Prevalence of thyroid disorders among the diabetic population in Arar, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of thyroid disorders (TDs) among the diabetic population in Arar, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional design study carried out in Arar, northern province of Saudi Arabia, from October 2023 to January 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. From the diabetic population aged over 18 years old. RESULTS: A total of 501 participants were enrolled. Most fall within the 20-35 age range, comprising 36.5% of the sample. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be the most prevalent comorbid condition. Following closely behind is vitamin B12 deficiency; hypertension and high blood lipids also show notable prevalence rates, affecting 10.5-22.1% of the population. In terms of diabetes, 42.8% of the population has been diagnosed with the condition. Among those with diabetes, the majority (67.6%) have been diagnosed with the second type, while 32.4% have the first type. There is an association between diabetes and TDs, with 51.3% of participants reporting this. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the adults in Arar, Saudi Arabia, lack some knowledge of TDs and their relationship to diabetes.

Updates on the Causes, Diagnosis, and Management of Peritoneal Abscesses: A Systematic Review.

Intra-abdominal complications such as peritoneal abscesses pose significant medical challenges. Over recent years, there has been a heightened focus on refining treatments for these conditions, such as optimal surgical techniques, drug therapies, and intervention methods. This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of 10 research studies spanning various countries to highlight recent advancements and findings in the treatment and management of peritoneal abscesses. The paper reviewed 10 trials involving a total of 942 participants, covering diverse methodologies including randomized controlled trials, retrospective analyses, and phase 3 clinical trials. The research spanned countries such as the USA, Finland, Japan, Turkey, India, and China. Key findings included the notable benefits of laparoscopic interventions in appendiceal abscess treatments, which led to quicker recoveries and reduced readmissions compared to conservative approaches. Additionally, certain drug combinations, such as tazobactam/ceftolozane with metronidazole, showcased high clinical efficacy, particularly against resistant bacterial strains. Challenges persist in the early detection of intra-abdominal infections, emphasizing the pivotal role of antimicrobial treatments. Unique therapeutic approaches, like the use of strong acid-electrolyzed water (SAEW) in pediatric appendicitis cases, have proven effective in reducing surgical site infections. Intrabdominal complications such as peritoneal abscesses pose a real challenge. Early detection plays a critical role, which relies on using imaging techniques such as CT scans. Poorly managed mild intra-abdominal diseases can lead to the development of abscesses. Therefore, the implication of highly effective antibiotic combinations such as tazobactam/ceftolozane and metronidazole/ceftriaxone from the start can effectively combat challenging bacterial infections such as Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria. Surgical procedures remain the most effective method to treat abscesses, and they are usually used as the last resort when drainage, laparoscopy, and other methods fail.