Saudi Med J
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To investigate the referral practices across different medical specialties and identify possible barriers to hand surgery referral. Rheumatoid hand deformities (RHDs) and thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis may require surgery once deformities occur. However, in Saudi Arabia, the rate of referrals to hand surgeons remains low. ⋯ Our findings highlight discrepancies in patterns of physician referral of RHD and thumb CMC arthritis cases to hand surgeons, indicating the need for targeted interventions to improve referral rates and enhance patient outcomes.
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To analyze the fertility rate trends in the GCC countries and their association with socioeconomic factors so that policymakers may use the study findings for future healthcare plans. ⋯ The TFR is declining in GCC countries. The plausible causes include the inclination towards postponement of marriages and excessive costs of living. These trends and associations need to be evaluated by policymakers so that they identify priority areas for interventions, allocate resources and formulate developmental plans accordingly to ensure strategic progress of the region.
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To evaluate the nutritional quality and microbial contamination of raw camel milk sourced from street vendors and compare it with milk obtained from farms, with a particular emphasis on pathogenic organisms. ⋯ This study highlights the urgent need for stringent food safety practices in handling, selling, and distributing camel milk to reduce microbial risks to safe levels, thereby mitigating potential health hazards.
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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder marked by low platelet counts that puts patients at risk for spontaneous bleeding. A rare trigger for ITP is iron repletion, which has only been reported in a few cases. ⋯ Following more than 30 years of the patient's clinical timeline, this case demonstrates the chronic nature of ITP and the complexity of its causes. Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of iron repletion-induced thrombocytopenia and its underlying mechanisms.
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To investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) best detects early malignancy in high-risk women. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging is more effective than US and mammography for early detection of BC. It showed high sensitivity in detecting breast lesions and high specificity in characterizing their nature when correlated with pathological results. Ultrasound screening followed by MRI is suggested for undetected or suspected lesions. This will increase the breast lesion detection rate, reduce unneeded tissue biopsies, and enhance the disease's survival rate.