Cultura

Awareness Of Pregnant Ladies About The Teratogenic Effects Of X-Ray Exposure: A Cross-Sectional Study In Makkah, Saudi Arabia

VOLUME 22, 2025

The Role of Targeted Infra-popliteal Endovascular Angioplasty to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using the Angiosome Model: A Systematic Review

VOLUME 6, 2023

Maha Fouad Messawa
Salma Yousef Omar
Reem Ahmed Babagi
Dalia Abdullah Qalai
Basim Mohammad Alradadi

Abstract

Diagnostic X-ray examinations during pregnancy may raise concerns about fetal teratogenicity, and misconceptions can lead to unnecessary anxiety or avoidance of clinically indicated imaging. This study assessed pregnant women’s awareness of the teratogenic effects of X-ray exposure, identified common information sources, and explored associated sociodemographic factors in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at Hera Hospital, enrolling pregnant women aged ≥18 years via convenience sampling. Data were collected anonymously using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic and knowledge/perceptions related to X-ray safety in pregnancy. Awareness was quantified using a 0–10 score derived from five true/false items, information sources, and self-rated knowledge, then categorized as low (<6), moderate (6–8), or high (>8). Descriptive analyses were performed, and chi-square testing assessed associations between awareness level and participant characteristics at p<0.05. The study included 206 pregnant women; most were aged ≥36 years (77.7%), had at least a bachelor’s degree (89.3%), were employed (66.5%), had household income >8000 SAR (74.3%), and were multiparous (73.3%). The mean awareness score was 6.77±1.73 (median 7; IQR 6–8), with 37.4% showing low awareness, 47.6% moderate awareness, and 15.0% high awareness. While many participants correctly rejected the statement that X-rays pose no fetal risk (84.5%) and recognized that high-dose exposure may cause genetic mutations (91.3%), a major gap was observed regarding shielding, as 55.3% believed lead aprons provide complete protection. Healthcare providers were the dominant information source (70.9%), followed by the internet (16.5%), and no significant associations were detected between awareness and age, education, marital status, occupation, income, or parity (all p>0.05). Overall, maternal awareness was generally moderate, but persistent misconceptions especially about radiation protection support the need for targeted, evidence-based antenatal counselling and consistent messaging.

Keywords : .
Erin Saricilar
Lecture in accounting. University of Basrah, College of Administration and Economics, Department of Accounting.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic disease significantly impacts patients with type 2 diabetes, who often present with recalcitrant peripheral ulcers. The angiosome model of the foot presents an opportunity to perform direct angiosome-targeted endovascular interventions to maximise both wound healing and limb salvage. A systematic review was performed, with 17 studies included in the final review. Below-the-knee endovascular interventions present significant technical challenges, with technical success depending on the length of lesion being treated and the number of angiosomes that require treatment. Wound healing was significantly improved with direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty, as was limb salvage, with a significant increase in survival without major amputation. Indirect angioplasty, where the intervention is applied to collateral vessels to the angiosomes, yielded similar results to direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty. Applying the angiosome model of the foot in direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty improves outcomes for patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers in terms of primary wound healing, mean time for complete wound healing and major amputation-free survival.
Keywords : Diabetic foot ulcer, angiosome, angioplasty