Burden and Patterns of Medical Emergencies during Ramadan Fasting: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction Acute medical problems may occur more frequently during Ramadan fasting (RF). We aimed to provide a narrative overview of the global literature on medical emergencies during RF. Methods This is a nonsystematic review of the international literature from one major medical online database (PubMed, National Institutes of Health, United States). The relevant literature was narrated in a concise thematic account. Results There is a variable impact in the burden and time distribution of emergency services and hospitalization during RF that may require readjustment of resource allocation. Studies of the risk of accidents and injuries may be increased overall or at specified times, around Iftar time. A classical impact of emergencies has been the risk of worsening peptic ulcer disease. RF impacts diabetic emergencies such as severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis, particularly in type 1 diabetes and poorly controlled patients. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy may represent a challenge to patients and physicians that require education and dose adjustment. Acute neurological conditions of interest include the “first day of Ramadan headache,” epilepsy, and strokes. Several studies evaluated the risk of the acute coronary syndrome and heart failure with inconsistent findings. RF may impact the renal and urological systems through stone disease, renal colic, and acute kidney. The impact on hematological conditions was mostly focused on the safety of anticoagulant therapy during Ramadan. Conclusion The review addresses the emergency medical encounters of the fasting patient during Ramadan to allow a holistic and ethnically sensitive approach to medical care under circumstances where decisions have to be taken with no delay.