Qatar Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Exploring sociodemographic factors and coping strategies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among paramedics working in a Middle Eastern country.","authors":"Mohammed Jameel Al Barbari, Padarath Gangaram, Hmoud Alolimat, Gary Kenward, James Laughton, Guillaume Alinier","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.58","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2026.58","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Paramedics often work under pressure, making them vulnerable to burnout and depression, but the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was an unprecedented crisis in modern times. This study examines the coping strategies employed by paramedics in Qatar's national Ambulance Service prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In early 2021, we conducted an anonymous online survey using a modified version of Carver's Brief COPE scale, a validated tool measuring coping mechanisms. The survey was shared with 1,100 paramedics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The data from 272 valid responses revealed a drop in several healthy coping strategies during the pandemic, including meditation, social activities, physical exercise, and religious practices. Instead, the use of comfort food as a coping method increased significantly. A paired <i>t</i>-test showed that the average coping strategy score decreased significantly from 48.95 (± 6.78) before the pandemic to 45.15 (± 6.7) during the pandemic (<i>p</i> < 0.05) out of 85 points. Interestingly, behaviours like self-reported smoking and substance use remained unchanged (<i>p</i> > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The decline in helpful coping behaviours during the pandemic likely reflects the elevated stress and limited opportunities for self-care due to lockdowns and work demands. These findings highlight an urgent need for better mental health support and targeted interventions to strengthen paramedics' resilience, both during crises and in their everyday roles.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13580467/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148992505","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":"Qatar mental health law: Knowledge and attitude among healthcare workers.","authors":"Majid Alabdulla, Shuja Mohd Reagu, Mugtaba Osman, Denise Haddad, Sultan Albrahim, Yousaf Iqbal","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.57","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.57","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Qatar's mental health law (MHL) is designed to regulate the management of individuals with mental illness and to safeguard their rights and is currently in the process of implementation. Studies from countries with established MHL systems reveal varying attitudes of stakeholders towards this law. This study aimed to assess awareness and attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) to proposed MHL provisions in Qatar.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional survey using a specially designed online questionnaire was carried out. In addition to socio-demographic information, responses to questions exploring attitudes to MHL provisions were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, which were then analysed statistically and thematically. The survey was carried out from 10^th October 2021 to 30^th November 2021, at the state-run Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over a thousand (<i>n</i> = 1006) respondents participated in the survey. The Cronbach's alpha estimate for the attitudes subsection of the questionnaire was 87% (95% CI: 86% to 88%). This is indicative of a very good internal consistency. The overall mean attitude score was 57.6 points (out of a maximum possible 80 points), indicative of a generally positive attitude (SD = 9.6 points). Most respondents agreed that the law will have a positive impact on patient rights, access to treatment, timely assessment, and management. However, only around a third (35.3%) reported that they had received any training around the law. Thematic analyses highlighted that respondents believed that the law would align local practice with International human rights standards and that the implementation would improve mental healthcare in general and improve access to care. Concerns around a lack of adequate training and a lack of focus on the mental health of healthcare staff were the other main themes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This is the first and the largest survey of its kind in the region and highlights that there is an overall positive attitude towards this law in Qatar among HCWs. This augurs well for the full implementation and operationalisation of this law.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148914379","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":"Effect of nebivolol on nitric oxide availability and ADMA concentration in CAD patients after PCI: Prospective randomized double-blind study.","authors":"Ali A R Aldallal, Maryam A Razzaq, Ahmed M Abdul Hameed, Huda Jabber Merza, Hasanain Kamil Hasan, Salam Jasim Mohammed","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.55","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.55","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endothelial dysfunction, defined by decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and increased levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), has been proposed to play a central role in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) pathophysiology. A selective β-blocker, nebivolol, could offer benefits in affecting this pathway after revascularization.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study is to determine the influence of nebivolol on serum NO levels and ADMA in patients with CAD who underwent successful elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study, 172 subjects with confirmed obstructive CAD and scheduled for PCI were recruited. After successful revascularization, patients were randomized to receive nebivolol 5 mg once daily (<i>n</i> = 89) or placebo (<i>n</i> = 83) for 42 days. Serum NO (μmol/L) and ADMA (ng/mL) were assessed at baseline and day 42 by colorimetry and ELISA, respectively. Paired t-tests and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) analyses were performed for comparisons within and between the groups, respectively, after adjustment for baseline values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The baseline clinical parameters and biomarker values were found to be equivalent between groups. After 42 days of therapy, there was a marked increase in serum NO levels among the nebivolol group (from 85.25 ± 9.8 to 128.47 ± 6.2; <i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas there was no change in the placebo group (<i>p</i> = 0.85). Simultaneously, there was a decrease in the levels of ADMA in the nebivolol-treated subjects (from 169.68 ±12.8 to 153.70 ±12.7; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and no change in the placebo-treated group. The ANCOVA analysis between the two groups for both markers was found to be highly significant at Day 42 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), independent of concomitant medications or baseline profiles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In patients after PCI, treatment for 42 days was found to significantly enhance NO availability and decrease systemic ADMA concentration by nebivolol. These results clearly establish that nebivolol has the potential to restore vascular homeostasis in the high-risk vascular window, hence making it an ideal supplementary treatment for patients having atherosclerotic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148914346","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":"A retrospective analysis of bacterial colonization epidemiology in pediatric burn patients in Qatar.","authors":"Soliman Mohamed Aly, Ahmed Al Homosy, Islam Abu El Fotoh, Jimmy Thomas","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.56","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.56","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Burn injuries in children are associated with a high risk of wound colonization and infection due to loss of skin integrity and prolonged hospitalization. Understanding temporal microbiological patterns is essential to guide clinical management and antimicrobial stewardship.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Al-Wakrah Hospital, Qatar, between 2022 and 2025. Children aged 1 month to 14 years with burn injuries and at least one wound culture were included. Early (≤72 hours) and late (>72 hours) wound colonization patterns, antimicrobial utilization, and sepsis outcomes were analyzed using Fisher's exact test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 199 patients were included (mean age 3 years), with scald burns accounting for 86.4% and most burns involving ≤10% total body surface area (TBSA). Early wound cultures were predominantly no growth or normal flora (68.2%). In contrast, late cultures demonstrated a significant decline in normal flora (10.5% vs 27.3%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and a shift toward Gram-negative organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.2% vs 0.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.002), along with emergence of yeast (3.9% vs 0%, <i>p</i> = 0.008). Larger burns (>10% TBSA) were significantly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Antibiotic use among patients with negative cultures increased significantly in the late phase (56.7% vs 28.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.003). Sepsis occurred in 5.5% of patients and was more frequent in larger burns, although not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pediatric burn wound microbiology demonstrates a clear temporal shift toward Gram-negative organisms with prolonged hospitalization, particularly in larger burns. Increased antibiotic use in patients with negative cultures highlights important opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship and optimization of prescribing practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148914336","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":"Comparative effectiveness of intravenous versus inhalational antibiotic administration for the management of Acinetobacter pneumonia: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Kostiantyn Krenov, Oleksandr Oliynyk, Maryna Mamonova, Svitlana Yaroslavska, Andriy Dobrorodniy","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.54","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.54","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aerosol antibiotics directly target the respiratory tract, bypassing the poor lung penetration of many intravenous antibiotics. However, they seem like they could be useful for treating ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP); not enough research has been done on how well inhaled and intravenous treatments work. The existing literature does not give definitive information regarding which method yields superior therapeutic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the therapeutic effects of intravenous versus inhaled colistin in treating <i>Acinetobacter</i> VAP in severe traumatic brain injury patients.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study compared inhaled versus intravenous colistin for <i>Acinetobacter</i> VAP using clinical and laboratory markers of infection and organ function. It was conducted from February 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024, at four Ukrainian medical institutions in Kyiv, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both routes significantly reduced leukocyte counts (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Inhaled colistin improved PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios from 337 to 343 mmHg (<i>p</i> = 0.010), while intravenous colistin did not show a significant change (<i>p</i> = 0.334). Intravenous administration better preserved systemic organ function, with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores worsening from 12 to 13 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), compared to inhalation, which worsened from 12 to 14 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Neither route significantly affected sepsis incidence (inhalation 33% vs. intravenous 22.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.116) or 28-day mortality (inhalation 27% vs. intravenous 20.6%, <i>p</i> = 0.362). Male gender was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.99, <i>p</i> = 0.046).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Post-treatment physiological status was the primary determinant of outcomes in <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> VAP patients with severe traumatic brain injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"54"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551438/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148914395","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":"Antimicrobial resistance patterns in a Qatari tertiary care center in 2024: A retrospective study.","authors":"Bassem Al Hariri, Ahmad Eid Nazzal Alharafsheh, Joudi Alhariri, Ali Mousa Alnaimat, Manish Barman, Muad Abdi Hassan, Hatem Mabrouk Taher Abusriwil","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.52","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.52","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat. Local, real-time epidemiological data are the cornerstone of effective antimicrobial stewardship. This study aimed to establish a 2024 baseline for AMR patterns at a major tertiary care center in Qatar to directly guide empirical therapy and stewardship interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 1,656 positive bacterial cultures from blood, urine, and wound samples collected from 1,218 patients between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was interpreted per European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) 2024 guidelines. Statistical analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (30.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (25.0%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0%). High resistance rates were observed, with E. coli exhibiting resistance to ceftriaxone (45.0%, 95% CI 40.5-49.5) and ciprofloxacin (50.0%, 95% CI 45.5-54.5). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) prevalence was 30.0% (95% CI 25.6-34.7). Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) accounted for 5.5% (95% CI 4.4-6.7) of all isolates. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) were identified in 35.0% (95% CI 32.7-37.3) of samples, with a significantly higher prevalence in intensive care units (ICUs) (45.0%) compared to other wards (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study documents a high burden of AMR, dominated by Gram-negative pathogens in critical care settings. These findings necessitate a multi-pronged response, including the revision of empirical antibiotic guidelines, enhanced stewardship focused on high-risk agents, and intensified infection control in ICUs. Integrating molecular epidemiology into future prospective surveillance is essential to combat this escalating crisis.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547785/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148908222","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":"Early pregnancy body mass index outweighs gestational weight gain in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus: A single-center experience from Türkiye.","authors":"Emre Gezer, Özlem Alkan, Yeliz Demirhan, Alev Selek, Berrin Çetinarslan, Zeynep Cantürk, Mehmet Sözen","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.53","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.53","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity. Various risk factors for GDM, including pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG), have been described in the literature. Although both factors have been identified as important risk factors for GDM, the relative contribution of each to the development of GDM remains controversial. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to compare the relative impact of early pregnancy BMI and GWG on the risk of developing GDM in a study from a single tertiary center.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Our retrospective study analyzed data from pregnant women who were referred to our clinic between 2017 and 2024 and underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between the 24^th and 28^th weeks of gestation. Sociodemographic characteristics, plasma glucose levels at 0, 1, and 2 hours during the OGTT, maternal height and self-reported weight at the onset of pregnancy (when informed of the positive pregnancy test), and body weight at the time of the OGTT were retrieved.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 290 pregnant women included in the study, 45 (15.5%) were diagnosed with GDM. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced maternal age (<i>p</i> = 0.034), a prior history of GDM (<i>p</i> = 0.043), excessive gestational weight gain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.989; <i>p</i> = 0.042), and elevated early pregnancy BMI (aOR = 4.317; <i>p</i> = 0.025) were identified as independent risk factors for GDM.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of our study showed that pre-pregnancy BMI was independently associated with a higher risk for GDM compared to gestational weight gain. Additionally, advanced age and a history of GDM were independent risk factors for GDM. These results suggest that clinicians should focus on pre-pregnancy BMI assessment and gestational weight monitoring to reduce the risk of GDM.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547782/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148908200","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":"Function-preserving intracapsular versus superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Ayman Abdulmohaymen, Sayed R Abdelbary, Tamer A Abouelgreed, Abd El-Fattah Al Sheikh, Hany Abdelfatah Elhady, Zahraa Futooh, Mahmoud E Nagaty, Hamada Rashad Abdelkader, Ahmed F Elhossainy, Mohamed I Shalamesh, Alsayed B Moghazy, Mohamed A Nafea, Hamdy Farag, Esam M Osman, Mohammed Abbas, Islam M Ibrahim, Mohamed Hassan Elkaseer, Mohamed Mahdy, Mahmoud A El-Hussieny, Ahmed G E Metwally, Mohammed M Elrefaey, Ahmed Lamey","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.51","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.51","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Superficial parotidectomy is the traditional treatment for benign parotid tumors but may be associated with facial nerve dysfunction and other morbidities. Intracapsular parotidectomy has emerged as a function-preserving alternative; however, concerns regarding oncologic safety remain. Randomized evidence comparing both techniques is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare their functional and oncologic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare intracapsular parotidectomy and superficial parotidectomy in terms of operative efficiency, complications, facial nerve preservation, and tumor recurrence for benign parotid tumors.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This multicenter randomized controlled trial included patients with benign parotid tumors who were randomly assigned to undergo either intracapsular or superficial parotidectomy between May 2019 and May 2023, in Cairo, Egypt. Functional outcomes, postoperative complications, and recurrence rates were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 46.3 ± 9.5 years, with a range of 25-65 years. Most patients (84, 70%) were male, while 36 (30%) were female. The intracapsular parotidectomy (ICP) group demonstrated significantly reduced operative time (68.5 ± 12.3 vs. 88.3 ± 14.5 minutes; <i>p</i> = 0.01) and blood loss (120 ± 55.3 vs. 170 ± 50.5 ml; <i>p</i> = 0.001) compared to the superficial parotidectomy (SP) group. Facial nerve injury occurred exclusively in the SP group 9 (15%), including 3 (5%) cases of permanent palsy. Recurrence was observed in 1 (1.7%) ICP case and 3 (5%) SP cases, with no statistically significant difference (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Other complications, including seroma formation and postoperative bleeding, were similarly distributed between the two groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intracapsular parotidectomy is a safe, effective, and less invasive alternative to superficial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors. It offers shorter operative time, reduced bleeding, and improved facial nerve preservation without compromising oncological outcomes. Careful patient selection is essential for optimal results.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148908247","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":"Incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation following phenylephrine vs. norepinephrine use in septic shock patients: A retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Laith Rhabneh, Ra'ed Ababneh, Ibrahim Dib, Qusai Alqudah, Abdel Rahman Alwardat, Mohammed Aloqaily","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.50","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.50","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Septic shock is a severe form of sepsis characterized by circulatory failure and organ dysfunction, often requiring vasopressor support to maintain adequate mean arterial pressure. Norepinephrine is the recommended first-line vasopressor, but new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in septic shock patients receiving vasopressors, potentially influenced by vasopressor choice. This study compares the incidence of new-onset AF and related cardiac outcomes in septic shock patients treated with norepinephrine versus phenylephrine.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the incidence of new-onset AF within 72 hours of vasopressor initiation in adult septic shock patients treated with norepinephrine versus phenylephrine.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database, including adult septic shock patients without prior AF who received either norepinephrine or phenylephrine. Propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics across cohorts. The primary outcome was incidence of new-onset AF; secondary outcomes included cardioversion events, rate control medication use, other arrhythmias, and embolic stroke incidence. Outcomes were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After matching, 138,051 patients were included in each group. New-onset AF occurred in 0.3% of norepinephrine-treated patients versus 0.01% in the phenylephrine group (OR 3.05; 95% CI: 2.55-3.65; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Norepinephrine use was also associated with significantly increased rates of electrical and pharmacological cardioversion, rate control medication utilization, other arrhythmias, and embolic stroke (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed higher AF incidence in the norepinephrine group (log-rank <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In septic shock patients, norepinephrine is associated with a significantly higher risk of new-onset AF and related adverse cardiac events compared to phenylephrine. These findings suggest vasopressor choice may influence arrhythmia risk and highlight the need for prospective studies to guide optimal vasopressor selection and management strategies in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547784/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907210","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":"Integrating narrative mentorship into simulation-based medical education to support professional identity formation.","authors":"Ali Msheik, Hassan Al Thani, Ruben Peralta","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.49","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.49","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 3","pages":"49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907482","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}