Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious and often underreported condition, despite its highly prevalent distribution. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play an integral role in screening and managing patients with a high risk of developing OSA. This northern Saudi Arabian cross-sectional survey assessed the knowledge and attitude towards OSA among 264 randomly selected PCPs using the OSA Knowledge and Attitude (OSAKA) questionnaire. Among the participating PCPs, 43.9% and 45.1% had low scores in the knowledge and attitude categories, respectively. More than three-fourths (78%) of them recognized that an overnight sleep study is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA. Regarding referral, 39.4% of the OSA patients encountered by the PCPs were referred to ENT specialists, while 21% were referred to sleep clinics, and 18.2% were referred to pulmonologists. Nearly half (50.8%) of the participants recognized OSA as an important clinical disease, and 56.8% were confident in caring for OSA patients. Spearman’s correlation of the current study identified a positive correlation between knowledge scores and attitude scores (rho—0.151, p = 0.017). It is important to improve PCPs’ knowledge regarding OSA and the necessity for referral through different training methods. Furthermore, the study findings emphasize the need to include appropriate OSA programs and continuing medical education for PCPs.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the first line of defense for the management of common dermatological conditions (DCs). This study aimed to assess how dermatological diseases are identified, managed, and referred to in primary healthcare centers (PHCs). This was a mixed methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews recruited through PHCs across the Jouf region of Saudi Arabia. Sixty-one PCPs completed the data, and eight participants were interviewed. A survey based on a sample of 22 photographs of common DCs in the Kingdom was administered to the participants to answer questions about the correct diagnosis, appropriate management, referral strategy, and encounter rate. In our sampled population, the mean overall knowledge level on a scale of 10 was 7.08 (±1.3). Among participants that had good to acceptable scores, 51 (83.6%) were in the overall knowledge parameter, 46 (75.4%) in the diagnosis parameter, and 49 (80.3%) in the management parameter. PCPs with five years or more of experience were found to have significantly higher overall knowledge and management scores. Most of our PCPs demonstrated sufficient knowledge of common DCs and had good to acceptable scores in all parameters. However, educational and regulatory aspects of PCPs’ clinical management were identified. Focused training, provision of workshops, and improving medical school curricula regarding common DCs are recommended.

Background: Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) is a rare congenital cutaneous syndrome characterized by capillary malformation and extensive dermal melanosis. The complexity of PPV is reflected in its evolving classification systems. Systemic manifestations encompass ocular, neurological, vascular, musculoskeletal, and renal involvement. The pathogenesis, linked to abnormalities in neural cell development and migration, contributes to the varied clinical features of PPV. We describe a rare case of a 21-month-old Saudi girl who presented to our clinic with features of PPV type 2a. Case Description: A 21-month-old Saudi girl presented to the clinic with erythematous to violaceous patches and diffuse greyish patches over her back and buttocks since birth. Examination revealed port-wine stains, extensive Mongolian spots, and a slight lower limb length discrepancy. The mother reported a single febrile seizure episode previously. The patient underwent an ophthalmological examination where the overall impression was unremarkable. She was referred to Pediatric Neurology for further investigation. Conclusions: PPV manifests through the simultaneous presence of vascular and melanocytic components. The classification of PPV has evolved over time, incorporating additional types and simplified groupings. Our case aligns with PPV type 2a and underscores the necessity for investigations considering potential systemic complications. Despite the generally benign course of PPV, tailored interventions, such as laser therapy, prove valuable for cosmetic improvement. The importance of regular follow-ups and collaboration among medical specialties, especially in Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Vascular surgery, is necessary for comprehensive care of individuals with PPV.