Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate ICU mortality rates and to identify predictors of ICU mortality, focusing on clinical and demographic variables, including age, comorbidities, hemoglobin and creatinine values, intubation in the Emergency department, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and APACHE II scores at presentation in the Emergency department, and how these factors influence patients’ clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective observational cross-sectional study analyzed patients admitted to the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) ICU from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. A total of 1323 patients were included, with a mean age of 65 ± 17 years, of whom 442 (34%) died during their ICU stay. Results: A delay of 6 h or more in ICU admission was reported for 77% of the participants. Mortality rates were significantly lower among patients admitted to the ICU through the Emergency department (32%) compared to those transferred from other wards (41%) (p = 0.003). Higher mortality rates were observed among patients on vasopressors and those intubated in the Emergency department, with lower median hemoglobin (Hb) levels, higher APACHE II scores, and pneumonia as the main diagnosis or urosepsis as the secondary diagnosis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study identified predictors of mortality in a medical ICU at a tertiary hospital in Jordan.

Objectives: Seasonal influenza poses significant global health challenges, with healthcare professionals (HCPs) particularly vulnerable due to frequent exposure to infected patients. Influenza vaccination is a proven method to reduce morbidity and mortality. Despite recommendations by health authorities, vaccination uptake among HCPs remains suboptimal globally and within Jordan. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and influenza vaccine uptake among physicians in Jordan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 involving 389 physicians from Ministry of Health facilities across Jordan. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, vaccination history, and insights guided by the health belief model. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of vaccine uptake and patient vaccination practices.Results: The influenza vaccination rate during the 2022-2023 season was 47%. Vaccination uptake was associated with factors such as age, geographic location, professional designation, and training. Vaccinated physicians demonstrated better knowledge and more favorable attitudes toward vaccination. Common barriers included misconceptions about personal risk, concerns over vaccine efficacy, and forgetting to vaccinate. Physicians who received training were more likely to recommend vaccination to patients.Conclusions: The low vaccination rate among Jordanian physicians highlights the need for targeted educational interventions and policies to address misconceptions and barriers. Improving influenza vaccination uptake among HCPs is critical to enhancing patient confidence, reducing transmission, and improving public health outcomes.

This study aims to investigate ICU mortality rates and to identify predictors of ICU mortality, focusing on clinical and demographic variables, including age, comorbidities, Hemoglobin and Creatinine values, intubation in the A&E department, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and APACHE II scores at presentation in the A&E department, and how these factors influence patients’ clinical outcome. This retrospective observational cross-sectional study analyzed patients admitted to the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) ICU from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2023. A total of 1323 patients were included, with a mean age of 65 ± 17 years, of whom 442 (34%) died during their ICU stay. A delay of 6 hours or more in ICU admission was reported for 77% of the participants. Mortality rates were significantly lower among patients admitted to the ICU through A&E department (32%) compared to those transferred from other wards (41%) (P=0.003). Higher mortality rates were observed among patients on vasopressors, those intubated in the A&E department, with lower median Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, higher APACHE II scores, and Pneumonia as the main diagnosis or Urosepsis as the secondary diagnosis (P < 0.001).This study identified predictors of mortality in a medical ICU at a tertiary hospital in Jordan.

Background: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, lethal neoplasm of mesothelial surfaces, classically attributed to asbestos exposure. However, as regulations have reduced asbestos use, there is an increased focus on non-asbestos-related causes. Among these, the chronic serosal inflammation characteristic of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) has been reported in a few cases. Although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established, such cases are critical for identifying the potential long-term risks of chronic serosal inflammation. Here, we present the fourth documented case of pleural mesothelioma associated with FMF. Case presentation: A 55-year-old male patient with known FMF was admitted to the hospital with progressive shortness of breath and cough for one month. Physical examination and chest X-ray revealed a large left-sided pleural effusion. Thoracocentesis analysis demonstrated an exudative effusion with predominant lymphocytosis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed pleural thickening with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed avid pleural uptake (SUVmax = 7.5). A pleural biopsy was therefore performed, revealing epithelioid pleural mesothelioma. The patient had no known history of asbestos exposure. However, he was poorly compliant with colchicine treatment and experienced frequent episodes of serositis, occurring on average twice monthly. The patient underwent surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and is doing well 10 months after the initial presentation. Discussion: Many cases of FMF have been reported in association with peritoneal mesothelioma, but few have been linked to pleural mesothelioma. In this case, we highlight that chronic serosal inflammation, characteristic of untreated FMF, may represent a potential risk factor for non-asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma. Larger-scale registry studies may be required to establish a statistically significant association. Conclusion: This case reinforces the hypothesis that uncontrolled FMF may predispose patients to malignant mesothelioma. The presence of such an association would further stress the importance of early recognition and management of FMF.