Saudi journal of kidney diseases and transplantation : an official publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia
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A paraneoplastic syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms that develop when substances released by some cancer cells disrupt the normal function of the surrounding cells and tissue. Paraneoplastic renal syndromes are diseases that indirectly compromise tubular and glomerular function by electrolyte imbalance, hormone-producing tumors or deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in the glomeruli. ⋯ Renal function can be affected by many paraneoplactic syndromes: hypercalcemia in malignancies, syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, tumor lysis syndrome, renin-producing tumors and paraneoplastic glomerulopathies. An early diagnosis and effective treatment might improve quality of life and alter prognosis of these patients.
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Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl · Jan 2010
Survey of attitudes of physicians toward the current evaluation and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).
We aimed in this study to determine the opinion of the medical directors of dialysis centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) about the updates of strategies for evaluation and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). A questionnaire was sent to medical directors of 174 dialysis centers in the KSA between July and November 2009. The questionnaire was opinion based and comprised the prevalence of the CKD-MBD, strategies of therapy and indications of cinacalcet, a new therapy in the CKD patients. ⋯ We conclude that the medical directors of the active dialysis centers in Saudi Arabia are well aware of the morbidity and mortality caused by the CKD-MBD in addition to the indications of vit D and phosphate binders and cinacalcet therapy. However, the study suggests inadequate assessment of the prevalence, patterns of CKD-MBD, and results of intervention in the CKD patients such as treatment of vit D 25 deficiency, and knowledge of the availability of cinacalcet for the treatment of CKD-MBD. More local studies and guidelines are required to disseminate information about the current patterns of CKD-MBD for better approach to the management of this disorder in the kidney centers in this country.
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Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyKnowledge and attitudes toward organ donation: a community-based study comparing rural and urban populations.
The study was set to determine whether knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation differ according to geographical location. Self-administered questionnaires were employed to collect data such as demographic characteristics, basic knowledge, attitudes and source of information about organ donation from subjects in rural and urban areas. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 1,000 individuals in both areas during 2008. ⋯ Respondents identified several reasons, which may influence their decisions to donate organs. In conclusion, the deficit in knowledge and attitudes of rural respondents about organ donation may be justified by the lack of information about this significant issue. Accordingly, health facilities, local mass media and educational institutions should provide intensive educational programs to encourage the public donate organs.
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Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl · Jan 2010
Organ donation, awareness, attitudes and beliefs among post graduate medical students.
Organ transplantation is the most preferred treatment modality for patients with end-stage organ disease. There is an inadequate supply of cadaver organs commensurate with need. Health-care professionals are the critical link in augmenting public awareness about organ donation. ⋯ There was a statistically significant correlation between attitudes, beliefs and demographics. In conclusion, the concept of brain-death was clearly understood by only a small number of medical postgraduate students. They however, had positive attitudes and beliefs towards organ donation.