Objective: To evaluate the perceptions, experiences, and safety concerns of patients regarding the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Obesity is a significant public health issue. The newer anti-obesity medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists, with an increase in therapeutic options. However, little is known about the perceived benefits, safety, cost, and accessibility. Methods: Cross-sectional survey included adults who previously used at least 1 anti-obesity medication and conducted in 3 general hospitals in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during June 2025 to February 2026. The questionnaire was created after reviewing the current evidence and validated the contents. It included questions on demographic and clinical information, medication use patterns, perceptions, and safety experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 365 participants (median age: 41 years; 55.3% female) included, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 29.59 kg/m2 and 48.6% were obese. Current medication use was 63.3%, associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family obesity history, and higher BMI. Duration of use was statistically significant (p = 0.001), with tirzepatide used for longer durations and semaglutide for shorter durations. Perceived safety was significantly associated with the duration of use (p = 0.001). Despite adverse effects reporting, many questioned effectiveness, information adequacy and safety. Conclusion: Substantial gaps in perceived effectiveness, safety confidence, affordability, and therapy continuity of GLP-1 receptor. This highlights need for structured education, improved access, and system interventions to improve anti-obesity pharmacotherapy adherence.
Objective: Patient safety culture (PSC) is essential to improve healthcare quality and reduce preventable harm. Despite ongoing healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia, there is limited evidence on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of PSC in newly established health clusters. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCPs in 6 government hospitals within the Jeddah First Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered utilizing the Hospital Survey on PSC (HSOPSC). Descriptive measurement sand multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate perceptions of PSC and associated factors. Results: A total of 256 HCPs participated in the study. Overall, PSC was perceived as moderately positive (mean = 3.40, SD = 0.41). Teamwork within units of reported events received the highest scores, indicating positive collaboration among staff. Staffing, less punitive response to error, and handoffs and transitions scores were low, highlighting concerns related to workforce adequacy, communication during care transitions, and fear of blame when reporting incidents. Regression analysis showed that demographic and professional characteristics were not significant predictors of overall PSC scores. Conclusion: The HCPs generally reported positive experiences of PSC; however, challenges related to staffing, communication, and non-punitive error reporting remain. Strengthening organizational communication and promoting a just culture may improve patient safety practices across healthcare facilities.
Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage organ failure; however, lifelong immunosuppressant use is needed to prevent allograft rejection. These drugs increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver, kidney, and lung cancers, and heighten susceptibility to oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus. The usage of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) regulatory T (Treg) cells is a promising approach to induce transplant tolerance while minimizing dependence on immunosuppressants. The CAR Tregs offer the potential to enhance graft survival and quality of life by reducing immunosuppressant-related morbidity and mortality. Despite remarkable progress in transplantation tolerance, challenges remain owing to a limited understanding of Treg biology and technical barriers. This review discusses the implications of immunosuppression, CAR and CAR Treg biology, mechanisms of Treg-mediated tolerance, CAR Treg manufacturing, clinical trials, optimization strategies, and existing challenges and future directions for CAR Treg-based therapies in SOT.
Objectives: To explore the citation impact, journals, international collaborations, trends of research topics and gain more visibility for the Saudi contribution to the global scientific landscape. Methods: This bibliometric study analyzes the top 100 cited publications affiliated with Saudi Arabia in Scopus, from inception to January 2026. The extracted bibliometric indicators include total citation metrics, sources, collaboration maps, and co-occurrence networks of keywords and collaborations. Results: The results indicate a strong predominance for medicine and health sciences as the subjects of the most prolific and significant number of citations. A substantial proportion of the most cited papers originates from major global health projects, in particular the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) consortium, which focuses on mortality, morbidity, and epidemiological metrics. Clinical and public health fields are highly represented, including obesity and cardiovascular risk, disease burden, and population health metrics. The most frequent journals include the leading medical journals in the field, namely The Lancet, Nature, Science and the New England Journal of Medicine. Keyword analysis confirms the dominance of medical themes; the most prominent keywords included epidemiology, risk factors, and global health indicators. Within the biomedical predominance, bioinformatics tools such as MEGA software contribute to the citation impact. Conclusions: Saudi Arabia's citation impact is predominantly driven by international consortia participation and bioinformatics tool development, highlighting the opportunities for strengthening independent and nationally led research programs of global significance.
Objective:To prospectively evaluate whether baseline urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) predicts acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative decline in kidney function in elective, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and explore the magnitude of effect across clinically relevant uACR strata. Preoperative uACR is a marker of glomerular endothelial dysfunction and systemic microvascular injury that may identify patients at increased risk for AKI after CABG. Methods:In this single-center prospective cohort study, 111 adults undergoing elective, isolated CABG between January 2020 and December 2024 were stratified by baseline uACR (< 30, 30-300, > 300 milligram/gram[mg/g]). The primary outcome was AKI defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. Secondary outcomes included peak postoperative creatinine, 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ventilator duration, and hospital length of stay. Regression models were adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and baseline eGFR. Log-transformations were applied to skewed variables to improve model performance. Results:The AKI incidence increased across uACR strata: 14.1% (< 30 mg/g), 23.5% (30-300 mg/g), and 66.7% (> 300 mg/g). In adjusted logistic regression (n = 109), each doubling of log-transformed uACR was associated with higher AKI odds (odds ratio 1.44; 95% confidence level 1.03-2.01). Macroalbuminuria (>300 mg/g) conferred a sixfold increase in AKI risk compared with <30 mg/g. Macroalbuminuric patients experienced a 0.75 mg/dL greater rise in postoperative creatinine and a 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 larger decline in 6-month eGFR. No significant associations were observed with ventilator duration or hospital stay. Conclusion:In this single center cohort, elevated preoperative uACR, particularly in the macroalbuminuric range, was associated with AKI and early renal dysfunction after CABG and remained an independent predictor after adjustment. Routine preoperative uACR measurement may aid risk stratification and identify patients for nephroprotective strategies; however, these findings require confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies.
Objectives:To describe the establishment and early impact of a dedicated pectus clinic at a university hospital, focusing on patient characteristics, referral pathways, clinical presentation, and initial management strategies. Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital between January 2020 and April 2025, with 153 patients included in the final analysis. Data collected included demographic characteristics, referral sources, clinical presentation, deformity type, and treatment options. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results:The mean patient age was 18.3 (range 1-44) years, with males accounting for 83.9% of cases. Pectus carinatum was the most common diagnosis (48.1%), followed by pectus excavatum (42.3%). Patient-initiated referrals, including those influenced by digital and social media platforms, represented 63.2% of referrals. Psychosocial concerns were the main presenting complaint in 60.6% of patients, whereas isolated functional symptoms were reported in 9%. Annual visits increased progressively throughout the study period. Non-operative treatment was commonly used for pectus carinatum, while surgical management was more frequent for pectus excavatum. Conclusions:A dedicated pectus clinic improved access to specialized care and supported structured management. The high proportion of patient-initiated referrals highlights the growing role of non-traditional referral pathways. The specialized clinic improved awareness, standardized the care, and addressed unmet needs in patients with pectus deformities.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of spinal and general anesthesia on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients, who had lumbar spine and lower extremity orthopedic surgeries Methods: Sixty adult were randomly classified into Group spinal anesthesia (SA) and Group general anesthesia (GA). The IOP, mean systemic arterial pressure, and heart rhythm were measured at 6 pre-determined timepoints (T0: Baseline, T1: Before spinal procedure or anesthesia induction, T2: After injection with intrathecal or anesthesia induction, T3: 5th minutes (min) after spinal procedure or tracheal intubation, T4: 30th min intraoperative, T5: At the end of surgery, T6: 5th min after surgery or tracheal extubation in the operation room Results: The baseline IOP and IOP1 measurements during were not significantly different between the groups (SA = 14.28 ± 0.8 mmHg; GA = 14.62 ± 0.9 mmHg, p = 0.923; and IOP1: SA = 15.83 ± 0.9 mmHg; GA = 15.88 ± 0.9 mmHg, p = 0.929). The most significant decrease in IOP in both groups was recorded at T2 (SA: 12.37 ± 0.6. GA: 12.24 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). The decrease in IOP2 was more significant in the GA group. The IOP3 was significantly higher in GA group after intubation (GA: 19.82 ± 1.2, SA: 12.86 ± 1.0)(p < 0.05). The IOP4 and IOP5 in the SA group were lower than those in the GA group. The IOP6 in both groups was higher (SA: 15.20 ± 0.8, GA: 16.50 ± 1.0) than the baseline IOP values, albeit not significant (p > 0.05). In prone position, IOP at the T4 and T5 timepoints were significantly higher than the initial values in both the SA and the GA groups; however, the increase in the GA group was more higher than that of the SA group. Conclusion: In intraoperative period, intraocular pressure may increase in both management of anesthesia, but this increase is higher in the general anesthesia group.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) research is globally underrepresented, with landmark trials like Best Endovascular Surgical Therapy for Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia and Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg predominantly featuring white, Western populations. These studies fail to account for the unique clinical landscape of the Gulf region, where PAD prevalence reaches up to 13.7%. Gulf patients present at younger ages and face a disproportionately high diabetes burden, with regional prevalence near 18%, nearly double that of Europe. Beyond metabolic factors, the Gulf population exhibits distinct genetic architectures, including high rates of consanguinity and familial hypercholesterolemia. Because Western-derived data cannot be universally applied, there is an urgent imperative for region-specific PAD trials that incorporate local epidemiology, culturally adapted outcome measures, and localized risk assessment models.
Objective: To describe the available research on genetic determinants with special emphasis on the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), in Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations, with reference to the genetic variants, family trend, and environmental factors. Methods: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Saudi Digital Library and Google Scholar through a broad literature search since the beginning of the databases until 2023. Studies that conducted in Saudi Arabia or Gulf countries which evaluated the relationships of genetic factors in DDH were included. Case reports, conference abstracts, and studies that did not evaluate genetic variables and reviews were removed. Due to differences in study design and genetic methods, the data were extracted and summarized qualitatively. Results: The total 473 articles were retrieved from the search data base in which 11 articles were selected for this study. The findings indicated correlations between DDH, and various genes participated in the formation of skeleton and cartilage. Different studies reported rare variants in HSPG2 and ATP2B4, as well as polymorphisms in growth/differentiation factor 5. Several studies also demonstrated a high degree of familial clustering, female dominance, and a potential effect of consanguinity. Genetic susceptibility appears to interact with environmental and cultural factors, such as swaddling practices and delivery-related conditions. Conclusion: The etiology of DDH in Saudi and Gulf populations seems to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic predisposition factors. There should be bigger genomic studies to further identify population-specific risk factors and aid early detection and prevention measures in the area.
Objective:Prior reviews emphasize overall health outcomes of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) but rarely resolve the biomechanical intermediates (such as Center of Mass (CoM)-Center of Pressure (CoP) control, joint loading) that link practice to clinical function-knowledge that matters for balance, fall risk, and osteoarthritic knee load management. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to test the null hypothesis that TCC produces no improvement versus comparators in (i) biomechanical stability indices (mediolateral/anterior-posterior CoM-CoP separation; COP Root Mean Square RMS) and (ii) related clinical functions (such as Time up and go (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); alternative hypothesis: TCC improves these outcomes. Methods:Eligible designs were randomized trials, non-randomized interventions (pre-post/controlled before-after), analytical cross-sectional comparisons (including repeated-measures and expert-novice contrasts), and finite-element analyses only when driven by in-study human kinematics/kinetics; timeframe 2021-2025; humans only. Results:Outcomes were continuous; therefore, pooled effects are reported as SMD (95% CI, p). Peak mediolateral CoM-CoP separation: SMD = 0.16 (-1.12 to 1.45), p = 0.80. Peak anteroposterior CoM-CoP separation: SMD = 0.33 (-0.65 to 1.31), p = 0.505. Mediolateral COP RMS in single-leg tasks: SMD = -1.60 (-4.16 to 0.96), p = 0.22. Conclusion:Across the included studies, Tai Chi Chuan demonstrated favourable trends in balance control and joint loading under structured programs, with concurrent reductions in select clinical endpoints.
Objective:To characterize medication errors across the full workflow and identify stage-specific predictors in a tertiary care setting. Medication errors remain a major global patient safety concern, with limited comprehensive analyses across all stages of the medication-use process in Saudi Arabia. Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted using medication error reports from Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, between January 2023 and August 2025. Errors were classified by stage and severity using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with each stage. Results:A total of 6,546 errors were analyzed. Most occurred during prescribing (65.5%), followed by transcribing (26.5%) and monitoring (4.4%). Incorrect or missing dose was the most common error (38.2%). Ordering-stage incidents accounted for 95.5% of reports. Pharmacists identified 86.3% of errors, and 93.5% did not reach patients (Category B). Antibiotics (32.8%) and cardiovascular medications (22.5%) were most frequently involved. Stage-specific predictors varied, with nurse detection strongly associated with administration-stage errors (odds ratio = 7.10; 95% Confidence Intervals: 2.94-16.9). Conclusion:Prescribing errors predominated, while pharmacists played a key role in error interception. Targeted, system-level interventions addressing prescribing practices and stage-specific risks are essential to improving medication safety.
Objective:To identify statistically significant deviations in notifiable infectious disease incidence between Al-Bahah region and national Saudi averages, and to generate hypotheses that may inform future epidemiological, microbiological, and public health investigations. Methods:In April 2026, a 12-year retrospective ecological study (2013-2024) was conducted using surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health for 37 notifiable infectious diseases across 20 health regions. Cumulative incidence rates, standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs), and Z-tests compared observed cases in Al-Bahah against national estimates. Results:Overall incidence was 15.8% lower in Al-Bahah than nationally (86.42 versus 102.68; incidence rate ratios = 0.842; p = 1.6×10-31), but this aggregate reduction concealed a bidirectional divergence. Reduction anomalies: dengue fever absent; amoebic dysentery reduced by 95%; measles by 76%; malaria by 60%. Excess anomalies: schistosomiasis increased 713%; pneumococcal meningitis 600%; Salmonella food poisoning 232%; brucellosis 73%. A 2021 Salmonella outbreak reached 155.95/100,000 (>20-fold national peak). Conclusion:Al-Bahah exhibited lower incidence of diseases including vector-borne and fecal-oral diseases but higher incidence of several other diseases like zoonotic, foodborne, and freshwater-associated infections relative to national rates. These ecological observations generate hypotheses regarding regional differences in disease transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and healthcare utilization that warrant further investigation using individual-level data. If confirmed, such findings may have implications for region-specific public health planning, laboratory preparedness, and clinical decision-making.
Objective:To document the number of visits Saudi adults have with general practitioners (GP) or family medicine doctors (FD), determine if there is an association between GP/FD visits and sex, and then identify factors associated with GP/FD visits among Saudi females. Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2019 World Health Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSAWHS 2019), a nationally representative household survey. The outcome variable was number of visits to GP/FD. Survey-weighted negative binomial regression was applied. Results:From April to July 2019, 8,912 individuals participated in the KSAWHS 2019 individual questionnaire, of whom 7,677 were Saudi nationals aged 15 years and older, had completed responses and were included in this study. Females had more GP visits than males (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.49). Among females, higher use associated with having access to a private car (IRR 3.87, 95% CI 3.20-4.68, p < 0.001), living in rural areas (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.08-1.57, p = 0.005), being currently married (IRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.17-2.13, p = 0.003), and being separated/divorced/widowed (IRR 2.11, 95% CI 1.44-3.07, p < 0.001). Conclusion:These nationally representative findings provide a baseline for monitoring future trends and evaluating health-system reforms.
Objectives: Biomedical research is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and improving public health. However, the research process is often disjointed and lacks seamless progression, leading to delays and missed opportunities. To address this, the concept of translational research has emerged, focusing on the smooth transition of research results to the next stage of inquiry. Methods: This study analyzed approximately 40,000 research publications from the Web of Science database to identify research activities associated with translational research. Publications from Group of 20 (G20) countries over the past 5 years were examined to explore patterns of research focus and progress in this field. Results: There is no universal formula for successful translational research across G20 countries. What works in one country may not yield the same results in another, as factors contributing to success vary significantly among nations. Each country's unique history of success and failure influences its translational research outcomes. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of collaboration and global research efforts in improving predictability and outcomes in translational research. By drawing on diverse perspectives and experiences, the potential for success in specific research activities is expected to increase. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a more connected and coordinated approach to biomedical research to enhance its impact on health improvement.
Objective:Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positronemissiontomography/computedtomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) is commonly used in the evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and its ratios to liver and mediastinal blood pool SUVmax values for malignancy in SPNs, using histopathological findings as the reference standard. Methods:The study included 130 patients who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT and had either histopathological confirmation or at least two years of radiological follow-up. Demographic data (age and sex), nodule size, location, contour characteristics, nodule SUVmax, nodule-to-liver SUVmax ratio (NLR), and nodule-to-mediastinal blood pool SUVmax ratio (NBR) were recorded. Nodules were classified as benign or malignant based on histopathological results. Results:Among the 83 patients with histopathological diagnosis, 54% (n = 44) had malignant lesions and 46% (n = 39) had benign lesions. The mean size of malignant nodules was approximately 20 mm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that an SUVmax cutoff value of 4.02 provided the highest diagnostic accuracy for predicting malignancy. Both NLR and NBR showed significant diagnostic value in malignancy prediction. These parameters demonstrated high sensitivity (84-91%) and negative predictive value (76-84%), indicating their usefulness in excluding benign nodules. Conclusion:The F-18 FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality in the evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules. In addition to SUVmax, the use of NLR and NBR may improve diagnostic accuracy and contribute to clinical decision-making.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of Urinary incontinence (UI) among working women in Saudi Arabia (SA), identify the associated demographic, lifestyle, medical, and obstetric risk factors, and assess its effect on quality of life and work productivity. The UI is a common underreported condition that affects women's daily functioning and life quality, particularly in the workplace. Methods: During 2025, 390 working women in SA who were at least 18 years old and from various work sectors participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data were gathered using a validated, structured questionnaire; statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 27. Results: Urinary incontinence prevalence was 30.3%. Significant associations were found between UI and increased age (R2 = 0.160) (p < 0.001), obesity (mean difference = 0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.002, 95% CI [0.05, 0.35]). Parity and a history of both vaginal and cesarean deliveries were closely associated with stress UI (mean difference = 1.238, SE = 0.401, p = 0.016). Life quality was undesirably affected in 14.4% of women with UI, and 46.3% experienced negative workplace impacts because of UI. Conclusion: In SA, UI is a common and complex disorder. To lessen its effects and promote the health and productivity of working women, it is crucial to implement targeted workplace initiatives, public health education, and better access to care.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of interventional cardiologists in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding occupational radiation safety. Occupational radiation exposure poses significant long-term health risks for interventional cardiologists. Understanding current safety knowledge and practices is essential for guiding improvement strategies. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was administered across several cardiac centers in KSA. The survey evaluated radiation safety awareness, use of dosimetry monitoring, and adherence to protective measures among practicing interventional cardiologists. Results: The study identified notable gaps in radiation safety knowledge and considerable inconsistencies in dosimetry monitoring. Despite these shortcomings, participants demonstrated high compliance with fundamental protective practices, particularly the routine use of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for continuous professional development, more stringent institutional radiation safety protocols, and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Enhancing these measures is crucial to minimizing long-term occupational risks for interventional cardiologists and ensuring alignment with international radiation safety standards.
Objective: To explore the prevalence of and clinical associations between intraspinal and vertebral abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and early-onset scoliosis in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort investigation included patients aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with CS, AIS, or new-onset idiopathic scoliosis who underwent full-spine magnetic resonance imaging between 2015 and 2025 at a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and intraspinal and vertebral anomalies were classified. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 127 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; idiopathic scoliosis accounted for 80.3% and CS for 19.7%. Intraspinal anomalies were identified in 7.9% of patients, with a higher prevalence in CS (24%) than in idiopathic scoliosis (3.9%). Low conus was the most common anomaly (40%). Vertebral defects in CS were mainly failures of formation (76%), most commonly hemivertebrae, predominantly affecting the thoracic spine. Congenital scoliosis was significantly associated with a higher incidence of intraspinal anomalies (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Intraspinal anomalies were substantially more common in CS than in idiopathic forms in this Saudi cohort, underscoring the importance of routine preoperative magnetic resonance imaging to guide risk assessment and surgical planning.
Non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (ND-CKD) complicated by resistant hypertension remains a high-risk phenotype even when renin-angiotensin system blockade is optimized. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence for cardio-renal protection beyond traditional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition (RAASi), with emphasis on mechanisms, clinical trial data, and pragmatic sequencing. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors provide hemodynamic and tubular benefits that translate into renal and heart failure risk reduction in many patients with ND-CKD. Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism (MRA) like finerenone targets inflammatory and fibrotic signaling and may add incremental benefit when potassium is proactively managed. The GLP-1 receptor agonists offer cardiometabolic advantages with emerging kidney signals, particularly in patients with obesity and high cardiovascular risk. Modern potassium binders can preserve RAASi/MRA intensity, and device-based blood pressure strategies (including renal denervation) may be considered in carefully selected resistant hypertension. We propose a stepwise implementation framework to maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse events through structured monitoring and multidisciplinary care.
Objective:To investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) on renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compared their efficacy to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) in managing diabetic nephropathy. Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Fahad University Hospital, including 115 adults (≥18 years) with T2DM and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2, treated with GLP-1RAs or SGLT-2i for over 1 year. Patients on renal replacement therapy, nephrotoxic drugs, or with incomplete records were excluded. Data were analyzed with Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program; the significant value is p < 0.05. Results:Participants were treated with either SGLT-2i (67.8%) or GLP-1RAs (32.2%). Both groups showed minimal improvements in glycemic control, hemoglobin A1c decreased from 7.86% to 7.66% (SGLT-2i) and from 8% to 7.76% (GLP-1RAs). Estimated GFR minimally improved by 0.5-1.2 mL/min/1.73m2 (GLP-1RAs) and changed by -1.2 to +10.1 mL/min/1.73m2 (SGLT-2i). Urine albumin/creatinine ratio dropped by 13.35 mg/g with GLP-1RAs but increased by 49.86 mg/g with SGLT-2i. Conclusions:Both medications offered comparable glycemic and renal benefits. The GLP-1RAs, however, demonstrated more favorable effects on albuminuria, suggesting potential for superior renal protection in nascent diabetic nephropathy.
