Paracetamol exposure induces rapid alterations in the human plasma proteome.

Background: Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, yet its effect on human plasma proteome remains poorly characterized. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a single therapeutic dose of paracetamol on the plasma proteome, potentially providing insights into its pharmacological and toxicological pathways.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 28 age-matched fasting subjects (14 controls and 14 treated with paracetamol).

The Safety of Apixaban Compared to Warfarin in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Kidney Injury.

: Apixaban is favored over warfarin for atrial fibrillation (Afib) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to its effectiveness, safety, and lack of routine monitoring. However, managing anticoagulation in hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is challenging due to altered pharmacokinetics and limited safety data. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of apixaban versus warfarin in these patients.

Underdosing and response to pharmacotherapy in patients with status epilepticus: a retrospective study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Despite the essential of understanding patterns of status epilepticus (SE) and investigating appropriate therapy for these patients, such data are limited in the Saudi population.

Methods: A retrospective study including adult patients who were admitted to emergency departments (EDs) in two hospitals due to SE was conducted between May 2015 and July 2021. We aimed to describe the characteristics for patients who were admitted to ED with SE, describe the pattern of pharmacotherapy used in these patients, assess patients' response to these pharmacotherapy agents in different stages and investigate reasons for treatment failure.

Potential drug-drug interactions among geriatric oncology patients: a retrospective study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are significant causes of adverse drug reactions among patients with cancer. We aimed to identify the prevalence, severity, and predictors of potential DDIs among geriatric oncology patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted at two tertiary medical centers.

Incidence and predictors of vancomycin nephrotoxicity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease: a two-center retrospective cohort study.

Background: Patients with liver disease express multiple pathophysiological variations that alter the pharmacokinetics of numerous drugs. At this time, there is insufficient evidence about the proper dosing of vancomycin in patients with liver disease. This study aimed to assess the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) during vancomycin therapy and identify predictors of AKI and all-cause mortality among patients with varying degrees of liver dysfunction.

Statin Use and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Patients with Ischemic Heart Diseases: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adherence to the ACC/AHA 2018 dyslipidemia guidelines on patient management of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and its correlation with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including non-fatal MI, stroke, death, hospitalization for revascularization, and peripheral arterial disease. : A multi-center retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with IHD between January 2019 and December 2020, who were followed for two years. The primary objective was to assess statin utilization and adherence to the 2018 ACC/AHA guidelines and the associated influence on MACE outcomes.

Cost-Consequence Analysis of Apixaban Versus Rivaroxaban for Managing Patients with Venous Thromboembolism in Saudi Arabia.

Background And Objective: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been proven to be cost-effective for treating various conditions, including venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nevertheless, there are no studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of DOACs for VTE treatment in Saudi Arabia using real-world data. Hence, this study seeks to examine the costs and medical consequences of apixaban compared to rivaroxaban in treating VTE patients in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of renal function on the clinical outcomes and management of patients hospitalized with hyperglycemic crises.

Background: The global prevalence of diabetes has been rising rapidly in recent years, leading to an increase in patients experiencing hyperglycemic crises like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Patients with impaired renal function experience a delay in insulin clearance, complicating the adjustment of insulin dosing and elevating hypoglycemia risk. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the impact of renal function on the safety and efficacy of insulin use in patients with isolated DKA or combined DKA/HHS.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Relation to Location: A Retrospective Analysis Study.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a leading cause of death disability. DVT can be classified based on the location and extent of the clot into isolated distal DVT (iDDVT), isolated proximal DVT (iPDVT), or mixed DVT. The aim of this study is to explore the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with different types of DVT.

Evaluating the risk of acute kidney injury and mortality associated with concomitant use of vancomycin with piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem in critically ill and non-critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There are conflicting findings regarding the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality with vancomycin/piperacillin-tazobactam combination (VPT) and vancomycin/meropenem (VM). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the risk of AKI and mortality between VPT and VM.

Methods: Observational studies reporting the incidence of AKI and mortality in patients receiving VPT or VM between January 2017 and September 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

The Perils of Methanol Exposure: Insights into Toxicity and Clinical Management.

Methanol is a widely used industrial and household alcohol that poses significant health risks upon exposure. Despite its extensive use, methanol poisoning remains a critical public health concern globally, often resulting from accidental or intentional ingestion and outbreaks linked to contaminated beverages. Methanol toxicity stems from its metabolic conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan damage, including profound CNS effects and visual impairments.

Real-World safety and effectiveness of evolocumab in primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Evolocumab's short-term efficacy and safety were proven in phase-3 clinical trial, but its long-term safety and effectiveness in the Saudi population are yet to be studied. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of evolocumab in Saudi patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia.

Method: A retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients who had newly been prescribed evolocumab for hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stigma among high school students with deafness and its association with their quality of school life: A national study from Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stigma among high school children with deafness and investigated the relationship between these psychological disorders and quality of school life (QoSL) in children.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among high school students with deafness in Saudi Arabia, excluding students who were hard of hearing. This study employed established, validated, and culturally adapted assessment tools to evaluate participants' mental health, perceptions of stigma, and QoSL.

Impact of Hyperuricemia on Clinical Outcomes in Sepsis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Hyperuricemia has been linked to various adverse clinical outcomes. Data on the clinical outcomes and the relationship between hyperuricemia and sepsis remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hyperuricemia on clinical outcomes in sepsis patients and to identify whether it can predict the mortality in this patient population.

Effectiveness and Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes.

: GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are used in the management of type II diabetes mellitus or obesity, although its role in patients with type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been debated. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of GLP-1RA in patients with T1DM using real-world data. : This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted at three tertiary medical centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Effect of fasting-induced headache on calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and other clinical biomarkers on the first day of Ramadan: Sub-analysis from a randomized open label clinical trial.

Background: Fasting-induced headaches (FIHs) have been shown to occur on the first day of Ramadan and clearly decline thereafter. Despite the wealth of knowledge about different types of headaches (e.g.

Hyperkalemia Management with Intravenous Insulin in Patients with Reduced Kidney Function.

: Insufficient kidney function increases the risk of hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia, particularly in hemodialysis-dependent patients. Hypoglycemia is a common complication of insulin-based hyperkalemia treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperkalemia treatment in hemodialysis-dependent and -non-dependent patients and identify risk factors associated with hypoglycemia.

Privacy in Community Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Privacy in healthcare is a fundamental right essential to maintain patient confidentiality and trust. Community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia (SA) play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing accessible services and serving as initial points of contact for medical advice. However, the open nature of these settings poses significant challenges in maintaining patient privacy.

Safety and Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism using Real-World Data: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have shown comparable efficacy and a superior safety profile in clinical trials for patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, further study is needed to assess DOACs' effectiveness and safety compared to warfarin in a real-world context. Thus, this meta-analysis compares the effectiveness and safety of warfarin and DOACs in patients with VTE.

Evaluating the use of paracetamol to prevent fasting headache during the first week of Ramadan: A randomized, open-label, clinical trial.

Background: Fasting headaches frequently occur during the first few days of Ramadan, and treatment is challenging because of fasting.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extended-release paracetamol on preventing fasting headaches.

Methods: A randomized, open-label clinical trial investigated the efficacy of extended-release paracetamol at a daily dose of 1330 mg in preventing fasting headache.

Overview of online pharmacy regulations in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf cooperation council countries and their impact on online pharmacy service providers in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative analysis.

Background: Laws and regulations are needed to regulate the growing online pharmacy (OP) services. The main objective of this work was to provide an overview of the laws and regulations for OP services in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In addition, the perception of how these laws and regulations in Saudi Arabia (SA) affect the online ordering of medications and health-related products from national and international OPs was explored.

Descriptive Analysis of Adverse Events Reported for New Multiple Myeloma Medications Using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Databases from 2015 to 2022.

Background: New multiple myeloma (MM) medications have revolutionized the treatment landscape, but they are also associated with a range of adverse events (AEs). This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of AEs reported for four new MM medications: daratumumab, ixazomib, elotuzumab, and panobinostat.

Methods: This study uses a descriptive retrospective approach to analyze the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2015 to 2022.

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the description of concurrent treatments: A two-center retrospective cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and obesity are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nonetheless, their prevalence among patients with T2DM in Saudi Arabia (SA) remains unknown. As current guidelines recommend, these comorbidities require adding certain antidiabetic agents with cardiorenal benefits.

Clinical pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, perception, and beliefs about the role of pharmacogenetic testing for genes polymorphisms when prescribing mercaptopurine.

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding proteins involved in mercaptopurine metabolism can influence drug efficacy and safety. This study aims to assess clinical pharmacists' knowledge about mercaptopurine-related genes and their polymorphisms and investigate their attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs about the need for and importance of pharmacogenetic testing for mercaptopurine.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among oncology/hematology clinical pharmacists in Saudi Arabia using an online-questionnaire developed by experts in the field.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia Regarding Infection Diagnosis and Management: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study.

Introduction: Diagnosis of infection (CDI) depends on clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Stool diagnostic tests are essential for effective detection of toxigenic strains. No study to date has evaluated the readability of microbiology labs in Saudi Arabia to test for CDI and evaluated the knowledge and practice of healthcare providers regarding CDI management.