Health Problems and Disabilities Among the Postmenopausal Saudi Women in Bisha City Receiving Home Care: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal women experience physical and psychological changes that may affect their health status. In Saudi Arabia, where the population of postmenopausal women is increasing, there is a need to examine the health problems and disabilities experienced by this group, particularly those who receive home care. This study aims to identify the common health problems and disabilities experienced by postmenopausal Saudi women in Bisha city who receive home care services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in Bisha city, Saudi Arabia, involved 155 postmenopausal women (age 60 years and above) receiving home care services. Data were collected using structured interviews and medical records. RESULTS: The study found that the most common health problems among postmenopausal women receiving home care were cardiovascular diseases in 85 women (54.84%), diabetes in 85 women (54.84%), and musculoskeletal disorders in 56 women (36.13%). There was a significant association between the number of health problems and disabilities, indicating that women with more health problems were more likely to experience disabilities (p-value ≤ 0.05). The results showed that age (OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.23-1.99, p=0.001), chronic diseases (OR=2.34, 95% CI 1.43-3.84, p=0.001), and lower education level (OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.08, p=0.045) were significantly associated with the presence of health problems and disabilities among postmenopausal Saudi women receiving home care in Bisha city. However, marital status and employment status were not found to be significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women in Bisha city who receive home care services experience a range of health problems and disabilities, particularly related to hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this study can help healthcare providers develop effective interventions and strategies to improve the health outcomes of this population.

Maternal Diabetes Mellitus and Neonatal Outcomes in Bisha: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal diabetes mellitus (MDM) is associated with increased risks for adverse neonatal outcomes. However, the impact of MDM on neonatal outcomes in Bisha, a city in Saudi Arabia, is not well documented. This study aims to investigate the impact of MDM on neonatal outcomes in the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Bisha, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 181 pregnant women with diabetes and their neonates who were diagnosed at the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH), Bisha, Saudi Arabia, between 5 October 2020 and 5 November 2022. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including stillbirth, neonatal death, macrosomia, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, and congenital anomalies. Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: The total sample size was 181. The average age of patients was 34 years (SD = 6.45). The majority of the patients were diagnosed with GDM, 147 (81.2%), and pre-GDM, 34 (18.8%). Neonates born to mothers with MDM had a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes compared to those born to mothers without MDM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-1.70). The risks of macrosomia (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.38-2.19), LBW (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.66), and RDS (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28-1.93) were significantly higher among neonates born to mothers with MDM. The types of DM were statistically significant in terms of their correlation with the following neonatal outcomes: hypoglycemia (p-value = 0.017), macrosomia (p-value = 0.050), and neonatal death (p-value = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: MDM is associated with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in Bisha. The early identification and management of MDM may improve neonatal outcomes and reduce the burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality in this population.

Utilization of Antenatal Care Services Within the Context of COVID-19, Security Challenges, and an Unstable Healthcare System at Primary Health Care Centers.

Background: Utilizing antenatal care (ANC) is vital for maternal and neonatal well-being, especially in low-resource settings with healthcare challenges. Identifying factors impacting antenatal care this context, t of current situation in Sudan is crucial for developing strategies to improve maternal care. This study explores ANC utilization amidst COVID-19, security issues, and healthcare instability in primary health care centers in a resource-constrained environment, aiming to enhance maternal care access and quality. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study. Quantitative data were collected through a retrospective analysis of ANC attendance records before and during the pandemic. Demographic variables were analyzed for their association with ANC utilization. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from pregnant women and healthcare providers. These interviews focused on capturing the experiences, perceptions, and obstacles associated with antenatal care services during the pandemic and within the healthcare system challenges. Results: Preliminary quantitative analysis revealed a significant decline in ANC utilization during the pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 infection, disrupted transportation, and resource constraints have emerged as significant barriers to ANC attendance. The qualitative findings highlighted the impact of security challenges on healthcare access and the adaptation strategies employed, including mobile ANC clinics and telehealth consultations. Conclusion: This study illuminates the intricate landscape of ANC utilization in the face of a pandemic, security instability, and healthcare system vulnerability. Policymakers and stakeholders should collaborate to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure the continued provision of essential maternal health services during challenging times.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlates among Male Medical Students at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the potential factors of depression among medical students is the first step towards academic excellence and future safe medical practice. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at the University of Bisha, College of Medicine (UBCOM), Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. Male medical students from year one to year six were involved. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about students' socio-demographic and academic characteristics. The Arabic version of the PHQ-9 scale with a score of ≥10 was used to identify depression. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression. RESULTS: Of the 190 male students enrolled, 26.8% had depressive symptoms, of whom 45.1% were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The significantly highest depression rate was found among the second-year students, at 43.8% (OR = 2.544; 95% CI 1.178-5.714; p = 0.018), and the lowest rate was found among year one students, at 8.9% (OR = 0.203; 95% CI 0.075-0.560; p = 0.002). Univariate regression revealed a significant correlation between depression and dissatisfaction with family income, loss of family members, having psychological illness, difficulties in personal relationships, regretting studying medicine, failure in an academic year, a lower grade than expected, conflict with tutors, lack of college facilities and heavy academic load. In multivariate analysis, loss of family members (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.86-7.413), difficulties in personal relationships (AOR = 2.371; 95% CI 1.009-5.575), regretting studying medicine (AOR = 3.764; 95% CI 1.657-8.550), and failing an academic year (AOR = 2.559; 95% CI 1.112-5.887) were independently correlated with depression. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that medical students at UBCOM experience depressive symptoms associated with various risk indicators. Optimizing the educational and social environment and infrastructure facilities at UBCOM might promote students' mental health and well-being.

Prevalence and Comorbidities Among Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Saudi Arabian Context.

BACKGROUND:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Saudi Arabia (SA) is a significant health concern with a notable impact on individuals and the healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of comorbidities in patients with RA. METHODOLOGY:  This is a retrospective descriptive study involving 150 RA patients from August 2022 to August 2023, which was conducted at Khamis Mushait General Hospital, a major healthcare institution in SA. We examined the medical records to gather pertinent information. Stata Statistical Software: Release 18 (2023; StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, United States) was used for data analysis. The examination focused on sociodemographic factors, disease duration, prescribed medications (including methotrexate and biologic therapy), and the presence of comorbidities. Approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Aseer Ministry of Health (approval number: H-06-B-091). RESULTS:  The study found a high prevalence of comorbidities in patients with RA. Around 96.7% of the patients had at least one documented comorbidity, highlighting this population's burden of additional health conditions. The most common comorbidity observed was anemia, affecting 48.7% of the patients. Other frequently observed comorbidities include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, interstitial lung disease, chronic renal disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease. The factors influencing comorbidities included an odds ratio of 1.086 (p=0.025), while being male was associated with lower odds (odds ratio=0.529, p=0.017). Additionally, disease duration (odds ratio=1.164, p=0.007), methotrexate use (odds ratio=2.553, p=0.001), and receiving biologic therapy (odds ratio=3.488, p<0.001) were significant contributors to comorbidities. CONCLUSION:  These findings highlight the need for comprehensive approaches to address RA and its associated comorbidities. Research and awareness initiatives are essential to understand better the specific nuances of RA in SA, leading to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for the needs of the local population.

The Primary Healthcare Physician's Awareness and Engagement in Community-Based Medical Education: A Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Community-based medical education (CBME) is an essential component of medical education, where primary healthcare physicians (PCPs) play a crucial role. This study explores PCPs' awareness and engagement in CBME and investigates the factors influencing their participation. METHODS: This mixed study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with PCPs as well as thematic analysis related to their awareness and engagement in CBME. In the second phase, a quantitative survey was conducted on 72 PCPs' pre- and post-training programs. RESULTS: Primary healthcare physicians had a positive attitude toward community-based medical education. The participants had an acceptable level of awareness and engagement, which increased substantially by (p-value = 0.03) and (p-value = 0.003), respectively. Logistical analysis indicated that non-Saudi physicians were more likely to participate in the CBME (p-value = 0.001). Professions and academic experiences influenced their willingness to engage and participate in CBME (OR = 7.5, p-value = 0.001) and (OR = 0.21, p-value = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The study findings highlighted the importance of increased awareness and the factors that enhance PCPs' engagement in CBME. This positive perspective of the PCPs will help build effective partnerships and facilitate the extension of the curriculum to apply CBME.

Partial Obstruction of the Endotracheal Tube by a Part of the Metallic Stylet; Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Endotracheal intubation is common in the emergency department, intensive care units, and operating rooms. It involves the insertion of an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the mouth or nose into the trachea to maintain a patent airway and facilitate mechanical ventilation. Using a stylet during intubation can guide the ETT through the vocal cords. However, complications can arise when the stylet is not removed after successful intubation. Herewith, we reported a patient who was two years old and suffered from respiratory failure. However, in the first 12 hours, we observed a foreign body in the trachea, a small end of a metal stylet immediately removed by bronchoscope. This case demonstrates that multiple uses of a stylet, especially by a single user, can result in impaction of the stylet in the ETT during intubation, requiring force when the stylet is withdrawn after intubation, which can result in breakage, shearing, and retention of the stylet or plastic sheath in the lumen of the ETT.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives.

Introduction: Medical education is a lifetime learning process stretching from undergraduate to postgraduate, specialty training, and beyond. It also applies to various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals. Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge the immense role of artificial intelligence in medical education in the current era of rapidly growing technology. Methods: High-quality data that met the study objectives were included. In addition, comprehensive investigations on articles available in reputable databases such as PubMed, Research Gate, PubMed central, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were considered for literature review. Results: Artificial intelligence has fixed various issues in education during the last decade, including language processing, reasoning, planning, and cognitive modelling. Conclusion: It can be used in medical education in the following forms: Virtual Inquiry System, Medical Distance Learning and Management, and Recording teaching videos in medical schools. It can also enhance the value of the non-analytical humanistic aspects of medicine. The goal of this review article was to present the implications of AI in medical education, now and in the coming years.

Breast Cancer Awareness Among Medical Students, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia and worldwide and significantly affects the health of Saudi women. This study investigates the awareness and predictors of breast cancer among medical students at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 391 medical students from the University of Bisha (Medicine and Applied Medical sciences) conducted from June to December 2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire with 27 questions. Data were analyzed using Stata/ BE 17.0 for Mac (Intel 64-bit) 1985-2021 Stata Corp LLC. All ethical issues were addressed honestly, including IRB and student consent. Results: In our study, almost half of the participants (49.36%) had suboptimal knowledge of general BC awareness, which was statistically significantly related to gender and previous participation in BC education (p-value < 0.05). Of the students (57%) showed a positive intention to participate in BC activities. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors that positively predicted student participation and engagement in BC activities. These factors showed a statistically significant relationship (p-value < 0.05), including previous participation (OR =1.557143), female (OR =1.412844), living in rural areas (OR =1.7075471), and medical applied sciences students (OR =1.439252). Conclusion: Despite half of the participants having suboptimal awareness of BC, there was a significant willingness to engage in BC prevention activities. Therefore, we recommend further analysis to identify gaps in the medical curriculum and update it accordingly, as well as to plan an extracurricular activity to increase student awareness of breast cancer as part of the University of Bisha's social accountability.

Rare Cystic Hygroma of the Axilla and Breast in Adults, Case Report, Long-Term Follow-Up and Literature Review: An Experience from Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Cystic hygroma (CH) in adults is a rare condition. Most CH cases are diagnosed at birth or during the first two years of life. Head and neck are the most common sites. There is scanty information about the natural history and follow-up of adult patients with axillary and breast CH. Hence, we present this case to shed some light on the natural history, complications, and a new suggested modality of treatment to deal with the complications. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 39-year-old female who presented after ten years of excision of the right axillary CH with massive breast edema and recurrence of cysts in the ipsilateral breast and axilla. The insertion treated the edema of a breast-peritoneal shunt. Discussion: The procedure was performed by inserting a normal V-P shunt catheter without a reservoir through a small incision in the inframammary fold toward the breast and another tiny incision at 10 of the clock in the right breast for fixation in the breast parenchyma. A catheter was inserted through a small incision on the right lumbar spine without intraperitoneal fixation after the catheter was inserted subcutaneously. Conclusion: This case report shows that adult CH can reoccur. To our knowledge, this is the second case of CH concomitantly involving the breast and axilla. The shunt of the edematous fluid to the peritoneal cavity can give hope for intractable breast edema treatment.

The psychological impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on health-care workers in primary health-care centers in resource-poor settings.

Background: Health-care workers' psychological status is essential to Preventive control measures in a weak and unstable health system with poor infrastructural constraints. This study examines the psychological impact of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the health-care providers working in primary health-care settings in Sudan. Materials and Methods: This is a health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in primary health-care units in White Nile State, Sudan. The psychological impact of stress and anxiety was determined using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). A self-administered questionnaire measured depression, anxiety, and stress. The population of this study included health professionals working in health centers, including physicians, nurses, technicians, pharmacists, and other support staff. Results: A total of 167 health professionals were systematically recruited. The mean anxiety score in the study population was 8.26 & 9.0 (corresponding to mild anxiety). Participants without anxiety constituted 26.35% (n = 44) of the participants. Women were significantly more likely to be affected than men (P = 0.0). Age (21-40 years), female nurses, and other health-care workers (anesthesiology, public health, health education, occupational health, psychiatry, etc.) could be strong predictors of psychological disorders (P-value of 0.0). Conclusion: This study provided evidence for primary health care at its preparatory levels, as they are the first line of protection against the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the high-risk population is a high priority in the preliminary phase.

Assessing the Psychological Impact of the Pandemic COVID -19 in Uninfected High-Risk Population.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psyche of uninfected people with chronic diseases in the Elduim community, White Nile State, Sudan, during the COVID -19 pandemic. METHODS: We used a generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD -7) and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for psychological assessment. The study included two hundred thirty-four participants; all participants with a chronic disease but not infected with COVID -19 were between 24 and 65 years of age. Residents of the study area were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics and a t-test were used for associations with a p-value of 0.05 or less. RESULTS: This study found that anxiety rated by GAD 7 was either mild (18, 7.7%), moderate (98, 41.9%), or severe (41, 17.5%) among participants. PHQ 9-rated depression showed 22 (9.4%) mild depression, most of them in participants aged 36-44 years. Participants with kidney disease showed major depression 11 (42.31%). Factors that significantly affected anxiety scores were age 24-35 years (P =0.002), university graduates (P < 0.000), married (P < 0.000), those with diabetes and hypertension (P =0.041), and urban residents (P < 0.023). Those who had secondary education were married and smoked were significantly more likely to have major depression than those with another educational status (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: COVID 19 pandemic had a significant impact on the psyche of uninfected people with chronic diseases in Sudan, and significant associated factors were identified. Unique interventions are strongly recommended to reduce the psychological impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Blood Transfusion Services: A Perspective from Health Professionals and Donors.

PURPOSE: Since the emergence of the COVI9-19 pandemic, there has been concern about the availability and sufficiency of blood transfusions to meet patient needs. Also, the adequate and safe blood supply is a major issue to fulfill present demands. This study aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the blood transfusion service and identify solutions to overcome this impact from the perspective of blood donors and healthcare professionals. METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively among Saudi Arabian blood donors and healthcare professionals between May 2020 and May 2021. A group of professional health care professionals and blood donors participated in this study to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood transfusion services and identify possible solutions to overcome the adverse effects on blood system activities. RESULTS: To understand the impact of pandemic COVID-19 on blood transfusion services in Saudi Arabia, we investigated population dynamics and statistical analysis from different age groups and health care professionals. A total of 424 blood donors and 372 healthcare professionals participated in this study. The suggested solution by the participants to overcome the blood shortage during pandemics was the organization of mobile blood drives at donors' homes, work, and educational sites. Statically significant associations were found between blood donation during this pandemic and age (p=0.019) and marital status (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study highlight the main problems of blood transfusion due to the onset of COVID-19. Hence, the data could be a source of improving blood transfusion and blood donation systems by healthcare centers and on an individual basis. Healthcare professionals use this public management system in hospitals to minimize the adverse effects of the pandemic.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Impact on the Quality of Life of Female Medical Students at Bisha University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The severity and chronicity of PMS can lead to the impairment of studies, and it can also affect relationships, activities, quality of life (QoL), and academic performance. This study aimed to determine PMS frequency and its associated factors in order to assess the quality of life (QoL) among female medical students at Bisha University, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional and included 388 female medical students in the Faculty of Medical Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine at Bisha University. The participants all filled in a self-administered questionnaire. The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PSS) was used based on the diagnostic and statistical criteria for PMS assessment. PMS was diagnosed after the presence of five or more severe premenstrual symptoms had been resolved following menstruation (adapted from American Psychiatric Association). DATA ANALYSIS: The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. A chi-square test was used to test the associations between the study variables. A logistic regression analysis technique was used to select the group of variables. Participants were asked to provide consent to participate in the study. IRB was obtained from the University of Bisha, College of Medicine. RESULTS: The participants were aged 19.5 ± 4.9 years, and the prevalence of PMS was 64.9%. Most of the female students were of extroverted personality types (35%). In addition, 13.4% were obese or overweight, and 19.5% of the 50% with PMS exercised regularly (p < 0.05). Menstruation significantly influenced the related quality of life subscales (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PMS significantly influenced daily activities related to quality of life and homework. Moreover, almost half of the female students experienced the effects of menstruation in their learning environment. Therefore, among female students, the modification of risk factors should be considered a critical intervention point.

Blood Group Rhesus D-negativity and Awareness Toward Importance of Anti-D Immunoglobulin Among Pregnant Women in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Background Rhesus D (RhD) antigen alloimmunization has been a focus of concern for hematologists and obstetricians. It contributes to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin and to determine the prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among them. Methods and materials This cross-sectional study was conducted in a routine antenatal care clinic of King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha, Saudi Arabia from September 2018 to January 2019. The awareness of pregnant women toward the clinical importance of blood group Rh(D)-negativity and prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Samples were analyzed for ABO and Rh (D) blood groups using the microplate grouping method. The presence of anti-D alloantibodies was detected by the indirect antiglobulin test. Data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 108 respondents fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Forty-five pregnant women (41.7%) were observed to be aware of the blood group Rh(D)-negativity and anti-D immunoglobulin issue. The prevalence of the negative blood group was 11.1% (12/108). Awareness was found to be significantly associated with age, education, vaginal bleeding, blood groups, and previous administration of anti-D immunoglobulin (p-value ≤0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of blood group Rh(D)-negativity among respondents was found to be comparative with other populations, although the overall awareness was found to be suboptimal (41.7%). Structured health education programs by hematologists and obstetricians are needed to increase awareness and to address women at reproductive age.

Primary Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism in King Abdullah Hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Background Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in cord blood measured at birth has been proposed as an indicator of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Elevated TSH levels at birth were associated with cognitive and psychomotor disorders among young children. Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of CH using cord blood TSH screening among 2501 newborn infants in the period from January to November 2016 in Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted at King Abdullah Hospital, Bisha, which is a secondary care referral district general hospital with 400 beds. All neonates born in the designed period were included and screened according to the standard CH screening protocol. Data was collected from all neonates born in the designed period. The screening was performed according to the standard CH screening protocol. After birth, cord blood specimens were used. TSH was measured by Perkin Elmer ELISA machine. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Main results A total of 1308 (52.3%) neonates were males, while 1193 (47.7%) were females. Serum TSH levels were ranged from 0.01-73.9 µU/ml. The mean ± SD was (7.60 ± 6.02 µU/ml); the cutoff point was 25 µU/ml. Conclusion The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism among Saudi neonates in Bisha Province is 1:834, which is the highest in the rejoin. The prevalence of hypothyroidism from the total screened population was (0.12%). We recommended screening with special consideration to those with high TSH in the primary screening.

Zenker's diverticulum: a case report and literature review.

The pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum) is a diverticulum of the mucosa of the pharynx, just above the cricopharyngeal muscle (i.e. above the upper sphincter of the oesophagus). It occurs commonly in elderly patients (over 70 year) and the typical symptoms include dysphagia, regurgitation, chronic cough, aspiration and weight loss. We are reporting a case of an oropharyngeal dysphagia due to a Zenker's diverticulum in 75 years old Sudanese man with a chronic history of dysphagia for solids. The pathophysiology of Zenker's diverticulum, clinical presentation, and management are reviewed.

Lipid profile in post renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine in Sudan.

Lipid profile abnormality places kidney graft recipients at an increase risk for cardiovascular diseases.This study was undertaken to determine the impact of cyclosporine A (CsA) on lipid profile of transplant patients in Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases, Medani, Sudan. We studied 78 renal transplant patients with mean age of 42.1 years and mean transplant duration of 3.8 years. Cyclosporine A (CsA), total cholesterol (Tch), triglyceride (TG), HDL cho-lesterol (HDLch), LDL cholesterol (LDLch), and VLDL cholesterol (VLDLch) were estimated. 62.8% of the patients showed significant lipoprotein abnormalities. Renal allograft recipients showed significantly high levels of TG (p< 0.002), Tch (p< 0.00), LDLch (p< 0.01), and VLDLch (p< 0.05) compared with age and sex matched normal subjects. Increased CsA was reported in females and hypertensive patients. A significant negative correlation was noted between post-transplant duration and VLDLch. The study confirms the existence of dyslipidemia in renal trans-plant patients in our patients.