Browsing by Author "Hassan Khamis, Amar"

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A 24‑month retrospective study of preformed metal crowns: the Hall technique versus the conventional preparation method
(2020) Binladen, H.; Al Halabi, Manal; Kowash, Mawlood; Al Salami, Anas; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Hussein, Iyad
Purpose: Conventional and Hall Technique (HT) Preformed Metal Crowns (PMCs) are used for treatment of carious primary molars. The aim was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of conventional and HT PMCs in a postgraduate dental setting. Methods: A retrospective study using patients’ electronic case-notes and radiographic images of carious primary molars treated with either conventional or HT PMCs was conducted to assess clinical and radiographic success/failure. A Kaplan– Meier curve was used to assess PMC survival. Results: 187 PMCs (110 HT and 77 conventional) in 65 children (34 females and 31 males) at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were assessed. At 24 months, the success rates of conventional and HT PMCs were 97.6% and 93.5%, respectively. Two HT (perforated/abscessed) and four conventional (abscessed) PMCs failures occurred. There was no signifcant diference in success/failure (p=0.362) at 12 months, but the HT was more successful at 24 months (p=0.002) with similar survival times for both methods. Conclusion: HT and conventionally placed PMCs, when placed in a postgraduate paediatric dentistry setting, were clinically and radiographically very successful at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post operatively with a slightly higher success of the HT at 24 months.
Assessment of the knowledge of United Arab Emirates dentists of Child Maltreatment, protection and safeguarding
(2018-05) El-Halabi, Manal; Kowash, Mawlood B.; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Hussein, Iyad
Aim: Child safeguarding is society’s responsibility. Dentists are uniquely positioned to recognise Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) in dental practice and the wider society. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced a child protection law in 2016. We aimed to assess the awareness of UAE dentists of child maltreatment, protection and safeguarding. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey. Methods: We surveyed 381 UAE dentists about the knowledge and practice of CAN and safeguarding issues using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test and statistical significance was set as p <0.05. Results: Over 39 % (n=152) of the responders suspected CAN; male dentists suspected more CAN than females (p=0.015). Orthodontists, paediatric dentists (p<0.001) and female dentists (p=0.001) were more knowledgeable about diagnosing CAN. Paediatric dentists attended more CAN-related postgraduate training (p<0.001) than other specialties. Over 90% (n=346) believed that CAN should be addressed, 58.1% (n=224) and 54.1% (n=206) had CAN undergraduate and postgraduate training respectively but 53.5% (n=204) were unaware of local child protection guidelines. Dentists barriers to child protection reporting were; fear of family violence (59.6%, n=227), lack of knowledge of referral process (60.2%, n=228) and lack of diagnosis certainty (54.9%, n=206). UAE dentists qualified in Western and Asian countries had fewer barriers for child protection reporting (p=0.022) than the Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council qualified dentists. Conclusions: A large minority of UAE dentists suspected CAN. Factors influencing child protection reporting were identified. Dentists’ gender, specialty, and country of qualification affected their knowledge of CAN and practice of safeguarding. Child protection training is recommended.
The association of the prothrombin G20210A single-nucleotide polymorphism and the risk of preeclampsia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
(2020) Hassan Khamis, Amar
Objective: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between the risk of preeclampsia and the prothrombin G20210A single-nucleotide polymorphism. Study design: We followed the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” guidelines. Relevant published studies were searched in the data base. The retrieved studies were assessed for quality by using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment. OpenMeta Analyst software was used for the statistics. Results: Twenty-eight case–control studies enrolling 3821 cases and 4808 controls were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. We found a significantly increased preeclampsia risk associated with the G20210A polymorphism in three models: allele contrast (Avs. G), OR 2.183, 95 % CI 1.665–2.862; heterozygote (AG vs. GG), OR 2.233, 95 % CI 1.690–2.95; and the dominant model (AA + AG vs. GG) OR 2.240, 95 % CI 1.700–2.950. However, the association was not observed in the homozygote (AA vs. GG) OR 1.310, 95 % CI = 0.632–2.713 r recessive model (AA vs. AG + GG), OR 1.315, 95 % CI = 0.642–2.695. Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, the prothrombin G20210A single-nucleotide polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.
Asthma severity as a contributing factor to cancer incidence: A cohort study
(2021) Hassan Khamis, Amar; Heialy, Saba Al
Background: A putative link between asthma and asthma severity with the occurrence of cancer has been suggested but has not been fully investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of all types of cancer in a cohort of asthmatic patients. Methods and findings: A single center cohort retrospective study was conducted to investigate the role of asthma as a potential risk factor for various cancers. Participants were followed for a period of 9 years from 01/01/2010 to 30/12/2018 and cancer incidence and its determinants were collected in asthmatic patients and controls from the same population source but without any respiratory disease. Overall, 2,027 asthma patients and 1,637 controls were followed up for an average of 9 years. The statistical analysis showed that 2% of asthma patients were diagnosed with various cancers, resulting in an incidence rate of cancer of 383.02 per 100,000 persons per year which is significantly higher than the 139.01 per 100,000 persons per year observed in matched controls (p-value < 0.001). The top four cancers reported among asthmatics were breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Lung cancer in asthmatics had the longest diagnosis period with a mean of 36.6 years compared to the shortest with prostate cancer with 16.5 years. Conclusions: This study shows that asthma patients are at increased risk of different types of cancers with asthma severity and goiter as the main factors that may increase the risk of developing cancers among asthmatic patients.
The C‑shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars in an Emirati population
(2021) Khawaja, Summayah; Chaudhry, Jahanzeb; Hassan Khamis, Amar; El Abed, Rashid; Ghoneima, Ahmed; Jamal, Mohamed
Abstract: Our study aimed to describe the root and canal morphology of mandibular second molars in Emirati population and to study the prevalence and types of morphological change in C-shaped canal confguration along the root length in an efort to describe C-shaped molars as a unit. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of Emirati patients were analyzed in multiple plans and root and canal confguration of mandibular second molars were evaluated. Moreover, specifc types of morphological change in C-shaped canal confguration along root length were studied and reconstructed using 3D reconstruction software. A total of 508 mandibular second molars were evaluated. Among the non-C-shaped mandibular second molars, two separate roots were the most prevalent root morphology (78.3%). The mesial root’s most common root canal confguration was Vertucci Type II (46.5%), and in the distal root, Vertucci Type I (90.5%). The prevalence of C-shaped mandibular second molars was 17.9% and was signifcantly prevalent (P< 0.001) in females. Specifc types of morphological change in C-shaped molars along the root length were observed and described for the frst time, in which the most common types of morphological change were C1-C2-C3d (18%), C1-C3c-C3d (15.4%), C4-C3c-C3d (7.7%), and C3c-C3c-C3d (7.7%). This study showed wide variations in the root and canal morphology in mandibular second molars in Emirati population with a relatively high prevalence of C-shaped canal confguration (17.9%). Moreover, specifc types of morphological change in C-shaped confguration were detected and described for the frst time in this population.
Changes in preschool children’s oral health-related quality of life following restorative dental general anaesthesia
(2020) Alantali, Kholoud; Al Halabi, Manal; Hussein, Iyad; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Kowash, Mawlood
Background: Early childhood caries is the most common childhood disease in preschool children which often requires dental treatment under restorative dental general anaesthesia (RDGA). Aim: To assess the efect of RDGA on preschool children and their families’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: A cross-sectional study using a RDGA pre- and post-operative survey to evaluate changes in OHRQoL. Parents completed the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) survey before and after their children underwent specialist paediatric RDGA in the United Arab Emirates from 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018. The ECOHIS and its efect size (ES) served to evaluate children’s OHRQoL status and changes, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean number of decayed, missing and flled teeth (DMFT) of the children (N = 173, mean age 4.6 years) before the treatment was very high (13.8 ± 3.07). Children’s pain and eating problems, and parents feeling upset and guilty, were the most frequently reported impacts at baseline. The ECOHIS scores decreased signifcantly (p <0.001) after RDGA, revealing a large ES for the child (2.19) and family (2.79) sections of the ECOHIS. Conclusions: Preschool children’s RDGA resulted in signifcant improvement in all child and family physical, psychological and social aspects of OHRQoL.
Children’s dental anxiety (self and proxy reported) and its association with dental behaviour in a postgraduate dental hospital
(2020) AlGharebi, S.; Al Halabi, Manal; Mawlood, K.; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Hussein, Iyad
Purpose: Child dental anxiety (CDA) and uncooperative dental behaviour are common. We aimed to assess the prevalence of CDA (self- and proxy- reported) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) children related to their dental behaviour. Methods: Data were collected from 312 questionnaires obtained from 156 parent/child (mean age 9.95±2.17 years) pairs attending a postgraduate dental hospital. Demographics, self/proxy- reported CDA scores via a six-question, fve-point Likert scale, of the Modifed CDA Scale-faces version (MCDAS-f: where≥19 was severe CDA) and Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS) scores were compared and analysed. Chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation, Kappa- coefcient, one-way ANOVA and independent t test statistical analysis were used (p<0.05). Results: The prevalence of self and proxy severe CDA was 22.4% (n=35) and 33.3% (n=52) respectively, with 9% (n=14) being dentally- uncooperative. In both groups, extractions caused the highest CDA followed by injections and fllings (p<0.001). The mean scores for self-reported/proxy-reported CDA were 15.02 (±4.90)/15.70 (±6.07) respectively. There was a positive linear correlation between self- and proxy- reported CDA scores and a negative linear correlation between self/proxy- reported CDA scores and the FBRS (p<0.001). Self/proxy concordance of severe anxiety/none-to-moderateanxiety was fair (68.6%, kappa=0.23, p=0.003). Both self/FBRS and proxy/FBRS concordance of severe anxiety/noneto-moderate- anxiety/behaviour was fair (78.8%, kappa=0.23, p=0.001) and (71.8%, kappa=0.22, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of the present study in a UAE child population sample, the prevalence of CDA from extractions, injections and fllings was 22.4% (self- reported) and 33% (proxy reported). There was fair agreement between child- self and parent- proxy- reported CDA. Increased CDA led to uncooperative dental behaviour.
Clinical and laboratory findings of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2021) Hassan Khamis, Amar; Azar, Aida J
Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review all COVID-19 publications to summarize the clinical features, assess comorbidities, prevalence, and disease outcomes. Methods: Included were all COVID-19 published studies between January 1 to July 20, 2020. The random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot for the standard error by logit event. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46.8 years (95% CI, 41.0e52.6) and males comprised 54.0% (95% CI, 51.3e56.7). Total co-morbidities prevalence was 29.5% (95% CI, 19.0e36.6), with diabetes mellitus being the most prevalent 13.8% (95% CI, 8.7e21.1), followed by hypertension 11.7% (95% CI, 5.7e22.6), and cardiovascular disease 9.7% (95% CI, 6.5e14.2). The most common clinical manifestations were fever, 82.0% (95% CI, 67.7e90.8), cough 54.3% (95% CI, 45.5e62.9), fatigue 30.2% (95% CI, 23.3e38.1), sputum 28.5% (95% CI, 21.2e37.2), sore throat 21.7% (95% CI, 14.6e31.0), and headache 11.0% (95% CI, 7.9e15.2). The most common COVID19 serious complications were RNA Anemia 98.2% (95% CI, 96.2e99.2), hospitalization 83.7% (95% CI, 76.0e89.3), bilateral pneumonia 70.9% (95% CI, 58.2e81.0); of those hospitalized 43.5% (95% CI, 24.9e64.2) were discharged. Fatality accounted for 10.5% (95% CI 6.8e16.1). Conclusion: Patients infected with COVID-19 coronavirus showed a wide range of clinical presentation with non-specific symptoms.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Diabetes Admitted for COVID-19 Treatment in Dubai: Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study
(2020) Hassan Khamis, Amar; Matfin, Glenn
Background: Recent studies have shown that diabetes is a major risk factor that contributes to the severity of COVID-19 and resulting mortality. Poor glycemic control is also associated with poor patient outcomes (eg, hospitalization and death). Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with diabetes who were admitted to our hospital for COVID-19 treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study comprised patients with diabetes admitted with COVID-19 to Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from March 30 to June 7, 2020. We studied the differences among characteristics, length of hospital stay, diabetes status, comorbidities, treatments, and outcomes among these patients. Results: Of the cohort patients, 25.1% (103/410) had coexistent diabetes or prediabetes. These patients represented 17 different ethnicities, with 59.2% (61/103) from Asian countries and 35% (36/103) from Arab countries. Mean patient age was 54 (SD 12.5) years, and 66.9% (69/103) of patients were male. Moreover, 85.4% (88/103) of patients were known to have diabetes prior to admission, and 14.6% (15/103) were newly diagnosed with either diabetes or prediabetes at admission. Most cohort patients had type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, and only 2.9% (3/103) of all patients had type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, 44.6% (46/103) of patients demonstrated evidence suggesting good glycemic control during the 4-12 weeks prior to admission, as defined arbitrarily by admission hemoglobin A1 level <7.5%, and 73.8% (76/103) of patients had other comorbidities, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and dyslipidemia. Laboratory data (mean and SD values) at admission for patients who needed ward-based care versus those who needed intensive care were as follows: fibrinogen, 462.8 (SD 125.1) mg/dL vs 660.0 (SD 187.6) mg/dL; Ddimer, 0.7 (SD 0.5) μg/mL vs 2.3 (SD 3.5) μg/mL; ferritin, 358.0 (SD 442.0) mg/dL vs 1762.4 (SD 2586.4) mg/dL; and C reactive protein, 33.9 (SD 38.6) mg/L vs 137.0 (SD 111.7) mg/L. Laboratory data were all significantly higher for patients in the intensive care unit subcohort (P<.05). The average length of hospital stay was 14.55 days for all patients, with 28.2% (29/103) of patients requiring intensive care. In all, 4.9% (5/103) died during hospitalization—all of whom were in the intensive care unit. Conclusions: Majority of patients with diabetes or prediabetes and COVID-19 had other notable comorbidities. Only 4 patients tested negative for COVID-19 RT-PCR but showed pathognomonic changes of COVID-19 radiologically. Laboratory analyses revealed distinct abnormal patterns of biomarkers that were associated with a poor prognosis: fibrinogen, D dimer, ferritin, and C-reactive protein levels were all significantly higher at admission in patients who subsequently needed intensive care than in those who needed ward-based care. More studies with larger sample sizes are needed to compare data of COVID-19 patients admitted with and without diabetes within the UAE region.
Clinical Characteristics of Children with COVID-19 in the United Arab Emirates: Cross-sectional Multicenter Study
(2021) Ennab, Farah; ElSaban, Mariam; Khalaf, Eman; Tabatabaei, Hanieh; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Saravanan, Ketharanathan; Cremonesini, David; Popatia, Rizwana; Malik, Zainab; Ho, Samuel B; Abusamra, Rania
Background: COVID-19 has infected over 123 million people globally. The first confirmed case in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was reported on January 29, 2020. According to studies conducted in the early epicenters of the pandemic, COVID-19 has fared mildly in the pediatric population. To date, there is a lack of published data about COVID-19 infection among children in the Arabian region. Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of children with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional, multicenter study included children with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to 3 large hospitals in Dubai, UAE, between March 1 and June 15, 2020. Serial COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing data were collected, and patients’ demographics, premorbid clinical characteristics, and inpatient hospital courses were examined. Results: In all, 111 children were included in our study and represented 22 nationalities. Of these, 59 (53.2%) were boys. The mean age of the participants was 7 (SD 5.3) years. About 15.3% of children were younger than 1 year. Only 4 (3.6%) of them had pre-existing asthma, all of whom had uneventful courses. At presentation, of the 111 children, 43 (38.7%) were asymptomatic, 68 (61.2%) had mild or moderate symptoms, and none (0%) had severe illness requiring intensive care. Fever (23/111, 20.7%), cough (22/111, 19.8%), and rhinorrhea (17/111, 15.3%) were the most common presenting symptoms, and most reported symptoms resolved by day 5 of hospitalization. Most patients had no abnormality on chest x-ray. The most common laboratory abnormalities on admission included variations in neutrophil count (22/111, 24.7%), aspartate transaminase (18/111, 22.5%), alkaline phosphatase (29/111, 36.7%), and lactate dehydrogenase (31/111, 42.5%). Children were infrequently prescribed targeted medications, with only 4 (3.6%) receiving antibiotics. None of the 52 patients tested for viral coinfections were positive. COVID-19 PCR testing turned negative at a median of 10 days (IQR: 6-14) after the first positive test. Overall, there was no significant difference of time to negative PCR results between symptomatic and asymptomatic children. Conclusions: This study of COVID-19 presentations and characteristics presents a first look into the burden of COVID-19 infection in the pediatric population in the UAE. We conclude that a large percentage of children experienced no symptoms and that severe COVID-19 disease is uncommon in the UAE. Various laboratory abnormalities were observed despite clinical stability. Ongoing surveillance, contact tracing, and public health measures will be important to contain future outbreaks.
Clinical characteristics, management, maternal and neonatal outcome among seven severe and critically ill pregnant women with COVID-19 pneumonia
(2020) Hassan Khamis, Amar
Abstract: Pneumonia is a serious disease in pregnancy and requires prompt attention. Viral pneumonia has higher morbidity and mortality compared to bacterial pneumonia in pregnancy. All efforts are well exerted to understand the newly emerged disease features but still some areas are gray. The treatment is primarily supportive with antivirals, steroids, anticoagulation and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection. Severe cases require intensive care monitoring with oxygen support, mechanical ventilation. Investigational therapies include convalescent plasma, cytokine release inhibitors and other immunomodulatory agents like interferons. The mortality appears driven by the presence of severe Adult Respiratory Syndrome (ARDS) and organs failure. COVID pandemic is a challenging and stressful socio-economic situation with widespread fear of infection, disease and death. In the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, studies are being conducted to ascertain the manifestation of disease in pregnant women and the fetal outcome. The aim of our case series is to describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiological findings, feto- maternal outcome of severe and critical COVID pneumonia in pregnant women in Latifa Hospital.
Contemporary dental caries management concepts in paediatric dentistry: A survey of awareness and practice of a group of gulf cooperation council dentists.
(2017-03-08) Hussein, Iyad; El-Halabi, Manal; Kowash, Mawlood B.; Hassan Khamis, Amar
Introduction: Debatable clinically relevant child dental caries management concepts exist; restoring a carious primary molar (RCM), the choice of pulpotomy medicament (PM), the “Hall Technique” (HT), and sealing of dental caries (SDC). Our aim was to assess the knowledge and practice of dentists treating children in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region of the aforementioned contemporary concepts. Methodology: Paediatric Dentists (PDs) and General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) who treated children completed a questionnaire (N=150) covering: RCM choices; choice of PM; knowledge and practice of HT and acceptance of SDC in primary and permanent teeth. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-Square test (p<0.05). Results: For RCM: 76% of those surveyed would remove non-pulpal caries in an asymptomatic lower D and restore with composite (33%), glass ionomer or conventional stainless steel crown (SSC) (17.4%), amalgam (7.4%) and zirconia (0.7%). The remaining 24% would seal caries (HT SSC). For PM: 40.7% chose Ferric Sulphate, followed by Formocresol (36.7%), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (14%) and Calcium hydroxide (8.7%); For HT: 60.6% had knowledge of HT but 81.5% never used it. For SDC: sealing caries in primary & permanent teeth was rejected by 56.6% & 53.1% respectively. GDPs and PDs choices differed significantly with RCM, HT (knowledge and practice) (p=0.007, 0.003 and 0.003 respectively). Conclusion: Overall the surveyed dentists practicing in the GCC disagreed on RCM, PM with reluctance to accept new concepts like the HT and SDC. PDs choices of RCM differed from GDPs, and their awareness of HT and practice of HT were more favourable.
Convergence angles of all-ceramic full crown preparations performed in Dubai private practice
(2018-12-01) Abdulla, Fahad; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Milosevic, Alexander; Abuzayda, Moosa
Background: This study aimed to determine the degree of taper and total occlusal convergence angles (TOC) for all-ceramic bonded crown preparations carried out by private practitioners in Dubai, UAE. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of all-ceramic crown preparations carried out by private dental practitioners were scanned (Carestream CS 3500) from casts and the digital images assessed. The degree of taper was measured on the axial walls of each crown preparation and the bucco-lingual and mesio-distal convergence angles subsequently calculated. Results: A total of 154 dentists prepared a total of 206 crown preparations (72 anterior, 134 posterior). The mean convergence angles mesio-distally for all preparations was 24.6° (sd 11.8º), and for the bucco-lingual it was 32.6° (sd 15.3°). The mean TOC was 28.6°. In anterior preparations, the mean bucco-lingual convergence angle was 38.8° (sd 12.2°) compared to 29.3° (sd 15.5°) for posterior preparations (p<0.001). Mean mesio-distal convergence anteriorly was 20.6° (sd 10.18°) compared to 26.7° (sd 12.16°) posteriorly (p<0.001). Distal and buccal taper were significantly greater on posterior teeth (<0.001) compared to anteriors whereas lingual taper was greater on anterior teeth (p<0.001). Mesial taper was not different. Premolars had significantly lower convergence values compared to other teeth. Conclusions: Bucco-lingual and mesio-distal convergence angles significantly exceeded the clinically acceptable convergence angle of between 10° and 22°. Greater axial taper is recommended for resin bonded all-ceramic crowns but reliance on adhesion in such preparations rather than parallelism may reduce retention and have increased biologic cost to pulp health.
Correction to: Children’s dental anxiety (self and proxy reported) and its association with dental behaviour in a postgraduate dental hospital
(2020) Algharebi, Safeya; Al Halabi, Manal; Kowash, Mawlood B.; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Hussein, Iyad
Correction to: European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry: https ://doi.org/10.1007/s4036 8-020-00517 -x In the original publication of the article the third author’s name “M. Kowash” was submitted as “K. Mawlood” which was left unnoticed in the later stages. The correct name is as published in this erratum and the original article has been corrected. Correction to: https://repository.mbru.ac.ae/handle/1/636
COVID-19 and healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2021) Gholami, Mandana; Fawad, Iman; Shadan, Sidra; Rowaiee, Rashed; Ghanem, HedaietAllah; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Ho, Samuel B
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on the challenges and risks faced by frontline healthcare workers (HCW). This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes and risk factors for SARSCoV-2 infection in HCW. Methods: Three databases were surveyed and 328 articles were identified. Of these, 225 articles did not meet inclusion criteria; therefore, 97 full-text article were reviewed. Finally, after further revision, 30 articles were included in the systematic review and 28 were used for meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-eight studies were identified involving 119,883 patients. The mean age of the patients was 38.37 years (95% CI 36.72–40.03) and males comprised 21.4% (95% CI 12.4–34.2) of the population of HCW. The percentage of HCW who tested positive for COVID-19 was 51.7% (95% CI 34.7–68.2). The total prevalence of comorbidities in seven studies was 18.4% (95% CI 15.5–21.7). The most prevalent symptoms were fever 27.5% (95% CI 17.6–40.3) and cough 26.1% (95% CI 18.1–36). The prevalence of hospitalisation was 15.1% (95% CI 5.6–35) in 13 studies and of death was 1.5% (95% CI 0.5–3.9) in 12 studies. Comparisons of HCW with and without infection showed an increased relative risk for COVID-19 related to personal protective equipment, workplace setting, profession, exposure, contacts, and testing. Conclusion: Asignificantnumber of HCWwere reported to be infected with COVID-19 during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a prevalence of hospitalisation of 15.1% and mortality of 1.5%. Further data are needed to track the continued risks in HCW as the pandemic evolves and health systems adapt.
Covid-19 infection in pregnant women in Dubai: a case-control study
(2021) Hassan Khamis, Amar; Bayoumi, Riad
Background: Whilst the impact of Covid-19 infection in pregnant women has been examined, there is a scarcity of data on pregnant women in the Middle East. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of Covid-19 infection on pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates population. Methods: A case-control study was carried out to compare the clinical course and outcome of pregnancy in 79 pregnant women with Covid-19 and 85 non-pregnant women with Covid-19 admitted to Latifa Hospital in Dubai between March and June 2020. Results: Although Pregnant women presented with fewer symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and shortness of breath compared to non-pregnant women; yet they ran a much more severe course of illness. On admission, 12/79 (15.2%) Vs 2/85 (2.4%) had a chest radiograph score [on a scale 1-6] of ≥3 (p-value = 0.0039). On discharge, 6/79 (7.6%) Vs 1/85 (1.2%) had a score ≥3 (p-value = 0.0438). They also had much higher levels of laboratory indicators of severity with values above reference ranges for C-Reactive Protein [(28 (38.3%) Vs 13 (17.6%)] with p < 0.004; and for D-dimer [32 (50.8%) Vs 3(6%)]; with p < 0.001. They required more ICU admissions: 10/79 (12.6%) Vs 1/85 (1.2%) with p=0.0036; and sufered more complications: 9/79 (11.4%) Vs 1/85 (1.2%) with p=0.0066; of Covid-19 infection, particularly in late pregnancy. Conclusions: Pregnant women presented with fewer Covid-19 symptoms but ran a much more severe course of illness compared to non-pregnant women with the disease. They had worse chest radiograph scores and much higher levels of laboratory indicators of disease severity. They had more ICU admissions and sufered more complications of Covid-19 infection, such as risk for miscarriage and preterm deliveries. Pregnancy with Covid-19 infection, could, therefore, be categorised as high-risk pregnancy and requires management by an obstetric and medical multidisciplinary team.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Health and Care Workers: Findings From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020–2021)
(2023) Gholami, Mandana; Fawad, Iman; Shadan, Sidra; Rowaiee, Rashed; Ghanem, HedaietAllah; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Ho, Samuel B
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted health and care workers (HCW) globally, whom are considered at greater risk of infection and death. This study aims to document emerging evidence on disease prevalence, clinical outcomes, and vaccination rates of HCWs. Methods: Three databases were surveyed resulting on 108 final articles between July–December 2020 (period 1) and January–June 2021 (period 2). Results: Amongst the overall 980,000 HCWs identified, in period 1, the estimates were 6.1% (95% CI, 4.1–8.8) for the PCR positivity rate. Regarding outcomes, the hospitalization prevalence was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.7–3.9), and mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1–0.8). In period 2, the PCR positivity rate was 8.1% (95% CI, 4.6–13.8). Analysis of outcomes revealed a hospitalization rate of 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.8), and average mortality rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.9). Our analysis indicated a HCW vaccination rate of 59.0% (95% CI, 39.4–76.1). Conclusion: Studies from the latter half of 2020 to the first half of 2021 showed a slight increasing trend in PCR positivity among HCW, along with improved clinical outcomes in the 1-year period of exposure. These results correlate well with the improving uptake of COVID-19 vaccination globally.
COVID‐19 under 19: A meta‐analysis
(2021) Toba, Nagham; Gupta, Shreya; Ali, Abdulrahman; ElSaban, Mariam; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Ho, Samuel B; Popatia, Rizwana
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues to cause global havoc posing uncertainty to educational institutions worldwide. Understanding the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in children is important because of the potential impact on clinical management and public health decisions. Methods: A meta‐analysis was conducted for pediatric COVID‐19 studies using PubMed and Scopus. It reviewed demographics, co‐morbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations, treatment, and outcomes. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was utilized. Results: Out of 3927 articles, 31 articles comprising of 1816 patients were selected from December 2019 to early October 2020 and were defined by 77 variables. Of these studies 58% originated from China and the remainder from North America, Europe and the Middle East. This meta‐analysis revealed that 19.2% (CI 13.6%–26.4%) of patients were asymptomatic. Fever (57%, CI 49.7%–64%) and cough (44.1%, CI 38.3%–50.2%) were the most common symptoms. The most frequently encountered white blood count abnormalities were lymphopenia 13.5% (CI 8.2%–21.4%) and leukopenia 12.6% (CI 8.5%–18.3%). Ground glass opacities were the most common radiological finding of children with COVID‐19 (35.5%, CI 28.9%–42.7%). Hospitalization rate was 96.3% (CI 92.4%–98.2%) of which 10.8% (CI 4.2%–25.3%) were ICU admissions, and 2.4% (CI 1.7%–3.4%) died. Conclusion: The majority of pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were asymptomatic or had mild manifestations. Among hospitalized patients there remains a significant number that require intensive care unit care. Overall across the literature, a considerable level of understanding of COVID‐19 in children was reached, yet emerging data related to multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children should be explored.
Dentists knowledge of the guidelines of traumatic dental injuries in the United Arab Emirates
(2018-12) El-Halabi, Manal; Hussein, Iyad; Hassan Khamis, Amar; Kowash, Mawlood B.
Aim: This study aimed to assess general dental practitioners’ (GDPs) knowledge within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), and to compare their level of knowledge with that of paediatric dentists (PDs). Methods: Dentists were asked to complete a two-part questionnaire (seven questions covering demographic data and 13 questions about trauma cases scenarios) in electronic and paper format. A total of 296 returned questionnaires were analysed to identify GDPs’ knowledge in managing TDIs, and to compare the score of GDPs’ knowledge with that of PDs’. Results: Out of a total score of 13, the mean knowledge score (MKnS) for GDPs was 4.87±1.82 (only 37.5% of the 13 questions were answered correctly) while the MKnS of paediatric dentists was 5.56±1.47 (with 42.8% correct answers); both scores indicated poor knowledge and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.005). Conclusions: There was poor knowledge of TDIs among the surveyed UAE GDPs as well as the PDs, although PDs scored higher, indicating the need for further training.
Dentists knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior toward the COVID-19 pandemic : A multisite survey of dentists perspectives
(2021) Hassan Khamis, Amar; Baqain, Zaid
Background: COVID-19 continues to affect the dental community worldwide. The authors conducted a cross-sectional electronic study using a multisite survey to examine dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior toward COVID-19 and the affect on their livelihood. Methods: A questionnaire was circulated via e-mail and social media platforms to dentists in North America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific regions. It covered demographic characteristics and questions about the COVID-19 outbreak related to dentists’ levels of comfort for preventive and safety measures, provision of treatment, affect on work, and financial implications. Responses were tabulated and analyzed by means of c 2 or Fisher exact test. MannWhitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare means. P < .05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 1,251 dentists responded. General dentists represented 63.9% of the respondents and 62.5% worked in private practice. The global score for level of comfort with the preventive measures and provisions of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic was low (14 of 30), and differences between regions were significant (P < .01); dentists working in private practice and general dental practitioners were less comfortable (P < .01). Conclusions and Practical Implications: The respondents reported a lack of preparedness to confront a highly infectious respiratory disease. A new level of protective armamentarium in the dental operatory and updated operational guidance and policies are required, necessitating educators and regulators to ensure the delivery of knowledge and skills to oral health care providers. Dentists need to address the sustainability of their practices and have a robust business plan.