Awareness of the Adult Population Toward Colorectal Cancer in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Colon and rectal cancer are usually grouped together as they share similar features. They are the third most common cancer in the world and the second most common cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Awareness and preventive screening programs play a vital role in early diagnosis and improving the survival rate of such patients. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) among the adult population in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the adult population living in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated among the adult population using WhatsApp and Twitter. The questionnaire contained demographic data and questions to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude regarding CRC risk factors and complications and the importance of screening. Results A total of 431 respondents were involved. The most common symptoms of colon cancer were abdominal pain and change in bowel habits. Risk factors associated with colon cancer were inflammatory bowel disease and fatty food. Colonoscopy was the most dominant choice for the detection of colon cancer. Conclusion The awareness of the adult population toward CRC was deficient. Better awareness can be predicted among individuals with better education. Addressing the gaps in awareness is vital to alleviate fears and misconceptions surrounding this disease.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of bariatric surgery among adult Saudi community, Saudi Arabia, 2019.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in developed countries than in developing countries of all ages (data from 2013). This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitudes of people in Saudi Arabia toward bariatric surgery. To do this, the specific objectives sought to determine the satisfaction of people who underwent bariatric surgery and to determine the importance of bariatric surgery among the community. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional, community-based study conducted among the Saudi adult population. The final sample size was 891 respondents from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collection was through online questionnaires that consisted of 26 questions to assess the perceived knowledge and attitudes toward obesity and bariatric surgery adopted from Abouhamda (2016). RESULTS: More than 70% of the study participants were aged between 18 and 25 years. There were more males than there were females 76.0% versus 24.0%, while most of the respondents were living single. The proportion of respondents across listed regions of Saudi Arabia significantly varied at a 5% level (P = 0.000). Sixty percent of the study respondents were within the normal weight range (BMI 18.5-25), 9% were marked as obese (BMI >30). Age group was not significantly associated with knowledge of quantization and perceived the knowledge that quantization can cause death (P > 0.05 in both cases). CONCLUSION: The knowledge about obesity in Saudi Arabia is generally good and most Saudis would rather take the approach of proper diet as opposed to surgery, with the bigger percentage being in the normal range (BMI 18.5-25).

Weight loss in a patient with polycystic kidney disease: when liver cysts are no longer innocent bystanders.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most frequent inherited kidney disorder, and liver involvement represents one of its major extra-renal manifestations. Although asymptomatic in most patients, polycystic liver disease (PLD) can lead to organ compression, severe disability and even become life-threatening, thereby warranting early recognition and appropriate management. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with ADPKD and severe weight loss secondary to a giant hepatic cyst compressing the pylorus. Partial hepatectomy was required after failure of cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy, and patient's condition improved rapidly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the presentation and classification of compressing liver cysts, and the available therapeutic alternatives for this potentially severe complication of ADPKD.

Serum lipoprotein profile in Algerian patients with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is characterized by a gluten-induced villous atrophy of the upper small intestine which has an active role in the lipoprotein metabolism. In the present study the lipoprotein profiles of different patients were analyzed to determine the effect of impaired enterocyte function in celiac disease. We compared serum lipid parameters in controls and in celiac disease patients. The major differences between celiac disease patients and the control group were a diminution of cholesterol and phospholipids in HDL and LDL in the former. These differences persisted after treatment; in addition, a lower level of cholesterol in VLDL was observed. Plasma LpAI and apo A-I levels were significantly lower (-17 and -15%) in celiac disease patients than in controls. Both levels remained low after gluten-free diet. In Algerian patients, treatment with gluten-free diet did not give any return towards normal lipids concentrations.