Annals of Saudi medicine
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2010
Prevalence of elevated hepatic transaminases among Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Since the extent of elevation of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics in Jordan and most of the Middle East is unknown, we estimated the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among patients with type 2 diabetes and determined associated risk factors. ⋯ Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 10.4% and 5.4% of our type 2 diabetic patients respectively. Male gender, younger age, higher waist circumference; as an indicator of central obesity, as well as non insulin use are independent predictors of elevated liver transaminase levels.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2010
Case ReportsCombined occurrence of diabetes mellitus and retinitis pigmentosa.
The combined occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is rare. It has been reported in the form of four different syndromes that are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. We describe two cases of DM and RP occurring together. ⋯ The second case was a 34-year-old male who presented with insulin-resistant diabetes, hypertension, blindness secondary to RP, deafness, normal cognitive functions, primary infertility, renal, and liver impairment. He was diagnosed clinically as having Alström syndrome. Because of overlapping clinical manifestations and the cost and time involved in genetic studies, clinical criteria can be used for diagnosis and as a guide for genetic mapping in these patients.
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Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2010
ReviewTrauma care systems in Saudi Arabia: an agenda for action.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid population growth that along with improved socioeconomics has led many individuals to own a car or even a number of cars per family, resulting in a greater number of vehicles on the roads. The reduced focus on good public transportation systems and the dependence on cars for transportation have created a diversity of drivers who are unfamiliar with the local driving rules and lack the basic skills for safe driving. This is in addition to some young drivers who frequently violate traffic laws and tend to speed most of the time. ⋯ Essential components of the system include trauma prevention, prehospital care, hospital care, rehabilitation, system administration, trauma care education and training, trauma care evaluation and quality improvement, along with the participation of society. Research has documented a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality from trauma after the implementation of such systems, depending on their efficiency. The purpose of this review is to discuss the problem of road traffic accidents in this country and address the trauma care system as an effective solution.
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The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (formerly known as swine flu) first appeared in Mexico and the United States in March and April 2009 and has swept the globe with unprecedented speed as a result of airline travel. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic level to the highest level, Phase 6, indicating widespread community transmission on at least two continents. The 2009 H1N1 virus contains a unique combination of gene segments from human, swine and avian influenza A viruses. ⋯ Bacterial co-infection has played a significant role in fatal cases. The case of fatality has been estimated at around 0.4%. Mathematical modeling suggests that the effect of novel influenza virus can be reduced by immunization, but the question remains: can we produce enough H1N1 vaccine to beat the pandemic?