Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Hypovitaminosis D can result from a disruption in any part of the vitamin D metabolism and can occur at any age. Common manifestations of vitamin D deficiency are symmetric low back pain, muscle weakness, muscle pain, and throbbing bone pain. Reduced bone mass combined with muscle weakness can lead to falls and fractures. The biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, exerts its effect on calcium and phosphate metabolism via specific nuclear receptors. One of the diverse biological roles of vitamin D is its effect on pain sensitivity. The nociceptive, neuropathic, and psychological components of pain are regulated by both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The immune system also has a role in pain through its effects on inflammatory processes. Studies have postulated an important role of vitamin D in the regulatory mechanisms of both central and peripheral components of pain sensitivity by its action on central pain sensitization and immune modulation. Vitamin D supplementation has been proven to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of chronic pain conditions on several occasions. A host of new and more focused research involving large RCTs is necessary for this field.

Abstract : Minimally invasive video assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is currently well documented for treating minimal and moderate size thyroid swelling. Yet, it has not been widely used for excising large goiters. The current preliminary report was designed to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of MIVAT for the radical excision of huge goiters. This is a prospective study for the period of 24 month from January 2015 to February 2017. Patients with huge goiter were included; however, those with retrosternal extensions were excluded. Minimally invasive thyroidectomy through a cervical approach were adopted in all cases. Seven patients underwent this technique they were 6 females 85.7 % and only one male 14.3 %. The mean operative time was 2.4 hours ± 0.3 only one patient was converted into open technique due to hemorrhage. Conclusion: The obtained data of this preliminary report is encouraging to apply this technique as a routine for any case of goiter especially the huge type due to its good results. However, the cost effectiveness should be well calculated.

Abstract : One of the most significant medical events in current times is the emergence of the novel corona virus, Health authorities in many countries, including Saudi Arabia, imposed lock downs and restricted free movement to contain the pandemic, which in turn, has affected the daily life of people, markedly limiting travel and social interactions. This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the influence of the COVID 19 pandemic on contact lens wear and usage in Saudi Arabia, and factors responsible for the same. This cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaire to study the pattern of contact lens compliance, practices and possible apprehensions among contact lens wearers during the pandemic and the factors responsible for them. 465 responses to the online questionnaire, 344 responses of contact lens users were included in the present study. Almost 78% of the respondents belonged to the 18-30-year age group. Of the 344 participants, 322 were female and 22 were male, majority of the participants used monthly replacement lenses (74.7%). Most of them were using lenses for more than 2 years (74.1%). this study showed that the COVID 19 pandemic has managed to affect every aspect of an individual’s life, contact lens wear being one of them. However, what is worrying is that there were no significant precautionary measures adopted in those who continued use. Increased patient education to minimize the risk of infections and proper contact lens handling practices

Abstract : Introduction: Critical component of a successful colonoscopy is adequate bowel preparation. Inadequate preparation has negative effects on both the community as a whole and individuals. Objective We aimed to determine the effect of poor bowel preparation on patient willing’s to repeat colonoscopy. Patients and methods of 122 patients undergoing colonoscopy in Minia university hospital was conducted between June 1, 2021, and June 1, 2022. All data were analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0. Results A total of 122 outpatients were enrolled in the study. They were divided into two equal groups according to the degree of bowel preparation: good and very good bowel preparation (group 1, n= 96), and poor bowel preparation (group 2, n=26). Baseline characteristics, were comparable between the two groups. Of the 122 colonoscopies, cecal intubation failed in 7 cases of 96 of (group 1) (7.3%) and failed in 23 cases of 26 of (group 2) (88.5%); with a significant difference (p= 0.001). Pain severity and anxiety score was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (p=0.0001There is a statistically significant difference in the mean (SD) score for willingness to accept to repeat colonoscopy between groups 1 and 2 (6.29±1.44 vs 2.7± 1.3; P = 0.001). Conclusion Poor bowel preparation not only had a significant association with cecal intubation failure rate but also it decreases the patient willingness to repeat the examination.

Abstract : Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a set of visual symptoms associated with computer use. CVS affects approximately 60 million people worldwide, resulting in lower productivity and impaired quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVS among medical residents at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyze its associated risk factors and most common symptoms. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 165 residents who use any display screen device while working or studying. A validated online questionnaire was used. The study was conducted from November 4, 2020 to January 4, 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the participants, 37.6% reported spending more than 4 h daily studying or working on digital devices and 73.3% reported not respecting the safety distance from the device screen (less than the length of the arm and forearm). The prevalence of CVS symptoms was 96.4%. Residents who had history of eye problems; spent more than 1 daily hours on the digital device; were not adhering with the safety distance; or had an extremely bright device screen had significantly higher risk of having CVS symptoms. CVS is widespread among the medical residents and is associated with unhealthy use of smart devices. It is critical to raise awareness about computer-related health issues among residents to reduce the associated ophthalmological burden.