The published literature that investigates the clinical impact of Ramadan is quite rare.

The objective of our study is to examine the impact of Ramadan fasting on the number of ED admissions and on the frequency and severity of specific diseases. We will be comparing and analyzing the data collected during the month of Ramadan with that from other non-fasting months.

The findings of our study would clarify the trends of ED visits that are expected during Ramadan with regards to disease types, frequency and severity. This can help EDs mitigate possible surges in types of ED visits related specifically to Fasting. 

All adult patients presenting to the AUBMC ED from 2009-2011 for a period of 3 months each year, the month of Ramadan and the months preceding and following it. We will not recruit participants for this study; secondary data will be collected from the Electronic Health Records of the Emergency Department. We are interested in investigating the trends of ED visits with regards to specific types of diseases: acute coronary disease, stroke, seizure, diabetes including hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, renal colic, headache and hypertension.

The study design is a retrospective chart review of adult patients presenting to the AUBMC ED from 2009-2011 for a period of 3 months each year, the month of Ramadan and the months preceding and following it. We will not recruit participants for this study; secondary data will be collected from the Electronic Health Records of the Emergency Department.