Pharmacological and toxicological investigations on foeniculum vulgare dried fruit extract in experimental animals

The ethanol extract of the dried ripe fruit of Foeniculum vulgare (500 mg/kg) was tested for diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activities and its effect on bile secretion in rats. Also, the acute toxicity after 0.5, 1 and 3 gkg was investigated in mice. The extract showed diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic activities and it enhanced bile secretion. As an antimicrobial agent, the extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aweus and Bacillus subtilis and showed a marked mitodepressive effect. At a dose of 3 fig, it caused piloerection and it depressed locomotor activity but caused no deaths when administered acutely to mice.This work was performed in the College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh-Saudi Arabia and was funded by a grant from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

Appropriateness of anemia management in hemodialysis patients

AbstractThe anemia of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is common and often severe complication that can be managed successfully by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) administration.AimsTo investigate current practice of anemia management in hemodialysis patients and to assess the appropriateness of anemia management by comparing observed practice to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guideline recommendations.Settings and designThe study was conducted at two hemodialysis centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data on anemia parameters, comorbidities, ESA dosing and iron supplementation were collected. The data were collected for 7 months retrospectively from April to the end of May 2008 and prospectively from June to October 2008. Patients who were over 18 years of age with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were included. Patients were excluded if they have cancer or receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.ResultsData were collected from 87 patients. Mean Hgb value for those patients was 11.16±0.97g/dL. Thirty-nine patients (45%) had mean Hgb values between 11.0 and 12.0g/dL the target range recommended by KDOQI guideline. The mean weekly prescribed dose of erythropoietin was 8099±5946IU/Week (135±99IU/kg/Week). Information on ferritin concentrations was available for 48 (55%) patients. The mean serum ferritin concentration for those patients was 693±420.5ng/mL. Fifty-two patients had transferrin saturation (TSAT) values recorded. The mean TSAT value was 38.5±19.7%. Conclusions: There is an opportunity to improve anemia management in hemodialysis patients particularly thorough evaluation of causes of inadequate response rate and better monitoring and management of iron status

Appropriateness of Anaemia management in haemodialysis patients

The anemia of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is common and often severe complication that can be managed successfully by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) administration. Aim: to investigate current practice of anaemia management in haemodialysis patients and to assess the appropriateness of anaemia management by comparing observed practice to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guideline recommendations. Setting and design: The study was conducted at two haemodialysis centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data on anaemia parameters, comorbidities, ESA dosing and iron supplementation were collected. The data was collected for 7 months retrospectively from April to the end of May 2008 and prospectively from June to October 2008. Patients who were over 18 years of age with ESRD undergoing haemodialysis were included. Patients were excluded if they have cancer or receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Results: Data were collected for 87 patients. Mean Hgb value for those patients was 11.16± 0.97 g/dL. Thirty nine of patients (45%) had mean Hgb values between 11.0 and 12.0 g/dL the target range recommended by KDOQI guideline. The mean weekly prescribed dose of erythropoietin was 8099± 5946 IU/Week (135 ±99 IU/Kg/Week). Information on ferritin concentrations was available for 48 (55%) patients. The mean serum ferritin concentration for those patients was 693 ±420.5 ng/mL. Fifty two patients had transferrin saturation (TSAT) values recorded. The mean TSAT value was 38.5% ±19.7. Conclusions: there is opportunity to improve anemia management in hemodialysis patients particularly thorough evaluation of causes of inadequate response rate and better monitoring and management of iron statusKing Saud Universit

Case report of congenital neutropenia type 4 with glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) deficiency

Key Clinical Message Congenital neutropenia syndromes encompass a group of genetic disorders characterized by persistent neutropenia and recurrent infections inherited in an autosomal recessive, dominant, or X‐linked manner. These syndromes arise from mutations in various genes, and one of the significant genes involved is glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3), giving rise to a condition known as Dursun syndrome. As per existing knowledge, a total of 92 cases of Dursun syndrome have been reported globally, including eight cases from Saudi Arabia. Our study identified two additional cases exhibiting neutropenia since the early postnatal period and recurrent admissions due to infections. Additionally, these patients presented with oral ulcers, chronic diarrhea, and anomalies affecting the cardiac and genitourinary systems. The rising incidence of congenital neutropenia on a global scale necessitates heightened vigilance among clinicians to ensure thorough follow‐up of patients with neutropenia. This proactive approach can lead to early detection and appropriate management of associated complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes