Background/Objectives: The rational use of medicines, in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, is crucial for optimizing healthcare outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate drug prescribing patterns and assess prescription completeness based on the WHO core drug use criteria. A comprehensive analysis was conducted at the University Clinic in the Northern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: The study assessed drug prescribing patterns and examined prescription completeness by analyzing various parameters recommended by the WHO core drug use criteria. Results: Upon analyzing the 615 prescriptions, it was observed that each prescription had a mean of 2.56 prescribed drugs. Multiple medicines per prescription were prevalent in 71.4%, whereas polypharmacy was evident in 2.9%. Analgesics were the most frequently prescribed medication, accounting for 50.4% of the prescriptions, followed by supplements (31.7%), decongestants (16.1%), cough syrup (12%), and antihypertensive and diabetes treatments at 17%. Furthermore, antimicrobials were prescribed in 21.5% of the prescriptions. During the evaluation, it was found that 19.8% of the prescriptions were incomplete, lacking important information on dosing, duration, and drugs not suited to the diagnosis. Conclusions: Most of the parameters evaluated in this study were determined to fall outside the range of recommended guidelines criticized by the WHO. As a result, the implementation of efficient intervention programs, such as education initiatives, is recommended to enhance the practice of rational drug use. Contribution: This study highlights the importance of improving prescription indicators at the national level, focusing on both medication prescribing characteristics and prescription quality as a practice.

Background: Placenta is a transient organ during pregnancy, connects the fetus to the uterine wall. Pregnancy is frequently complicated by gestational diabetes, which might cause morphological changes in the placenta (weight, diameter, and cotyledons number); consequently, it may affect both fetus and mother. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the difference in placental cotyledons number between pregnant with gestational diabetes versus without gestational diabetes, then correlate it with the weight and diameter between groups. Materials and Methods: A comparative study (gestational diabetes Group A and nongestational diabetes Group B) included mothers with a singleton baby delivered at term (37–40 weeks) after acceptance of the informed consent. Women with pregestational diabetes and other chronic diseases and those with intrauterine fetal death were excluded. Postdelivery placentae were accurately prepared and examined in detail. The placental weight, diameter, and cotyledons number were recorded and analyzed by SPSS version 21. The correlation was measured between the two groups in terms of cotyledons count, placental diameter, and weight. Results: The study included 385 participants (128 Group A and 257 Group B). Placental number of cotyledons, weight, and diameter in Group A were higher than in Group B, and the difference was significant (P = 0.000, P = 0.021, and P = 0.000, respectively). In Group A, there was a significant correlation between the placental weight, diameter, and number of its cotyledons (r = 0.23, P = 0.011). Cotyledon count was significantly affected by diabetic control (P = 0.021). Conclusions: Gestational diabetes increases placental cotyledons number, weight, and diameter.

Background: The attention of surgeons to pilonidal sinus disease is increasing. We aimed to estimate the incidence of Pilonidal sinus disease, and verify the employed management and its outcome in term of surgical site infection, recurrence and patients' satisfaction. Methods: A cohort study included 224 patients with pilonidal sinus disease (Jan 2014 to April 2020). Results: Mean age was 23.83 +/- 4.9 years, with male predominance (male to female ratio of 2.25:1). Incidence of pilonidal sinus disease was 2.9% of all surgical clinic population. Mean duration of symptoms was 65.8 +/- 50.7 days. Majority (80.8%) had chronic pilonidal sinus, whereas the remainder 19.2% had acute onset with abscess. In pilonidal sinus the surgical modality was fashioned according to the extent of the disease keeping in mind the number of sinus opening in form of Limberg flap (44.2%), primary closure (19.6%), or laid open to heal by secondary intention (17%). Recurrence of pilonidal sinus was seen in 2.2% and not affected by the procedure employed (P = 0.4). Whereas, in cases of pilonidal abscess the recurrence rate was 27.9%. The difference was significant (p = 0.00001). Over all patients' satisfaction was very good/excellent in 187 (83.4%). Conclusions: To reduce congestion of the operating lists in central hospitals, one can use a clear criterion based on the extent of the disease and the number of sinus openings, this will facilitate the management of pilonidal sinus disease in peripheral hospital settings, and comparable results can be achieved in terms of recurrence rate and patient satisfaction.

Ical vertebral column configuration is gender related. Methods: One hundred asymptomatic subjects (54 males and 46 females) aged 16–85 years were divided into 4 age groups as follows (Groups A: ≤20; B: 21–40; C: 41–60; and D: ≥60). The following variables were measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images – thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT), and thoracic 1 slope (T1S) after the included subjects underwent MRI of the cervical region. The Tukey’s test was applied for statistical analysis amongst age groups, whereas the t-test was used for gender differences within the same age group. Results: The TIA in Group A was statistically significant versus Groups C and D, as P = 0.007 and P = 0.000, respectively. NT concerning category A was statistically significant versus categories B, C, and D (P < 0.05). TIA was statistically insignificant amongst the groups (P > 0.05). Among each age category, there was insignificant variation in cervical spine alignment across genders (P > 0.05). Conclusion: TIA and NT alterations were associated with the aging process, whereas no cervical spine change was noted in the T1S with age....

Background: Despite being uncommon, pilon fractures are of interest to orthopedic surgeons because of the awkwardness of their treatment. Although various surgical techniques were used, poor outcomes are frequently encountered, and complications are highly prevalent. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of pilon fractures treated with a two-stage technique. Materials and Methods: The study included patients with tibial pilon fractures who had undergone two-stage procedures in King Saud Medical City (April 2017–March 2022). Fractures were categorized based on the Arbeitsgemeinschaftfur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification method. Outcomes were measured by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system. Results: Twenty-one patients had tibial pilon fracture. Open fractures were seen in 23.8%, the majority was Gustilo type II in 60%. The mean follow-up was 24.7 months. The majority (47.6%) was AO type 43-B. Osteoarthritis was developed in 61.9%, and none mandates arthrodesis. Mean AOFAS was 86.91 points, it was excellent in 38.1%. Type 43 C fracture significantly had a poorer AOFAS score (P = 0.021). AOFAS score was significantly affected by fracture grade and association with fibular fracture, P = 0.025, and P = 0.019, respectively. Conclusion: Treatment for severe pilon fractures with a two-stage protocol yields favorable outcomes. Fewer soft-tissue complications and better articular reconstruction were the main benefits.