Clinical features of Sarcoidosis in Oman: A report from the Middle East region.
BACKGROUND
Though clinical features of sarcoidosis follow a similar pattern, some heterogeneity is seen in different ethnic and racial groups.


OBJECTIVES
To describe for the first time the clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis patients in the Sultanate of Oman.


METHODS
The data on all cases of sarcoidosis followed up in the two tertiary hospitals in Oman were retrieved retrospectively.


RESULTS
Of the 92 patients, for representing the ethnic data only Omani patients (n=83) were included. The mean age was 52.90±12.35 years. Majority were females (72.3%, n=60). Cough (n=44, 53.0%), dyspnea (n=39, 47%), arthralgia (n=26, 31.3%) and fatigue (30.1%) were the major symptoms. Arthralgia was reported by 41.7% of the females and 4.3% of the males (p= 0.001). Uveitis was present in 16 (19.3%), erythema nodosum in 8 (9.6%) and hypercalcemia in 13 (15.7%). The radiological stage at presentation was stage 0, 18.7%; I, 28%; II, 17.3%; III, 24% and IV, 12%. Majority (61.4%) of the patients had tissue diagnosis; intra-thoracic site 70.6%. Pulmonary function showed abnormal diffusion in 75%. Sixty eight received treatment, 81.9% took prednisolone. Based on radiograph good outcome (Resolving) was noted in 20.9%, intermediate (Stable) in 73.1% and poor (Progressive) in 6%. Lung function wise, resolving, stable and progressive disease was seen in 31.4%, 40.0% and 28.6% respectively.


CONCLUSION
The clinical picture of the patients with sarcoidosis from Oman was similar to that reported from the rest of the world. Region wise, our patients were older and arthralgia and hypercalcemia were more common. The management of sarcoidosis needs a more organized approach in the country with clear guidelines on monitoring and treatment.
['Jayakrishnan|B|B|', 'Al-Busaidi|Nasser|N|', 'Al-Lawati|Ahsan|A|', 'George|Jojy|J|', 'Al-Rawas|Omar A|OA|', 'Al-Mahrouqi|Yaqoub|Y|', 'Al-Lawati|Nabil|N|']
D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal D018912:Arabs D018771:Arthralgia D005260:Female D005938:Glucocorticoids D006801:Humans D006934:Hypercalcemia D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents D008168:Lung D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009850:Oman D011237:Predictive Value of Tests D011239:Prednisolone D020127:Recovery of Function D012129:Respiratory Function Tests D012189:Retrospective Studies D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary D013997:Time Factors D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed D016896:Treatment Outcome
Sarcoidosis, Oman, Arabs, Middle East