Incidence and risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy in acute stroke patients undergoing computed tomography angiography: A single-center study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors linked to contrast-induced nephropathy in this specific patient population, aiming to ensure the highest quality of clinical care.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis, all patients who presented with an acute stroke to King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Emergency Department from March until November 2022 and underwent Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) brain, Inclusion criteria were as follows: a baseline creatinine results and CTA examination performed within 24 hours of symptom onset and an available early (<5 days after CTA) follow-up creatinine result.

RESULTS

Among 246 stroke patients in the emergency, 182 underwent brain CTA and 8.24% had Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN). intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) increased CIN risk 7-fold (OR=6.7; 95% CI: 1.23-33.3). Abnormal baseline raised CIN risk 8-fold (OR=7.8; 95% CI: 1.74-35.1). hypertension doubled the risk for CIN (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.26-6.98) CONCLUSION: The incidence of CIN was 8.2%, particularly elevated in patients with ICH, hypertension, tissue plasminogen administration, and abnormal baseline, necessitating vigilance in managing acute stroke cases.

Reversible CT Scan Hypodensity in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient With Low Initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Case Report

According to current American and European guidelines, mechanical thrombectomy is recommended only for patients with an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 6 or higher. However, recent literature suggests that the potential benefits of reperfusion therapy should not be solely determined by baseline ASPECTS. In this case report, we present a young female patient with a low initial ASPECTS (4-5), who underwent mechanical thrombectomy and showed marked improvement in both CT imaging and clinical symptoms. Our findings potentially show that mechanical thrombectomy may be beneficial even for patients with an initial ASPECTS ≤ 5. These results may contribute to the growing evidence supporting the use of mechanical thrombectomy as a viable treatment option for acute ischemic stroke patients with low baseline ASPECTS.

Measuring public awareness about blood donation in Assir, South-Western Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

Blood transfusion is a life-saving measure in many acute and chronic conditions. Voluntary blood donation by healthy donors has been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the availability of safe blood. Difficulty in the recruitment of donors and their retention is a problem faced in most populations. A paucity of research to identify barriers to blood donation in the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia prompted us to explore this important public health issue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising of questions on demographical details, awareness regarding blood donations, perceived barriers to blood donations, attitude towards blood donation, etc. was distributed to the general population in Assir region through one to one contact in big malls, hospital area as well as electronically through social media. The data thus collected was statistically analysed using appropriate tests.

RESULTS

A total of 844 subjects were surveyed. Most of the respondents (65.0%) reported not having donated blood in the past. The blood donation was found to have a significant relationship (≤0.05) with age, gender, occupation, and education status. Roughly, 40.0% of the respondents suggested that blood donation could be promoted by raising public awareness.

CONCLUSION

Gaps were identified in the awareness of the studied population regarding blood donation. Specific awareness drives may help overcome these barriers to voluntary blood donation.

Quality of life assessment among multiple sclerosis patients in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the quality of life (QoL) among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the QoL of MS patients during the period from November 2016 to May 2017. Patients were recruited from tertiary hospitals in 5 regions in the kingdom. Clinical and demographic data were collected and information on patients` health status using the self-report SF-36 questionnaire to assess QoL. The Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) was used to measure disability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney test, the Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman`s coefficient correlation.

RESULTS

From the 598 MS patients studied, 384 (64.2%) were female. The mean score for males was higher than females in all SF-36 QoL subscales. The mean age was 32.4 years (SD=8.4). The mean duration of illness was 6.5 years. Patients had the lowest scores in role motioning/emotional scale (mean=42.6, SD=43.3). The PDDS was negatively correlated with all SF-36 QoL subscales. Self Report-36 QoL for MS patients differed significantly through demographic characteristics at a level of significance of 0.05.

CONCLUSION

Multiple Sclerosis patients have a low QoL score and need more comprehensive management by their treating physicians. Further development of the registration will provide access to the entire population of MS patients and help comprehensively analyze the factors that affect the quality of their lives.