Lung Ultrasound Guided Management of Pulmonary Congestion in Hemodialysis: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Pulmonary congestion (PC) is frequent in Hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with deleterious prognosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) accurately quantifies PC; however, many methods exist to evaluate PC using LUS. Here, we validate a simplified LUS-guided protocol for managing PC in HD patients and explore its impact on blood pressure control.

Tenecteplase Beyond 4.5 Hours in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background And Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While intravenous thrombolysis is recommended within 4.5 hours of last known well (LKW) time, many patients present beyond this window.

Unveiling protection: a meta-analysis of tixagevimab-cilgavimab prophylaxis in 28,950 transplant recipients and immunocompromised patients against COVID-19.

Background: This meta-analysis addresses the efficacy and safety of tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients, particularly during the Omicron variant surge. Given the limited vaccine response in this population, alternative prophylactic strategies are critical.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we comprehensively searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, up to June 22, 2024.

Deprescribing tools and guidelines in chronic kidney disease: A scoping review.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health concern that is associated with multiple complications and comorbidities, leading to polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing, and increased risk of adverse drug events. Deprescribing has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate these consequences. Evidence-based guidelines are essential to support appropriate deprescribing practices in this population.

Decolonizing medical education: a systematic review of educational language barriers in countries using foreign languages for instruction.

Background: Language barriers in medical education, particularly in countries where foreign languages are used as the medium of instruction, pose significant challenges for domestic medical students. These barriers hinder academic performance, comprehension, and communication with patients, ultimately impacting the quality of healthcare delivery. Despite the prevalence of this issue, a comprehensive understanding of its effects remains underexplored.

Clinical Features, Diagnostic Implications, and Outcomes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Myasthenia Gravis Overlap Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Objective: This review aimed to summarize the current evidence of reported myasthenia gravis (MG) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) overlap syndrome regarding clinical and laboratory features, diagnostic implications, management, outcomes, and comorbid conditions to raise awareness among healthcare providers and aid in proper care provision.

Methods: Recently, a few cases of an unusual association between both diseases have been reported. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2024 to identify eligible studies.

Exploring Mortality and Associated Risks Among Assisted Home Hemodialysis Patients in Qatar.

Background: Home hemodialysis (HD) is a well-established modality that promotes patient independence but poses significant challenges, particularly in regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Assisted home HD has gained momentum in the GCC over the past few years. Qatar's assisted home HD program has expanded substantially in the past 2 years.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Dialysis Timing & Prognosis in Critically Ill Patients.

Background And Aims: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a cost-effective indicator of inflammation, which may impact decisions regarding therapy for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), even with ongoing clinical arguments. This study aimed to examine the correlation between NLR and the prognosis of critically ill patients undergoing CRRT, specifically about mortality and morbidity. Additionally, the study sought to assess NLR's potential as a prognostic indicator for CRRT initiation.

Understanding the Lower and Upper Limits of Sample Sizes in Clinical Research.

The determination of an appropriate sample size is pivotal in medical research, not only for achieving statistical adequacy but also for ensuring ethical integrity and resource efficiency. This editorial elucidates the complexities involved in defining the lower and upper limits of sample size across various research paradigms. The lower limit is essential for maintaining sufficient statistical power and precision, which depend on several factors, including the study's objectives, inherent population variability, and the desired accuracy of results.

Tofersen for SOD1 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, has recently received FDA and EMA approval for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in adults with SOD1 gene mutations. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on tofersen's safety and efficacy in patients with SOD1-related ALS.

Methods: A comprehensive search of three databases was conducted from inception through October 2024.

Metformin plus lifestyle interventions versus lifestyle interventions alone for the delay or prevention of type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: We conducted this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of adding metformin to lifestyle interventions versus lifestyle interventions alone in individuals with prediabetes.

Materials And Methods: We searched four databases from inception until March 20, 2024. Our primary outcomes included the incidence of type 2 diabetes, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

The recommended patient syndrome: Charting new frontiers.

Introduction: Very important person (VIP) syndrome, or recommended patient syndrome (RPS), is a phenomenon in healthcare where well-intentioned efforts to enhance care inadvertently result in harm. Celebrities, physicians, and political leaders often receive preferential treatment, leading to potentially unnecessary interventions. This review delves into its causes, manifestations, consequences, real-life instances, prevention, and management, considering the shifting paradigm of recent advances in the medical field.

Efficacy and Feasibility of Intradialytic Plantar Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Diabetes: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy and feasibility of electrical stimulation (E-Stim) on sensory fibers of the plantar region during hemodialysis sessions, aiming to improve mobility in patients with diabetes by providing a connection between E-Stim and enhanced mobility with minimal patient effort required.

Research Design And Methods: Participants aged ≥18 years with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis and able to walk at least 10 m with or without aid were recruited and divided into an intervention group receiving 1-h intradialytic E-Stim three times a week and a control group using an identical nonfunctional device for 12 weeks. Gait, physical activity, patient-reported outcomes, and the technology acceptance model were assessed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness and acceptance.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of insomnia in patients with cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis with GRADE analysis.

Insomnia, as a difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep, coupled with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) increase the risk of aggravate daytime symptoms, mortality, and morbidity. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is thought to have a significant impact on insomnia treatment, but in patients with CVDs, there is a paucity of data. To provide a comprehensive appraisal on the impact of CBT on the treatment of insomnia in patients with CVDs.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-Based Point-of-Care Testing to Detect Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) is the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), which can lead to poor outcomes if not diagnosed and treated early. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-based point-of-care tests (POCTs) in diagnosing PDRP in PD patients.

Methods: This retrospective chart review study was conducted at a comprehensive kidney center in Qatar.

Herpes simplex viral encephalitis with acute memory impairment and low cellular cerebrospinal fluid: A case report with systematic review literature.

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSVE) is a potentially fatal infectious central nervous system (CNS) disorder. Thus, early detection is critical in determining the case's fate. Clinical history and examination, brain computed tomography, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and lumbar puncture have been used to establish a diagnosis.

The Effects of Distance, Time, and Nonspatial Factors on Hemodialysis Access in Qatar.

Background A long distance and time spent traveling to a hemodialysis (HD) center and other factors, such as comorbidities, can significantly impact HD patient compliance, satisfaction, and cost. Uncertainty about HD-dependent patients' geographical location may lead to inappropriate distribution of HD centers. The present study investigates travel time, distance, and nonspatial factors affecting HD center accessibility within a 30-km radius in the State of Qatar.

Medical research production in native languages: A descriptive analysis of PubMed database.

Introduction: Language barriers in medicine can hinder effective communication, comprehension, and patient care. While English has emerged as the dominant language in global medicine, the importance of native languages should not be overlooked. This article aims to examine the extent of publishing in native languages by analyzing the PubMed database literature to gain further insights into the usage of native languages in medicine and medical research.

Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Risk Among Egyptian Resident Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide and are considered silent killers that threaten different age groups. The stressful lifestyle of resident physicians might make them vulnerable to CVDs. Since 2021, Egypt has recently reported more frequent sudden deaths of junior physicians after long shifts.