Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in the Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is one of the most common syndromes that include a set of serious cardiovascular risk factors. MetS is highly prevalent in the high risk population and contributes to reduced lifespan. The primary goal of the study is to assess the prevalence of MetS and its relation to the treatment modalities and the psychiatric diagnosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study for the hospitalized patients in the Mental Health hospital in Taif city, Saudi Arabia that was conducted between Dec 2013 - Nov 2015. We included adult patients who were admitted to the inpatient service. We diagnosed MetS according to the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. RESULTS: A total of 313 patients with mean age 48.4+10.8 years old, the majority were male and single, 68.3% have high school degree or less, mean BMI in the overweight range, and mean waist circumference 96.5+14.0 cm. Compared to these without MetS, those with MetS more likely to have BMI and waist circumference (P <0.001), higher SBP (P 0.028), have diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia (all P <0.001), longer inpatient hospitalization (P 0.0036), report sedentary lifestyle (P 0.733), consume soft drink on a daily basis (P 0.030), and were active smoker (P 0.002). Those with MetS were less likely to be on Haloperidol and valproic acid (P 0.026). CONCLUSION: 39% of the participated hospitalized patients met the criteria for MetS and they tends to have significantly higher adiposity measures, cardiovascular markers, more likely to have comorbid conditions, and be active smokers.

Prehospital identification of intracerebral haemorrhage: a scoping review of early clinical features and portable devices.

INTRODUCTION: Prehospital identification of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in suspected stroke cases may enable the initiation of appropriate treatments and facilitate better-informed transport decisions. This scoping review aims to examine the literature to identify early clinical features and portable devices for the detection of ICH in the prehospital setting. METHODS: Three databases were searched via Ovid (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL) from inception to August 2022 using prespecified search strategies. One reviewer screened all titles, abstracts and full-text articles for eligibility, while a second reviewer independently screened 20% of the literature during each screening stage. Data extracted were tabulated to summarise the key findings. RESULTS: A total of 6803 articles were screened for eligibility, of which 22 studies were included for analysis. Among them, 15 studies reported on early clinical features, while 7 considered portable devices. Associations between age, sex and comorbidities with the presence of ICH varied across studies. However, most studies reported that patients with ICH exhibited more severe neurological deficits (n=6) and higher blood pressure levels (n=11) at onset compared with other stroke and non-stroke diagnoses. Four technologies were identified for ICH detection: microwave imaging technology, volumetric impedance phase shift spectroscopy, transcranial ultrasound and electroencephalography. Microwave and ultrasound imaging techniques showed promise in distinguishing ICH from other diagnoses. CONCLUSION: This scoping review has identified potential clinical features for the identification of ICH in suspected stroke patients. However, the considerable heterogeneity among the included studies precludes meta-analysis of available data. Moreover, we have explored portable devices to enhance ICH identification. While these devices have shown promise in detecting ICH, further technological development is required to distinguish between stroke subtypes (ICH vs ischaemic stroke) and non-stroke diagnoses.

Healthcare Professional's Knowledge of the Systemic ABCDE Approach: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and aim Assessing the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) approach is crucial since it prioritizes the initial assessment and treatment of patients who are critically ill, regardless of the underlying cause or their age. Since adherence requires knowledge, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of the ABCDE approach among healthcare professionals. Methods This cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals was performed from April to August 2023 in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The study included healthcare professionals employed in departments exposed to patients with critical illnesses and excluded those from other specialties and individuals from outside Taif City. Data was collected via Google Forms using a previously validated questionnaire designed to assess the ABCDE approach knowledge among healthcare professionals. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, version 26. Results The study included 242 healthcare professionals with a mean (SD) age of 35.77 (9.93) years. About half of the participants were female (52.5%) nurses (50.8%) and had been working in intensive care units (ICU) and neonate intensive care units (NICU) (41.4%). The mean (SD) of the participants' working experience was 9.28 (8.295) years. The overall mean test score was 52.94 % (SD 16.27). The mean knowledge score among males was significantly higher than females (56.37% vs. 49.85%, respectively) (p-value= 0.001). The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among medical specialists and residents (63.308% and 55.67%) than among nurses (46.34%) (p-value <0.001). Attending an advanced trauma life support course and theoretical lecture significantly impacted the total knowledge score among the participants (p-values= 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The total knowledge significantly increased with age (r: 0.265, p-value <0.001). Years of experience correlated with total knowledge score; with increasing years of experience, the total knowledge was significantly increased (r: 0.248, p-value <0.001). Conclusion The ABCDE approach is a valuable tool for the initial examination and treatment of patients in acute medical and surgical emergencies. The findings indicate that there is a need for further awareness programs and training on the ABCDE approach, as the total knowledge score among healthcare professionals was found to be suboptimal. Further research is needed to assess the association between knowledge level and clinical performance in different healthcare settings within Saudi Arabia.

Characterization of Demographic, Clinical, and Laboratory Risk Factors for Stroke in a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, with varying incidence and risk factors across different populations. This study aims to analyze demographic, clinical, and laboratory risk factors for stroke among the Saudi Arabian population to enhance the understanding of its behavior and associated mortality. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 3586 patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic stroke at King Fahad Medical City from January 1, 2020, to November 11, 2022. We collected data on demographic variables, past medical history, social history, nationality, and laboratory components. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), with significance set at p<0.05. Results The study population was predominantly male (57.86%) and within the age group of 51 to 80 years (58.8%). A significant portion of patients were Saudi nationals (99.6%), with hypertension (50.2%) and diabetes (40.4%) being the most common comorbidities. Laboratory abnormalities related to sodium and potassium levels were strongly linked to mortality rates. Notably, ischemic stroke was the most common type across all age groups, except for patients under age 16, where hemorrhagic stroke was more prevalent. Conclusions Our findings reveal significant associations between stroke risk factors and mortality within the Saudi Arabian population, highlighting the impact of hypertension, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances. The study underscores the need for targeted stroke prevention and management strategies in Saudi Arabia, aligning with global trends to mitigate the burden of this disease.

Comparing Robot-Assisted and Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention. Advancements in minimally invasive techniques, specifically laparoscopic (LR) and robot-assisted (RR) approaches, have reshaped the landscape of surgical options. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair through a comprehensive review of the literature. A systematic search of databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to November 30, 2023. Fifteen studies, encompassing a total of 64,568 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates for key outcomes, including duration of operation, overall complications, and surgical site infection (SSI), were calculated using random-effects models. This meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery, favoring laparoscopic repair over robot-assisted techniques (mean difference: 26.85 minutes, 95% CI (1.16, 52.54)). Overall complications did not significantly differ between the two approaches (odds ratio: 1.54, 95% CI (0.83, 2.85)). However, a significantly greater risk of SSI was identified for robot-assisted procedures (odds ratio: 3.32, 95% CI (2.63, 4.19)). This meta-analysis provides insights into the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair. While laparoscopy has shorter operative times and comparable overall complication rates, the increased risk of SSI during robot-assisted procedures necessitates careful consideration in clinical decision-making. Surgeons and healthcare providers should weigh these findings according to patient characteristics, emphasizing a personalized approach to surgical decision-making. The evolving landscape of inguinal hernia repair warrants ongoing research to refine techniques and optimize outcomes for the benefit of patients undergoing these procedures.

Testicular Cancer in Saudi Arabia Between 2004 and 2017.

Objective: This study examines the epidemiology related to testicular cancer (TC) in the administrative regions of Saudi Arabia by looking at not only the percentage/ frequency of diagnosed cases, but also the crude incidence rate, age-specific incidence rate, and age-standardized incidence rate stratified by the age group, diagnosis year, and regions. Methods: From 2004 to 2017, descriptive epidemiological research was carried out across all TC cases registered under the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR). Descriptive statistics as well as the Kruskal-Wallis test, together with SPSS (version 20.0) were used to evaluate the data. Results: The SCR received 1114 reports of TC diagnoses between January 2004 and December 2017. TC was diagnosed most frequently in Saudi men aged 15-44 years. In terms of Saudi men, Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, and the Northern region reported the highest age-specific incidence rate (ASIR) of TC at 1.1 per 100,000 men. Alternatively, Baha, Jazan, and Riyadh had the lowest overall ASIR of TC (0.1 and 0.3 per 100,000 men, respectively). The ASIR of TC exceeded its previous levels by twofold. The likelihood of TC was five times higher in Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, and Northern regions than in Baha and Jazan. Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia, the ASIRs of TC doubled between 2004 and 2017. TC was most frequently diagnosed in younger Saudi men. Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, and Northern regions of Saudi Arabia had the highest incidence of TC among Saudi men, whereas Baha, Jazan, and Riyadh had the lowest incidence.

Epidemiology of gastric cancer in Saudi Arabia from 2004 to 2017.

Gastric cancer (GC), a prevalent disease which globally affects both men and women, was predicted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2020 to have an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) in Saudi Arabia of 2.7 per 100,000 individuals for all ages and sexes (ranked 15th), and an age-standardized mortality rate of 2.1 per 100,000 individuals (ranked 12th). The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of GC across all administrative regions in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the present study sought to examine the incidence of diagnosed cases, age-specific incidence rates, crude incidence rates (CIRs) and ASIRs adjusted for age, year and region. To meet this aim, this retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on all cases of GC recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between January 2004 and December 2017. The collected data were subjected to a range of statistical analyses (using SPSS version 20.0), including descriptive analyses, independent sample t-tests, the Kruskal-Wallis test and sex ratio analysis. In the SCR, a total of 4,066 cases of GC were recorded between 2004 and 2017. The regions with the highest overall ASIRs of GC for both men and women were found to be Riyadh, Najran and the Eastern Region, with rates ranging from 2.2-4.0 per 100,000 individuals. Conversely, Jazan had the lowest ASIRs, with rates of 1.5 and 0.5 per 100,000 individuals for men and women, respectively. The overall ASIRs of GC were found to be significantly higher in men compared with women, with a ratio of 2.8 per 100,000 individuals (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study has revealed that, between 2004 and 2017, there was a slight decrease in the values of both CIR and ASIR of GC in Saudi Arabia.

Clinical features and novel technologies for prehospital detection of intracerebral haemorrhage: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The detection of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in the prehospital setting without conventional imaging technology might allow early treatment to reduce haematoma expansion and improve patient outcomes. Although ICH and ischaemic stroke share many clinical features, some may help in distinguishing ICH from other suspected stroke patients. In combination with clinical features, novel technologies may improve diagnosis further. This scoping review aims to first identify the early, distinguishing clinical features of ICH and then identify novel portable technologies that may enhance differentiation of ICH from other suspected strokes. Where appropriate and feasible, meta-analyses will be performed. METHODS: The scoping review will follow the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A systematic search will be conducted using MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid) and CENTRAL (Ovid). EndNote reference management software will be used to remove duplicate entries. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full-text reports according to prespecified eligibility criteria using the Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute software. One reviewer will screen all titles, abstracts and full-text reports of potentially eligible studies, while the other reviewer will independently screen at least 20% of all titles, abstracts and full-text reports. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. Results will be tabulated in accordance with the scoping review's objectives along with a narrative discussion. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this review, as it will only include published literature. The results will be published in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal, presented at scientific conferences and form part of a PhD thesis. We expect the findings to contribute to future research into the early detection of ICH in suspected stroke patients.

Clinical and subclinical microemboli following neuroangiography in children.

BACKGROUND: To assess the frequency, imaging appearances, and risk factors of brain microemboli following pediatric neuroangiography, as assessed by early diffusion-weighted MRI imaging (DWI). METHODS: This single-center, retrospective analysis investigated early DWI post-pediatric neuroangiography. Patients aged 0-18 years who had diagnostic neuroangiography and DWI within a week postprocedure were included. Data on clinical and procedural parameters and MRI findings were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the following risk factors: age, weight, vasculopathy, antiplatelet drug use, access type, intraprocedural heparin, procedure duration, neck arteries catheterized, and angiographic runs. A p-value<0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: Eighty-two children were included (40.2% female), mean age 10.1±4.5 years (range: 7 months-17 years). There were no intraprocedural thromboembolic complications recognized. DWI positivity was seen following 3.6% (3/82) procedures: two with transient symptoms, and one instance of silent microemboli. There were no territorial infarcts or clinical stroke. Children with underlying vasculopathy had a higher risk of microemboli from angiography than children without vasculopathy (OR 31.6, p=0.02), and the OR of microemboli following transradial angiography was 79.1 (p=0.005) as compared with transfemoral angiography. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed a significant association between microemboli and number of angiographic runs (p=0.004). Follow-up MRI in all three patients showed no residual abnormal signal. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microemboli are unusual following uncomplicated neuroangiography in children. However, in the presence of underlying vasculopathy and with transradial technique, the incidence approaches that reported in the adult literature. An increased association with the number of angiographic runs is an important and controllable factor.

Revealing the relation between job satisfaction and workload: a cross-sectional study in the emergency department.

Job satisfaction is recognized as an essential parameter that affects the performance and quality of medical services provided by emergency department (ED) health professionals. However, little is known about the status of job satisfaction related to workload among ED staff in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore the current level of job satisfaction and to analyze the relationship between job satisfaction and the personal and professional characteristics of ED staff. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among ED staff, including various job positions, to assess job satisfaction. An online questionnaire was sent electronically to all ED staff. The structured online questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic factors, workload-related factors, and job satisfaction. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The questionnaire used to assess job satisfaction levels demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach's α (0.85). Completed responses were obtained from 103 ED staff members; 58.25% were males, and most of the participants in the survey were either nurse (48.54%) or physicians (28.16%). Most of the respondents (61.16%) had a satisfaction score that was higher than half of the possible attainable score and showed a high level of satisfaction, although 38.84% fell below half of the possible attainable score on the satisfaction parameter and showed a lower level of satisfaction. Conclusion: It may be concluded that ED staff have a higher level of job satisfaction related to workload factors. The level of satisfaction did not change for different age groups, genders, levels of education, levels of experience, or jobs.

Prevalence of Contributing Factors Leading to the Development of Insulin Resistance Among Male Medical Students at a Private College in Saudi Arabia.

Background Insulin resistance can result from various genetic and lifestyle factors. Initially, symptoms of insulin resistance may not be readily noticeable, but as the condition progresses, individuals may start experiencing symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to the development of insulin resistance among medical students at a private college in Saudi Arabia. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study using a convenient non-probability sampling technique, with a sample size of 241 participants. We employed validated questionnaires to gather information on physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, and stress. Specifically, we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form for assessing physical activity, the Single-Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) for evaluating sleep quality, the Healthy Eating Quiz (HEQ) to gauge dietary patterns, and the stress questionnaire designed by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) to measure stress levels. Additionally, we collected anthropometric measurements, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. We calculated prevalence using percentages and employed the chi-square test to analyze variables, with a significance level set at p-values <0.05. Results This study investigated risk factors associated with lifestyle, focusing on waist circumference as an indicator of insulin resistance. Our findings revealed that a majority of individuals with high waist circumference were physically inactive and more susceptible to stress, and this difference was statistically significant when compared to those with normal waist circumference. Additionally, we observed that sleep deprivation and poor nutrition were more prevalent among individuals with high waist circumference, although these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions This study highlights a high prevalence of elevated waist circumference, indicating insulin resistance, among medical students. Furthermore, it underscores the significant presence of well-known risk factors associated with insulin resistance within this population of medical students.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis B in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021.

Background: This study describes the epidemiological pattern of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Saudi Arabia from 2006 to 2021. It explores case frequency and the crude incidence rate (CIR) by year of diagnosis, age group, region, gender, and nationality of patients. Methods: Retrospective data on acute hepatitis B cases diagnosed across 20 regions of Saudi Arabia during January 2006 to December 2021 were obtained from the Saudi Ministry of Health's Statistical Yearbook. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20.0, employing both parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: The highest CIR was reported in the regions of Qunfudah, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Taif (28.6, 25.2, 25.1, and 23.4 per 100,000 people). In contrast, the lowest CIR was documented in the regions of Hail, Qurayyat, Jouf, and Hafr AL-Baten (3.6, 3.5, 2.9, and 1.2 per 100,000 people). Incidence rates were notably elevated in those aged 45 years and above (30.6 per 100,000 individuals), followed by the 15-44 age group (14.2 per 100,000 individuals), and were lowest in children aged 0-14 years (0.8 per 100,000 individuals). Regarding gender differences, HBV infection rates were 1.4 times higher in Saudi males than females and 2.2 times higher in non-Saudi males compared to females. Overall, Saudi nationals had a 4.2 times higher HBV infection rate than non-Saudis during the study period. Conclusion: This study highlights diverse acute Hepatitis B infection rates across Saudi regions, with higher rates in Qunfudah, Jeddah, Tabuk, and Taif, and lower rates in Hail, Qurayyat, Jouf, and Hafr AL-Baten. Predominance among ages 45+, followed by 15-44, and lowest in 0-14 age groups was observed. Gender variations showed notably higher rates in Saudi and non-Saudi males. The notably higher prevalence among Saudi nationals implies key considerations for public health strategies.

Histopathological Findings in Adult Patients With Dyspepsia and Their Association With Helicobacter pylori Infection.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent among Saudi adults and has been linked to gastric cancer and other tumor-like conditions. We aimed to explore the pathological characteristics of endoscopic gastric biopsies among symptomatic adult Saudi patients and their relation to H. pylori infection. RESULTS: Among 151 gastric biopsies, gastritis was detected in 97 (64.2%) cases, chronic active gastritis in 26 patients (17.2%), duodenitis in 20 (13.2%) patients, and total metaplasia in 14 (9.3%) patients. H. pylori was detected in 83 cases (55%), with a recurrence or reinfection rate of 9.8%. The patients with H. pylori infection were considerably young (median age: 34 (IQR: 15) vs. 35.5 (IQR: 11), p = 0.024) and had a low frequency of epigastric pain (78.3% vs. 91.2%, p = 0.031), reflux/regurgitation (7.2% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.016), and dysphagia (4.85% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.037). However, they exhibited a higher incidence of chronic active gastritis (96.2% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001) and intestinal metaplasia (85.7% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.015). Young age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02-1.16, p = 0.011) and H. pylori infection (OR = 30.85, 95% CI = 3.26-291.60, p = 0.003) were identified as a positive predictor of intestinal metaplasia while heartburn (OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01-0.58, p = 0.012) was a negative predictor. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection is prevalent among Saudi adults experiencing upper gastrointestinal symptoms and is associated with intestinal metaplasia. Infection rate and intestinal metaplasia were higher in patients with milder symptoms. Therefore, screening for H. pylori is highly recommended for Saudi individuals with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Old age and H. pylori infection were identified as positive predictors of intestinal metaplasia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management of H. pylori infection in the Saudi population.

Haematological Traits in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Positive Patients for Predicting Severity and Hospitalization.

Objective: The present investigation aims on the clinical attributes and haematological parameters between symptomatic (COVID-19 ICU) and asymptomatic (COVID-19 homes isolation) patients as predisposing sign for COVID-19 related mortality. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort research was conducted of admitted patients to ICU, who were suffering from severe COVID-19 in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from July 2020 until September 2020. The study included individuals with COVID -19 and ICU admission as symptomatic group and others who are COVID-19 positives with quarantine as asymptomatic group. Epidemiological, clinical and haematological laboratory data were retrospectively collected, analysed with control subjects. Results: Of the 38 ICU patients studied, the most common symptoms were fever and respiratory distress (100%), cough (86.8%). Majority were of Saudi origin (78.9%). Eighteen (47.4%) COVID-19 ICU patients showed leukocytosis, 6 (15.8%) had severe thrombocytopenia (with most having thrombocytopenia), 18 (47.4%) were anaemic. A significant correlation was observed between the WBC, RBC, Hb, platelets, neutrophil and lymphocyte count between ICU inmates compared with quarantine (p < 0.001) and RBC, Hb, neutrophil and lymphocyte count with control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: From the observations it is evident that, the blood tests have potential clinical value in predicting COVID-19 progression. Further, patient characteristics including age, leukocyte count, RBC, platelets and differential leukocyte counts may be significant predictors for monitoring the progression of the critical illness observed in SARS-COV-2 patients. Also, treatment procedures can be re-defined further to reduce COVID-19 mortalities in more critically ill COVID-19 individuals.

Malignant degeneration of mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with small bowel metastasis incidental serous cystadenoma collision tumor of the right ovary.

Mature Cystic Ovarian Teratoma (MCOTs) are the most common benign ovarian neoplasms, representing around 20% of all ovarian neoplasms with middle age women representing the majority of patients. They usually include two germ cell layers being well differentiated and rarely they demonstrate malignant transformation with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common malignant transformation. In our case, we report an interesting case of a 45 years old lady who was unfortunate to have a MCOT with malignant degeneration and distant metastasis. We concluded that MCOT malignant degeneration is rare, however, if not caught early, mortality can be high. MCOT, Ovary, Small Bowel, Teratoma, Collision tumor.

Epidemiology of Pancreatic Cancer in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Analysis of Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed in Saudi Arabia Between 2004 and 2015.

PURPOSE: Over the last decades, the incidence of pancreatic cancer has increased, particularly in countries with a higher socioeconomic status. The present work aimed to provide detailed epidemiological data on the incidence of pancreatic cancer in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective descriptive study, the epidemiological data on pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed in 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia between January 2004 and December 2015 were extracted from the Saudi Cancer Registry. The frequency, the crude incidence rate (CIR), and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), stratified by geographical region, gender, and the year of diagnosis, were analyzed. RESULTS: From January 2004 to December 2015, a total of 2338 cases of pancreatic cancer were registered, including 1443 males and 895 females. The overall CIR was 1.28/100,000 among males and 0.80/100,000 in females, with an overall ASIR of 2.26 and 1.41/100,000 for males and females, respectively. Higher ASIR and CIR were observed among males than females (ratio 1.6). In both genders, the ASIR of pancreatic cancer increased with increasing age, with the highest incidence in patients aged 70 years or more. The ASIR in the Eastern Region (3.2/100,000) and the regions of Riyadh (3.0/100,000) and Tabuk (2.6/100,000) proved to be significantly higher than in the other regions of the country. Among women, the ASIR was significantly higher in Riyadh (2.3/100,000), the northern region (2.2/100,000), and Tabuk (2.0/100,000). CONCLUSION: This study revealed a slight increase of the CIR and ASIR of pancreatic cancer among males and females of the Saudi population. Eastern region, Riyadh, and Tabuk had the highest overall ASIRs of pancreatic cancer among males, Riyadh, Northern region, and Tabuk among Saudi females. The area least affected by pancreatic cancer was observed in Jazan among male and female Saudis. The rates of pancreatic cancer in Saudi Arabia were significantly higher among males compared with female Saudis. Further analytical studies are needed to identify the potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer among the Saudi population.

Epidemiology of Gallbladder Cancer in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer is generally rare but can be more common in some populations. The aim of this study was to present an analysis of gallbladder cancer epidemiology in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of gallbladder cancer cases in Saudi Arabia from 2004 to 2015 was conducted. The gallbladder cancer data were accessed through the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) reports for 13 administrative regions. The number of gallbladder cancer cases with percentage, the crude incidence rate (CIR) and the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), stratified by regions, gender, and the years of diagnoses were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1678 gallbladder cancer cases, 702 in males and 976 in females, were registered between 2004 and 2015. Saudi women and men in the 75 and above age-group were found to have the highest diagnosis rate of gallbladder cancer. In males, the overall ASIR among Saudi males was 1.1 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0.9 to 1.2). The Eastern region had the highest overall ASIR at 1.5 per 100,000 males, followed by Tabuk and Riyadh at 1.4 and 1.3 higher than other regions (F(12,143)=1.930, P<0.001). The overall ASIR among Saudi females was 1.6 per 100,000 (95% CI, 1.4 to 1.7). Riyadh had the highest overall ASIR at 2.4 per 100,000 females, followed by the Eastern region, and Qassim at 1.9 and 1.5, respectively, all higher than other provinces of the country (F(12,143)=2.496, P<0.005). The ASIR and CIR were lower among males than females (ratio 0.7). CONCLUSION: Gallbladder cancer incidence is relatively low in Saudi Arabia. The rates were higher in females than males. ASIR showed variations between different provinces of Saudi Arabia. In females, the highest ASIR was in Riyadh. In males, ASIR was highest in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

The Incidence Rate of Liver Cancer in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Descriptive Epidemiological Analysis of Data from the Saudi Cancer Registry (2004-2014).

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the epidemiological pattern of liver cancer in all regions of Saudi Arabia. It explores the frequency of cases diagnosed, the age-specific incidence rate (AIR), the crude incidence rate (CIR), and the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) stratified by age group, year of diagnosis, and region. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all liver cancer cases documented in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between 2004 and 2014 was performed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and sex ratio with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS). RESULTS: A total of 4723 liver cancer cases were registered in the SCR between January 2004 and December 2014. The highest overall ASIR of liver cancer among Saudi males was observed in the regions of Riyadh, Najran, and Tabuk at 10.4, 7.7, and 7.0 per 100,000 males, respectively. Furthermore, Riyadh, Eastern Region, and Tabuk recorded the highest overall ASIR among Saudi females at 4.9, 2.8, and 2.6 per 100,000 females, respectively. Jazan had the lowest overall ASIR (1.7 per 100,000 males) of liver cancer among male Saudis, while the Northern region and Baha had the lowest overall ASIR (0.6 and 0.9 per 100,000 females, respectively) of liver cancer among female Saudis. However, the overall ASIR of liver cancer was statistically higher in males than females (P-value <0.05), and the overall male-to-female ratio in ASIR of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia was 2.4 per 100,000. CONCLUSION: There was a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia between 2004 and 2014. Riyadh, Najran, and Tabuk were the areas most affected by liver cancer among Saudi males, and Riyadh, Eastern Region, and Tabuk among female Saudis. The areas least affected by liver cancer were observed in Jazan among Saudi males, and the Northern region and Baha among Saudi females. The rates of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia were significantly higher among males compared with female Saudis.

The power of the age standardized incidence rate to discover the gene link between cancer diseases: development of a new epidemiological method to save money, time, and effort for genetic scientists.

BACKGROUND: This study provides an incipient epidemiological rule using the concept of direct method of standardization to determine the genetic link between cancer diseases. METHODS: The overall 8 or 10 years age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for both cancer diseases, for example (A) and (B) should be calculated for all regions of the country. A line chart should be used to display the overall ASIR trend of both diseases (A and B). Pearson's correlation can be used to determine the strength of the association between the overall ASIRs of both diseases. The overlap or opposite direction of the overall ASIR trend of both diseases (A and B) should be determined and studied for possible associations between cancer diseases. RESULTS: If the trend of the overall 8 or 10 years ASIR of a disease (A) follows that of disease (B) in all regions of the country, then the genes of patients with both diseases (A and B) will be highly homogeneous, and they should be studied in the region with the highest and lowest overall ASIR for both diseases (A and B). In addition, if there is an opposite direction or overlapping trend for both diseases (A and B) in certain regions of the country or among specific groups of people with the same demographic characteristics, then the genes of patients will be investigated for both diseases to identify the potential gene link between cancer diseases. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the overall ASIR trends of female breast cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer are very similar in all regions of Saudi Arabia and England. Our epidemiological evidence helps to save money, time, and effort for testing the potential gene link between cancer diseases.

The incidence rate of thyroid cancer among women in Saudi Arabia: an observational descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from Saudi Cancer Registry 2001-2008.

This study provides a descriptive epidemiological data of thyroid cancer cases diagnosed from 2001 to 2008 among Saudi women, including the frequency and percentage of cases, the crude incidence rate (CIR) and the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) stratified by the region and year of diagnosis. This is a retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all Saudi thyroid cancer cases recorded in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between January 2001 and December 2008. The statistical analyses were applied using descriptive statistics with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. A total of 2,930 cases were recorded in the SCR between January 2001 and December 2008. The region of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia had the highest overall ASIR at 9.43 per 100,000 women, followed by Tabuk at 7.11 and eastern region at 6.5, while Jazan and Jouf had the lowest average ASIRs at 1.97 and at 2.72, respectively. The region of Qassim recorded the greatest changes of ASIR at 5.5 per 100,000 women from 2001 to 2008. There was a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs for thyroid cancer in Saudi Arabia between 2001 and 2008. Riyadh, Tabuk and eastern region were the highest overall ASIR in Saudi Arabia. While, Jazan and Hail had the lowest rates. Finally, the region of Qassim had the highest changes in CIR and ASIR from 2001 to 2008. Further analytical studies are needed to determine the potential risk factors of thyroid cancer disease among Saudi women.