Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence Of Cerebrovascular Disease In Patients With Coronary Artery Disease After Pharmacological Stress Test, Eman Mahmoud Abdelfattah, Muhammad Salem Muhammad Hagrass, Khalid Ahmed Elkhashab, Sameh Emil, Hassan Mohamed Ebeid, Lamya Salih, Najah Makhbout Al-Amri, Mostafa Sayed, Haytham Soliman Ghareeb

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) share common atherosclerotic pathways. However, the clinical significance of headache absence during stress testing remains unexplored. We investigated whether the absence of headache during pharmacological stress testing reflects the presence of subtle cerebrovascular atherosclerosis detectable by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD).

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 225 patients with CAD undergoing pharmacological stress testing with TCD and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) at centers in Egypt (Cardiology Department, Fayoum University). Patients were stratified by headache status during stress testing. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified independent predictors of abnormal TCD …

Dabrafenib-Induced Cutaneous Eruptions In A Patient With Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Jaanvi Mehta, Julianna Tolotta, Eleanor Matthews, Daniel Joffe, Safiyyah Bhatti, Lauren Banner, Jenna Mandel, Molly Wallace, Timothy G. Webster, Jason B. Lee, Neda Nikbakht

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare malignancy marked by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells, with BRAF V600E mutations identified in over 50% of the cases. BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), such as dabrafenib, have shown efficacy in treating BRAF V600E-mutant LCH. However, BRAFi therapy is associated with cutaneous adverse effects, including the development of new melanocytic nevi, verrucae, and keratinocyte carcinoma (KC). This case report describes a 78-year-old woman with BRAF V600E-mutant LCH who developed multiple dermatologic side effects following dabrafenib salvage therapy. Seven weeks into treatment, the patient presented with eruptive palmoplantar nevi, verrucae, and a basal cell carcinoma (BCC). …

Bridging Pediatric To Adult Care In Cystinosis: A Scoping Review Of Healthcare Transition Of Care Protocols And A Roadmap For Future Practice., Sanat Subhash, Nicholas Pantelakis, Kyle Backston, Ruhaan Bajpai, Amir Safadi, Brandon Petrovich, Bradley A. Warady, Maria Diaz-Gonzalez De Ferris, Rupesh Raina

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100,000 to 200,000 live births worldwide. Long-term graft success in cystinosis depends on cysteamine adherence and structured multidisciplinary transition, supported by protocols developed by both pediatric nephrologists and hospital organizations. This review explores institutional and regional care models, structured programs such as the RISE protocol and Got Transition's Six Core Elements, and major barriers including adult nephrology expertise, psychosocial stressors, and insurance coverage gaps. Additionally, we explore the impact of digital health tools for their role in supporting cysteamine adherence and maintaining continuity of care. Emerging technologies such …

Subjective Sleep Disruption, Coping, And Anxiety And Related Symptoms In The Perinatal Period: Findings From A Longitudinal Study, Rebecca C Cox, Caroline P Hoyniak, Jack Samuels, Jonathan S Abramowitz, Gerald Nestadt, Eric A Storch, Rashelle Musci, Paul Nestadt, Lauren M Osborne, Mary Kimmel

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Study objectives: Anxiety is common during the perinatal period and is associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes, highlighting a need to identify predictors of perinatal anxiety. Accumulating research implicates sleep disruption in perinatal anxiety and related symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive symptoms. We examined the associations among insomnia symptoms and sleep duration with perinatal anxiety, obsessive beliefs, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the moderating role of coping from pregnancy through postpartum.

Methods: A sample of 231 women (agemean = 32.97 ± 4.36 years; 74% white) completed interview and self-report measures of sleep, coping, perinatal anxiety, obsessive beliefs, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in early …

Differential Pro-Tumorigenic Effects Of Helicobacter Pylori And Streptococcus Anginosus On Ags Cells: Contact-Dependent Versus Metabolite-Driven Mechanisms, Luan Luan, Xiuling Song, Yunfei Zeng, Yunyun Xie, Yongxuan Hong, Jiawei Tang, Cong Ma, Bing Gu, Liang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Gastric cancer remains a major global health burden, ranking fifth worldwide in both incidence and mortality. While Helicobacter pylori is a well-established Group I carcinogen, increasing evidence suggests that non-H. pylori bacteria, including Streptococcus anginosus, may also contribute to gastric carcinogenesis. However, their comparative pathogenic roles and interactions remain poorly defined. In this study, public databases showed stage-dependent abundance changes of H. pylori and S. anginosus but no significant correlation during gastric cancer progression. We further quantified both bacteria in gastric fluid samples collected from 500 individuals using a non-invasive gastric string test and in fecal samples from an independent …

Depression And Anxiety In Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Congenital Heart Disease: Pathophysiology And Clinical Implications Of The Heart–Brain Axis, Nicodemus N. Triatmojo, Valerinna Y.S. Putri

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease or PH-CHD is an increasingly prevalent disorder in modern cardiology. It is characterized by progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling, chronic right ventricular (RV) pressure overload, and abnormal cardiopulmonary hemodynamic. Due to advances in congenital cardiology and treatments for pulmonary hypertension, survival rates have increased. As a result, the focus has switched to long-term functional status and quality of life. Depression and anxiety are currently recognized as prevalent and clinically significant manifestations in PH-CHD; nonetheless, they remain underdiagnosed and undertreated within cardiovascular care frameworks.

More study shows the disease's severity or symptom count cannot explain …

Progesterone And Cerclage Together For Short Cervix: Evaluating Potential Complementary Effects For Improved Preterm Birth Prevention, Vincenzo Berghella, Ilaria Paladino, Moti Gulersen, Lauren Sayres, Amanda Roman, Rupsa C. Boelig

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Management of patients with a short cervical length (CL) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) often involves therapy with vaginal progesterone and/or cervical cerclage. Although these interventions are frequently viewed as alternative strategies, they may also represent complementary approaches targeting different mechanisms involved in spontaneous preterm birth. As in other areas of medicine, therapies with different mechanisms are often used together rather than as mutually exclusive options. In line with current level 1 evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs on either vaginal progesterone or cerclage, in singleton gestations with no prior spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), vaginal progesterone is …

Specific Carbohydrate Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet In Adult Patients With Mild To Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Randomized Controlled-Feeding Trial, Albert Sheng-Yin Chen, Long Nguyen, Brianna Gray, Katherine Williams, Jenny Gurung, Lauren Canha, Jessica Mcgoldrick, Jane Hubbard, Hamed Khalili

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Background and aims: This pilot randomized controlled-feeding trial compared the effect of Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and Mediterranean diet (MeD) in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: Seventeen adults were randomized to a 6-week SCD (n = 8) or MeD (n = 9) intervention. Primary outcome was change in partial Mayo Clinic score (pMCS).

Results: The study was discontinued early due to significant dropout (n = 9, 52.9%). There was no significant between-group differences observed for pMCS change (SCD, -0.8; MeD, -1.3; p = 0.499) or secondary outcomes. Exploratory metagenomic analysis revealed enrichment of Parasutterella excrementihominis …

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension With Negative Brain Mri Findings: A Systematic Review Of Diagnostic Strategies And Clinical Outcomes, Marina Romozzi, Giuseppe Garignano, Valid Rastegar, Francesco Onorati, Catello Vollono, Federico Tosto, Masahito Katsuki, Yasuhiko Matsumori, Francesco Signorelli

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a debilitating syndrome typically characterized by orthostatic headache and classic brain MRI findings. However, brain MRI abnormalities are indirect manifestations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume depletion rather than direct evidence of the leak, and some patients may present with unrevealing or absent typical brain MRI findings, posing a considerable diagnostic challenge.

METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted to perform a systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines, analyzing the available evidence on MRI-negative SIH (patients without typical SIH findings on their initial brain MRI), including its clinical features, …

Impact Of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Timing On Chronic Subdural Hematoma Resolution And Functional Outcomes, Bluyé Demessie, Muhammed Amir Essibayi, Hamza Adel Salim, Alireza Karandish, Nathan Farkas, Deepak Khatri, Neil Haranhalli, Amanda Baker, Richard Zampolin, Allan L Brook, Seon-Kyu Lee, Nimer Adeeb, James Grist, Fulvio Zaccagna, Yan-Lin Li, Davide Simonato, Diego Alejandro Ortega, Nicole Cancelliere, Jose Danilo Diestro, Dhairya Lakhani, Joseph Carnevale, Craig Schreiber, Atakan Orscelik, Zachary Abecassis, Spencer Raub, Georgios Sioutas, Giancarlo Salsano, Svetlana Kvint, Andrew Falzon, Vance Cantrell, Brian Holliday, Jefferson Abaricia, Pedram Maleknia, Leonardo Cruz-Criollo, Samantha Schimmel, Basel Musmar, Matthew Alexander, Jorge Rios Zermeno, Koul Prateeka, Ahmed Aljuboori, Dominik Vollherbst, Domagoj Gajski, Jared Cooper, Rahim Abo Kasem, Sami Al Kasab, Alejandro Spiotta, Fawaz Al-Mufti, Vladimir Kalousek, Markus Möhlenbruch, Luca Scarcia, Clemens Schirmer, Thien Huynh, Rabih Tawk, Fabio Settecase, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Pascal Jabbour, Kunal Vakharia, Mario Zanaty, Santiago Ortega-Gutierrez, Jesse Jones, Marco Colasurdo, Hussein Nasser, Sri Hari Sundararajan, Pascal Mosimann, Erez Nossek, Eytan Raz, Lucio Castellan, Bruno Del Sette, Caterina Michelozzi, Davide Saraceno, Pietro Panni, Visish Srinivasan, Jan-Karl Burkhardt, Gaultier Marnat, Pietro Mario Santini, Michael Levitt, Giuseppe Lanzino, Waleed Brinjikji, Jared Knopman, Tareq Kass-Hout, Julian Spears, Thomas Marotta, Max Wintermark, Vitor Mendes Pereira, Maurizio Fuschi, Adam Dmytriw, David Altschul

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) affects approximately 20 per 100,000 individuals annually, with surgical recurrence rates of 10-20%. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive treatment, but the optimal timing remains unclear. We evaluated the association between MMAE timing and radiological and functional outcomes in cSDH.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter international cohort study across 33 centres, including patients who underwent MMAE for cSDH between January 2018 and December 2024. Patients were stratified by timing from diagnosis: Q1 (≤1 day), Q2 (2 days), Q3 (3-6 days), and Q4 (>6 days). The …

Preoperative Considerations For Cervical Cerclage (Part 1), Ilaria Paladino, Moti Gulersen, Amanda Roman, Rupsa C. Boelig, Vincenzo Berghella

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

Transvaginal cervical cerclage remains a central strategy for preventing spontaneous preterm birth in appropriately selected pregnancies. Although decades of research have clarified which patients benefit most from cerclage, substantial heterogeneity persists in pre-, intra-, and postoperative management. This article, the first in a series on cerclage technique, synthesizes the evidence guiding preoperative decision-making. Cerclage is classified by indication as history-indicated cerclage, ultrasound-indicated cerclage and physical examination-indicated cerclage. History-indicated cerclage is recommended for patients with ≥3 prior early spontaneous preterm births or second-trimester losses < 28 weeks, prior ultrasound-indicated cerclage with delivery at< 32 weeks, or prior physical examination-indicated cerclage; twin gestation alone is not considered an indication. Ultrasound-indicated cerclage should be considered in singletons without prior spontaneous preterm birth with transvaginal ultrasound cervical length ≤20 mm and is recommended in singletons with prior spontaneous preterm birth when cervical length is ≤25 mm before 24 weeks' gestation; in twins, it may be considered when cervical length ≤15 mm before 24 weeks' gestation. Physical examination-indicated cerclage is recommended in singleton or twin gestations with asymptomatic cervical dilation ≥1 cm before 24 weeks' gestation. Timing varies by indication: history-indicated cerclage is typically placed at 12 to 14 weeks' gestation and is not urgent, whereas ultrasound-indicated cerclage and physical examination-indicated cerclage are usually performed between 16 and 23 6/7 weeks' gestation in response to cervical changes, ideally within 72 hours and 24 hours of diagnosis of short transvaginal ultrasound cervical length or dilated cervix, respectively. Preoperative evaluation should include a detailed anatomic ultrasound examination and appropriate genetic screening. Routine urogenital cultures are not indicated in the absence of symptoms. Amniocentesis is not recommended for history-indicated cerclage or ultrasound-indicated cerclage but should be considered before physical examination-indicated cerclage to evaluate for intra-amniotic infection. Adjunctive management remains variable. Progesterone is recommended for a short cervical lenght < =25mm before 24 weeks. Outpatient cerclage appears safe, with no clear benefit to routine inpatient management. Perioperative indomethacin and antibiotics are likely unnecessary for history-indicated cerclage but may be considered in ultrasound-indicated cerclage and are suggested for physical examination-indicated cerclage.

Healthcare Provider's Perceptions Of Family Values When Making End-Of-Life Care Decisions For Their Children: Developing And Implementing A Survey Tool., Nithya Sivakumar, Stephanie Kukora, Cherie Ginwalla, Satyan Lakshminrusimha, Jennifer Rosenthal

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers help families navigate end-of-life care decisions in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU); however, limited studies exist regarding what values providers perceive families utilize when in these situations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate providers' perceptions of values that families considered when making end-of-life care decisions for their child.

DESIGN: Develop a novel survey tool to understand providers' perceptions of values families considered when making end-of-life care decisions for their children and distribute the survey tool to providers in a single quaternary care children's hospital within a university hospital.

METHODS: The novel survey tool …

Drivers Of Professional Satisfaction In Emergency Medicine Residency Training In The Us, Arvin Radfar Akhavan, Kirstin Woody Scott, Patrick Hewes, Erin Kinney, Boris Pavic, Josh Simmons, Michelle Lall, Michael Gottlieb, Yvette Calderon, Dave Lu

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Physician wellness discussions often center on burnout and negative aspects of clinical practice. Less is known about what brings professional satisfaction to physicians, particularly among emergency medicine (EM) residents. Understanding drivers of professional satisfaction is important for the future of the specialty as they may influence residents' career decisions. This study aimed to identify drivers of professional satisfaction among a national cohort of EM residents.

METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study using a survey administered following the 2024 ABEM In-Training Examination to EM residents in ACGME-accredited programs. The single-item, free-text survey question asked: "List the top 3 drivers …

Thanks For The Signal-Now What? Program Director Perspectives On How Preference Signals Are Shaping General Surgery Residency Recruitment, John M Woodward, Connie Y Gan, Darci C Foote, Tasha Posid, Nicole M Santucci, Noosha D Deravi, Caitlin Silvestri, Kirstyn E Brownson, Erika Simmerman Mabes, Rondi Gelbard, Milanie Milan, Nina Zhao, Dylan R Nieman, Martha Godfrey, Benjamin D Ferguson, Joseph C L'Huillier, Colleen Mcdermott, Prajjwol Luitel, Olabisi Sheppard, Jennifer H Chen, Emma G Burke, Jenny M Guido, Ladonna Kearse, Jonathan Davies, Trenton Foster, Sarah Lund

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: We aimed to explore general surgery program director (PD) experiences with and perspectives on preference signaling in a 15-signal system.

Design: We performed qualitative analysis of de-identified transcripts from semi-structured interviews of general surgery PDs.

Setting: General surgery PDs across the United States.

Participants: All general surgery PDs in the spring of 2025 were invited to participate. Fifteen PDs volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews (73% university-based, 53% programs with < 8 residents/class).

Results: PDs highlighted that signals saved time when utilized as a screening tool, which gave PDs more time for holistic review of applications. PDs also felt signaling increased equity …

Efficacy Of Sirolimus Versus Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons For Coronary Revascularization: An Updated Meta-Analysis With Grade Assessment, Matthew Aldo Wijayanto, Christopher Daniel Tristan, Erlangga Masykur Kynaya, Annisa Aghnia Rahma, Putri Saskia Harimurti, Arwin Saleh Mangkuanom, Amir Aziz Alkatiri, Doni Firman, Bambang Budi Siswanto

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Drug-coated balloons are an emerging strategy for coronary revascularization. Despite their increasing use, the comparative efficacy of sirolimus- versus paclitaxel-coated balloons (SCB vs PCB) remains uncertain. This updated meta-analysis evaluated clinical and angiographic outcomes of SCB and PCB in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect was performed on August 28, 2025. Studies directly comparing SCB and PCB were included. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), which was defined as cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). On follow-up angiography, secondary endpoints consisted of minimal lumen diameter (MLD), …

Serial Drilling Technique For Sequential Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Fixation In Pediatric Osteopetrosis: A Technical Report., Adam Mansour, Josiah J Wolf, Ivan Slyepkan, Morgan Turnow, Michael Anderson, Anthony Wing, Jack Iandoli, Craig Goubeaux, Craig Smith, Allen Kadado

Surgery Articles

Pediatric osteopetrosis presents a significant technical challenge for fracture fixation due to the bone's dense yet brittle nature and frequently absent medullary canal. Traditional drilling methods risk excessive torque, drill-bit breakage, and iatrogenic fractures. Here, we describe a serial drilling technique for plate-and-screw fixation in a 5-year-old child with osteopetrosis who sustained sequential subtrochanteric femur fractures 8 months apart. By creating a small pilot hole, sequentially enlarging it with intermediate bits under copious irrigation, and inserting locking screws manually, we achieved stable fixation with no observed instrument failure or intraoperative complications. This method may provide a practical technical strategy for …

Association Between Trainee Involvement During Pediatric And Congenital Cardiac Catheterization And Procedural Outcomes., Natalie Jayaram, John A. Spertus, Kevin F. Kennedy, Andrew C. Glatz

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Participation in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is a requirement of cardiology fellowship training. We sought to determine whether trainee presence is associated with outcomes during pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization.

METHODS: We identified catheterizations between January 2011 and September 2020 within the IMPACT (Improving Pediatric and Adult Congenital Treatment) Registry. Multivariable multilevel regression was used to determine the association between trainee presence and procedural outcomes.

RESULTS: Of 122 760 catheterizations at 107 academic hospitals, a trainee was present in 71 651 (58.4%) cases. Rates of major adverse events were similar between trainee and nontrainee cases (9.0% versus 8.0%). Contrast …

Prenatal Predictors Of Fetal And Neonatal Death In Truncus Arteriosus: A Fetal Heart Society Research Collaborative Study., Kelly Cox, Nazia Husain, Deidra Ansah, Tiffany Knight, Alexandra Channing, Bettina Cuneo, Preeta Dhanantwari, Mary Donofrio, Miwa Geiger, Lisa Howley, Lisa K. Hornberger, Simone Javeri, Edward G. Jones, Michelle Kaplinski, Ann Kavanaugh-Mchugh, Maria Kiaffas, Katherine Kosiv, Christina Laternser, Olivia Low, Anita J. Moon-Grady, Shabnam Peyvandi, Nelangi Pinto, Avaliese Porlier, Aaron Prosnitz, Rashmi Rao, David Schidlow, Elena Sinkovskaya, Ranjini Srinivasan, Corey Stiver, Emilio Quezada, Bhawna Arya, Sheetal Patel

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Fetal and neonatal outcomes and factors increasing mortality risk in fetal truncus arteriosus are not well characterized. We aimed to examine the prenatally encountered cardiac spectrum, define extracardiac and genetic associations, explore clinical outcomes and identify prenatal factors associated with worse outcomes in a contemporary large cohort.

METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted via the Fetal Heart Society Research Collaborative including fetal truncus arteriosus cases encountered between January 1, 2010, and September 1, 2021, within 22 North American cardiac centers. Demographic, clinical, anatomic, and functional fetal echocardiographic variables were analyzed for associations with presurgical death (fetal death/neonatal …

Long-Term Outcomes Of A Drug-Eluting Resorbable Scaffold Vs Angioplasty In Infrapopliteal Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: 3-Year Results From The Life-Btk Trial., Sahil A Parikh, Brian G Derubertis, Marc P Bonaca, Prakash Krishnan, Richard H Pin, Jen-Kuang Lee, David C Metzger, Raghu Kolluri, Mehdi H Shishehbor, Andrew H Holden, Osamu Iida, Ehrin Armstrong, Steven W C Kum, David J O'Connor, Danielle R Bajakian, Lawrence A Garcia, Shih-Wa Ying, Jin Wang, Karine Ruster, Brad J Martinsen, Zsuzsanna Igyarto, Ramon L Varcoe

Surgery Articles

Background: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) caused by infrapopliteal disease is a major therapeutic challenge, with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) associated with high rates of restenosis and reintervention. The LIFE-BTK trial previously demonstrated superior efficacy of the Esprit (Abbott Vascular) BTK drug-eluting resorbable scaffold (DRS) over PTA at 1 year, with sustained benefits at 2 years, with comparable safety at both time points. This report presents the 3-year outcomes.

Objectives: We aimed to compare the 3-year safety and efficacy of DRS vs PTA in patients with CLTI and infrapopliteal artery disease.

Methods: In this randomized trial, 261 patients with CLTI were …

Association Between Author Specialty And Reported Outcomes In Non-Randomized Comparisons Of Prostatectomy Versus Radiation, Zakaria El Kouzi, Mohammed A Mohammed, Michael Kevin Rooney, Ramez Kouzy, Jie Jane Chen, Shalin Shah, Tarek Al Bitar, Sherif M Gadoue, Comron Hassanzadeh, Steven Frank, Phuoc Tho Tran, Chad Tang, Seungtaek Choi, Ryan Jin-Hyung Park, Karen Hoffman, Sean Eric Mcguire, Henry Mok, Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, Adam B Samman, Zain Rahman, Mohamed Shelan, Toufic Eid, Osama Mohamad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: While the ProtecT randomized trial demonstrated comparable oncologic outcomes between radical prostatectomy (RP) and radiation therapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer, several retrospective studies have reported mixed findings. In this study, we investigated whether non-randomized studies tend to favor RP or RT and assessed whether the specialty of leading authors-urologists or radiation oncologists-correlates with study conclusions.

Methods: We identified non-randomized clinical studies published between 1993 and 2024 that compared RP and RT for localized prostate cancer and reported oncologic outcomes including biochemical, metastasis, and/or survival outcomes. Author specialty was determined based on whether the first and senior authors were …

Al Kuwait Hospital Dubai, Emirates Health Services 1st Research Week 2025: Research Abstracts Of Clinical And Scientific Advances, Suad Hannawi, Linda Saf Eldin, Alaa Abuquta, Yusra Abdulrahman, Maryam Yaslam, Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari, Maimouneh Qazi, Noor Majed Al Mheiri, Ahmed Alamadi, Alia Aljasmi, Sondos Al Salmi, Maria Al-Salmi, Moza Aljamri, Ahmed Ibrahim Abdulrahman, Sharifa Alamadi, Haifa Hannawi

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

The Outcome Of Thrombectomy Can Be Improved By Shortening The Door-To-Needle And The Onset-To-Door Time, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Provider-Reported Readiness Of Chronic Healthcare Services In Saudi Arabia Under The Health Sector Transformation Program, Aseel Aldhwaihi, Saad Alghanim

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess provider-reported readiness of chronic healthcare services in Saudi Arabia within the context of the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), using a validated, context-specific assessment instrument. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 among 254 healthcare providers across 5 health regions and both public and private healthcare sectors. A 34-item instrument, informed by the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and adapted to the Saudi context, assessed 7 system readiness dimensions. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. Results: Overall system readiness was moderately positive. Health system …

Seasonal Variation Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Among Children And Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Single-Center Tertiary Experience, Nour Gazzaz, Fajr A Saeedi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) seasonal variations among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been widely studied; however, findings remain inconsistent. Although several studies reported a higher incidence during colder months, others showed no consistent patterns. This study investigated whether DKA frequency and severity vary across seasons, particularly in humid cities. Methods: This retrospective cohort analyzed children and adolescents with T1DM admitted to a tertiary hospital with DKA (2015–2025). Data included demographics, seasonal admission trends, clinical severity, and outcomes. Statistical analyses involved the Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: A total of 369 DKA cases …

Glp-1 Receptor Agonists And Sglt-2 Inhibitors In Diabetic Nephropathy: A Comparative Study, Sara Ghadeer Alghadeer, Sama Sami Kanfar, Zakiah Dheya Algallaf, Fatimah Mudhar Alfardan, Rana Alshammrany, Maha Farhat, Cyril Cyrus

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) on renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compared their efficacy to sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) in managing diabetic nephropathy. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Fahad University Hospital, including 115 adults (≥ 18 years) with T2DM and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m², treated with GLP-1RAs or SGLT-2i for over 1 year. Patients on renal replacement therapy, nephrotoxic drugs, or with incomplete records were excluded. Data were analyzed with Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program; the significant value …

Investigating Medical Radiation Awareness Of Saudi Arabian Cardiologists In Catheterization Labs: A Survey Study, Abdulmajeed Alotaibi, Raseel Alsallum, Reemas Alotaibi, Ali M. Aldhebaib, Noha Althubaity, Oinam Gokulchandra Singh, Zyad M. Almutlaq, Abdulaziz M. Albaraikan, Winnie Philip, Abrar M. Al-Mutairi, Mostafa Alqarras, Basma Alrowailli, Abdulrahman Alkhulaifi, Dhaifallah Ziyad Alanazi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of interventional cardiologists in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding occupational radiation safety. Occupational radiation exposure poses significant long-term health risks for interventional cardiologists. Understanding current safety knowledge and practices is essential for guiding improvement strategies. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was administered across several cardiac centers in KSA. The survey evaluated radiation safety awareness, use of dosimetry monitoring, and adherence to protective measures among practicing interventional cardiologists. Results: The study identified notable gaps in radiation safety knowledge and considerable inconsistencies in dosimetry monitoring. Despite these shortcomings, participants demonstrated high compliance …

Awareness Of The Mediterranean Diet And Its Perceived Effect On Cardiovascular Health In The Western Region, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah M. Alharbi, Mohammed S. Alsaedi, Mutaz S. Alharbi, Faisal F. Almutairi, Adeeb M. Aloufi, Azzam M. Alharbi, Rakan D. Alsaedi, Hatim F. Alhejaili, Motasem M. Alyamani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To increase awareness of mediterranean diet (MD) and its perceived effects on cardiovascular health, enhance knowledge and inform public health efforts aimed at improving the population's health outcomes of. The MD comprises heart-healthy eating patterns high in vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fruits. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult participants who were living in the Western region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected online through social media platforms, then cleaned, coded, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21 to generate key insights. Results: A total of 390 participants were included …

Early Initiation And Dual Patterns Of Cigarette And E-Cigarette Use Among Adults In The Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Haidar A. Alridha, Nora A. Alafif

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore the early initiation of cigarette and e-cigarette use and the dual patterns of usage among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 among adults living in the Eastern Province. An online self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, age of initiation, dual-use patterns, and quit attempts. Convenience sampling was applied, and a total of 551 participants were included. Descriptive statistics summarized distributions of smoking behavior and initiation age. Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between smoking status, age of initiation, …

Multidimensional Predictors Of Disease Severity And Health Outcomes In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Data-Driven Clinical Insight, Hind A. Alzahrani, Ruba Omar Mohammed Almaghrabi, Raed Alharbi, Abdulaziz Saleh Alghamdi, Mohammad A. Albanghali, Hanan E. Alyahyawi, Abdulmohsen M. Alruwetei, Besma Garah, Mohammed Alzahrani, Samar Hassan Hjar, Sana Shaker

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the clinical, hematologic, and therapeutic characteristics of hospitalized adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Al-Baha region and to identify factors that predict hospitalization as well as transfusion frequency. Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 117 adults with confirmed SCD who were admitted to King Fahad Hospital-Al-Baha during 2022–2024. Demographic information, hematologic parameters, clinical features, hospitalization rate, transfusion history, and treatment protocols were collected from the electronic medical records. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square tests, and Fisher's exact Test) were performed to compare between groups where applicable. Results: The cohort had a mean …

Prevalence And Clinical Correlates Of Intraspinal And Vertebral Anomalies In Congenital, Adolescent Idiopathic, And New-Onset Scoliosis: A Comparative Study In Saudi Arabia, Faisal M Alkhunein, Mishari N Alanezi, Nwaf A Alshahir, Abdulkarim S Alsulimi, Abdulrahman H Salman, Habib Ullah Chaudhary, Abdulmajeed A Alzakri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To explore the prevalence of and clinical associations between intraspinal and vertebral abnormalities in patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and early-onset scoliosis in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective cohort investigation included patients aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with CS, AIS, or new-onset idiopathic scoliosis who underwent full-spine magnetic resonance imaging between 2015 and 2025 at a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Clinical and radiological data were collected, and intraspinal and vertebral anomalies were classified. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A …