Saudi Med J
-
To systematically review the literature and to summarize all evidence related to the diagnosis and management of patulous eustachian tube. ⋯ Currently, there is a wide spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with minimal clinical efficacy, a persistent lack of systematic guidelines, and several gaps in previous research endeavours.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of preoperative gabapentin after transurethral prostate resection under general anesthesia. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
To investigate whether preoperative oral gabapentin could reduce postoperative pain, analgesic consumption and the occurrence of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Methods: In this study, participants randomly received either 600 mg gabapentin or placebo orally 2 h prior to transurethral prostate resection. Visual analogue scale and Ramsay sedation scale was utilized to assess pain intensity and sedation status after surgery. ⋯ Pain intensity, sedation status, CRBD, tramadol consumption, side effects and the overall satisfaction degree were assessed and recorded for 48 h after tracheal extubation. Results: Ninety participants given gabapentin and 91 participants given placebo completed the study. Lower visual analogue scale scores, less tramadol consumption, longer time to the first analgesic requirement, lower incidence of CRBD and nausea and higher satisfaction degree were detected in the patients receiving gabapentin compared with the patients receiving placebo. Conclusion: Preoperative oral gabapentin reduced postoperative visual analogue scale scores, tramadol consumption and the occurrence rate of CRBD and nausea, and consequently, increased the degree of patients' satisfaction after transurethral prostate resection.
-
A few decades ago, the government of Saudi Arabia introduced electronic medical records (EMRs) in some health care facilities. However, the progress in adopting these systems on a national level was slow. In 2008, the Saudi Ministry of Health started an initiative to expand and optimize the use of EMRs in governmental health care institutions. ⋯ Other barriers include poor computer literacy, lack of system customization to hospital needs, and poor support and training from information technology (IT) personnel. Identifying and addressing these barriers is essential for the optimal application of EMR systems in all health care facilities. In this review, the author focused on the benefits of widespread adoption of EMRs in Saudi Arabia, the perceptions of health care professionals, and the challenges and barriers toward improved implementation of this technology.
-
Observational Study
Molecular and clinical characteristics of very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: A single-center experience in Saudi Arabia.
To describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency. Methods: A retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis was conducted on all patients with VLCAD deficiency at (Genetic/Metabolic Section), Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2019. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were abstracted from the electronic hospital records using a case report form. Results: A total of 14 children were analyzed. Six presented with hypoglycemia, 4 with cardiomyopathy, and 10 had rhabdomyolysis. ⋯ All patients were treated with medium-chain triglyceride and carnitine. Ten patients are alive and have normal development, while 4 died. Conclusion: Most of the patients in this cohort presented in the neonatal period either by newborn screening or clinically with hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy, and rhabdomyolysis. The new molecular variants detected in this study broaden the genetic spectrum of VLCAD deficiency in Saudi Arabia.
-
To assess and enhance the efficiency of transfusion services in maternity hospitals. ⋯ The policy enhances the cost-effectiveness of erythrocyte transfusion and laboratory testing, and saves on additional, unnecessary costs.