Antibiotics efficacy in clinical and microbiological cure of uncomplicated urinary tract infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Fosfomycin has been used more frequently in managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to decreased compliance and increased multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of Fosfomycin compared to Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and Ciprofloxacin in terms of clinical and microbiological cure alongside with other measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We included randomized control trials (RCTs) with uncomplicated UTI patients who received Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, TMP-SMX, or Ciprofloxacin and reported the clinical or microbiological cure. We used Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool to assess the included studies' quality. R-software was used for all statistical analysis. We ranked all antibiotics using the netrank function which yielded P scores. Frequentist network meta-analysis was used to assess the efficacy of all outcomes. RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs with a total number of 3856 patients that showed Fosfomycin ranked the highest among the other antibiotics with respect to clinical cure (P-score = 0.99) and microbiological cure (P-score = 0.99) while Ciprofloxacin ranked the lowest (P-score = 0.11 and 0.02, respectively). Moreover, Ciprofloxacin yielded the highest relapse rate (P-score = 1), whereas TMP-SMX had the lowest relapse rate (P-score = 0.07). As for the adverse events, Ciprofloxacin demonstrated the highest adverse events as opposed to Fosfomycin (P-score = 0.98 and 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: The network meta-analysis demonstrated that Fosfomycin is the most effective antibiotic in treating uncomplicated UTIs with respect to clinical cure, microbiological cure, and adverse events profile.

Botulinum toxin type A for lower limb lengthening and deformity correction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is the most popular therapeutic agent for muscle relaxation and pain control. Lately, BTX-A injection received great interest as a part of multimodal pain management for lower limb lengthening and deformity correction. This systematic review aimed to determine the role of BTX-A injection in pain management for during lower limb lengthening and/or deformity correction. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the BTX-A injection to placebo for individuals undergoing lower limb lengthening and/or deformity correction. We sought to evaluate the following outcomes: pain on visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion parameters, average opioid consumption, and adverse events. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes while risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4 RCTs that enrolled 257 participants (337 limbs) deemed eligible. Adjuvant BTX-A injection showed a significant reduction in post-operative pain compared to placebo (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.04). No difference was found between BTX-A injection and placebo in terms of range of motion parameters, average opioid consumption, or adverse events after surgical limb lengthening and/or deformity correction (RR = 0.77, 95% CI -0.58 to 1.03). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant BTX-A injection conferred a discernible reduction in post-operative pain during surgical limb lengthening and/or deformity without increasing the risk of adverse events. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021271580.

Public awareness about arthritic diseases in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Raising public knowledge and perception would have a discernible impact on providing optimal care and reducing the burden of arthritis in the community. This systematic review aimed to identify the public knowledge about the common arthritic conditions in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant literature. We included questionnaire-based cross-sectional studies performed in Saudi Arabia assessing the public perception of general knowledge, causes/risk factors, signs/symptoms, and relieving/management measures of the common arthritic conditions including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gout. The meta-analysis was performed on outcomes reported in ≥ two studies utilizing a random-effects model RESULTS: Ten studies representing 6703 participants were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. A total of 35 questions were feasible to be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis estimated that 83.51%, 54.51%, and 80.42% have ever hearsd or read about OA, RA, and gout. Joint pain and swelling were perceived to be the main signs/symptoms of OA, RA, and gout. 7.5% think OA is predisposed by genetics while only 33.6% think the same of RA. RA knowledge in general is suboptimum. Only 27.04% think medications can help in the management of gout. CONCLUSION: The Saudi public perception of the general knowledge and causes/risk factors of the most common arthritic conditions was acceptable. The level of knowledge about other aspects of the common arthritic conditions is still limited and needs to be addressed by future educational interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022345274.

Effect of ultrasound-guided versus landmark-guided local corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the commonest neuropathy of the upper limb, can be managed with different therapeutic approaches. Local corticosteroid injection has been adopted widely in clinical practice, as it showed great efficacy in treating CTS. However, the best injection technique continues to be a subject of controversy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided (US-guided) versus landmark-guided (LM-guided) corticosteroid injection on the clinical and electrophysiological outcomes in patients with CTS. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL, from which we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared US-guided and LM-based corticosteroid injection in treating individuals with CTS. We evaluated the following outcomes: Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire functional status scale (BCTQ-FSS) and symptom severity scale (BCTQ-SSS), and adverse event rate. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to represent continuous outcomes, while the risk ratio (RR) was used to represent dichotomous outcome. RESULTS: A total of 8 RCTs that enrolled 500 wrists were deemed eligible. US-guided injection showed a significantly better BCTQ-FSS (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.04), BCTQ-SSS (SMD = -0.77, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.31), and adverse event rate (RR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.49) compared to LM-based injection. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed the superiority of US-guided corticosteroid injection over LM-guided corticosteroid injection in enhancing functional status, improving symptom severity, and reducing the adverse event rate in individuals with CTS.

Comparison of immobilization periods following open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. INTRODUCTION: The use of volar locking plate (VLP) in the fixation of fracture fragments promised a new era in the management of distal radius fracture (DRF). PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare the patient-reported outcomes, functional outcomes, pain, and adverse events between the different periods of immobilization following open reduction and internal fixation of DRFs with VLP. METHODS: We searched Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid, and CINAHL. The inclusion criteria was randomized controlled trials that compared different immobilization periods after open reduction and internal fixation of DRFs with VLP. The last search was performed on 2 June 2020. The different immobilization periods were divided into the following 3 groups: ≤1-week group, 2-3-week group, and 5-6-week group. RESULTS: Seven eligible randomized controlled trials provided data on 509 patients. We found that compared to 5-6-week group, ≤1-week and 2-3-week groups showed a reduction in overall Patient-Reported Wrist Evaluation score (SMD = -0.48, 95% CI -0.73 to -0.22, P < .001; SMD = -0.69, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.41, P < .001, respectively). We also found that there were improvements in the other patient-reported outcomes including overall Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score and pain; and functional outcomes including overall grip strength and range of motion measures in favor of ≤1-week and 2-3-week groups. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that compared to immobilization for 5 to 6 weeks after DRF repair, immobilization for ≤1 week or 2-3 weeks showed improvements in the patients-reported outcomes and functional outcomes. The differences between the 3 immobilization groups may not be clinically important considering the small changes as follow up progresses.

The Use of an Inflatable Adhesive External Compression Device for Maintenance of Hemostasis following Angiography in Children.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of the posthemostasis use of an inflatable adhesive external compression device (SafeGuard) following angiography in children performed under general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 74 children (43 females) with a mean age of 8.9 years (range, 0.4-18.0 years) and mean weight of 44.0 kg (range, 7.3-115.7 kg) in whom an inflatable adhesive external compression device was used for maintaining hemostasis following angiography under general anesthesia were retrospectively reviewed. After establishing hemostasis with manual compression, the device was applied and inflated over the arteriotomy. The patients were assessed for access-related adverse events in the recovery unit and during postprocedural follow-up. RESULTS: The inflatable adhesive external compression device was utilized to maintain hemostasis following 181 angiography procedures. The mean length of the procedure was 396 minutes. The common femoral artery (n = 170, 93.9%) was the most common access, using 4-5-F vascular sheath (n = 118, 65.2%) or 3-5-F sheathless (n = 8, 12.7%) catheters. The mean time to deflation was 93 minutes. There were no adverse events other than minor bleeding from the arteriotomy after deflation (n = 2, 1.1%) and early deflation of the device because of pain (n = 1, <1%). Follow-up ultrasonography (n = 109 procedures, 60.2% at a mean follow-up of 2.2 years) demonstrated patency of the access artery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an inflatable adhesive external compression device following angiography in children to maintain hemostasis during the emergence phase of anesthesia and recovery period is safe and effective. The use of this simple device may reduce the need for postprocedural sedation and facilitate early discharge.

Non-inferior and more feasible transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in treating overactive bladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Overactive bladder (OAB) is identified as a urinary urgency accompanied by frequency and nocturia with or without urgency urinary incontinence in the nonexistence of a urinary tract infection or other evident pathologies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) or anticholinergic drugs in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for OAB patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic search in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL, in which we included randomized controlled trials that compared TTNS with anticholinergic drugs or PTNS in treating idiopathic OAB. We evaluated the following outcomes: 3-day voiding diary (voiding frequency/day, daytime micturition frequency/day, nighttime micturition frequency/day, number of urgency episodes/day, number of incontinence episodes/day, and mean voiding volume), symptom bother, health related quality of life (HRQoL), and adverse events. We used 95% as a confidence interval (CI) and p < 0.05. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for continuous outcomes, and the risk ratio (RR) was used for dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference comparing TTNS with anticholinergic drugs or PTNS regarding voiding frequency/day (SMD = -0.01, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.32), nighttime micturition frequency/day (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI -0.94 to 0.37), number of urgency episodes/day (SMD = -0.05, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.26), number of incontinence episodes/day (SMD = -0.04, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.25), symptom bother (SMD = -0.19, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.16), HRQoL (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.85), and adverse events (RR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.54). CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis reveals that there is no statistically significant difference between TTNS versus PTNS or anticholinergic drugs for the nonsurgical management of OAB patients.

Influence of aspirin on prevention of colorectal cancer: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Aspirin, due to its antineoplastic effects, has been suggested to have chemopreventive effects on colorectal cancer based on recent trials. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an updated evidence about the long-term efficacy of daily aspirin use in the prevention of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We searched Medline/PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of daily aspirin use to placebo in healthy individuals at the time of study entry. The desired outcomes of this review were the incidence of advanced lesions (i.e., adenomas with villous component, adenomas ≥1 cm in diameter, adenomas with high-grade dysplasia, and/or invasive cancer) and colorectal adenomas. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles representing 11 RCTs were included. Overall, the results indicated that aspirin significantly reduced the risk of developing colorectal adenomas but not advanced lesions at 3 years (risk ratio (RR) = 0.84, P < 0.05 and risk ratio = 0.82, P = 0.10, respectively). At 5 years, the risk of advanced lesions but not adenomas was reduced by aspirin (RR = 0.68, P < 0.05 and RR = 0.87, P = 0.22, respectively). Aspirin was not found to have an effect on the risk of advanced lesions or adenomas beyond 5 years (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, P = 0.07 and HR = 0.99, P = 0.82, respectively). CONCLUSION: Overall, aspirin (particularly high dose) only reduced the risk of advanced lesions up to 5 years.

Public awareness and attitudes toward epilepsy in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Public awareness of epilepsy and attitudes toward people with epilepsy (PWE) largely affect patients' perceived stigma and their quality of life. Educational interventions to increase public awareness of the disease need to target areas of lowest awareness levels to achieve best results. The aim of this review was to identify these areas in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This review was based on PRISMA guidelines. Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, Ovid Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. Inclusion criteria was cross-sectional studies that are done in Saudi Arabia, assess any aspect of epilepsy awareness or attitudes toward PWE, and report outcomes in proportions. Meta-analysis was done on outcomes reported in ≥5 studies utilizing random-effects model. Quality assessment was done using AXIS tool. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review. A total of 48 questions' outcomes were reported in ≥3 studies, and 26 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis estimated that 6.4% (CI 4.2-9.7%) of the population think epilepsy is a contagious disease; 90.7% (CI 85.5-94.1%) have heard/read about epilepsy; 53.1% (CI 47.7-58.3%) have witnessed a seizure; 38.6% (CI 24.7-54.7%) think epilepsy is a psychological disorder; 25.2% (CI 16.5-36.7%) think it is caused by spirit possession; 35.1% (CI 22.0-50.8%) were estimated to think it is caused by evil eye (envy); 37.9% (CI 21.9-57.0%) would try to put something inside a seizing patient's mouth to prevent tongue biting; 34.6% (CI 26.9-43.1%) would approve their offspring marrying someone with epilepsy. CONCLUSION: Areas of unsatisfactory awareness levels included etiology of epilepsy and appropriate seizure responses. Attitudes were more negative regarding marriage, children, and employment. These areas need to be properly addressed in future educational interventions.

Examining the Clinical Prognosis of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Saudi Study.

Backgroundand Objectives: COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease caused by a single-stranded RNA coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to conduct a nationwide multicenter study to determine the characteristics and the clinical prognostic outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Materials and Methods: This is a nationwide cohort retrospective study conducted in twenty Saudi hospitals. Results: An analysis of 1470 critically ill COVID-19 patients demonstrated that the majority of patients were male with a mean age of 55.9 ± 15.1 years. Most of our patients presented with a shortness of breath (SOB) (81.3%), followed by a fever (73.7%) and a cough (65.1%). Diabetes and hypertension were the most common comorbidities in the study (52.4% and 46.0%, respectively). Multiple complications were observed substantially more among non-survivors. The length and frequency of mechanical ventilation use were significantly greater (83%) in the non-survivors compared with the survivors (31%). The mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 6 ± 5. The overall mortality rate of the cohort associated with patients that had diabetes, hypertension and ischemic heart disease was 41.8%. Conclusion: Age; a pre-existing medical history of hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease; smoking cigarettes; a BMI ≥ 29; a long mechanical ventilation and ICU stay; the need of ventilatory support; a high SOFA score; fungal co-infections and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use were key clinical characteristics that predicted a high mortality in our population.

Congenital Disseminated Pyogenic Granuloma: Characterization of an Aggressive Multisystemic Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features of "congenital disseminated pyogenic granuloma" involving various organs with high morbidity related to cerebral hemorrhagic involvement. STUDY DESIGN: We searched the database of the Vascular Anomalies Center at Boston Children's Hospital from 1999 to 2019 for patients diagnosed as having multiple vascular lesions, visceral vascular tumors, congenital hemangiomatosis, multiple pyogenic granulomas, or multiple vascular lesions without a definite diagnosis. A retrospective review of the medical records, photographs, histopathologic, and imaging studies was performed. Only patients with imaging studies and histopathologic diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma were included. RESULTS: Eight children (5 male, 3 female) had congenital multifocal cutaneous vascular tumors. Lesions also were found in the brain (n = 7), liver (n = 4), spleen (n = 3), muscles (n = 4), bone (n = 3), retroperitoneum (n = 3), and intestine/mesentery (n = 2). Less commonly affected were the spinal cord, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal gland (n = 1 each). The mean follow-up period was 21.8 months. The cerebral and visceral lesions were hemorrhagic with severe neurologic sequelae. The histopathologic diagnosis was pyogenic granuloma with prominent areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. The endothelial cells had enlarged nuclei, pale cytoplasm and were immunopositive for CD31 and negative for D2-40 and glucose transporter 1. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital disseminated pyogenic granuloma is a distinct multisystemic aggressive disorder that primarily affects the skin, brain, visceral organs, and musculoskeletal system. Differentiation of this entity from other multiple cutaneous vascular lesions is critical because of possible cerebral hemorrhagic involvement.

Two-hour Observation After Liver Biopsy in Children: Clinical and Economic Outcome of a Quality Improvement Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Following percutaneous liver biopsy performed at our institution on an outpatient basis, children traditionally were observed for 4 hours then discharged after verifying a stable hematocrit level. In June 2015, we adopted a quality improvement project with shorter 2-hour observation for patients with no known risks and the hematocrit test was abandoned.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and economic outcomes of early discharge of children following liver biopsy. METHODS: We analyzed data on 2 groups of children who underwent ultrasound-guided nontargeted core needle liver biopsy performed on outpatient basis. Group A (100 procedures with 4-hour postprocedural observation time and hematocrit test) was compared with group B (100 procedures with 2-hour observation without hematocrit test). RESULTS: Group A consisted of 92 patients (43 boys; 49 girls) with a mean age of 11.1 years and mean weight of 52.6 kg. Group B had 92 patients (47 boys; 45 girls) with a mean age of 8.9 years and mean weight of 40.5 kg. The mean length of observation was 281 minutes (range 204-540 minutes) and 147 minutes (range 86-332 minutes) for groups A and B, respectively. The mean recovery charges were reduced by 35% per procedure in group B. The tissue obtained was sufficient for pathologic diagnosis in all procedures. There were no biopsy-related complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced recovery with early discharge of low-risk children after 2-hour observation following percutaneous liver biopsy can be safely implemented without adversely affecting the outcome. Shorter postbiopsy observation can be cost-saving and may potentially improve patient satisfaction.

Propranolol Treatment of Vascular Anomalies Other Than Infantile Hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol has become first-line intervention for problematic infantile hemangioma (IH) that is not amenable to topical or intralesional therapies. Consensus data supporting its efficacy for other vascular anomalies does not exist. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and causes of propranolol use for vascular lesions other than IH. METHODS: Referrals to our Vascular Anomalies Center between 2008 and 2017 were reviewed for patients treated with propranolol at an outside institution. Patient history, photographs, imaging studies, and/or histopathology were evaluated by an interdisciplinary team to diagnose the vascular anomaly. Our center's diagnosis was compared to the referral diagnosis to categorize patients into 3 groups: Group 1 (patients were appropriately labeled with an IH); Group 2 (individuals were erroneously diagnosed with IH); and Group 3 (subjects were diagnosed with a vascular anomaly other than IH). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Group 1 (39%; n = 91) had an IH and were treated appropriately. Group 2 (20%; n = 49) was misdiagnosed with IH and incorrectly received propranolol. Group 3 (41%; n = 96) was given propranolol to treat another vascular anomaly. Propranolol did not have efficacy for vascular anomalies other than IH. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol commonly is used to treat lesions other than IH; misdiagnosis of a lesion as IH is a common cause. Propranolol should be used with caution to treat other types of vascular anomalies because patients are subjected to the risks of the drug without data supporting its efficacy.

A Rare Case of Neonatal Hypomagnesemia with Secondary Hypocalcemia Caused by a Novel Homozygous TRPM6 Gene Variant.

BACKGROUND Familial hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia (HSH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder (OMIM# 602014) caused by mutations in the gene encoding transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6)) on chromosome 9q22, a channel involved in epithelial magnesium resorption. While a plethora of studies have delineated various clinical manifestations pertinent to this mutation, the literature is devoid of connections between TRPM6 mutations and bleeding diathesis, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This report presents a case of familial HSH associated with the novel homozygous TRPM6 gene variant c.5281C>G p. (Arg1761Gly) chr9: 77354845. CASE REPORT This report details a 26-day-old neonate, born full term with optimal Apgar scores, who experienced an abrupt emergence of apnea, cyanosis, bilateral nasal bleeding, and diminished alertness. Despite the neonate's initially unremarkable clinical birth indicators, a meticulous assessment unveiled a pronounced family history of SIDS, including a sibling previously diagnosed with hypomagnesemia. Laboratory examination of the infant demonstrated severe hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia, conditions which were promptly ameliorated following intravenous administration of magnesium and calcium. Whole-exome sequencing identified a homozygous TRPM6 gene mutation c.5281C>G p. (Arg1761Gly) at chr9: 77354845. This gene is crucial for magnesium regulation. The mutation involves a cytosine-to-guanine shift, resulting in an arginine to glycine amino acid substitution at position 1761 of the TRPM6 protein. CONCLUSIONS This report has highlighted that infantile hypomagnesemia may be associated with symptoms and signs that can mimic infection, or it can present with seizures. Although familial HSH is a rare genetic disorder that can be identified by genetic testing, correction of hypomagnesemia is the most important and immediate clinical management strategy.

Risk Prediction of Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Using the Respiratory Severity Score (RSS) in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Retrospective Study From Saudi Arabia.

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication in extremely preterm infants. Therefore, early diagnosis of BPD is important for planning treatment strategies. In this study, we aimed to assess the predictive efficacy of the Respiratory Severity Score (RSS) in determining severe BPD or death outcomes in very preterm infants. Methodology This retrospective study included preterm infants born with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks. The inclusion criteria comprised individuals who were mechanically ventilated (<1 week) during the first four weeks of life. Any patients who died during the first seven days of life were excluded. RSS values were recorded on days 3, 14, 21, and 28 of life. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify a correlation between RSS and patient outcomes. Results A total of 154 infants were included in the analysis, of whom 82 (53.24%) developed severe BPD and 38 (24.67%) died. RSS was higher in patients who either died or developed severe BPD compared to those who survived. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that RSSs at postnatal day 14 (odds ratio (OR) = 3.970; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.114-14.147; p < 0.05), day 21 (OR = 6.201; 95% CI = 1.937-19.851; p < 0.05), and day 28 (OR = 8.925; 95% CI = 3.331-28.383; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with a higher risk of death or severe BPD. Conclusions The findings of the present study revealed that RSS can help predict the risk of severe BPD in very preterm infants.

Retraction: Giant Unruptured Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20423.].

The role of soluble B cell maturation antigen as a biomarker in multiple myeloma.

Currently used stratification models in myeloma precursor disease as well as staging systems and response criteria in myeloma have limitations including failure to identify functionally high-risk myeloma patients. B-cell maturation antigen, a transmembrane glycoprotein required for long-lived plasma cells, is specific and expressed by myeloma cells. When it sheds from the surface of myeloma cells it can be measured in the blood as serum (sBCMA) and correlated with clinical outcomes in myeloma precursor disease as well as in active myeloma. We performed a literature review using PubMed and found 825 articles since 1992 of which any articles related to sBCMA were reviewed. These studies show the potential of sBCMA to become an important biomarker in myeloma. Here, we describe the potential advantages of sBCMA in the biology, diagnosis, prognosis, and surveillance of myeloma, while also reviewing the challenges that lie ahead before it can be implemented as a clinical tool.

Parents' Awareness and Knowledge of G6PD Deficiency in the Eastern Province Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, known as G6PD deficiency, is a common hematological disease in the Eastern Province. The presence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme in the erythrocyte is crucial, as it aids in the protection of RBCs by preventing cellular damage. It was found that more than 400 million people in the world lack this enzyme, making it the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide. Because of the high prevalence of the disease in the world and the paucity of research in Saudi Arabia about G6PD deficiency, the idea of examining and assessing the awareness and knowledge of parents who have children affected with G6PD emerged. Objective This study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge regarding G6PD deficiency, identify the common and spread misconceptions regarding the disease, provide general insight for physicians about parental knowledge, and propose strategies to educate parents about G6PD deficiency. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 on 459 individuals from the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Using a questionnaire, parents with variable education levels and incomes participated. The questionnaire was available in both Arabic and English. The study aimed to gather comprehensive data regarding parental awareness and knowledge of G6PD deficiency, it focused on evaluating levels of awareness, knowledge, and misinformation of the participants. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, ver 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The chi-square test was applied to check any association between demographics and level of knowledge (Good and Poor). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on significant demographic variables and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included a total of 459 participants, 309 (67.3%) were females and 150 (32.7%) were males. Regarding the demographics, the majority of the participants were <40 years old (61.9%), Saudi (99.3%), married (98.5%), having bachelor's/diploma level or above (Master/PhD) (76.9%), having inherited disorder (44.2%), and having a family history of chronic diseases (82.6%). Furthermore, regarding the knowledge of the disease, the majority of the participants who recognized the disease (82.1%) were familiar with the term fava bean anemia rather than it being called G6PD deficiency anemia. On the other hand, 73.2% of the participants were unable to recognize the disease and had never heard of G6PD deficiency anemia. In addition, the majority of participants had deficient information regarding medication triggers (61.4%), whether the gender of a person is linked to G6PD (77.5%), and whether both parents must be carriers to have a child with G6PD deficiency anemia (50.9%). Female respondents proved to be more knowledgeable regarding this topic as 57.9% of them showed good knowledge as compared to (44.7%) of the male subjects. Conclusion There are discrepancies in the level of awareness among research participants. Our result indicates the need for educational interventions regarding the nomenclature, medication triggers, inheritance mode and its relation to gender, and the symptoms of the disease and its severity. Therefore, it is advised to spread awareness in the eastern province through brochures, medical campaigns, and by healthcare professionals in different medical organizations.

Congenital Factor X-Riyadh (Stuart-Prower) Deficiency With Isolated Prothrombin Time Prolongation: A Case Report.

Factor X (FX) deficiency is an extremely rare autosomal recessive inherited coagulation defect. We report a case of congenital Factor X-Riyadh deficiency discovered during a routine workup before a dental procedure. During routine work-up for dental surgery, prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR) were prolonged. The prothrombin time (PT) was found to be 78.4 (normal 11-14 seconds) with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 7.83; the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was 30.7 (normal 25-42 seconds). Specific coagulation factor assays confirmed an FX deficiency (<10 % of normal activity) and a mild factor VII deficiency 37% (normal 48%-124%). Molecular genetic analysis of the whole exome sequence (WES) confirmed the diagnosis of FX deficiency (homozygous pathogenic variant c. 271G>A p {Glu91Lys} chr13:113793685). The patient is currently on regular follow-up and is advised to take oral antifibrinolytic medications for any superficial or mucosal bleeding.

LAD-III, a Mild Phenotype Resulting From a Novel Variant of FERMT3 Gene: A Case Report.

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency-III (LAD-III) is a rare recessive autosomal disorder characterized by bleeding syndrome of Glanzmann-type and life-threatening infections. The main etiology of this condition is variations in the FERMT3 gene, which encodes kindlin-3, an integrin-binding protein. This protein is responsible for the activation of fibrinogen receptors and integrin-mediated hematopoietic cell adhesion. So far, only limited cases of LAD-III have been reported. This case report discusses a two-year-old male infant from the Asir region, Saudi Arabia, who was referred to the pediatric hematology service due to recurrent ecchymosis and epistaxis. He was born at full term with a history of transient tachypnea of the newborn and recurrent bronchiolitis. The patient exhibited normal platelet count and coagulation profiles alongside a familial history of bleeding disorders, including a cousin with a similar condition. The patient also presented with hypospadias and café-au-lait spots. Laboratory findings revealed anemia, microcytosis, and hypochromia indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous variant of uncertain significance in the FERMT3 gene, associated with autosomal recessive LAD-III. The patient was subsequently referred to an immunology subspecialty for further investigation and bone marrow transplant preparation. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive clinical and genetic evaluations in pediatric patients with unexplained bleeding tendencies.