Qatar Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Parinaud's syndrome in posterior stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis: A case report.","authors":"Mauricio Benetti, Fabio Gonzalez, Francisco Caiza-Zambrano, Yemina Neme-Segura, Patxi Zavala-Gottau, Pablo Bonardo","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.41","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.41","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Parinaud's syndrome, or dorsal midbrain syndrome, is characterized by vertical gaze palsy, light-near dissociation, convergence-retraction nystagmus, and bilateral eyelid retraction. The majority of cases are caused by pineal region tumors, whereas vascular etiologies are less frequent. Early recognition of this neuro-ophthalmological syndrome can be crucial for diagnosing brainstem strokes, particularly when initial neuroimaging findings are normal.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 66-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with sudden-onset vertical diplopia, dysarthria, and gait instability, consistent with an acute neurological event. Neuro-ophthalmological examination revealed the complete classical triad of Parinaud's syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed no acute ischemic lesions or vascular abnormalities. Given the disabling oculomotor findings and the strong suspicion of posterior circulation ischemia, intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) was administered within 3.5 h of symptom onset. The patient achieved complete neurological and oculomotor recovery within 24 h, and follow-up brain MRI confirmed the absence of structural damage.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The present case illustrates Parinaud's syndrome, a rare neuro-ophthalmological manifestation of acute posterior circulation ischemia, treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Although its global prevalence remains unknown, published series show that the syndrome is exceptionally uncommon, with vascular etiologies representing approximately 25% of cases-making stroke the second most common cause after pineal region tumors.In contrast to pineal region tumors, which typically produce a slowly progressive clinical course, vascular etiologies are characterized by abrupt symptom onset.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case underscores the importance of recognizing Parinaud's syndrome as a possible manifestation of posterior circulation ischemia, particularly when early neuroimaging findings appear normal. Its rarity and atypical presentation can make therapeutic decision-making challenging in the acute setting, highlighting the diagnostic value of a meticulous ocular examination.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13439642/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148680930","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":"From ticket to protection: The potential of embedding travel-clinic prompts in Qatar's airline booking systems.","authors":"Lina Rasmi AlMbaidin, Jihene Maaloul, Muna Al Maslamani, Mohammed Abukhattab, Mohamed Iheb Bougmiza","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.40","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.40","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Qatar residents undertake substantial outbound travel, often to destinations with risks of malaria, yellow fever, and enteric infections; however, many travelers remain unaware of preventable health risks or how to access pre-travel care. Local data show high vaccination needs and a rising incidence of imported malaria among non-immunized residents, highlighting a missed opportunity for earlier intervention at the point of booking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed travel medicine literature and Qatar-specific epidemiological data was combined with stakeholder and service mapping to identify gaps in current information pathways and define the core features of a digital prompt aligned with national public health services.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Global evidence shows that many international travelers experience travel-related illness, while data from Qatar indicate frequent travel to high-risk destinations and substantial vaccination needs. Current airline and government websites provide only static information and lack contextual prompts, clear next steps, and direct referral pathways. We propose a smart, bilingual travel-health pop-up, triggered only for flagged destinations, that briefly summarizes key infectious disease risks in Arabic and English and directs users to locally aligned World Health Organization/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (WHO/CDC)-based guidance and national travel and vaccination clinics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This low-friction, privacy-preserving pop-up could help convert awareness into timely pre-travel consultation in Qatar and serve as a scalable, low-cost complement to existing education channels. A multi-stakeholder pilot study is recommended to assess its feasibility, impact, and scalability.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13439645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148680939","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 intradialytic resistance exercise on quality of life of hemodialysis patients in Hamad Medical Corporation: A quasi-experimental study.","authors":"Jenine Joseph, Rawia Ali Amin Sa'abneh, Maryam Salem E M Al-Abdulla, Jude Xavier Anthony, Saji Philip, Sheena Mariam Oommen, Joseph Andog Macalimbon, Aileen Siapo Valdes, Manruel S Punay, Alaedine Shurrab, Samia Ait Faqih, Kalpana Singh","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.33","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.33","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dialysis patients suffer from anemia, muscle fatigue and atrophy, decreased aerobic capacity resulting in reduced physical activity, and decreased quality of life (QoL). The end-stage kidney disease patients often experience reduced QoL due to physical and psychological burdens. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intradialytic resistance exercise (IRE) on QoL, dialysis adequacy, muscle cramps, and physical function of dialysis patients.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Al Khor Dialysis Unit. Participants performed supervised TheraBand exercises during dialysis, including warm-ups, IREs, and stretching. WHO QoL - BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life- (Brief Version)) questionnaires and physical function tests, including a 10-m walk test and a 30-second sit-stand test, were performed. The exercise was performed within the first 2 hours of the dialysis session for 6 months. Twenty-four patients were followed for a period of 6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean QoL score at baseline was 67.9 ± 20.9, which increased to 70.3 ± 17.2 after 3 months and 74.5 ± 15.8 after 6 months. There were 71% male and 29% female in the average age group of 59.9 years. No significant correlations were observed between QoL and demographic factors such as gender, education, or income. Additionally, muscle cramps improved slightly from 4% at baseline to 8% post intervention. Kt/V, a measure of dialysis adequacy, remained stable after the intervention. Physical performance improved, with sit-to-stand test repetitions increasing from 7.2 ± 2.9 to 10.1 ± 4.5, though the time for the 10-m walk test improved slightly.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The resistance exercise intervention demonstrated modest numerical improvements in quality of life and physical function, although these trends should be interpreted cautiously.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13436420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148674665","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":"Functional consequences of post-COVID-19 syndrome: Evidence from Qatar, 2022.","authors":"Nada Adli, Nagah Selim","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.34","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.34","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite recovery from acute COVID-19, many individuals experience post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), which can impair health and functional status, particularly affecting cardiovascular and pulmonary function in physically active adults.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the severity of physical dysfunction among patients with PCS in Qatar during 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection between January and July 2022. After providing verbal consent, participants completed structured telephone interviews assessing physical activity, fatigue, and dyspnea. The World Health Organization's standard case definition for PCS was applied, identifying 159 participants with PCS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the PCS participants, a notable reduction in moderate (13.2%) and vigorous (5.7%) physical activity was observed following COVID-19 infection. Severe fatigue and dyspnea were highly prevalent in PCS participants (45.9% and 37.8%, respectively) and were strongly interrelated. Multivariable analysis showed severe dyspnea independently associated with severe fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04 [95% CI, 1.46-6.31]), and severe fatigue independently associated with severe dyspnea (OR = 3.11 [95% CI, 1.49-6.49]). No significant associations were observed with sociodemographic characteristics, social support, obesity, chronic disease, or hospitalization.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fatigue and dyspnea are central, interrelated manifestations of PCS, largely independent of demographic or clinical characteristics. These findings highlight the need for routine screening and the integration of multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs, including pulmonary support and graded physical activity, to address functional impairment in patients with PCS. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the long-term trajectory and underlying mechanisms of PCS.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13430816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671471","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":"Diagnostic accuracy of CBCT voxel values and calcaneal QUS in detecting low bone mineral density and their association with serum biomarkers.","authors":"Neetha Harisha, Shailesh Mane, Amritha C, Rajeshwari G Annigeri","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.31","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.31","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Osteoporosis poses significant risks to skeletal health and dental treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) voxel values and radiomorphometric analysis in identifying low bone mineral density (BMD), exploring their correlation with calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and serum biomarkers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 86 participants aged over 40 years. QUS of the calcaneus was utilized to classify subjects into normal or osteopenic/osteoporosis groups. CBCT-derived voxel values (cortical and cancellous) and radiomorphometric indices were recorded alongside serum calcium and 25(OH) vitamin D levels. Statistical analyses included Pearson's/Spearman's correlations and t-tests to compare groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants with normal QUS T-scores exhibited significantly higher CBCT cortical (855.63 ± 71.38) and cancellous (439.90 ± 85.61) voxel values compared to osteoporotic individuals (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were found between QUS T-scores and CBCT voxel values (<i>r</i> = 0.766 for cortical; <i>r</i> = 0.789 for cancellous), as well as with serum vitamin D (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Serum calcium showed a weaker but significant correlation. CBCT-derived radiomorphometric indices did not significantly correlate with QUS T-scores. However, a strong negative correlation was observed between the qualitative computed tomography cortical index (CTCI) grading and QUS T-score (<i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Interpretation and conclusion: </strong>CBCT voxel values and CTCI strongly correlate with QUS measurements and vitamin D levels, offering superior diagnostic utility compared to standard morphometric indices. These metrics may serve as effective adjunctive tools for opportunistic osteoporosis screening in dental settings, facilitating early diagnosis and risk management.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13430820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671448","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":"New-onset adrenal insufficiency in COVID-19 patients without preexisting adrenal disease: A systematic review.","authors":"Iman Fatima, Muneeb Ali Saif, Assylzhan M Messova, Sagira T Abdrahmanova, Nadiar M Mussin, Amin Tamadon","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.35","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.35","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder with potential endocrine sequelae. Emerging reports suggest that adrenal insufficiency (AI) may occur in patients with COVID-19 without preexisting adrenal disease, but the clinical spectrum and strength of evidence remain unclear. To systematically review the literature on new-onset AI associated with COVID-19 in patients without prior adrenal disorders, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and underlying mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to December 28, 2025. Eligible studies included observational studies, case reports, and case series reporting AI in COVID-19 patients without known adrenal disease. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Given the heterogeneity, a qualitative synthesis was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nine primary studies (two observational studies and seven case reports) were included. Four narrative reviews were used solely for contextual discussion. Cases involved adults and children and occurred during acute infection or the post-COVID period. Most reports described biochemically confirmed central AI, while fewer reported primary AI due to adrenal infarction, hemorrhage, or autoimmune adrenalitis. Some presentations based mainly on steroid responsiveness were interpreted as probable critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency. Diagnostic thresholds and the use of ACTH stimulation testing varied. Most patients improved with glucocorticoid replacement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>New-onset AI has been reported in temporal association with COVID-19 and may represent an infrequently reported but clinically significant endocrine manifestation. Prospective studies with standardized hormonal assessment are needed to clarify incidence, mechanisms, and screening strategies.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>The review was registered with PROSPERO under registration number CRD420251275141.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13430815/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148671430","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":"Nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP): Ten-year retrospective analysis of recurrence, diagnostic outcomes, imaging yield, and healthcare costs.","authors":"Omar Mohamed Ozaal Abdul Mubarack, Sreelakshmi Suresh, Wenyi Cai, Omar Nasir, Qais Wahdan, Natalia Falcon, Rohit Kate, Zi Xuan Wee, Siddiqa Ozaal, Vijitha Chandima Halahakoon","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.28","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.28","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) is a frequent emergency presentation characterized by diagnostic uncertainty, recurrent healthcare utilization, and variable imaging strategies. We aimed to evaluate long-term diagnostic trajectories, recurrence patterns, mortality, direct hospital costs, and the diagnostic yield of abdominal imaging (computed tomography abdomen and pelvis [CTAP] and ultrasound [USS]) in a large UK cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective observational study of 1171 patients presenting with NSAP to a UK district general hospital over 10 years, with a 2-year follow-up. Data included demographics, investigations, recurrence, diagnostic progression, mortality, and direct hospital costs. Predictors of recurrence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 46.3 years, and 62% were female. At 2 years of follow-up, 71.2% remained without a confirmed diagnosis, and 33.4% experienced recurrence of NSAP. Recurrence was significantly higher among patients who ultimately received a diagnosis (53.1%) compared with those who remained undiagnosed (25.4%; P < 0.001). Prior similar abdominal pain was the strongest independent predictor of recurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 4.0 [95% CI, 3.1-5.3]; P < 0.001). CTAP was performed in 390 patients; reports were available for 347 (89.0%), of which 39.8% were abnormal. CTAP led to further clinical actions in 34.9% and contributed to a confirmed diagnosis in 34.6%. USS was performed in 354 patients; reports were available for 297 (83.9%), of which 9.8% were abnormal. USS led to further clinical actions in 5.6% and contributed to a confirmed diagnosis in 5.4%.Two-year mortality was 8.7%, with malignancy accounting for 12.5% of confirmed diagnoses and 24.5% of recorded causes of death. Recurrence-related direct hospital costs totaled approximately £469,955 over 2 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NSAP is associated with high diagnostic uncertainty, frequent recurrence, and substantial resource use. CTAP demonstrates meaningful diagnostic yield and commonly contributes to actionable management and diagnostic clarification, supporting structured pathways with targeted imaging and follow-up, while recognizing limitations of retrospective electronic health record capture.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632791","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":"Perioperative transfer of patients with potential spinal injury: A survey-based pre- and post-intervention study of a targeted training program.","authors":"Bianca Wahlen, Ayman El-Menyar, Ahammed Mekkodathil, Amal J Alhajaji, Kristoffer John Tapic, Ma Darly Baltazar, Misty John, Mustafa Abdel Wahed, Maila Galvez, Hassan Al-Thani","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.30","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.30","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Safe perioperative transfer of patients with potential spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential to prevent secondary neurological damage. Targeted training of operating room nurses (ORNs) is critical for ensuring adherence to best-practice transfer techniques.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the effect of a scenario-based training intervention on knowledge and self-reported practices of ORNs regarding safe perioperative transfer of patients with potential SCI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This survey-based pre- and post-intervention study was conducted at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, between January and March 2024. A structured self-administered questionnaire was administered to ORNs before and after a targeted training intervention. Variables included preferred transfer device, number of staff required, leadership during transfer, hand positioning, and command sequence. Descriptive statistics and McNemar's test were used for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 138 ORNs participated (mean age, 37.6 ± 6.2 years; 68% female). Use of plastic boards increased from 88% (<i>n</i> = 122) to 93% (<i>n</i> = 128) post-intervention (P < 0.05). Compliance with the recommended four-person log-roll team improved from 67% (<i>n</i> = 92) to 79% (<i>n</i> = 109). Reliance on anesthetists for transfer leadership increased from 41% to 58%, while inappropriate reliance on other staff decreased from 33% to 28%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A targeted scenario-based training intervention significantly improved ORNs' knowledge and self-reported adherence to safe perioperative transfer practices for patients with potential SCI.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421393/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632844","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":"Enhancing Medical Committee Decision-Making: Insights from Qatar.","authors":"Sabrina Arrouf, Abdelbasset Ghalgaoui, Saad Alkaabi, Yagoub Alhamadi, Nawal Altamimi, Khalifa Almansouri, Rajvir Singh, Moza Alishaq, Mohamad Hassan Elkordy, Maysa Abdelmageed, Tintu Mathew, Rasha Abdelbaky, Betsy Varughese, Asrar Albaz, Wael Gaad, Mohamed Qaddoura, Zahra Makki, Amr Elshorkobaly, Shemmy Gutay, Nihal Gabora, Maryam Ali, Sheila Ambrosio, Ana Antonio, Mustafa Butt, Esmail Maik, Noufal Kunniyullathil, Jala Mohamed, Saad Shahbal, Abdulmutaleb Alahmar, Shaikha Alkorbi, Alhareth Aljabor, Reem AlHadad, Nasser Gaasha, Viswapriya Pillai, Monisha Kurup, Sherlane Melo","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.26","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.26","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Treatment Abroad (TA) programs are a key component of healthcare delivery for complex cases requiring highly specialized care. In Qatar, the International Medical Affairs Office (IMAO) manages over 11,000 TA requests annually through multidisciplinary committees and specialized subcommittees to support evidence-based decision-making. Despite advances in committee structures and the adoption of hybrid meeting models, challenges persist in optimizing efficiency, transparency, and committee member satisfaction, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of committee processes and composition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;To identify challenges affecting decision-making and operational effectiveness within IMAO Treatment Abroad committees, define characteristics of optimal committee composition, and develop a reproducible framework to enhance transparency, communication, and committee practices across the IMAO and similar healthcare organizations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methodology: &lt;/strong&gt;Between July and December 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 162 CMs from main and specialized subcommittees using a home-developed instrument combining Likert-scale, yes/no, and open-ended questions; the tool was pilot-tested for reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.82). Quantitative data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, while qualitative data underwent dual-coded thematic analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 87/162 committee members (CMs) responded (53.7%), predominantly male (72.4%) and highly experienced within HMC (≥9 years, 86.2%), while 50.6% had similar experience within the IMAO committee. Most preferred remote or hybrid meetings (67.8%) and email communication (51.7%), with high satisfaction reported for workflows (93.1%) and IMAO collaboration (65-69%). While 81.6% reported no external influence on decisions, 23% identified the absence of subcommittee input as a barrier, and 52.9% supported anonymized patient requests to enhance transparency. Greater organizational experience was associated with higher satisfaction and increased perception of subcommittee absence as a barrier (36.4% vs. 9.3%; p &lt; 0.05), whereas committee-specific experience showed no significant effect. Key challenges included communication gaps with overseas facilities, interface usability, incomplete medical information, lack of financial compensation (95.4%), and exposure to patient reprisals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Medical committee effectiveness in Treatment Abroad programs is influenced by committee members' organizational experience and perceptions of decision-making processes. Findings underscore the need for structured multidisciplinary input, transparent governance, streamlined communication, and diverse committee representation across gender and experience levels to support equitable and consistent decision-making. The proposed hierarchical framework provides a practical model to standardize proc","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421424/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632824","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":"Risk factors and outcomes of surgical site infection after abdominoplasty: A retrospective study from Qatar.","authors":"Humberto Guanche Garcell, Yamile Leon Rodriguez, Orlando Rafael Exposito Reyes, Georkis Martinez Garcia, Yulexi Hechavarria Jimenez, Yudileidy Creagh Coureaux, Evelin Noriega Campos, Osiris I Escobar More, Ivis Lisset Leon Gutierrez, Yuliet Castillo Flores, Tania M Fernandez Hernandez, Francisco Gutierrez García","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2026.29","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2026.29","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Abdominoplasty, although classified as a clean elective procedure, carries a meaningful risk of surgical site infection (SSI), with reported SSI rates varying depending on patient factors and procedural complexity.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe SSI incidence and associated risk factors after abdominoplasty at a Qatari tertiary facility, and to assess compliance with prophylaxis practices, antibiotic consumption, and costs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective cohort of all abdominoplasties at The Cuban Hospital, from January 1, 2022, to July 31, 2025 (N = 323). Data included demographics, comorbidities, perioperative glucose monitoring, procedure characteristics, and antibiotic use (prophylactic and therapeutic). The cohort comprised both simple abdominoplasties and combined procedures performed with additional interventions such as liposuction or hernia repair. SSI rates were analyzed using relative risk, 95% confidence intervals, and statistical tests with significance at P < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 323 patients underwent abdominoplasty with a mean age of 40.5 years (SD, 9.8; range, 19-63 years). The majority were female (276 patients, 85.4%), and 13.9% (45 patients) had a history of diabetes mellitus. Overall SSI incidence was 5.3% (17/323), highest in 2025 (8/112; 7.1%). Combined abdominoplasty had a higher SSI rate than simple procedures (10.4% [5/48] vs. 4.4% [12/275]; RR, 2.36 [95% CI, 0.88-6.35]). SSI was more frequent with diabetes (11.1% [5/45] vs. 4.3% [12/278]), overweight/obesity (7.3% [12/151]/4.3% [5/112] vs. 0% [0/42]), and higher postoperative glucose (mean: 7.97, standard deviation: 1.99; P = 0.04). Adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis was high for timing/selection/dose, but discontinuation beyond 24 hours and 7-day discharge prescriptions were common. Antibiotic consumption and costs were higher in SSI cases (355.9 vs. 280.5 DDD/100; 2807.6 vs. 2180 QR/100; P = 0.45; P = 0.72).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SSI incidence after abdominoplasty was modest but increased with combined procedures and poorer postoperative glycemic control. Strengthening perioperative glucose protocols and enforcing 24-hour prophylaxis limits may reduce SSI and unnecessary antimicrobial use and costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2026 2","pages":"29"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421423/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632829","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}