Digital Commons Network^™

Lived Experiences And Perceptions Of People With Knee Osteoarthritis In Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study, Sultan A. Alanazi, Amjad S. Alhabishi, Rana O. Alawafi, Samia A. Alamrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore how people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) perceive and live with their condition, how they self-manage symptoms, and how they experience physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were undertaken with individuals with knee OA who are aged ≥ 45 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with investigator triangulation.

Results: Twenty-seven (19 females) participants aged 45–74 years (mean = 61) from different regions of KSA shared lived experiences of knee OA. Four themes describing participants' experiences …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Surgical Site Infections In Hospitals Across Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Atheer M. Aljohani, Danah O. Sandaqji, Rana A. Alahmadi, Raha Z. Ishqi, Manal A. Alanazi, Shouq N. Aloufi, Husain I. Sandugji

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and identify associated risk factors in hospitals in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 363 adult surgical patients from major hospitals in Madinah between 2023 and 2024. We analyzed medical records using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The overall SSI rate was 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3–7.9%). Infection types comprised superficial incisional (57.9%), deep incisional (36.8%), and organ/space infections (5.3%). Significant risk factors included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.94 per year, p = 0.014), …

A Predictive Model For Cytomegalovirus Infection Using Routine Hematological And Biochemical Parameters: A Pilot Study, Ahmad A. Shaikh, Mofareh H. Alabdaly, Nabil A. Ageeli, Sultan Z. Alasmari, Adel M. Abo Mansour, Mohammed H. Makkawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine whether hematological and biochemical parameters assist in diagnosing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and differentiating between CMV-G and CMV-M. Cytomegalovirus causes distinct hematological changes that can serve as markers for diagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients infected with CMV (25 CMV-G and 29 CMV-M) and 82 healthy controls. Age, gender, and routine hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Results: In comparison to controls, laboratory findings of patients with CMV-G revealed characteristic decreases in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and …

Safety And Efficacy Of Adalimumab Biosimilar In Psoriasis And Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Clinical Experience, Raneem H. Najjar, Sarah O. Alrashid, Rnda F. Almahfouz, Hadeel T. Alzahrani, Majed Y. Aleissa, Alanoud R. Hakami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical experience, safety, and effectiveness of adalimumab biosimilars in patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study between March and September 2024 using electronic medical records from King Abdulaziz Medical City and King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pediatric and adult patients with psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa who switched to adalimumab biosimilars between 2016 and 2022 were included. Variables included demographics, disease characteristics, prior therapies, biosimilar use, and adverse events.

Results: A total of 57 (93% adults; 50.9% female) patients were included. Obesity was present in 35.1%, and …

Immunoinformatic Based Development Of A Multi-Epitope Precision Vaccine Targeting Glycoprotein And Rdrp Of Oropouche Virus: An Innovative Approach To Counter Emerging Public Health Threats, Mohammed Alissa, Muhammad Suleman

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To design high immunogenic vaccine against the Oropouche virus (OROV). The OROV is a neglected arbovirus endemic to Central and South America, causes oropouche fever, which can progress to severe complications such as meningitis and hemorrhagic symptoms.

Methods: We utilized immunoinformatic and molecular dynamic simulation approaches to design highly immunogenic vaccines against OROV. This observational study, carried out between January and August 2024 in Saudi Arabia. As it involves an in-silico method, ethical consent was not required.

Results: Docking analysis confirmed the stable interaction of the designed vaccines with human toll-like receptors (TLR)-3, producing binding scores of –300.78, –306.19, …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Incubator And Radiant Environments On Physiological Criteria And Pain-Stress Levels During Heel Lance In Neonates In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sezin Gürsu, Birsen Karaca Saydam, Oğuzhan Kalkanlı

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To compare the effects of incubator and radiant heat on physiological criteria and pain-stress levels during heel prick procedures in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: This randomized controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted between June and December 2023 with newborns diagnosed with IHB hospitalized at a NICU in Turkey. Prior to the heel prick procedure, 72 newborns (gestational age: 37–41 weeks) were randomly and equally assigned to either a radiant heater or an incubator setting. Physiological parameters (temperature, SpO₂, heart rate [HR]) and pain-stress scores of the newborns were measured and compared in both …

Etiology, Management, And Outcomes Of Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients: A Single-Center Study, Adil I. Jumani, Ghada A. Rashwan, Hadiza O. Ibrahim, Safaa M. Almohdar, Khaled M. Alfakih

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, etiologies, management patterns, and outcomes of hospitalized heart failure patients in a tertiary care military hospital in United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to benchmark guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) uptake and care models against regional and international registries.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure between January and December 2024, at Zayed Military Hospital, UAE. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The GDMT adherence was assessed according to the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)/ American College of Cardiology (ACC) and 2023 European Society of …

Identification Of Risk Factors For Renal Insufficiency In Primary Membranous Nephropathy, Lin Qi, Bolong Fang, Xiao Fang, Yamin Yu, Yunqiang Wang

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To identify possible evidence linking certain characteristics associated with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) to renal failure progression in patients diagnosed with PMN and to establish probable evidence of an association between PMN and other risk factors leading to end-stage renal failure.

Methods: A historical investigation was carried out including 436 subjects with PMN, with or without renal insufficiency, who were treated at the No. 82 Division Defense Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army and Liaocheng People's Medical Center during January 2020 and December 2023. Binary logistic regression study was applied to determine possible hazard elements. Binary logistic regression …

Evaluation Of Raqeem Health Information System In Primary Healthcare Centers In Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Using The Delone And Mclean Information System Success Model, Ali M. Alzahrani, Holly C. Felix

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To evaluate the implementation of Raqeem, a new Electronic Health Information Systems (EHIS) implemented at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Makkah. Implementing EHIS requires huge investments, making evaluation of systems success important.

Methods: In this cross-sectional survey design study, a developed questionnaire guided by DeLone and McLean Information System success model (D&M model) was used to collect data from PHCs' providers. Descriptive and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques were performed to describe and examine the association between the model's constructs and assess Raqeem success.

Results: A total of 490 providers submitted completed records and were included in this study. …

Molecular Mechanisms Of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma And The Complexities Of Tumor Development, Wael I. Alzahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most prevalent aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, exhibits substantial molecular heterogeneity and arises from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells through recurrent genetic and epigenetic dysregulation of critical signaling pathways. Aberrations involving BCL6, MYC, MYD88, and components of B cell receptor and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κ B) signaling play central roles in lymphomagenesis, treatment resistance, and clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiling has defined major molecular subgroups in DLBCL, including germinal center B cell–like and activated B cell–like tumors, that show distinct pathogenesis and prognosis. High-risk entities, such as double- and …

Integrating Traditional And Complementary Medicine Into Saudi Primary Care: A Literature Review In Light Of The Who 2025–2034 Strategy, Abeer Al Shahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely practiced in Saudi Arabia, particularly for health promotion and chronic diseases management. Despite cultural acceptance and high utilization, CAM remains largely unintegrated within the formal healthcare system, particularly in primary care settings. The newly adopted World Health Organization (WHO) Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) Strategy 2025–2034 offers a global framework for evidence-based, culturally appropriate integration of TCIM into national systems. This review evaluates the status of CAM in Saudi Arabia in light of strategic objectives outlined in the WHO Strategy: building the evidence base, ensuring quality and safety, integrating into health systems, …

Interleukin-6 Inhibition For Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mohammed Y. Alasmary, Mohammed J. Almalki, Faisal H. Almalki, Waleed D. Khubzan, Mohammed H. Rajab, Mohammed S. Almalki, Hussam A. Almalki, Omar M. Alsuwat, Hussam M. Alghannami

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To explore the outcomes associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway blockade, using tocilizumab, in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non (NSTEMI). Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) denotes myocardial necrosis due to ischemia and presents in distinct electrocardiographic phenotypes. Inflammation driven by IL-6 contributes to ischemia-reperfusion injury, with tocilizumab showing promise in reducing myocardial damage and improving outcomes.

Methods: This work followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Framework and was registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Relevant studies were identified through structured searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up …

Effect Of Anesthetic Agents On Middle Ear Pressure: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Nasser Almujaiwel, Reem Alkublan, Latifah Almakoshi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess and compare the effects of these agents on middle ear pressure (MEP). Anesthetic agents can significantly alter MEP, which is a critical factor in middle ear surgeries that require stability to prevent complications. Different anesthetics, including inhalational and intravenous agents, have varying effects on MEP.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that evaluated MEP changes before and after anesthesia using tympanometry were included. Relevant data, such as anesthetic type, patient demographics, MEP measurements, and reported complications, were …

The Impact Of Exercise Intervention On Pulmonary And Physical Function In Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review, Abdullilah Alghamdi, Muroj Al-Attas, Abrar Radhi, Amnah Alfaqih, Bashair Aljabri, Rawan Alharbi, Sumayyah Alsubaie, Raneem Aljawaied, Sarah Alenazi, Ahlam Mazi, Ebtehal Qulisy

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the effect of various exercise interventions on lung function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), as well as on cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake [VO₂peak]), and muscle strength (handgrip strength). The review also considers factors such as patient adherence, follow-up duration, and statistical significance to inform clinical practice.

Methods: This systematic review followed preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was prospectively registered in international prospective register of systematic reviews. PubMed, Google Scholar, OVID, and Web of Science …

Discharge Rates From Pediatric Emergency Departments Against Medical Advice Can Be Reduced By Improving Service Quality, Sounira Mehri, Josef Finsterer

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Integrating The Private Sector Into Surgical Residency Training: Insights From Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Saudi Arabia, Nuha A. Alsaleh

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Covid-19–Associated Rhabdomyolysis In Hospitalized Patients: Retrospective Cohort Study, Paula Esquerdo-Serrano, Silvia Otero-Rodriguez, Hector Pinargote-Celorio, Sergio Reus, Esperanza Merino, José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To determine the frequency of rhabdomyolysis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to characterize their clinical features and outcomes. Methods: All adults admitted to the hospital were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study with COVID-19 at a tertiary care institution in Alicante, Spain, between March 2020 and March 2024. A creatine kinase (CK) threshold of 1000 U/L or higher was used to define rhabdomyolysis. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Patients with and without rhabdomyolysis were compared, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) were analyzed. Results: Among 7,590 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 20 developed rhabdomyolyses …

Coronary Artery Ectasia: A 10-Year Experience At A Single Center In Saudi Arabia, Talal F. Aljabbary, Meshal S. Alhamed, Mohamed H. Ismaeel, Abdulrahman O. Alhaqbani, Abdullah S. Alhumimidi, Nouf A. Alanazi, Ayman M. Alsaleh, Khalid M. Aljohani, Waleed M. Alharbi, Mostafa Q. Alshamiri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To assess the incidence of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and its associated clinical characteristics and outcomes over a long follow-up period in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all coronary angiography procedures performed between January 2013 and June 2023. Patients with CAE were included in the final analysis. Results: During the 10-year period, 10,397 patients underwent coronary angiography. The CAE was diagnosed in 242 patients, yielding an incidence of 2.3%. The majority were male (92.6%). The average age was 57.15 ± 11.76 years. The right coronary artery (RCA) was the most involved vessel (65.2% of all patients). The most …

Tumor Markers And Pancreatic Enzymes Reflect Early Pancreatic Dysfunction In Type 2 Diabetes, Walaa Mohammedsaeed, Suliman Alharbi, Lama Alraddadi, Saja Aljohani, Talat Almehmadi, Sarah Alawfi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate whether pancreatic enzymes and tumor markers reflect early pancreatic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted between January 2023 and January 2024, 300 Saudi adults with T2DM were assessed for serum CA19-9, CA125, amylase, and lipase. Associations with glycemic control, insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), and metabolic parameters were examined using multivariable linear and logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes duration, lipid profile, and medication use. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses evaluated biomarker performance for identifying poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%). Exploratory analyses …

Male Pelvic Health In Saudi Arabia: Knowledge–Practice Gap In Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises And Implications For Preventive Physiotherapy And Health Policy, Wael A. S. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Demographic Profiles, Clinical Characteristics, And Meteorological Context Of Heat-Related Illnesses Among Hajj Pilgrims In 2023, Ghadah Alsaleh, Majed Alsalamah, Fahad Alamri, Fatemah Alsaleh, Anas Khan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To describe the demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, and meteorological context of heat-related illnesses among Hajj pilgrims in 2023.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 1,129 pilgrims diagnosed with HRIs across healthcare facilities in Mecca, Mina, and Arafat. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the Hajj Health Information System, while temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall records were obtained from the National Center for Meteorology.

Results: Heat exhaustion (48.2%) and heatstroke (37.4%) were the most common diagnoses, with 24.9% of the cases requiring hospitalization. Males represented 55.4% of cases and accounted for 51.2% of …

Obesity's Role In Stroke Incidence Among Smokers: An Assessment Of Confounding, Interaction, And Mediation Effects, Saeed Awad M. Alqahtani, Moutasem Salih Aboonq

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) category and history of stroke among current smokers, while assessing potential confounding, effect modification by age, and mediation by cardiovascular comorbidities. Methods: Data were analyzed from 53,939 current adult smokers participating in the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Survey-weighted logistic regression estimated the association between BMI categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese) and self-reported stroke history. The study assessed multicollinearity and adjusted for sociodemographic and health variables. Interaction terms were tested to evaluate effect modification by age, and exploratory decomposition analysis was used to assess mediation by conditions such …

Prevalence And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns Of Nosocomial Bacteria Across Different Units At King Faisal Complex Hospital, Taif, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, Nahed Hawsawi, Renad N. Al-Jaiud, Layal L. Khyyat, Kholoud Alsulimany, Manhal Shabat

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Nosocomial infections significantly impact patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. To determine the prevalence, bacteriological profiles, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and resistance distribution of pathogens causing nosocomial infections at King Faisal Medical Complex, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and March 2024 at different hospital units following ethical approval. Samples (n = 667) were collected from patients (both genders; all ages) exhibiting infection symptoms ≥ 48 h post-admission and pre-antibiotic administration. Bacterial identification involved culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Phoenix100 system. Results: Of 667 patients, …

From Early Adversity To Adult Health: Quality-Of-Life Consequences In A Mental Illness In Saudi Arabia, Rawan Saad Alghamdi, Ahmad A. Mirza, Ibrahim Fae Asiri, Fatemah Samir Alghamdi, Nawaf Abdulaziz Alharthi, Shaymaa A. Abdalal, Iman K. Ramadan

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Childhood trauma (CT) is prevalent among bipolar disorder (BD) patients and exacerbates clinical outcomes, which may impact the quality of life (QoL). This study explores the prevalence of CT and its association with QoL among BD patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among adults with BD during the euthymic phase. Sample size was estimated using a single-proportion approach (target n=141), and participants recruited by convenience sampling of eligible outpatients. CT was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and QoL using the the Brief Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder (Brief QoL.BD). Results: The CT prevalence was …

Re-Emergence Of Pertussis In The Pediatric Population: A Tertiary Care Center's Experience, Haya S. Alshaibani, Tahir K. Hameed, Khaled H. Alsager, Mohammed A. Alshaalan, Syed F. Jamil

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the 2024 surge in pertussis cases in the pediatric population in a large tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on children aged 0–14 years with PCR-confirmed Bordetella pertussis infection diagnosed at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh between January and December 2024. Patients older than 14 years, with negative or indeterminate PCR results, or diagnosed outside the study period were excluded, and demographic, immunization, clinical, and outcome data were analyzed. Results: A total of 36 children were diagnosed with pertussis, with 35 (97.2%) requiring hospital admission. The median age was …

A Retrospective Cohort Study Of Uterine Cancer Epidemiological Analysis And Age-Based Disparities In Saudi Arabian Population Across 32 Years, Sallwa M. Alshehre, Mohammad A. Althubiti

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To investigate the burden of uterine tumour in Saudi Arabia during the past 32 years (1990–2021), with an emphasize on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Knowing these patterns strengthen the national aims of cancer control under Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Vision 2030. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using data retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. The work included population from Saudi Arabia between 1990 and 2021 and tested standardization age-specific metrics, involving uterine tumour incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Results: Uterine tumour cases raised from 507 in 1990 to 6,366 …

Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C In Patients Hospitalized In Palliative Care Service, Meryem Betos Koçak, Burcu Güler

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Patients receiving palliative care often have complex comorbidities and frequent healthcare exposure, which may place them at risk for blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data on the seroprevalence and prognostic impact of these infections in palliative populations remain limited. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in patients hospitalized in a palliative care unit and to assess their association with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study conducted on 545 adult patients a tertiary palliative care unit between 2018 and 2024. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, nutritional support, mobility, …

Artificial Intelligence In Dialysis Therapies: Applications In Hemodialysis And Peritoneal Dialysis For Managing Infectious Diseases And Complications, Waleed H. Mahallawi

Saudi Medical Journal

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from a systematic literature search (2019–2025) on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis for managing infections and complications. Dialysis patients face infection rates 100-fold higher than the general population and sepsis mortality exceeding 35%. The AI, utilizing machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost, deep neural networks, and explainable AI tools, revolutionizes care through precise diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. Key models demonstrate high accuracy in predicting bloodstream infections (area under the curve [AUC] 0.914), classifying peritonitis (F1 0.93), detecting SARS-CoV-2 (AUROC 0.82), and forecasting mortality (AUC 0.979). Therapeutically, AI guides antibiotic stewardship, reducing …

Post-Stroke Fatigue In Saudi Arabia: A Call To Action, Saad Z. Alqahtani

Saudi Medical Journal

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a major consequence of stroke, with a prevalence of approximately 42–53% among stroke survivors. However, over the last 2 decades, only a few studies have explored PSF in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Findings from these studies show that PSF negatively impacts the quality of life of individuals with stroke. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for education for both health care providers and patients regarding PSF. This call-to-action mini narrative review identifies knowledge gaps and provides recommendations for both researchers and policymakers, including the need for standardized management and the exploration of hospital environment settings. Specifically, …

Contribution Of Interleukin-6 (Il-6) To Body Defense And Healing In Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Hasrah Junaidi, Annis C. Adi, Soedarsono Soedarsono, Soetjipto Soetjipto, Chatarina U. Wahyuni, Fariani Syahrul, Mahmudah Mahmudah, Zakiyuddin Zakiyuddin, Iskandar Arfan, Abdullah A. Mamun, Rubia Sari

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Pulmonary tuberculosis continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with disease outcomes determined by complex host–pathogen interactions. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, has been implicated in immune regulation and tissue recovery during TB, but its specific role is not fully established. This review aimed to examine the contribution of IL-6 to host defense and healing in pulmonary TB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Medline following PRISMA guidelines, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. …