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Biomedical subjects

Abdulbari Bener

Publications and source records attributed to Abdulbari Bener.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Frequency of headache and migraine in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Headache is a worldwide problem that affects all ages. To date there are no epidemiological data regarding headaches in Qatar. AIM: The aim of this study was to use the International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria to estimate the prevalence of migraine and headache in an adult population. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING: The study was carried out at 12 Primary Health Care Centers during the period from October to December 2004 in Qatar. SUBJECTS: Of the 1,200 subjects who were approached to participate in this study, 913 gave their consent, representing a response rate of 76.1%. METHODS: Subjects were selected by a multistage stratified sampling procedure. We used the IHS criteria for migraine. Face-to-face interviews were based on a questionnaire that included variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits, exacerbating factors, warning symptoms, associated features, family history and associated factors. RESULTS: Of the studied subjects, 54.9% were males and 45.1% females. The prevalence of headache and migraine among men was 67.9%, 7.8%, and among women 78.2%, 8.0%, respectively. Subjects aged 25-34 years had higher prevalence of headache comparing to other age groups (27.3%). Prevalence of headache was higher in women. Subjects with less than a high school education had higher frequency of headache (49.1%). The most common warning symptoms prior to headache were abnormal vision (53.0%) and weakness (30.4%). Stress (71.8%) and weather (49.5%) made headache worse in subjects. The majority of the headache sufferers looked for a dark (33.7%) and quiet place (74.5%) to rest. CONCLUSION: Headachedisorders constitute a public health problem in a newly developed Qatari society, due to fast urbanization. More women suffered from headache and migraine than men. The study revealed that there was a strong association between hemoglobin level and headache and its severity. Furthermore, the prevalence of headache and migraine in Qatar is higher than in Western and African countries.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2006

The pattern of Down syndrome among children in Qatar: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence pattern of Down Syndrome (DS) in children <5 years of age in the State of Qatar. This is a retrospective descriptive study. The study was conducted in the Hamad General Hospital, Women's Hospital, and Rumailah Hospital (Hamad Medical Corporation). A total of 146 children were reported as having DS during the 6-year period from 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2005. METHODS: The diagnostic classification of definitive DS was made in accordance with criteria based on the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision (ICD-10). The data collected from the medical records included sociodemographic characteristics of the children, genetic and family history, pedigree analysis, and clinical genetic examination. RESULTS: A total of 146 children were diagnosed with DS during the last 6-year period and the prevalence rate is 19.5 per 10,000 live births. Of these, 40.4% were Qataris and 59.6% were non-Qataris. DS was slightly more common in boys (52.7%) than girls (47.3%). Infants <1 year old had the highest frequency of DS (40.4%), followed by children (1-2) years (26%). The most common abnormality was regular trisomy (98%). Also, one-half of the studied children had congenital heart problems (51.7%). There is a significant relationship between DS and maternal age as reported by other studies in other countries. CONCLUSION: The identification of specific types of chromosomal abnormalities in DS children is important as it enables clinicians to accurately counsel the parent regarding the recurrence risk and available options.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A common mutation in the CBS gene explains a high incidence of homocystinuria in the Qatari population.

We report the results of a study carried out to delineate genetic and epidemiological aspects of homocystinuria in the Qatari population. Sixty-four patients with homocystinuria (37 males, 27 females, age 1 to 29 years) from 31 nuclear families were ascertained over a period of more than four years. The incidence of homocystinuria in Qatar was calculated to be > or =1:3000, the highest in the world known so far. All patients in whom data were available were vitamin B6-nonresponsive. Molecular studies were performed in all patients. All 53 patients from tribe M and all three patients from tribe K were homozygous for the mutation c.1006C>T (p.R336C) in the CBS gene, with an additional seven patients resulting from mixed marriages between tribe M and tribe K. A single patient from tribe S was homozygous for mutation c.700G>A (p.D234N) in the CBS gene. Both mutations have been previously reported but involve hypermutable CpG dinculeotides and may be recurrent mutations in the Qatari population. The results of this study illustrate a strong founder effect causing a high prevalence of an autosomal recessive disease in a highly consanguineous Arabian population. Molecular neonatal screening may be suitable for early detection of homocystinuria in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of asthma among Qatari schoolchildren: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, Qatar.

The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases among schoolchildren aged 6-14 years in the State of Qatar, based on a questionnaire designed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). A cross-sectional study of 3,283 school children living in both urban and rural areas (average age, 9.03 +/- 1.99 years; 52.3% boys and 47.7% girls) was conducted between February 2003-February 2004. The population sample had a high prevalence of diagnosed asthma (19.8%), allergic rhinitis (30.5%), eczema (22.5%), and chest infection (11.9%). The frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema among parents reflected the same pattern as seen in their children. Overall, males had more asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chest infections than females. In general, the prevalence rate of asthma and allergic rhinitis decreased with age. The prevalence rate of asthma was significantly higher in mothers (11.8%) than in fathers (9.0%), but the frequency of allergic rhinitis symptoms was comparable (mothers, 18.5%; fathers, 17.5%). The prevalence rate of asthma (19.8%) in Qatari schoolchildren is very close to that in the neighboring Gulf country, Oman (20.7%), and higher than in some developing countries. Genetic factors related to the high rates of consanguinity may play an important role in the high prevalence rates noted in the Qatari population, but changes in lifestyle and environmental factors cannot be discounted as possible causes of the high prevalence noted in this study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Dexmedetomidine during local anesthesia.

The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine given in a small dose for a 1-h infusion as an adjuvant to local analgesia in ophthalmic operations. The study was double-blind prospective, randomized, and placebo controlled. We studied the effects of a small dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 micro.kg(-1).h(-1) for 10 min followed by 0.2 micro.kg(-1).h(-1) for 50 min. Patients were divided randomly into two groups with 20 patients in each: group A was the study group and group B was the placebo group. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than the placebo group. Bispectral index values were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than the placebo group. Also, intraocular pressure significantly decreased in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the placebo group. The study revealed that dexmedetomidine in the studied dose has a sedative effect, provides safe control of heart rate and blood pressure, and also decreases intraocular pressure during ophthalmic surgery under local anesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The effect of high plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) on the reperfusion after thrombolytic therapy in patients presented with acute myocardial infarction.

UNLABELLED: The resistance to thrombolytic agents and delays in reperfusion occur in more than 30% after acute myocardial infarction. This may play an important role in the unsuccessful recanalization after thrombolytic therapy. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and biochemical markers of reperfusion after different types of thrombolytic therapy and to find out the relationship between PAI-1 and ACE serum levels and the short-term outcome. Pretreatment ACE and PAI-1 plasma levels of 184 patients with acute myocardial infarction, treated with thrombolytic therapy were determined. Failure of thrombolysis was considered when reperfusion was delayed as assessed by noninvasive reperfusion criteria, reinfarction, and impaired left ventricular function. High plasma level of ACE (> 50 U/L), PAI-1 (> 43 ng/ml) and both was found in 57, 108 and 32 patients respectively. Subjects with high ACE plasma levels were characterized by impaired LV systolic function (79.0% vs. 75.0%), new Q-wave (88.4% vs. 74.2%), less reperfusion arrhythmia (19.3% vs. 22.8%) and prolonged hospitalization (70% vs. 66%) but no statistical significance was observed. High enzymes levels of PAI-1 were observed with higher incidence of anterior myocardial infarction (50.0% vs. 41.0%), lesser ST segment resolution (65.6% vs. 58.8%), reinfarction (6.3% vs. 5.9%), and impaired LV systolic function (90.6% vs. 76.0%), and prolonged hospitalization (70.4% vs. 63.4). There was a statistically significant difference between thrombolytic agents in the presence of high ACE regarding hospital overstay (p = 0.02). While the presence of high PAI-1 was significantly affect the degree of ST-segment resolution (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: High plasma ACE and/or PAI-1 plays a considerable role in the higher incidence of unsuccessful reperfusion and impaired left ventricular function after thrombolytic therapy. A rapid diagnostic tool that enables physician of detecting those enzymes before giving thrombolytic therapy may change the strategy of treatment to offer another effective revascularization method.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Consanguineous marriage in a newly developed country: the Qatari population.

This study examines the frequency of consanguineous marriage and coefficient of inbreeding in the State of Qatar. The study was conducted in semi-urban areas of Doha between January and May 2004. A sample of 1515 married Qatari females aged 15 years and over participated. The degree of consanguinity between each female and her spouse, and degree of consanguinity between their parents were recorded. The rate of consanguinity in the present generation was high (54.0%) with a coefficient of inbreeding of 0.02706. The commonest type of consanguineous marriage was between first cousins (34.8%). Double first cousin marriages were common (3.1%) compared with other populations. The consanguinity rate in the State of Qatar has increased from 41.8% to 54.5% in one generation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Helicobacter pylori profile in asymptomatic farmers and non-farmers.

There is a positive correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer and maltoma. There is little information on H. pylori profiles in farmers and non-farmers in the literature. Our main objective was to study the H. pylori profiles in farmers and non-formers in the United Arab Emirates. A prospective study of 151 subjects - 76 farmers and 75 non-farmers - was undertaken by determining their IgG and IgA H. pylori antibody profiles in their serum samples. Data on lifestyle were obtained from them. Eligible subjects were those who had engaged in farming for at least five years and who had not received an anti-H. pylori treatment during the six months prior to admission into the study. Most of the farmers lived in less modern accommodation, were less educated, ate their vegetable products unwashed, did not have drinking water facilities, when compared to non-farmers. Helicobacter pylori serology by IgG and IgA was positive in 112 and 77 subjects respectively (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity values for IgG and IgA serology tests were 74.2 and 51.0% respectively (p < 0.001). There were 59 and 42 H. pylori-positive farmers by IgG and IgA H. pylori serology tests respectively (p < 0.001). Among the non-farmers, the corresponding figures were 53 and 25 (p < 0.01), and neither IgG nor IgA (p = 0.4), respectively. The H. pylori serology test was able to differentiate between farmers and non-farmers. When the discordant values between IgG and IgA tests were computed for each group of subjects, the difference was significant for both farmers and non-farmers (p < 0.001 in each case). There was no difference between the farmers and non-farmers in respect of their H. pylori profiles. The farmers have a lower standard of living than non-farmers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Clinical and biochemical predictors affect the choice and the short-term outcomes of different thrombolytic agents in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The presence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme and others may play a role in unsuccessful recanalization after thrombolytic therapy. OBJECTIVES: To find out the clinical and biochemical predictors that may affect the choice and short-term outcomes following different thrombolytic agents in acute myocardial infarction. METHODOLOGY: Angiotensin-converting enzyme and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 plasma levels of 184 patients with acute myocardial infarction, treated with streptokinase, metalyze or reteplase, were determined. Failure of thrombolysis was assessed by noninvasive reperfusion criteria. Prolonged hospitalization, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction and reinfarction were considered as short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Patients who received streptokinase developed higher incidence of >50% resolution of ST-segment elevation (82.5 vs. 64.7%, P-value<0.05, in comparison with metalyze and 82.5 vs. 55.7%, P-value 0.001, in comparison with reteplase) than those who received other thrombolytic agents. High plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme was associated with prolonged hospitalization (55, 63 and 94%, P<0.02) following streptokinase, metalyze and reteplase, respectively. High plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is associated with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (55.3, 76.7 and 68.5%, P<0.09), ST resolution<50% (13.2, 36.7 and 37.5%, P=0.03), ST resolution>50% (86.8, 63.3 and 62.5%, P=0.03) following streptokinase, metalyze and reteplase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid determination of pretreatment angiotensin-converting enzyme and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 plasma levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction may influence the choice and outcomes of the thrombolytic agents. The presence of a high plasma level of either angiotensin-converting enzyme or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is significantly associated with adverse short-term outcomes after treatment with reteplase or metalyze.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Consanguineous unions and child health in the State of Qatar.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of consanguineous unions in the State of Qatar and to assess the association between consanguinity, fertility and child health. A representative sample of 1800 Qatari women aged > or =15 years was approached for the study. Of these, 1515 (84.2%) women agreed to participate. The consanguineous marriage rate was 54.0% with estimated population confidence limits of 52.3-55.7%. First cousin unions were the most common form of cousin marriage. The level of parental consanguinity (both in the respondent's parents and her parents-in-law) was quite high. In a multivariable analysis, both education of the respondent and her husband as well as parental consanguinity were found to be strong predictors of consanguineous unions in the index generation. Although fertility was high in both groups, the mean number of pregnancies was somewhat higher in respondents with first cousin unions. Concomitantly they also had a slighter higher rate of livebirths than women in non-consanguineous unions. The occurrence of asthma, mental retardation, epilepsy and diabetes was significantly more common in offspring of all consanguineous than non-consanguineous couples.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2006

Effect of nicotinamide on newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic children.

AIM: To determine whether a low dose of nicotinamide (NA) therapy for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, initiated within the first 24 h of diagnosis, prolongs the honeymoon period and lowers their insulin requirements. METHODS: All children (n=66) with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex between 1998 and 2000, received NA 1-2 mg/kg per day, in addition to sc insulin bid. The patients were followed for 24 months (NA group). Findings in this group were compared with records from a similarly diagnosed control group (n=37), who were admitted to the same hospital between 1995 and 1997 and did not receive NA treatment. The insulin dose per kg bodyweight required at baseline and at 3-monthly intervals up to 2 years after diagnosis was determined. RESULTS: At baseline, the two groups did not differ with respect to age, ethnic background, weight, insulin dose per kg bodyweight or glucose levels on admission. However, NA group had lower insulin requirements than control group at each 3-month interval up to 2 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that even low doses of oral NA given to children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes may reduce insulin requirements and prolong the honeymoon period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Epidemiology of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in Qatar during 1996-2003.

OBJECTIVES: To report the rates of cardiomyopathies in the population below 50 years of age in Qatar. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical data on patients with cardiomyopathy who were hospitalized in Hamad General Hospital, Doha. Data were collected from medical records during the 1996-2002 period and prospectively from the patients who were hospitalized during the year 2003. All cardiomyopathy patients below 50 years of age who were citizens or permanent residents in Qatar were included in this study. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 132 cases were recorded with idiopathic cardiomyopathies. Among these, 67.4% were males and 32.6% females; Qatari 31.8%, non-Qatari 68.2%. The consanguinity rate was high among Qatari patients. In the first 7-year study period, 1996-2002, the incidence rate of all types of cardiomyopathies was 2.5/100,000 population per year (95% CI: 1.4-3.5). It increased to 5.2/100,000 population during the year 2003 (95% CI: 3.6-6.7). Dilated cardiomyopathy was most prevalent (75.8%) in all age groups, and the incidence increased remarkably with age. Lower prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (13.6%) and left ventricle noncompaction cardiomyopathy (6.1%) was found. In children below 15 years of age, the incidence rate for all types of cardiomyopathies was 2.7/100,000 population. The overall mortality rate was 5.3%. CONCLUSION: Most cases of cardiomyopathy were identified at an early age: below 15 years and above 35 years of age. Introducing preventive and early diagnosis programs may have an impact on reducing the mortality and morbidity from idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with dissociative disorders in an Arabian society.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with dissociative disorders among psychiatric patients in the population of the United Arab Emirates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six hundred inpatients with dissociative disorders were approached during the period 1997-2003, and 468 agreed to participate in the study. These patients were recruited from Al-Ain and Tawam Teaching Hospitals and Al-Jahili Primary Health Care Centers in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. The study is based on a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and clinical variables. Dissociative disorders were diagnosed according to the classification set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) of the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Of the 468 patients studied, the majority (67.9%) were young, under the age of 25 years; 55% were UAE nationals, 59.4% female and 40.6% male. Disorganized movement was significantly lower among females (34.2%) than males (44.2%, p < 0.03). Disapproving of the key relative behaviour was higher in females (24.1%) compared to males (13.2%); comorbid anxiety was higher in females (37.4%) vs. males (25.3%). Disturbed relationships were more common in females (40.3%) while precipitating factors, such as intolerable stressful events, were significantly higher in males (42.6%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, males (20.5%) had a significantly higher history of similar episodes and other psychiatric illnesses (7.5%) than females. Finally, females (41%) showed more statistically significant improvements compared to males (29.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients under 25 years of age suffered more from dissociative disorders with no correlation to educational level as a predisposing factor. The most common symptoms were fits or unorganized movements.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2006

The prevalence of ADHD among primary school children in an Arabian society.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders among primary school children in the State of Qatar. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted from March 2004 to February 2005. A total of 2,000 primary school students, ages 6 to 12, are selected, and 1,541 students (77.1%) give consent to participate in this study. An Arabic questionnaire is used to collect the sociodemographic variables and a standardized Arabic version of the Conners' Classroom Rating Scale for ADHD symptoms. Of the students surveyed, 51.7% are males and 48.3% females. RESULTS: The data reveal that 112 boys (14.1%) and 33 girls (4.4%) scored above the cutoff for ADHD symptoms, thus giving an overall prevalence of 9.4%. Children who have a higher score for ADHD symptoms have school performance poorer than those with lower scores (p = .003). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that ADHD is found to be a common problem among school children in Qatar.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of obesity, overweight, and underweight in Qatari adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in Arabian oil-rich countries and are threatening to become a global epidemic. Excess weight has a great impact on the health and quality of life of individuals. However, prevalence of underweight in the developing world has shown a decline during the last decade. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity, as measured by body-mass index, in a representative sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the State of Qatar. METHODS: Qatari schoolchildren (n = 3,923) from 30 schools in urban and semiurban districts responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire. Body-mass index was calculated and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined on the basis of cutoff points of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) values (above the 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively, for overweight and obesity). Underweight was defined on the basis of CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) less than 5th percentile of BMI for age. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 1,968 boys and 1,955 girls. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 8.6%, 28.6%, and 7.9%, respectively, among adolescent boys and 5.8%, 18.9%, and 4.7% among girls. The prevalence of underweight was highest at 16 years of age among boys (10.5%) and at 17 years among girls (8.9%). The prevalence of obesity was highest at 12 years of age among boys (11.7%) and at 13 years among girls (6.4%). The 95th percentile curve for boys was above the IOTF standard curve; the 95th percentile curve for girls was below the IOTF curve. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents living in the State of Qatar are at high risk for overweight and obesity. There is a need to establish a national program for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

The impact of four-wheel drives on traffic disability and deaths compared to passenger cars.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of injuries resulting from road traffic crashes involving four wheel drives (4WD) vehicles and passenger cars in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Al-Ain and Tawam Hospital, UAE, during a period from 1st January to 31st December 2000. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was created and filled out concerning: sociodemographic information; data about driving behavior and attitude which included driving experience, adherence to traffic laws (including speed limits and wearing seat belt), driving habits, and assessment of sustained injury was performed according to the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS). RESULTS: A total of 1157 motor vehicle crashes related casualty patients were hospitalized during the year 2000. Of these total patients, 495 victims (42.8%) were involved with 4WDs road traffic crashes related injuries and 72.9% of them required hospitalization. Of these, 76.8% were males, 60.7% were non-UAE nationals. The head injury was more common in those who had crashes from 4WD vehicles (45.6%) than those who had crashes from small cars (37.3%). Abbreviated injury scare showed that four wheelers caused more severe (9.1%), serious (10.3%), critical (8.3%) and moderate injuries (13.9%). A significant higher risk was observed for speed violations (OR=2.06; 95% CI=1.55 - 2.76, p<0.001) property damage (OR=1.54; 95% CI=1.07-2.22, p<0.014) and pedestrian accident (OR=2.09; 95% CI=1.46-2.99, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study findings indicated that nearly half of the road traffic crashes were involved with 4WD vehicles and that most of the injured individuals were pedestrian and younger drivers. Reduction in motor vehicle injuries and deaths represents a major public health success.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2006

Association between stroke and acute myocardial infarction and its related risk factors: hypertension and diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find the association between stroke, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and assess related risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and atrial fibrillation. METHODS: This is a cohort study with prospective and retrospective outcomes. All patients who were hospitalised in Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation with stroke from January 1999 to December 2003 were included. The diagnostic classification of stroke and associated risk factors were made in accordance with the International Classification of Disease 9th revision. RESULTS: Total 377 stroke patients were treated during the five years period. The average annual incidence of stroke for 5 years was 11.7 per 100,000 population. The incidence of AMI was higher in males than in females (73.5% vs 26.5%). There was a significant difference in stroke patients with AMI in respect of their gender (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study supports the hypothesis that there is a strong association between stroke, AMI and related risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Furthermore, present study showed that 60% of stroke patients had AMI and nearly 46.4% of stroke patients had diabetes mellitus.

Acute Disease↗