Review of Arrhythmias in Children with Congenital Heart Disease in Albaha Area, Saudi Arabia

Background: Arrhythmias are common in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and contribute to morbidity and mortality. The prevalence, type, and presentation vary depending age and other factors. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of arrhythmias and associated factors in children with CHD in King Fahad Hospital, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study conducted from January 2010 to December 2020. In total, 185 patients, aged 1 day to 14 years, were included. Children with arrhythmias and CHD were included, while those without CHD were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Arrhythmias were confirmed in 46 patients (24.86%), while 139 patients (75.14%) had no electrocardiographic abnormalities, 95 % CI (14.12–21.22). Among the arrhythmias, we found that first-degree atrio-ventricular block was the most common and reported in 30 patients (16.21%); atrial tachyarrhythmias in 5 patients (2.7 %); premature ventricular contractions in 4 patients (2.16%); premature atrial contractions in 3 patients (1.62%); sinus bradycardia in 2 patients (1.1%); complete heart block in 1 patient and a prolonged QT interval with severe hypokalemia, ((0.54%) for each. Conclusion: Arrhythmias are common in children with CHD, and early diagnosis and regular follow-up have significant benefits in management. Cardiac surgery, heart failure, digoxin, and electrolyte disturbances were confirmed as risk factors

Review of COVID-19 in Children Admitted to King Fahad Hospital, Albaha, Saudi Arabia in 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first identified at the end of 2019 in Wuhan City, China and then spread worldwide. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 symptoms, signs, management, and outcomes in admitted children. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Fahad Hospital, Albaha, Saudi Arabia, which is designated as the center for COVID-19 patients. Data were collected retrospectively between Apr 2020 and Mar 2021. The protocols of health authorities in Saudi Arabia were used for the diagnosis and management of all patients. Results: Positive test results were confirmed in 95 patients. Of these, 44 (46%) were males and 51 (54%) were females. Fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, myalgia, and upper respiratory tract infections were the most common symptoms. The common comorbidities in this cohort were respiratory diseases (19%), type1 diabetes mellitus (16%), followed by obesity (11%), chronic kidney disease (4%), congenital heart diseases (2%), while in (48%) pts no comorbidity factors were reported. Fever was the most frequent symptom, reported in 95% of patients. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) has been reported in one patient. Guillain-Barre syndrome was reported in one female patient and Kawasaki symptoms in one male patient. No mortality was reported. Conclusion: Most children with COVID-19 presented with mild clinical manifestations and good outcomes. No mortality was reported in this study. Obesity is a serious comorbidity and risk factor for severe diseases