Papers by Altaf A Abdulkhaliq
Introduction: Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common comorbidities associated with rheumatoi... more Introduction: Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common comorbidities associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Literatures reported that the risk for developing OP was strongly associated with duration and severity of RA. We aim to elaborate on the consequences of OP on disease activity and management plan in patients with RA. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study recruited 408 patients, including those with RA alone and with RA plus OP. The RA disease activity in the patients was assessed using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28-CRP). A statistical analysis was performed to compare data between the two groups of patients and determine any significant risk factor associated with the development of OP in RA patients. Results: Of 408 patients who were included in this study, 353 patients (86.5%) had only RA, while 55 patients (13.5%) had RA with OP and showed significant difference (P = 0.04) concerning age categories. Patients diagnosed with RA and OP had RA duration longer than RA-only patients (independent t-test, P = 0.01). The two groups had almost similar disease activity at the three clinical visits, as well, had nearly similar disability at their first visit, whereas RA with OP patients had significant greater disability at their 2 nd and 3 rd visits (independent t-test, P = 0.001). Both groups were treated with the same biologic and nonbiologic medication of similar frequency, although RA patients with OP received steroid more frequently than patients had RA only (61.7% vs. 41.7%, chi square test, P = 0.03). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in disease activity at both groups of patients. However, RA with OP group had longer duration of RA, were more frequently treated with steroids, and had greater disability. We recommend physicians focus on controlling RA disease activity, early screening for and treating of OP.
Transylvanian Review, Jul 30, 2020
Background: With the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, it has become a worldwide hea... more Background: With the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, it has become a worldwide health concern. Aim of study: check a cluster or presence of asymptomatic carrier with an asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19. Material m during Conclusions Infectivity of some asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers might be weak. Effective prevention and control measures are helpful to prevent COVID-19 spread of asymptomatic carriers. The result of this study may alleviate parts of the public concern about asymptomatic infected people further longitudinal surveillance of these asymptomatic cases via virus nucleic acid testing are warranted.
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Introduction Multiple studies investigated the endurance and occurrence of symptoms three months ... more Introduction Multiple studies investigated the endurance and occurrence of symptoms three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study examines the possible effects of COVID-19 vaccination on the persistence of post-recovery symptoms. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate 14 prevalent long COVID-19 symptoms among vaccinated individuals. Patients self-reported their acute COVID-19 experience, demographic information, chronic conditions, vaccine history, and persistent symptoms. Results Of the 484 patients, four respondents were excluded from the study as they had not received the vaccine, and 111 (23.1%) were vaccinated but did not get infected and were also excluded. The remaining 369 (76.9%) reported COVID-19 and a vaccination and thus they were included in the study. The occurrence of post-COVID-19 symptoms was reported in 59 (16.1%) for ≤ 3 months, 202 (54.8%) experienced persistent symptoms 3–6 months, and 108 (29.1%) reported s...
Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 2020
Phenomenon Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is increasingly used in different fields of education, in... more Phenomenon Peer-assisted learning (PAL) is increasingly used in different fields of education, including medical education, due to its established advantages. However, there are scarce data about the best practice guidelines for PAL program evaluation. The aim of this work was to develop a framework that can describe and develop PAL programs and consequently provide a tool for evaluation and comparison of PAL programs among different institutions. Approach A thorough literature review was made for assessment of different PAL programs development and implementation strategies, and PAL leaders at the University of Umm Al-Qura in Saudi Arabia were interviewed for development and revision of a framework for PAL program development, description and evaluation. Findings A framework of four sections was developed ie context, theory, implementation processes and outcomes, and emergence. The context includes the learning objectives and the logistics. The theory includes the content nature, p...
Open Access Rheumatology: Research and Reviews, 2021
Introduction: Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common comorbidities associated with rheumatoi... more Introduction: Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common comorbidities associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Literatures reported that the risk for developing OP was strongly associated with duration and severity of RA. We aim to elaborate on the consequences of OP on disease activity and management plan in patients with RA. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study recruited 408 patients, including those with RA alone and with RA plus OP. The RA disease activity in the patients was assessed using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28-CRP). A statistical analysis was performed to compare data between the two groups of patients and determine any significant risk factor associated with the development of OP in RA patients. Results: Of 408 patients who were included in this study, 353 patients (86.5%) had only RA, while 55 patients (13.5%) had RA with OP and showed significant difference (P = 0.04) concerning age categories. Patients diagnosed with RA and OP had RA duration longer than RA-only patients (independent t-test, P = 0.01). The two groups had almost similar disease activity at the three clinical visits, as well, had nearly similar disability at their first visit, whereas RA with OP patients had significant greater disability at their 2 nd and 3 rd visits (independent t-test, P = 0.001). Both groups were treated with the same biologic and nonbiologic medication of similar frequency, although RA patients with OP received steroid more frequently than patients had RA only (61.7% vs. 41.7%, chi square test, P = 0.03). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in disease activity at both groups of patients. However, RA with OP group had longer duration of RA, were more frequently treated with steroids, and had greater disability. We recommend physicians focus on controlling RA disease activity, early screening for and treating of OP.
The Open Public Health Journal, 2019
Background: Trace elements, such as zinc, arsenic, cadmium and nickel are found naturally in the ... more Background: Trace elements, such as zinc, arsenic, cadmium and nickel are found naturally in the environment, and human exposure comes from a variety of sources, including air, drinking water, and food. Yet, there are a few studies of the association between trace element levels and prostate cancer in the country. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the changes in trace elements in prostate cancer patients with different levels of their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. Methods: The study included 58 patients with prostate cancer aged 70 years and older, divided into 3 different levels of PSA. Full history and clinical data were recorded for all subjects. Blood samples from all subjects and levels of Se, Zn, Cd and Cu were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The odds ratio of trace element levels was adjusted in accordance with socioeconomic data, family history and supplements intake. Results: Mean Se and Zn levels in serum were significantly low ...
Skills in Rheumatology, 2021
Generally the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is based on a set of clinical, serological, and rad... more Generally the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is based on a set of clinical, serological, and radiological measures. The discovery of a novel test that appears to be considerably more disease-specific and preferably sensitive would be of value for the early diagnosis and immediate, effective therapy to prevent joint deterioration, functional disability, and unfavorable disease outcome [1].
<p>Circulating day and night levels of leptin, adiponectin, hsCRP and HOMA-IR during the Sh... more <p>Circulating day and night levels of leptin, adiponectin, hsCRP and HOMA-IR during the Shaaban (a) and 2 weeks into the Ramadan (b) in 23 healthy young Saudi Arabians. **p<0.01, ***p<0.005, ****p<0.0001.</p
Background and Objective: Many indices are used to assess occupational heat stress at the work en... more Background and Objective: Many indices are used to assess occupational heat stress at the work environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate heat stress using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index and Discomfort Index (DI), and by measuring physiological responses in the workers of the rolling industry and comparing the appropriateness of these indices for measuring heat stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 90 healthy workers of a rolling industry in eastern Tehran in 2017. Physiological parameters of core body temperature (T cr) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured during the working shift according to ISO9886 standard. At the same time, environmental variables such as the natural wet temperature (T nw), dry temperature (T d) and globe temperature (T g) were measured and recorded at the workstations. Then, the DI and the WBGT indices were calculated using the related formulae. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 21, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean heat stress indices were significantly higher in working conditions than resting conditions, and there was a significant difference between the physiological parameters of T cr and HR in resting and working conditions (P&lt;0.001). According to the screening criteria of DI, 43.3% of the workers were exposed to the moderate level and 56.7% to the severe level of heat stress. There was a significant difference between the mean WBGT and the Threshold limit values (t= 4.903, P&lt;0.001). Pearson correlation test showed that there was a significant and direct linear relationship between the WBGT and the physiological parameters of T cr and HR (r=0.317, P=0.002; r=0.434, P&lt;0.001, respectively). The DI index had a significant and direct linear relationship with HR; (r=0.229, P=0.03). Conclusion: The results showed that WBGT is a more appropriate index for evaluating the heat stress of workers in the rolling industry. High heat stress levels at the workstations along with heavy physical activity are health risks for workers in this industry; therefore, interventions must be undertaken to reduce exposure.
<p>GH, Growth Hormone; TBil, total Bilirubin; ALKP, alkaline phosphatase; HOMA-IR, homeosta... more <p>GH, Growth Hormone; TBil, total Bilirubin; ALKP, alkaline phosphatase; HOMA-IR, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; GGT, gamma glutamyl transferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; TProt, total protein; hsCRP, high sensitivity C-reactive protein; Alb, albumin; (*), Reported earlier in ref 15, <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0096500#pone.0096500-Bahijri1" target="_blank">[15]</a>.</p
Skills in Rheumatology, 2021
Bone is a target tissue in many inflammatory diseases including rheumatic diseases such as rheuma... more Bone is a target tissue in many inflammatory diseases including rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriatic arthritis.
International Journal of General Medicine, 2021
Infection, 2022
Introduction Recent studies investigated the endurance of symptoms and occurrence of complication... more Introduction Recent studies investigated the endurance of symptoms and occurrence of complications three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aims to examine the prevalence, variation, and severity of continual symptoms in the post-COVID-19 using a single-center questionnaire. Methods The questionnaire was distributed among population in Saudi Arabia who recovered from COVID-19 between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Results A total of 744 participants completed the questionnaire, 318 (42.8%) recovered less than 3 months, 75 (10.1%) recovered 3-6 months, while 351 (47.2%) recovered more than 6 months. About half of the participants 353 (47.5%) had incessant symptoms and of those patients, more than half had two or more symptoms. Common symptoms included fatigue 189 (25.4%), headache 118 (15.9%), and myalgia 63 (8.5%). Of the participants, 189 (21.4%) experienced continual symptoms including anxiety in 98 (13.2%) and depression in 70 (9.5%). Conclusion The current study showed a high proportion of individuals with long-COVID-19 symptoms. Thus, proper assessment of the individuals in the post-recovery period can guide the patients to the relevant clinics for rehabilitation. Moreover, there is a great importance to decrease COVID-19 infection, populations should be targeted to boost vaccine efficiency.
Generally the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is based on a set of clinical, serological, and rad... more Generally the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is based on a set of clinical, serological, and radiological measures. The discovery of a novel test that appears to be considerably more disease-specific and preferably sensitive would be of value for the early diagnosis and immediate, effective therapy to prevent joint deterioration, functional disability, and unfavorable disease outcome [1].
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 2017
Background: Alterations of trace elements, could induce metabolic disorders as they forthwith par... more Background: Alterations of trace elements, could induce metabolic disorders as they forthwith participating in the metabolic pathways and play different roles modulating it as well as many enzymes require trace elements for their activation and functions. Of these elements, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) have been recognized as essentials for metabolism. Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and their global prevalence are growing from 2.8% in 2000 projecting to be 4.4% in 2030. Diabetes is prevalent in Saudi Arabia with high incidence in urbanized areas and its prevalence is estimated to expand 3 times by 2030. Patients and Methods: In total, 75 diabetic women and 80 aberrantly healthy women were recruited. Clinical and familial history was recorded. Hair Se, Zn, Cu and Mn levels were analyzed as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: Our findings revealed a marked d...
Background: Alterations of trace elements, could induce metabolic disorders as they forthwith par... more Background: Alterations of trace elements, could induce metabolic disorders as they forthwith participating in the metabolic pathways and play different roles modulating it as well as many enzymes require trace elements for their activation and functions. Of these elements, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) have been recognized as essentials for metabolism. Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and their global prevalence are growing from 2.8% in 2000 projecting to be 4.4% in 2030. Diabetes is prevalent in Saudi Arabia with high incidence in urbanized areas and its prevalence is estimated to expand 3 times by 2030. Patients and Methods: In total, 75 diabetic women and 80 aberrantly healthy women were recruited. Clinical and familial history was recorded. Hair Se, Zn, Cu and Mn levels were analyzed as well as fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: Our findings revealed a marked decrease of Zn and Mn levels in diabetic women hair compared to control group (p < 0.05, p <0.005 respectively). Otherwise, Se and Cu levels were significantly elevated in hair of diabetic patients (p < 0.005, p <0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Diabetes may disrupt the trace elements balance as well as their alterations can affect glucose metabolism and insulin action. Chronic hyperglycemia can cause disturbance of some trace elements which, in turn, can modulate glucose homeostasis. The metabolic dysregulation occurring in hyperglycemia may influence trace element status by increasing excretion, diminishing availability or redistribution of trace elements among different body pools. Hair trace elements can be useful long-term markers for metabolic disturbance; however, larger prospective studies are required to validate their role in diagnosis and follow up applications.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0),, 2019
Background: Trace elements, such as zinc, arsenic, cadmium and nickel are found naturally in the ... more Background: Trace elements, such as zinc, arsenic, cadmium and nickel are found naturally in the environment, and human exposure comes from a variety of sources, including air, drinking water, and food. Yet, there are a few studies of the association between trace element levels and prostate cancer in the country.
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Papers by Altaf A Abdulkhaliq