Traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma: A systematic review of reported cases.

OBJECTIVES: To study the mechanisms of injury, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, management, and outcomes of traumatic retropharyngeal hematoma (RH). METHODS: We used the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews guidelines to carry out a systematic literature review to identify all published cases of traumatic RH by searching the PubMed database. Articles published between 1988 and 2022 that reported traumatic RH were included. However, articles that reported non-traumatic RHs and non-English articles were excluded from this study. RESULTS: Of the 62 articles screened, 56 were included. Most patients (55%) were above the mean age of 61.7. The majority of patients were male (69.7%). The main symptom was dyspnea (66.6%) and symptoms usually presented within 24 hours. Among the patients, 90.9% did not take anticoagulants or have coagulation disorders, and the main injury mechanism was falling (54.5%). Most of the computed tomography findings reported retropharyngeal (38%) and prevertebral (15%) hematoma. Meanwhile, magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 masses in the retropharyngeal space and 2 RHs. With several treatment modalities, more than 50% of the cases were only observed (44 cases), and endotracheal intubation was the most commonly used airway management method (n=35). CONCLUSION: Traumatic RH is often caused by falls, particularly in elderly patients. Dyspnea is the primary symptom, usually appearing within 24 hours. Cervical vertebral fractures are the leading cause, and observation is the most common treatment approach.PROSPERO Reg. No.: CRD42022349010.

Factors Influencing the Lives of Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder globally, presenting with core deficits in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and communication abilities. This systematic review examined the factors influencing parents' experiences raising children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Derived from a pool of 14 studies, eight were selected based on their focus on the impact of autism on family life. Results showed that mothers of children with ASD frequently reported heightened anxiety, self-stigmatization, and diminished quality of life. The quality of the parents' marital relationship and the caregiver's sex played crucial roles in determining emotional and behavioral outcomes in children with ASD. Additionally, societal reactions, feelings of embarrassment within families, and access to resources significantly influenced caregivers' experiences. Financial strains were common, with income inconsistencies affecting perceived quality of life. The severity of ASD and its duration also emerged as pivotal factors affecting families. Furthermore, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic intensified stress levels among parents, particularly mothers, emphasizing the need for psychological support. Our review findings highlight the importance of enhanced social support and recognition of stressed parents with autistic children in healthcare settings.