Background/Objectives Contrary to popular belief, the condition of dementia is not an actual discrete disease, but rather a group of symptoms, most notable of which is the disturbance of memory and social ability, often severe enough to impair daily functioning. As a result, it has been a major cause of functional deterioration among varying populations in the world. This study is aimed at reviewing the epidemiology of dementia in Arab countries in terms of its prevalence, distribution, and risk factors. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using articles published in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and other local journals between 1990 and 2018. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 studies were concluded to be eligible for the review. Results Prevalence studies demonstrated that dementia is indeed a prevalent condition in Arab countries, ranging between 1.1% and 2.3% among age groups of 50 years and older, as well as between 13.5% and 18.5% among age groups of 80 years and above. However, these results are not different from those of many other countries in the world. Moreover, prevalence was found to vary depending on sociodemographic characteristics. Major risk factors of dementia included hypertension, low income, and low education, while the risk of developing dementia is increased by obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular risk factors. Despite the growing evidence regarding the epidemiological distribution and determinants of dementia worldwide, studies from the Arab region remain scarce. Conclusion This systematic review highlights the need for population-based studies to provide necessary information for developing preventive and curative strategies specific to the Arab region.

Purpose: To identify factors associated with inappropriate acid-suppressive therapy (AST) use in hospitalized medical ward patients. Patients and Methods: This was a combined retrospective cohort study reviewing the electronic medical records of medical ward in a secondary university hospital between January 2018 and July 2019, in addition to prescriber surveys about AST knowledge. We included adult patients (≥18 years old) admitted to the medical ward who received at least one dose of AST during their hospitalization. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: A total of 335 patients were included. Most of the patients were female (66.6%), with a mean age of 42.37 ± 17.72 years; 76% (n=256) of the study subjects were prescribed AST for an inappropriate indication. Patients who were not receiving any home medications associated with high bleeding risk had higher odds of being prescribed AST inappropriately (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.09-13.8). A total of 27 physicians completed the prescriber survey, and the average prescriber's knowledge score was 46.8 ± 15.6%. This score did not differ by the prescriber's position. Conclusion:This study demonstrated the overuse of AST in the medical ward. Therefore, improving providers' awareness about AST and implementing an AST stewardship program in institutions is necessary to limit this long-lasting issue.

Anaphylaxis is a systemic and hypersensitive allergic reaction caused by various triggers such as environmental, food, drug, and insects. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, triggers, and clinical severity of anaphylaxis in 2 emergency departments (EDs) in Saudi Arabia.A cross-sectional study based on a screening of medical records was conducted between January 2015 and August 2017, to identify confirmed cases of anaphylaxis. Patient characteristics were age, sex, previously known allergies, and the triggering allergens. The clinical severity was measured on the basis of the anaphylaxis international assessment tool (mild, moderate, severe). Factors associated with triggers and severities were identified.The period prevalence of anaphylaxis among ED admissions was 0.00026%. Pediatric cases (age 1–16 years) were 98 (60.9%), while adults (age 17–40 years) were 63 (39.1%). Triggers of anaphylaxis were food 63 (39.1%), insects 62 (38.5%), drugs 28 (17.4%), and environmental 8 (5.0%). Mild symptoms were observed in 41 (25%) of the sample, while moderate and severe symptoms were observed in 116 (72%) and 4 (3%) of the cases, respectively. Adults were 1.25 times more likely to endure drug allergy rather than food allergy, than pediatrics with adj.P = .015. ED admissions in summer season were 1.29 less likely to be due to drug allergy rather than insect allergy, compared with admissions in winter season, adj.P = .01. Cases with known allergy were 1.72 times less likely to endure drug allergy rather than food allergy, compared with those with unknown allergy, adj.P = .001. Adults were 4.79 more likely to endure severe symptoms than pediatrics with adj.P = .001.Although the prevalence of anaphylaxis was higher in pediatrics, yet the disease was more severe in adults. Special consideration should be paid to anaphylaxis triggered by insect bites in summer, and food allergy among cases with unknown allergy upon ED admission.

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Objectives: To determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of significant carotid artery disease)CAD(in patients with ischemic stroke.

Objectives: To determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of significant carotid artery disease )CAD( in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods:The frequency of significant CAD in patients admitted to the Stroke Unit between January 2014 and December 2015 was determined from radiological data. Outcomes were determined clinically and radiologically.

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