BackgroundPrior to the development of cervical cancer abnormal cervical cells can be detected on ... more BackgroundPrior to the development of cervical cancer abnormal cervical cells can be detected on a cervical smear. The usual practice following an abnormal cervical smear is to perform colposcopy. Colposcopy is the visualisation of the cervix using a binocular microscope. Women experience high levels of anxiety and negative emotional responses at all stages of cervical screening. High levels of anxiety before and during colposcopy can have adverse consequences, including pain and discomfort during the procedure and high loss to follow‐up rates. This review evaluates interventions designed to reduce anxiety levels during colposcopic examination.ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of various interventions aimed at reducing anxiety during colposcopic examination in women.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 3, 2010, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to July 2010. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to reduce anxiety during colposcopic examination.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Mean differences for anxiety levels, knowledge scores, pain, patient satisfaction and psychosexual dysfunction in women who underwent colposcopy were pooled in a random effects meta‐analyses.Main resultsWe found six trials that met our inclusion criteria. These trials assessed the effectiveness of different interventions for reducing anxiety in women undergoing colposcopy for the first time.All comparisons were restricted to single trial analyses or meta analysis of just two trials. There was evidence from a reasonably large trial (n = 220) that was at low risk of bias to suggest that music during colposcopy significantly reduced anxiety levels (MD = ‐4.80, 95% CI: ‐7.86 to ‐1.74) and pain experienced during the procedure (MD = ‐1.71, 95% CI: ‐2.37 to ‐1.05) compared to not listening to music. There was no statistically significant difference between anxiety levels prior to colposcopy in women receiving information leaflets versus no leaflets and information leaflets, video and counselling versus information leaflets and video with no counselling. However, knowledge scores were significantly higher and psychosexual dysfunction scores were significantly lower in women who received leaflets compared to those who did not so there was some sort of benefit to giving patients information leaflets. There is evidence for video colposcopy from a quasi randomised trial which assessed 81 women showing significant anxiety reduction.Authors' conclusionsAnxiety appears to be reduced by playing music during colposcopy. Although information leaflets did not reduce anxiety levels, they did increase knowledge levels and are therefore useful in obtaining clinical consent to the colposcopic procedure. Leaflets also contributed to improved patient quality of life by reducing psychosexual dysfunction.
ABSTRACT Traditionally, surgery for endometrial cancer (hysterectomy with removal of both fallopi... more ABSTRACT Traditionally, surgery for endometrial cancer (hysterectomy with removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries) is performed through laparotomy. It has been suggested that the laparoscopic approach is associated with a reduction in operative morbidity. Over the last 10 to 15 years there has been a steady increase of laparoscopy for endometrial cancer. This review investigates the evidence of benefits and harms of laparoscopic surgery compared with laparotomy for presumed early stage endometrial cancer. To compare the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for laparoscopic surgery versus laparotomy in women with presumed early stage endometrial cancer. We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Issue 3, 2012, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL up to April 2012. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, and reference lists of included studies. Trial registers we searched included NHMRC Clinical Trials Register, UKCCCR Register of Cancer Trials, Meta-Register and Physician Data Query Protocol, as well as abstracts of scientific meetings. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy for early stage endometrial cancer. We independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Hazard ratios (HRs) were used for OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS), risk ratios (RR) for severe adverse events and the mean difference (MD) method was used for continuous outcomes in women who received laparoscopy or laparotomy and these were then pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Eight RCTs comparing laparoscopy with laparotomy for the surgical management of early stage endometrial cancer were identified.All eight trials met the inclusion criteria, 3644 women were assessed at the end of the trials. Three trials assessing 359 participants with early stage endometrial cancer, found no statistically significant difference in the risk of death and disease or recurrence between women who underwent laparoscopy and those who underwent laparotomy (HR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62 to 2.10) and HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.42 for OS and RFS respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of peri-operative death, women requiring a blood transfusion, and bladder, ureteric, bowel and vascular injury. However, a meta-analysis of two trials found that women in the laparoscopy group lost significantly less blood than those in the laparotomy group (MD = -106.82 mL, 95% CI: -141.59 to -72.06). A further meta-analysis of two trials, which assessed 2923 women and included one very large trial of over 2500 participants, found that the rate of severe post-operative adverse events was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the laparotomy group (RR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.91). The large trial did not give a breakdown of these severe post-operative adverse events into different adverse event categories. Most trials were at moderate risk of bias. Hospital stay was reported in all of the trials and results show that on average, laparoscopy was associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay. This review has found evidence to support the role of laparoscopy for the management of early endometrial cancer.For presumed early stage primary endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, laparoscopy is associated with similar overall and disease-free survival. Laparoscopy is associated with reduced operative morbidity and hospital stay. There is no significant difference in severe post-operative morbidity between the two modalities.
Study question Are THADA and DENND1A gene variants associated with PCOS in Arab populations sugge... more Study question Are THADA and DENND1A gene variants associated with PCOS in Arab populations suggesting that they are likely to be important in the etiology of PCOS regardless of ethnicity. Summary answer All SNPs in DENND1A and THADA found in PCOS cases and controls in our study are different from those reported from other ethnicities. What is known already Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with environmental and genetic factors contributing to its etiology. PCOS is the commonest cause of female infertility and is associated with type2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PCOS in Chinese women identified reproducible PCOS susceptibility loci mapping to LHCGR, THADA, and DENNDIA. THADA and DENND1A were reported to be associated with PCOS in European populations suggesting that they are likely to be important in the etiology of PCOS regardless of ethnicity. However the impact of these loci on PCOS in other...
Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 2004
In a replication of a previous study of the incidence and contributing factors in anxiety, depres... more In a replication of a previous study of the incidence and contributing factors in anxiety, depression and stress in Victorian parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sample of 107 Gold Coast parents completed a questionnaire that assessed their demographic backgrounds, anxiety and depression scores on standardised inventories, and also tapped several aspects of those factors that may have contributed to their wellbeing. Over 90% of parents reported that they were sometimes unable to deal effectively with their child's behaviour. Nearly half of the participants were severely anxious and nearly two thirds were clinically depressed. Factors that emerged as significant in differentiating between parents with high versus low levels of anxiety and depression included access to family support, parents' estimation of family caregivers' expertise in dealing with the behavioural difficulties of a child with ASD, and parental health. Parents' suggestions for p...
Background: Several studies have reported a positive association between environmental insults (s... more Background: Several studies have reported a positive association between environmental insults (such as heavy metals exposure) and the increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in developed nations. The investigated heavy metals include; aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the increase in Oman and there was no such studies which have reported about the impact of various environmental factors as a global cause of autism among Omani autistic children. Objectives: The present study examined the potential exposure of Omani autistic children to heavy metals toxicity. Materials and Methods: A case-control study that included 40 children with ASD and 40 their age and gender matched normal children (control). Hair samples were collected and analysed for aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations. The mothers of autistic children were interviewed to report about the exposure of their children to various risk factors such ...
Background: Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids during early childhood has been associated with neu... more Background: Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids during early childhood has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Oman, westernization in food choices has been adopted by many families on the expenses of consuming traditional foods that were rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and their serum levels in Omani autistic children. Methods: A case-control study included 40 children with ASD and 40 their age and gender matched controls. EPA and DHA were measured in the sera of all children enrolled in this study, using HPLC-modified technique. Mothers of the children were interviewed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The daily dietary intake of EPA and DHA were analyzed using food processor software. Results: The serum DHA levels of ASD children were significantly (P < ...
Background: Autistic spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental neurobiological disorders affe... more Background: Autistic spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental neurobiological disorders affecting children <3 years of age. They show impairments in social skills, communication, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors and interests. They affect boys 3-4 times more than girls. The etiology is attributed to the interaction between both genetic and environmental factors. Comorbidity is high, mainly mental retardation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, epilepsy, and emotional disorders. The prevalence of ASD increased dramatically during the last decade, approaching 1%. No specific treatment exists, but early diagnosis and intervention will improve the outcome considerably. Objectives: To identify the profile of ASD among Omani preschoolers, the comorbidity and the trend of incidence during five years. Methods: All children <6 years who have been diagnosed as cases of ASD in the child psychiatry clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), from 2006 to 2010 were ...
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually face many obstacles r... more Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually face many obstacles ranging from psychological to financial difficulties while caring for their children. The consistent exposure to these constrains might negatively affect their quality of life (QOL). Objectives: To explore indices of QOL among parents caring from children with ASD, compared to parents of non-ASD children. Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted among 122 ASD cases. The control groups were composed of 81 parents of children with intellectual disabilities other than ASD, and 90 parents of typically-developed children. A standardized and validated Arabic version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) has been used. The indices of QOL were collected over four domains: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and overall environment. Results: Among parents of children with ASD, the social domain had the highest score (mean= 73), whil...
Background: Caregivers of children with ASD may be prone to different psychological disequilibriu... more Background: Caregivers of children with ASD may be prone to different psychological disequilibrium such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, fatigue that affect their behavior and social relationships. Few studies have attempted to quantify the psychological burden on caregivers manifested as feeling with embarrassment, overload, resentment, social isolation, and loss of control. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the severity of psychological burden among parents of children with autism in Oman compared with parents of non-ASD children. Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted among parents of 122 cases of children with ASD and 122 non-ASD controls. The controls were matched on age, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence. A standardized and validated Arabic version of The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) has been used to evaluate the level of burden among cases and controls. Results: Overall, the mean ZBI-22 score of psychological burden among ...
Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a c... more Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study documents the levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with ASD in Muscat, the urbanized capital of Oman, Muscat. The study included 27 children with ASD and 27 matched non-ASD controls. Parental interviews were held and dietary intake questionnaires completed in conjunction with the collection of hair samples. Analysis of heavy metals and essential minerals was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Chi-square analysis and non-parametric Fisher's exact tests were used to assess statistical significance. Children with ASD had significantly higher levels of all 11 analyzed heavy metals in their hair samples (P < 0.05), ranging from 150 to 365 % of control levels. ASD children also had significantly higher levels of essential minerals sulfur, sodium,...
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2013
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Dietary supplementation of t... more Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Dietary supplementation of the ω-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) during prenatal and postnatal life is considered a protective dietary intervention strategy to minimize the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To our knowledge, no relevant studies have been conducted in the Middle East investigating the status of DHA among children with autism during early childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels and dietary intake status of DHA among Omani children recently diagnosed with ASD. The present case-control study involved 80 Omani children (<5 y), 40 cases and 40 controls matched for age and sex. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of all the participants, while serum levels of DHA were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results showed that children with ASD had lower dietary consumption of foodstuff conta...
BackgroundPrior to the development of cervical cancer abnormal cervical cells can be detected on ... more BackgroundPrior to the development of cervical cancer abnormal cervical cells can be detected on a cervical smear. The usual practice following an abnormal cervical smear is to perform colposcopy. Colposcopy is the visualisation of the cervix using a binocular microscope. Women experience high levels of anxiety and negative emotional responses at all stages of cervical screening. High levels of anxiety before and during colposcopy can have adverse consequences, including pain and discomfort during the procedure and high loss to follow‐up rates. This review evaluates interventions designed to reduce anxiety levels during colposcopic examination.ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of various interventions aimed at reducing anxiety during colposcopic examination in women.Search methodsWe searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 3, 2010, MEDLINE and EMBASE up to July 2010. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to reduce anxiety during colposcopic examination.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Mean differences for anxiety levels, knowledge scores, pain, patient satisfaction and psychosexual dysfunction in women who underwent colposcopy were pooled in a random effects meta‐analyses.Main resultsWe found six trials that met our inclusion criteria. These trials assessed the effectiveness of different interventions for reducing anxiety in women undergoing colposcopy for the first time.All comparisons were restricted to single trial analyses or meta analysis of just two trials. There was evidence from a reasonably large trial (n = 220) that was at low risk of bias to suggest that music during colposcopy significantly reduced anxiety levels (MD = ‐4.80, 95% CI: ‐7.86 to ‐1.74) and pain experienced during the procedure (MD = ‐1.71, 95% CI: ‐2.37 to ‐1.05) compared to not listening to music. There was no statistically significant difference between anxiety levels prior to colposcopy in women receiving information leaflets versus no leaflets and information leaflets, video and counselling versus information leaflets and video with no counselling. However, knowledge scores were significantly higher and psychosexual dysfunction scores were significantly lower in women who received leaflets compared to those who did not so there was some sort of benefit to giving patients information leaflets. There is evidence for video colposcopy from a quasi randomised trial which assessed 81 women showing significant anxiety reduction.Authors' conclusionsAnxiety appears to be reduced by playing music during colposcopy. Although information leaflets did not reduce anxiety levels, they did increase knowledge levels and are therefore useful in obtaining clinical consent to the colposcopic procedure. Leaflets also contributed to improved patient quality of life by reducing psychosexual dysfunction.
ABSTRACT Traditionally, surgery for endometrial cancer (hysterectomy with removal of both fallopi... more ABSTRACT Traditionally, surgery for endometrial cancer (hysterectomy with removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries) is performed through laparotomy. It has been suggested that the laparoscopic approach is associated with a reduction in operative morbidity. Over the last 10 to 15 years there has been a steady increase of laparoscopy for endometrial cancer. This review investigates the evidence of benefits and harms of laparoscopic surgery compared with laparotomy for presumed early stage endometrial cancer. To compare the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for laparoscopic surgery versus laparotomy in women with presumed early stage endometrial cancer. We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Issue 3, 2012, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL up to April 2012. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, and reference lists of included studies. Trial registers we searched included NHMRC Clinical Trials Register, UKCCCR Register of Cancer Trials, Meta-Register and Physician Data Query Protocol, as well as abstracts of scientific meetings. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy for early stage endometrial cancer. We independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Hazard ratios (HRs) were used for OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS), risk ratios (RR) for severe adverse events and the mean difference (MD) method was used for continuous outcomes in women who received laparoscopy or laparotomy and these were then pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Eight RCTs comparing laparoscopy with laparotomy for the surgical management of early stage endometrial cancer were identified.All eight trials met the inclusion criteria, 3644 women were assessed at the end of the trials. Three trials assessing 359 participants with early stage endometrial cancer, found no statistically significant difference in the risk of death and disease or recurrence between women who underwent laparoscopy and those who underwent laparotomy (HR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62 to 2.10) and HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.42 for OS and RFS respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of peri-operative death, women requiring a blood transfusion, and bladder, ureteric, bowel and vascular injury. However, a meta-analysis of two trials found that women in the laparoscopy group lost significantly less blood than those in the laparotomy group (MD = -106.82 mL, 95% CI: -141.59 to -72.06). A further meta-analysis of two trials, which assessed 2923 women and included one very large trial of over 2500 participants, found that the rate of severe post-operative adverse events was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the laparotomy group (RR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.91). The large trial did not give a breakdown of these severe post-operative adverse events into different adverse event categories. Most trials were at moderate risk of bias. Hospital stay was reported in all of the trials and results show that on average, laparoscopy was associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay. This review has found evidence to support the role of laparoscopy for the management of early endometrial cancer.For presumed early stage primary endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, laparoscopy is associated with similar overall and disease-free survival. Laparoscopy is associated with reduced operative morbidity and hospital stay. There is no significant difference in severe post-operative morbidity between the two modalities.
Study question Are THADA and DENND1A gene variants associated with PCOS in Arab populations sugge... more Study question Are THADA and DENND1A gene variants associated with PCOS in Arab populations suggesting that they are likely to be important in the etiology of PCOS regardless of ethnicity. Summary answer All SNPs in DENND1A and THADA found in PCOS cases and controls in our study are different from those reported from other ethnicities. What is known already Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with environmental and genetic factors contributing to its etiology. PCOS is the commonest cause of female infertility and is associated with type2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PCOS in Chinese women identified reproducible PCOS susceptibility loci mapping to LHCGR, THADA, and DENNDIA. THADA and DENND1A were reported to be associated with PCOS in European populations suggesting that they are likely to be important in the etiology of PCOS regardless of ethnicity. However the impact of these loci on PCOS in other...
Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 2004
In a replication of a previous study of the incidence and contributing factors in anxiety, depres... more In a replication of a previous study of the incidence and contributing factors in anxiety, depression and stress in Victorian parents of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a sample of 107 Gold Coast parents completed a questionnaire that assessed their demographic backgrounds, anxiety and depression scores on standardised inventories, and also tapped several aspects of those factors that may have contributed to their wellbeing. Over 90% of parents reported that they were sometimes unable to deal effectively with their child's behaviour. Nearly half of the participants were severely anxious and nearly two thirds were clinically depressed. Factors that emerged as significant in differentiating between parents with high versus low levels of anxiety and depression included access to family support, parents' estimation of family caregivers' expertise in dealing with the behavioural difficulties of a child with ASD, and parental health. Parents' suggestions for p...
Background: Several studies have reported a positive association between environmental insults (s... more Background: Several studies have reported a positive association between environmental insults (such as heavy metals exposure) and the increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in developed nations. The investigated heavy metals include; aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the increase in Oman and there was no such studies which have reported about the impact of various environmental factors as a global cause of autism among Omani autistic children. Objectives: The present study examined the potential exposure of Omani autistic children to heavy metals toxicity. Materials and Methods: A case-control study that included 40 children with ASD and 40 their age and gender matched normal children (control). Hair samples were collected and analysed for aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations. The mothers of autistic children were interviewed to report about the exposure of their children to various risk factors such ...
Background: Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids during early childhood has been associated with neu... more Background: Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids during early childhood has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Oman, westernization in food choices has been adopted by many families on the expenses of consuming traditional foods that were rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and their serum levels in Omani autistic children. Methods: A case-control study included 40 children with ASD and 40 their age and gender matched controls. EPA and DHA were measured in the sera of all children enrolled in this study, using HPLC-modified technique. Mothers of the children were interviewed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The daily dietary intake of EPA and DHA were analyzed using food processor software. Results: The serum DHA levels of ASD children were significantly (P < ...
Background: Autistic spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental neurobiological disorders affe... more Background: Autistic spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental neurobiological disorders affecting children <3 years of age. They show impairments in social skills, communication, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors and interests. They affect boys 3-4 times more than girls. The etiology is attributed to the interaction between both genetic and environmental factors. Comorbidity is high, mainly mental retardation, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, epilepsy, and emotional disorders. The prevalence of ASD increased dramatically during the last decade, approaching 1%. No specific treatment exists, but early diagnosis and intervention will improve the outcome considerably. Objectives: To identify the profile of ASD among Omani preschoolers, the comorbidity and the trend of incidence during five years. Methods: All children <6 years who have been diagnosed as cases of ASD in the child psychiatry clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), from 2006 to 2010 were ...
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually face many obstacles r... more Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually face many obstacles ranging from psychological to financial difficulties while caring for their children. The consistent exposure to these constrains might negatively affect their quality of life (QOL). Objectives: To explore indices of QOL among parents caring from children with ASD, compared to parents of non-ASD children. Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted among 122 ASD cases. The control groups were composed of 81 parents of children with intellectual disabilities other than ASD, and 90 parents of typically-developed children. A standardized and validated Arabic version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL) has been used. The indices of QOL were collected over four domains: physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and overall environment. Results: Among parents of children with ASD, the social domain had the highest score (mean= 73), whil...
Background: Caregivers of children with ASD may be prone to different psychological disequilibriu... more Background: Caregivers of children with ASD may be prone to different psychological disequilibrium such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, fatigue that affect their behavior and social relationships. Few studies have attempted to quantify the psychological burden on caregivers manifested as feeling with embarrassment, overload, resentment, social isolation, and loss of control. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the severity of psychological burden among parents of children with autism in Oman compared with parents of non-ASD children. Methods: A population-based case-control study was conducted among parents of 122 cases of children with ASD and 122 non-ASD controls. The controls were matched on age, gender, ethnicity, and place of residence. A standardized and validated Arabic version of The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) has been used to evaluate the level of burden among cases and controls. Results: Overall, the mean ZBI-22 score of psychological burden among ...
Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a c... more Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study documents the levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with ASD in Muscat, the urbanized capital of Oman, Muscat. The study included 27 children with ASD and 27 matched non-ASD controls. Parental interviews were held and dietary intake questionnaires completed in conjunction with the collection of hair samples. Analysis of heavy metals and essential minerals was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Chi-square analysis and non-parametric Fisher's exact tests were used to assess statistical significance. Children with ASD had significantly higher levels of all 11 analyzed heavy metals in their hair samples (P < 0.05), ranging from 150 to 365 % of control levels. ASD children also had significantly higher levels of essential minerals sulfur, sodium,...
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 2013
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Dietary supplementation of t... more Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder of early childhood. Dietary supplementation of the ω-3 fatty acid (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) during prenatal and postnatal life is considered a protective dietary intervention strategy to minimize the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To our knowledge, no relevant studies have been conducted in the Middle East investigating the status of DHA among children with autism during early childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels and dietary intake status of DHA among Omani children recently diagnosed with ASD. The present case-control study involved 80 Omani children (<5 y), 40 cases and 40 controls matched for age and sex. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of all the participants, while serum levels of DHA were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results showed that children with ASD had lower dietary consumption of foodstuff conta...
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Papers by Maha Al-Khaduri