Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: 2023 key updates from the Saudi Osteoporosis Society.

The Saudi Osteoporosis Society (SOS) has updated its guidelines for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia (SA), with emphasis on postmenopausal women. This document is relevant to all healthcare professionals in SA involved in the care of patients with osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures. INTRODUCTION: The SOS launched the first national osteoporosis guidelines in 2015 and spearheaded the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) osteoporosis consensus report in 2020 which was under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis (ESCEO). This paper highlights a major update of the guidelines in the SA setting. METHODS: This guideline is an adaptation of the current guidelines derived from ESCEO, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and the GCC osteoporosis consensus report and studies on osteoporosis done in SA. Where accessible, the timeliest systematic review, meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials were used as evidence. RESULTS: The present update includes new recommendations for the assessment of osteoporosis taking into consideration the Saudi model of FRAX for fracture probabilities, appropriate doses for the maintenance of vitamin D status and calcium, the use of representative blood analytes for therapy monitoring, the use of romosozumab and sequential therapy in the pharmacological management strategies, and the establishment of fracture liaison services to prevent secondary fractures. CONCLUSION: This updated guideline is for all healthcare professionals involved in osteoporosis and post-fracture care and management in SA and harmonized the most up-to-date changes in the field based on evidence-based medicine for use in the local setting.

Adoption of telemedicine care for osteoporotic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of telemedicine care provided to osteoporotic patients in Saudi Arabia. Our results show that this service was effective and feasible, and patients had a good rate of satisfaction with it. PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of telemedicine care in osteoporotic patients during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Saudi Arabia compared to in-person patients, as well as their satisfaction with this service. METHODS: This observational retrospective study was conducted between March 2021 and September 2021 in King Saud University Medical City, Saudi Arabia. A survey was used to compare patients attending telemedicine clinics with in-person patients in terms of access and adherence to medications, occurrence of new fractures, and overall satisfaction with this service. RESULTS: 195 patients attended the telemedicine clinic, while 63 attended the in-person clinic. Exercise frequency was similar in both groups, although exercise intensity was greater in the in-person group. 25(OH)D levels were stable in both groups. The availability and delay of supply of osteoporosis medications were not statistically different between both groups while adherence to treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups. The majority of patients in the telemedicine group were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine care was feasible and effective in managing osteoporotic patients during the COVID-19 epidemic. Such service could be considered in the future for managing disabled patients and those living in remote areas.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Discordance Between Hip and Spinal Bone Mineral Density Among Saudi Subjects.

Background Discordance between hip and spine on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is a well-known problem in diagnosing osteoporosis. The prevalence and risk factors of this problem have not been studied in the Saudi population. The objective of this study was to document this discordance in our population and its possible risk factors. Materials and methods We analyzed data obtained from subjects who had dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between January 2021 and December 2021 at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects with the following conditions were excluded: secondary osteoporosis, patients taking anti-osteoporotic agents, patients on steroids or hormonal replacement therapy, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and chronic renal disease. A total of 1388 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for diagnosis were implemented. Major discordance was defined as osteoporosis in one site and normal in the other. Minor discordance was defined as a difference of no more than one World Health Organization diagnostic class between two sites. Bivariate statistical analysis was achieved using appropriate statistical tests (chi-square, student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation), based on the type of study and outcome variables. A p-value of < 0.05 and 95% CI were used to report the statistical significance and precision of results. Results A total of 1388 subjects were analyzed, of which, 1196 (86%) were females with a mean age of 58.8 (13.8 SD) and 192 were males with a mean age of 58 (18.0 SD). Lumbar osteoporosis was found in 312 (22.5%) participants while hip osteoporosis was reported in 73 (5.3%) of the participants. Major discordance was documented in 85 (6.1%) of all participants (6.3% of the male and 6.1% of the female patients). All of these subjects had lumbar spine osteoporosis with normal hip bone mineral density (BMD). Minor discordance was found in 591 patients (42.6%). Obesity (BMI > 30) was found to be a risk factor for both major (2.10-11.6, 95% CI) and minor (2.5-11.4, 95% CI) discordance. Conclusion Discordance between hip and spine BMD is common among Saudi subjects. Lumbar spine osteoporosis with normal hip BMD caused this discordance in our subjects. Obesity could be responsible for the occurrence of this discordance. Mechanisms may include higher rate of turnover in spine, technical artifacts in the measurements of lumbar spine BMD, or due to the effects of weight loading. Caution should be exercised when interpreting DXA results, especially in obese subjects.

Incidence of hip fracture in Saudi Arabia and the development of a FRAX model.

A prospective hospital-based survey in representative regions of Saudi Arabia determined the incidence of fractures at the hip. The hip fracture rates were used to create a FRAX® model to facilitate fracture risk assessment in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the incidence of hip fracture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that was used to characterize the current and future burden of hip fracture, to develop a country-specific FRAX® tool for fracture prediction and to compare fracture probabilities with neighbouring countries. METHODS: During a 2-year (2017/2018) prospective survey in 15 hospitals with a defined catchment population, hip fractures in Saudi citizens were prospectively identified from hospital registers. The number of hip fractures and future burden was determined from national demography. Age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture and national mortality rates were incorporated into a FRAX model for Saudi Arabia. Fracture probabilities were compared with those from Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. RESULTS: The incidence of hip fracture applied nationally suggested that the estimated number of hip fractures nationwide in persons over the age of 50 years for 2015 was 2,949 and is predicted to increase nearly sevenfold to 20,328 in 2050. Hip fracture rates were comparable with estimates from Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. By contrast, probabilities of a major osteoporotic fracture or hip fracture from the age of 70 years were much lower than those seen in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait due to higher mortality estimates for Saudi Arabia. CONCLUSION: A country-specific FRAX tool for fracture prediction has been developed for Saudi Arabia which is expected to help guide decisions about treatment.

The application of FRAX in Saudi Arabia.

Assessment and treatment pathways based on age-specific intervention thresholds in Saudi Arabi can be used to identify patients at high risk of fracture and avoid unnecessary treatment in those at low fracture risk. PURPOSE: Intervention thresholds for the treatment of osteoporosis have historically been based on the measurement of bone mineral density. The aim of the present study was to explore treatment paths and characteristics of women eligible for treatment in Saudi Arabia based on fracture probabilities derived from FRAX®. METHODS: The approach to the setting of intervention and assessment thresholds used the methodology adopted by the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group for FRAX-based guidelines in the UK but based on the epidemiology of fracture and death in Saudi Arabia. The methodology was applied to women age 40 years or more drawn from a tertiary referral population for skeletal assessment. Missing data for the calculation of FRAX was simulated using data from the referral and FRAX derivation cohorts. RESULTS: Intervention thresholds expressed as a 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture ranged from 2.0% at the age of 50 years increasing to 7.6% at the age of 70 years. A total of 163 of 1365 women (11.9%) had a prior fragility fracture and would be eligible for treatment for this reason. An additional 5 women were eligible for treatment in that MOF probabilities lay above the upper assessment threshold. A BMD test would be recommended for 593 women (43.4%) so that FRAX could be recalculated with the inclusion of femoral neck BMD. Of these, 220 individuals would be eligible for treatment after a BMD test and 373 women categorised at low risk after a BMD test. CONCLUSION: Probability-based assessment of fracture risk using age-specific intervention thresholds was developed for Saudi Arabia to help guide decisions about treatment.

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: consensus statement of the GCC countries' osteoporosis societies under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO).

A consensus platform is provided by the experts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' respective osteoporosis societies, on which specific guidelines can be developed further for regional use on the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal women at risk from fractures due to osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Guidance is provided in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country setting on the assessment and treatment of postmenopausal women at risk from fractures due to osteoporosis, which is an adaptation of the European guidance by Kanis et al., jointly published by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO). The respective osteoporosis societies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries assembled for a unifying consensus on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women for the region. METHODS: The Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases (CBCD) in King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in cooperation with the Saudi Osteoporosis Society (SOS), hosted regional experts and respective leaders from different GCC osteoporosis societies, together with an adviser from the ESCEO. An assembly of experts representing the different osteoporosis societies from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait gathered on February 15-16, 2019 in Riyadh, KSA for the formulation of a general osteoporosis consensus for the region. RESULTS: The following areas were covered: diagnosis of osteoporosis and assessment of fracture risk; general and pharmacological management of osteoporosis; and hip fractures, vitamin D, recommendation on which FRAX tool to follow, and the importance of country-specific FRAX® and fracture liaison services for secondary fracture prevention. CONCLUSIONS: A platform is provided on which specific guidelines can be developed for regional use in GCC.

Celiac disease and severe vitamin D deficiency: the case for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody screening.

Vitamin D-deficient Saudi adolescent girls were screened for anti-tissue transglutaminase (IgA-tTG) antibodies to determine whether the presence of severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with celiac disease. All 9 participants who were positive for IgA-tTG antibodies had severe vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 12.5 nmol/l), suggesting that this population should be screened for celiac disease. PURPOSE: The current cross-sectional study aimed to see if severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with celiac disease (CD) among Saudi adolescent girls. METHODS: A total 200 adolescent females aged 13-19 years old with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) were screened for IgA tTG (anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies). RESULTS: Of the 200 girls, 9 (4.5%) were positive for IgA tTG antibodies; all of whom had serum 25(OH)D < 12.5 nmol/l. A strong significant inverse association was observed between tTG antibody levels and serum 25(OH)D (R = - 0.53; p < 0.001) among antibody negative participants. Finally, participants with positive IgA tTG antibodies was 37.2 times higher for participants with 25(OH)D < 12.5 nmol/l than those whose vitamin D status was higher [OR = 37.2 (95% CI 4.6-299.7) (p = 0.0002)]. CONCLUSION: The data suggests that CD maybe a risk factor for severe vitamin D deficiency and that patients presenting with very low levels of 25(OH)D of less than 12.5 nmol/l-in the absence of an obvious cause-may need to be screened for CD.

A weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation improves bone turnover markers in vitamin D deficient Saudi adolescent females.

This study examined the effects of weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks on bone turnover markers (BTMs). There was improvement in the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, and carboxy-terminal telopeptides of crosslinks of type 1 collagen (ßCTX) which paralleled the increase in vitamin D levels. PURPOSE: The effects of vitamin D supplementation on bone turnover markers (BTMs) have been inconsistent. This study examined the effects of weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 1 month on BTMs. METHODS: Sixty-eight vitamin D deficient adolescent females were given 35,000 IU of vitamin D3 for 4 weeks. Pre and post intervention blood samples were taken for 25(OH) D, PTH, osteocalcin and ßCTX. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in serum 25 (OH) D in the post intervention period which was accompanied by a significant decrease in PTH, osteocalcin and ßCTX (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that weekly 35,000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks results in significant improvement of BTMs.

Case-Based Review of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and Application of the International Recommendations for Management From the International Task Force on ONJ.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been associated with antiresorptive therapy in both oncology and osteoporosis patients. This debilitating condition is very rare and advances in diagnosis and management may now effectively reduce the risk of its development and offer valuable treatment options for affected patients. This paper provides a case-based review of ONJ and application of the International Task Force on ONJ (referred to as the "Task Force") recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ONJ. The Task Force was supported by 14 international societies and achieved consensus from representatives of these multidisciplinary societies on key issues pertaining to the diagnosis and management of ONJ. The frequency of ONJ in oncology patients receiving oncology doses of bisphosphonate (BP) or denosumab is estimated at 1%-15%, and the frequency in the osteoporosis patient population receiving much lower doses of BP or denosumab is estimated at 0.001%-0.01%. Although the diagnosis of ONJ is primarily clinical, imaging may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis and staging. In those with multiple risk factors for ONJ for whom major invasive oral surgery is being planned, interruption of BP or denosumab therapy (in cancer patients) is advised, if possible, before surgery, until the surgical site heals. Major oral surgery in this context could include multiple extractions if surgical extractions are required, not simple forceps extractions. ONJ development may be reduced by optimizing oral hygiene and postoperatively using topical and systemic antibiotics as appropriate. Periodontal disease should be managed before starting oncology doses of BP or denosumab. Local debridement may be successful in disease unresponsive to conservative therapy. Successful surgical intervention has been reported in those with stage 3 disease; less severe disease is best managed conservatively. Teriparatide may be helpful in healing ONJ lesions and may be considered in osteoporosis patients at a high fracture risk in the absence of contraindications. Resumption of BP or denosumab therapy following healing of ONJ lesions is recommended, and there have not been reports of subsequent local recurrence.

Vitamin D status correction in Saudi Arabia: an experts' consensus under the auspices of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO).

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is common in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia, in particular. While several international recommendations on the management of vitamin D deficiency have been documented and practiced globally, these recommendations should be adapted to the conditions of the Middle Eastern region. To address this challenge, the Prince Mutaib Chair for Biomarkers of Osteoporosis (PMCO) in King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, KSA, together with local experts and in cooperation with the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO), organized a panel that formulated unified recommendations in the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in the region. METHODS: The selection of local and international experts commenced during the 2nd International Vitamin D Symposium conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last January 20--21, 2016. Reviews of the most recent literature were done, and face-to-face meetings were conducted for revisions and final recommendations. RESULTS: Vitamin D sufficiency is defined as circulating serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol (≥20 ng/ml) for the general population and vitamin D adequacy as serum 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L l (>30 ng/ml) for the frail and osteoporotic elderly. Despite overwhelming prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, universal screening is not recommended. Recommendations for the general population, children, pregnant/lactating women, post-menopausal women, the elderly, and those with subsequent metabolic diseases were provided. RESULTS: Vitamin D sufficiency is defined as circulating serum 25(OH)D ≥50 nmol (≥20 ng/ml) for the general population and vitamin D adequacy as serum 25(OH)D >75 nmol/L l (>30 ng/ml) for the frail and osteoporotic elderly. Despite overwhelming prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, universal screening is not recommended. Recommendations for the general population, children, pregnant/lactating women, post-menopausal women, the elderly, and those with subsequent metabolic diseases were provided. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation/correction is advised in all persons whose serum 25(OH)D falls below 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml), and achieving a target of 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml) is particularly suited for frail, osteoporotic, and older patients. Conducting well-designed clinical trials in the region that will address economic implications and investigations on the treatment persistence and compliance to vitamin D treatment in the region are encouraged.

Vitamin D deficiency and biochemical variations among urban Saudi adolescent girls according to season.

OBJECTIVES: To determine seasonal variations in the vitamin D status of Saudi adolescent girls in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and its effect in biochemical and clinical characteristics.  METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 2000 Saudi females aged 12-18 years from different schools in Riyadh, KSA participated and submitted a generalized questionnaire with clinical information. Fasting blood samples were obtained in 1618 subjects for the winter season (December to February) and only 499 subjects returned to submit fasting blood samples for the summer season (June-August). Circulating serum 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other biomarkers of bone remodeling were measured during both seasons.  RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D  less than 25 nmol/L) was significantly higher during summer than winter (63.5% versus 40.8%; p less than 0.001). Mean serum PTH was also significantly higher during summer than winter (p less than 0.01). In all subjects, serum PTH showed a significant inverse association with 25(OH)D at levels below 40 nmol/L (r=-0.21; p less than 0.001). The prevalence of subjects having clinical and metabolic manifestations suggestive of osteomalacia was 2.13% (N=33 out of 1548). CONCLUSION: Seasonal variations in the vitamin D status of Saudi adolescent females significantly modifies biochemical parameters as response to vitamin D status change. In the meantime, heightened public health awareness should be given to populations at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.

2015 Guidelines for Osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia: Recommendations from the Saudi Osteoporosis Society.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To provide guidelines for medical professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding osteoporosis. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A panel of 14 local experts in osteoporosis assembled to provide consensus based on the strength of evidence and expert opinions on osteoporosis treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Saudi Osteoporosis Society (SOS) formed a panel of experts who performed an extensive published studies search to formulate recommendations regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia. Both local and international published studies were utilized whenever available. RESULTS: Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning is still the golden standard for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). In the absence of local, country-specific fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX), the SOS recommends using the USA (White) version of the FRAX tool. All women above 60 years of age should be evaluated for BMD. This is because the panel recognized that osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures occur at a younger age in Saudi Arabia. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not recommended for treating postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. BMD evaluation should be performed 1-2 years after initiating intervention, and the assessment of bone turnover biomarkers should be performed whenever available to determine the efficacy of intervention. CONCLUSION: All Saudi women above the age of 60 years must undergo a BMD assessment using DXA. Therapy decisions should be formulated with the use of the USA (White) version of the FRAX tool.

Diagnosis and management of osteonecrosis of the jaw: a systematic review and international consensus.

This work provides a systematic review of the literature from January 2003 to April 2014 pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), and offers recommendations for its management based on multidisciplinary international consensus. ONJ is associated with oncology-dose parenteral antiresorptive therapy of bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The incidence of ONJ is greatest in the oncology patient population (1% to 15%), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of ONJ is estimated at 0.001% to 0.01%, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (<0.001%). New insights into the pathophysiology of ONJ include antiresorptive effects of BPs and Dmab, effects of BPs on gamma delta T-cells and on monocyte and macrophage function, as well as the role of local bacterial infection, inflammation, and necrosis. Advances in imaging include the use of cone beam computerized tomography assessing cortical and cancellous architecture with lower radiation exposure, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scanning, and positron emission tomography, although plain films often suffice. Other risk factors for ONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill-fitting dentures, as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for ONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of ONJ, including cancer patients receiving high-dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of ONJ is based on the stage of the disease, size of the lesions, and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has been successful. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those without contraindications for its use. Experimental therapy includes bone marrow stem cell intralesional transplantation, low-level laser therapy, local platelet-derived growth factor application, hyperbaric oxygen, and tissue grafting.

Effect of gender, season, and vitamin D status on bone biochemical markers in Saudi diabetes patients.

Biochemical bone turnover markers (BTMs) provide important information on the diagnosis, therapy and monitoring of metabolic bone diseases. They are evident before measurable changes in bone mineral density (BMD) take place. A total of 35 adult Saudi patients (23 males; 12 females) with type 2 diabetes and diagnosed to be vitamin D deficient were recruited in this prospective study. Here we investigated the effects of gender, season, and vitamin D status on bone biochemical markers of bone remodeling. Anthropometry and blood samples were collected at different intervals. Metabolic parameters and bone biomarkers were measured routinely and by ELISA. Both males and females had a significant increase in their vitamin D status over time, but no significant changes in the bone biomarkers were observed in females. In males there was a significant increase in circulating levels of corrected calcium and OPN (p = 0.004 and 0.01 respectively) and a significant decrease in crosslaps (p = 0.005). In all subjects there was a modest but significant positive relationship between vitamin D status and OC (R = 0.34; p = 0.04). In conclusion, our study demonstrates that changes in bone remodeling markers are affected by season, gender, and possibly vitamin D status. This gender difference may well reflect the physiologic pathway responsible for the higher peak bone mass achieved in males compared to females.

Graves' disease in Saudi Arabia: a ten-year hospital study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical manifestation and mode of treatment of Graves' disease at King Khalid University Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective study of all cases of Graves' disease diagnosed at the hospital in the period between January 1995 and December 2004, who received a minimum of two years treatment were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were seen with female: male ratio of 2.9:1 and mean age of 32 +/- 0.9 years. Sixty nine percent of the patients had positive thyroid antibodies. Palpitations, tremors, weight loss and nervousness were the most common presenting manifestations. Forty nine percent of patients were treated with radioiodine, 38% with antithyroid drugs, and 13% underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of Graves' disease in our patients distinctly differed from those reported in the West and Pacific Islanders with notable rarity of pretibial myxoedema and hyperpigmentation respectively. We also noted higher male to female ratio and an increasing utility of radioactive iodine therapy while use of antithyroid drugs and surgery are declining.

Diabetes complications in 1952 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients managed in a single institution in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because there is no recent update on the state of diabetes and its concomitant complications in Saudi Arabia, we undertook a study of the prevalence of health complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to our institution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of adult Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes who were seen in clinics or admitted to the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 1989 and January 2004. RESULTS: Of 1952 patients, 943 (48.3%) were males. For the whole study population the mean age at enrollment was 58.4+/-14.2 years, the mean age at onset of diabetes was 48.1+/-12.8 years, the mean duration of diabetes was 10.4+/-7.5 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 7.9+/-4.6 years. Nephropathy was the most prevalent complication, occurring in 626 patients (32.1%). Acute coronary syndrome occurred in 451 (23.1%), cataracts in 447 (22.9%), retinopathy in 326 (16.7%), and myocardial infarction in 279 (14.3%), Doubling of serum creatinine was seen in 250 (12.8%) and 79 (4.0%) went into dialysis. Hypertension was present in 1524 (78.1%) and dyslipidemia in 764 (39.1%). Overall mortality was 8.2%. Multiple complications were frequent. Males had higher prevalence of complications than females (P<.05). Mortality was significantly higher in males 92 (9.8%) than females 69 (6.8%) (P=.024). The prevalence of complications significantly increased with duration of diabetes and age (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Among Saudis, the prevalence of concomitant diabetic complications is high, with cardiovascular and renal complications the most frequent. Many patients had multiple complications. Early and frequent screenings in the patients with type 2 diabetes are desirable to identify patients at high risk for concomitant complications and to prevent disabilities.

Hirsutism in Saudi females of reproductive age: a hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Hirsutism among women of fertile age is commonly seen in clinical practice, but the pattern of the disease in Saudi Arabs has not been studied. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical, biochemical and etiologic features of hirsutism in Saudi females. METHODS: 101 Saudi Arab women presenting with hirsutism at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005 were prospectively assessed using the recently approved diagnostic guidelines for hyperandrogenic women with hirsutism. RESULTS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was the cause of hirsutism in 83 patients (82%) followed by idiopathic hirsutism (IH) in 11 patients (11%). Others causes of hirsutism included late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia in 4 patients (4%), microprolactinoma in 2 (2%) and Cushingâs syndrome in 1 (1%) patient. Age at presentation of PCOS was 24.5+/-6.6 years (mean+/-SD) and 51% of the subjects were obese. Furthermore, 74 (89%) of patients with PCOS had an oligo/anovulatory cycle while the remaining 9 patients (11%) maintained normal regular menstrual cycle. Luteinizing hormone and total testosterone were significantly higher in patients with PCOS than in those with IH (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present data show PCOS to be the commonest cause of hirsutism in our clinical practice and PCOS is prominent amongst young obese females. However, further studies on a larger scale are needed to verify our findings.

High prevalence of osteoporosis in Saudi men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in healthy Saudi men. METHODS: We randomly recruited 429 Saudi men from the community. The recruited Saudi men were subjected to an interview to reveal their lifestyle parameters, calcium intake and level of activity. Bone densitometry was assessed at lumbar spine (L1-4) and the femoral neck. The dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was carried out in the Nuclear Medicine at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2002 to December 2004. The World Health Organization definition of low bone mineral density was used. RESULTS: Poor oral calcium intake and low level of daily activity were noted. The overall prevalence of osteopenia for the lumbar spine in the whole group was 35.7% while osteoporosis was present in 21.4% of the subjects. In the femoral neck, osteopenia was noted in 38% and osteoporosis in 11.4%. When either lumbar spine or femoral neck osteoporosis is used for diagnosis, the prevalence of osteoporosis rises to 23.5%. Within the whole group, osteopenia and osteoporosis were more common in individuals above the age of 50 than those below 50 years old. CONCLUSION: Low bone mineral density occurs with high frequency in Saudi men. Lumbar spine appears to be affected to a higher degree. The reason for the high prevalence of osteoporosis in Saudi men is unclear. Possible underlying causes include nutritional, life style and genetic factors.

Treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism--prognostic factors for outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether clinical and biochemical features of Graves' disease at presentation predict response to medical and radioiodine treatment. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective 10-year study of 194 consecutive Saudi subjects with Graves' disease who were treated with antithyroid drugs, radioiodine therapy, or both, between January 1995 and December 2004 at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: At diagnosis, the mean age was 32 +/- 0.9 years. Only 26% of patients had successful outcome after a course of antithyroid medication. None of the clinical or biochemical factors were associated with a favorable outcome of antithyroid treatment. One dose of radioiodine [13-15 mCi (481-555 MBq)] cured hyperthyroidism in 83% of patients. Presence of ophthalmopathy at presentation was shown to be a significant contributing factor to failure to respond to a single dose of radioiodine (odds ratio, 6.4; 95% CI, 1.51-24.4; p<0.01). Failure of radioiodine treatment was also associated with higher serum free T3 concentration at presentation (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: In patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, radioiodine treatment is associated with higher success rate than antithyroid drugs. A dose of 13-15 mCi (481-555 MBq) seems to be practical and effective, and should be considered as first line therapy. Patients with high free T3 concentration and, those with ophthalmopathy at presentation were more likely to fail radioiodine treatment. A higher dose of radioiodine may be advisable in such patients.