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INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is a viral infection affecting the respiratory system, primarily. It has spread globally ever since it first appeared in China in 2019. The use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) for the treatment of COVID-19 has not been well established. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives of this study are to observe the success of HFNO in preventing escalation to mechanical ventilation (MV) and to measure the prevalence of HFNO in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). The secondary objective is to describe patients who received HFNO clinically. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 patients who require oxygen therapy in KAMC, Jeddah between March 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2020. Any patients requiring MV on admission were excluded. RESULTS: 259 patients fit the inclusion criteria, and 25.5% of those included received HFNO. The number of non-survivors is 47 (18.1%). Mortality for HFNO, MV, and intensive care unit (ICU) are 30 (45.5%), 31 (60.8%), and 24 (32%), respectively. Their demographic was as follows; 160 were males, with a mean age of 60.93±15.01. Regarding the types of oxygen, low-flow nasal oxygen (LFNO) was administered to 243 out of the 259 patients, 66 received HFNO, 42 received MV, and 49 received other modes of ventilation. Additionally, 43.9% received HFNO escalated to MV. Patients who did not receive HFNO or MV were 178 (68.7%) in total. CONCLUSION: The use of HFNO in COVID-19 patients could show better outcomes than MV in addition to preventing the use of MV. Larger studies are required to determine the efficacy of HFNO in COVID-19 patients.
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Introduction Encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis present significant challenges in clinical management owing to their diverse etiologies and potential complications. A high suspicion index is critical for guiding treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Understanding the demographic characteristics and frequency of causes of these conditions is essential to deliver optimized care. Objective This study aimed to investigate epidemiological causes and relative outcomes, including mortality, based on cultures, laboratory investigations, and demographic factors among patients with encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis in a Saudi Arabian tertiary care center. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from patients admitted between April 2016 and December 2022 who met the specified inclusion criteria. Results Among 233 patients, meningitis was the most prevalent diagnosis (65.77%), with bacterial agents being the predominant causative agents (79.74%). Higher mortality was significant with pediatrics <5 years and adults >60 years. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of central neurological infections based on a Saudi Arabian cohort. These findings underscore the importance of an accurate diagnosis and tailored management strategies. Further studies are warranted to enhance our understanding and to inform more predictable characteristics targeted in optimizing healthcare delivery for patients with such conditions.