Oman Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Association of Serum Levels of Vitamins D and E with Markers of NLRP3-inflammasome Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis.","authors":"Refat M Nimer, Moh'd Mohanad Al-Dabet, Mahmoud A Alfaqih, Wail M Annab, Feras K Weshah","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.94","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.94","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It is suggested that mechanisms of many diseases involve 'sterile inflammation' triggered by oxidative stress in the absence of infection. Inflammasomes regulate such inflammatory processes. Antioxidants can counter oxidative stress, but their exact relationship with inflammasome activity in MS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammasome markers and antioxidant vitamins D and E in Jordanian patients with MS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We enrolled 100 patients with MS and 100 healthy controls. Their blood samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1 beta (IL-1β), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), and vitamins D and E.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with MS had significantly higher serum levels of IL-18 (<i>p =</i>0.020), IL-1 β (<i>p <</i>0.001), and NLRP3 (<i>p =</i>0.040) compared with the controls. Serum NLRP3 had an inverse correlation with vitamin D (r = -0.20; <i>p =</i>0.020). Moreover, a significant negative correlation existed between IL-1 β and vitamin E (r = -0.14; <i>p =</i>0.040).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings suggest that inflammasome activation in MS is linked to decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins. Hence, inflammasome marker levels may serve as future potential biomarkers of disease activity and progression in MS.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e776"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13254513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252592","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":"Morning Sickness to Morning Blues: A Case of Wernicke Encephalopathy.","authors":"Maureen P Tigga, Suma Kanankapura Basavarajaiah, Shrunga Rayashettypura Puttalingegowda, Salu Thampi Olickal","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.22","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.22","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 24-year-old primigravida at 12 weeks of gestation, with a history of hyperemesis gravidarum, presented on an early morning with mental confusion and weakness. She was diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy and successfully treated with thiamine. After a full-term pregnancy, she gave birth to a healthy baby.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"e783"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12818422/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70685749","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":"Circulating Red Cell and Platelet Microparticles in Pediatric Non-transfusion Dependent Beta-thalassemia: A Case Control Study.","authors":"Bothaina El-Domiaty, Moustafa Salama, Neveen Lewis Mikhael, Hanaa Donia, Wessam Mohamed Khalil, Nehad Mohamed Hassanein","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.85","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.85","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the levels of circulating erythrocyte-derived microparticles (EMPs) and platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs)in children with non-transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (NTDT), and explore their contribution to hypercoagulability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This case-control study included 50 children diagnosed with NTDT and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The children were recruited from the hematology/oncology unit of Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Egypt from November 2022 to May 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The percentage of EMPs and PMPs was significantly higher in NTDT patients compared with healthy controls. Serum B-type natriuretic peptide was higher in NTDT patients compared to controls; however, it didn't reach a statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The significantly higher levels of EMPs and PMPs in NTDT patients may contribute to the hypercoagulable state associated with the disease. Measurement of proB-type natriuretic peptide, though not statistically significant in this cohort, may hold potential as an early biomarker for pulmonary hypertension in NTDT patients, for which larger prospective studies are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e771"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13034555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147593148","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":"Experiences From Two Cases of Crusted Scabies.","authors":"Thien Nguyen, Phuoc Nghia Tran, Anh Phuong Dang, Linh Tran, Tuan Anh Vu","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.80","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.80","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e788"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12797194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145970397","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":"Prevalence of Electrocardiographic Changes and Risk Factors for QTc Prolongation Among Steady State Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease.","authors":"Mohammed B Nawaiseh, Rund R Haddadin, Yara B Nawaiseh, Mohammad Z Salameh, Abdallah A Shurman, Osama Abu-Shawer, Asma I Aljesrawi, Ibrahim A Abuelbeh, Allaa Roto, Hadil Zureigat, Lana Mango, Munir Q Zaqqa, Hanna K Al-Makhamreh, Nakhleh Abu-Yaghi","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.91","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.91","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with several cardiovascular adverse events. Corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is one of the potential life-threatening complications that predispose patients to sudden cardiac death. This study aims to assess the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and to investigate risk factors associated with increased propensity of QTc prolongation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study utilized data from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease Cardiac Ancillary Study. QT intervals were corrected using the Bazett formula, and prolongation was defined using sex-specific thresholds. The study population included African American patients with steady-state SCD across four clinical centers located in both urban and rural settings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 238 participants (92 (38.7%) males and 146 (61.3%) females), with a median age of 19.0 (IQR = 14.0 years). Of these, more than two-thirds of the sample (58.8%) had at least one abnormal ECG finding, which was more common in males (72.8%) compared to females (50.0%). In terms of ECG changes, almost half of the sample (41.1%, n = 97) had left ventricular hypertrophy, and 4.2% (n = 10) had left atrial hypertrophy. The prevalence of prolonged QTc was 20.6% (n = 49). Potential risk factors that showed higher odds of QTc prolongation included: male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.67-8.11; <i>p =</i> 0.001), history of heart disease (OR =3.53, 95% CI: 1.38-9.01, <i>p =</i> 0.008), pericardial effusion (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.10-10.86, <i>p =</i> 0.034), and lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.93; <i>p =</i> 0.018).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Routine ECG screening is recommended among SCD patients, particularly for those at increased risk for prolonged QTc, in addition to avoidance of concomitant factors that prolong QTc intervals. Moreover, regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels is paramount, as it is a modifiable factor influencing QTc prolongation risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e774"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13369597/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148456346","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":"HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 Haplotypes in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction.","authors":"Uğur Küçük, Fatma Sılan, Emine Gazi, Öztürk Özdemir, Kadir Arslan, Volkan Sönmez, Ercan Akşit","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.98","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.98","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Genetic predisposition is one of the factors that contribute to the etiology of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to compare the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and healthy controls.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This case control study was conducted in Western Türkiye, and included 100 participants: 50 patients diagnosed with HFrEF and 50 healthy matching controls. The frequency and distribution of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 were compared between the groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No statistically significant differences in haplotype distribution were observed between patients and controls for any of the assessed parameters. HLA-DQ2 positivity was observed in 16.0% of the HFrEF group and 20.0% of controls, while HLA-DQ8 positivity was found in 24.0% and 26.0%, respectively. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex and HF etiology also did not reveal differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes are not significantly associated with HFrEF in the population studied. Therefore, the utility of these haplotypes as standalone markers for early detection of HFrEF appears limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e779"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13034553/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147593431","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":"Adult-onset Seizures as the First Manifestation of Anti-dsDNA Negative Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.","authors":"Oladotun Victor Olalusi, Joseph Yaria, Ibukun Dedeke, Ikechukwu Chukwuocha","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.24","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a quintessential autoimmune disease once thought to be rare among Africans. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE range from headaches, mood/behavioral disorders, to seizures. There are documented reports of seizures accompanying the diagnosis of SLE, with varying prevalence according to specific regions. However, seizures rarely precede the diagnosis of SLE. We present a case report of a 19-year-old African woman with adult-onset seizures preceding an overt diagnosis of negative anti-dsDNA SLE. A preceding short course of anti-malarial and carbamazepine prompted early consideration of drug-induced lupus erythematosus. However, the clinical features of SLE progressed and persisted despite their discontinuation. Among high-risk groups, it is important to recognize SLE as a potential cause of adult-onset seizures. In the absence of clear offending agents, metabolic or structural disease, baseline antinuclear antibody may be imperative in the diagnostic workup of such patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"e785"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12801121/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"70685969","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":"Child Protection System in Oman: A Public Health Approach and Benchmarking Against the INSPIRE Strategy.","authors":"Jumana Al Abduwani, Asia Al Numanai, Muna Al Saadoon, Kamila Al-Alawi, Shamsa Al Balushi, Shamsa Al Harthi, Jamila Al Abri, Salah Al Awaidy","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.57","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.57","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oman identified child maltreatment as a national health priority almost two decades ago and has since set in motion various measures to address the issue. These measures include capacity-building for healthcare professionals, establishing a governance system for response and treatment, and creating a legal framework and database for reporting cases. This review documents the efforts made by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to manage child maltreatment. It benchmarks the various initiatives against the INSPIRE Strategy's key components: Implementation and enforcement of laws, Norms and values, Safe environments, Parent and caregiver support, Income and economic strengthening, Response and support services, and Education and life skills. Data were collected by reviewing the literature and information by examining available literature on child protection in Oman, relevant policies and regulations, and implemented programs identified by stakeholders. The findings indicate that the child protection system aligns with the INSPIRE strategies, but improvements are needed in coordination with stakeholders. An electronic case management system is urgently required to enhance cooperation, alongside capacity-building efforts for professionals engaged in child care.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e770"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729621","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":"Psychosocial Experiences of Omani Parents of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Cancer: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Laila S Al-Saadi, Hana Al Sumri, Moon Fai Chan, Nawal Al-Mashaikhi, Amal Al Sabahi, Jalila Alkendi, Mohammed Al-Azri","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.89","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore the psychosocial experiences of Omani parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, with emphasis on emotional, cultural, and caregiving dimensions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 at two referral oncology and hematology centers in Muscat, Oman. Twenty Omani parents were interviewed using semi-structured guides. Interviews were conducted in Arabic, transcribed, translated to English, and subjected to framework analysis using NVivo-14 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified three main themes: (1) emotional and mental impact of cancer diagnosis; (2) living with a child's illness; and (3) cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding cancer. Parents described profound and varied emotional distress, including trauma, shock, denial, sorrow, uncertainty, and ongoing worry and fear for their children's well-being, particularly in the early post-diagnosis period. The diagnosis disrupted family routine, especially for mothers, and contributed to social isolation and financial strain. Some parents concealed their distress to protect their children; others felt that their marital bonds had strengthened by sharing. Also revealed were the cultural stigma, beliefs, and practices associated with cancer. Coping strategies included trust in healthcare professionals, religious and spiritual practices, and social support.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Omani parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer undertake a complex psychosocial journey characterized by emotional turmoil, sociocultural pressures, and caregiving and financial challenges. We recommend collaborative efforts among healthcare systems, policymakers, and community stakeholders to provide culturally sensitive psychosocial support for affected families.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 4","pages":"e773"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13373707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148472006","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":"Long-Term Humoral Response to Hepatitis B Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Oman: Impact of Prednisolone and Esomeprazole as Contributing Factors.","authors":"Afra Saif Alhinai, Ali Mahgoub, Ahmed Alwassief, Said A Al-Busafi","doi":"10.5001/omj.2025.96","DOIUrl":"10.5001/omj.2025.96","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global health concern with increasing incidence. Many patients with IBD have impaired immunity, leading to suboptimal response to vaccines. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccination has been part of compulsory childhood immunization program since 1990 in Oman. Given the concerns about vaccine immunogenicity in patients with IBD, we designed this study to quantify the immune response to scheduled HBV vaccination in Omani patients with IBD and compare it with that in a matching control cohort of healthy Omani blood donors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective case-control study was conducted from 1 January to 31 May 2024, at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. We enrolled a total of 252 participants: 126 patients with IBD and 126 controls. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and viral serologies before and after vaccination were collected. The primary outcome was long term immune response to HBV vaccination. Secondary outcomes included identifying factors associated with suboptimal vaccine response.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Durable protective immune response to HBV vaccine was achieved in 29 (23.0%) patients with IBD and 109 (86.5%) controls. Prednisolone and esomeprazole therapies were both significantly associated with suboptimal vaccine response (<i>p =</i> 0.016 and <i>p</i> < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant correlation between low immunogenicity to HBV vaccine and age, sex, type of IBD, comorbidities, or body mass index.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Omani patients with IBD show markedly reduced long-term immunogenicity to HBV vaccination. Esomeprazole and corticosteroid therapies may be associated with this diminished response. These findings highlight the importance of reassessing the immunogenicity to HBV vaccination, and potentially other protective vaccinations, in all patients with IBD as part of their standard of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":19667,"journal":{"name":"Oman Medical Journal","volume":"40 1","pages":"e777"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147818672","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}