ABSTRACT
Background Anaphylaxis is a significant, often fatal, systemic allergic reaction with a rapid start that may affect the respiratory and/or circulatory systems; for patients to survive, emergency management must be done properly. When anaphylaxis is confirmed or highly suspected, epinephrine should be injected intramuscularly. This study aimed to assess the preparedness of primary healthcare physicians for anaphylaxis in terms of recognition and management of this condition in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among primary healthcare physicians in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the targeted physicians. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, general awareness and management of anaphylaxis, and a 10-item questionnaire to assess physicians' knowledge of anaphylaxis. Results Out of 121 primary healthcare physicians, 61.2% were male, and 47.9% were aged between 25 and 35 years. Nearly all physicians (97.5%) believed that anaphylaxis is a life-threatening situation. The overall mean knowledge score was 4.74 out of 10 points. Nearly half (48.8%) were categorized as having poor knowledge levels, 43% as moderate, and only 8.3% as having good knowledge. Being specialists/consultants and being trained in managing anaphylaxis were the factors associated with increased knowledge. Conclusion The knowledge of primary care physicians regarding anaphylaxis was deficient. However, increased knowledge of anaphylaxis was seen more frequently among consultants or specialists who attended training for managing anaphylaxis cases. A multi-center study involving a bigger sample size is needed to establish physicians' knowledge of anaphylaxis.
ABSTRACT
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) are prevalent metabolic and endocrine disorders. Previous studies have suggested potential associations between SCH and metabolic disorders, including DM. This study aimed to explore the relationship between SCH and DM in patients from the Qassim Region in Saudi Arabia. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who attended the Qassim University clinics from December 2017 to December 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: SCH patients without a history of DM and age- and sex-matched controls without SCH or DM. Parameters, such as DM occurrence, DM duration, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, and metformin use, were evaluated. Results The prevalence of DM was 70.4% in the SCH group and 83.3% in the non-SCH group, with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.203). The mean HbA1c values and DM duration showed no significant variations between the two groups. However, metformin use was significantly higher in the SCH group at 74.1% compared to 50.0% in the non-SCH group (p=0.047). No correlation was observed between HbA1c and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Conclusions While the study indicates a potential association between SCH and DM management, especially with regard to metformin usage, there does not appear to be a significant relationship between SCH and DM development or progression in this population.