Knowledge assessment for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate among dental and medical interns and practitioners in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common developmental anomaly in the head-and-neck region that can be syndromic or nonsyndromic. Various therapeutic procedures can be addressed to manage patients with CLP; hence, awareness about CLP is warranted. Aims: This study aims to identify the level of knowledge among dental and medical health-care professionals regarding the management of patients with CLP in Medina. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based self-administrated questionnaire. The sampling was convenient with snowball effect; the questionnaire was sent to eligible participants (n = 228). It was divided into four sections regarding demographic data and knowledge questions regarding the management of patients with cleft lip/palate. Results and Discussion: About 44.3% disagreed that CLP is always associated with syndromes, whereas only 34.65% and 36.4% were aware of a method to examine for the presence of transverse and/or anteroposterior restriction of maxillary growth, respectively. The responses highlighted moderate level of knowledge regarding the relationship between CLP, associated problems, and the treatment needed. The total knowledge score was 26.83 (7.65) and was significantly higher among participants in the dental field compared to other participants in the medical field (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study highlighted the need to enhance the level of knowledge regarding CLP among dental and medical health-care professionals. Early diagnosis is essential for better treatment outcomes and could influence good prognosis and enhance the quality of life of patients. Hence, improving the knowledge regarding CLP and its management is warranted

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population