A short-term follow-up of glycemic and body weight changes in diabetic patients who replaced dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2
CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the metabolic impact of switching from a DPP4i to a well-known SGLT2i, but further large-scale trials are needed to study the long-term effects of replacing a DPP4i with a SGLT2i. LIMITATIONS:Retrospective design, a short observation period, a small number of patients, no evaluations of the quality of life, side effects, or the cost, and data limited to only empagliflozin. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No any relationship or support from the manufacturer of empagliflozin or other agents. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Demographic features of patients with colorectal carcinoma based on 14 years of experience at Jordan University Hospital
CONCLUSION:CRC is increasing and is expected to increase further. Better health care planning that includes education and screening is needed to reverse these rising trends and to improve early detection. LIMITATIONS: Single institution study. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Association between breast arterial calcifications found on mammography and coronary artery calcifications in asymptomatic Saudi women
CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of BAC in Saudi women is 46%, and there may be a strong association between BAC and CAC, age, hypertension, and CKD. A large-scale prospective research study is necessary to validate the role of BAC on screening mammography as a CAD risk stratification tool and before routine reporting of BAC on a mammography report. LIMITATIONS: Because this was a retrospective study, patient selection bias cannot be excluded. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Anti-IgE therapy for asthma: an audit at atertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia
CONCLUSION:Despite several benefits, notably a reduction in utilization of health services and asthma medication, anti-IgE therapy is probably underutilized locally. Pulmonary physicians are more likely to follow the guidelines than allergy physicians. This study suggests that there is room for improvement in the prescription practices, particularly in dosing and the setting for delivery. Further multicenter prospective studies are required to identify gaps in the current practices and improve asthma management. LIMITATIONS: Too few patients met inclusion criteria, lack of control group, and use of a subjective ...
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Placental steroid sulphatase deficiency: an approach to antenatal care and delivery
We present two cases of congenital ichthyosis. Thorough counselling of women with a previously affected pregnancy during the antenatal period should include discussion about mode of delivery and a critical review of the complexities of prenatal diagnosis in this condition. We propose a clinical management pathway to offer women with a previous pregnancy affected by this rare condition. SIMILAR CASES PUBLISHED: Less than 50 cases reported. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
A painful, swelling and discharging sinus in the right foot
(Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
RE: Perceptions of confidence among Saudi nursing interns during internship program: a cross-sectional study The use of nonparametric statistical tests
(Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Reply
(Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - December 6, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 6 Source Type: research
Patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of substance abuse in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study at a psychiatric rehabilitation center
CONCLUSION:There was an increased use of polysubstances and amphetamine with a decreased abuse of prescription drugs when compared to previous studies reported in Saudi Arabia. There was a decreasing prevalence for heroin and alcohol. Substance abusers have certain epidemiological, social and drug patterns and we recommend that authorities and planners integrate their efforts to look for the reasons for substance abuse. LIMITATIONS: Females not included and prevalence of tobacco smoking not studied. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
Expression of androgen receptor in invasive ductal breast carcinomas: a clinicopathological study from Jordan
CONCLUSIONS: These results were consistent with international reports showing a significant relationship of AR expression with ER status. In addition, AR expression was significantly associated with smaller tumor size. Although AR status was not independently associated with survival, our data suggest AR is a good prognostic factor. LIMITATIONS: Some clinical data were missing. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
An 18-year study of thyroid carcinoma in the western region of Saudi Arabia: a retrospective single-center study in a community hospital
CONCLUSION:Our findings are consistent with similar studies worldwide. Etiological factors promoting the rise in TC must be investigated and may provide insight in developing suitable management strategies for the Saudi population. LIMITATION:Small sample size and retrospective over a long period. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
Outcomes and hospital admission patterns in patients with diabetes during Ramadan versus a non-fasting period
CONCLUSIONS:The frequency of admissions for most medical con.ditions were not changed during Ramadan but the frequency of acute coronary syndrome was higher in those who were fasting on admission. Patients with diabetes who were not fasting on admission had more high-risk features that prevented them from fasting and therefore are at increased risk of in-hospital mortality. LIMITATIONS: Single center and retrospective. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
Implementation of total laboratory automation at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia: effect on turnaround time and cost efficiency
CONCLUSION:By moving from stat to routine assays, the TAT was reduced, which is counter-intuitive. The use of stat assays slowed down the performance of the TLA. A careful review of the mix of assays should be conducted to maximize performance and to ensure that the system delivers what is required. LIMITATIONS:Room for improvement by systematically analyzing and reviewing the impact of making minor changes that could have significant impact on TAT. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis B versus hepatitis C infection
CONCLUSIONS:HBV- and HCV-associated HCC have distinct clinical and pathological characteristics, necessitating different screening policies to optimize HCC surveillance and management. However, viral etiology did not affect the treatment outcome and long-term survival. LIMITATIONS: Conducted in a single-center, retrospective and lacks information about the use of antiviral treatment. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
Clinicopathologic characteristics andoutcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis B versus hepatitis C infection
CONCLUSIONS:HBV- and HCV-associated HCC have distinct clinical and pathological characteristics, necessitating different screening policies to optimize HCC surveillance and management. However, viral etiology did not affect the treatment outcome and long-term survival. LIMITATIONS: Conducted in a single-center, retrospective and lacks information about the use of antiviral treatment. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:None. (Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine)
Source: Annals of Saudi Medicine - October 4, 2018 Category: General Medicine Tags: ISSUE 5 Source Type: research
