Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. Pediatric-onset MS, diagnosed in individuals under 18 years of age, is increasingly recognized as a distinct entity, with an annual incidence of 0.13-0.6 cases per 100,000 children. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptom overlap with other neurological conditions. This case series presents two pediatric MS cases detailing symptoms, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes. Case Report: Case 1 involved a previously healthy 17-year-old male with progressive left-sided weakness and difficulty walking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed multiple enhancing periventricular lesions, with cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealing 12 oligoclonal bands and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) positivity. Treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone and physiotherapy led to significant improvement. Case 2 featured a 14-year-old girl with vomiting and double vision, exhibiting left internuclear ophthalmoplegia. MRI revealed juxtacortical, periventricular, and brainstem demyelinating lesions, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed oligoclonal bands, leading to a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, managed successfully with intravenous steroids. Conclusion: Pediatric-onset MS necessitates early recognition and comprehensive management. Prompt initiation of disease-modifying therapies and psychosocial support enhances quality of life and mitigates disease progression. Further research is essential to elucidate its etiology and risk factors.
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Introduction: Bone and lymph nodes are the usual sites of metastases for prostate cancer. Its ocular cavity metastases are still quite uncommon. Case Report: A patient with periorbital pain and right eye proptosis presented acutely, accompanied by weight loss and generalized pain. His past medical history showed signs consistent with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Nevertheless, a rectal examination revealed irregular prostate tissue, and the level of prostate-specific antigen was significantly elevated and was 1990 ng/dl. Hence, a metastatic prostate cancer was preliminary suspected. Hence, a metastatic cancer prostate was preliminary suspected. The biopsy subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma. The orbital metastases’ manifestations in prostate cancer closely resembles that of other orbital metastases. Diagnosis is straightforward in the presence of a history of a primary tumor. Proptosis, diplopia, reduced vision, and restricted eye movements are some of the symptoms that are now present. Conclusion: This case study addresses the occurrence, clinical manifestation, and investigation of common malignancies like prostatic carcinoma with an unusual presentation.
Introduction: Research projects are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI), genetic, and precision medicine. The 9th Annual Al Ain Research Conference is one of the largest gatherings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), providing a platform for researchers across various specialties and career levels to present their work. Held on May 9, 2025, at Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City (STMC) in Al Ain, the conference received 182 abstracts, which were screened for oral and poster presentations based on specific selection criteria. The submissions represented a range of specialties, including internal medicine, endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, nephrology, public health, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, and physiotherapy. This proceeding aims to disseminate the conference abstracts to the research community. Methods: The abstracts were peer-reviewed by the Scientific Committee of the 9th Annual Al Ain Research Conference. Each submitted abstract followed a structured format, including introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Authors consented to the publication of their abstracts, which are organized alphabetically by title. Results: Based on predefined selection criteria, 18 abstracts (10.2%) were selected for oral presentations across three sessions, while the remaining 158 abstracts (89.7%) were designated for digital poster presentations. Notably, several abstracts focused on the use of AI, and an increased participation from Emirati researchers was observed. Of the 176 accepted abstracts, 108 (61.3%) are included in this proceedings volume with author consent, comprising seven (6.5%) oral and 101 (93.5%) poster presentations. The remaining 69 abstracts were excluded: 24 had been previously published, and 45 were not included due to the absence of author consent for publication. Conclusion: The 9th Annual Al Ain Research Conference showcased a diverse range of high-quality research across clinical and allied health fields, with notable emphasis on AI and increased participation from Emirati researchers. Of the 176 accepted abstracts, only 108 were included in the proceedings due to prior publication or lack of author consent, highlighting the need for clearer submission guidelines. Future conferences should enhance support for emerging research areas, improve compliance with publication requirements, and foster structured mentorship to sustain the growth of national research contributions.
Introduction: Acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) is common in primary healthcare settings often treated with antibiotics. However, inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, costs, and adverse effects. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs aim to optimize antibiotic use. This study evaluates the impact of AMS compliance on antimicrobial prescription, resistance, and cost, particularly focusing on fluoroquinolone overuse in suspected uncomplicated cystitis patients attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Emirates Health Services (EHS). Methods: A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2043 adult patients (≥18 years) attending AMS-compliant primary health care centers for suspected uncomplicated cystitis between 2019–2022. Data included demographics, diagnoses, prescribed antibiotics, and urine culture results. AMS compliance, antibiotic prescription appropriateness, and trends in antimicrobial resistance and cost were assessed. Results: AMS compliance increased significantly from 55.2% in 2019 to 64.6% in 2022 (p<0.001) and was associated with reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and increased urine testing rates. Fluoroquinolones were prescribed in 34.2% of cases overall, with Ciprofloxacin being the most common, prescribing peaked in 2021 (38.6%) before declining in 2022 (29.7%). AMS-compliant prescriptions had a significantly lower mean cost compared to non-compliant prescriptions across the study period, with the largest differences observed in 2019 (p=0.002) and 2022 (p<0.001). Escherichia coli (71.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5%) were the predominant urine isolates. Antimicrobial resistance trends were mixed: E. coli showed decreased resistance to fluoroquinolones and several other agents, while K. pneumoniae showed increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones and co-trimoxazole. Discussion: AMS program adherence in PHCCs significantly reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and fluoroquinolone use for suspected uncomplicated cystitis which led to lower antibiotic costs especially in 2019 and 2022. Observed antimicrobial resistance trends varied with decreases for some antibiotics but increases for others which emphasized the need for continuous AMS implementation and surveillance. Conclusion: Compliance with AMS programs in suspected uncomplicated cystitis cases at PHCCs led to reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, decreased fluoroquinolone use, and lowered antibiotic costs. Additionally, AMS compliance influenced antimicrobial resistance trends, emphasizing the importance of AMS implementation to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
