Biomedical subjects

Asma Deeb

Publications and source records attributed to Asma Deeb.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of a digi-physical tool and working method for paediatric obesity treatment in Abu Dhabi: a non-inferiority intervention study using an external historical comparator.

BACKGROUND: Effective paediatric obesity treatment requires high intensity, scalable interventions. A digi-physical tool for paediatric obesity treatment has shown positive results in Stockholm, Sweden. This study evaluates whether the same treatment method is effective in a different cultural setting. METHODS: This non-inferiority intervention study, using an external historical comparator, included 60 consecutively recruited children aged 6-15.9 years with obesity who initiated treatment at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi between June and December 2023. Patients were treated with Evira, a digi-physical tool and working method enabling high intensity individualized care, real-time monitoring, and interactive patient-clinician communication. The primary outcome was BMI z-score change at 26 weeks. Non-inferiority was assessed using a predefined margin of 0.10 BMI z-score, with outcomes compared to a prior published trial in Stockholm (n = 107). RESULTS: A total of 112 children were included in the analysis (Abu Dhabi cohort, n = 35; Stockholm cohort, n = 77). The adjusted mean change in BMI z-score was - 0.20 (95% CI: - 0.28, - 0.12) in the Abu Dhabi cohort and - 0.20 (- 0.26, - 0.14) in the Stockholm cohort (p = 0.88). Non-inferiority was confirmed, (predefined margin 0.10 was not exceeded). A clinically significant BMI z-score reduction (≥ 0.20 units) was achieved by 45.7% of participants in Abu Dhabi and 36.4% in Stockholm (p = 0.35). Non-retention rates at 26 weeks were 41.7% vs. 28.0%, respectively (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide promising evidence that treatment outcomes achieved with the digi-physical treatment tool were comparable in the Abu Dhabi and Stockholm cohorts, supporting its feasibility in a second cultural and healthcare setting.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Androgen resistance.

Androgen resistance causes the androgen insensitivity syndrome in its variant forms and is a paradigm of clinical syndromes associated with hormone resistance. In its complete form, the syndrome causes XY sex reversal and a female phenotype. Partial resistance to androgens is a common cause of ambiguous genitalia of the newborn, but a similar phenotype may result from several other conditions, including defects in testis determination and androgen biosynthesis. The biological actions of androgens are mediated by a single intracellular androgen receptor encoded by a gene on the long arm of the X chromosome. Mutations in this gene result in varying degrees of androgen receptor dysfunction and phenotypes that often show poor concordance with the genotype. Functional characterization and three-dimensional modelling of novel mutant receptors has been informative in understanding the mechanism of androgen action. Management issues in syndromes of androgen insensitivity include decisions on sex assignment, timing of gonadectomy in relation to tumour risk, and genetic and psychological counselling.

Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome↗

PubMed2005

Inguinal hernia in female infants: a cue to check the sex chromosomes?

OBJECTIVES: To review the clinical presentation of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and assess the current practice of considering the diagnosis of CAIS in female infants presenting with inguinal hernia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: AIS arises from target tissue resistance to the actions of androgens due to molecular abnormalities in the androgen receptor. Patients with CAIS are born with normal external female genitalia, and although inguinal hernias are uncommon in female infants, they are a well-known presentation of CAIS. Such patients were identified from the Cambridge Intersex Database and details of presentation, presence and laterality of inguinal hernia and contents, and family history of CAIS, were recorded. A questionnaire detailing different indications for considering CAIS in female infants with a hernia was distributed to members of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons and the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes. RESULTS: More than half of patients with CAIS presented with inguinal hernia, of which half were bilateral and a third contained gonads. Completed questionnaires were returned by 87 surgeons and 64 endocrinologists, and most of the surgeons and endocrinologists would consider CAIS in all female infants with a hernia. Bilateral hernias, hernias containing gonads and a family history of CAIS would prompt clinicians to consider the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Most clinicians agreed that CAIS should be considered in all female infants with inguinal hernia, as this is the commonest mode of presentation in childhood. Macroscopic inspection of the internal genital structures coupled, perhaps, with gonadal biopsy is recommended. Fluorescence in situ hybridization offers a rapid and reliable method to check the sex chromosomes. Liaison between the paediatric surgeon and endocrinologist is essential in management of infants with CAIS.

Adolescent↗