Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Consanguinity: <i>The innocent culprit in autism severity</i>.","authors":"Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B Idris, Najat Fadlallah, Saquib Jalees, Muna Al-Jabri, Halima Al-Shehhi, Maha Mohammed, Abeer Alsayegh","doi":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.052","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the relationship between consanguinity and the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study, conducted at the Genetic & Developmental Medicine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, examined the records of 139 children aged 1.5 to 14 years who were diagnosed with ASD between June 2011 and May 2024. The study analysed the correlation between consanguinity, homozygosity and ASD severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 139 cases evaluated, 74.1% were male, with an average age of diagnosis of 4.5 ± 2 years. Most ASD cases were classified at severity levels 2 (63.3%) and 3 (35.3%). Consanguinity was reported in 59% of the cases, with a mean homozygosity rate of 4.6%. No significant correlation was found between consanguinity or homozygosity rates and ASD severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>No significant association was found between consanguinity or homozygosity rates and ASD severity. Further research is necessary to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying ASD in consanguineous populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"114-121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627054","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":"Mpox in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: <i>Addressing a new challenge to regional health security</i>.","authors":"Salah Al Awaidy, Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq, Faryal Khamis, Muna Al Maslamani, Jameela Al Salman, Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.1000","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.1000","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627057","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 Viruses in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumours: <i>A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis</i>.","authors":"Deepak Pandiar, Divya Gopinath, Pinky Pavithran, Reshma Poothakulath Krishnan, Jishnu Krishna Kumar, Sajesh K Veettil","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2847","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review aimed to assess the prevalence of oncogenic and non-oncogenic viruses in odontogenic cysts and tumours. A comprehensive database search was performed for published articles regarding the presence of viruses in all odontogenic cysts and tumours, following guidelines without date constraints, and was registered with PROSPERO. After screening 164 articles, 24 studies were included for systematic evaluation. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), revealing an overall pooled prevalence of HPV in ameloblastomas of 18.21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.36-33.73) while the prevalence of HPV in odontogenic cysts was found to be 1.51% (95% CI: 0.00-9.46). The prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in odontogenic tumours was 17.19% (95% CI: 4.62-34.49). Other viruses yielded varied results. Human carcinogenesis has previously been positively correlated with viruses; however, this systematic review's results indicate a very low prevalence in odontogenic pathoses and suggest a limited role in their aetiology.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"370-381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244234/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609634","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":"Symmetrical Peripheral Gangrene Associated with <i>Plasmodium Vivax</i> Malaria: <i>A case report with a brief review of literature</i>.","authors":"Atanu Chandra, Koustav A Shah, Debapratim Ganguly, Rupak Chatterjee, Sugata Dasgupta","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2842","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is an exceptionally uncommon complication of malaria, predominantly linked with <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> and mixed infections. We report a 41-year-old female who presented to a tertiary care centre of eastern India in 2022 with complaint of fever with chills and rigor for 4 days along with pain and acrocyanosis of distal portions of bilateral upper and lower limbs for last 2 days. Investigations revealed anaemia and neutrophilic leucocytosis with thrombocytopaenia. The peripheral smear revealed trophozoites of <i>P. vivax</i> and the malaria rapid diagnostic test confirmed the presence of <i>P. vivax</i> antigen. D-dimer and fibrin degradation product was elevated and prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged; arterial colour doppler of all 4 extremities were within normal limits. A diagnosis of <i>P. vivax</i> malaria was made complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation leading to SPG.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"336-340"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244251/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609640","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":"Effectiveness and Safety Profile of Fingolimod in Treating Omani Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: <i>A single tertiary centre experience</i>.","authors":"Ghaida K H Al-Hashmi, Abdullah Al-Asmi, M Mazharul Islam, Ibrahim Al-Zakwani, Mehwish Butt, Ahmed Al-Qassabi, Haifa Al-Abri, Arunodaya R Gujjar","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2829","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in Omani multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Fingolimod is one of the oral drugs used to treat MS. However, there is limited information on its effectiveness and safety among the Omani population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective real-world study included 65 Omani MS patients who received fingolimod therapy from 2012 to 2021 at a single tertiary centre in Oman. Data were collected between August and November 2021. Various measures were used to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 65 MS patients included in the study, 51 (79%) were female. The median duration of fingolimod use was 3.6 ± 2.5 years. The results of the last follow-up visit indicate that the median annualised relapse rate decreased by 84% and relapse-free rate (RFR) increased to 90%, with only a minimal (13%) increase in the expanded disability status. The median number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions in the brain and spine decreased significantly by 88% and 67%, respectively, while the new or enlarged T2 lesions in the brain significantly decreased by 62% (P < 0.050) over the treatment period. The most common side effect was bradycardia (32%). Patient age and age at treatment initiation were significant predictors of RFR (P < 0.050).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that the effectiveness and safety profiles of fingolimod in Omani MS patients are similar to those determined by standard clinical trials and real-world retrospective studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"225-232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12240137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609574","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":"Antibiotic Use by Paediatric Residents of the Oman Medical Specialty Board: <i>Identifying opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship</i>.","authors":"Shaima Alshukaili, Hussain Al-Saffar, Hatem Al-Rawahi, Laila Al Yazidi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2861","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescription knowledge and practices among Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) paediatric residents. The goal was to identify educational opportunities to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve patient care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the OMSB paediatric residents from August 2023 to September 2023. The online survey involved three parts: residents' demographics, knowledge of 12 common paediatric infection scenarios and clinical practice. Participants were asked to choose the proper antibiotic choices and duration for each scenario. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 74 responses were obtained, resulting in an 84% response rate. No significant differences were observed in the knowledge of antibiotic prescriptions among paediatric residents at different stages of their residency. The highest knowledge-based adherence rate to local antibiotic guidelines was noted in the acute sinusitis scenario (n = 70; 94.6%), followed by the acute meningitis scenario (n = 68; 91.9%). Conversely, the lowest adherence was observed in the acute otitis media (n = 16; 21.6%), followed by cellulitis (n = 23; 31.1%). Residents exhibited proficient clinical judgement by consulting infectious disease specialists when required based on the scenarios provided.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The low knowledge-based adherence to antibiotic guidelines for common paediatric infections, coupled with the lack of significant differences in antibiotic knowledge between senior and junior paediatric residents, underscores the need for collective educational interventions. These interventions aim to advance knowledge and skills in antimicrobial stewardship and local antibiotic guidelines application.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"474-484"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609592","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":"Urinary Tract Infections Among Patients in Primary Healthcare Centres in Bahrain: <i>A cross-sectional study</i>.","authors":"Mahmood Alawainati, Zahra Ayoob, Eman Almajed, Safaa Alkhawaja, Noof Abdulaal, Rehab Alkhnaizi, Hanin Shaheen, Fatema Hubail, Nermin Kamal Saeed","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2849","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2849","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the clinical and microbiological profiles of patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in primary healthcare centres in Bahrain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at 27 primary care centres in Bahrain between January and December 2022. All patients with positive urine cultures, defined as the presence of ≥100,000 colony-forming units/mL were included. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, risk factors for resistant uropathogens, uropathogen types and antibiotic sensitivity outcomes were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,985 patients were included, with an average age of 40.57 ± 20.18 years. Most participants were female (n = 1,802, 90.8%) and Bahraini (n = 1,699, 85.6%). Diabetes mellitus (20.1%) and hypertension (17.9%) were the most prevalent comorbidities among the participants. <i>Escherichia coli</i> (n = 1,220, 61.5%) and <i>Klebsiella</i> (n = 342, 17.2%) were the most common uropathogens identified. Nearly 1 in 5 patients had resistant uropathogens (n = 412, 20.8%), with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) uropathogens being the most prevalent (n = 401, 20.2%). Patients with diabetes (<i>P</i> <0.001), hypertension (<i>P</i> <0.001), a history of previous ESBL infections (<i>P</i> <0.001), previous carbapenem-resistant <i>Enterobacterales</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.019), a history of antibiotic use (<i>P</i> <0.001) and recent hospitalisation (<i>P</i> <0.001) exhibited a higher prevalence of resistant uropathogens. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older patients (<i>P</i> = 0.002) and participants who had used antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.470; <i>P</i> = 0.002) or had been hospitalised (OR = 1.762; <i>P</i> = 0.017) had higher rates of resistant UTIs. A personal history of ESBL infections increased the risk of having resistant uropathogens by 3-fold (OR = 3.347; <i>P</i> <0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Resistant uropathogens are common among patients with culture-positive UTIs in primary care settings in Bahrain, especially among older patients, those with recent antibiotic use and hospitalisation and those who had ESBL UTIs. Rational antibiotic use based on sensitivity patterns and ongoing surveillance is important to mitigate the risks of resistant UTIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"395-402"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609650","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":"Improving Female Health at Various Life Stages: <i>A systematic review of the impact of date fruit products</i>.","authors":"Elham Shirdel, Farinaz Rahimi, Masoumeh Jafarzadeh, Fatemeh Abdi, Fatemeh Alsadat Rahnemaei","doi":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.064","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review examines the effects of date fruit products on female health across different life stages. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool. A total of 21 eligible studies were reviewed, demonstrating that date fruit consumption benefits puberty, reproductive health, and menopause. During puberty, date fruit intake was associated with improved hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. In reproductive-age women, date fruits positively influenced fertility parameters and sexual function. Additionally, in menopause, they contributed to alleviating dyspareunia and supporting ovarian reserve maintenance. Providing women with proper nutrition and integrating date fruits into their diet may serve as a cost-effective preventive approach, reducing reliance on medical interventions. Simple dietary recommendations can enhance women's quality of life and support overall well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"38-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609618","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":"Prognostic Accuracy of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Predicting Mortality Among Acute Pancreatitis Patients: <i>A systematic review and hierarchical bivariate meta-analysis</i>.","authors":"M S Deepthy, K T Harichandrakumar, Kalesh M Karun, Tamilarasu Kadhiravan, N S Nair","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2865","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2865","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute pancreatitis (AP), often requiring hospitalisation, is mild in most cases but severe in approximately 20% of cases. Early severity and mortality risk identification are crucial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic utility of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) for predicting mortality in AP. A comprehensive literature search from 1990 to 2023 was conducted across MEDLINE, SCOPUS and ScienceDirect databases along with Google Scholar. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Prognostic accuracy measures were pooled using a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis model, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Of the 1,207 studies identified, 20 were used for quantitative synthesis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for mortality prediction were 87% and 81%, with an area under the summary ROC curve of 0.90. These findings highlight RDW's potential as a promising biomarker for mortality prediction in AP.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"521-530"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12293538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733311","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":"Biofilm-Induced Bone Degradation in Osteomyelitis: <i>Insights from a comprehensive ex vivo pathogen interaction study</i>.","authors":"Ahmed Al Ghaithi, John Husband, Attika Al Bimani, Mohammed Al Kindi, Sultan Al Maskari","doi":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.053","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.10.2024.053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Osteomyelitis, characterised by bone inflammation due to microbial infection, presents significant healthcare challenges. While the protective role of biofilm in bacterial immunity and persistence is well-documented, its direct impact on bone degradation in osteomyelitis remains inadequately characterised. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the direct effects of biofilm-forming pathogens on human bone, providing new insights into the mechanisms of bone destruction associated with osteomyelitis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Bone sections were collected from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2021 and December 2022. The samples were then inoculated with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> to simulate <i>in vitro</i> bone infection. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyse the bacterial interaction with bone tissue.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Biofilm-forming pathogens directly contributed to bone degradation, as evidenced by SEM images showing marked trabecular destruction. Raman analysis showed a significant increase in the carbonate-to-phosphate ratio in inoculated samples (61.9%) compared to controls (47%). Additionally, mineral content decreased in inoculated samples, and the carbonate-to-amide I ratio reduced by 47% in inoculated samples and by 80% in controls. The inoculated samples exhibited an 82% shift in collagen cross-linking compared to a 72% shift in controls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research enhances the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying bone destruction in osteomyelitis and underscores the intricate role of biofilm in disease progression. These findings highlight the importance of biofilm in bone degradation and its potential implications for infection management.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"98-104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627048","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}