Saudi Medical Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Demographic Profiles, Clinical Characteristics, and Meteorological Context of Heat-Related Illnesses among Hajj Pilgrims in 2023.
Alsaleh G, Alsalamah M, Alamri F … +2 more , Alsaleh F, Khan A
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238211 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and meteorological context of heat-related illnesses among Hajj pilgrims in 2023. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted us...
OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and meteorological context of heat-related illnesses among Hajj pilgrims in 2023. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 1,129 pilgrims diagnosed with HRIs across healthcare facilities in Mecca, Mina, and Arafat. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the Hajj Health Information System, while temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall records were obtained from the National Center for Meteorology. RESULTS: Heat exhaustion (48.2%) and heatstroke (37.4%) were the most common diagnoses, with 24.9% of the cases requiring hospitalization. Males represented 55.4% of cases and accounted for 51.2% of hospitalizations. Pilgrims aged 55-74 years comprised 64.2% of severe cases, while Egyptians were disproportionately affected (32.2% of cases). Meteorological data revealed high temperatures reaching 44°C during the Day of Arafah, accompanied by low humidity (14%) and moderate wind speeds of approximately 7 km/h, with no rainfall (0 mm). CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including heat-adaptive rituals, real-time environmental monitoring, and age-specific cooling strategies, to protect pilgrims as climate change intensifies. This study provides a benchmark for future research on mass gatherings in warming environments.
Re-Emergence of Pertussis in the Pediatric Population: .
Alshaibani HS, Hameed TK, Alsager KH … +2 more , Alshaalan MA, Jamil SF
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238210 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To describe the 2024 surge in pertussis cases in the pediatric population in a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on children aged 0...
OBJECTIVES: To describe the 2024 surge in pertussis cases in the pediatric population in a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on children aged 0-14 years with PCR-confirmed infection diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh between January and December 2024. Patients older than 14 years, with negative or indeterminate PCR results, or diagnosed outside the study period were excluded, and demographic, immunization, clinical, and outcome data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 36 children were diagnosed with pertussis, with 35 (97.2%) requiring hospital admission. The median age was 3.5 months (IQR: 2.0-19.0 months), and the most common presenting symptom was severe paroxysmal cough, reported in 32 (88.9%) patients. Nine (25%) patients required pediatric intensive care unit admission, and one death occurred. Nearly 80% of patients were unvaccinated infants or under-vaccinated, and approximately half had a history of suspected or confirmed adolescent or adult household contact with pertussis. CONCLUSION: A significant number of pediatric pertussis cases were observed in 2024, representing a 12-fold rise compared with 2023 and mirroring global outbreaks. Most patients were infants who were too young to be vaccinated or children who had not received the full series of pertussis vaccinations, and many had adolescent/adult household contacts. Our study supports the need for booster vaccinations in the adolescent population and pregnant women.
COVID-19-Associated Rhabdomyolysis in Hospitalized Patients: .
Esquerdo-Serrano P, Otero-Rodriguez S, Pinargote-Celorio H … +3 more , Reus S, Merino E, Ramos-Rincón JM
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238209 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of rhabdomyolysis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to characterize their clinical features and outcomes. METHODS: All adults admitted to the hospital were included in this...
OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of rhabdomyolysis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to characterize their clinical features and outcomes. METHODS: All adults admitted to the hospital were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study with COVID-19 at a tertiary care institution in Alicante, Spain, between March 2020 and March 2024. A creatine kinase (CK) threshold of 1000 U/L or higher was used to define rhabdomyolysis. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Patients with and without rhabdomyolysis were compared, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 7,590 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 20 developed rhabdomyolyses (cumulative incidence 0.26%; 95% CI 0.170.41). Most affected patients were male (85%), and male sex demonstrated an independent relationship with rhabdomyolysis (adjusted OR 4.35; 95% CI 1.2714.94). Acute kidney injury was observed in 60% of patients, and 15% required hemodialysis. IHM was markedly higher among patients with rhabdomyolysis than in those without (35% vs. 11.5%) (adjusted OR 4.24; 95% CI 1.4812.10). CONCLUSION: Rhabdomyolysis was an uncommon but severe complication of COVID-19, predominantly affecting men and frequently inked to acute kidney failure and high IHM.
Post-Stroke Fatigue in Saudi Arabia: .
Alqahtani SZ
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238208 · Full text
Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a major consequence of stroke, with a prevalence of approximately 42-53% among stroke survivors. However, over the last 2 decades, only a few studies have explored PSF in Kingdom of Saudi Ara...
Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a major consequence of stroke, with a prevalence of approximately 42-53% among stroke survivors. However, over the last 2 decades, only a few studies have explored PSF in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Findings from these studies show that PSF negatively impacts the quality of life of individuals with stroke. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for education for both health care providers and patients regarding PSF. This call-to-action mini narrative review identifies knowledge gaps and provides recommendations for both researchers and policymakers, including the need for standardized management and the exploration of hospital environment settings. Specifically, it urges investigation into the prevalence and possible coping strategies for PSF from a cultural perspective. Finally, it highlighted crucial future research direction regarding possibility of the potential long-term effects of PSF on individuals with stroke in KSA.
Coronary Artery Ectasia: A 10-Year Experience at a Single Center in Saudi Arabia.
Aljabbary TF, Alhamed MS, Ismaeel MH … +7 more , Alhaqbani AO, Alhumimidi AS, Alanazi NA, AlSaleh AM, Aljohani KM, Alharbi WM, Alshamiri MQ
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238207 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and its associated clinical characteristics and outcomes over a long follow-up period in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all coronary...
OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and its associated clinical characteristics and outcomes over a long follow-up period in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all coronary angiography procedures performed between January 2013 and June 2023. Patients with CAE were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: During the 10-year period, 10,397 patients underwent coronary angiography. The CAE was diagnosed in 242 patients, yielding an incidence of 2.3%. The majority were male (92.6%). The average age was 57.15 ± 11.76 years. The right coronary artery (RCA) was the most involved vessel (65.2% of all patients). The most common anatomical morphology of ectasia was diffuse (92.5%), followed by saccular (4.5%) and fusiform (3%). A total of 26.8% of the patients had isolated CAE, while 73.1% had mixed CAE and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The rates of diabetes (27.7% vs. 55.4%, < 0.0001) and smoking (32.3% vs. 49.2%, < 0.011) were significantly greater in the mixed CAE and ASCVD group. During a median follow-up of 510 days, the prevalence of composite endpoint was significantly greater in the mixed CAE and ASCVD group than in the isolated CAE group (29% vs. 14%, = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Coronary artery ectasia is an uncommon angiographic finding, most often occurring in association with obstructive CAD. Outcomes appear to differ according to the presence of coexisting obstructive disease, with fewer events observed among patients with isolated CAE.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Patients Hospitalized in Palliative Care Service.
Koçak MB, Güler B
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238206 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C vi...
OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data on the seroprevalence and prognostic impact of these infections in palliative populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit and to assess their association with mortality. METHODS: This retrospective study conducted on 545 adult patients a tertiary palliative care unit between 2018 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nutritional support, mobility, serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV), and outcomes were extracted from hospital records. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 76.3±15.1 years, and 52.8% were female. Malignancy was the most common comorbidity (50.5%), followed by infectious diseases (31.6%) and cardiovascular conditions. HBsAg positivity was identified in 0.6% of patients, anti-HBs in 31.2%, and anti-HCV in 0.2%. During hospitalization, 39.1% of patients died. Multivariate analysis revealed that chronic renal failure (HR=1.46, =0.023), cardiac disease (HR= 3.11, <0.001), immobility (HR=4.14, <0.001), and HBsAg positivity (HR=6.91, <0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: While the seroprevalence of active HBV and HCV infection was low in this palliative cohort, HBsAg positivity was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality. The high proportion of patients lacking HBV immunity also highlights the need for strengthened infection control measures.
From Early Adversity to Adult Health: Quality-of-Life Consequences in A Mental Illness in Saudi Arabia.
Alghamdi RS, Mirza AA, Asiri IF … +4 more , Alghamdi FS, Alharthi NA, Abdalal SA, Ramadan IK
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238205 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Childhood trauma (CT) is prevalent among bipolar disorder (BD) patients and exacerbates clinical outcomes, which may impact the quality of life (QoL). This study explores the prevalence of CT and its associat...
OBJECTIVES: Childhood trauma (CT) is prevalent among bipolar disorder (BD) patients and exacerbates clinical outcomes, which may impact the quality of life (QoL). This study explores the prevalence of CT and its association with QoL among BD patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted among adults with BD during the euthymic phase. Sample size was estimated using a single-proportion approach (target n=141), and participants recruited by convenience sampling of eligible outpatients. CT was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and QoL using the the Brief Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (Brief QoL.BD). RESULTS: The CT prevalence was 90.1%, with physical neglect the most common type (78.7%). Mean QoL score was 36.2/60 (SD 10.7). Emotional neglect and emotional abuse had the most significant negative impact on QoL (mean differences: 9.6 points [95% CI: 6.4-12.8] and 6.4 points [95% CI: 3.0-9.9], respectively). In adjusted analyses, CT exposure, sex, age, and medication adherence were associated with QoL; the model explained 19% of QoL variability. CONCLUSION: The CT significantly impairs QoL in BD patients, particularly emotional neglect and abuse. Tailored interventions are essential for improving QoL in this population, particularly in culturally specific contexts such as the Middle East.
Artificial Intelligence in Dialysis Therapies: .
Mahallawi WH
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238204 · Full text
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from a systematic literature search (2019-2025) on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for managing infections and complications. D...
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from a systematic literature search (2019-2025) on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for managing infections and complications. Dialysis patients face infection rates 100-fold higher than the general population and sepsis mortality exceeding 35%. The AI, utilizing machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, deep neural networks, and explainable AI tools, revolutionizes care through precise diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Key models demonstrate high accuracy in predicting bloodstream infections (area under the curve [AUC] 0.914), classifying peritonitis (F1 0.93), detecting SARS-CoV-2 (AUROC 0.82), and forecasting mortality (AUC 0.979). Therapeutically, AI guides antibiotic stewardship, reducing inappropriate use by 18-67%, and mitigates intradialytic hypotension via ultrafiltration adjustments, reducing incidence by 25-40%. Despite promising results, challenges include data scarcity, algorithmic bias, and the integration of these tools into clinical workflows. Future directions involve diverse datasets, explainable AI, and real-time decision support systems. The AI holds transformative potential for personalizing dialysis management and improving patient outcomes.
Obesity's Role in Stroke Incidence Among Smokers: .
Alqahtani SAM, Aboonq MS
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238203 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) category and history of stroke among current smokers, while assessing potential confounding, effect modification by age, and mediation by cardiovascula...
OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) category and history of stroke among current smokers, while assessing potential confounding, effect modification by age, and mediation by cardiovascular comorbidities. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 53,939 current adult smokers participating in the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Survey-weighted logistic regression estimated the association between BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and self-reported stroke history. The study assessed multicollinearity and adjusted for sociodemographic and health variables. Interaction terms were tested to evaluate effect modification by age, and exploratory decomposition analysis was used to assess mediation by conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. RESULTS: Stroke prevalence was highest among underweight smokers (6.3%). In adjusted models, the association between high BMI and stroke was attenuated or null. A significant interaction between BMI and age was identified; while younger underweight smokers showed lower stroke odds, older obese smokers exhibited odds ratios near or below 1.0 (such as ages 60-64: OR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.87), consistent with an "obesity paradox." Mediation analysis indicated that traditional cardiovascular risk factors did not mediate the relationship in underweight or overweight groups, with only partial mediation by hypertension and myocardial infarction observed in obese smokers. CONCLUSION: Among smokers, BMI is not consistently associated with increased stroke risk, and its impact is strongly modified by age. The findings suggest that the potent vascular toxicity of smoking may overwhelm or alter typical weight-related risk pathways, reinforcing smoking cessation as the primary preventive strategy.
Impact of Treatment on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Children with Cancer in Saudi Arabia.
Alhussain FH, Alabdullah AAS
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238202 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The impact of cancer on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is considerable, particularly for children undergoing oncological treatment. While research has addressed HRQOL in childhood cancer survivors, les...
OBJECTIVE: The impact of cancer on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is considerable, particularly for children undergoing oncological treatment. While research has addressed HRQOL in childhood cancer survivors, less attention has been given to those actively undergoing treatment, including in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review aimed to address this gap by quantitatively evaluating studies reporting on the HRQOL of children in Saudi Arabia during their active cancer treatment phase. We also compare these findings with studies from around the world, emphasising demographic, medical and parental predictors of HRQOL. METHODS: A comprehensive search of relevant databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL) was conducted to identify studies assessing HRQOL in pediatric cancer patients, both in Saudi Arabia and globally. A narrative synthesis was performed. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 907 pediatric cancer patients. All children undergoing treatment experienced a decline in HRQOL. In Saudi Arabia, the psychosocial domain was especially affected. Children in the newly diagnosed phase reported the lowest HRQOL. Longitudinal studies showed improvement over time. Clinical, demographic and parental factors were found to influence HRQOL. CONCLUSION: Pediatric cancer patients face significant physical, emotional and psychosocial challenges. Tailored interventions and the integration of paediatric palliative care are urgently needed to improve HRQOL. This review highlights the need for more in-depth research in Saudi Arabia to inform clinical practices and optimise outcomes for children with cancer.
Male Pelvic Health in Saudi Arabia: .
Alghamdi WAS
Saudi Med J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42238201 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi men toward pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and to identify demographic and clinical predictors of awareness and practice. METHODS: A cross-...
OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi men toward pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and to identify demographic and clinical predictors of awareness and practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 458 Saudi men in Al-Baha using a validated Arabic questionnaire adapted from the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF). Data were analyzed with chi-square tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and reliability testing (Cronbach's α= 0.862). RESULTS: Awareness of PFMT was moderate (63.1%), but only 13.1% knew how to perform PFMT correctly. Attitudes were largely positive (72.9%), citing benefits such as relief of back/pelvic pain (33.7%) and core strengthening (32.9%). Practice was limited, with only 11.6% performing PFMT regularly. Knowledge and positive attitudes were significantly associated with practice (χ, <0.001). Urinary incontinence was uncommon (86% reported none), though symptoms such as incomplete bladder emptying (27.7%) and defecation difficulty (31%) were frequent. Older men (≥55 years) and divorced men reported significantly higher symptom scores ( <0.01). CONCLUSION: This first KAP study of PFMT among Saudi men demonstrated a gap between awareness and regular practice. The findings highlight the need for physiotherapist-led education, structured skills training, and scalable digital platforms to transform awareness into sustainable practice and improve men's pelvic health.
An Investigation of the Correlation Between Total Intracranial Volume and Body Mass Index.
Alsharif WM, Alhazmi FH, Almutairi AD … +11 more , Alharbi RM, Alsaedi LM, Alharbi RA, Alsaedi AF, Qurashi AA, Alahmadi AA, Alshamrani KM, Alrehily FA, Aldahery ST, Abdulaal OM, Elkady RM
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237978 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Total intracranial volume (TICV) is an important covariate in brain volumetric analysis that can vary significantly between participants. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index...
OBJECTIVE: Total intracranial volume (TICV) is an important covariate in brain volumetric analysis that can vary significantly between participants. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and TICV. METHODS: 152 healthy volunteers were recruited. The BMI was calculated, and T1-weighted images were acquired to estimate brain volumetric values. The data were analyzed using software. RESULTS: Male participants have significantly higher GM, WM, CSF, TICV, cerebellum GM, cortical GM, subcortical GM and cerebrum GM volumes compared to female. There were significant differences in GM, TICV, cerebellum GM, cortical GM, subcortical GM and cerebrum GM volumes between BMI subgroups. Dunn-Bonferroni tests revealed that participants with a normal BMI had significantly higher volumes of GM, TICV, cerebellum GM, cortical GM and cerebrum GM compared to individuals with overweight and obese. In addition, subcortical GM volume was significantly higher in participants with normal BMI compared to individuals with obesity. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that age and BMI are significantly negatively correlated with GM, cerebellum GM, cortical GM, subcortical GM and cerebrum GM. Moreover, BMI was found to be significantly negatively correlated with TICV. The GLM analysis revealed that the association between age, biological sex and BMI had a significant influence on TICV. CONCLUSION: Brain volumetric measurements were found to be influenced by age, biological sex and BMI and need to be regressed out from volumetric analysis.
Microbiological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance in Relation to Risk of Recurrence and Fistula Following Perianal Abscess Drainage: .
Busbait SA
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237977 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: The practice of obtaining routine intraoperative cultures and administering postoperative antibiotics for perianal abscess treatment continues to be debated, so far, there is no established evidence linking th...
OBJECTIVE: The practice of obtaining routine intraoperative cultures and administering postoperative antibiotics for perianal abscess treatment continues to be debated, so far, there is no established evidence linking these practices to improved patient outcomes. This study investigated the microbial distribution together with antibiotic resistance and their relationship to abscess recurrence or fistula development. METHODS: The study analyzed 242 patients who received their first perianal abscess treatment through incision and drainage procedures at a Saudi Arabian tertiary center from 2019 to 2023. Swab cultures were obtained intraoperatively. A descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and antibiotic resistance were analyzed. RESULTS: The most frequently isolated microorganisms were (35.9%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13%). The resistance rates of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were 53.7% and 78.8%, respectively, while Augmentin and Tazocin had lower resistance rates (20.2% and 8.8%). MDR organisms were detected in 21.9% of cases. The individual antibiotic resistance and MDR status did not show any significant relationship with recurrence or fistula formation ( > 0.05). Furthermore, no postoperative antibiotic regimen, including ciprofloxacin plus metronidazole (most common), was associated with improved outcomes ( = 0.280). Culture-based antibiotic changes were rare (5.4%). CONCLUSION: The practice of routine intraoperative cultures together with empirical antibiotic use shows limited effectiveness in predicting or preventing recurrence or fistula formation following uncomplicated perianal abscess drainage. Surgical adequacy stands as the fundamental principle for effective management.
Stratifying Renal Risk in End-Stage Renal Disease: Evidence From a Population-Based Dialysis Registry in Northern Saudi Arabia.
Eltayeb R, Binsaleh NK, Alsaif GA … +4 more , Ahmed MH, Taha AM, Abdelzaher A, Alatawi Z
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237976 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship of age, gender, smoking, nationality, and place of residence with renal dysfunction severity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional st...
OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship of age, gender, smoking, nationality, and place of residence with renal dysfunction severity in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of ESRD registry data collected from King Khalid Hospital in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Adults (≥15 years) treated from March 2023 - February 2024 were enrolled. Serum creatinine and urinary albumin concentrations were measured (based on primary [≥625 μmol/L and ≥18 mg/L, respectively] and sensitivity thresholds). Bivariate analyses, interaction testing, sensitivity models, and multivariable logistic regression were employed. RESULTS: Of 212 patients (50.9% male), based on primary thresholds, 24.5% had elevated serum creatinine and 21.2% had elevated albuminuria levels. In multivariate adjusted models, male sex (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-4.913, = 0.012) and older age (35-74 years) were significantly associated with high creatinine levels. There was a borderline inverse age relationship with albuminuria (ORs ≈ 2.5-2.8, p ≈ 0.05-0.06). Sensitivity analyses indicated that female sex is a predictor of albuminuria (OR = 2.33, = 0.040), and non-Saudi nationality is a protective variable for high creatinine levels (OR = 0.20, = 0.001). There were no strong interaction effects. CONCLUSION: Sex and age significantly influence renal biomarker profiles in ESRD patients. These findings highlight the utility of including nonbiochemical measures in renal risk assessments and integrating stratified surveillance strategies into dialysis care.
Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Consensus of the National Heart Center in Collaboration With the Saudi CTO Club of the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Interventional Society.
Ahmed WH, AlJohani K, Alotaibi S … +11 more , Alyamani M, Almohammadi M, Alhamami A, Abdelhadi H, Alshammeri O, Alsaiedi A, Almoghairi A, Qahtani A, Khouj S, Alalawi S, Alharbi W
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237975 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is one of the most complex and technically demanding percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Over the last two decades, technological and procedural advancements have significa...
OBJECTIVE: Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is one of the most complex and technically demanding percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Over the last two decades, technological and procedural advancements have significantly improved clinical outcomes. However, CTO-PCI practice and outcomes remain suboptimal with a lack of standardized approaches. METHODS: The Saudi CTO Club has been actively working to enhance collaboration among CTO operators throughout the region. The National Heart Center (NHC), in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Cardiac Interventional Society (SACIS), convened national experts to develop a consensus document and workflow for integrating CTO-PCI into clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. This consensus document consolidates current evidence from international guidelines and the recommendations are tailored to address region-specific considerations. The document delineates clear protocols for clinical indications, procedural techniques, and the mitigation of complications in CTO-PCI. RESULTS: In this consensus, 14 statements are discussed considering scientific evidence and agreed upon for CTO-PCI. These statements covered four pillars: i) Indications; ii) Evaluation; iii) CTO-PCI technical principles; and iv) Safety and complications. CONCLUSION: This consensus provides a framework for recommendations to guide the treatment of patients, the development of CTO programs, and the training of new CTO-PCI operators.
Mapping Health Research Involving Human Subjects in Saudi Arabia: .
Alhussain KA
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237974 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: To identify dominant and underrepresented research topics and to classify published studies by design and data sources in health research involving human subjects from Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This retrospectiv...
OBJECTIVES: To identify dominant and underrepresented research topics and to classify published studies by design and data sources in health research involving human subjects from Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed PubMed-indexed health articles related to Saudi Arabia from 1959 to March 2025. Text mining was used to identify studies conducted in the country involving human subjects. Eligible articles were classified by study design and data sources. Topic modeling using non-negative matrix factorization was applied to identify topics based on the primary research focus. RESULTS: A total of 36,452 records of studies conducted in Saudi Arabia were initially identified. Of these, approximately 89.8% were original research, 5.1% were case reports or case series, and 5.1% were reviews. Screening of original research articles yielded 18,239 studies involving human subjects, with cross-sectional designs being the most common (57.7%) and clinical trials the least represented (1.4%). Regarding data sources, around 63.4% of studies involving human subjects used surveys, while 9.7% relied on health records. Topic modeling revealed that inpatient care and clinical outcomes constituted the most prominent topic (19.5%), whereas asthma and allergic conditions formed the least represented topic (1.3%). CONCLUSION: Despite increasing research output in Saudi Arabia, clinical trials remain limited. Promoting interventional research through enhanced infrastructure, collaboration, and training is essential. Topic modeling offers valuable insights to guide research priorities and align national efforts with population health needs.
Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Voice Activity and Participation Profile (A-VAPP) Questionnaire.
Alqarni NS, Alrabiah HF, AlSunbul NF … +5 more , Bukhari MA, Farahat M, Almohizea M, Mesallam TA, Malki KH
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237973 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), a comprehensive tool for assessing the impact of voice disorders on daily life activities and socia...
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), a comprehensive tool for assessing the impact of voice disorders on daily life activities and social participation, into Arabic and to test its reliability among voice disorders patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive, questionnaire-based validation study was conducted at two university hospitals from December 2023 to September 2024 The VAPP was translated using forward and backward translation methods from English into Arabic. The questionnaire's reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. To measure the construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted. Discriminant validity was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and reproducibility was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULT: The study included 120 participants, of which 60 had voice complaints (VCG) and 60 were healthy HCG (HCG). The Arabic-VAPP (A-VAPP) demonstrated excellent reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.967 and ICC exceeding 0.979 ( < 0.001). Significantly higher scores were observed in the VCG compared to the HCG across job ( = 0.03), daily communication ( < 0.001), social communication ( = 0.01), and emotional impact ( < 0.001) domains. Receiver operating characteristic analysis further confirmed strong discriminative validity with an area under the curve of 0.960, sensitivity of 84%, and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: A-VAPP is a reliable and valid tool for assessing voice disorders in Arabic-speaking patients, making it suitable for both clinical practice and research.
The Application Effect of Modified Pressure-Reducing Fixation Protective Nasal Strip in the Nursing Care of Patients Receiving High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy.
Zhou Y, He X, Sang J
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237972 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a modified pressure-reducing fixation protective nasal strip in preventing device-related pressure injuries and improving nursing outcomes in patients undergoing high-flow nasal can...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a modified pressure-reducing fixation protective nasal strip in preventing device-related pressure injuries and improving nursing outcomes in patients undergoing high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. METHODS: This study included 60 patients receiving HFNC therapy from January 2024 to September 2024. Participants were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 30), which used the modified decompression fixation protective nasal strip, and a control group (n = 30), which underwent standard care with hydrocolloid dressing protection. The study compared general demographic data, the interval between fixation strap changes, frequency of catheter position adjustments, skin management effectiveness (Braden score), number of ineffective oxygenation attempts, incidence of adverse events, and patient comfort scores. RESULTS: The 2groups were comparable in baseline characteristics ( > 0.05). The observation group showed longer intervals between fixation strap changes, fewer catheter position adjustments, fewer ineffective oxygenation attempts, and a lower incidence of adverse events relative to the control group ( < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group had significantly higher Braden scores and comfort levels than those in the control group ( < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The modified pressure-reducing fixation protective nasal strip is effective in reducing device-related complications and enhancing patient comfort during HFNC therapy.
Rehabilitation Outcomes of Pediatric Burn Survivors in Saudi Arabia.
Ghandurah A, Alghadier M
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237971 · Full text
Pediatric burns in Saudi Arabia are predominantly household scalds in young children, causing long-term disability from scarring, contractures, pain/itch, psychosocial distress, and disrupted schooling. This thematic nar...
Pediatric burns in Saudi Arabia are predominantly household scalds in young children, causing long-term disability from scarring, contractures, pain/itch, psychosocial distress, and disrupted schooling. This thematic narrative review (2010-2025) synthesizes global and regional evidence, appraises outcome measures with attention to Arabic availability, and translates findings into Vision 2030-aligned policy actions. Evidence supports early, multidisciplinary care anchored in standardized outcome tracking. Pressure-garment therapy remains inconclusive, whereas virtual reality reduces procedural pain and telerehabilitation serves families distant from tertiary centers. A minimum national outcome set is proposed spanning scar quality (VSS, POSAS), joint range of motion, age-appropriate pain and itch scales (FLACC/FPS-R/NRS), HRQoL (PedsQL, PROMIS), and school reintegration. Embedding these indicators in electronic records and registries-with risk adjustment and linkage to utilization and cost-would enable benchmarking, value-based purchasing, and equitable service planning and access. Implemented at scale, this framework can deliver measurable gains in function, participation, and family well-being across the Kingdom.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Educational Intervention on Lipid Profile and its Clinical Outcomes.
Alqahtani SS
Saudi Med J · 2026 Apr · PMID 42237970 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: To assess how clinical pharmacist-led educational interventions affect lipid profile parameters and related clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease-risk individuals. METHODS: This systematic review complet...
OBJECTIVE: To assess how clinical pharmacist-led educational interventions affect lipid profile parameters and related clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease-risk individuals. METHODS: This systematic review completed as according to PRISMA 2020 principles. Searches were done on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar, DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies examining impact of the pharmacists' educational initiatives on lipid levels were included. However, case reports, conference proceedings, and studies in other languages not in English, and studies lacking full-text access were excluded from the review. Following screening and eligibility assessment, a total of 33 papers were included out of the 1731 records found. These include cohort studies, pre-post investigations, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The methodological quality of the incorporated studies was estimated with the help of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT 2018). RESULTS: Positive changes in lipid profiles were shown by pharmacist-led educational initiatives, including reductions in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and serum triglyceride levels. There were also many reports of improvements in blood pressure, lifestyle choices, glycaemic indices, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and medication adherence. Numerous studies demonstrated lower risk scores for cardiovascular disease (CVD) after pharmacist involvement. Clinical results were most significantly improved by interventions that incorporated medication reconciliation, lifestyle counselling, telepharmacy follow-ups, risk factor monitoring, and customised patient education. CONCLUSION: Through increased medication adherence, better patient awareness, and support for lifestyle adjustment, pharmacist-led educational programs greatly reduce the risk of CVD and enhanced lipid profiles. To enhance the management of chronic diseases, clinical chemists must be integrated into multidisciplinary care teams. To optimise advantages, future research should focus on standardised intervention models, cost-effectiveness assessment, and long-term cardiovascular outcome monitoring.
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