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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy is considered the gold standard and the most effective management option for OSA. However, a considerable number of patients are unable to tolerate or decline PAP therapy and seek alternative or complementary treatments. Studies have reported insufficient knowledge among physicians regarding OSA management, including the role of dentists. Furthermore, the focus on dentists' role in OSA management has primarily been limited to the provision of oral appliances, despite the potential for dentists to play a more significant role. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive and clear understanding of the dentists' role in OSA management to assist physicians in better recognizing their patients' needs and providing timely referrals for more efficient management.

Background Decisions on the management of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and prognostication require an accurate diagnosis. It has been proposed that multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings for ILD (ILD-MDT) improve these decisions in challenging cases of ILD. However, most studies in this field have been based on the decisions of individual clinicians and there are few reports on the outcomes of the ILD-MDT approach. We therefore describe the experience of the ILD-MDT meetings at our institution.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive age-related lung disease causing relentless fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. Currently, pirfenidone and nintedanib are the two antifibrotic drugs, approved for the treatment of IPF. Both are shown to slow progression by preserving lung functions from rapid decline compared to a placebo. We are reporting a real-life patient experience using these two antifibrotic medications (AFMs) in our tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted for all IPF cases diagnosed in multidisciplinary meetings between 2015 and 2020 at KAMC, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). We are reporting patients' demographics, lung function, survival, tolerance, side effects, or death in patients taking AFMs. RESULTS: A total of 81 cases were identified. The majority of patients aged 67 years (68%) were men with a median age of 68 years. Late presentation, severe disease, and definite usual interstitial pneumonia patterns were reported in 60% of our patients. The average number of hospital admissions before starting treatment was 1 (range: 0–3) in the nintedanib group and 1.4 (range: 1.2–5) in the pirfenidone group. There was an increase in the number of hospital admissions in the group started on pirfenidone 1.7 (range: 1.9–8) compared to nintedanib 0.5 (range: 0–3), P = 0.001. The observed mortality outcome in this cohort was 4 (11%) and 12 (27%) for nintedanib and pirfenidone, respectively. The predominant side effects were gastrointestinal symptoms for both the groups 18 (22%). CONCLUSIONS: Pirfenidone and nintedanib are the available approved antifibrotic agents used for many years to treat IPF patients. Real-life data showed better tolerability than reported in the West, good compliance, and a manageable side effect profile in this group of elderly and severe IPF patients.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic respiratory diseases are prevalent in Saudi Arabia, there are limited data on the patient burden and associated factors. The aim of this study is to identify the chronic respiratory diseases frequently admitted to pulmonary services and to determine the patient's characteristics, associated comorbidities readmission rate, and reason for a more extended stay in hospital. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted over a 5-year period at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Pulmonary Division, between March 2015 and December 2019. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and chronic respiratory diseases were collected. RESULTS: Total patients admitted were 1315 patients, female 54.2%, the mean age was 62.4 (SD±17.6), and the ages ranged from 14 to 98 years. Overall, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the most common respiratory disease requiring admission (17.9%), followed by interstitial lung disease (15.8%), bronchiectasis (11.9%), and obesity hypoventilation syndrome (10.8%). The most common comorbidities were obesity (42.5%), diabetes 49.1%, and hypertension 54.9%. Only 135 (10.3%) were readmitted within 30 days posthospital discharge. Among the patients who were readmitted, 103 (76.3%) were readmitted due to issues related to previous admission diagnosis, noncompliance 75 (55.5%), social reasons, and premature discharges in 51 (37.8%) and 29 (21.5%) of the cases, respectively. The respiratory disease varied significantly by gender, age, obesity status, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and admissions. CONCLUSION: Chronic respiratory diseases are prevalent in our population and are mainly influenced by gender, age, obesity status, comorbidities, LOS, and admissions. Policymakers and health professionals need to recognize the burden of chronic respiratory diseases on patients and health systems and implement effective prevention programs.

Abstract Despite near‐universal health care and timely updates to treatment guidelines in Saudi Arabia, asthma control remains suboptimal, warranting deeper exploration of its management practices. This study describes asthma characteristics and prescription patterns of short‐acting β2‐agonists (SABAs) in the Saudi Arabia cohort of the SABA use IN Asthma (SABINA) III study. Patients with asthma (aged ≥12 years) from seven sites across Saudi Arabia participated in this cross‐sectional study. Asthma severity was classified by study investigators, guided by the 2017 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommendations. Of 511 patients enrolled, 502 patients, treated by respiratory medicine specialists, were analyzed (mean [standard deviation] age, 47.5 [14.8] years; female, 68.5%). Most patients had moderate‐to‐severe asthma (89.6%, GINA treatment steps 3–5), were overweight/obese (78.9%), and received full health care reimbursement (83.4%). Asthma was partially controlled/uncontrolled among 64.3% of patients; 62.3% experienced ≥1 severe asthma exacerbation(s), and 60.6% and 41.2% were prescribed ≥3 (overprescription) and ≥10 SABA canisters, respectively, in the 12 months preceding study initiation. Additionally, 21.9% of patients purchased SABA over the counter (OTC), of whom 66.4% purchased ≥3 SABA canisters. Ninety‐seven (88.2%) patients who purchased SABA OTC also received SABA prescriptions, and 80.4% and 56.7% of these were prescribed ≥3 and ≥10 SABA canisters, respectively. Overall, compared with SABINA III, a higher percentage of patients from Saudi Arabia were overprescribed SABA (60.6% vs. 38.0%, respectively) and purchased SABA OTC (21.9% vs. 18.0%, respectively), underscoring the need to align asthma treatment practices with current evidence‐based recommendations and regulate SABA OTC sales in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract Background Eosinophilia is a significant factor in asthma severity; however, the prevalence of severe eosinophilic asthma in Saudi Arabia is largely unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of the eosinophilic (defined in this study as ≥ 300 cells/mm3 in blood), atopic (atopic phenotype 1, defined in this study as > 100 IU/mL total serum IgE; atopic phenotype 2, defined in this study as > 150 IU/mL), and overlap phenotypes among patients with severe asthma in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in centers specialized in severe asthma management. Patients aged ≥ 12 years with severe asthma were enrolled. Study patients responded to the Global Initiative for Asthma 2018 assessment of asthma control questionnaire and provided study investigators with current information related to the study objectives. Additional medical record data and a blood sample for total serum IgE and complete blood count were collected. Results A total of 101 patients were enrolled; 83% were female and the mean (standard deviation) age was 48.7 (13.2) years. Forty-five (45%) patients had the eosinophilic phenotype, 50 (50%) had atopic phenotype 1, and 25 (25%) had phenotypic overlap (eosinophilic and atopic 1). Forty-one (41%) patients had atopic phenotype 2 and 23 (23%) had phenotypic overlap (eosinophilic and atopic 2). Asthma control and oral corticosteroid use patterns were similar and there were no significant differences in number of asthma exacerbations across phenotypes. Conclusions In Saudi Arabia, 45% of patients with severe asthma had the eosinophilic phenotype, which is most likely an underestimation as no clinical features of eosinophilia were taken into account in the definition of eosinophilia. Approximately half of them had phenotypic overlap with the atopic phenotype. Trial registration NCT03931954; ClinicalTrials.gov, April 30, 2019.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has strained ICUs worldwide. To learn from our experience, we described the critical care response to the outbreak. Methods: This is a case study of the response of the Intensive Care Department (75-bed capacity) at a tertiary-care hospital to COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a high number of critically ill patients. Results: Between March 1 and July 31, 2020, 822 patients were admitted to the adult non-cardiac ICUs with suspected (72%)/confirmed (38%) COVID-19. At the peak of the surge, 125 critically ill patients with COVID-19 were managed on single day. To accommodate these numbers, the bed capacity of 4 ICUs was increased internally from 58 to 71 beds (+40%) by cohorting 2 patients/room in selected rooms; forty additional ICUs beds were created in 2 general wards; one cardiac ICU was converted to managed non-COVID-19 general ICU patients and one ward was used as a stepdown for COVID-19 patients. To manage respiratory failure, 53 new ICU ventilators, 90 helmets for non-invasive ventilation and 47 high-flow nasal cannula machines were added to the existing capacity. Dedicated medical teams cared for the COVID-19 patients to prevent cross-contamination. The nurse-to-patient and RT-to-patient ratio remained mostly 1:1 and 1:6, respectively. One-hundred-ten ward nurses were up-skilled to care for COVID-19 and other ICU patients using tiered staffing model. Daily executive rounds were conducted to identify patients for transfer and at least 10 beds were made available for new COVID-19 admissions/day. The consumption of PPE increased multiple fold compared with the period preceding the pandemic. Regular family visits were not allowed and families were updated daily by videoconferencing and phone calls. Conclusions: Our ICU response to the COVID-19 pandemic required almost doubling ICU bed capacity and changing multiple aspects of ICU workflow to be able to care for high numbers of affected patients.

Background Enforced social distancing (i.e., lockdowns) greatly facilitated control of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). While access to hospitals was restricted, outpatient care continued remotely. The aim of this study was to determine the satisfaction of patients with severe asthma with telemedicine, and the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on severe asthma patients on biologics therapy. Methods A cross-sectional survey of patients with severe asthma scheduled to receive biologic therapy at our hospital during the lockdown. The survey had sections about demographic data, asthma history, subjective perception of change in asthma control with biologic agent, the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on access to maintenance therapy for asthma, asthma exacerbation management, and satisfaction with telephone follow-up. Results Fifty-four patients participated (response rate 93.1%; male 17; mean age 46.7 years). All had been on biologic therapy for over 3 months (mean 38.4 months ± standard deviation 26.5 months). Of the 45 patients living in Riyadh, 9 did not receive biologic therapy. Five of the nine patients living outside Riyadh did not receive biologic therapy. Alarmingly, 16 (29.6%) had insufficient medications, and 27 (50%) had difficulty obtaining medications. Fifty (92.6%) had telephone follow-up, 31 (57.4%) were satisfied with telemedicine. Conclusion Many patients were satisfied with telemedicine, so this could be used to deliver routine outpatient tertiary care postpandemic. However, logistics around supplying medications and biologics must be considered in plans preparing for the second wave of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The curfews and lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic may decreased the volume of traffic and reduced air pollution. In addition, social distancing measures may contribute to reducing infection and asthma exacerbation.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess asthma control and asthma medication use among severe asthmatics on biologics before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey study of patients with severe asthma receiving biologic therapy at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We looked at the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on this cohort of severe asthmatics on biologic therapy from March till June 2020 over a period of 12 weeks. We investigated changes in patients' symptoms and asthma control using the asthma control test (ACT) score and other parameters including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, use of oral prednisolone, changes in inhaler therapy, frequency of bronchodilator use, and patient perception of their symptoms before and after the lockdown period.RESULTS: A total of 56, Female 39 (69%), mean age ± SD 47.4 ± 13.8 years. The duration of bronchial asthma since diagnosis ranged from 4 to 30 years. Most patients had been treated with omalizumab (47, 84%); the rest received mepolizumab (7, 12.5%) and dupilumab (2, 3.6%). All these patients had been on biologic therapy for 5 months, ranging from 5 to 120 months. Most of the patients (45, 80.4%) agreed that their symptoms of asthma had improved with biologic therapy. Most of the patients felt that overall asthma symptoms are better after curfew and lockdown 28 (50%). Less use of bronchodilators postcurfew was reported in 38% of the patients. Asthma control (≥20) using ACT score was significantly higher among patients in postcurfew and lockdown period compared to precurfew period 34 (61.7%) and 23 (41%) (P = 0.001), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Asthma control was better postcurfew and lockdown. A decrease in air pollution and social distances may be a contributing factor.

Abstract Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by patients with asthma. However, the prevalence of sleep disturbance and its association with the level of asthma control is unknown. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of sleep disturbance among Saudi adult asthmatic patients attending pulmonary clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). The study also aimed to compare sleep quality between controlled and uncontrolled asthma patients. The study was carried out in the outpatient pulmonary clinics at KAMC and utilized a cross-sectional survey. The survey included five different questionnaires: asthma control test and questionnaires related to the quality of sleep (Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI], Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS], Berlin questionnaire [a measure of obstructive sleep apnea risk], and insomnia severity index [ISI]). Among the 200 asthma patients, 66% suffered from poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5), 43% were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea, 25% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10), and 46.5% had significant clinical insomnia (ISI ≥ 10). Poor sleep quality was less common in patients with well-controlled asthma (37%) compared to those with partially controlled asthma (78%) and uncontrolled asthma (82%) (p

Background: Sputum smear microscopy examination and culture for tuberculosis (TB) remain a fundamental tool of diagnosis but may be negative up to 50% case of active pulmonary TB. Bronchoscopy to obtain sputum is invasive and not readily available. Alternative methods of obtaining sputum specimens are crucial in suspected pulmonary TB cases who are unable to expectorate. In this context, it may be beneficial to stimulate sputum production by administering a mist of hypertonic saline produced by ultrasonic nebulization. The aims of the study are to describe the experience of a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia with sputum induction (SI) for the investigation of patients suspected to have sputum scare TB. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients suspected of sputum scare TB and investigated with SI were included. Standard descriptive statistics were used. Categorical data presented as frequency were compared using the Chi square test. Continuous data presented as mean ± standard deviation were compared using Student's t test. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated. Results: Of 252 patients with suspected TB who underwent SI, 78 (31%) were ultimately diagnosed to have TB. Culture of induced sputum confirmed the diagnosis of TB in 44 (56.4%) of these patients. However, the diagnosis of TB would have been missed in 13.5% of the cohort if no further investigations were done. The incidence of complications was low. No patients required hospitalization or specialist intervention. Conclusions: SI is safe well tolerated and inexpensive. It may reduce the need for bronchoscopy in patients with suspected sputum scare TB. However, around 20% of TB can be missed by SI unless further investigations are performed. Hence, patients suspected to have sputum scare TB in whom the risk of bronchoscopy is high, a clinical decision on the appropriateness of empirical therapy is often required.

Abstract Background Asthma control is influenced by multiple factors. These factors must be considered when appraising asthma interventions and their effectiveness in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates [UAE]). Based on published studies, the most prevalent asthma treatment in these countries are fixed dose combinations (FDC) of inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA). This study is a rapid review of the literature on: (a) factors associated with asthma control in the GCC countries and (b) generalisability of ICS/LABA FDC effectiveness studies. Methods To review local factors associated with asthma control and, generalisability of published ICS/LABA FDC studies, two rapid reviews were conducted. Review 1 targeted literature pertaining to asthma control factors in GCC countries. Eligible studies were appraised, and clustering methodology used to summarise factors. Review 2 assessed ICS/LABA FDC studies in conditions close to actual clinical practice (i.e. effectiveness studies). Eligibility was determined by reviewing study characteristics. Evaluation of studies focused on randomised controlled trials (RCTs). In both reviews, initial (January 2018) and updated (November 2019) searches were conducted in EMBASE and PubMed databases. Eligible studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Results We identified 51 publications reporting factors associated with asthma control. These publications reported studies conducted in Saudi Arabia (35), Qatar (5), Kuwait (5), UAE (3), Oman (1) and multiple countries (2). The most common factors associated with asthma control were: asthma-related education (13 articles), demographics (11articles), comorbidities (11 articles) and environmental exposures (11 articles). Review 2 identified 61 articles reporting ICS/LABA FDC effectiveness studies from countries outside of the GCC. Of these, six RCTs were critically appraised. The adequacy of RCTs in informing clinical practice varied when appraised against previously published criteria. Conclusions Asthma-related education was the most recurring factor associated with asthma control in the GCC countries. Moreover, the generalisability of ICS/LABA FDC studies to this region is variable. Hence, asthma patients in the region, particularly those on ICS/LABA FDC, will continue to require physician review and oversight. While our findings provide evidence for local treatment guidelines, further research is required in GCC countries to establish the causal pathways through which asthma-related education influence asthma control for patients on ICS/LABA FDC therapy.

Background: The usefulness of laboratory tests in the decision-making process with regard to early identification of dengue virus infection has not been widely reported, particularly the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/platelet count ratio index during a patient's days of illness. The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of the ratio index over the course of illness and identify whether it is a marker of dengue virus infection in dengue patients, as well as to assess the role of other laboratory tests. Methods: A chart review of 205 dengue patients was analyzed using available records of 845 laboratory results within different time intervals or exam dates during the course of illness. We used repeated measures mixed binary logistic regression analyses to model the dengue virus infection, defined as giving at least one positive antibody test (yes/no). Results: The high risk of dengue virus infection in dengue patients was found in the male gender (adjusted OR = 4.316, 95% CI: 1.285–14.498, P = 0.018), in patients with a high AST/platelet count ratio index (adjusted OR = 1.438, 95% CI: 1.057–1.957, P = 0.021), in patients with a low MCV level (adjusted OR = 0.815, 95% CI: 0.679–0.978, P = 0.028), and in patients with a low ALT level (adjusted OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.999, P = 0.010). Conclusion: Laboratory markers, in particular the AST/platelet count ratio index, can be useful for clinicians to strengthen the decision-making process in primary care settings. Furthermore, our model revealed that low MCV and low ALT are predictors of the dengue virus infection, while being a male increases the risk of dengue virus infection. More studies are needed to evaluate the impact of the AST/platelet count ratio index on the severity of dengue fever infection during the onset of symptoms and course of treatment.

Purpose: Estimating the prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms with standardized methods of population-based surveys is a critical step in reducing asthma burden. However, no sufficient surveys have been conducted in most countries of the Middle East especially at the national level. In this survey, we applied sound measures to estimate the prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms and related risk factors in adults in Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods: In this national cross-sectional study, the prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms were estimated throughout the country. Overall, 7955 adult individuals were selected from 20 regions across Saudi Arabia through their children at schools using a multistage, stratified cluster-sampling technique. A validated questionnaire, including the core and environmental questions of the Global Asthma Network questionnaires, was applied from March 4 to April 25, 2019. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the independent relationships between current wheeze and related risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of current wheeze (wheeze during the past 12 months) was 14.2%. Among persons with current wheeze, 38.1% were affected by severe asthma symptoms. Although a high percentage of those who had experienced asthma-ever reported that their asthma was diagnosed by doctors (83.3%), only 38.4% had a written plan for controlling their asthma. Women were more likely to develop current wheeze (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.7), while other statistically significant factors associated with current wheeze were jobs (aOR 11.8; 95% CI: 7.3–18.9), current exposure to moisture or damp spots (aOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.5–3.4), heating the house when it is cold (aOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3–2.1), and ever using tobacco daily (aOR 2.7; 95% CI: 2.0–3.5). Conclusions: These findings provide enough evidence for health authorities in Saudi Arabia about the prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms, asthma control, and associated risk factors to scale up monitoring projects, control plans, and high-impact interventions.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: يهدف هذا البحث إلى تقييم معرفة مقدمي الرعاية الصحية في مستشفيات الرعاية المتقدمة في المملكة العربية السعودية بشأن القضايا الأخلاقية الشائعة التي يواجهونها في ممارستهم اليومية ومعرفة طبيعة هذه القضايا. طرق البحث: هذه دراسة مقطعية تستخدم استبانة ذاتية استكملها الأطباء العاملون في مدينة الملك عبد العزيز الطبية، التابعة للشئون الصحية بوزارة الحرس الوطني بالرياض. تم اختيارهم بواسطة أخذ عينات مباشرة خلال الندوات والمؤتمرات. النتائج: تم توزيع ما مجموعه ٢٤٠ استبانة على الأطباء، وكان معدل الاستجابة ٨٠٪ بين الأطباء، حيث كان ٦٨٪ (١٣٦) من الذكور و٨٢.٥٪ من السعوديين. وكان متوسط عمر المجموعة ٣٤.٠٨± ١٠.٤٣سنة.تلقى ٦٩٪ فقط (١٣٨) من الأطباء تعليما رسميا في مجال الأخلاقيات البيولوجية. وشعر معظم الأطباء (٧٧.٥٪) أنهم بحاجة إلى إرشادات أفضل لمساعدتهم على تحديد القرارات الأخلاقية المناسبة بشأن عدم جدوى العلاج، كما شعر ٥٤٪ من الأطباء أنهم في بعض الأحيان بالغوا في علاج مرضاهم. الاستنتاجات: وثّقت هذه الدراسة أن هناك نقصا في المعرفة في بعض القضايا الأخلاقية بنسبة كبيرة بين الأطباء. وأن هناك حاجة لتدريس أخلاقيات موحدة لمقدمي الرعاية الصحية، ليس فقط أثناء الدراسة الطبية ولكن أيضا بعد التخرج وخلال الجولات السريرية. Abstract: Objective: There are growing concerns about ethical issues in the healthcare system. This study was conducted to determine the nature of common ethical issues faced by healthcare providers in a tertiary-care hospital in KSA. Method: This cross-sectional study comprised a self-administered questionnaire given to the physicians working at King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital-Riyadh, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (KAMC-RD, MNGHA). We used a convenience sampling technique during symposia and conferences. Results: We distributed 240 questionnaires amongst the physicians and recorded a response rate of 80%; 68% (136) of the respondents were men, while 82.5% were Saudis. The mean age of the group was 34.08 ± 10.43 years. Only 69% (138) of the physicians had ever received any formal teaching in bioethics. Most physicians (77.5%) demanded clear guidelines to help them to take appropriate ethical decisions on therapeutic futility, whereas 54% felt that they sometimes overtreat their patients. Conclusion: This study reported a lack of knowledge in certain healthcare-related ethical issues in a significant proportion of the physicians. There is a need for a standard educational agenda for medical ethics for healthcare providers, not only during medical school but also after graduation and during clinical rounds. الكلمات المفتاحية: الأخلاقيات الطبية, ممارسي الرعاية الصحية, الأطباء, المعرفة والتعليم, المملكة العربية السعودية, Keywords: Healthcare professionals, KSA, Knowledge and education, Medical ethics, Physicians

Abstract Background Despite the fact that several scabies outbreaks emerged in schools in Saudi Arabia in 2018, no study has investigated the risk of scabies recurrence among children in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to estimate the rate of scabies recurrence and identify factors that were associated with an increased risk of recurrence among children. Methods This is a multi-center retrospective study of children (age

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the elderly. This study was conducted to estimate mortality per 1000 person-year among TB and resistant TB cases and to identifying factors associated with mortality. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of 713 new TB cases at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh diagnosed between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2016. Patient medical records and microbiology lab databases were used to identify TB cases. Through reviews were conducted of patients’ medical records, including physician notes, physical examinations, radiology (scans and imaging), laboratory tests, and follow-up notes. Collected data include demographic information, clinical features, diagnoses, comorbidities, and death rates. Results Of the 713 TB patients included in this study, 110 died, giving an average mortality rate of 22 per 1000 person-years (PY; 95% CI: 18.2–26.4). Elderly patients (≥ 60 years) had a higher mortality rate of 36.5 per 1000 PY (95% CI: 28.9–45.5). As age increases by one year, the hazard of mortality increase by 2.4% (aHR: 1.024 [95% CI: 1.009–1.039, P = 0.002]). Higher hazard of mortality was found among males (aHR: 2.014 [95% CI: 1.186–3.418, P = 0.010]). Patients with respiratory and other types of comorbidities and cancer had a higher mortality hazard (aHR: 1.898 [95% CI: 1.005–3.582, P = 0.048]; aHR: 2.346 [95% CI: 1.313–4.192, P = 0.004]; aHR: 3.292 [95% CI: 1.804–6.006, P = 0.001]), respectively. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) was found in 2 cases (0.28%) (95% CI: 0.08–1.02), 1.68% were resistant to only one antibiotic, 0.14% had rifampicine-resistant TB (RR-TB), 0.28% had MDR-TB, and 0.14% had extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). Conclusions The mortality rate among TB patients was found to be 22 per 1000 person-year at our center. TB was associated with high mortality rates among males, the elderly, and patients with cancer, respiratory illness, and other comorbidities. Future clinical practice should include establishing an efficient TB diagnostic program and continued hazard assessment of TB treatment options.

CONTEXT: Asthma control is suboptimal in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess the level of asthma control in Saudi patients as per the Global Initiative for Asthma 2012 classification and explore its potential predictive factors. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Epidemiological Study on the Management of Asthma in Asthmatic Middle East Adult Population (ESMAA) is a multicentric, descriptive, epidemiological study assessing asthma management in the MENA region. In this article, we report the results of patients from Saudi Arabia included in the ESMAA study. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with asthma at least 1 year before study entry were considered for inclusion. Asthma control level and its predictive factors were explored. Treatment adherence and quality of life (QoL) were assessed by MMAS-4© and Short Form 8 Health Survey QoL questionnaires, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics were done considering two-sided 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used to explore the potential predictive factors of asthma control. All statistical tests were two-sided, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Data of 1009 patients from Saudi Arabia were analyzed. Less than one-third of patients (30.1%) were found to have controlled asthma with significantly higher QoL. High level of asthma control was reported among male patients and those with high educational level, while age, body mass index, and adherence to treatment were found to have no effect on asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma control remains suboptimal among Saudi population. This needs huge efforts to achieve acceptable levels of control and better QoL for asthma patients. Further studies are still needed in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.

Objectives: Despite the fact that sleep disturbances have been associated with poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes in pregnancy, no studies have assessed excessive daytime sleepiness or the risk for sleep apnea among pregnant Saudi Arabian women. We sought to estimate the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and the high risk for sleep apnea (OSA) in a sample of pregnant Saudi women. Methods: An anonymous self-report questionnaire was completed by 517 pregnant women who attended obstetric outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a routine pregnancy check. We collected demographic and clinical data for all patients and used the Berlin Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine the primary outcomes. Results: A high risk of OSA was found in 37.1% of women (95% confidence interval (CI): 33.00%–41.50%), and EDS was found in 32.1% (95% CI: 28.10%–36.30%). The presence of both (EDS and a high risk of OSA) was found in 14.9% of women (95% CI: 11.90%–18.30%). We found increased odds of EDS in women who reported pain three times or more per week (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.59) and insomnia (aOR = 1.65). Older women (≥ 37 years) (aOR = 3.00), those who reported pain once a week (aOR = 1.99), pain twice a week (aOR = 2.75), three times or more a week (aOR = 2.57), and insomnia (aOR = 1.95) increased the odds of high risk for OSA. Conclusions: EDS and a high risk for OSA affected a large portion of the pregnant women included in the study, primarily those who reported pain and insomnia. Our study provides important information for gynecologists to help promote healthy sleep and manage the issues arising from sleep disturbances among pregnant women as part of their daily practice.

Background: Healthcare providers working in Saudi Arabia come from various nationalities, cultures, and training backgrounds. This study aimed to assess the perceptions of healthcare providers working in Riyadh hospitals about ethical dilemmas and solutions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among physicians working in Riyadh’s private and governmental hospitals between June and December 2017. The study collected information on demographics, knowledge about medical ethics, the sources of such knowledge, and common ethical issues in general and the top ethical issues and dilemmas encountered in their daily practice. Results: A total of 455 physicians from government and private hospitals were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the participants was 34.29 ± 10.5 years, females were 29.7% and mean years of practice was 13.0 ± 11.5. The top ethical issues identified by the participants were “disagreement with the patients’ relatives about treatment” (91%), patient disagreement with decisions made by professionals (84%), treating the incompetent patient (79%), conflict with administration policy and procedures (77%), scarcity of resources (72%), and making decision about do-not-resuscitate or life-sustaining treatment (68%). There were significant differences in dealing with ethical issues in relation to gender, confidence about ethical knowledge, nationality, seniority, training site, and private or government hospitals academic and nonacademic. Conclusion: Healthcare providers in Riyadh hospitals face multiple ethical challenges. In addition to improvement in ethics knowledge through educational program among healthcare professional, there is a valid need for healthcare professionals and other sectors within society to engage in serious and continuous dialogue to address these issues and propose recommendations.

Abstract Background Emergency Department (ED) revisits have often been used as an indicator of medical care quality. This study aimed to quantify the frequency of ED revisits within 72 h of discharge and identify its factors among children with chronic diseases. Methods We designed a retrospective cohort study of children with at least one chronic disease who were also under 18 years of age and had attended and were discharged from the ED at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH-RD), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between April 19, 2015 and July 29, 2017. The outcome measure was the frequency of ED revisits during a period of 72 h after discharge. Results The study included 11,057 ED discharges of children with at least one chronic disease. Their revisit rate was 1211 (11%), with 83 (6.9%) having had a second ED revisit within 72 h of ED discharge. According to ICD-10 codes, the most common causes of ED revisits were respiratory, digestive, genitourinary, symptoms, and external causes. Factors of frequent ED revisits within 72 h were young age, institutional health insurance coverage, year of new health information system (2015), external causes, and genitourinary. Conclusion The rate of 72-h ED revisits after discharge of children with chronic diseases treated at KASCH-RD was relatively high, and was associated with young age, institutional health insurance coverage, year of a new health information system implementation, and external causes of ED visit. These study findings amplify the need for intervention to reduce the rate of early ED revisits among children with chronic diseases.

Background: The rapid and accurate identification of individuals who are at high risk of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection remains a major challenge for the medical and scientific communities. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk prediction model for the screening of suspected cases of MERS-CoV infection in patients who have developed pneumonia. Methods: A two-center, retrospective case–control study was performed. A total of 360 patients with confirmed pneumonia who were evaluated for MERS-CoV infection by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) between September 1, 2012 and June 1, 2016 at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh and King Fahad General Hospital in Jeddah, were included. According to the rRT-PCR results, 135 patients were positive for MERS-CoV and 225 were negative. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and radiological and laboratory findings were collected for each subject. Results: A risk prediction model to identify pneumonia patients at increased risk of MERS-CoV was developed. The model included male sex, contact with a sick patient or camel, diabetes, severe illness, low white blood cell (WBC) count, low alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and high aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The model performed well in predicting MERS-CoV infection (area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) 0.8162), on internal validation (AUC 0.8037), and on a goodness-of-fit test (p = 0.592). The risk prediction model, which produced an optimal probability cut-off of 0.33, had a sensitivity of 0.716 and specificity of 0.783. Conclusions: This study provides a simple, practical, and valid algorithm to identify pneumonia patients at increased risk of MERS-CoV infection. This risk prediction model could be useful for the early identification of patients at the highest risk of MERS-CoV infection. Further validation of the prediction model on a large prospective cohort of representative patients with pneumonia is necessary. Keywords: Pneumonia, MERS-CoV case definitions, Early diagnosis, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among pregnant women, but it has not been documented in pregnant Saudi Arabian women. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of the prevalence of RLS and identify both the associated factors and the associated risk factors among pregnant Saudi women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-Riyadh) over the period from June 1 to November 1, 2014. We interviewed the participants and collected demographic data, number of pregnancies, duration of pregnancy, comorbidities, and symptoms of RLS. The diagnosis of RLS is based on the four criteria designated by the International RLS Study Group. Results: The total number of participants enrolled was 517, and the mean age was 30.11 ± 5.42 years. The prevalence of RLS was 21.3% (110/517) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.83%-25.06%). RLS symptoms were more common among women in the third trimester (24.1%) compared to the second trimester (14.3%) and first trimester (13.6%), P = 0.043. The stepwise multivariate logistic model identified insomnia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.167–6.017, P = 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.473-16.454, P = 0.010) were associated with RLS. Conclusion: RLS occurs in two of ten pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at KAMC-Riyadh and is strongly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Studies are needed to explore the causality of these associations.

Background: The annual risk of tuberculosis infection (ARTI) data in Saudi Arabia has not been updated since 1993. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of latent TB infection (LTBI) and ARTI in a population-based sample in Saudi Arabia using Tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON TB Gold in tube (QFT-GIT) test. Methods: A population-based cross sectional study was conducted between July 2010 and March 2013. Participants were randomly selected from the population served by the primary healthcare centers of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alhassa and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 1369 participants were included. The overall prevalence of LTBI was similar using TST and QFT-GIT (9.3% and 9.1% respectively, p = 0.872) but stratified prevalence rates were variable in all sociodemographic groups except marital status. Additionally, the prevalence rates of LTBI using either test alone showed significant differences by several sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. The overall ARTI was 0.36% using TST and 0.35% using QFT-GIT. Conclusions: We are reporting much lower estimates for the prevalence of LTBI and the ARTI in a population-based sample in Saudi Arabia relative to the data that have been used for more than two decades.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide. It can affect any organ. However, cardiac involvement is extremely rare. Anti-TB therapy has been proved to be effective and curative in majority of TB cases except TB myocarditis, where it is found to be fatal. We describe three cases with confirmed TB with impaired left ventricular systolic function and low ejection fraction. All three cases improved clinically and left ventricular function returned to normal within a few weeks after the commencement of TB therapy.

Background and Aims: A granuloma is a common pathological diagnosis in lung biopsies and is caused by a variety of etiologies. The aim of this study was to assess the etiology and frequency of different cases of lung granulomas. Methods: The medical records of all patients who had lung granulomas between 2005 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Based on the histological features of the granulomas, along with the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings, an attempt was made to identify the etiology of the granuloma in each case. Results: A total of 158 patients with lung biopsy specimens showing lung granulomas were identified. The histological findings revealed necrotizing granulomas in 92 (58%) of the cases and nonnecrotizing granulomas in 66 (42%). A definite etiology was determined in 133 cases (84%), whereas in 26 cases (16%), the etiology could not be identified despite an extensive workup. Infection was the most frequent cause of granuloma, accounting for 105 cases (66%). Mycobacterial tuberculosis (TB) was the type of infection that caused the largest number of granulomas, and was responsible for 100 cases (63%). Among the noninfectious etiologies of lung granuloma, sarcoidosis was the most common cause, accounting for 20 (13%) of the cases. Conclusions: Mycobacterial TB and sarcoidosis are the most common causes of lung granulomas in our region. In a substantial proportion of cases, the cause may not be identified despite an extensive workup.

This is the first guideline developed by the Saudi Thoracic Society for the diagnosis and management of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Local experts including pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, thoracic surgeons, respiratory therapists, and others from adult and pediatric departments provided the best practice evidence recommendations based on the available international and local literature. The main objective of this guideline is to utilize the current published evidence to develop recommendations about management of bronchiectasis suitable to our local health-care system and available resources. We aim to provide clinicians with tools to standardize the diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis. This guideline targets primary care physicians, family medicine practitioners, practicing internists and respiratory physicians, and all other health-care providers involved in the care of the patients with bronchiectasis.

Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is an emerging virus respiratory infection. It has a high mortality rate and a wide spectrum of clinical features. This study describes the clinical characteristics and outcome of MERS infected patients. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of all confirmed MERS-CoV infections from March 2014 to May 2014 at two tertiary care hospitals in Al-Madinah region (Saudi Arabia). We gathered data about demographic, clinical presentation, and factors associated with severity and mortality. Results A total of 29 cases were identified; 20 males (69%) and nine females (31%), age 45 ± 12 years. The death rate was higher for men (52%) than for women (23%). Initial presentation was fever in 22 (75%) cases, cough in 20 (69%) cases, and shortness of breath in 20 (69%) cases. Associated comorbidities were diabetes mellitus in nine (31%) patients and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in eight (27%) patients. Duration of symptoms before hospitalization ranged from 2.9 days to 5 days. Elevated liver enzymes were present in 14 (50%) patients and impaired renal profile present in eight (27%) patients. We also describe in this study radiological patterns and factors associated with mortality. Conclusion MERS-CoV infection transmission continues to occur as clusters in healthcare facilities. The frequency of cases and deaths is higher among men than women and among patients with comorbidities.

Background: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a questionnaire widely used in developed countries to measure daytime sleepiness and diagnose sleep disorders. Objective: This study aimed to develop an ESS questionnaire for the Arabic population (ArESS), to determine ArESS internal consistency, and to measure ArESS test–retest reproducibility. It also investigated whether the normal range of ESS scores of healthy people in different cultures are similar. Methods: The original ESS questionnaire was translated from English to Arabic and back-translated to English. In both the English and Arabic translations of the survey, ESS consists of eight different situations. The subject was asked to rate the chance of dozing in each situation on a scale of 0–3 with total scores ranging between 0 (normal sleep) and 24 (very sleepy). An Arabic translation of the ESS questionnaire was administered to 90 healthy subjects. Results: Item analysis revealed high internal consistency within ArESS questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.86 in the initial test, and 0.89 in the retest). The test–retest intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) shows that the test–retest reliability was substantially high: ICC = 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.789–0.909, p-value < 0.001). The difference in ArESS scores between the initial test and retest was not significantly different from zero (average difference = −0.19, t = −0.51, df = 89, p-value = 0.611). In this study, the averages of the ESS scores (6.3 ± 4.7, range 0–20 in the initial test and 6.5 ± 5.3, range 0–20 in the retest) are considered high in Western cultures. Conclusions: The study shows that the ArESS is a valid and reliable tool that can be used in Arabic-speaking populations to measure daytime sleepiness. The current study has shown that the average ESS score of healthy Arabian subjects is significantly higher than in Western cultures.

Background. Candida has emerged as one of the most important pathogens that cause bloodstream infection (BSI).Understanding the current Candida BSI trends, the dominant species causing disease and the mortality associated with this infection are crucial to optimize therapeutic and prophylaxis measures. Objectives. To study the epidemiology and to evaluate the risk factors, prognostic factors, and mortality associated with candidemia and to compare these findings with previously published studies from Saudi Arabia. Design. A retrospective medical record review. Setting. Tertiary hospital in Riyadh. Patients and Methods. The analysis included all cases of Candida blood stream infection who are >18 years old over the period from 2013 to 2018. Continuous variables were compared using the parametric T-test while categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test. Main Outcome Measure. Incidence, resistance, and hospital outcomes in Candida blood stream infection. Sample Size. 324 patients. Results. Three hundred and twenty-four episodes of Candida blood stream infections were identified. Median age of patients was 49.7 SD ± 28.1 years, and 53% of patients were males. More than half of the patients had an underlying disease involving the abdomen or laparotomy, 78% had an indwelling intravenous catheter, and 62% had suffered a bacterial infection within 2 weeks prior to candidemia. Candida albicans represents 33% of all isolates with decreasing trend overtime. There was an increase in the number of nonalbicans Candida overtime with Candida tropicalis in the lead (20%). Use of broad spectrum antibiotics (82%), prior ICU admission (60%) and use of central venous catheters (58%) were the most prevalent predisposing factors of candidemia. Azole resistance was variable overtime. Resistance to caspofungin remained very low (1.9%). Fourteen days crude mortality was 37% for ICU patients and 26.7% in non-ICU patients, while hospital crude mortality was 64.4% and 46.7%, respectively. Conclusion. There is an increasing trend of nonalbicans Candida blood stream infection. Fluconazole resistance remained low to C. albicans. Most isolates remain susceptible to caspofungin, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. Candida bloodstream infection is associated with high 14-day hospital mortality.

Objectives: To compare QuantiFERON-TB gold in tube (QFT-GIT) test with tuberculin skin test (TST) in detecting latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among a general population in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2010 and March 2013 among individuals randomly selected from the list of those receiving care at primary healthcare centers in three provinces of Saudi Arabia; Central, Western, and Eastern provinces. Those younger than 5 years, immunocompromised, had a current or previous history of active TB, LTBI, or who were receiving anti-TB medications were excluded. Informed consent was obtained before the study questionnaire was completed. Participants were then evaluated for LTBI using QFT-GIT test followed immediately by TST. Results: Of the 1369 subjects included in the final analysis, QFT-GIT was positive in 124 (9.1%) and TST was positive in 127 (9.3%). Positive concordance was observed in 49 (3.6%) subjects while negative concordance was observed in 1167 (85.2%) subjects. The overall agreement between the two tests was 88.8% with a significant kappa (κ) test (κ = 0.332,P< 0.001). Concordance was significantly higher in younger age, female gender, single status, students, primary education, living in middle-sized families, and never smoked. Conclusions: The overall agreement of TST and QFT-GIT for the detection of LTBI among a Saudi general population was 88.8%. QFT-GIT is probably comparable to TST for detecting LTBI in an intermediate TB burden country with high at birth bacille calmette guerin vaccination coverage. Further prospective studies are needed to compare the ability of both tests to predict TB disease.

We report two cases of patients with biopsy-proven idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who were treated with new antifibrotic agent for pirfenidone for more than 12 months. Both cases developed cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) proven by positive sputum TB culture. Both cases were treated with standard anti-TB drugs for 9 months and had complete clinical and radiological resolution. To our knowledge, these are the first reported human cases of patients with IPF who have been on pirfenidone and developed cavitary pulmonary TB.

Summary: Background: Sepsis syndrome is a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. While community-acquired severe sepsis and septic shock constitutes a major cause of admission to the intensive care unit, hospital-acquired severe sepsis and septic shock remain major preventable causes of ICU admission. This study evaluates the rate, etiology, complication and outcome of community- and hospital-acquired sepsis in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Method: This is a retrospective evaluation of all admissions with severe sepsis and septic shock to a general intensive care unit over a period of six months. Results: A total number of 96 patients were included, which represented 15% of the total number of admissions during the study period. The mean age was 57.4 (SD 21). Sixty percent of cases were due to hospital-acquired infections, and 40% were community-acquired. The majority of the infections acquired in the hospital occurred in medical wards and intensive care units (27% and 21%, respectively). At least one co-morbid condition was present in 94% of the sample patients, with cardiovascular disease and diabetes being the most frequently encountered disorders (58%). Both community and hospital-acquired severe sepsis and septic shock carry very high mortality (58%). The ICU length of stay was significantly longer for hospital and ICU acquired infections. Conclusion: Both community and hospital-acquired infections carry high mortality. Hospital-acquired severe sepsis is frequent in medical wards and ICUs, and measures to further evaluate risk factors are prudent. Keywords: Community acquired severe sepsis, Hospital acquired severe sepsis, Outcome

With increased exposure of patients to routine imaging, incidental benign intrathoracic masses are frequently recognized. Most have classical imaging features, which are pathognomonic for their benignity. The aim of this pictorial review is to educate the reader of radiological features of several types of intrathoracic masses. The masses are categorized based on their location/origin and are grouped into parenchymal, pleural, mediastinal, or bronchial. Thoracic wall masses that invade the thorax such as neurofibromas and lipomas are included as they may mimic intrathoracic masses. All examples are illustrated and include pulmonary hamartoma, pleural fibroma, sarcoidosis, bronchial carcinoid, and bronchoceles together with a variety of mediastinal cysts on plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sometimes a multimodality approach would be needed to confirm the diagnosis in atypical cases. The study would include the incorporation of radionuclide studies and relevant discussion in a multidisciplinary setting.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma remain a major cause of frequent Emergency Department (ED) visits by pediatric patients. However, other factors including psychosocial, behavioural and educational, are also reportedly associated with repetitive ED visits. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether such visits are justifiable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify risk factors associated with visits to ED by asthmatic children. METHODS: Asthmatic children (n = 297) between 1-17 years old were recruited and information collected at the time of visiting an ED facility at two major hospitals. RESULTS: Asthmatic patients visited the ED 3.9 ΁ 3.2 times-per-year, on average. Inadequately controlled asthma was perceived in 60.3% of patients. The majority of patients (56.4%) reported not receiving education about asthma. Patients reflected misconceptions about the ED department, including the belief that more effective treatments are available (40.9%), or that the ED staff is better qualified (27.8%). About half of patients (48.2%) visited the ED because of the convenience of being open 24 hours, or because they are received immediately (38.4%). Uncontrolled asthma was associated with poor education about asthma and/or medication use. Patients educated about asthma, were less likely to stop corticosteroid therapy when their symptoms get better (OR:0.55; 95% CI:0.3-0.9; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This study reports that most patients had poor knowledge about asthma and were using medications improperly, thus suggesting inefficient application of management action plan. Unnecessary and frequent visits to the ED for asthma care was associated with poor education about asthma and medication use. Potential deficiencies of the health system at directing patients to the proper medical facility were uncovered and underline the necessity to improve education about the disease and medication compliance of patients and their parents/guardians.

Summary: Objective: Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis is the most common presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Obtaining a tissue biopsy for culture and histopathology is frequently needed to establish the diagnosis. The available diagnostic tools include excisional surgical biopsy, fine needle aspiration (FNA) and ultrasound-guided core lymph node biopsy. We present a single center experience of the use of ultrasound-guided core lymph node biopsy as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous lymphadenitis. Methods: A retrospective review of the interventional radiology database for all of the patients with cervical lymphadenopathy undergoing ultrasound-guided core biopsy at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 1 2008 to December 30 2011. The data were the patient demographics, clinical characteristics, biopsy method and pathological and clinical diagnoses. Results: Five cases underwent ultrasound-guided cervical lymph node biopsy during the study period. A total of 55 cases underwent excisional cervical lymph node biopsy in the same period. The age of the patients who underwent the core biopsy ranged from 18 to 76 years old. All of the biopsies were performed as one-day surgery, and all of the patients were discharged on the same day with no complications. The final diagnosis was confirmed in all of the cases (100%); with tuberculosis being the diagnosis in four of the five cases (80%), and one case being diagnosed as lymphoma. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided core biopsy is an underutilized procedure in our hospital and could be a very valuable asset in the diagnostic algorithm of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Saudi Arabia. The widespread use of the procedure would positively affect patient care, providing earlier diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: Ultrasound-guided biopsy, Ultrasound-guided core biopsy, Ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy

Intra-thoracic manifestations of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) are not well known particularly the imaging features, which forms the basis of accurate and timely diagnosis. The aim of this study is to familiarize the physicians and radiologists with these features. The diagnosis can remain elusive because of the non-specific nature of symptoms which mimic many common conditions. Thus, the diagnosis of PSS can be missed leading to continuous morbidity if the correct imaging is not pursued. The authors examined the records of rheumatology patient referrals of over a 5 year period. A hundred and seventy patients with systemic sclerosis and mixed connective tissue disorders were chosen for detailed study of the imaging available, which form the basis of this review. The images included conventional chest radiographs, digital radiographs computed radiography (CT) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Where applicable computed pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and radionuclide scans were also interrogated.

Summary: Dialysis patients are more likely than the general population to develop active tuberculosis (TB). In these patients, the availability of a highly sensitive and specific test to diagnose latent TB will ensure earlier treatment and decreased progression to active disease. In the current study, the Quanti-FERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G) test was compared with the tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among 200 hemodialysis patients and 15 confirmed TB disease cases in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. Among the LTBI cases, 26 (13%) were TST positive, and 65 (32.5%) were positive by the QTF-G test, with an overall agreement between the 2 tests of 75.5% (k = 0.34) being observed. Among the confirmed tuberculosis disease cases, none were positive by TST, and 10 (66.7%) were positive by the QTF-G test, resulting in an overall agreement of 33.3% (k = 0). A comparison between the TST and the QTF-G test was performed based on the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) obtained for the tests. The QTF-G test was more sensitive and less specific than the TST in predicting the confirmed TB disease cases. When we tested the correspondence of the AUC values between the 2 diagnostic modalities, the obtained p-value was 0.0003. In conclusion, the AUCs of the examined diagnostic modalities are significantly different in predicting LTBI and tuberculosis. Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB), Tuberculin skin test (TST), QTF-G test, Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Chronic renal failure, Latent tuberculosis infection

The professional content of sleep medicine has grown significantly over the past few decades, warranting the recognition of sleep medicine as an independent specialty. Because the practice of sleep medicine has expanded in Saudi Arabia over the past few years, a national regulation system to license and ascertain the competence of sleep medicine physicians and technologists has become essential. Recently, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties formed the National Committee for the Accreditation of Sleep Medicine Practice and developed national accreditation criteria. This paper presents the newly approved Saudi accreditation criteria for sleep medicine physicians and technologists.