Oman Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Etiology and Risk Factors of Infertility Among Omani Couples: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Referral Center.","authors":"Girija Madhavanprabhakaran, Aisha Al Farsi, Frincy Francis, Gowri Vaidyanathan","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.110","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the etiology and risk factors of infertility among Omani couples aged 18-49 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Subjects in this retrospective cross-sectional study were selected using purposive sampling method from Omani couples who attended the infertility clinic of a tertiary referral hospital in Muscat between January 2015 and December 2022. Demographic variables, clinical findings, imaging results, hormonal profiles, surgical history, and semen parameters extracted from the hospital information system were analyzed. The main outcomes included male and female infertility etiologies and associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants included 259 Omani couples. Female-factor infertility accounted for 53.7% of cases, male-factor infertility for 41.7%, and unexplained infertility for 4.6%. Combined factors accounted for 14.3%. Among couples with primary and secondary infertility, mean ages of the female partners age were 37.0 ± 7.1 years and 43.0 ± 5.5 years respectively. Overall, 39.6% of women were obese or overweight. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (21.6%), fibroids (16.0%), endometriosis (7.8%), and tubal block (14.4%) were the main female factors. There was a significant association between body mass index and PCOS and between higher age and fibroids (<i>r</i> = 0.211; <i>p</i> < 0.010). Male abnormalities included oligospermia (45.4%), asthenozoospermia (18.5%), multiple semen abnormalities (23.1%), azoospermia (11.1%), and teratozoospermia (1.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher maternal age, high body mass index, particularly in association with PCOS and anovulatory disorders, were important modifiable risk factors of infertility in this cohort of Omani couples. Early identification and targeted interventions are recommended to improve fertility outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e799"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13168862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147942413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Femoral Intercondylar Notch Morphology as a Risk Factor for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Thinking Inside the Notch.","authors":"Angelo V Vasiliadis, Vasileios Giovanoulis, Alexandros Maris, Dimitrios Chytas, Nikiforos Galanis","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.103","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.103","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e808"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13093136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147777947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and Facilitators to Breast Self-examination in Oman: A Qualitative Study of Primary Healthcare Workers' Perceptions.","authors":"Thamra Said Al Ghafri, Lamees Al Kiyumi, Asyia Al Zadjali, Huda Al Menji, Jannat Al Harthi, Mary McCallum, Ahmed Al Harthi, Avinash Pinto","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.104","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Given the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, understanding why women perform or do not perform breast self-examination (BSE) is essential to promote self-care. This study explored the perceptions of primary healthcare workers about barriers and facilitators to performing BSE in Oman and identified potential interventions to promote BSE.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study using four focus group discussions was conducted with 30 healthcare workers (nurses, physicians, administrators, and radiographers) from primary healthcare centers in Muscat. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically analyzed using constructs from the Health Belief Model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Barriers to BSE included inadequate knowledge of correct BSE techniques (low self-efficacy), limited access to accurate information and professional recommendations (lack of cues to action), sociocultural stigma, fear of cancer (perceived barriers), and low motivation. Facilitators included higher educational level and personal exposure to breast cancer (perceived susceptibility), peer and family support, and positive healthcare experiences (perceived benefits). Religious beliefs played dual roles, acting both as fatalistic barriers and as motivators for self-care. Participants expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of BSE compared to other screening methods but acknowledged its role in early detection and monitoring disease progression. Suggested strategies included introducing BSE into educational curricula, strengthening its role in clinical practice, engaging communities, and conducting public health awareness campaigns.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BSE remains a useful tool for women to detect breast abnormalities. Enhanced efforts are recommended to integrate BSE education and practice across academic institutions, workplaces, healthcare facilities, and community services.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 1","pages":"e793"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiviral Therapy and Hepatitis B Reactivation Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Salam Al Kindi, Shahla S Al-Jabri, Anil Pathare, Shoaib Al-Zadjali, Mohamed Al-Rawahi, Giuseppe Saglio","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.108","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Viral Hepatitis reactivation can occur in patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), with potentially fatal complications. We aimed to assess hepatitis reactivation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with TKIs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and laboratory records, including antiviral therapy and hepatitis testing data, of CML patients treated with TKI at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between 2006 and 2020.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants comprised 98 Omani CML patients who underwent TKI therapy (mean age = 41.1 years; range = 4-77 years). No cases met study criteria for viral hepatitis reactivation during TKI therapy. Imatinib was the first-line CML therapy for 87 (88.8%) patients; Imatinib was used as first line in 93 (94.9%) patients; most patients subsequently switched to other TKIs. Anti-HBc was positive at baseline in 16 (16.3%) patients of whom six with hepatitis B surface antigen-positivity were treated with antivirals along with TKIs, with positive outcomes. The only hepatitis C virus positive CML patient in the cohort also achieved long-term remission from both with combined interferon therapy and TKI. The overall mortality rate was nine (9.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this cohort of Omani patients, no hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus reactivation case was documented in association with TKI therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e797"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147974377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bilateral Peroneal Nerve Palsy in a Floor Tile Worker Flowing Prolonged Squatting.","authors":"Elaheh Kabir Mokamelkhah, Omid Asghari, Niloofar Safaei","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.25","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peroneal neuropathy is the most prevalent compressive neuropathy of the lower extremity and may result from prolonged squatting. However, bilateral peroneal nerve paralysis following prolonged squatting is uncommon. Squatting-induced common peroneal nerve neuropathy in the workplace has been reported among agricultural workers, sewer pipe workers, and harvesting farm workers, but little is known about this type of neuropathy in other professions. In this report, we present a case of a floor tile worker who, after prolonged squatting for 6-7 hours over two months, developed bilateral lower-leg numbness and weakness due to a bilateral peroneal nerve injury. Two months after cessation of work and physiotherapy, his symptoms and neurophysiological abnormalities had completely resolved. Avoiding prolonged squatting, especially in small spaces, and incorporating knee and knee muscle stretching exercises are highly effective in preventing this neuropathy in workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"e800"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70686151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inability to Walk in a Child with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.","authors":"Eman Al Masroori, Yusriya Al Rawahi, Yarab Al Bulushi","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.87","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.87","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e807"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13093135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147777860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Prognostic Biomarkers of Ovarian Cancer in Asian Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"I Gede Wikania Wira Wiguna, I Gede Krisna Arim Sadeva, Putu Ari Shanti Dewi, Kadek Meryndha Kumala Tungga, Agung Brahmanthya Nadine Kepakisan, Komang Indra Parama Arta, Ngakan Putu Krishna Mahayana, Ni Putu Sri Indrani Remitha, I Gusti Ayu Stiti Sadvika, I Gede Putu Supadmanaba, Desak Made Wihandani","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2025.58","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Although ovarian cancer is relatively uncommon, it remains one of the most lethal malignancies among women due to its poor prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in Asian populations with ovarian cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was performed in online databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library, using Boolean operators. The primary outcomes were overall survival and disease-free/event-free/progression-free survival (DFS/EFS/PFS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review included 20 studies comprising 5316 ovarian cancer patients, 96.2% of whom were from East Asian countries. NLR was significantly associated with overall survival with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.82 (95% CI: 1.63-4.88; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 97.1%) in univariate analysis, and HR = 1.44 (95% CI: 1.16-1.80; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 70.0%) in multivariate analysis. Similar associations were observed for DFS/EFS/PFS, with univariate HR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.59-3.73; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 91.2%) and multivariate HR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.17-1.69; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 69.3%). PLR also showed a significant association with overall survival, with univariate HR = 2.00 (95% CI: 1.37-2.92; <i>p</i> <0.001; I² = 92.3%) and multivariate HR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.31-2.54; <i>p =</i> 0.008; I² = 68.2%). For DFS/EFS/PFS, the univariate HR for PLR was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.32-2.59; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 92.1%), and the multivariate HR was 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02-2.12; <i>p</i> < 0.001; I² = 76.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Inflammmatory markers, including NLR and PLR, may serve as useful prognostic indicators for ovarian cancer in the predominantly East Asian populations studied.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e790"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13698804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149271489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Blood Transfusion Rates in Non-syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Proportion Meta-analysis of Open Versus Minimally Invasive Techniques.","authors":"Mirnasari Amirsyah, Muhammad Ikhlas Abdian Putra, Shakira Amirah, Seba Talat Al-Gunaid, Khalillullah Khalillullah, Artha Maressa Theodora Simanjuntak, Puan Faiza Nurianada, I Nyoman Windiana, Fawwaz Rahman Hakim, Andi Muhammad Dzaky Tenrisessu, Farhan Nurdiansyah, Roy Novri Ramadhan","doi":"10.5001/omj.2026.67","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2026.67","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Premature suture fusion in non-syndromic craniosynostosis often requires surgery to permit normal brain growth. To minimize blood transfusion requirements, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proposed. This study will pool the prevalence of blood transfusion in non-syndromic craniosynostosis surgeries, comparing open surgery (OS) with MISs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024604632). PubMed, Scilit, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to 7 March 2024. Pooled prevalence was calculated using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine studies with a total of 619 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of blood transfusion was 52.0% (95% CI: 32.0-72.0) for OS and 10.0% (95% CI: 1.0-20.0) for MIS. Within OS, cranial vault remodeling exhibited the highest transfusion prevalence of 58.1% (95% CI: 37.5-78.7). Among those undergoing MIS, strip-assisted surgery had a lower prevalence (3.9%; 95% CI: -0.5-8.2) compared to endoscopic strip craniectomy (13.1%; 95% CI: -0.4-26.6). OS for metopic craniosynostosis yielded a blood transfusion prevalence of 76.2% (95% CI: 62.9-89.5), the highest among affected sutures. Sagittal craniosynostosis repairs showed a prevalence of 22.5% (95% CI: 9.6-35.3) in OS, compared with 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7-11.9) in MIS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of blood transfusion in craniosynostosis repair is significantly lower in MIS compared to OS, suggesting the relative safety of MIS in terms of transfusion risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e792"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13655412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149170016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspective of Mindful Approach to Antifungal Prophylactics in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.","authors":"Marija Lukavac","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.100","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.100","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e809"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13034550/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147593448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Among Postgraduate Residents: A Cross-sectional Survey.","authors":"Rahma Al Kindi, Mariam Al Mashari, Arwa Al Hadhrami, Juman Al Shaqsi","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.107","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical education. However, there is limited research on postgraduate residents' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of AI, particularly in Oman. Assessing their familiarity with AI is essential for effective curriculum development and clinical integration. This study sought to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of AI among postgraduate medical residents in Oman and to identify gaps and potential areas for educational improvement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Oman Medical Specialty Board in Muscat, Oman, from September to December 2024. A digital, self-administered questionnaire assessed residents' familiarity with AI concepts, attitudes toward its role in medicine, and perceptions of its impact on clinical practice and medical education. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 256 residents participated (response rate = 33.3%). While 70.7% reported familiarity with AI, only 35.5% felt that their training had adequately prepared them to work alongside AI. Most residents (80.1%) supported integrating AI education into medical curricula, with 74.6% recommending its introduction at the undergraduate level. Concerns included AI's potential impact on job security (44.1%) and ethical challenges (89.1%). AI knowledge was significantly associated with sex (<i>p =</i> 0.004) but not residency level or specialty.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Significant gaps exist in AI knowledge among medical residents, despite widespread support for AI integration into medical education. Structured AI training and continuous feedback systems are essential to enhance AI literacy and ensure its effective application in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"41 1","pages":"e796"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13373708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148471945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}