This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the oral health statuses of children and adults within the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population through an umbrella review approach. The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and associated variables were investigated across selected studies. A systematic search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Wiley Online Library to identify relevant studies. The assessed variables included dental caries prevalence, periodontal disease prevalence, oral hygiene indicators, and the necessity of dental treatment. The pooled prevalence rates, odds ratios, and standardized mean differences were calculated where applicable. The pooled prevalence of dental caries among ASD individuals ranged from 60.6% to 67.3%, while the periodontal disease prevalence ranged from 59.8% to 69.4%. High rates of dental treatment under general anesthesia were reported. Heterogeneous dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence rates were identified, highlighting the need for collaboration and preventive care. Several studies also reported higher prevalence rates of dental trauma and self-inflicted oral injuries among individuals with ASD. However, the review also identified significant methodological limitations in the included studies, including inconsistency in oral health assessment methods and potential bias. The necessity for targeted policies due to high prevalence rates and the requirement for integrated care systems in high DMFT regions were also observed. The umbrella review synthesized diverse findings, revealing variations in dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence among ASD individuals. This review underscores the need for tailored interventions and policies to address oral health disparities. It highlights the necessity of integrated care systems, methodological improvements, and longitudinal studies to comprehensively address the multifaceted oral health challenges within the ASD population.
4 August 2022 in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Objective: Presently, evidence-based research studies on the efficacy of complimentary therapies like yoga for patients with different cardiac diseases are limited and conflicting. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on yogic interventions compared with usual care or non-pharmacological treatment in patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases.Methods: We conducted an electronic search of literature published from 2006 to May 2021 through five databases. PRISMA statement was used to develop and report a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Sixteen RCTs were included in the systematic review and 11 RCTs were used for meta-analysis. Outcome measures were blood pressure, lipid profile, and psychosocial measures. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess bias risk.Results: The results show that yogic interventions resulted in significant reduction in systolic (d = 046; 95% CI.08–0.84; I2 = 81.86%) and diastolic blood pressures (d = 0.56; 95% CI.13–0.99, I2 = 84.84%). A medium statistically significant increase in HDL (d =0.67; 95% CI 0 to 1.33; I2 79.7%) and a low but significant effect on LDL (d = 0.23; 95% CI −0.08–0.54; I2 32.61%), total cholesterol (d =0.28; 95% CI −0.14–0.7; I2 63.72%), and triglycerides (d = 0.43; 95% CI −0.1–0.97; I2 76.64%) were observed. Pooled effect sizes showed a medium to low statistically significant effect on psychosocial indicators viz., QoL, stress, anxiety, and depression.Conclusion: The meta-analysis found strong evidence of effectiveness of yogic interventions on lipid profile, blood pressure, and psychosocial outcomes in patients with diagnosed cardiac diseases.
1 July 2022 in Journal of King Saud University – Science
Objective: This study was carried out with an aim to outline the prevalence of coronary artery diseases, its risk of one region of the Saudi Arabia.Methods: A retrospective observational study conducted across five secondary medical centers located in the city of Majmaah. Hospital medical records and ministry of health records were screened over a 6-month period for data on patients admitted for Coronary artery disease (CAD). Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, medical profile, and laboratory findings.Results: A total of 327 participants were included in this study with a median age of 64 and the majority being male participants (59.8%). The majority were married, held a primary school degree and earned a salary for living. A large number (82.9%) were hypertensive and diabetic (66.7%) and one-fourth had a previous MI (25.1%). A large number (73.7%) had heart failure with a mean ejection fraction of 44% (SD = 13). The causes of heart failure were mainly ischemic (56.3%) and hypertensive (28.1%). Readmission rates at 30 and 90 days then at 6 and 12 months were 22, 53.8, 68.8, and 75.8%, respectively. The mortality rates at the same time intervals were 5.5, 8.9, 14.1, and 22.9%, respectively. Predictors of readmission are age, CCI, and NYHA class.Conclusion: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart failure. End stage CAD can have similar results in terms of readmission and mortality as heart failure. Future research should target patients in different stages of the condition and monitor their comorbidities which may impact the study findings.
HIV disease is one of the major public health challenges and its early diagnosis and timely management play a vital role in reducing mortality. This study examines factors affecting the mortality of HIV patients and the effect of delay in diagnosis on survival. In this retrospective cohort study, data from the ART Center of Koppal District Hospital, India, from April 2007 to August 2023 were used. Of the 11,799 patients, 8,092 with complete data were included in the final analysis. Demographic and clinical variables including age, gender, HIV status, treatment, laboratory parameters, TB infection and survival were investigated. Delayed diagnosis was defined as CD4 ≤ 350. Statistical analyzes were performed with Cox regression and survival curves (Kaplan-Meier). Out of 8092 patients, 5897 (72.8%) had delayed diagnosis. The average survival time for patients with delay was 61.55 months and without delay was 84.09 months. Delay in diagnosis increases the risk of death with HR 3.01 (95% CI: 2.67–3.40) in univariate analysis and HR 1.70 (95% CI: 1.48–1.96) in multivariate analysis. TS/TG patients had a higher risk of death than women with a HR of 1.64 (95% CI: 1.52–1.78) and patients over 45 with a HR of 2.17 (95% CI: 1.94–2.43) compared to those under 30. AIDS stage patients had a higher risk of death with HR 2.54 (95% CI: 2.34–2.75) and TB patients with HR 1.43 (95% CI: 1.31–1.56). delay in diagnosis, age, disease stage and the presence of TB are important factors of mortality in patients with HIV. Early diagnosis and timely management of the disease can reduce the risk of death and increase the life expectancy of patients. Programs to increase awareness and access to diagnostic and treatment services should be strengthened.