Prevalence of Coagulation Factors Deficiency among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey

Bleeding disorders in Saudi Arabia, causes and prevalence: a review

As bleeding disorders are a worldwide health concern, Saudi Arabia is experiencing a notable prevalence of such disorders. Studying the frequency and cause of hemostatic disorders is the key to successful clinical interventions and instigating effective public policies that limit the spread of such disorders. The current review aims to highlight the major findings of the body of literature that has investigated the causes, prevalence, and major challenges associated with bleeding disorders in the country. The current review summarizes the major findings of different studies that have been conducted in Saudi Arabia regarding different bleeding disorders. Multiple causes and symptoms of bleeding disorders have been reported by different studies. Some studies investigated the genetic aspect of bleeding disorders and revealed specific mutations in coagulation factor genes influencing the symptoms of different bleeding disorders. Moreover, rare bleeding disorders such as Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, have been reported in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Combining clinical presentations, genetic factors, and epidemiological data, the current review of the literature provides a comprehensive insight into bleeding disorders in the kingdom. This will help in advancing the diagnostic capabilities and genetic counseling enhancing management strategies and therapeutic interventions benefiting bleeding disorder patients and the kingdom.

Barriers toward xenotransplantation in Arab World

Organ transplant is a crucial therapeutic strategy offering a life-saving and transformative medical intervention. It provides an opportunity to improve their quality of life and increase their lifespan. The shortage of organs remains a critical global challenge, leading to a prolonged waiting times for organ receivers, which contributes to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Hence, xenotransplantation offered a promising solution to the global shortage of organs through the use of animal organs, leading to an increase in donor availability, reducing waiting times, minimizing organ trafficking, improving genetic engineering advancements, and driving scientific innovation. Even though xenotransplantation has many benefits in the clinical setting, it has many barriers that are hindering its achievements and constraining its occurrence. Some barriers to xenotransplant are general, such as the immunological barrier, while others are specific to certain regions due to local causes. The Arab region exhibits disparities in clinical settings compared to the global context, marked by the huge economic crisis and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. Considering the huge resources and advancements needed in the field of xenotransplantation, this review aims to explore the specific barriers toward xenotransplantation in the Arab countries, highlighting the challenges to overcome these barriers.

Congenital Factor X-Riyadh (Stuart-Prower) Deficiency With Isolated Prothrombin Time Prolongation: A Case Report

Factor X (FX) deficiency is an extremely rare autosomal recessive inherited coagulation defect. We report a case of congenital Factor X-Riyadh deficiency discovered during a routine workup before a dental procedure. During routine work-up for dental surgery, prothrombin time (PT) and the international normalized ratio (INR) were prolonged. The prothrombin time (PT) was found to be 78.4 (normal 11-14 seconds) with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 7.83; the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was 30.7 (normal 25-42 seconds). Specific coagulation factor assays confirmed an FX deficiency (<10 % of normal activity) and a mild factor VII deficiency 37% (normal 48%-124%). Molecular genetic analysis of the whole exome sequence (WES) confirmed the diagnosis of FX deficiency (homozygous pathogenic variant c. 271G>A p {Glu91Lys} chr13:113793685). The patient is currently on regular follow-up and is advised to take oral antifibrinolytic medications for any superficial or mucosal bleeding.

Antithrombin Deficiency Is Associated with a Novel Homozygous Detrimental Mutation in SERPINC1 Gene in a Saudi Female

Antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a blood disorder associated with an increased tendency to form thrombosis. Hereditary AT deficiency is frequently caused by mutations in SERPINC1 gene. It is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. Homozygous pathogenic mutations in this gene are extremely rare. We present a case of a 7-year-old female who presented at age of 4 years with massive cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. Thrombophilia workup showed a low AT level of 30%. Targeted genetic sequencing of SERPINC1 revealed a novel pathogenic homozygous mutation c.1320C>G p. (Phe440Leu). The patient was managed initially with unfractionated heparin with AT replacement using fresh frozen plasma and was later switched to only low-molecular-weight heparin. There was no recurrence or new thrombosis with 3 years of follow-up.

Clinical and laboratory presentation of von Willebrand disease: Experience from a single center in KSA

Objectives

This study was aimed at assessing the clinical presentations and laboratory findings among patients diagnosed with vWD at a Saudi tertiary care unit.

Methods

This retrospective study included 189 patients with vWD who were followed up in our unit over 4 years. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed in SPSS.

Results

The median age of the study cohort was 30 years (range 11 months-56 years). The cohort had a female preponderance, with 32.30% males and 66.70% females. Bleeding from different sites was observed, mostly from the joints and muscles (23.90%), followed by the mucus membranes (14.60%), genitourinary areas (7.70%), ecchymoses (2.80%), and gastrointestinal areas (2.80%). A total of 48% of participants presented with more than one type of bleeding. A total of 105 (58.01%) participants had type 1; 29 (16.02%) had type 2; and 47 (25.96%) had type 3 vWD. Blood tests indicated the following mean value: hemoglobin, 116 ± 25.60 gm/L; ferritin, 75.80 ± 166.80 μg/L (median 28.5); vWAg, 0.40 ± 0.27IU/ml; and vWD:RCo, 0.32 ± 0.20IU/dL. The partial thromboplastin time was prolonged in 49.20% and normal in 50.80% of participants. Platelet function analysis values were prolonged in 92.90% and normal in 7.10% of participants. Comparative analysis of the O-type and non-O blood type showed that blood type O was significantly correlated with factor VIII (p-value = 0.013), vWF:RCo (p-value = 0.004), and vWF:Ag (p-value = 0.019).

Conclusion

Joint and muscle bleeds were the most common clinical presentations in our cohort. Although type 1 vWD was most prevalent in our cohort, we observed a comparatively higher prevalence of type 3, possibly because of ethnic differences or referral bias. We found a significant difference between O and non-O blood type regarding FVIII and vWF:Ag, and observed a more pronounced difference for vWD activity measuresd by vWF:RCo with blood type O being the systematic factor.