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White Islands In A Sea Of Red, Dana S. Alessa, Faisal A. Alghubaywi, Sultan Al-Khenaizan

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Risk Factors And Outcomes Of Acute Kidney Injury In Children With Congenital Heart Disease Following Cardiac Surgery, Zaher F. Zaher, Mohammad A. Shalaby, Khalid A. Alhasan, Mohammed A. Ghazi, Ghassan A. Mustafa, Yasser S. Bamashmous, Muath A. Hadram, Ibrahim A Sandokji, Abrar N. Alsharief, Abdulaziz M Bahassan, Amr S. Albanna, Osama Y. Safder, Jameela A. Kari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for Acute kidney injury (AKI) following cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart diseases, and to identify modifiable factors that remain insufficiently studied. Acute kidney injury is common after cardiac surgery for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Children with AKI are known to have complicated hospital courses, including their need for kidney replacement therapy, and have increased mortality.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of children admitted to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) at King Abdulaziz University Hospital over 7 years (2014–2021), using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome …

Bridging Diagnosis And Prevention: The Impact Of Ccta On Cad Risk Management - A Retrospective Single-Center Study, Adil I. Jumani, Ghada A. Rashwan, Hadiza O. Ibrahim, Jumaa S. Aldhaheri, Safaa M. Almohdar, Hassan Hassan, Khaled M. Alfakih

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess the clinical utility of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain at Zayed Military Hospital, focusing on its impact on management and preventive strategies.

Background: Chest pain is a common presenting symptom in hospitals. Coronary computed tomographic angiography offers an accurate, non-invasive method for diagnosing CAD in patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability.

Methods: A retrospective review of all 417 patients who underwent CCTA from January to December 2024 was conducted. Demographics, calcium scores, CAD findings, comorbidities, and subsequent management, including invasive coronary angiography and pharmacological …

A Bibliometric Analysis Of The Most Influential And Impactful Plastic Surgery Publications From Saudi Arabia, Hatan Mortada, Abdulaziz Alnufaei, Amal Tuaki Aljuaid, Zainab Ahmed Al Hubail, Waad Nawaf Alanazi, Abdulaziz Suleiman Jasaniah, Sarah Abdullah Ramzi, Amr Youssef Arkoubi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To analyze the most cited plastic surgery articles from Saudi Arabia, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, collaboration patterns, and thematic areas.

Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Web of Science Core Collection (1990–2025). Keywords covering plastic surgery subfields were combined with geographic identifiers (“Saudi Arabia,” “KSA,” “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”) using Boolean operators. Only English-language original and review articles were included. Citation metrics, authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed with VOSviewer and the bibliometrix R package.

Results: We identified 1,013 Saudi-affiliated plastic surgery publications, receiving 7,929 citations. The top 100 most-cited articles averaged 39.3 citations …

Evaluating Diagnostic Capability Of Computed Tomography And Role Of Bronchoscopy In Admitted Cases With Pulmonary Diseases, Khawaja B. Waheed, Zubair Ahmed, Asif Mahmood, Jumana H. Masoudi, Ahmed O. Z. Alanazi, Aldana M. Almubireek, Zoha Bilal, Rood A. Alshehri, Mays H. Mahasneh, Zechariah Jebakumar Arulanantham

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate capability of CT scan in diagnosing pulmonary diseases, identifying malignancy, and role of bronchoscopy in confirming or changing imaging diagnosis.

Method: A retrospective record-based cross-sectional study was performed evaluating data of all consecutive adult patients who had CT and bronchoscopies performed in a period of 2 years (between Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2025). Demographic, clinical symptoms, CT chest and bronchoscopy findings were recorded. Final diagnoses were based on clinical (improvement with time or resolution of symptoms with specific antimicrobial drugs), laboratory (bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy, blood or sputum cultures) and imaging guided biopsies (where performed). Patients without …

A Retrospective Review Of Antimicrobial Usage And Indications At End-Of-Life For Oncology Patients In A Tertiary Cancer Center In Saudi Arabia, Nabil A. Almouaalamy, Lama A. Banjar, Hattan A. Hassani, Ahmed A. Alqerafi, Abdulrahman I. Ezzi, Bader K. Alaslab, Abdulaziz K. Allhybi, Abdulaziz N. Aljohani, Nora N. Almouaalamy, Hassan A. Almarhabi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate antimicrobial usage patterns, indications, and outcomes in end-of-life (EOL) oncology patients at Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The use of antimicrobials in oncology patients in EOL care has raised concerns about their appropriateness and the increasing issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods: The study is a retrospective chart review of cancer patients treated at the PNOC from January 1, 2017, to January 31, 2022. The inclusion criteria included cancer patients ≥18 years who died during their admission. The exclusion criteria included subjects who did not meet the inclusion criteria.

Results: Among …

Risk Factors, Clinical Manifestations, And Treatment Outcomes Of Primary Bone Sarcomas, Ali H. Alyami, Mohammed A. Alkhotani, Abdulaziz A. Alsiraihi, Mohammed M. Bukhari, Abdulrahman S. Alqurashi, Abdulrahman M. Alghamdi, Anas R. Kurdi, Bader A. Khawaji

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the risk factors, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes in patients with Primary Bone Sarcomas (PBS).

Methods: This retrospective study included all patients with PBS treated between June 2016 and December 2023 at King Abdulaziz Medical City, excluding patients with incomplete data, presence of other malignancies, diagnosis at autopsy, or unknown metastasis. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 27. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Log Rank test was used for survival analysis

Results: The study included 127 patients. Common past medical history included diabetes (7%), hypertension (5.5%), and metastasis at presentation (15%). …

The Effect Of Motivational Interviewing On Glycemic Control Among Saudi Persons With Type 2 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study, Fatima Y. Al-Slail, Ibtihal M. Bin Jumah, Kawther O. Abdelfadil, Sahar M. Fadl, Amaal O. Almutairy, Abdullah F. Alanazi, Omer O. Kheir

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of integrating a motivational interviewing approach with a comprehensive diabetes care program in Saudi primary care clinics. Approximately 23.1% of the adult Saudi population is diabetic, yet only 22.5% of these diabetic individuals maintain adequate glycemic control as defined by Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels <7%.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed pre- and post-evaluation methods to compare HbA1c levels among persons with uncontrolled diabetes before and after implementing a motivational interviewing (MI) and comprehensive care program. Adults with type 2 DM were included. The MI approach was used to educate and motivate the patients. Starting from November …

Healthcare Practitioners’ Satisfaction With Ministry Of Health Electronic Programs In Primary Healthcare Centers In Abha: A Comprehensive Analysis, Bander A. Alasmari, Majed M. Alsaleh, Abdullah Saeed, Mohammed Y. Aseri, Meteb A. Albraik, Nawal M. Assiri, Khaled A. Alasiri, Maryam A. Alrashadi, Mohammed Y. Alqasem, Faisal A. Faya, Mozoun D. Alahmari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: This study assessed the satisfaction of health care providers with MOH electronic programs in Abha primary care centers and identified key drivers of user satisfaction.

Methods: Cross sectional survey of 152 physicians 48.7, nurses 27.0, allied health staff 21.1 and lab technicians 3.3 from May to July 2025. Participants had to be using MOH electronic systems daily. Descriptive stats and Spearman correlations examine links between satisfaction and system features.

Results: Among 152 respondents 98.7 used at least one MOH program daily.Raqim was most used 89.5. Overall, 11.2 were very satisfied, 44.1 satisfied, 28.3 neutral, and 16.4 dissatisfied. Significant drivers …

Bridging The Evidence Gap: A Retrospective Lens On Survival And Treatment Patterns In Older Patients With Colorectal Cancer, Emad M. Tashkandi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To advise evidence-based strategies and healthcare policies to optimize the management of older adults with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the region. Older adults are disproportionately affected by CRC but are underrepresented in clinical trials. Hence, real-world data are crucial in guiding treatment in this population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients aged ≥65 years diagnosed with CRC between 2015 and 2021 at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical data, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Among 256 patients (mean age 74.7; 61.7% male), 75% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status …

Anatomical Distribution And Extent Of Carotid Plaque In Early Inflammatory Polyarthritis, Fahad F. Almutairi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To compare the extent and anatomical distribution of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery segments between patients with early Inflammatory Polyarthritis (IP) and age- and sex-matched controls, and to assess associated cardiovascular and disease-specific risk factors.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (June 2022 to April 2023), 349 patients (70% female; age 50.74 years; 41.81-58.34) and 115 matched controls (66% female; age 52.28 years; 42.29-58.42) underwent carotid ultrasound examination. Associations between plaques and cardiovascular were assessed.

Results: Plaques were significantly more common among patients than controls (46.1% vs. 27.8%, p = 0.0006), particularly …

Biomarkers Of Multiorgan Failure In Covid-19: A Predictive Framework For Disease Severity And Clinical Outcomes, Wesam A. Nasif, Mohammed H. Mukhtar, Mohammad Althubiti, Abeer Shaker El Moursy Ali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of inflammatory, liver, renal, and cardiac biomarkers in relation to the progression of multiorgan failure (MOF) in COVID-19 patients. A primary goal was to identify which of these markers served as the most discriminative predictors of disease severity.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out between December 2020 and February 2023 to collect data from 1,803 COVID-19 patients from data records in different hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The ROC curve analysis evaluated the diagnostic and predictive performance of selected biomarkers.

Results: Inflammatory markers such as CRP and D-dimer were evaluated, but ferritin …

Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Infectious Diseases And Antimicrobial Resistance: A Comprehensive Review On Diagnostic, Treatment, And Prevention Aspects, Naveed Ahmed, Mansoor Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in managing infectious diseases by enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures. AI-assisted tools have predictive analysis ability for incoming outbreaks, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AI-assisted tools facilitate the treatment methods by tailoring personalized medicine according to the specific disease history of the patient, immune response, and genetics. Advanced vaccine development by various AI-assisted in silico tools is becoming easy, leading to faster vaccine discovery and more efficient vaccine design with a more immunogenic response. Despite huge benefits, a few limitations are also encountered, including biases in algorithms, data privacy, and …

Artificial Intelligence In Radiology: Hidden Fragilities And The Path To Resilience, Mustafa S. Alhasan

Saudi Medical Journal

Radiology artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing however its adoption faces fragile foundations that threaten sustainability. Despite bold promises of efficiency and accuracy, current deployment is undermined by weaknesses in economics, evidence, infrastructure, human factors, regulation, security, and environmental impact. Nearly 90% of radiology AI studies report process metrics rather than patient outcomes, while hidden costs elevate ownership to 400% to 500% of subscription fees. Technical fragilities include 25% or greater performance loss with routine protocol or scanner shifts, compounded by vendor consolidation that has eliminated 63% of companies since 2020, creating migration costs averaging 180,000 dollars per exit. Human factor …

Childhood Obesity: Global Burden, Multifactorial Etiologies, Biological Mechanisms, And Emerging Interventions For Prevention And Management, Fahad H. Baali

Saudi Medical Journal

Childhood obesity, characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that adversely affects health, is a global public health challenge. It affects approximately 8.2% of children and adolescents globally and contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases in later life. Obese children are at increased risk of developing metabolic disorder cluster, type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD), and psychosocial complications. Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity imposes substantial economic costs and highlights the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. The causes of childhood obesity are multifactorial including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Early …

Bleeding Avoidance Strategies In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation, Antonio Landi, Marco Valgimigli

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Obesity As A Health Priority: Insights From Research Productivity In The Arab World, Rania Hammami, Mirvat Alsnag

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2025 Guidelines For Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention And Risk Assessment, Jamilah S Alrahimi, Shukri M. Al Saif, Laith Hussain-Alkhateeb, Ali M. Albarrati, Owayed M. Alshammeri, Talal S. Alghamdi, Khalid A. Al Faraidy, Ada M Al-Qunaibet, Nada A. Alnaji, Rasha A. Alfawaz, Waleed M. Alharbi, Waleed A. Alhabeeb, Fahad M. Alnouri, Adel A. Tash

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To develop an evidence-based clinical guideline for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Saudi Arabia, tailored to local epidemiology and healthcare needs.

Methods: A multidisciplinary task force comprising cardiologists, public health specialists, and epidemiologists from different healthcare sectors in Saudi Arabia developed the guideline. Evidence synthesis was based on a comprehensive literature review and adaptation of international guidelines, particularly the 2021 European Society of Cardiology recommendations, contextualized to the Saudi setting.

Results: The guideline provides recommendations for both primary and secondary CVD prevention. Primary prevention emphasizes risk assessment incorporating genetic, lifestyle, and clinical factors, as well …

From Text To Test: Pre-Lecture Reading Boosts Medical Students’ Comprehension And Retention, Hamad A. Alfahaad, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Emad M. Masuadi, Mohi Eldin M. Magzoub, Henk G. Schmidt

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Medical students frequently attend lectures without prior review of the related literature when preparing for examinations. It raises the question of whether studying the material in advance could enhance their learning outcomes during lectures.

Methods: A total of 102 medical students from a Saudi Arabian university took part in this research. Participants were assigned to one of 2 cohorts: one read a 4-page passage before a 15-minute lecture, while the other attended the lecture before reading the passage. Knowledge acquisition was measured using a test that assessed their ability to recall concepts administered 3 times—prior to the session, post …

Medication Errors Reporting And Analysis: A Comparative Study For Advancing Medication Safety Practices In Ministry Of Health Hospitals In Saudi Arabia, Saleh A. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To analyze and compare these stages, types, frequency, causes, and corrective actions related to medication errors (MEs) reported in Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and thereby enhance medication safety through data driven decisions.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using ME reports submitted to the Saudi MOH national reporting system from January 2023 to December 2024.Data were collected from nine hospitals, covering medication involved, reporting personnel, level of harm and corrective actions. A novel stratification framework (NSF) was used to visualize emerging risks and protective trends. Statistical analyses were conducted using relative risk (RR), risk …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns.

Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Endovascular Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke Among Stroke Patients In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A Retrospective Cohort Study (2024) Detailing Dual Center Experience, Abdullah M Alkutbi, Omar Abdulhamidayoub, Fawaz Mosaedalshareef, Mohammed M Alwadi, Rawan I Alqurashi, Rayan I Almaghrabi, Naif F Alharbi, Omar M Alhazmi, Ziad H Alzabidi, Nagham S Alsolaimani, Saher F Alqarni

Saudi Medical Journal

Background: Te evaluate the outcomes of Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) -treated AIS patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and explores predictors of functional recovery. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), though patient outcomes can vary based on regional and clinical factors.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and King Fahad Hospital Jeddah (KFHJ), including AIS patients treated with EVT between January 2020 and July 2024. Neurological status was assessed using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the modified Rankin Scale …

Influence Of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease On Pattern And Management Of Acute Coronary Syndrome, Elshazly Abdulkhalik, Nagat Ibrahim, Selim Sidhom, Hesham H Alqurashi, Khaled Alghashmari, Muhammad Alotaibi, Ahmed Alqurashi, Moath Alzahrani, Shahad Alqahtani, Abdulaziz Alshalan, Nouran Althumali, Mazen Aljohani, Saud Alzahrani, Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the influence of metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and hepatic fibrosis on the pattern and management of patients who had acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: Retrospective records of patients with ACS included demographic, electrocardiographic, and laboratory data of platelets count, glycated hemoglobin, lipogram, liver and cardiac enzymes. Ultrasound was used to evaluate fatty liver. Coronary angiography data included the number, site and percentage of the coronary arteries occluded. The type and outcome of treatment of ACS were recorded. Laboratory markers were measured to evaluate fibrosis.

Results: The study recruited 259 patients, and the majority were males. …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Registry At King Abdullah Specialized Children’S Hospital (Jiar-Kasch) In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jubran T. Alqanatish, Abdullah I. Almojali, Wejdan M. Algbaiwi, Abdullah S. Alqahtani, Abdulrahman A. Alrasheed, Lubna A. Alnasser, Wafaa M. Alsuwairi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To establish and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date registry of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) cases, and to outline the methodology used in creating it.

Methods: Retrospective and prospective data collection commenced in August 2021, using the Hospital Information System to identify electronic medical records of JIA patients. All individuals diagnosed with JIA and receiving follow-up care at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh were included. A broad range of variables covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results, imaging findings, and therapeutic medications were recorded in the REDCap platform. Data collection update occurs every 6 months.

Results: By December …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Patients With Amphetamine Associated Emergency Department Visits At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mohammed K. Alsharef, Mahdi Almutairi, Nouf Ababtain, Mohammed Alajmi, Abdulrahman Alrajhi, Faisal Alhusain, Mohammad Al Deeb

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To investigate the demographic and clinical profiles of patients presenting with amphetamine-related emergencies at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Amphetamine use is an escalating public health issue linked to a rise in emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods: This retrospective study encompasses 14 years and focuses on individuals diagnosed with amphetamine-related toxicity.

Results: Among the 659 cases studied, a predominant 96% were male, with over half (52%) aged between 19 and 30 years. Most patients (91%) were Saudi nationals. The leading cause of presentation was trauma, accounting for 24% of cases. This was followed by altered mental status …

Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography And Neonatal Hemodynamics In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A One-Year Experience In Service Implementation, Abdulaziz Homedi, Kamal Ali Ali, Abdulrahman Almehaid, Mohanned Alrahili, Abdulrahman Mandurah, Mohammed Almahdi, Faisal Alamer, Eman Bazbouz, Shatha Algarni, Atheer Alshehri, Faisal Alsehli, Hanof Bakri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a newly established targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and Neonatal Hemodynamics consultation service on the assessment and management of neonates.

Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective cohort study that included all neonates who underwent TNE consultations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from October 2023 and September 2024. Clinical indications, diagnostic findings, and subsequent management were analyzed.

Results: A total of 237 TNE consultations were performed for 105 neonates. The mean gestational age was 29.9 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1433 grams. On average, 19.8 echocardiographic scans were performed per month. The leading …

Gender Differences In Sociodemographic And Clinical Characteristics Of Methamphetamine Use In Saudi Arabia, Halima M. Adam, Mohamed Abouzed, Ahmed H. Aljadani, Benayan B. Alrasheedy, Muath A. Alarfaj, Salwa R. Alshammari, Mohamed S. Almuqahwi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore gender-related variations in sociodemographic factors, clinical presentations, and psychosocial characteristics among methamphetamine users in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic health records of 1,181 patients (91% male, 9% female) treated at multiple Erada Mental and Addiction Centers across Saudi Arabia (2020–2024). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, methamphetamine use patterns, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial functioning were collected and analyzed using validated tools, including the Addiction Severity Index, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, and Quality of Life Scale.

Results: Female participants were younger than males (mean age 25.3 vs 28.5 years; p < 0.001) and initiated methamphetamine at a later age (21.4 vs 19.2 years; p < 0.001). Females had greater proportion of daily use (65.4% vs. 60%, p …