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Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of conditions that include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, specific learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other disorders. Raising a child with an NDD can be difficult because it affects the social lives of the parents and their relationships. It also requires the parents to develop another set of skills to deal with their child. These factors increase their risk of depression and anxiety. Aim: To measure the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among parents of children with different NDDs, compare the rates between mothers and fathers, and measure the relevant associated factors. Methodology: This study was a prospective, qualitative, cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire-based study. The participants were 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Richard Geiger equation with a 5% margin of error, a 95% confidence level, and a 50% response distribution. The screening was performed using a validated Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). These are short and understandable screening tools that assist in identifying and grading the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. The participants were reached by distributing the questionnaire to parents who followed up with Saudi NDD-related associations, clinics, and psychiatric clinics from November 20 to May 8, 2022. The data were collected, reviewed, and then entered into SPSS 21. Results: In total, 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. We demonstrated that 85.1% of parents of children with NDDs had depression and that 85.8% had anxiety. Mothers and fathers had similar rates of depression and anxiety. No significant difference was found between the type of NDD and rates of depression and anxiety in parents. Conclusion: Children with NDDs affect their parents' mental health in terms of increased rates of depression and anxiety. This increase is not correlated with a specific etiology. Healthcare professionals who care for children with NDDs should also assess parental mental health and seek an early diagnosis of mental illness to ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided for parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as a rescue strategy in patients with severe with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there has been little evidence of its efficacy. Objectives: To describe the effect of ECMO rescue therapy on patient-important outcomes in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A case series study was conducted for the laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients who were admitted to the ICUs of 22 Saudi hospitals, between March 1, 2020, and October 30, 2020, by reviewing patient's medical records prospectively. Results: ECMO use was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (40.2% vs. 48.9%; p = 0.000); lower COVID-19 virological cure (41.3% vs 14.1%, p = 0.000); and longer hospitalization (20.2 days vs 29.1 days; p = 0.000), ICU stay (12.6 vs 26 days; p = 0.000) and mechanical ventilation use (14.2 days vs 22.4 days; p = 0.000) compared to non-ECMO group. Also, there was a high number of patients with septic shock (19.6%) and multiple organ failure (10.9%); and more complications occurred at any time during hospitalization [pneumothorax (5% vs 29.3%, p = 0.000), bleeding requiring blood transfusion (7.1% vs 38%, p = 0.000), pulmonary embolism (6.4% vs 15.2%, p = 0.016), and gastrointestinal bleeding (3.3% vs 8.7%, p = 0.017)] in the ECMO group. However, PaO2 was significantly higher in the 72-h post-ECMO initiation group and PCO2 was significantly lower in the 72-h post-ECMO start group than those in the 12-h pre-ECMO group (62.9 vs. 70 mmHg, p = 0.002 and 61.8 vs. 51 mmHg, p = 0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Following the use of ECMO, the mortality rate of patients and length of ICU and hospital stay were not improved. However, these findings need to be carefully interpreted, as most of our cohort patients were relatively old and had multiple severe comorbidities. Future randomized trials, although challenging to conduct, are highly needed to confirm or dispute reported observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pooled specimen screening for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can improve laboratory testing capacity. This study assessed the impact of pooling and retesting individual swabs on the overall detection rate and reduction in the frequency of retesting. Methods: One hundred respiratory swabs specimens were tested individually and in pools of three or five samples using the Cepheid's Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test kit. The optimum number of samples per pool was calculated using the application 'A Shiny App for Pooled Testing'. Results: Twenty-five pools were generated from 101 samples. Out of 13 pools that contained five samples each, three pools gave true positive results. While out of the 12 pools that contained three samples each, five pools gave true positive results. Four samples gave a false negative pool result. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the assay in the pools were 66.6% and 100%, respectively. The cycle threshold was reduced in most of the pools compared to individual sample tests. Conclusion: The overall pooled test had a remarkable impact on laboratory resources. Yet, caution is warranted when selecting the cases for pooled testing, since the reduction in sensitivity can significantly impact and increase the risk of exposure to infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors review the role of selenium and highlight possible low selenium levels in soil that may result in deficient states in Saudi Arabia., Case Presentation: The authors report a case of selenium-responsive cardiomyopathy in a 15-month old Saudi Arabian boy. This case of selenium deficiency causing dilated cardiomyopathy is presented with failure to thrive, prolonged fever and respiratory distress. The investigations revealed selenium deficiency. Selenium supplementation along with anti-failure therapy [Furosimide, Captopril] was administered for 6 months. Following therapy the cardiac function, hair, skin and the general health of the patient improved significantly., Conclusion: The patient with dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology, not responding to usual medication may be deficient in selenium. Serum selenium measurements should be included in the diagnostic work-up to ensure early detection and treatment of the disease. The selenium level in the Saudi population needs be determined. Vulnerable populations have to undergo regular selenium measurements and supplementation if indicated. Dependence on processed foods suggests that the Saudi population fortify themselves with nutrient and micronutrient supplements in accordance to the RDA.