Saudi Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Healthcare professionals' perceptions of electronic medical record privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh hospitals.","authors":"Alaa A Qashqari, Dunya S Almutairi, Soukaina A Ennaceur, Nesren S Farhah, Mohammed A Almohaithef","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240928","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240928","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate healthcare professionals' perceptions of electronic medical records (EMRs) privacy and its impact on work quality in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, hospitals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 381 healthcare professionals were surveyed using a self-administered online questionnaire, which collected data on their familiarity with EMRs, perceptions of data protection, and experiences with privacy breaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that 79.3% of the respondents were familiar with EMRs. However, only 69.6% expressed confidence in safeguarding patient data from unauthorized access. Alarmingly, 25.5% admitted to accessing colleagues' EMRs without permission, raising significant privacy concerns. Despite the presence of organizational privacy policies, 24.6% of the respondents were unaware or unsure of these policies. The study also highlighted the impact of privacy issues on healthcare staff, with 63.5% expressing concerns regarding the effects of EMR privacy on confidentiality and 39.4% reporting increased stress levels. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between privacy concerns and stress (<i>p</i>=0.010) but no associations with avoiding medical care or behavior changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the urgent need for healthcare institutions to address privacy-related issues in EMRs and enhance data security measures and staff training to safeguard patient confidentiality and improve overall work quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"299-306"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918673/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of haemoglobin constant spring phenotypes and their haematological characteristics among high school students in Terengganu, Malaysia: A single - centred study.","authors":"Sharifatul F Embong, Sumaiyah Adzahar, Adibah Daud, Mohammad H Nordin, Sarah A Halim, Wan Zuhairah W Embong, Nabilah Rameli, Razan H Zulkeflee, Rosnah Bahar","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240771","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240771","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the prevalence of hemoglobin constant spring (Hb CS) in the Terengganu population, to evaluate the haematological parameters of individuals with heterozygous Hb CS, homozygous Hb CS, and compound heterozygous Hb CS, and to compare the effectiveness of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) in detecting Hb CS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a cross-sectional design involving Form 4 secondary school students from Terengganu. Hemoglobin variants were analyzed using CE (CAPILLARYS2 Flex-Piercing System) and HPLC (VARIANT II). Molecular testing, including multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system-PCR techniques, was carried out to detect alpha thalassemia mutations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of Hb CS revealed 92.2% heterozygous (mean zone 2 CE peak value of 0.7%), 7.2% compound heterozygous (mean zone 2 CE peak value of 1.2%), and 0.5% homozygous cases (mean zone 2 CE peak value of 4.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights a significant prevalence of Hb CS among the Terengganu population, with heterozygous cases being the most common. The peak values in zone 2 CE varied significantly among the heterozygous, compound heterozygous, and homozygous HbCS cases, indicating the potential utility of these measurements in distinguishing between different clinical phenotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"292-298"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cutaneous metastasis of signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the colon.","authors":"Assaf G Alamri, Ahmed S Alhujaily, Rahaf S Alraddadi, Mustafa A Zaytuni","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240853","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cutaneous metastasis of colorectal cancer is uncommon. Therefore, in this case study, we present a unique case of cutaneous metastasis of signet ring adenocarcinoma. The patient presented with generalized asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules 2 years after primary tumor diagnosis. Skin metastasis appeared 3 months before the liver and lung metastasis. However, the patient died 4 months later. Therefore, clinicians should observe signs of distant metastasis of colorectal cancer to enhance survival and improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"316-320"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918666/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety and efficacy of weekly somapacitan for growth hormone deficiency in children: A 72-week observational study.","authors":"Abdulmoein E Al-Agha, Hasan M Aljefri, Shahd E Kafi, Aliaa S Alamri, Abdullah A Alghamdi","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240937","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240937","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the effectiveness and safety of somapacitan, a long-acting growth hormone analog, as a promising treatment to improve adherence in pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The observational study included 184 children diagnosed with GHD. Carried out over 72 weeks at the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic in collaboration with King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients received weekly somapacitan doses, starting at 0.16 mg/kg and adjusted according to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. Key outcomes included changes in height velocity and IGF-1 levels, with statistical significance set at a <i>p</i>-value of <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort, with an average age of 10.1 years and 67.4% male, showed substantial improvements by week 72: IGF-1 levels increased from 166.97 to 363.74, and height velocity gains were most pronounced in children at Tanner Stage 1. Treatment-naive children exhibited greater initial height velocity improvements compared to those switching from daily GH therapy, although these differences leveled over time. Somapacitan was well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, supporting its long-term safety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Weekly somapacitan offers an effective, safe pediatric GHD treatment, with individualized dosing based on IGF-1 levels. Routine IGF-1 monitoring is advised to maximize benefits and minimize risks. Further studies on diverse populations are recommended to validate these findings in pediatric endocrinology.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"269-273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"323-324"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918674/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hospital readmission after an acute admission to internal medicine: Causes and risk factors in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Mutaz H Althobaiti, Khaled A Alkhowaiter, Duha K Alahmadi, Omar S Baharoon, Al-Zahraa S Almahlawi, Mohammed Alqahtani, Hamdan H Al-Jahdali, Jinan Z Shamou, Laila A Layqah, Salim A Baharoon","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240689","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240689","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the risk factors associated with single and multiple hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study carried out during 2019 at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Using simple random sampling with an estimated prevalence of readmission rates between 10-20%, the calculated sample size was 200 patients. Patients were classified into 2 categories: patients with single or multiple readmissions. For comparison of categorical variables, the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were employed as relevant. Means comparisons were carried out using independent samples t-test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was implemented to identify factors associated with multiple readmissions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The rate of readmission in hospital patients was 10.18%. A significant burden of comorbidities was observed with diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure being the most prevalent diseases. Multiple readmissions were observed in 18% of the total readmissions, predominantly for conditions related to the initial hospitalization. Age (odds ratio [OR]=1.057, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.005-1.108]; <i>p</i>=0.030), ejection fraction (OR=0.925; 95% CI: [0.873-0.980]; <i>p</i>=0.008), depression (OR=1.396; 95% CI: [0.3072-26.957]; <i>p</i>=0.049), and previous stroke (OR=0.236, 95% CI: [0.062-0.903]; <i>p</i>=0.035) were identified as independent predictors of multiple readmissions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We found a high burden of comorbidities among patients requiring multiple readmissions. Older age, heart failure and ejection fraction, stroke, and depression were identified as risk factors for multiple readmissions. With interventions tailored to at-risk populations, we hypothesize that better utilization of available resources is achievable to reduce readmissions.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"261-268"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of antidiabetic drugs on the level of serum uric acid in patients who have type 2 diabetes.","authors":"Gang Wang, Guixia Wang","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240920","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyperuricemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interconnected, in that each disorder increases risk for the other. Some antidiabetic drugs may decrease the level of serum uric acid (SUA). This narrative review describes the effects of multiple antidiabetic drugs on the SUA level and their possible mechanisms of action in patients with T2DM. The results showed that sodium glucose contransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), thiazolidinediones, metformin, and linagliptin decreased the SUA; insulin, sitagliptin, and alogliptin increased the SUA; and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), sulfonylureas, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors had little effect on the SUA. Sodium glucose contransporter-2 inhibitors appeared to have the greatest effect on lowering SUA, possibly because they reduce pentose phosphate pathway metabolism and increase the renal excretion of urate by altering renal tubular uric acid transporters. Among all antidiabetic drugs currently used, SGTL2is appeared to be the most promising therapeutic option for T2DM patients with hyperuricemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"213-225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Alhanouf S Alqudah, Nahed S Abaalkhail, Alanoud S Alturki, Yasmen S Naseer, Sara K Almansour","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240778","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the knowledge of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among 228 Saudi adults with diabetes, aiming to assess cognitive awareness through a questionnaire. It explores risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and attitudes towards dementia, while integrating demographic data to illuminate cognitive landscapes and correlations between diabetes and cognitive health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Trained dietitians administered questionnaires to 228 adult Saudi diabetic participants, focusing on their understanding of AD across various domains. The study employed validated tools for data collection and amalgamated responses with demographic and medical details.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 228 participants, 56.6% were female. Findings revealed a high acknowledgment of 3 subdomains of the Alzheimer's disease knowledge scale (ADKS) - risk factors, course, and diagnosis - with 75% agreement. However, lower acknowledgment rates with agreements were observed in the domains of life impact (71%), symptoms (71%), caregiving (72%), and treatment management (69%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in knowledge based on education levels (<i>p</i>≤0.05), with university-educated individuals demonstrating greater agreement across all ADKS subdomains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The research highlights the need for enhanced awareness of AD among Saudi diabetic individuals. By integrating healthcare, education, and culturally sensitive interventions, the study advocates for targeted education to improve understanding of cognitive health and effective management strategies in this demographic, emphasizing the role of educational background in shaping perceptions.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"244-253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of immunoglobulin E sensitization to various inhaled allergens among the residents of the Northern United Arab Emirates: Automated evaluation of a membrane-based test system.","authors":"Israa O Yousif, Nazeerullah Rahamathullah, Nelofar S Khan, Mohammad Mesbahuzzaman, Mohammed Abdulrazzaq, Fawzia A AlObeidli, Praveen K Kandakurti","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240929","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine specific positive immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to various inhaled allergens in residents of Ajman and the northern region of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using an automated evaluation of a membrane-based test.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 104 patients' blood samples were received from various hospitals and clinics in Ajman and other northern Emirates regions at Thumbay Laboratory, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, UAE, to carry out inhalation allergy tests during the study period of 12 months (February 2023 until January 2024). Using the EUROLINE immunoblotting method, 20 different inhalation allergens-impregnated latex strips were used to carry out the allergy test on the patients' serum samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 67 (64.4%) patients tested positive for various inhaled allergens. Approximately 59.7% (n=40) of the positive patients were commonly sensitized to the house dust mites <i>Dermatophagoides farinae</i> and <i>Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus</i>, cockroach, and <i>Candida albicans</i>. High to very high IgE antibody titers (17.5≤sIgE<50.0 and 50.0≤sIgE<100.0 kU/l) to the dust mites were detected in the patients' age groups 1-15 and 31-45 years, and 31.25% of them from the same age groups were polysensitized to ≥3 different allergens.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of positive IgE to various allergens among men was higher than women. These findings highlight the prevalence of IgE sensitization to various inhaled allergens to emphasize more public awareness and implement preventive measures necessary for controlling inhalation allergy-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"282-291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In this issue.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"211"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918668/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}