3 research outputs found
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Cytology for the Diagnosis of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers
No full text<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Although cytology testing is considered a valuable method to diagnose tumors that are difficult to access such as hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) malignancies, its diagnostic accuracy remains unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of cytology testing for HBP tumors. <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> We performed<b><i></i></b> a retrospective study of all cytology samples that were used to confirm radiologically detected HBP tumors between 2002 and 2016. The cytology techniques used in our center included fine needle aspiration (FNA), brush cytology, and aspiration of bile. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios were calculated in comparison to histological confirmation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From a total of 133 medical records, we calculated an overall sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 74%, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.30, and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.9. Cytology was more accurate in diagnosing lesions of the liver (sensitivity 79%, specificity 57%) and biliary tree (sensitivity 100%, specificity 50%) compared to pancreatic (sensitivity 60%, specificity 83%) and gallbladder lesions (sensitivity 50%, specificity 85%). Cytology was more accurate in detecting primary cancers (sensitivity 77%, specificity 73%) when compared to metastatic cancers (sensitivity 73%, specificity 100%). FNA was the most frequently used cytological technique to diagnose HBP lesions (sensitivity 78.8%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Cytological testing is efficient in diagnosing HBP cancers, especially for hepatobiliary tumors. Given its relative simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and paucity of alternative diagnostic methods, cytology should still be considered as a first-line tool for diagnosing HBP malignancies.</jats:p
Can prophylactic Dexamethasone play a role in reducing extubation failure?
Get PDFBackground
Endotracheal intubation is an essential life-saving resuscitative procedure.
Aims
Our research seeks to establish whether the prophylactic use of Dexamethasone before removing a breathing tube is associated with a reduced risk of extubation failure.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of King Saud Medical City, a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Children aged between 0 and 14 years who underwent mechanical ventilation for 48 hours were given Dexamethasone 0.5mg/kg every 6 hours beginning 12-24 hours prior to planned extubation. Patients were monitored for extubation failure and the appearance of stridor.
Results
74 patients enrolled in the study. There was no significant association found between the use of Dexamethasone and prevention failure of extubation with a p-value of 0.8 .
Conclusion
We found that the prophylactic use of Dexamethasone failed to prevent extubation failure
Assessment of the level of awareness about paediatric cataract among the general population of Jeddah
Get PDFBackgroundCataract is an extremely serious cause of visual impairment in paediatric patients worldwide, with untreated cataract being the leading cause of blindness in children.AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about paediatric cataract among the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods This survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2018 and included a representative sample of the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included a set of questions pertaining to paediatric cataract knowledge and awareness. The gathered data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, and the results were acquired by Pearson’s chi square tests and frequency calculations.Results In total, 678 individuals, including 51.6per cent women and 48.4per cent men, participated in the survey. Approximately 39.7per cent participants did not know whether cataract can affect the paediatric population or not. Although the majority could not recognize the risk factors and symptoms of the disease, 75.2per cent realized that it is treatable. Surgical intervention was identified as the main treatment modality by 46.9per cent participants.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the general population of Jeddah has limited knowledge about paediatric cataract. Thus, educational campaigns and programs are necessary to increase public awareness. In addition, further studies on awareness about this condition should be considered in order to prevent serious eye complications in children
