Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms in Individuals With Down's Syndrome in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Asthma and respiratory diseases pose significant global health risks. Respiratory infections substantially impact individuals with Down syndrome, affecting their overall well-being. This study examines respiratory health risks associated with Down syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Awareness and barriers of adherence to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease guidelines among respiratory therapists.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Despite increasing COPD prevalence in Saudi Arabia, knowledge of and barriers to adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines among respiratory therapists (RTs) remain limited. This study assessed RT awareness and barriers to adherence to the updated 2023 GOLD guidelines for COPD management in Saudi Arabia.

Physiological Small Airways Dysfunction and the Bronchodilator Response in Adults With Asthma and Its Risk Factors: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Physiological evidence of small airways dysfunction (SAD) is present in some patients with asthma and is associated with poor disease control. It is unclear if this represents a distinct phenotype of asthma or if it is an early manifestation of the disease. The study aimed to evaluate SAD in asthma and its clinical associations.

Current practice of using the airway pressure release ventilation mode in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia.

Background: There is a limited data examining the practice of using the airway pressure release ventilation mode for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome among respiratory therapists.

Objectives: To evaluate the current practice and barriers when using airway pressure release ventilation mode in the management of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was disseminated between November 2022 and April 2023 to respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia.

Unveiling the Influence of AI on Advancements in Respiratory Care: Narrative Review.

Background: Artificial intelligence is experiencing rapid growth, with continual innovation and advancements in the health care field.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the application of artificial intelligence technologies across various domains of respiratory care.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review to examine the latest advancements in the use of artificial intelligence in the field of respiratory care.

Clinical Practice of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in ARDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Respiratory Therapists.

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an essential non-invasive oxygen therapy in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Despite its wide use, research assessing the knowledge, practice, and barriers to using HFNC among respiratory therapists (RT) is lacking.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted among RTs in Saudi Arabia between December 19, 2022, and July 15, 2023.

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases.

Knowledge and practice of using airway pressure release ventilation mode in ARDS patients: A survey of physicians.

Background: Limited data is available on awareness and clinical management of the airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) mode of ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients among physicians who work at in adult critical areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and current practice of using APRV mode with ARDS patients and identify barriers to not using this mode of ventilation among physicians who work in adult critical areas in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Between November 2022 and April 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was disseminated to physicians who work in adult critical areas in Saudi Arabia.

E-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is gaining popularity among adults. Monitoring e-cigarette-induced respiratory symptoms is crucial for both clinical and regulatory purposes. We systematically reviewed the current literature to understand the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exclusive e-cigarette users, dual users, and former smokers.

Small airways dysfunction: The importance of utilising Z-scores to define MMEF abnormalities in clinical practice.

Background: The small airways comprise the largest cross-sectional area of the lungs, however, assessing and reporting abnormalities for this region of the bronchial tree has been practically and scientifically uncertain.

Methods: Using routinely collected spirometry data for patients with either asthma or COPD, the accuracy of % predicted values for defining small airways dysfunction was assessed. A z-score of ≤ -1.

Relationship Between Heart Disease and Obesity Indicators Among Adults: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Background Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) determine obesity. Several studies have examined the association between obesity and many diseases, including heart disease, and found it to be a substantial risk factor. However, the relationship between heart disease and obesity has not been investigated.

The prevalence of bronchodilator responsiveness of the small airway (using mid-maximal expiratory flow) in COPD - a retrospective study.

Background: Bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) using FEV is often utilised to separate COPD patients from asthmatics, although it can be present in some COPD patients. With the advent of treatments with distal airway deposition, BDR in the small airways (SA) may be of value in the management of COPD. We aimed to identify the prevalence of BDR in the SA, utilizing maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) as a measure of SA.

Needs Assessment for the Establishment of Master's Degree Programs in Respiratory Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Despite recent advancements in the respiratory care (RC) profession, no single institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) offers a master's degree program in RC.

Methods: A nationwide and validated survey was used to explore the current needs and interests in establishing RC master's degree programs in the KSA. The process included representatives from the healthcare industry, universities, and professional societies.

The Status of Respiratory Care Education in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey of Program Directors.

Background: Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) is a vital healthcare professional in Saudi Arabia (SA). Many factors regarding the education of RCPs in SA are unknown, including the number of active institutions, levels of education and barriers to promoting the profession.

Methods: A cross sectional-based survey was conducted between June 1st, 2020 and September 20th, 2020 in SA to explore the status of RCPs education.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during the first wave of COVID-19: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among patients with COVID-19. However, AKI incidence may increase when COVID-19 patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of AKI, need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and mortality rate among COVID-19 patients with and without ARDS from the first wave of COVID-19.

Small Airways Response to Bronchodilators in Adults with Asthma or COPD: A Systematic Review.

Background: Bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) is commonly used in the diagnosis of lung disease. Although small airways dysfunction is a feature of asthma and COPD, physiological tests of small airways are not included in guidelines for BDR testing. This systematic review assessed the current evidence of BDR using small airways function in asthma and COPD.

The diagnosis of asthma. Can physiological tests of small airways function help?

Asthma is a common, chronic, and heterogeneous disease with a global impact and substantial economic costs. It is also associated with significant mortality and morbidity and the burden of undiagnosed asthma is significant. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose as there is no gold standard test and, while spirometry is central in diagnosing asthma, it may not be sufficient to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.

Physiological tests of small airways function in diagnosing asthma: a systematic review.

Background: Asthma is a common, heterogeneous disease that is characterised by chronic airway inflammation and variable expiratory airflow limitation. Current guidelines use spirometric measures for asthma assessment. This systematic review aimed to assess whether the most commonly reported tests of small airways function could contribute to the diagnosis of asthma.

Global Current Practices of Ventilatory Support Management in COVID-19 Patients: An International Survey.

Background: As the global outbreak of COVID-19 continues to ravage the world, it is important to understand how frontline clinicians manage ventilatory support and the various limiting factors.

Methods: An online survey composed of 32 questions was developed and validated by an international expert panel.

Results: Overall, 502 respondents from 40 countries across six continents completed the survey.