Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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The prevalence of acne vulgaris (AV) among adolescents in Kuwait has remained mostly unknown. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AV and its predictors among adolescents in Kuwait. ⋯ The prevalence of self-reported AV seems to be lower than that reported in other settings, while the prevalence of AV by clinical examination resembles that reported in many other countries. BMI was the only modifiable risk factor associated with AV in multivariable analysis, and none of the food items studied was related to the presence or absence of AV in multivariable analysis.
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Comparative Study
Effects of Respiratory Rate on Heart Rate Variability in Neurologic Outpatients with Epilepsies or Migraine: A Preliminary Study.
Variation of spontaneous respiratory rates and influences of spontaneous and paced breathing rates on heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed in patients with epilepsy or migraine, and HRV parameters were compared between the groups. ⋯ An important and new finding is the wide variation of spontaneous respiratory rate in both groups, along with the significant negative correlation with the assessed HRV parameters. The reduction of HRV during slow breathing in epileptic patients may indicate a diminished cardiorespiratory coupling caused by a probable loss of sensitivity within the cardiovagal brainstem circuitry.
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Alarmingly high rates of dyslipidemia have been found in the Gulf region in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, with the highest being found in Kuwait (37%). Therefore, it is of utmost importance to treat dyslipidemia promptly and effectively. In an effort to understand the practices of local physicians, the use of evidence-based medicine, and adherence to lipid treatment guidelines, the objective of this study was to survey and assess the current standards of care. ⋯ Multiple interventions to improve guideline adherence are proposed in this study. We have taken into account the barriers to adherence, i.e., attitude, behavior, and (most importantly) knowledge, all 3 of which were reaffirmed in our investigation in Kuwait.
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To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy in community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti patients, describe the number and types of drugs used, and identify risk factors associated with polypharmacy. ⋯ A significant sector of the older Kuwaiti patient population has a high prevalence of polypharmacy and is thus exposed to its potential hazards. The current study highlights the need to revise the drug-dispensing policy among community-dwelling, older Kuwaiti people, as well as to initiate educational programs among healthcare practitioners concerning prescribing issues in older individuals.
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The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance profiles of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from clinical samples from patients hospitalized during 2015-2017 in hospitals of -Masovian district in Poland. ⋯ This study demonstrates that in the hospital environment, MRSA isolates can quickly acquire new antimicrobial resistance determinants and that knowledge of current resistance patterns is important for the effective treatment of infections caused by MDR MRSA.