Professor of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine , King Abdulaziz University Academic staff in Medical College and an expert in the field of transfusion medicine Member of WHO expert panel of Biological standardization Chief Scientific Officer of Saudi Society of Transfusion Medicine
Background: MERS-CoV is a newly recognized zoonotic coronavirus. Current evidence confirms the ro... more Background: MERS-CoV is a newly recognized zoonotic coronavirus. Current evidence confirms the role of dromedaries in primary human cases but does not explain sporadic community cases. However, asymptomatic or subclinical cases could represent a possible source of infection in the community. Therefore, we investigated the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in the general population of the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Archived human sera (7,461) collected between 2011 and 2016 from healthy adult blood donors from 50 different nationalities in the western part of Saudi Arabia were obtained. Samples were tested for MERS-CoV S1-specific antibodies (Abs) by ELISA and confirmed by testing for neutralizing Abs (nAbs) using both pseudotyped and live virus neutralization assays. Findings: Out of 7,461 samples, 174 sera from individuals with 18 different nationalities were ELISA positive (2·3%, 95% CI 2·0-2·7). Presence of nAbs was confirmed in 17 samples (0·23%, 95% CI 0·1-0·4) of which one sample exhibited positivity in both neutralization assays. Confirmed seropositivity was identified in young (15-44 years) Middle Eastern men and women from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, and India without significant preference. Interpretation: An increasing trend of unreported MERS-CoV seroprevalence was observed in the general population in western Saudi Arabia, suggesting that asymptomatic or mild infections might exist and act as an unrecognized source of infection. Seropositivity of individuals from different nationalities underscores the potential MERS exportation outside of the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, enhanced and continuous surveillance is highly warranted. Funding Statement: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (grant number 09-1). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from the Unit of Biomedical Ethics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Before starting the study, all samples were anonymized using serial numbers.
BackgroundThe improvement in the clinical care for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purp... more BackgroundThe improvement in the clinical care for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is evolving, and many efforts are being put to standardize it. Here, we aimed to assess the provided care at a national level and identify deficiencies.MethodsA national Saudi retrospective descriptive study was carried out at six tertiary referral centers and included all patients who underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for the diagnosis of TTP between May 2005, and July 2022. Collected information included demographic data, clinical features on presentation, and the results of laboratory investigations at admission and discharge. In addition, the number of TPE sessions, days till the first session of TPE, usage of immunological agents, and clinical outcomes were all collected.ResultsOne hundred patients were enrolled, predominantly female (56%). The mean age was 36.8 years. At diagnosis, 53% of patients showed neurological involvement. The mean platelet count at prese...
Rebecca Cardigan | Helen V. New | Lise Estcourt | Eugene Zhiburt | Rounak Dubey | Jesper Bengtsso... more Rebecca Cardigan | Helen V. New | Lise Estcourt | Eugene Zhiburt | Rounak Dubey | Jesper Bengtsson | Magnus Jöud | Carlos Castillo | Joan Cid | Miquel Lozano | Dhana Gounder | Peter Flanagan | Sarah Morley | Gwen Clarke | Dana Devine | Salwa Hindawi | Aqeel AlOtaibi | Carolina Bonnet Bub | Jose Mauro Kutner | Toshiyuki Ikeda | Naoko Goto | Hitoshi Okazaki | Magali J. Fontaine | Jeremiah Pasion | Linda Song | Tom Latham | Jean-Louis Kerkhoffs | Masja de Haas | Jaap Jan Zwaginga | Birgit S. Gathof | Katharina Ommer | France Pirenne | Michel Raba | Anne Francois | James Daly | Tanya Powley | Nancy Dunbar
BackgroundPatient blood management (PBM) describes a set of evidence-based practices to optimize ... more BackgroundPatient blood management (PBM) describes a set of evidence-based practices to optimize medical and surgical patient outcomes by clinically managing and preserving a patient’s own blood. This concepts aims to detect and treat anemia, minimize the risk for blood loss and the need for blood replacement for each patient through a coordinated multidisciplinary care process. In combination with blood loss, anemia is the main driver for transfusion and all three are independent risk factors for adverse outcomes including morbidity and mortality. Evidence demonstrates that PBM significantly improves outcomes and safety while reducing cost by macroeconomic magnitudes. Despite its huge potential to improve healthcare systems, PBM is not yet adopted broadly. The aim of this study is to analyze the collective experiences of a diverse group of PBM implementors across countries reflecting different healthcare contexts and to use these experiences to develop a guidance for initiating and...
Patient blood management (PBM) is a comprehensive approach to optimizing the care of patients who... more Patient blood management (PBM) is a comprehensive approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need a transfusion. It involves the use of evidence-based strategies to reduce or avoid the need for allogeneic blood transfusions while ensuring that patients receive safe and appropriate care. PBM includes strategies such as preoperative autologous donation, intraoperative cell salvage, and minimally invasive techniques to reduce bleeding. The purpose of this study is to assess the medical staff’s awareness of preoperative PBM in Saudi Arabia. Between April 2022 and July 2022, data was collected using a 10-minute online (Google Forms) self-administered, anonymous, researcherstructured questionnaire adapted from previous studies and translated into both English and Arabic. The questionnaire was divided into three sections. The first section contained sociodemographic data, while the second section was used to estimate physicians’ and nurses’ knowledge of preoperative PBM. Two que...
Regular donation of whole blood may lead to iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to assess th... more Regular donation of whole blood may lead to iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of frequent whole blood donation on hematological parameters. Whole blood donors were enrolled from four blood banks located in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya and Oman, between 2016 and 2017. SPSS version 21.0 was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. A total number of 3096 blood donors were screened (males 93.8 %, females; 6.2 %), with a mean donor age of 35.29 ± 9.31 years. For male blood donors, the majority (1073) had 1-3 previous donations. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with increases in age and weight, decreases in Hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin measures, and increases in Red Blood Cells (RBC) counts. A General Linear Model (GLM) adjusted for age and weight indicated negative impacts on White Blood Cells (WBC) counts and ferritin. A weak correlation between the Hb and ferritin levels was observed (r = 0.160, P > 0.001). For female donors, the majority (63 out of 114) were first time donors. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with an increase in age and a decrease in HCT readings. A GLM adjusted for age and weight indicated a negative impact on ferritin. A strong correlation was observed between the Hb and ferritin levels for the most frequent female donors (r = 0.636, P > 0.001). In conclusion, regular whole blood donation impacts hematological parameters in particular the levels of ferritin in the serum.
Background: MERS-CoV is a newly recognized zoonotic coronavirus. Current evidence confirms the ro... more Background: MERS-CoV is a newly recognized zoonotic coronavirus. Current evidence confirms the role of dromedaries in primary human cases but does not explain sporadic community cases. However, asymptomatic or subclinical cases could represent a possible source of infection in the community. Therefore, we investigated the seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in the general population of the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Archived human sera (7,461) collected between 2011 and 2016 from healthy adult blood donors from 50 different nationalities in the western part of Saudi Arabia were obtained. Samples were tested for MERS-CoV S1-specific antibodies (Abs) by ELISA and confirmed by testing for neutralizing Abs (nAbs) using both pseudotyped and live virus neutralization assays. Findings: Out of 7,461 samples, 174 sera from individuals with 18 different nationalities were ELISA positive (2·3%, 95% CI 2·0-2·7). Presence of nAbs was confirmed in 17 samples (0·23%, 95% CI 0·1-0·4) of which one sample exhibited positivity in both neutralization assays. Confirmed seropositivity was identified in young (15-44 years) Middle Eastern men and women from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Palestine, Sudan, and India without significant preference. Interpretation: An increasing trend of unreported MERS-CoV seroprevalence was observed in the general population in western Saudi Arabia, suggesting that asymptomatic or mild infections might exist and act as an unrecognized source of infection. Seropositivity of individuals from different nationalities underscores the potential MERS exportation outside of the Arabian Peninsula. Thus, enhanced and continuous surveillance is highly warranted. Funding Statement: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (grant number 09-1). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from the Unit of Biomedical Ethics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Before starting the study, all samples were anonymized using serial numbers.
BackgroundThe improvement in the clinical care for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purp... more BackgroundThe improvement in the clinical care for patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is evolving, and many efforts are being put to standardize it. Here, we aimed to assess the provided care at a national level and identify deficiencies.MethodsA national Saudi retrospective descriptive study was carried out at six tertiary referral centers and included all patients who underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for the diagnosis of TTP between May 2005, and July 2022. Collected information included demographic data, clinical features on presentation, and the results of laboratory investigations at admission and discharge. In addition, the number of TPE sessions, days till the first session of TPE, usage of immunological agents, and clinical outcomes were all collected.ResultsOne hundred patients were enrolled, predominantly female (56%). The mean age was 36.8 years. At diagnosis, 53% of patients showed neurological involvement. The mean platelet count at prese...
Rebecca Cardigan | Helen V. New | Lise Estcourt | Eugene Zhiburt | Rounak Dubey | Jesper Bengtsso... more Rebecca Cardigan | Helen V. New | Lise Estcourt | Eugene Zhiburt | Rounak Dubey | Jesper Bengtsson | Magnus Jöud | Carlos Castillo | Joan Cid | Miquel Lozano | Dhana Gounder | Peter Flanagan | Sarah Morley | Gwen Clarke | Dana Devine | Salwa Hindawi | Aqeel AlOtaibi | Carolina Bonnet Bub | Jose Mauro Kutner | Toshiyuki Ikeda | Naoko Goto | Hitoshi Okazaki | Magali J. Fontaine | Jeremiah Pasion | Linda Song | Tom Latham | Jean-Louis Kerkhoffs | Masja de Haas | Jaap Jan Zwaginga | Birgit S. Gathof | Katharina Ommer | France Pirenne | Michel Raba | Anne Francois | James Daly | Tanya Powley | Nancy Dunbar
BackgroundPatient blood management (PBM) describes a set of evidence-based practices to optimize ... more BackgroundPatient blood management (PBM) describes a set of evidence-based practices to optimize medical and surgical patient outcomes by clinically managing and preserving a patient’s own blood. This concepts aims to detect and treat anemia, minimize the risk for blood loss and the need for blood replacement for each patient through a coordinated multidisciplinary care process. In combination with blood loss, anemia is the main driver for transfusion and all three are independent risk factors for adverse outcomes including morbidity and mortality. Evidence demonstrates that PBM significantly improves outcomes and safety while reducing cost by macroeconomic magnitudes. Despite its huge potential to improve healthcare systems, PBM is not yet adopted broadly. The aim of this study is to analyze the collective experiences of a diverse group of PBM implementors across countries reflecting different healthcare contexts and to use these experiences to develop a guidance for initiating and...
Patient blood management (PBM) is a comprehensive approach to optimizing the care of patients who... more Patient blood management (PBM) is a comprehensive approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need a transfusion. It involves the use of evidence-based strategies to reduce or avoid the need for allogeneic blood transfusions while ensuring that patients receive safe and appropriate care. PBM includes strategies such as preoperative autologous donation, intraoperative cell salvage, and minimally invasive techniques to reduce bleeding. The purpose of this study is to assess the medical staff’s awareness of preoperative PBM in Saudi Arabia. Between April 2022 and July 2022, data was collected using a 10-minute online (Google Forms) self-administered, anonymous, researcherstructured questionnaire adapted from previous studies and translated into both English and Arabic. The questionnaire was divided into three sections. The first section contained sociodemographic data, while the second section was used to estimate physicians’ and nurses’ knowledge of preoperative PBM. Two que...
Regular donation of whole blood may lead to iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to assess th... more Regular donation of whole blood may lead to iron deficiency. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of frequent whole blood donation on hematological parameters. Whole blood donors were enrolled from four blood banks located in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Libya and Oman, between 2016 and 2017. SPSS version 21.0 was used to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. A total number of 3096 blood donors were screened (males 93.8 %, females; 6.2 %), with a mean donor age of 35.29 ± 9.31 years. For male blood donors, the majority (1073) had 1-3 previous donations. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with increases in age and weight, decreases in Hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin measures, and increases in Red Blood Cells (RBC) counts. A General Linear Model (GLM) adjusted for age and weight indicated negative impacts on White Blood Cells (WBC) counts and ferritin. A weak correlation between the Hb and ferritin levels was observed (r = 0.160, P > 0.001). For female donors, the majority (63 out of 114) were first time donors. Increased frequency of donations was significantly associated with an increase in age and a decrease in HCT readings. A GLM adjusted for age and weight indicated a negative impact on ferritin. A strong correlation was observed between the Hb and ferritin levels for the most frequent female donors (r = 0.636, P > 0.001). In conclusion, regular whole blood donation impacts hematological parameters in particular the levels of ferritin in the serum.
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