Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8843
Ali M Alzahrani, Holly C Felix, Abdulrhman A Alzhrani
{"title":"Gender Differences in Primary Care Utilization and Determinants of General Practitioner Visits Among Saudi Females: <i>A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using World Health Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2019</i>.","authors":"Ali M Alzahrani, Holly C Felix, Abdulrhman A Alzhrani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8843","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To document the number of visits Saudi adults have with general practitioners (GP) or family medicine doctors (FD), determine if there is an association between GP/FD visits and sex, and then identify factors associated with GP/FD visits among Saudi females.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2019 World Health Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSAWHS 2019), a nationally representative household survey. The outcome variable was number of visits to GP/FD. Survey-weighted negative binomial regression was applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From April to July 2019, 8,912 individuals participated in the KSAWHS 2019 individual questionnaire, of whom 7,677 were Saudi nationals aged 15 years and older, had completed responses and were included in this study. Females had more GP visits than males (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.49). Among females, higher use associated with having access to a private car (IRR 3.87, 95% CI 3.20-4.68, <i>p</i> < 0.001), living in rural areas (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.08-1.57, <i>p</i> = 0.005), being currently married (IRR 1.58, 95% CI 1.17-2.13, <i>p</i> = 0.003), and being separated/divorced/widowed (IRR 2.11, 95% CI 1.44-3.07, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These nationally representative findings provide a baseline for monitoring future trends and evaluating health-system reforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1524-1529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761261","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8836
Maher S Alwethaynani
{"title":"The Role of Chimeric Antigen Receptor Regulatory T Cells in Promoting Immune Tolerance in Solid Organ Transplantation: <i>Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential</i>.","authors":"Maher S Alwethaynani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8836","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage organ failure; however, lifelong immunosuppressant use is needed to prevent allograft rejection. These drugs increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liver, kidney, and lung cancers, and heighten susceptibility to oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus. The usage of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) regulatory T (Treg) cells is a promising approach to induce transplant tolerance while minimizing dependence on immunosuppressants. The CAR Tregs offer the potential to enhance graft survival and quality of life by reducing immunosuppressant-related morbidity and mortality. Despite remarkable progress in transplantation tolerance, challenges remain owing to a limited understanding of Treg biology and technical barriers. This review discusses the implications of immunosuppression, CAR and CAR Treg biology, mechanisms of Treg-mediated tolerance, CAR Treg manufacturing, clinical trials, optimization strategies, and existing challenges and future directions for CAR Treg-based therapies in SOT.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1460-1473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761424","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8840
Mohammed A A Alqumber
{"title":"The Al-Bahah Paradox: Divergent Patterns of Increased and Decreased Infectious Disease Incidence Relative to National Saudi Rates Over 12 Years of Surveillance.","authors":"Mohammed A A Alqumber","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8840","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify statistically significant deviations in notifiable infectious disease incidence between Al-Bahah region and national Saudi averages, and to generate hypotheses that may inform future epidemiological, microbiological, and public health investigations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In April 2026, a 12-year retrospective ecological study (2013-2024) was conducted using surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health for 37 notifiable infectious diseases across 20 health regions. Cumulative incidence rates, standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs), and Z-tests compared observed cases in Al-Bahah against national estimates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall incidence was 15.8% lower in Al-Bahah than nationally (86.42 versus 102.68; incidence rate ratios = 0.842; <i>p</i> = 1.6×10<sup>-31</sup>), but this aggregate reduction concealed a bidirectional divergence. Reduction anomalies: dengue fever absent; amoebic dysentery reduced by 95%; measles by 76%; malaria by 60%. Excess anomalies: schistosomiasis increased 713%; pneumococcal meningitis 600%; <i>Salmonella</i> food poisoning 232%; brucellosis 73%. A 2021 <i>Salmonella</i> outbreak reached 155.95/100,000 (>20-fold national peak).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Al-Bahah exhibited lower incidence of diseases including vector-borne and fecal-oral diseases but higher incidence of several other diseases like zoonotic, foodborne, and freshwater-associated infections relative to national rates. These ecological observations generate hypotheses regarding regional differences in disease transmission, diagnosis, surveillance, and healthcare utilization that warrant further investigation using individual-level data. If confirmed, such findings may have implications for region-specific public health planning, laboratory preparedness, and clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1495-1505"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763314","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8834
Naif Z Alrashdi, Ahmed M Almansour, Azfar Jamal
{"title":"Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Countries: <i>A Genetic Systematic Review Study</i>.","authors":"Naif Z Alrashdi, Ahmed M Almansour, Azfar Jamal","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8834","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the available research on genetic determinants with special emphasis on the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), in Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations, with reference to the genetic variants, family trend, and environmental factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Saudi Digital Library and Google Scholar through a broad literature search since the beginning of the databases until 2023. Studies that conducted in Saudi Arabia or Gulf countries which evaluated the relationships of genetic factors in DDH were included. Case reports, conference abstracts, and studies that did not evaluate genetic variables and reviews were removed. Due to differences in study design and genetic methods, the data were extracted and summarized qualitatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total 473 articles were retrieved from the search data base in which 11 articles were selected for this study. The findings indicated correlations between DDH, and various genes participated in the formation of skeleton and cartilage. Different studies reported rare variants in HSPG2 and ATP2B4, as well as polymorphisms in growth/differentiation factor 5. Several studies also demonstrated a high degree of familial clustering, female dominance, and a potential effect of consanguinity. Genetic susceptibility appears to interact with environmental and cultural factors, such as swaddling practices and delivery-related conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The etiology of DDH in Saudi and Gulf populations seems to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic predisposition factors. There should be bigger genomic studies to further identify population-specific risk factors and aid early detection and prevention measures in the area.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1434-1444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471452/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765216","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8833
Hana A Alhumud, Fars K Alanazi, Edward B DeVol
{"title":"Exploring Translational Medical Research Progress in G20 Countries: <i>5-Year Study</i>.","authors":"Hana A Alhumud, Fars K Alanazi, Edward B DeVol","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8833","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Biomedical research is crucial for advancing medical knowledge and improving public health. However, the research process is often disjointed and lacks seamless progression, leading to delays and missed opportunities. To address this, the concept of translational research has emerged, focusing on the smooth transition of research results to the next stage of inquiry.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analyzed approximately 40,000 research publications from the Web of Science database to identify research activities associated with translational research. Publications from Group of 20 (G20) countries over the past 5 years were examined to explore patterns of research focus and progress in this field.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There is no universal formula for successful translational research across G20 countries. What works in one country may not yield the same results in another, as factors contributing to success vary significantly among nations. Each country's unique history of success and failure influences its translational research outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the importance of collaboration and global research efforts in improving predictability and outcomes in translational research. By drawing on diverse perspectives and experiences, the potential for success in specific research activities is expected to increase. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a more connected and coordinated approach to biomedical research to enhance its impact on health improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1423-1433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471418/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763343","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8837
Hosaam H Nasr, Faisal A Almudaiheem
{"title":"The Case for Gulf Region-Specific Peripheral Artery Disease Trials: <i>A Comprehensive Literature Review</i>.","authors":"Hosaam H Nasr, Faisal A Almudaiheem","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8837","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8837","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peripheral artery disease (PAD) research is globally underrepresented, with landmark trials like Best Endovascular Surgical Therapy for Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia and Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg predominantly featuring white, Western populations. These studies fail to account for the unique clinical landscape of the Gulf region, where PAD prevalence reaches up to 13.7%. Gulf patients present at younger ages and face a disproportionately high diabetes burden, with regional prevalence near 18%, nearly double that of Europe. Beyond metabolic factors, the Gulf population exhibits distinct genetic architectures, including high rates of consanguinity and familial hypercholesterolemia. Because Western-derived data cannot be universally applied, there is an urgent imperative for region-specific PAD trials that incorporate local epidemiology, culturally adapted outcome measures, and localized risk assessment models.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1474-1478"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148760991","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8835
Bijad S Alqahtani, Husam A Almalki
{"title":"Meta-Analysis on the effect of Tai Chi Chuan on Human Biomechanics and Health from (2021-2025).","authors":"Bijad S Alqahtani, Husam A Almalki","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8835","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8835","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Prior reviews emphasize overall health outcomes of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) but rarely resolve the biomechanical intermediates (such as Center of Mass (CoM)-Center of Pressure (CoP) control, joint loading) that link practice to clinical function-knowledge that matters for balance, fall risk, and osteoarthritic knee load management. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to test the null hypothesis that TCC produces no improvement versus comparators in (i) biomechanical stability indices (mediolateral/anterior-posterior CoM-CoP separation; COP Root Mean Square RMS) and (ii) related clinical functions (such as Time up and go (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); alternative hypothesis: TCC improves these outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eligible designs were randomized trials, non-randomized interventions (pre-post/controlled before-after), analytical cross-sectional comparisons (including repeated-measures and expert-novice contrasts), and finite-element analyses only when driven by in-study human kinematics/kinetics; timeframe 2021-2025; humans only.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Outcomes were continuous; therefore, pooled effects are reported as SMD (95% CI, <i>p</i>). Peak mediolateral CoM-CoP separation: SMD = 0.16 (-1.12 to 1.45), <i>p</i> = 0.80. Peak anteroposterior CoM-CoP separation: SMD = 0.33 (-0.65 to 1.31), <i>p</i> = 0.505. Mediolateral COP RMS in single-leg tasks: SMD = -1.60 (-4.16 to 0.96), <i>p</i> = 0.22.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Across the included studies, Tai Chi Chuan demonstrated favourable trends in balance control and joint loading under structured programs, with concurrent reductions in select clinical endpoints.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1445-1459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471491/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761714","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8815
Muzaffer Gencer, Mehmet Yalvaç
{"title":"Comparison of the Effects of Spinal Versus General Anesthesia on the Perioperative Intraocular Pressure: <i>A prospective, randomized clinical trial</i>.","authors":"Muzaffer Gencer, Mehmet Yalvaç","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8815","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8815","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effects of spinal and general anesthesia on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients, who had lumbar spine and lower extremity orthopedic surgeries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty adult were randomly classified into Group spinal anesthesia (SA) and Group general anesthesia (GA). The IOP, mean systemic arterial pressure, and heart rhythm were measured at 6 pre-determined timepoints (T0: Baseline, T1: Before spinal procedure or anesthesia induction, T2: After injection with intrathecal or anesthesia induction, T3: 5th minutes (min) after spinal procedure or tracheal intubation, T4: 30th min intraoperative, T5: At the end of surgery, T6: 5th min after surgery or tracheal extubation in the operation room.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The baseline IOP and IOP1 measurements during were not significantly different between the groups (SA = 14.28 ± 0.8 mmHg; GA = 14.62 ± 0.9 mmHg, <i>p</i> = 0.923; and IOP1: SA = 15.83 ± 0.9 mmHg; GA = 15.88 ± 0.9 mmHg, <i>p</i> = 0.929). The most significant decrease in IOP in both groups was recorded at T2 (SA: 12.37 ± 0.6. GA: 12.24 ± 0.4, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The decrease in IOP2 was more significant in the GA group. The IOP3 was significantly higher in GA group after intubation (GA: 19.82 ± 1.2, SA: 12.86 ± 1.0)(<i>p</i> < 0.05). The IOP4 and IOP5 in the SA group were lower than those in the GA group. The IOP6 in both groups was higher (SA: 15.20 ± 0.8, GA: 16.50 ± 1.0) than the baseline IOP values, albeit not significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In prone position, IOP at the T4 and T5 timepoints were significantly higher than the initial values in both the SA and the GA groups; however, the increase in the GA group was more higher than that of the SA group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In intraoperative period, intraocular pressure may increase in both management of anesthesia, but this increase is higher in the general anesthesia group.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1549-1557"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471463/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148759860","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8832
Nawaf S Alqurashi, Mazen S Alshehri, Mohammed J Almalki, Mustafa M Muradkhudhari, Rozan M Radwan, Mohammed M Aldurdunji, Saleh A Almazam, Ohood K Almuzaini, Saad M Wali
{"title":"Patterns and Determinants of Medication Errors Across the Medication-Use Process: <i>A 3-Year Retrospective Study in a Saudi Tertiary Hospital</i>.","authors":"Nawaf S Alqurashi, Mazen S Alshehri, Mohammed J Almalki, Mustafa M Muradkhudhari, Rozan M Radwan, Mohammed M Aldurdunji, Saleh A Almazam, Ohood K Almuzaini, Saad M Wali","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8832","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8832","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterize medication errors across the full workflow and identify stage-specific predictors in a tertiary care setting. Medication errors remain a major global patient safety concern, with limited comprehensive analyses across all stages of the medication-use process in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational study was conducted using medication error reports from Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, between January 2023 and August 2025. Errors were classified by stage and severity using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with each stage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 6,546 errors were analyzed. Most occurred during prescribing (65.5%), followed by transcribing (26.5%) and monitoring (4.4%). Incorrect or missing dose was the most common error (38.2%). Ordering-stage incidents accounted for 95.5% of reports. Pharmacists identified 86.3% of errors, and 93.5% did not reach patients (Category B). Antibiotics (32.8%) and cardiovascular medications (22.5%) were most frequently involved. Stage-specific predictors varied, with nurse detection strongly associated with administration-stage errors (odds ratio = 7.10; 95% Confidence Intervals: 2.94-16.9).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prescribing errors predominated, while pharmacists played a key role in error interception. Targeted, system-level interventions addressing prescribing practices and stage-specific risks are essential to improving medication safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1530-1541"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471504/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148761673","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}
Saudi Medical JournalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-08-06DOI: 10.15537/1658-3175.8839
Ahmed M Alkhunaizi, Jumana A Al Naser, Khaled D Algarni, Suhaib M Ahmed, Amro M Moubarak, Haralabos D Parissis
{"title":"Preoperative Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio Predicts Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.","authors":"Ahmed M Alkhunaizi, Jumana A Al Naser, Khaled D Algarni, Suhaib M Ahmed, Amro M Moubarak, Haralabos D Parissis","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8839","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To prospectively evaluate whether baseline urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) predicts acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative decline in kidney function in elective, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and explore the magnitude of effect across clinically relevant uACR strata. Preoperative uACR is a marker of glomerular endothelial dysfunction and systemic microvascular injury that may identify patients at increased risk for AKI after CABG.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this single-center prospective cohort study, 111 adults undergoing elective, isolated CABG between January 2020 and December 2024 were stratified by baseline uACR (< 30, 30-300, > 300 milligram/gram[mg/g]). The primary outcome was AKI defined by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. Secondary outcomes included peak postoperative creatinine, 6-month estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ventilator duration, and hospital length of stay. Regression models were adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and baseline eGFR. Log-transformations were applied to skewed variables to improve model performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The AKI incidence increased across uACR strata: 14.1% (< 30 mg/g), 23.5% (30-300 mg/g), and 66.7% (> 300 mg/g). In adjusted logistic regression (n = 109), each doubling of log-transformed uACR was associated with higher AKI odds (odds ratio 1.44; 95% confidence level 1.03-2.01). Macroalbuminuria (>300 mg/g) conferred a sixfold increase in AKI risk compared with <30 mg/g. Macroalbuminuric patients experienced a 0.75 mg/dL greater rise in postoperative creatinine and a 16.2 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> larger decline in 6-month eGFR. No significant associations were observed with ventilator duration or hospital stay.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this single center cohort, elevated preoperative uACR, particularly in the macroalbuminuric range, was associated with AKI and early renal dysfunction after CABG and remained an independent predictor after adjustment. Routine preoperative uACR measurement may aid risk stratification and identify patients for nephroprotective strategies; however, these findings require confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 9","pages":"1487-1494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13471469/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148762057","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}