.0 +/- 3.84 years) previously diagnosed with CNSLBP for more than three months were recruited from the outpatient clinic of a police authority hospital. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT) was evaluated via pressure algometry, and functional disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). An analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient was conducted to investigate the correlations among these variables. Results: A significant correlation was found between VAS and ODI scores (P < 0.05), indicating that higher pain intensity is linked to greater functional disability. However, no significant correlations were observed between PPT and VAS or ODI scores (P > 0.05). Additionally, gender showed no significant association with VAS or PPT Conclusion: In patients with CNSLBP, pain intensity is strongly associated with functional limitations and interference in daily activities. However, the presence of trigger points or tense muscles does not correlate with pain severity.
Background: Restoration of Class V cervical lesions presents unique challenges due to anatomical constraints, access difficulties, and material limitations. Dental students must be well-versed in different restorative techniques, including the direct composite method and the sandwiched method, to ensure effective clinical outcomes. However, there is limited research on students' knowledge, awareness, and perception of these methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two dental colleges in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, from May 2023 to January 2024. A total of 135 dental students and internship physicians participated. A structured questionnaire assessed their awareness and knowledge of the direct composite and sandwiched restoration methods. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Among participants, 46.7% were aware of the sandwiched method, while 83.7% were familiar with the direct composite technique. While 91.9% recognized polymerization shrinkage as a drawback of the direct composite method, only 37.8% identified improved bonding with composite as an advantage of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in the sandwiched technique. The primary reasons for Class V cervical lesion failures included proximity to crevicular fluid (35.6%) and poor adhesive properties (29.6%). Conclusion: The study indicates a gap in dental students' understanding of the sandwiched method and the benefits of RMGIC. Educational interventions are necessary to enhance knowledge and improve the clinical application of these techniques. Further research is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the sandwiched method in Class V cervical restorations.
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by cartilage deterioration, pain, and functional impairment. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative treatment due to its potential to modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PRP in patients with KOA, focusing on pain reduction, functional improvement, and structural changes overa six-month period. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was conducted with 133 patients diagnosed with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1-3). Participants received three weekly intra-articular PRP injections. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months' post-treatment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Knee Society Score (KSS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at baseline and 6 months to evaluate cartilage thickness. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all outcome measures. VAS scores decreased from 7.8 +/- 1.1 at baseline to 2.0 +/- 1.0 at 6 months (p < 0.05). WOMAC scores improved from 65.7 +/- 11.4 to 28.6 +/- 7.3, and KSS scores increased from 52.6 +/- 9.3 to 79.3 +/- 8.9 (p < 0.05). MRI revealed modest increases in cartilage thickness, particularly in the medial compartments (0.3 mm in the femoral condyle and 0.2 mm in the tibial plateau). Conclusion: PRP therapy significantly reduced pain, improved joint function, and enhanced quality of life in KOA patients over six months. While structural changes were modest, the clinical outcomes support PRP as an effective conservative treatment for early to moderate KOA. Further research with longer follow-up and control groups is warranted to validate these findings.
Background: Ocular manifestations are often early indicators of systemic diseases, including autoimmune, infectious, metabolic, and malignant conditions. The eye serves as a crucial diagnostic and prognostic tool in systemic disease management. Given the increasing prevalence of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia, understanding the patterns of ocular involvement is essential for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and types of ocular manifestations in patients with systemic diseases in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective observational study reviewed medical records from major ophthalmology and multispecialty hospitals across Saudi Arabia from January 2020 to December 2024. The study included adult patients (>= 18 years) diagnosed with systemic diseases and documented ocular manifestations. Data were extracted on demographics, systemic disease type, ocular findings, and management approaches. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to identify associations and risk factors. Results: A total of 500 patient records were analyzed. The most common systemic disease was diabetes mellitus (52.0%), followed by autoimmune disorders (20.7%), infectious diseases (12.7%), and malignancies (9.3%). The most prevalent ocular manifestation was diabetic retinopathy (36.7%), followed by uveitis (16.0%), scleritis (12.0%), and keratitis (8.0%). Medical treatment was the most common management approach (63.3%), while 16.7% of cases required surgical intervention. A significant association was observed between disease severity and ocular involvement, emphasizing the importance of early screening. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of ocular complications among patients with systemic diseases in Saudi Arabia, with diabetic retinopathy being the most prevalent manifestation. The findings emphasize the need for early screening, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improved management strategies to prevent vision loss. Future research should focus on refining screening protocols and enhancing interdisciplinary care to improve patient outcomes.
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in medical diagnostics, particularly in radiology, where it aids in the accurate and timely detection of skeletal injuries such as rib fractures. Rib fractures, often challenging to diagnose due to their subtle presentation on imaging, are commonly assessed using X-rays and CT scans. While X-rays are widely accessible, their sensitivity is limited, whereas CT scans offer higher resolution but are time-consuming to interpret. AI, leveraging convolutional neural networks (CNNs), presents a promising solution to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in detecting rib fractures. Methods: This retrospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluated an AI system's performance in identifying rib fractures using chest X-rays and CT scans from 200 patients, including 100 with both imaging modalities and 100 with CT alone. The AI system, trained on a dataset of over 50,000 annotated images, provided binary classifications, fracture localizations, and confidence scores. Two board-certified radiologists independently reviewed the images, with CT serving as the gold standard. Diagnostic metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy, were calculated and compared between AI and radiologist interpretations. Results: The AI system demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy on CT scans, with a sensitivity of 94.9%, specificity of 91.2%, and overall accuracy of 93.3%. For X-rays, the performance was moderate, with a sensitivity of 76.4% and specificity of 83.3%. Radiologists slightly outperformed AI on X-rays, achieving 81.6% sensitivity and 87.4% specificity. The AI system excelled in detecting displaced fractures (96.7%) and posterior fractures (94.4%) but showed lower sensitivity for non-displaced fractures (87.3%). Conclusion: AI exhibits strong diagnostic capabilities for rib fracture detection, particularly on CT imaging, where its performance rivals or exceeds that of radiologists. While its accuracy on X-rays is lower, AI remains a valuable supportive tool in clinical workflows. The integration of AI into radiology practices can enhance diagnostic efficiency, reduce missed injuries, and improve patient outcomes, especially in high-volume or resource-limited settings. Further advancements in algorithm robustness and dataset diversity are needed to optimize AI performance across all fracture types and imaging modalities.
Background: Testicular cancer is a highly curable malignancy that usually affects males between the ages of 15 and 35. While early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates, there's a lack of general population understanding and knowledge about this cancer. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer among males in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The cross-sectional study included 322 males from Arar, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was used to assess the participant's knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer. The data was entered and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 27. Frequencies and percentages were computed to gauge the general level of knowledge and awareness within the population. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore differences in knowledge and awareness according to educational level. The chi-square test was employed to analyze associations, with a p-value of 0.05 or less considered statistically significant. Results: A substantial proportion (56.8%) were unaware of testicular cancer, and 65.8% did not know about it. However, 73% showed some level of recognition regarding males developing testicular cancer, indicating a basic understanding. A significant majority (71.1%) were unaware of the early signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. A high percentage (82.6%) would consulta doctor ifthey noticed a testicular lump, showing a willingness to seek medical advice. There was a significant correlation between education and awareness levels (p = 0.017) and awareness of early signs and symptoms (p = 0.024). Conclusion: This study points to a lack of knowledge and awareness concerning testicular cancer on the part of the general population, emphasizing the need for focused educational and awareness campaigns on public health towards prevention and early detection of testicular cancer as they can influence disease outcomes positively.
Objectives: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of mortality among children in Yemen. Seeking medical advice is essential to control ARI and improve the outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the factors that influence mothers' or caregivers' healthcare-seeking behaviourfor children underfive in Yemen based on Using nationally representative demographic and health survey data. Methods: The study relied on the Yemen 2022/2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which was conducted by the Central Statistics Office of Yemen in collaboration with UNICEF. It adopts a cross-sectional design and provides robust, nationally representative data on the health of women and children. Results: The study included 19,561 children of whom 52% were males. The overall prevalence of care-seeking for children with ARI symptoms was 35%. The survey logistic regression analysis, showed that the likelihood of care-seeking for children with ARI symptoms was significantly higher among children living in urban areas (UPOR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.46) compared to rural areas, in female-headed households (UPOR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.93), and across all wealth levels compared to the poorest, with the highest odds observed among the richest (UPOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 2.17, 4.97). A higher likelihood was also noted for children whose mothers had higher education (UPOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.52, 4.67). Conclusion: The healthcare seeking was unsatisfactory among the parents of children with ARI in Yemen. More
Introduction: This study investigates the association between memory and concentration skills with sociodemographic characteristics, study hours, and sleep hours among undergraduate medical students at Horus University. Objectives: To assess the relationship between memory and concentration skills and factors such as age, sex, governorate, residence, faculty, study hours, and sleep hours. Methods: An epidemiological, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 817 undergraduate medical students. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Memory and concentration skills were assessed using a modified Study Skills Inventory (SSI). Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitneytest, chi-square test, and Spearman correlation. Results: The study found that 72.2% of students had adequate memory skills, and 70.3% had adequate concentration skills. Students studying less than 3 hours per day or sleeping less than 6 hours per day were more likely to have inadequate skills. A significant positive correlation was found between memory and concentration skills (r = 0.615, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adequate study hours (3 to 6 hours or more per day) and sufficient sleep (6 to 8 hours per day) are crucial for maintaining memory and concentration skills among medical students. These findings highlight the importance of promoting effective study habits and sleep hygiene to enhance cognitive performance.
This research examines the concept of wars and their characteristics in Islam, the People of the Book, and Western thought from a doctrinal comparative perspective. The study highlights that the concept of war varies according to religious and ideological references. In Islam, jihad is seen as a means to achieve justice and spread peace, governed by strict legal regulations that prohibit aggression and injustice. In contrast, wars in other religions and Western thought have often been associated with expansion and domination. The research explores the concept of war in Judaism through Torah texts, which depict it as sacred extermination wars. Meanwhile, Christian thought exhibits a contradiction between advocating peace and engaging in Crusades and colonial expansion. Modern Western thought has evolved to adopt concepts such as "pre-emptive war" and "creative chaos," which justify military interventions for political and economic reasons. The studyemphasizesthatjihad in Islam is not merelyaboutfighting; rather, it isa comprehensive system aimed at protecting rights and eliminating injustice. This stands in contrast to Western-led wars, which are driven by self-interest without regard for ethical values. Additionally, the research highlights the contradiction between Western slogans like democracy and human rights and the actual practices characterized by aggression and imperialism.
This research addresses the topic "The Innateness of Knowledge and Fitrah in Islam: Between Religion and Science," exploring the relationship between human nature and the innate knowledge with which a person is born, according to the Islamic perspective. The research begins by explaining the concept of "Fitrah" in the Qur'an, highlighting that Allah has created humans with an innate understanding of basic truths such as the existence of God and the fundamentals of religion. It also reviews the opinions of scholars and theologians on the issue of innate knowledge and its impact on human understanding of existence. Additionally, the research discusses the role of Fitrah in shaping human religious and spiritual identity, emphasizing that Islam teaches all people are born with this nature, which guides them toward the truth. The research further clarifies how belief in God and the concept of His Oneness (Tawhid) are inherent parts of the Fitrah that humans are born with. It also examines the influence of this Fitrah on human understanding of both religious and scientific knowledge. Finally, the research presents some recent scientific studies that align with these Islamic concepts, such as psychological studies that affirm that children are born capable of understanding Tawhid and religious nature.
Objectives: To determine how using virtual reality affected labouring women during a typical delivery. Methods: Eighty primiparous, well-educated pregnant women aged 20 to 25 with body mass index scores ranging from 25 to 32 kg/m2 were included in the current study. Two groups of patients were formed: Throughout the initial stage of labour, Group B received routine intranatal care. During the active phase of the first stage of regular labour, Group A made use of virtual reality. Results: At stage three, the difference between the two groups wasn't significant, as indicated by a p-value of >0.05, while at stage two, group A's labor time was significantly shorter than group B's (p-value<0.05). Group A's total labor duration was significantly less than group B's (P<0.05). During the latent Phase, Active Phase, and at 7-8cm diameters, group A's serum cortisol levels were lower than group B's (P<0.05). During the active Phase, group A's VAS values were significantly lower than group B's, measuring 7-8 cm (P<0.05). Conclusions: VR had a positive effect on labouring women as it was associated with lower pain, total length of labour, serum cortisol level, and higher APGAR.
Background: Pediatric medicine has evolved significantly with the introduction of innovative approaches such as telemedicine, personalized nutrition plans, and preventive healthcare strategies. These advancements play a crucial role in ensuring optimal growth and development in children. However, disparities in access to healthcare services and variations in adherence to pediatric interventions remain a concern. This study aimed to assess the impact of innovative pediatric healthcare interventions on child health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0-12 years receiving pediatric care in public and private healthcare facilities. A stratified random sampling technique was used to ensure diversity in age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, medical record reviews, and anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis, was performed using SPSS version 26 to assess the association between innovative healthcare approaches and pediatric health indicators. Results: The study revealed that 64.9% of children had access to telemedicine, and 83.1% attended at least three pediatric check-ups peryear. Vaccination coverage was high at 92.5%, though 7.5% of children remained unvaccinated. Nutritional assessment showed that 16.6% were underweight, while 18.2% were overweight or obese. Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency (23.9%) and vitamin D deficiency (17.7%), were also identified. Developmental delays were observed in 11.7% of children for speech, 7.3% for motor skills, and 14.3% for cognitive function. The use of telemedicine (88.0% positive outcomes) and personalized nutrition plans (91.7% positive outcomes) was significantly associated with improved pediatric health indicators. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of telemedicine, personalized nutrition, and preventive care in promoting child growth and development. However, barriers to healthcare accessibility and nutrition interventions persist, emphasizing the need for policy-driven strategies to enhance pediatric healthcare equity. Expanding digital health infrastructure and preventive healthcare programs will be essential in improving pediatric outcomes on a broader scale.
Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children globally, with significant prevalence in Saudi Arabia due to environmental, socioeconomic, and healthcarerelated factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ARIs among Saudi children and identify key risk factors contributing to their occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, involving 300 children aged 6 months to 12 years. Data were collected via structured interviews with parents/guardians and clinical record reviews. Variables included socio-demographics, environmental exposures, immunization status, and nutritional indicators. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The prevalence of ARIs was 33%, with higher rates observed in children exposed to parental smoking (48.8%), poor indoor ventilation (50.9%), and indoor charcoal heating (51.4%). Incomplete immunization (60.3%) and underweight status (55.2%) were significant predictors of ARIs. Logistic regression confirmed strong associations between ARIs and incomplete immunization (OR = 3.2), underweight status (OR = 2.6), parental smoking (OR = 2.1), and poor ventilation (OR = 1.8). Conclusion: ARIs remain a major health concern among Saudi children, driven by modifiable risk factors such as environmental exposures, inadequate immunization, and malnutrition. Targeted public health interventions, including parental education, improved vaccination coverage, and better indoor air quality, are essential to reduce the burden of ARIs in this population.
Background: Root canal treatment success relies heavily on effective obturation to seal the root canal system. Conventional resin-based sealers, such as AH Plus, have been widely used, but bioceramic sealers have emerged as a promising alternative due to their superior bioactivity, biocompatibility, and sealing properties. Despite their advantages, comparative clinical studies on their effectiveness remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bioceramic sealers in enhancing root canal treatment outcomes compared to resin-based sealers. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 patients requiring primary endodontic treatment, randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n=50) used a bioceramic sealer with the single-cone obturation (SCO) technique, while the control group (n=50) used AH Plus sealer with warm vertical compaction (WVC). Patients were followed for 12 months, with clinical and radiographic outcomes assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary outcomes included clinical success (absence of symptoms) and radiographic healing (reduction of periapical radiolucency). Secondary outcomes measured postoperative pain (VAS scores) and apical sealing ability (micro leakage). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: The bioceramic group demonstrated significantly higher clinical success rates at 12 months (95.8% vs. 76.6%, p=0.01) and superior radiographic healing (77.1% complete healing vs. 55.3%, p=0.02). Postoperative pain was significantly lower in the bioceramic group at all time points (p<0.008). Additionally, the bioceramic sealer showed better apical sealing, with 85.4% of cases exhibiting no micro leakage compared to 61.7% in the resin-based group (p=0.01). Conclusion: Bioceramic sealers significantly improve root canal treatment outcomes, offering enhanced clinical success, periapical healing, and reduced postoperative pain compared to conventional resin-based sealers. Their superior sealing ability and biocompatibility make them a valuable alternative in modern endodontics. Further long-term studies are recommended to validate these findings and optimize their clinical application.
Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. This study aimed to assess the association between the serum level of chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) antibody and the potential role of it in the diagnosis of MS. Methods: We con-ducted a pilot case-control study involving 90 participants divided into three groups: relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) (n=49), secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (n=11), and healthy controls (n=30). Detailed disease characteristics using Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) and imaging biomarkers were assessed. Serum levels of chloride intracellular channel protein-1 (CLIC1) antibody were measured. Results: The study showed statistically significant difference of Anti-CLIC1 levels when compared between the three groups including RRMS, SPMS and control groups. In the RRMS group, the mean Anti-CLIC1 level was 542.2. In the SPMS group, the mean Anti-CLIC1 level was 409.9. In contrast, the control group had a higher mean Anti-CLIC1 level of 585.0. The data examines the correlation between Anti-CLIC1 levels and three variables: age, duration of illness, and EDSS scores showing weak negative correlation between the three variables and the Anti-CLIC1 level with no statistically significant difference. ROC analysis showed that Anti-CLIC1 can significantly predict MS with AUC of 0.701, p-value < 0.001 with sensitivity of 56.7% and specificity of 86.7% Conclusions: Considering the reduced levels of CLIC1-antibody in MS patients compared to the control group, it is tempting to hypothesize An-ti-CLIC1 is a fair diagnostic biomarker for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
This study aims to examine the doctrinal commonalities among the Biblical religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism), highlighting the shared theological foundations that connect them and their impact on understanding the relationship between these divine religions. The research explores the fundamental doctrinal principles that these religions agree upon, such as monotheism-albeit with variations in its interpretation due to textual alterations-belief in angels, sacred scriptures, prophets, the afterlife, and divine predestination. This is achieved through a comparative analysis of religious texts from each tradition, assessing the extent of convergence and divergence in doctrinal concepts. The study also discusses how Islam emerged as the final divine revelation, completing and rectifying the previous messages, while emphasizing that the exploration of commonalities does not imply the validation or equalization of all religions. Instead, it aims to clarify the unity of the divine source of these revelations and highlight Islam's uniqueness as the final and authoritative faith that confirms and supersedes previous scriptures. The findings indicate that while all Biblical religions share fundamental theological principles, textual distortions have led to substantial deviations in some doctrines. Consequently, Islam remains the definitive doctrinal reference that preserves the original monotheistic creed. The study concludes with recommendations for further comparative research on doctrinal beliefs in the Biblical traditions and their role in fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding, while maintaining the integrity of the Islamic creed as the ultimate completion and culmination of prior revelations.
Background: Urinary tract infections are a very common type of infection in the urinary system. It's more common in female, Elderly, recent catheterization and Sexual Activity. The disease can involve any part of your urinary system from a relatively benign cystitis to potentially life-threatening pyelonephritis. They are the most common infection among elderly population and the most common cause of hospitalization. The diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections in elderly people is considered difficult due to certain risk factors include diabetes mellitus, aging, impaired immunity, spinal cord injuries and the use of urinary catheters. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2024. A total of 350 elderly patients (>= 65 years) diagnosed with urinary tract infections were included. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, medication regimens, and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, and logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of poor treatment outcomes. Results: Among the study population, 63.5% had complicated urinary tract infections, with hypertension (62.4%) and diabetes mellitus (48.2%) being the most common comorbidities. Polypharmacy (>= 5 medications) was present in 63.5% of patients, and 14.1% were on >= 10 medications. Nitrofurantoin (32.9%) and ciprofloxacin (25.9%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Older age (>= 85 years, OR=2.5, p<0.001), diabetes p<0.001), and polypharmacy (OR=1.7, p=0.002) were significant predictors of poor treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Elderly patients with urinary tract infections frequently present with multiple comorbidities and high medication burdens, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of adverse outcomes. Polypharmacy and chronic conditions such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease significantly impact treatment success. Improved antibiotic stewardship and individualized treatment strategies are needed to optimize outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Background: Ischemic heart disease remains a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. A significant proportion of patients presenting with chest pain undergo coronary angiography that reveals no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the absence of obstructive lesions, these patients often experience myocardial ischemia, which can be attributed to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) or coronary vasospasm. However, the true prevalence of CMD and coronary vasospasm among this population remains unclear. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of CMD and coronary vasospasm in patients with non-obstructive CAD. PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched from inception until August2024. Studieswere included iftheyassessed patientswith suspected CADwho had undergone diagnostic testing for CMD or coronary vasospasm and reported the proportion of positive cases. Data were extracted on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and prevalence rates. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and heterogeneitywas assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: Nearly half of the patients with non-obstructive CAD exhibited CMD or coronary vasospasm. CMD was more frequently observed in women, though men were also significantly affected. Findings underscore the need for increased awareness, standardized diagnostic approaches, and improved management strategies to optimize care for patients with myocardial ischemia without obstructive CAD. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CMD and coronaryvasospasm in patients with non-obstructive CAD highlights the need for better diagnostic tools and clinical guidelines. Increased physician awareness and targeted management strategies can improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic criteria and developing effective therapeutic interventions for this patient population.
Objective: To estimate the frequency of adherence to antihypertensive medications in hypertensive patients and determine the Barriers to medication adherence. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among hypertensive patients in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Eight questions comprise the Arabic version of MMAS-8 that was implemented in the data collection process. Results: A total of 540 patients were included in this study; most of them (79.3%), with a mean age of 40.76 +/- 14.29 years. The data reveals a total mean MMAS-8 score of 6.16 +/- 1.6, with 77.8% of participants displaying moderate adherence and 22.2% demonstrating low adherence. Marital status (P=0.012), smoking status, and occupation (P<0.001) were significantly associated with the compliance level. Patients who have longer disease duration (P<0.001), who were frequently admitted to the hospital (P=0.002), with secondary complications (P=0.038), who understand their medication regimen (P<0.001), who do not stop taking medication when they feel better (P<0.001) or worse (P<0.001), who do not suspect the effectiveness of the medication (P<0.001), who do not have medication side effects (P<0.001), and those with no alternative medicine (P=0.001) were significantly more compliant with hypertensive medication. Conclusion: The study underscores suboptimal medication compliance in managing hypertension in Saudi Arabia. Addressing barriers like poor understanding, side effects, and alternative treatments is essential. Emphasis should be placed on patient education, ongoing follow-up, and personalized support. Future research should involve longitudinal studies to evaluate changes in adherence overtime, especially in newly diagnosed patients, to better understand long-term factors influencing adherence.
