Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Arrest The Midwife, Dereck Daschke

Journal of Religion & Film

This is a film review of Arrest the Midwife (2025), directed by Elaine Epstein.

A Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On The Use Of Doacs In Patients With Arterial And Venous Thrombosis, Waleed Alhabeeb, Adel Tash, Ahmed Aljedai, Ayman Morsy, Feras Khaliel, Iman Alhazmi, Mohammed Alsheef, Mohammed Arafah, Owayed Alshammeri, Saeed Alahmari

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as non-inferior and effective alternatives to traditional anticoagulants in managing thromboembolic risks associated with various cardiovascular conditions. This position statement by the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) aims to provide guidance on the use of DOACs in the context of cardiovascular disease, particularly patients with arterial and venous thrombosis.

Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts reviewed current evidence and international guidelines on DOACs, considering the local healthcare context in Saudi Arabia. The statement addresses the initiation, maintenance, interruption, and re-initiation of DOAC therapy across different patient populations.

Results: DOACs are effective alternatives to traditional …

Grounded In Touch: The Science Behind Anxiety Relief And Human Connection, Misty Rhoads Ph.D. Czb, Mary Murphy M.A., Lmt, Czb, Mary L. Behrens Pt, Czb, Rhonda Salvo Pt, Czb, Sarah-Elizabeth Anderson Lmt, Czb, Clare Gowen Pt, Czb, Dawn Humbles Lsh, Czb, Veronica Quarry Pt, Czb, Deborah Rosene Ph.D., Czb, Wendy Tribelhorn Lmt, Czb, Jared Urcheck L.Ac, Czb, Deanna Waggy Otr, Czb

Journal of Transformative Touch

Background: Anxiety disorders are among the most pervasive mental health challenges worldwide, affecting individuals across all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a leading contributor to disability and diminished quality of life, anxiety continues to rise in prevalence, exacerbated by global crises and societal stressors. This study explored how Zero Balancing (ZB) supports individuals with anxiety. Researchers hypothesized that ZB would lower the perceived severity of general anxiety and reduce perceived anxiety symptoms.

Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods phenomenological research design was utilized to honor the holistic nature of bodywork and explore participants' lived experiences. This national study involved 320 ZB sessions …

A Rare Synchronous Existence Of Warthin’S Tumour And Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review, Gargi Sarode, Swapnagandha Mahindre, Vini Anand, Rahul, Namrata Sengupta, Shruti Singh, Sachin Sarode

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy, while Warthin's tumour (WT) is a benign salivary gland neoplasm, typically found in the parotid gland but rarely involving extra-parotid tissues. The synchronous occurrence of OSCC and extra-parotid WT is particularly unusual. Accurate identification of these pathologies is crucial, as their rare presentation can resemble metastasis in lymph nodes. This review systematically searched for case reports and series of synchronous WT and OSCC, including 13 papers having 17 cases. The quality of these cases was assessed using CARE guidelines. The findings described WT's histological features and location in patients with OSCC, …

Vision-Related Quality Of Life Among Glaucoma Patients In Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Amani Abu-Shaheen, Mohsen Ayyash, Essam A. Alfayyad, Isamme, Doaa Dahan, Abdusalam Torjoman, Sadique Zameer, Humariya Heena

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of glaucoma severity and socioeconomic factors on perceived vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among glaucoma patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included adult glaucoma patients attending the ophthalmology outpatient clinics at King Fahad Medical City and King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 2022 to May 2023. The validated Arabic translation of the 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-39) was used to measure VRQoL. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with VRQoL. Results: A total of …

Role Of Intratumoural Budding And Its Association With Tumour-Associated Macrophages In Preoperative Biopsies Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anju Devi, R Keerthika, Mala Narwal, Anjali

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Intratumoural budding (ITB) is an emerging entity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and serves as a prime histopathological predictor of aggressive potential. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of ITB in OSCC due to its limited representation in the literature. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, between 2017 and 2021. A total of 73 haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of various grades of OSCC were examined for ITB and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), focusing on correlating these findings with clinicopathological parameters. …

Schwannoma Of The Appendix Mimicking A Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report, Zaid Al-Ishaq, Alonood Al-Sulaimani, Badriya S. Alrahbi, Fathiya, Khalid Al Baimani, Jawa Z. Muhammad, Adil Aljarrah

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) represents 5-10% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases, referred to as de novo stage IV MBC. Distinguishing a distant lesion in breast cancer patients can be challenging. Therefore, obtaining a histopathological confirmation of a metastasis is advisable, as a suspicious metastatic lesion may be benign or exhibit different immunohistochemistry compared to the primary site. We report a 55-year-old female patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman in 2019. The patient was undergoing staging scans for newly diagnosed breast cancer, where radiological findings suggested appendix metastasis. However, subsequent laparoscopic appendicectomy revealed an appendicular …

Endobronchial Metastasis With Extension To The Left Atrium From Adenocarcinoma Of Gastric 3 Years After Total Gastrectomy, Behnam Shakerian, Mohammad H. Mandegar

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Endobronchial metastases extending to the heart from gastric cancer are rare. This case report describes a 69-year-old man who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, in 2022 with a history of cough and haemoptysis. He had previously undergone total gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma three years earlier. Imaging and pathological evaluation confirmed endobronchial metastasis with extension to the left atrium. The patient responded well to chemoradiotherapy, maintaining a good quality of life.

Chondromyxoid Fibroma Of Phalanges, Lubna S. Khan, Sifa Farheen, Vijay K. Singh, Vinay P., Manoj G. Madakshira

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare, benign metaphyseal bone tumour characterised by a combination of chondroid, myxoid, and fibrous elements. It can affect any bone at any age, with no gender predilection. We report a case of CMF in a 47-year-old female patient who presented with swelling of the left little finger at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India, in 2024. Imaging revealed a lobulated lesion originating from the middle phalanx of the left little finger, extending to involve the base of the distal phalanx. Fine needle aspiration cytology indicated a moderately cellular myxoid lesion. Histopathology, which remains crucial …

Unusual Presentation Of Osteoid Osteoma With Exacerbating Pain During Menses, Wassan Nori, Shaymaa K. Abdulqader, Nabeeha N. Al-Ani, Raid M., Qays A. Hassan, Alexandru C. Pantazi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Osteoid osteomas (OO) are benign neoplasms commonly present during the second and third decade of life, showing a male predominance with classical nocturnal bone pain dramatically responding to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We report a 22-year-old female patient who presented at a teaching hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, in 2023. She presented with right leg bone pain that was exacerbated during menstruation, a presentation that had never been reported in the literature before. The pain intensity increased and interfered with her daily activity. A computed tomography scan showed OO signs and surgical excision and histopathology confirmed OO. The patient's pain reduced to 0 …

Meniscal Ossicle, Márcio L. Duarte, Mayara O. Da Silva

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Biofilm-Induced Bone Degradation In Osteomyelitis: Insights From A Comprehensive Ex Vivo Pathogen Interaction Study, Ahmed Al Ghaithi, John Husband, Attika Al Kindi, Mohammed Al, Sultan Al Maskari

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Osteomyelitis, characterised by bone inflammation due to microbial infection, presents significant healthcare challenges. While the protective role of biofilm in bacterial immunity and persistence is well-documented, its direct impact on bone degradation in osteomyelitis remains inadequately characterised. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the direct effects of biofilm-forming pathogens on human bone, providing new insights into the mechanisms of bone destruction associated with osteomyelitis. Methods: Bone sections were collected from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2021 and December 2022. The samples were then inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus …

Vitamin D Status And Oxidative Stress In Children With Sickle Cell Anaemia In Sagamu, Nigeria, Ayobola A. Sonuga, Oyebola O. Sonuga, Olatunbosun O. Ogundeji, Sunday P.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is characterised by nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress. Vitamin D possesses antioxidant properties; however, its role in SCA within sub-Saharan Africa remains inadequately understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status, oxidative stress and antioxidant levels in children with SCA, exploring its possible role in mitigating complications associated with oxidative stress in SCA. Methods: This study was conducted for a period of 9 months from November 2022 until July 2023 at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Nigeria. This case-control study involved 100 HbS genotype and 100 HbA genotype …

Mpox In The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Addressing A New Challenge To Regional Health Security, Salah Al Awaidy, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Faryal Maslamani, Muna Al, Jameela Al Salman, Sk Md Mamunur Rahman Malik

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Hormonal And Non-Hormonal Vaginal Gel Preparations On The Female Sexual Satisfaction Index In Postmenopausal Women With Sexual Dysfunction Syndrome: A Prisma-Compliant Meta-Analysis, Ahmed Soliman, Hanaa Alrashidi, Mohamed A. Ghorab, Reem, Nihal Al Riyami, Ahmed Sa Ashour, Yasmine A. Mohammed, Ahmed H. Saad

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of vaginal gel preparations versus placebo in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction syndrome. Searches of electronic databases from inception to January 2023 identified 8 trials (N = 672) that reported the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and compared hormonal (oestrogen, oxytocin) and/or non-hormonal (chamomile, fennel) interventions against placebo. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess studies' quality. The vaginal gel group had a significantly higher total FSFI endpoint score (mean difference [MD] = 6.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.79--9.55; P < 0.001) than placebo. Non-hormonal gels exhibited a greater FSFI total score (MD = 6.73, 95% CI: 4.7--8.76; P < 0.001) than hormonal gels (MD = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.87--3.64; P < 0.001), positively impacting all FSFI domains. These findings indicate that chamomile and fennel vaginal gels may improve the overall FSFI 6 domains score, reflecting enhancements in postmenopausal women's sexual activity and satisfaction.

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Abdominal Ultrasonographic Sliding Sign In The Evaluation Of Severe Intra-Abdominal Adhesions Involving The Uterus In Women Undergoing Repeat Caesarean Delivery: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Amira M. Taha, Wesam A. Moawad, Sara A.A. Alhejazi, Tala J., Youstina A. Sabri, Mohamed Abd-Elgawad, Juan L. Alcazar, Nihal Al Riyami, Ayatallah Khafagy, Yasmine A. Mohammed, Ahmed H. Saad

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This review aimed to assess diagnostic accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonography (TAS) sliding sign in diagnosing severe intra-abdominal adhesions with repeated Caesarean delivery (CD). PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for published studies until October 2022. Studies evaluating the sliding sign as a predictor of intra-abdominal adhesions after repeat CD were included. STATA and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis for meta-analysis was used. A total of 7 studies (1,318 patients) were included. For identifying severe intra-abdominal adhesions, sliding sign on TAS had a combined sensitivity (64%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 55-71%), specificity (93%, 95% CI: 89-96%), positive likelihood ratio (9.5, …

Improving Female Health At Various Life Stages: A Systematic Review Of The Impact Of Date Fruit Products, Elham Shirdel, Farinaz Rahimi, Masoumeh Abdi, Fatemeh, Fatemeh Alsadat Rahnemaei

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

This systematic review examines the effects of date fruit products on female health across different life stages. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias tool. A total of 21 eligible studies were reviewed, demonstrating that date fruit consumption benefits puberty, reproductive health, and menopause. During puberty, date fruit intake was associated with improved hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. In reproductive-age women, date fruits positively influenced fertility parameters and sexual function. Additionally, in menopause, they contributed to alleviating dyspareunia and supporting ovarian reserve maintenance. Providing women with proper nutrition and integrating date fruits into their …

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Cancer Patients Admitted To The Hospital With Community-Acquired Pneumonia, Anoud Al-Saleh, Dana Hassouneh, Sara Faqeer, Nour

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) poses a significant risk of complications in cancer patients. However, limited studies have evaluated hospitalised cancer patients with CAP. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients hospitalised with CAP. Methods: This retrospective study included adult cancer patients diagnosed with CAP admitted at the King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan, from January 2021 to August 2022, following the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. Patient characteristics, microbiological cultures, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) transfers and all-cause mortality were recorded. Early clinical stability was defined as temperature ≤37.8°C, heart …

Disseminated Herpes Simplex Virus-1 In Previously Healthy Child Without Skin Rash: Case Report And Literature Review, Idris A. Adedeji, Abdulrahim Abdullahi, Abdulmohsen S. Abusrair, Fatimah, Mohamed Alshehri

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a known fatal condition in neonates and immunocompromised patients. However, very few cases have been reported in an immunocompetent host. We report a 1-year-old female child who presented to a children's hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2022. She was previously healthy and presented with febrile illness associated with decrease conscious level. Upon examination, the patient had markedly elevated liver enzymes. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) finding of HSV as well as positive HSV IgM serology resulted in a diagnosis of disseminated HSV (encephalitis/hepatitis). She received acyclovir course and during follow-up …

Diaphragmatic Paralysis Following Chest Tube Insertion In An Infant: Case Report And Literature Review, Mohammed Al Ghafri, Said Al Hanshi, Ahmad E. Fouad, Ahmed M.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) can occur due to central nervous system pathology or peripheral nerve injury. Direct injury to the phrenic nerve after intercostal chest drain (ICD) insertion for treatment of pneumothorax is an infrequent complication. We present a 4-month-old infant, ex-preterm 27 weeks, who was admitted to a tertiary care hospital paediatric intensive care unit in Muscat, Oman, in 2023 with severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis and required intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV). His illness was complicated by right-side pneumothorax that required ICD insertion. Post-extubation, he had persistent tachypnoea with the inability to be weaned from non-invasive ventilation. Chest X-ray …

Clinicopathological Spectrum Of Myxoid Soft Tissue Tumours With Emphasis On Diagnostic Differentials, Sanjana Ahuja, Nisha Modi, Amit Kapur, Shivani, Kamal Malukani, Harshita Deep Sahu

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Myxoid soft tissue tumours (MSTTs) represent a complex group of mesenchymal neoplasms characterised by the production of an extracellular myxoid matrix, which often poses diagnostic challenges. This study aimed to identify the relative frequency, distribution and morphological spectrum of MSTT as well as to illustrate commonly encountered diagnostic difficulties. Methods: This retrospective study of the clinicopathological profiles of MSTT cases at Sri Aurobindo Medical College & Post Graduate Institute, Indore, India, was conducted from January 2020 to December 2023. Results: A total of 110 MSTT cases were included in this study. These cases accounted for 7.3% …

Consanguinity: The Innocent Culprit In Autism Severity, Watfa Al-Mamari, Ahmed B. Idris, Najat Jalees, Saquib, Muna Al-Jabri, Halima Al-Shehhi, Maha Mohammed, Abeer Alsayegh

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between consanguinity and the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Methods: This retrospective study, conducted at the Genetic & Developmental Medicine Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, examined the records of 139 children aged 1.5 to 14 years who were diagnosed with ASD between June 2011 and May 2024. The study analysed the correlation between consanguinity, homozygosity and ASD severity. Results: Of the 139 cases evaluated, 74.1% were male, with an average age of diagnosis of …

A Rare Case Of Acute Carbon Monoxide Toxicity Mimicking Stroke And Successfully Managed With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Yasser K. Al Lawati, Darpanarayan Hazra, Awatif K.A. Abri, Suad Al

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning significantly impacts neurological function, stemming from incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials; this poses a substantial risk. Symptoms range from mild headaches to severe neurological complications, complicating diagnosis. Primary treatment involves supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), though debated, initiated within 6 hours, may enhance carboxyhaemoglobin (CO-Hb) elimination and tissue oxygenation, even with decreased CO-Hb levels. We report an 82-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2024 with symptoms initially suggestive of a cerebrovascular event. However, further history and examination revealed …

Assessing Vascular Biomarkers And Their Association With Hypertension In Paediatric Chronic Kidney Disease, Samira Z. Sayed, Engy R. Mohamed, Mohamed T. A. Ali, Lamia H., Mohamed H. Mahgoob

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the correlation between children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), as well as blood pressure and cardiovascular risk. Methods: This case-control study included children who were divided into 2 groups: children with CKD at different stages and healthy controls. The study was performed from November 2021 to October 2022 at El-Minia University hospitals and the general outpatient paediatric clinic at Minia University, Minya, Egypt. Blood pressure measurements were taken, and levels of ADMA, Ang-2 and VEGF-A were …

Empagliflozin Use In Cardiac Transplant Patients: Real-World Experience From Saudi Arabia, Muhammad I. Butt, Roaa M. H. Albalwi, Norah Alghamdi, Reem

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Besides their beneficial metabolic effects, such as lowering glycated haemoglobin, body weight and blood pressure, these agents have shown favourable and protective effects on both the heart and kidneys. Notably, these cardio-renal benefits are even seen in individuals without diabetes. However, there is limited evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiac transplant recipients. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in cardiac transplant recipients with diabetes. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted …

Severe Haemolysis In Patients With Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Secondary To Dengue Fever: Analysis Of 3 Cases From Oman, Antara Gokhale, Huda Al Khalili, Mahmoud Al

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Dengue fever (DF) is a viral fever transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoes. Globalisation has led to worldwide spread of DF including Oman. High incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is present in Oman's population but is often undiagnosed. We report 3 G6PD-deficient patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman in 2023 with DF that later triggered haemolysis. It proved fatal in 1 case and caused irreversible renal damage requiring dialysis in the other case. Both DF and G6PD deficiency can cause bleeding. Both need supportive treatment. G6PD deficiency with concomitant viral infections have been reported …

A Case Of Mirizzi Syndrome With Pancreatic Divisum: A Rare Association, Divya Muthuvel, Anita Soundarapandian

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Mirizzi syndrome (MS), a rare complication of gallstones, refers to extrahepatic biliary compression by calculus in the cystic duct or Hartman's pouch and is usually associated with cystic duct abnormalities. Its association with pancreatic divisum (PD) is infrequent, the most common complication of PD being recurrent pancreatitis. We report a 39-year-old female patient who presented to a department of general surgery in Chennai, India, in 2022 with acute abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) showed calculous cholecystitis with a calculus indenting the cystic duct, causing luminal narrowing of the common hepatic duct (type I), which was associated with type II …

Acute Self-Harm Ideation As Presenting Adverse Event Associated With Adalimumab Treatment Of Severe Scalp Psoriasis, Julian Cortes, Reid Oldenburg

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

We report a 34-year-old woman with severe scalp psoriasis presented to a dermatology clinic in San Diego, USA, in 2023. She developed acute self-harm ideations and major depressive symptoms shortly after initiating adalimumab treatment. The patient had a history of major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, all well-controlled with multiple medications. Following the administration of adalimumab, she experienced intrusive thoughts of self-harm and exacerbation of depressive symptoms, prompting immediate discontinuation of the drug. The patient's symptoms resolved completely 3 weeks after discontinuation. This case highlights the potential psychiatric risks associated with adalimumab therapy for psoriasis, especially in patients …

Anomalous Origin Of The Posterior Descending Artery Causing Inferolateral Myocardial Ischaemia In An Octogenarian, Ahmad R. Bagheri, Madan M. Maddali, Adil A.

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Effect Of Classic Sports Massage On The Reduction Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness In The Rectus Abdominis, Dariusz Boguszewski, Cezary Kaaroud, Jakub Grzegorz Adamczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of classic massage on the reduction of post-exercise pain in the rectus abdominis muscle. Twenty-eight people between 20 and 43 years of age (mean age 27.4) were qualified for the study. There were nine women and six men in Group 1 (experimental) and six women and seven men in Group 2 (control). All participants of the study qualified after in the initial interview they performed sit-ups, according to the guidelines of the International Physical Fitness Test. Group 1 was subjected to the convergence of classical sports massage (3 treatments). The …