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Almomen M, Amer F, Alfaraj F, Burgon PG, Bashir S, Alghamdi F. STAC3-related myopathy: A Report of a Cohort of Seven Saudi Arabian Patients. Neuropediatrics 2024. [PMID: 38365197 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
STAC3-related myopathy, or Native American myopathy (NAM), is a genetically inherited, autosomal recessive muscle disease that was first described in a Native American by Bailey and Bloch in 1987. NAM is characterized by hypotonia, micrognathia, muscle weakness, arthrogryposis, cleft palate, susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH), and myopathic facies. Since the first description of NAM, more cases have been described worldwide, with three cases reported from the Middle East. This study presents a cohort of seven Saudi NAM patients belonging to three families. To our knowledge, this cohort is the largest to be reported in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle Eastern region. We will also highlight the importance of considering this MH-causing disease preoperatively in myopathic children with cleft palate in areas where NAM has been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momen Almomen
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawzia Amer
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Division, Kasr AlAiny School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatima Alfaraj
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Patrick G Burgon
- Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Department of Neuroscience, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Alotaibi KM, Alsuhaibani M, Al-Essa KS, Bamaga AK, Mukhtar AS, Alrumaih AM, Al-Hasinah HF, Aldossary S, Alghamdi F, Temsah MH, Abanmy N, Alwhaibi M, Asiri Y, AlRuthia Y. The socioeconomic burden of spinal muscular atrophy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional pilot study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1303475. [PMID: 38362212 PMCID: PMC10867838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1303475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare debilitating condition with a significant burden for patients and society. However, little is known about how it affects Saudi Arabia's population. The socioeconomic and medical characteristics of affected SMA patients and their caregivers are lacking. Purpose This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic and medical characteristics of SMA patients and caregivers in Saudi Arabia. Patients and methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted using snowball sampling. Assessment tools including EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Costs for Patients Questionnaire (CoPaQ) were used to assess the quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression, and out-of-pocket expenditures. Results Sixty-four caregivers of SMA patients participated. Type I patients had higher sibling concordance, ICU hospitalization, and mechanical support needs. Type III patients had better QoL. Type I patients' caregivers had higher depression scores. Type III patients' caregivers had higher out-of-pocket expenditures. Forty-eight percent received supportive care, while others received SMA approved therapies. Conclusion SMA imposes a significant socioeconomic burden on patients and caregivers, requiring more attention from the healthcare system. Access to innovative therapies varied across SMA types. Pre-marital screening and early detection are crucial to reduce disease incidence and ensure timely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khloud Mubark Alotaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Alsuhaibani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. Al-Essa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Khamis Bamaga
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amnah S. Mukhtar
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Mohammed Alrumaih
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, General Directorate for Health Services, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda F. Al-Hasinah
- Department of Pharmacy, Prince Sultan Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaikhah Aldossary
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Abanmy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monira Alwhaibi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousif Asiri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yazed AlRuthia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacoeconomics Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Alghamdi A, AlDossary S, Abdulaziz Alabdulqader W, Amer F, Ali M, Almomen M, Alghamdi F. Identifying Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients and Families in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e46452. [PMID: 37927698 PMCID: PMC10623204 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited, neuromuscular disease characterized by the deterioration of spinal motor neurons, causing progressive muscular atrophy and weakening. It is an autosomal recessive disease with the mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene as a hallmark. Evidence suggests that the SMN2 gene modulates the severity of the disease. SMA is classified based on the maximum motor function achieved. This study aims to describe the genetic makeup and characteristics of an SMA cohort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS Data from families presenting with SMA children was collected between January 2018 and December 2020. Blood samples were collected from patients and family members. Genetic testing for SMA and mutations was performed at a European central lab. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seventeen families were enrolled in the study, including 52 children. Among 34 parents, 28 were carriers with heterozygous deletion (82.3%), one (2.9%) had no deletion detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) but had point mutation by sequencing, one (2.9%) had homozygous deletion and was symptomatic, three (8.8%) had no deletion or point mutation and were presumed to have 2+0, and one (2.9%) was not tested. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the carrier mutational analysis of families with SMA disease manifestations in KSA. Further studies are needed to understand the burden and impact of SMA among the Saudi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alghamdi
- Primary Care and Population Health, King Fahad University Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Shaikhah AlDossary
- Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, GBR
| | | | - Fawzia Amer
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic, Cairo University Children Hospital, Cairo, EGY
| | - Mona Ali
- Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Momen Almomen
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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Alghamdi F, Alharbi A, Mohamed F, Alghamdi A, Bashir S. Clinical phenotype associated with variants in TANGO2: A case study. Arch Pediatr 2023:S0929-693X(23)00097-0. [PMID: 37394363 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Transport and Golgi organization 2 (TANGO2) disease is a severe inherited disorder that presents with multiple symptoms and a broad spectrum of phenotypes, including metabolic crisis, encephalopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, and hypothyroidism. The clinical picture of a TANGO2 gene biallelic mutation involves encephalopathy and rhabdomyolysis and is marked by cardiac rhythm disorders and neurological regression. The presentation of encephalopathy varies and can range from isolated language delay and cognitive impairment to multiple disabilities and spastic quadriparesis. A TANGO2 gene mutation causes serious illness with a limited life expectancy due to the unpredictable risk of cardiac rhythm disorder and death, particularly during rhabdomyolysis. Clinicians must therefore consider the TANGO2 gene when confronted with rhabdomyolysis in a patient suffering from an early developmental disorder. Currently, managing this disease is purely symptomatic. Here, we report the clinical features of a 10-year-old girl with mutations in the TANGO2 gene. Unique to our case was the lack of elevated creatine kinase during the early acute crises of cardiac failure and multi-organ failure, as well as the lack of any prior mental retardation associated with the aberrant heart rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Alghamdi
- Pediatric Neurology Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alanoud Alharbi
- Pediatric Neurology Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatema Mohamed
- Pediatric Neurology Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Alghamdi
- King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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5
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AlQasim E, Alawfi A, Hamad A, Alghamdi F, Albaradi BA. Human Herpesvirus-6 Encephalitis Associated With Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in an Immunocompetent Child: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e39897. [PMID: 37404398 PMCID: PMC10316458 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) is a DNA virus considered a member of the Herpesviridae family. HHV-6 is acquired early in life, when it may cause roseola infantum and nonspecific febrile illnesses which is usually a self-limiting disease before the age of two. Primary HHV-6 encephalitis and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) are rare diseases to occur in immunocompetent children. We describe an unusual case of HHV-6 encephalitis with mixed features of acute necrotizing encephalopathy and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and contextualize it with a review of the literature on HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent children. Although the incidence of primary HHV-6 encephalitis is rare in immunocompetent children, HHV-6 encephalitis associated with acute necrotizing encephalopathy is a devastating disease, highly fatal and neurologically damaging disease. Therefore, early testing and diagnosis are crucial as well as effective management of encephalitis with antiviral therapy is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa AlQasim
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | | | - Abdalazeem Hamad
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Pediatric Neurology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
| | - Bandar A Albaradi
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAU
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6
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Alghamdi F, Owen R, Ashton REM, Obotiba AD, Meertens RM, Hyde E, Faghy MA, Knapp KM, Rogers P, Strain WD. Post-acute COVID syndrome (long COVID): What should radiographers know and the potential impact for imaging services. Radiography (Lond) 2022; 28 Suppl 1:S93-S99. [PMID: 36109264 PMCID: PMC9468096 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented health crisis resulting in over 6 million deaths worldwide, a figure, which continues to grow. In addition to the excess mortality, there are individuals who recovered from the acute stages, but suffered long-term changes in their health post COVID-19, commonly referred to as long COVID. It is estimated there are currently 1.8 million long COVID sufferers by May 2022 in the UK alone. The aim of this narrative literature review is to explore the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of long COVID and the potential impact on imaging services. Key findings Long COVID is estimated to occur in 9.5% of those with two doses of vaccination and 14.6% if those with a single dose or no vaccination. Long COVID is defined by ongoing symptoms lasting for 12 or more weeks post acute infection. Symptoms are associated with reductions in the quality of daily life and may involve multisystem manifestations or present as a single symptom. Conclusion The full impact of long COVID on imaging services is yet to be realised, but there is likely to be significant increased demand for imaging, particularly in CT for the assessment of lung disease. Educators will need to include aspects related to long COVID pathophysiology and imaging presentations in curricula, underpinned by the rapidly evolving evidence base. Implications for practice Symptoms relating to long COVID are likely to become a common reason for imaging, with a particular burden on Computed Tomography services. Planning, education and updating protocols in line with a rapidly emerging evidence base is going to be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Alghamdi
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
| | - R Owen
- Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - R E M Ashton
- Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - A D Obotiba
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - R M Meertens
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - E Hyde
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - M A Faghy
- Human Sciences Research Centre, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - K M Knapp
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - P Rogers
- Medical Imaging, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - W D Strain
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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7
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Mir A, Almudhry M, Alghamdi F, Albaradie R, Ibrahim M, Aldurayhim F, Alhedaithy A, Alamr M, Bawazir M, Mohammad S, Abdelhay S, Bashir S, Housawi Y. SLC gene mutations and pediatric neurological disorders: diverse clinical phenotypes in a Saudi Arabian population. Hum Genet 2021; 141:81-99. [PMID: 34797406 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The uptake and efflux of solutes across a plasma membrane is controlled by transporters. There are two main superfamilies of transporters, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) binding cassettes (ABCs) and solute carriers (SLCs). In the brain, SLC transporters are involved in transporting various solutes across the blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, astrocytes, neurons, and other brain cell types including oligodendrocytes and microglial cells. SLCs play an important role in maintaining normal brain function. Hence, mutations in the genes that encode SLC transporters can cause a variety of neurological disorders. We identified the following SLC gene variants in 25 patients in our cohort: SLC1A2, SLC2A1, SLC5A1, SLC6A3, SLC6A5, SLC6A8, SLC9A6, SLC9A9, SLC12A6, SLC13A5, SLC16A1, SLC17A5, SLC19A3, SLC25A12, SLC25A15, SLC27A4, SLC45A1, SLC46A1, and SLC52A3. Eight patients harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations (SLC5A1, SLC9A6, SLC12A6, SLC16A1, SLC19A3, and SLC52A3), and 12 patients were found to have variants of unknown clinical significance (VOUS); these variants occurred in 11 genes (SLC1A2, SLC2A1, SLC6A3, SLC6A5, SLC6A8, SLC9A6, SLC9A9, SLC13A5, SLC25A12, SLC27A4, and SLC45A1). Five patients were excluded as they were carriers. In the remaining 20 patients with SLC gene variants, we identified 16 possible distinct neurological disorders. Based on the clinical presentation, we categorized them into genes causing intellectual delay (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), those causing epilepsy, those causing vitamin-related disorders, and those causing other neurological diseases. Several variants were detected that indicated possible personalized therapies: SLC2A1 led to dystonia or epilepsy, which can be treated with a ketogenic diet; SLC6A3 led to infantile parkinsonism-dystonia 1, which can be treated with levodopa; SLC6A5 led to hyperekplexia 3, for which unnecessary treatment with antiepileptic drugs should be avoided; SLC6A8 led to creatine deficiency syndrome type 1, which can be treated with creatine monohydrate; SLC16A1 led to monocarboxylate transporter 1 deficiency, which causes seizures that should not be treated with a ketogenic diet; SLC19A3 led to biotin-thiamine-responsive basal ganglia disease, which can be treated with biotin and thiamine; and SLC52A3 led to Brown-Vialetto-Van-Laere syndrome 1, which can be treated with riboflavin. The present study examines the prevalence of SLC gene mutations in our cohort of children with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. It highlights the diverse phenotypes associated with mutations in this large family of SLC transporter proteins, and an opportunity for personalized genomics and personalized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mir
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Montaha Almudhry
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raidah Albaradie
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Aldurayhim
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alhedaithy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushari Alamr
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Bawazir
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Mohammad
- Department of Pediatric, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma Abdelhay
- Department of Pediatric, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Ammar Bin Thabit Street, Dammam, 31444, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef Housawi
- Genetic and Metabolic Department, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Alghamdi F, Al-Tawari A, Alrohaif H, Alshuaibi W, Mansour H, Aartsma-Rus A, Mégarbané A. Case Report: The Genetic Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in the Middle East. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:716424. [PMID: 34595143 PMCID: PMC8476401 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.716424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The timely and accurate genetic diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) enables prompt initiation of disease management and genetic counseling and optimal patient care. Despite the existence of best practice guidelines for the diagnosis of DMD, implementation of these recommendations in different parts of the world is challenging. Here, we present 4 unique case studies which illustrate the different diagnostic pathways of patients with DMD in Middle Eastern countries and highlight region-specific challenges to achieving timely and accurate genetic diagnosis of DMD. A lack of disease awareness and consequential failure to recognize the signs and symptoms of DMD significantly contributed to the delayed diagnoses of these patients. Additional challenges included limited available funding for genetic testing and a lack of local specialist and genetic testing centers, causing patients and their families to travel vast distances for appointments in some countries. Earlier and more accurate genetic diagnosis of DMD in this region would allow patients to benefit from effective disease management, leading to improvements in health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa Al-Tawari
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Department, Al-Sabah Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Hadil Alrohaif
- Kuwait Medical Genetics Centre, Al-Sabah Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Walaa Alshuaibi
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Genetics Division, Pediatrics Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hicham Mansour
- Pediatric Department, Saint George Hospital, Balamand University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - André Mégarbané
- Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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9
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Bamaga AK, Alghamdi F, Alshaikh N, Altwaijri W, Bashiri FA, Hundallah K, Abukhaled M, Muthaffar OY, Al-Mehmadi S, Jamaly TA, Al-Muhaizea MA, Al-Saman A. Consensus Statement on the Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Saudi Arabia During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:629549. [PMID: 33681102 PMCID: PMC7927788 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.629549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused overwhelming challenges in healthcare worldwide. During such an outbreak, some needs of high-risk groups who require regular follow-ups and long-term management are not met. The vulnerable populations include patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by respiratory complications caused by muscle weakness. Hence, patients with this condition are at high risk of severe diseases including COVID-19. Methods: To standardize care and provide optimal treatment to DMD patients in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic, a panel of experts including neurologists and pediatricians consolidated recommendations for healthcare professionals and caregivers. Results: During this pandemic, substituting unnecessary clinic visits with virtual clinic services was highly recommended, if possible, without compromising clinical outcomes. Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients with respiratory complications should be closely monitored, and those with cardiovascular complications must continue taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Moreover, individualized home-based rehabilitation management was preferred. Glucocorticoid and new gene correction therapies should be continued. However, new gene correction therapy must be post-poned in newly diagnosed patients. A multidisciplinary decision was required before the initiation of hydroxychloroquine based on the COVID-19 treatment protocol. Conclusion: COVID-19 has caused challenges and transformed access to health care. However, these limitations have provided opportunities for the health care system to adapt. Further, telemedicine has become a reliable platform for follow-up appointments that should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team including physicians, dieticians, and physical therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K Bamaga
- Neurology Division, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Pediatric Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Nahla Alshaikh
- Pediatric Department, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Altwaijri
- Pediatric Department, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Pediatric Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad A Bashiri
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Musaad Abukhaled
- Department of Neuroscience, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Y Muthaffar
- Neurology Division, Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Pediatric Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameer Al-Mehmadi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Abdulaziz Al-Saman
- Pediatric Neurology Department, National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Bashir S, Moneeba S, Alghamdi A, Alghamdi F, Niaz A, Anan H, Kaleem I. Comorbidities in Patients with COVID-19 and Their Impact on the Severity of the Disease. Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInfection with COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity, especially in patients with chronic medical conditions. At least one-fifth of cases require supportive care in intensive care units, which have limited availability in most developing countries. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar to find articles published by May 7, 2020 on the role of comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 and the impact of comorbidities on the disease. This review highlighted that patients with comorbidities are more likely to experience severe disease than those with no other conditions; that is, comorbidities correlated with greater disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Proper screening of COVID-19 patients should include careful inquiries into their medical history; this will help healthcare providers identify patients who are more likely to develop serious disease or experience adverse outcomes. Better protection should also be given to patients with COVID-19 and comorbidities upon confirmation of the diagnosis. This literature review showed that the comorbidities most often associated with more severe cases of COVID-19 are hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Individuals with these comorbidities should adopt restrictive measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19, given their higher risk of severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sadaf Moneeba
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Alaa Alghamdi
- King Fahad University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asim Niaz
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeel Anan
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imdad Kaleem
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, COMSATS University (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Alghamdi F, Alshaikh N, Bamaga AK, Bashiri FA, Hundallah K, Alshehri A, Al-Muhaizea M, Al-Saman A. Erratum. NSJ 2020; 25:440. [PMID: 33459297 PMCID: PMC8015605 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2020.4.20210006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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Alghamdi F, Alshaikh N, Bamaga AK, Bashiri FA, Hundullah K, Alshehri A, Al-Muhaizea MA, Al-Saman A. A consensus statement on spinal muscular atrophy management in Saudi Arabia in the context of COVID-19. Neurosciences (Riyadh) 2020; 25:230-237. [PMID: 32683408 PMCID: PMC8015471 DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2020.3.20200083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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Longenecker RJ, Alghamdi F, Rosen MJ, Galazyuk AV. Prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex vs. auditory brainstem response for hearing assessment. Hear Res 2016; 339:80-93. [PMID: 27349914 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence of noise-induced and age-related hearing loss in the general population has warranted the use of animal models to study the etiology of these pathologies. Quick and accurate auditory threshold determination is a prerequisite for experimental manipulations targeting hearing loss in animal models. The standard auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurement is fairly quick and translational across species, but is limited by the need for anesthesia and a lack of perceptual assessment. The goal of this study was to develop a new method of hearing assessment utilizing prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, a commonly used tool that measures detection thresholds in awake animals, and can be performed on multiple animals simultaneously. We found that in control mice PPI audiometric functions are similar to both ABR and traditional operant conditioning audiograms. The hearing thresholds assessed with PPI audiometry in sound exposed mice were also similar to those detected by ABR thresholds one day after exposure. However, three months after exposure PPI threshold shifts were still evident at and near the frequency of exposure whereas ABR thresholds recovered to the pre-exposed level. In contrast, PPI audiometry and ABR wave one amplitudes detected similar losses. PPI audiometry provides a high throughput automated behavioral screening tool of hearing in awake animals. Overall, PPI audiometry and ABR assessments of the auditory system are robust techniques with distinct advantages and limitations, which when combined, can provide ample information about the functionality of the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Longenecker
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Rootstown, OH, USA.
| | - F Alghamdi
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - M J Rosen
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - A V Galazyuk
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Tilley S, Alghamdi F, Anderson T, Chow K, Choy J, Dyck J, Ezekowitz J, Gibson P, Kaul P, Narine K, Pagano J, Paterson I, Savu A, Thompson R, Becher H. DETERMINATION OF NORMAL LV VOLUME AND EF BY CONTRAST ECHO AND COMPARISON WITH CARDIAC MRI. Can J Cardiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2015.07.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Lubicz B, Van der Elst O, Collignon L, Mine B, Alghamdi F. Silk flow-diverter stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a series of 58 patients with emphasis on long-term results. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2014; 36:542-6. [PMID: 25376806 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Silk flow-diverter stent is increasingly used to treat complex intracranial aneurysms including wide-neck, fusiform aneurysms. Sparse data are available concerning long-term results of this technique. We report our 5-year experience with Silk stent treatment of intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified all patients treated by the Silk stent in 2 institutions. Clinical charts, procedural data, and angiographic results were reviewed. RESULTS Between July 2009 and May 2014, we identified 58 patients with 70 intracranial aneurysms. Endovascular treatment was successful in 93% of patients with 32 treated with the first-generation Silk stent and 26 with the new Silk+ stent. Mean follow-up in 47 patients was 22 months. Despite an 11% delayed complication rate, overall permanent neurologic morbidity was 5.5%. All complications were seen with the first-generation Silk stent. There was no procedure-related mortality. Long-term anatomic results showed 73% with complete occlusion, 16% with neck remnants, and 11% with incomplete occlusion. No recanalization or retreatment was performed. The midterm intrastent stenosis rate was 57%, of which 60% improved or disappeared, 28% were stable, and 12% led to vessel occlusion. Seventy-four percent of stenosis and all vessel occlusions occurred with the first-generation Silk stent. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms with the Silk stent is an effective therapeutic option. Despite a high rate of delayed complications with the first-generation stents, the current Silk+ stent appears safer. This treatment achieves a high rate of adequate and stable occlusion at long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lubicz
- From the Department of Neuroradiology (B.L., O.V.d.E., B.M., F.A.), Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - O Van der Elst
- From the Department of Neuroradiology (B.L., O.V.d.E., B.M., F.A.), Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Collignon
- Department of Radiology (L.C.), Centre Hospitalier Régional Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - B Mine
- From the Department of Neuroradiology (B.L., O.V.d.E., B.M., F.A.), Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Alghamdi
- From the Department of Neuroradiology (B.L., O.V.d.E., B.M., F.A.), Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Kinlin L, Alghamdi F, Alamri W, Thull-Freedman J. 143: Understanding the Pediatric Medical Literature: Which Statistical Tests Should Residents Know? Paediatr Child Health 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/pch/19.6.e35-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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