Digital Commons Network^™

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Case Report Of Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Diane Olski, Karissa Charles, Cristin Grant, Courtnee Harpine, Shannon Leonard, Sarah Puim

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Diet Quality As Assessed By The Healthy Eating Index-2020 Among Individuals Diagnosed With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Minghao Zhou, Hairui Yu, Renee Underwood, Hongning Cai, Tung Sung Tseng, Susu Luo

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Background: Dietary management is key to preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, few studies have examined differences in Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020) scores and components among individuals with and without diagnosed T2DM. This study aimed to assess gender differences in HEI-2020 scores and its 13 components by T2DM status. Methods: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2018, this cross-sectional study analyzed 19,464 adults. Diagnosed T2DM was identified via self-report or diabetes medication use. Diet quality was assessed using the HEI-2020, scored from 0 to 100, with a higher HEI score indicates …

When Probiotics Guidelines Differ: A Practical Guide For Clinicians And Researchers, Geoffrey A Preidis, Hania Szajewska, Marla Cunningham, Howard Bauchner, Daniel J Merenstein

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Many professional organizations publish clinical practice guidelines for the use of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders. Generally, no two guidelines align perfectly, and some differ markedly. These discrepancies occur because clinical practice guidelines are not purely mechanical outputs of data synthesis. They are shaped by structured interpretation, value judgments, and predefined thresholds for uncertainty. These elements become particularly visible when effect sizes are small, heterogeneity is high, and outcomes vary in clinical relevance-as is the case with probiotic research. This article examines why discordance among probiotic guidelines is predictable and provides practical guidance for clinicians who must decide among conflicting recommendations …

Is Your Cyst Really A Ganglion Cyst? A Case Report Of Angioleiomyoma Mimicking A Plantar Fascia Cystic Lesion, Christopher Anjorin Ms Dpmc, Joseph Bender Dpm

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Ganglion cysts are among the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered in podiatric clinical practice, and their diagnosis is often presumed based on location, clinical observation, and transillumination. However, this case highlights a diagnostic idiosyncrasy: a lesion clinically presumed to be a ganglion cyst within the plantar fascia was ultimately identified as an angioleiomyoma following surgical excision and histopathological evaluation. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis when assessing cystic lesions, particularly those that transilluminate, as benign vascular tumors may closely mimic more common entities in both clinical presentation and imaging. More importantly, what if …

Adolescent And Young Adult Cancer Survivorship: Supportive Care Needs, Resources, And Barriers, Allison Bryn Koplos

Master's Projects and Capstones

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience unique physical, psychosocial, developmental, and healthcare-related challenges that often persist beyond treatment completion. Although survivorship resources have expanded, gaps in supportive care needs persist. This scoping review examined the supportive care needs, survivorship resources, and barriers to accessing supportive care among AYA cancer survivors.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2026 was identified through searches in PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies examining supportive care needs, survivorship resources, or supportive care services …

Methylated Cfdna May Distinguish Between High- And Intermediate-Risk Uveal Melanoma: A Pilot Study, Mike Wu, Daniël P. De Bruyn, Ruben G. Boers, Aaron B. Beasley, Daan M. Hazelaar, Stavros Makrodimitris, Joachim B. Boers, Jolanda Vaarwater, Ronald O.B. De Keizer, Robert M. Verdijk, Nicole C. Naus, Dion Paridaens, Saskia M. Wilting, Elin S. Gray, Wilfred F.J. Van Ijcken, Joost Gribnau, Annelies De Klein, Erwin Brosens, Emine Kiliç

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a metastatic risk that depends on the molecular subclass. This subclass can be determined through molecular characterization of tumor-derived tissue. With eye-sparing treatments, tumor tissue is rarely available for molecular testing. We hypothesized that minimal invasive biomarkers such as methylated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used for prognosis and monitoring of patients. Methods: Plasma cfDNA was isolated from healthy blood donors (HBDs, N = 19) and UM patients (N = 22). Plasma was collected at baseline (localized disease, N = 13) and during follow-up (metastatic …

Phytochemical And In-Vitro Cytotoxic Analyses Of Flavonoid Species Isolated From Chromolaena Leivensis, Luke A. Bryant

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As a leading cause of death worldwide, cancer and its treatments remain a primary source of interest among researchers. Modern studies are looking into bioselective cytotoxicity to create new chemotherapies that do not have the same harsh side effects as those we use today. Natural product research has a promising future for the development of such treatments. Specifically, polar flavonoids may be the key to a bioselective treatment. Such flavonoid species are native to plants, often within flower petals or within the body. A natural antioxidant, they are designed not to harm healthy cells. This study focuses on the plant …

Cardiovascular Disease And Fracture Risk In People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Matched Case–Control Study, Aksayan Arunanthy Mahalingasivam, Annika Vestergaard Kvist, Joop P. Van Den Bergh, Cassandra Smith, Joshua R. Lewis, Peter Vestergaard, Nicklas Højgaard Hessellund Rasmussen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To examine, among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) phenotypes and cardiovascular medications are associated with any fracture as the primary outcome and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) as a secondary outcome. Nationwide registry-based matched case–control study in Denmark (2013–2021) among people with T2D. Cases were individuals with T2D who sustained an incident fracture (n = 12,390), and controls were fracture-free individuals with T2D matched 1:3 by age, sex, T2D onset date, and weighted Charlson Comorbidity Index (n = 37,170). The exposures were overall CVD, prespecified clinical CVD phenotypes (acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, heart failure, atrial …

In-Hospital Mortality Patterns And Readmissions In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Analysis Of The Role Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Saad Afzal Khan, Trishna Parikh, Adishwar Rao, Akriti Agrawal, Aarohi Parikh, Farah Kazzaz, Sarah Shin, Harry Karmouty-Quintana, Maulin Patel, Kha Dinh, Bela Patel, Bindu Akkanti

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to understand the impact of PH on in-hospital mortality and quantify the 30-day readmission rate among patients with COPD. For this cross-sectional study, we used the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2017-2020 to identify adults ≥18 years with COPD. Patients were stratified according to PH diagnosis. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared using the Pearson chi-square test and two-sample t-test. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics and confounders. The 30-day readmission rate and prevalence of PH subgroups by baseline …

Corrigendum To “Characterizing The Metabolites Of The Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor Pexidartinib In Mouse Feces, Urine, Plasma, And Liver” [J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 265 (2025) 117034], Xuan Qin, Si Chen, John M Hakenjos, Jian Wang, Lei Guo, Ashish Dogra, Zhaoyong Hu, Kevin R Mackenzie, Feng Li

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

No abstract provided.

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Complications In Neonates With Kidney Failure., Shannon Reinert, Maanasa Yarlagadda, Alexander Bondoc, Donna Claes, Stefanie Riddle, Meredith P. Schuh

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Neonates with kidney failure require placement of a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PD-C) shortly after birth. PD-C malfunction and peritonitis, both common in this population, are associated with PD failure. The aim of this study was to describe our center's PD-C-related practices and outcomes in neonates with kidney failure.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of neonates who required kidney replacement therapy (KRT) within the first 30 days of life from 01/2018-12/2023. We evaluated for PD-C duration, PD-C replacement or revision, and peritonitis.

RESULTS: Twenty-four neonates had PD-C placed for chronic dialysis at a median of 9.7 days and …

Clinical Presentations, Treatments, And Outcomes Of Pediatric Lupus Nephritis: A Prospective Cohort Study From The Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium., Melonie Phillips, Mahmoud Kallash, Chloe Tang, Steve Rust, Kia Jubert-Bacon, Scott Wenderfer, Smriti Mohan, Neal Blatt, Don Batisky, Alejandro Quiroga, Tetyana L. Vasylyeva, Nilka Dejesus, Jerome C. Lane

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: There are few prospective studies of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus cyclophosphamide (CYC) for pediatric lupus nephritis (pLN) and none evaluating rituximab (RTX).

METHODS: The Prospective Pediatric Lupus Nephritis Registry (ProPeL-R) enrolled patients <  21 years within 4 weeks of an initial kidney biopsy diagnostic of pLN. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected prospectively at enrollment, 3 months, 6 months, and then every 6 months thereafter for up to 5 years of follow-up. For this study, we compared patients receiving initial therapy with corticosteroids (CS) and either MMF (n = 33) vs. CYC (n = 18), and those treated with CS, either MMF or CYC, with RTX (n = 20) vs. without RTX (n = 51).

RESULTS: Histology consisted of 18% class III; 35% class IV; 25% mixed class; and 22% pure class V. Eighty-two percent were female. No significant differences in response or infection rates were identified between those receiving MMF or CYC. There was a significant increase in combined complete (CR) and partial response (PR) at 24 months with RTX use. Overall CR rates at 6 and 24 months were 35% …

Adjunctive Embolization Of Target Vessel Dissections To Improve Suitability For Fenestrated-Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair, Zemia C Ferreira, Hannah V Oden-Brunson, Ying Huang, Steven Maximus, Naveed Saqib, Erin Greenleaf, Thanila A Macedo, Gustavo S Oderich

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Suitability of renal-mesenteric target arteries is an essential criterion for fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR). We describe a staged adjunctive technique of target vessel false lumen (FL) embolization to improve suitability for FB-EVAR in patients with chronic postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (PD-TAAA) and dissection extension into the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Three patients with SMA dissection and ectasia (diameter > 12-14 mm) underwent staged FL embolization with pre-emptive stent placement to optimize SMA incorporation. Using bilateral transfemoral access with intravascular ultrasound guidance, the proximal SMA true lumen was stented with an 8 L × 39 mm VBX balloon-expandable stent graft (W. …

The Epidemiology Of Kidney And Urinary Tract Infections In Pediatric Chronic Kidney Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors And Association With Gfr Decline In The Chronic Kidney Disease In Children Study., Derek K. Ng, Andrea R. Molino, Siyao Zhang, Emily J. Stonebrook, Craig S. Wong, Pratyush Gyawali, Kimberly J. Reidy, Susan L. Furth, Bradley A. Warady, Jeffrey J. Fadrowski, Ckid Study Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract and kidney infections are potential complications in pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). We characterized the prevalence of self-reported infections from childhood through young adulthood; evaluated risk factors; and quantified the association with CKD progression.

METHODS: Infections in the past year were self-reported at annual Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study visits. Age-specific infection prevalences were stratified by sex and CKD diagnoses (glomerular, non-glomerular non-CAKUT, CAKUT low-risk for infections, and three CAKUT high-risk categories: reflux nephropathy, obstructive uropathy, and other high-risk). Repeated measures logistic …

Adjunctive Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Surgical Evacuation Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Tallal M. Hashmi, Hafsa Arshad Azam Raja, Zain Tariq, Faizan Ahmed, Niraj Arora, Majid T. Aized, Adeel Saleemi, Ameer E. Hassan, Adnan Qureshi, Osama O. Zaidat

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH); however, the efficacy and safety of adjunctive MMAE compared with surgery alone remains uncertain.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through June 2026. Randomized controlled trials comparing adjunctive MMAE plus surgical evacuation with surgical evacuation alone in patients with cSDH were included. The primary outcome was hematoma recurrence. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model.

Results: A total of eight randomized controlled trials were included. The …

Evaluating The Readability Of Online Patient Education Materials For Avascular Necrosis, Gabriella B. Smith, Grady H. Hofmann, Anna V. Gussner, Nicole S. Pham, Nneoma O. Duru, Kevin G. Shea

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive pathology affecting pediatric and adult patients. Given the risks of joint collapse and surgery, patients frequently research their condition online. The average reading level in the United States is approximately the eighth-grade level. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that patient materials be written at or below a sixth-grade level. This study aimed to assess the readability and quality of online AVN resources.

Methods: A Google search using the terms “avascular necrosis” and “osteonecrosis” was conducted, and firstpage results were aggregated. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog Index, and Flesch Reading Ease tests …

A Mixed Methods Study Of Inpatients’ Experiences, Priorities, And Health-Related Quality Of Life During High- Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy, Cintamani H. Ellsworth, Rebecca S. Bartlett

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an oxygen delivery method with numerous benefits for severely ill patients. There is a paucity of research focused on the perspectives of patients receiving HFNC oxygen therapy. This study aimed to engage with patients to gain a clearer understanding of their experiences, priorities, and health-related quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed methods study was completed with 10 adult inpatients who had received HFNC oxygen therapy during their hospital admission. Semi-structured interviews and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale were used to identify participant perceptions of their physical and …

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Due To Post-Traumatic Osseous Tunnel Formation: A Rare Case And Surgical Management, Dev Y. Patel, Eshan Doshi, Fiona Zimmerman, Jamal Revolus, Michael Kimball, Michael Franco

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is classically a compressive neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve beneath the flexor retinaculum, presenting with plantar foot pain and paresthesias. Standard surgical management of TTS involves release of the flexor retinaculum to decompress the nerve. We report a rare and unusual case of TTS in which the posterior tibial nerve was encased within a post-traumatic osseous tunnel accompanied by dense fibrotic tissue, representing an atypical and previously undescribed etiology of nerve entrapment. In this case, surgical decompression required a modified approach involving meticulous dissection of the tibial nerve from its encasement by heterotopic ossification and …

Evaluating Medical Student Geriatric Competency Using A 5ms-Based Assessment Tool, Lauren R. Hersh Md, Amy Cunningham Phd, Mph, Xiya Wu Md

Cooper Rowan Medical Journal

INTRODUCTION

Driven by an aging Baby Boomer generation, the United States is navigating a demographic transformation with far-reaching implications that include increased demand for chronic disease management and long-term care as well as increased stress on both healthcare costs and infrastructure. Generating a workforce competent in the delivery of care to older patients with complex, multimorbid conditions is fundamental to addressing this shift. Recognizing that the development of primary and specialty care physicians skilled in geriatric care begins in medical school, the American Geriatric Society developed minimum competencies grounded in the Geriatric 5Ms (Mind, Mobility, Medication, Multicomplexity, and …

Plasma Vgf As A Predictive Biomarker For Early Acute Kidney Injury In Critically Ill Elderly Patients: A Combined Clinical And Mendelian Randomization Study, Xianyang Guo, Yu Hao, Rujie Chenn, Benji Wang, Shengwei Jin

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess whether VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) can serve as a reliable predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients requiring intensive care.
Methods: We first conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal link between plasma VGF levels and AKI risk. Subsequently, 128 critically ill individuals admitted to our intensive care unit were prospectively enrolled. Within 24 hours of either hospital admission or clinical decline, both blood and urine specimens were obtained. We measured VGF concentrations in plasma and urine, along with plasma cystatin C (pCysC), plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), …

Knowledge, Practice And Perceived Barriers Of Healthcare Provider Adherence To The Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (Ndss) In Government Hospitals And Primary Healthcare Centers In Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Moatasem F. Hakmi, Alaa Mathkour, Yousef Zahrani, Rayan I. Binduhayyim, Saad S. Alqahtani, Muhammad Z. Iqbal

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess and compare healthcare providers' understanding of the Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NDSS), alongside reported and perceived challenges, across public hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 10 January 2025 and 30 December 2025 among health care providers at Jazan hospitals and primary healthcare centers (PHCs) (n = 420). Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaire that included the following sections: demographic data, knowledge of the NDSS, reporting practices, competency of the Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN) and perceived barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to …

Cranial Mri In Girls With Central Precocious Puberty: Clinical Characteristics And Predictors Of Abnormal Findings, Fahad N. Al Juraibah, Mashael M. Alharbi, Reem D. Alharbi, Joud S. Albaraki, Sarah S. Aldharman, Hala A. Alghamdi, Nagarajkumar Yenugadhati, Abdullah I. Alhammad, Angham N. Almutair, Ibrahim A. Al Alwan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the clinical profile of girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and determine the factors associated with abnormal cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
Methods: This retrospective study included girls aged 8 years or younger with a diagnosis of CPP who received care at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between 2015 and 2023. Data on clinical presentation, biochemical results, imaging findings, and treatment were obtained from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with MRI utilization and the occurrence of abnormal MRI findings.
Results: The cohort comprised 70 …

Thrombosis Rate And Risk Factors In Pediatric Patients With Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters, Ahmed A. Alabdulkarim, Abdullah I. Almojali, Tharaa S. Alhowaish, Dena S. Alsuhaibani, Norah I. Alshafi, Amin I. Alzahrani, Mohammed O. Alotaibi, Yousef A. Alghamdi, Hamad A. Alkhalaf

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To determine symptomatic thrombosis incidence in pediatric patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and identify associated patient and procedure-related risk factors in a tertiary pediatric center in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including patients aged 0–14 years who underwent PICC insertion in the Interventional Radiology department between January 2019 and June 2023. Data on demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record system (BestCare). Symptomatic thrombosis was defined as Doppler-confirmed thrombosis with clinical signs. Associations were tested using …

Advancing Impact: A National Approach To Knowledge Translation In Saudi Arabia-The Saudi National Institute Of Health Experience, Maha M. Aleid, Manar A. Alharbi, Amal N. Almadouj, Ahmad I. Alrawaji, Lamia A. Alhaqbani, Fars K. Alanazi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To present a reproducible national model for translating research findings into evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
Methods: The Saudi National Institute of Health launched the initiative titled ``Transforming the Outcomes of Published Health Research into Medical Guidelines that Enhance Medical Practices to Improve the Quality of Human Health'' on February 3, 2025. The initiative aimed to identify and assess research outcomes published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024 across 6 predefined thematic tracks relevant to the Saudi population. Eligible publications were collected within one month after the submission portal opened. Following closure of portal, all submissions were evaluated …

Estimating Radiation Dose And Proposing Institutional Diagnostic Reference Levels For Paediatric Fluoroscopy Of Micturating Cystourethrogram: Age- And Weight - Specific Comparisons, Khalid M. Aloufi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To compare age- and weight-specific methods used to estimate radiation doses and to propose institutional diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for paediatric fluoroscopy of micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG).
Methods: In this retrospective study, MCUG fluoroscopy parameters were gathered for 100 paediatric patients from July 2025 to January 2026. The data included the MCUG paediatric procedures for patients aged 0–15 years. The data were categorized into paediatric weight- and age-specific groups. Paediatric weight-specific groups were ≤ 5, 5 < – 10, 10 < – 20, and >20 kg, and paediatric age-specific groups were ≤ 1, 1 < – 5, 5 < – 10, and < 10 – 15 years old.
Results: Differences were observed in dose area product (DAP) and DRL results for age- …

Potential Drug–Drug Interactions In Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Observational Study, Buthainah B. Al-Ammash, Fawaz A. Alharbi, Omar D. Al-Hejaili, Mansour A. Mahmoud, Mazin A. A. Abdelaziz, Alaa I. Alrais, Shahad A. Albakri, Ibrahim F. Alharbi, Sara A. Felemban, Abdullah H. Almatrafi, Salman A. Alabdali, Yaser M. Alahmadi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and determinants of potential drug–drug interactions (pDDIs) among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at a tertiary care hospital in Al-Madinah Al-Monawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: Data for this retrospective observational study were extracted from the electronic medical records of adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with ESRD and receiving hemodialysis (HD) between October 2022 and March 2023. The pDDIs were identified and classified using Lexicomp® (Wolters Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands). Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and pDDIs, and univariate logistic regression was implemented to investigate the determinants …

Drooling In Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review Of The Current Management Landscape, Kamel A. Alenazi

Saudi Medical Journal

Children with developmental or neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy, present with impaired motor function, resulting in impaired swallowing, feeding, and drooling. The prevalence of chronic drooling radically changes from 0.5% in children >4 years to 60% in children with neurological ailments. Drooling can have a serious impact on the quality of life of affected children, which can create a sense of isolation and refusal by peers. In addition, drooling results in not only financial but also considerable emotional turmoil for caregivers of affected children, who are frequently confronted with difficulty managing the underlying neurological impairment of their child. In …

Scoping Review Of Mental Health Outcomes Of Cosmetic Procedures Among The Saudi Population, Hessah Alzahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To comprehensively examine the mental health outcomes associated with cosmetic procedures among the Saudi population, with a particular focus on psychological well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, body image, and quality of life.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A structured search was performed across international databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, in addition to national Arabic databases. Studies investigating the psychological outcomes of both surgical (rhinoplasty and body contouring) and …

Quality, Patient Experience, And Service Gaps In Home Healthcare In Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review Aligned With Vision 2030, Eman Alawad, Rasha M. Mahrous, Lubna A. Elshaib

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the quality of home healthcare (HHC) services, patient experience, and existing service gaps in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between January 2011 and January 2025. Eligible studies included observational, qualitative, mixed-methods, and interventional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia that examined home healthcare quality, patient or caregiver experience, or service delivery gaps. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality …

Implementing Diagnosis-Related Groups For Value-Based Healthcare In Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review Of Evidence On Barriers And Facilitators, Racha M. Naim, Michelle A. Badore, Justin J. Needle

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine the barriers and facilitators to implementing Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to identify actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to advance value-based healthcare (VBHC) adoption effectively.
Methods: A systematic search of bibliographic databases and relevant grey literature was conducted. Data were synthesized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to categorize barriers and facilitators across 5 domains.
Results: A total of 10 studies met the eligibility criteria. Key facilitators included the adoption of patient classification systems, standardized data sets, government policy support, and the availability of advanced health information systems. Barriers included …