Severity and depression can impact quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND: The revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQoL15R) is a validated scale of quality of life in patients with MG. We aimed to study the factors causing the variability within the Arabic version of the MGQoL15R (MGQoL15R-A). METHOD: A standardized questionnaire was completed by 118 patients. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of sociodemographic variables, clinical factors, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9-A), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7-A) to the variability in the MGQoL15R-A. RESULTS: The MGQoL15R-A was highly correlated with PHQ9-A (r = 0.76), and moderately correlated with GAD7-A (r = 0.52). Clinical factors and PHQ9-A independently explained 30.4% and 34.5% of the variability, respectively. Among the clinical factors, uncontrolled MG status, relapse within the past year, and a higher number of current MG therapies were significantly associated with a higher MGQoL15R-A score. CONCLUSIONS: MG severity and depressive symptoms (measured by PHQ9-A) can affect the MGQoL15R-A score.

Retraction: Hematocolpos: An Unusual Cause of Right Iliac Fossa Pain.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18835.].

Communication Challenges While Dealing With a Deaf Patient in the Emergency Department and Suggested Solutions.

Background In the emergency department (ED), dealing with deaf patients presents unique difficulties and obstacles. There is insufficient time to arrange for an interpreter. While the voice of the deaf patient was the focus of earlier studies, in this study, we are interested in learning about ED physicians' difficulties and expertise. In addition, we aim to determine which approaches they suggest to address these issues. Methodology A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 166 emergency physicians working in pediatric and adult departments. The data were collected from physicians working in different centers in Riyadh city from January 2022 to March 2022. The data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results In their department policy and procedures, 74.1% of participants claimed no policy or procedure for dealing with deaf patients. The majority of available communication methods were family interpreters (63.9%) and writing on paper (16.9%). Overall, 88% of respondents did not attend any training on dealing with deaf patients, despite the fact that 83.7% thought such training should be available. Furthermore, 90.4% of the participants did not know sign language. Concerning information about the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment Services, 74.1% were unaware of such services. Concerning modern applications on smartphones, 97.6% were unaware of any existing communication app that could aid in communication with deaf patients. Conclusions In this study, we identified a significant deficiency in the knowledge and skills required to communicate with deaf patients. Hence, we recommend mandating education for physicians and requiring each institution to have an interpreter available 24 hours a day, either in person or via high-quality remote video.

Factors Contributing to Noncompliance With Diabetic Medications and Lifestyle Modifications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is defined as a chronic medical condition in which the blood glucose level remains high. The risk factors of T2DM are high body mass index due to obesity or being overweight, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle modification plays a crucial role in T2DM regulation and prevention, and if it is not controlled well by either lifestyle modification or DM regulatory medications, it may lead to medical complications ranging from mild to life-threatening complications. AIM: The purpose of this study is to find the contributory factors of noncompliance with oral antidiabetic drugs and lifestyle modifications in patients with T2DM in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. This will help control one of the most widespread comorbidities that might otherwise be a significant burden on patients' health and financial status as well as on the government. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on T2DM patients in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia through a link distributed on social media, and the contributory factors of noncompliance to diabetes medication and lifestyle modification were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 426 participants were included in the study. Regarding compliance with DM medications, 199 (46.7%) participants were adherent to their medications, 148 (34.7%) were not adherent to their medication, 42 (9.9%) were sometimes adherent, and 37 (8.7%) were mostly adherent to their medication. Regarding lifestyle modification, the level of adherence to a healthy diet and exercise among T2DM patients in the eastern province was low and unsatisfactory. According to the participants, the most reported factors contributing to noncompliance with DM medications and lifestyle modifications were forgetfulness, lack of knowledge about diabetes and the importance of controlling it, side effects of the medications, and difficulty in following a healthy diet. Regarding the influence of sociodemographic variables on the level of adherence in T2DM patients, factors such as age, marital status, occupation, comorbidities, diagnosis period, and previous complaints of DM complications showed significant associations with compliance with DM medication. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that the level of adherence to DM medications among T2DM patients in the eastern province was suboptimal. Although free medicines were available with a high level of healthcare access through government primary healthcare centers (PHCCs), poor adherence was observed. This study highlighted that medication adherence might be affected by age, marital status, occupation, chronic diseases, diagnosis period, and previous complaints of DM complications. Regarding lifestyle modification, this study showed that the level of adherence to a healthy diet and exercise among T2DM patients in the eastern province was low and unsatisfactory. Our recommendation is to measure the presence of dietician clinics, patient relationships with their healthcare providers, and their effect on patient compliance with DM medications. Further research is needed to include other factors that could influence adherence, such as patient-healthcare provider communication. Moreover, it is suggested that PHCCs discuss with noncompliant patients the reasons that prevent them from adhering to their medication and lifestyle modifications as part of their care plan.

Alarm Therapy in the Treatment of Enuresis in Children: Types and Efficacy Review.

Enuresis is defined as bedwetting in children aged five years and older when organic reasons have been ruled out. It can result in substantial psychological repercussions and uncomfortable circumstances for both the child and the family. Medical (desmopressin, tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs]) and behavioral treatment are the basis for the treatment of enuresis. Alarm therapy is considered the first treatment modality of choice for enuresis with almost 50% cure rates are in the long term. Cooperation and compliance from parents and children are the cornerstones of the effectiveness of alarm therapy. Multiple factors, such as technical issues, might slow down the therapeutic response time. The objective of this study is to review the role of alarm therapy in the treatment of enuresis, its types, and its efficacy and to explore the factors that may increase or decrease its efficacy.

Hematocolpos: An Unusual Cause of Right Iliac Fossa Pain.

Acute appendicitis is the most frequent indication for emergency abdominal surgery in childhood. Despite being a common condition, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis can be challenging. Ultrasound examination remains the imaging tool of choice for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We report the case of a nine-year-old girl who presented with acute abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed right iliac fossa rebound tenderness. Ultrasound examination showed a dilated blind-ended structure in the right iliac fossa conferring the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The patient underwent a CT scan which made the diagnosis of imperforate hymen with hematocolpos. The patient underwent hymenotomy and her symptoms showed complete resolution. Imperforate hymen with hematocolpos is a rare congenital genital tract anomaly. The case highlights the importance of appropriate genital examination in pediatric patients. In the present case, the patient might have undergone an unnecessary abdominal surgery if the correct diagnosis was not established.