Assessment of queries received by the drug information center at King Saud Medical City

Background: The complexity of drug therapies has increased the need to evaluate the drug information scientifically. In this regard, the aim of drug information centers (DICs) is to promote rational use of drugs in a health-care setting. DI pharmacists play a vital role in providing the necessary and reliable information on drugs to promote the concept of rational drug use, eventually leading to a better patient outcome. The objective of the present study was to assess the drug-related queries received by the DIC at the King Saud Medical City (KSMC) from health-care professionals working in a large tertiary care setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from February 2016 to January 2017. Data were collected using the DI request form, available in both printed and electronic formats for use by the health-care professionals. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences software, version 16.0. Results: The current study received a total of 139 queries that were answered by the DIC pharmacists over a period of 1 year. The majority of queries were asked by pharmacists (61.2%), followed by physicians (23.7%) and nurses (10.10%). About half of the queries were related to the dosage and administration of the drugs. Lexicomp® acted as the common resource of information. Conclusion: DIC has been instrumental in the dissemination of drug-related information to health-care professionals since its inception in February 2016, resulting in the provision of quality health care to the patients. However, based on yearly queries, there still exists a need to increase the awareness of health-care professionals about the DIC at KSMC, which will urge them to take drug consultation from DIC pharmacists and promote patient safety

Lateral sinus thrombosis in children: Case series

Lateral sinus thrombosis is rare but potentially fatal condition. The consequences of misdiagnosis of this condition are detrimental. Aims: To review our experience in lateral sinus thrombosis secondary to otogenic disease in pediatric population. Settings and Design: Retrospective study of case series treated in two teaching hospitals over five years. Materials and Methods: Clinically and radiologically diagnosed cases of lateral sinus thrombosis were identified through database search. Results: Lateral sinus thrombosis was the result of chronic suppurative otitis media in 7 cases, with 3 patients (42.85%) having cholesteatoma. There were no associated intracranial complications in any of the patients. Two patients (28.57%) underwent medical treatment, and 5 patients (71.43%) had surgical treatment. Aggressive and early surgical intervention treatment was initiated according to evaluation of preoperative findings. The sigmoid sinus was aspirated in three patients. Complete re-canalization or lysis of the thrombus was achieved. Anticoagulant agent was used in 1 patient (14.28%). Six patients (85.82%) presented with the typical lateral sinus thrombosis clinical features, and 1 patient (14.28%) presented with otorrhea solely. Mastoidectomy was undertaken in 5 patients (71.42%) with canal wall up in 2 patients (28.57%) and canal wall down in 2 patients (28.57%). Myringotomy, ventilation tube insertion, and cortical mastoidectomy were done in 1 patient (14.28%). Conclusions: Early and aggressive surgical intervention of lateral sinus thrombosis otogenic complication can minimize mortality, hospitalization period, and length of medical treatment. High index of suspicion is important

Mechanical Stability of Self-Adhesive/Ion-Releasing Resin Composites

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of water storage on the surface microhardness (VHN) and fracture toughness (K1C) of two self-adhesive restorative materials compared to traditional resin composite and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restorative materials. Methods: Two self-adhesive materials (Activa and Vertise Flow), a nonflowable composite (Filtek Z250), and an RMGIC (Fuji II) were evaluated. Hardness measurements (n = 12) were recorded at three time intervals: (i) one-hour post-irradiation; (ii) after one day of storage in water at 37 °C; and (iii) after 90 days of storage in water at 37 °C. Fracture toughness (K1C) measurements (n = 12) were conducted after one day of storage in water at 37 °C and 90 days of storage in water at 37 °C. ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Baseline VHN data were 38.2–58.3, decreasing significantly to 28.8–55.6 following 90 days of water storage. The Filtek Z250 had the highest VHN before and after storage, while the Activa had the lowest. KIC values varied between 0.98–1.32 MPa·m0.5. The highest value was for the Filtek Z250 while the Fuji II showed the lowest value (after both 1 and 90 days of storage in water). However, KIC values decreased significantly after storage, except for the Fuji II. Conclusion: Self-adhesive/ion-releasing resin composites were negatively affected by water storage. Material reinforcements are possible future areas to explore

Individual-level correlates of problematic internet use among adolescents: A nationally representative study in Saudi Arabia

Objective: Though there is no consensus on its definition, problematic Internet use (PIU), especially in adolescents, is concerning. Research into risk factors is needed. We explored associations between lifestyle and individual characteristics associated with PIU in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Methods: Students (Grades: 7–12; n ​= ​2,546) from randomly selected schools in three major cities across Saudi Arabia completed Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and questions about demography, lifestyle, religiosity, and Internet use. A multilevel regression model was used to assess correlates of PIU (defined as YIAT ≥40). Results: Participants’ mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls. The PIU prevalence was 41.8%, while the prevalence of Internet addiction (YIAT ≥70) was 3.7%. The odds of having PIU increased incrementally and significantly across increasing screen times (OR 1.2, 1.9, 2.3, and 2.9 for 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and >8 ​h/daily, respectively; ref ≤2 ​h) and across decreasing ages of Internet initiation (OR 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 respectively for 11–12, 9–10 and ​≤8 years, respectively; ref ≥13 years). The odds of having PIU were ∼20% higher among those with low or moderate (ref ​= ​high) religiosity, although results were not statistically significant. Additionally, the odds of having PIU were higher among those who had unhealthy diets (OR 1.4). Conclusion: PIU prevalence is high among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Delaying Internet initiation among children may help reduce PIU

The associations between family characteristics and problematic Internet use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACTThe current study assessed the family correlates of problematic Internet use (PIU) in a nationally representative sample of Saudi adolescents. Students (grades: 7–12; N = 2,546) from three cities in Saudi Arabia (random selection of schools) filled out a survey on Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and family characteristics (e.g. parents’ socioeconomic status [SES], family harmony, family members’ Internet use, and parental Internet controls). A multilevel log-binomial regression assessed family correlates of PIU (YIAT ≥40). The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls; PIU prevalence was 41.8%. A poor SES (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.4), low family harmony (bottom quartile OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), no parental restriction/supervision (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), and heavy Internet use by siblings (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) were significantly associated with PIU. Certain identified family risk factors are amenable to interventions given the high PIU prevalence among Saudi adolescents

The associations of religiosity and family atmosphere with lifestyle among Saudi adolescents

There have been gradual sociocultural changes in Saudi Arabia due to globalization. This allows a unique opportunity to examine religiosity and family atmosphere in relation to lifestyle among Saudi adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 2067 school students (grades 7–12) from 32 randomly selected schools in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia were enrolled. Perceived religiosity, family atmosphere, lifestyle (e.g., physical activity, diet, screen time, obesity, and smoking), demography, parental attributes, and religious practices were assessed with validated scales and questions. A risk profile was created from the lifestyle variables (none, one, two, or ≥ three), and the students were grouped into low versus high religiosity and low versus high family atmosphere using a median split. Multinomial regressions were used to model the lifestyle risk profile. The mean age ±standard deviation was 15.5 years ±1.7, and 35% were girls; 28% had no risk factors, 32% had one, 25% had two, and 15% had ≥3. After adjustment, both low religiosity and low family atmosphere were significant correlates of the lifestyle risk profile (e.g., ≥3 risk factors: religiosity OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 2.1, 4.0; family atmosphere OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.8). Those with both low religiosity and low family atmosphere were more likely to have a higher lifestyle risk profile than those who scored high in religiosity and better in family atmosphere (e.g., ≥3 risk factors: OR = 5.9, 95% CI: 3.7, 9.5). Hence, higher religiosity and better family atmosphere are associated with less risky lifestyles among Saudi adolescents