ABO blood groups have been shown to be associated with different diseases. Very few studies have attempted to detect the association of ABO blood groups with obesity. The goal of this study is to find any potential relation between ABO blood groups and high body mass index (BMI) among a Saudi population, which may contribute to underlying genetic disorders. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire that contained general demographic data, including weight, height, type of ABO blood group and the participants' opinion, to determine the association between the ABO blood groups and obesity. Our study included 1171 participants, including 596 (50.9%) women. A plurality of participants' ages (47%) was between 15 and 25 years. The prevalence of obesity was 35.7% in men and 20.3% in women, while the prevalence of overweight was 30% in men and 25.3% in women. Blood group O was reported to be the most common blood group (46%), followed by blood group A (31.4%), while blood groups B and AB were found in 16.1% and 6.5% of participants, respectively. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) among participants based on blood group O, A, B, and AB was 13.7%, 9%, 4.8%, and 2.2%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of obesity or high BMI and ABO blood groups. Overall, our study did not show a significant relation between overweight and obesity and ABO blood groups. However, the elevation of the prevalence of overweight and obesity, mainly among the younger generations of the Saudi population, requires more awareness and educational programs.

By the beginning of 2021, the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains ongoing. Investigating the adaptive immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19, in patients who have recovered from this disease could contribute to our understanding of the natural host immune response. We enrolled 38 participants in this study. 7 healthy participants and 31 COVID-19 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and categorized them into 3 groups according to their previous clinical presentations: 10 moderate, 9 mild, and 12 asymptomatic. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral lymphocyte counts in recovered patients showed significantly increased levels of CD4+ T cells in patients with a history of mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms compared with those healthy individuals (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001 respectively). whereas no significant difference was observed in the CD8+ T cell percentage in COVID-19-recovered patients compared with healthy individuals. Our study demonstrated that antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S) IgG antibody production could be observed in all recovered COVID-19 patients, regardless of whether they were asymptomatic (p < 0.05)or presented with mild (p < 0.0001) or moderate symptoms (p < 0.01). Anti-S IgG antibodies could be detected in participants up to 90 days post-infection. In conclusion, the lymphocyte levels in recovered patients were associated with the clinical presentation of the disease, and further analysis is required to investigate relationships between different clinical presentations and lymphocyte activation and function.

PURPOSE: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most prevalent acute leukemia in adults and is responsible for the majority of cancer-related mortality. In Saudi Arabia, leukemia is ranked the fifth most prevalent type of malignancy in adults. Our aim is to review existing epidemiologic data in Saudi Arabia and develop consensus guidelines for management of AML. METHODS: We review literature related to AML epidemiology, treatment patterns, and outcomes in Saudi Arabia, as well as literature related to the current advances in AML treatment. A panel of 10 experts from eight institutions in Saudi Arabia reviewed the literature and developed a consensus statement. RESULT: We provide an update of the available AML epidemiologic data in Saudi Arabia and describe recent developments in the diagnostic workup, risk stratification, and treatment algorithm. The consensus recommendations for the management of AML in Saudi Arabia were developed. CONCLUSION: The recommendations are in parallel with the recent international guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AML.

Vitamin B12 has essential roles in DNA synthesis, red blood cell development, and neurologic functions. Vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, particularly in people aged over 60 years. Among hematological disturbances, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia or so-called pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo-TMA) is a particularly rare but significant clinical complication in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. We herein describe a case of an elderly patient with pseudo-TMA whose lack of vitamin B12 was misdiagnosed as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The patient was admitted as a case of pancytopenia with a hemolytic picture. The initial impression was TTP versus acute promyelocytic leukemia M3. After examination of laboratory tests and bone marrow examination, we deduced that the patient had a B12 deficiency. The condition of the patient improved with B12 replacement. This report should remind physicians to widen their differential diagnoses when patients present with microangiopathic hemolysis or in patients who are not responsive to standard treatments for TTP.

Beta thalassemia major (BTM) is a chronic hereditary blood disorder. Patients are dependent on blood transfusion and are prone to multiple comorbidities. Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) can complicate their condition. No reports from Saudi Arabia to measure DAS in BTM patients. We report the prevalence of DAS symptoms in our BTM patients using the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items) test. A cross-sectional study including adolescents and adults aged 14 years and above with BTM treated in Almadinah Almunawwarah and excluding patients who had bone marrow transplant or with central nervous system insults were performed. A total of 31 male and 31 female patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 24.32 ± 7.05 years. Depression symptoms were detected in 60 % of patients, anxiety symptoms were detected in half of the studied group, and stress symptoms were detected in 38.7% of patients. We found a significant positive correlation between DAS and DASS total score. Age below or above 18, parent’s employment, patient’s educational level, and status of satisfaction about medical care were statistically significant in having positive effects on scores of DAS symptoms. BTM patients are prone to develop psychological disorders, which can affect the course of the disease. Our results are comparable to international and Arab population studies, which have the highest reported prevalence. It is important to not ignore the psychological evaluation of patients with BTM and to refer them for proper evaluation and management.