International journal of rheumatic diseases
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major complication and cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our objective was to identify the predictive factors of mortality and the 2-year survival rate among Thai sufferers of PAH-SSc. ⋯ Up to one-third of Thai sufferers of PAH-SSc died within 2 years of PAH diagnosis, without any specific treatment being given. Increased mortality risk was found in SSc patients who had FCIII and visceral organ involvement.
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Vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes type 1 and 2. It is currently estimated that one billion people suffer from vitamin D deficiency worldwide. A major cause is lack of sun exposure, and this is evident even in countries at mid and low latitudes. Although a high prevalence has been found in Saudi Arabia, little is known to date about the reasons for this and, consequently about, reduction methodologies. The study's aim was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards vitamin D deficiency, sun exposure, supplementation and fortification in a sample of female Saudi Arabian students. ⋯ Important barriers for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia were highlighted. Recommendations for more research in specific areas including the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and recommended daily allowances of supplementation are made. Governmental actions including increasing awareness of the importance of vitamin D and guidelines on how to obtain it are necessary. Creating areas where women, particularly those of lower socio-economic status, can enjoy sun exposure as well as fortifying more foods would go some way towards tackling this problem.