Abdulla Faisal Alshaiji1*, Shailendra Kumar Motwani1, Helen Saunders1, Swaraj Sathyan1, Sai Nagendra Banovath1, Nazar Bukamal1
Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Early prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) is crucial to estimate and communicate the prognosis and outcome of surgery. This research is particularly significant as it addresses the need for validation of risk scores in non-Caucasian populations with a higher incidence of risk factors, potentially leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Objective: This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between socio-demographic and clinical variables in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a single center in Bahrain and their correlation with a predictive risk score.
Methods: This comprehensive study included 100 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The distribution of study subjects was meticulously assessed based on the kidney disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification for AKI. The association of AKI with socio-demographic and clinical variables was rigorously analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis and compared to the predicted incidence from the Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery (AKICS) score, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of our findings.
Results: Among the study subjects, 65% were not affected by acute kidney injury (AKI). In contrast, 19% were classified as having Stage 1 AKI, 8% as Stage 2, and 8% as Stage 3. Additionally, 2% of the patients required dialysis. The findings of our study underscore the significant impact of AKI on hospital stay and the need for dialysis. Female gender, previous myocardial infarction, UF heparin use, and elevated preoperative creatinine levels were significantly associated with AKI. The AKICS score was found to predict AKI in our patients, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 46.9%.
Conclusion: Female gender, previous myocardial infarction, UF heparin use, and elevated preoperative creatinine levels were found to be independent predictors of AKI. We found that patients with AKI had a significantly longer hospital stay duration. The AKICS score has been validated in our local cohort of Middle Eastern patients with high sensitivity.
Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Cardiac surgery; Risk factors; Socio-demographic factors; Clinical variables
Sara Khalaf1*, Taima Al-Mubarak1, Andrew Hanna2, Salman Al-khalifa3, Rana Al-Ghatam3, Martin Maresch3
Introduction: The use of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, has gained significant popularity worldwide in recent years. Bahrain, in particular, is witnessing a notable increase in vaping, especially among adolescents. Given this rising trend, it is essential to comprehensively analyze the epidemiology of vaping among this population.
Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vaping among different demographic groups, including age and gender. It also explored patterns and factors influencing vaping behavior, such as frequency, duration, and the reasons behind initiation and chronic use. Additionally, the study assessed adolescents' awareness of vaping's potential health risks and evaluated the effectiveness of a video intervention designed to educate them on these risks.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students in grades 6-12 at an international school in Bahrain. This study utilized a modified survey from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) - The National Youth Tobacco Survey, combined with a video made by the authors, which emphasized the harmful effects of nicotine on the developing brain.
Results: A total of 531 students responded. Approximately 90% reported never vaping, while 10% had tried vaping. Among the users, 45.7% vaped daily, 17.1% weekly, and 37.1% monthly. Post-video, 66.7% of vaping students expressed a desire to quit. Furthermore, 88.3% of all students identified at least two vaping consequences, and 72.9% said they would discourage others from vaping.
Conclusion: This pilot study highlights the importance of understanding vaping patterns and risks among adolescents, providing crucial insights for future interventions.
Keywords: Vaping; Electronic nicotine delivery systems; ENDS; Youth; Tobacco; Video Intervention; Bahrain
Dhafer M Kamal1, Fatima A. Fakhroo2
Blunt carotid artery injury (BCAI) is a rare sequelae of blunt neck trauma. It may lead to stroke and major neurological deficits. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent or reduce associated morbidity. We report a 22-year-old male who sustained an accidental left BCAI with an air-gun bullet. The injury was suspected on clinical assessment and confirmed by a CT/angiogram of the neck. The patient was promptly started on therapeutic anticoagulation and did not develop any neurological deficits. Our case emphasizes the importance of non-invasive management of BCAI, which requires a high index of clinical suspicion for diagnosis. Once confirmed, starting therapeutic anticoagulation early is vital to avoid fatal consequences, namely strokes, in such patients.
Keywords: Blunt injury; Carotid artery; Stroke; Anticoagulation; Vascular Trauma
Sufyan Nisar Ahmed Ansari1*, AbdulAziz Osama Al Qahtani2, Abdulla Isa Saqer Aljalahma3
Avulsion of permanent teeth is a complex traumatic dental injury (TDI) where a tooth is completely displaced out of its socket without fracturing. The resultant esthetic and functional compromises are distressing for the patient and require immediate attention. The emergency management of an avulsed permanent tooth is to replant it in its socket or preserve it in suitable storage media (saliva, milk, Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution) within 60 minutes of injury. However, if the tooth is lost or is not replanted within 60 minutes, alternative methods to address the patient’s esthetic concerns must be sought. This case report describes the replacement of a lost avulsed permanent tooth with a chairside fabricated resin composite pontic and a 6-month follow-up period.
Keywords: Artificial tooth; Immediate partial denture; Resin-bonded fixed partial denture; Temporary dental restoration; Fibre-reinforced bridge