Neuro-pediatric emergencies: clinical profile and outcomes.

Pediatric neurological emergencies are a significant concern, often leading to high rates of admission to pediatric intensive care units and increased mortality rates. In Saudi Arabia, the emergency department (ED) is the main entry point for most patients in the healthcare system. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric neurology visits to the ED, analyzing patient demographics, clinical presentations, and outcomes. The retrospective study was conducted at a large tertiary care center and examined 960 pediatric patients with neurological emergencies out of 24,088 pediatric ED visits. The study population consisted mainly of male participants (56.5%) and 43.5% female participants, with a mean age of 5.29 ± 4.19 years. School-age children (6-12 years) represented the largest population group (29.1%), and over a third of patients were triaged as 'resuscitation' (n = 332, 34.6%). Seizures (n = 317, 33.0%) and postictal states (n = 187, 19.5%) were the most common reasons for seeking emergency care, accounting for over half of all cases. There were statistically significant differences in provisional diagnosis and chief complaints across different age groups (P >0.001 and P <0.001, respectively). The most common outcome was discharge (n = 558; 58.1%), and the mean length of stay was 10.56 ± 20.33 hours. Neuro-emergencies in pediatrics are a concern and a leading cause of mortality, morbidities, and increased hospital visits. The observed variations in presentation and outcomes across age groups further emphasize the importance of tailored approaches.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Arab Countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy is a major obstacle to the large efforts made by governments and health organizations toward achieving successful COVID-19 vaccination programs. Healthcare worker's (HCWs) acceptance or refusal of the vaccine is an influencing factor to the attitudes of their patients and general population. This study aimed to report the acceptance rates for COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs in Arab countries and identify key factors driving the attitudes of HCWs in the Arab world toward vaccines. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched using pre-specified keywords. All cross-sectional studies that assessed COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and/or acceptance among HCWs in Arab countries until July 2022, were included. The quality of the included studies and the risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool. The pooled acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine was assessed using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A total of 861 articles were identified, of which, 43 were included in the study. All the studies were cross-sectional and survey-based. The total sample size was 57,250 HCWs and the acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine was 60.4% (95% CI, 53.8% to 66.6%; I2, 41.9%). In addition, the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate among males was 65.4% (95% CI, 55.9% to 73.9%; I2, 0%) while among females was 48.2% (95% CI, 37.8% to 58.6%; I2, 0%). The most frequently reported factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were being male, higher risk perception of contracting COVID-19, positive attitude toward the influenza vaccine, and higher educational level. Predictors of vaccine hesitancy most frequently included concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety, living in rural areas, low monthly income, and fewer years of practice experience. CONCLUSION: A moderate acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccines was reported among HCWs in the Arab World. Considering potential future pandemics, regulatory bodies should raise awareness regarding vaccine safety and efficacy and tailor their efforts to target HCWs who would consequently influence the public with their attitude towards vaccines.

Age-Related Trends of Thyroidectomies in Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Understanding the relationship between aging and postoperative complications is critical because it may influence how the condition is managed. The safety of thyroidectomy in the older age group is debated in literature. All previous studies were conducted outside of the Middle East, and there is a scarcity of data in the literature describing the relationship between age and postoperative outcomes after thyroidectomy. This study aimed to compare the clinical trends of patients undergoing thyroidectomy between younger and older age groups. Methodology: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 3 tertiary care centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Our inclusion criteria consisted of patients of all ages of both sexes who underwent thyroidectomy. Patients were divided into 2 age groups, <60 years and ≥60 years. Chi-square test and independent t test were used to evaluate the differences between qualitative and continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed with postoperative complications and length of hospitalization as the dependent variables. Results: A total of 798 patients were included in this study. The <60 years age group was comprised of 81% female patients and 19% male patients, compared to 63.4% female patients and 36.6% male patients in the ≥60 years age group (P < .001). The ≥60 years age group had a statistically significant longer mean postoperative length of hospitalization (5.37 ± 7.21 days) compared to the <60 age group (3.33 ± 4.24 days; P = .003). A total of 14.4% of the patients in the <60 years age group developed at least one postoperative complication compared to 17.9% of the patients in the ≥60 years age group (P = .385). Seroma and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred more commonly in the ≥60 years age group compared to the <60 years age group with a statistically significant difference (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively). In contrast, hypocalcemia occurred more commonly in patients of the <60 years age group with a statistically significant difference (P = .044). These findings were further verified by multivariate logistic regression after adjustment for gender, type of procedure, and type of diagnosis. Conclusion: In our region, the overall risk of developing postoperative complications was not different between the younger and older age groups. However, certain complications were more likely to develop in the older age group which requires vigilance from surgeons performing thyroidectomy. Likewise, the length of hospitalization was significantly longer in the older population. Awareness of complications and challenges of thyroidectomy in the older age group is crucial to improve care.

International treatment outcomes of neonates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN): a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: PPHN is a common cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is still a serious condition and associated with high mortality. OBJECTIVES: To compare the demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and survived compared to neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and died. METHODS: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and searched ProQuest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature for studies on the development of PPHN in neonates who underwent ECMO, published from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2023, with English language restriction. RESULTS: Of the 5689 papers that were identified, 134 articles were included in the systematic review. Studies involving 1814 neonates with PPHN who were placed on ECMO were analyzed (1218 survived and 594 died). Neonates in the PPHN group who died had lower proportion of normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (6.4% vs 1.8%; p value > 0.05) and lower Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min [i.e., low Apgar score: 1.5% vs 0.5%, moderately abnormal Apgar score: 10.3% vs 1.2% and reassuring Apgar score: 4% vs 2.3%; p value = 0.039] compared to those who survived. Neonates who had PPHN and died had higher proportion of medical comorbidities such as omphalocele (0.7% vs 4.7%), systemic hypotension (1% vs 2.5%), infection with Herpes simplex virus (0.4% vs 2.2%) or Bordetella pertussis (0.7% vs 2%); p = 0.042. Neonates with PPHN in the death group were more likely to present due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (25.5% vs 47.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (4.2% vs 13.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (8% vs 12.1%), pneumonia (1.6% vs 8.4%), sepsis (1.5% vs 8.2%) and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (0.1% vs 4.4%); p = 0.019. Neonates with PPHN who died needed a longer median time of mechanical ventilation (15 days, IQR 10 to 27 vs. 10 days, IQR 7 to 28; p = 0.024) and ECMO use (9.2 days, IQR 3.9 to 13.5 vs. 6 days, IQR 3 to 12.5; p = 0.033), and a shorter median duration of hospital stay (23 days, IQR 12.5 to 46 vs. 58.5 days, IQR 28.2 to 60.7; p = 0.000) compared to the neonates with PPHN who survived. ECMO-related complications such as chylothorax (1% vs 2.7%), intracranial bleeding (1.2% vs 1.7%) and catheter-related infections (0% vs 0.3%) were more frequent in the group of neonates with PPHN who died (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: ECMO in the neonates with PPHN who failed supportive cardiorespiratory care and conventional therapies has been successfully utilized with a neonatal survival rate of 67.1%. Mortality in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was highest in cases born via the caesarean delivery mode or neonates who had lower Apgar scores at birth. Fatality rate in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was the highest in patients with higher rate of specific medical comorbidities (omphalocele, systemic hypotension and infection with Herpes simplex virus or Bordetella pertussis) or cases who had PPHN due to higher rate of specific etiologies (congenital diaphragmatic hernia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome). Neonates with PPHN who died may need a longer time of mechanical ventilation and ECMO use and a shorter duration of hospital stay; and may experience higher frequency of ECMO-related complications (chylothorax, intracranial bleeding and catheter-related infections) in comparison with the neonates with PPHN who survived.

Clinical Characteristics of Ischemic Stroke Patients <50 Years Old at a University Hospital: A Retrospective Descriptive Study.

Background Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability around the world. It is responsible for 10% of all fatalities and about 5% of all disabilities. Risk factors include age, hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, and atrial fibrillation. The incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is increasing among young adults compared to older ones. It has a direct impact on their quality of life and working activities while also burdening the healthcare system. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the possible risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients who are under 50 years old. Methods This is a single-center retrospective record review of patients with ischemic stroke from 2010 to 2022. Eighty patients who had an ischemic stroke at an age below 50 were included in the analysis. Patients above or equal to 50 years old who had ischemic stroke and all patients with hemorrhagic stroke were excluded. Baseline characteristics, length of hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality were compared with different comorbidities. Results The mean age was 36.65 among males and females who had an ischemic stroke. 56.8% of them were non-Saudi, while 43.2% were Saudis. Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were among the most frequent comorbidities among patients who had ischemic stroke, with a percentage of 82.7%. Other comorbidities, such as autoimmune disease, thrombophilia, and heart failure, were present. Conclusion There are different comorbidities found in patients who have had an ischemic stroke and are under 50 years old. However, diabetes and hypertension remain the most common risk factors.

Demographics and Characteristics of Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF) Patients in a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has been defined as the gradual or rapid change in heart failure (HF) signs and symptoms resulting in a need for urgent therapy. Patients with ADHF usually have multiple comorbidities that contribute to the severity of exacerbation at admission, including diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. The prognosis for these individuals is generally poor, with a high risk of readmission and death after discharge. Unfortunately, there are limited studies in Saudi Arabia reporting the characteristics of such patients. We aim to study the demographics and characteristics of ADHF patients admitted to King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and analyze gender discrepancies and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This retrospective record review was conducted at KAUH. The study included 425 patients diagnosed with ADHF. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, underlying etiology of HF, comorbidities, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), vital signs, comprehensive metabolic panel at admission, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated and analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were males (52.5%), and the average age was 63 ± 13.75 years. The most prevalent etiology of HF was hypertensive heart disease (51.8%), followed by ischemic heart disease (42.8%). The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (73.6%), and the most common medication administered was diuretics (95.5%). The mean LVEF was 37.9% ± 16.0. In-hospital mortality occurred in 10.4% of patients. The mean length of hospitalization was 16.7 ± 86.2 days. The mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (17.18 ± 11.16) and creatinine (243.34 ± 222.27) were higher in patients with in-hospital mortality. The mean difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003 and P = 0.014). A higher length of hospitalization was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: We found more than half of our sample to be males and diabetes mellitus to be common among ADHF patients. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels at the time of presentation, as well as patients who had been in the hospital for a more extended period of time, were found to be associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Topical Intrapleural Application of Tranexamic Acid in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVES: Bleeding remains a common complication post-thoracic surgery. Although intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss, its use has been associated with adverse effects. Accordingly, topical TXA has been proposed as an alternative to reduce bleeding with fewer systemic complications. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical TXA versus control (i.e., placebo) in patients undergoing thoracic procedures. The primary outcome was total postoperative blood loss at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included were the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Meta-analyses were pooled using mean difference with inverse-variance weighting and random-effects. RESULTS: Out of the 575 unique studies that were screened, we identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 399 patients. Out of the three RCTs analyzed, two studies, accounting for 67% of the total, were found to have a low risk of bias. The primary outcome of 24-h post-operative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who received TXA (mean difference [MD] -93.6 ml, 95% CI -121.8 to -65.4 ml, I2 = 45%). In addition, the need for RBC transfusion was significantly lower in the topical TXA group compared to control (MD -0.5 units, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.3 units, I2 = 60%). However, there was no significant difference in the hospital length of stay (LOS) (MD -0.3 days, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.4 days, I2 = 0%). These results remained consistent after several sensitivity analyses. The use of topical intrapleural tranexamic acid has also been found to be safe without any significant safety concerns. CONCLUSION: Topical intrapleural TXA reduces blood loss and the need for blood transfusions during thoracic surgery. In addition, there is no evidence of the increased safety concerns associated with its use. Larger trials are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the safety and efficacy of different dosages.