Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Post-Mortem Investigation Of Deaths Due To Pneumonia In Children Aged 1–59 Months In Sub-Saharan Africa And South Asia From 2016 To 2022: An Observational Study, Sana Mahtab, Dianna Blau, Zachary Madewell, Ikechukwu Ogbuanu, Julius Ojulong, Sandra Lako, Hailemariam Legesse, Joseph Bangura, Quique Bassat, R Gunturu

Pathology, East Africa

Background: The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network programme undertakes post-mortem minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), together with collection of ante-mortem clinical information, to investigate causes of childhood deaths across multiple countries. We aimed to evaluate the overall contribution of pneumonia in the causal pathway to death and the causative pathogens of fatal pneumonia in children aged 1–59 months enrolled in the CHAMPS Network.

Methods: In this observational study we analysed deaths occurring between Dec 16, 2016, and Dec 31, 2022, in the CHAMPS Network across six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and …

Association Of Maternal Prenatal Copper Concentration With Gestational Duration And Preterm Birth: A Multicountry Meta-Analysis Author Links Open Overlay Panel., Nagendra Monangi, Huan Xu, Yue-Mei Fan, Rasheeda Khanam, Waqasuddin Khan, Saikat Deb, Jesmin Pervin, Joan Price, Lovejeet Kaur, R. Ochieng

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Copper (Cu), an essential trace mineral regulating multiple actions of inflammation and oxidative stress, has been implicated in risk for preterm birth (PTB).

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association of maternal Cu concentration during pregnancy with PTB risk and gestational duration in a large multicohort study including diverse populations.

Methods: Maternal plasma or serum samples of 10,449 singleton live births were obtained from 18 geographically diverse study cohorts. Maternal Cu concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The associations of maternal Cu with PTB and gestational duration were analyzed using …

Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires In Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Necessity Or Force Of Habit?, Mian Mustafa Kamal, Abdul Ahad Sohail, Majid Osman, Shiraz Hashmi, Muhammad Mehdi, Asma Altaf Hussain Merchant, Hasanat Sharif

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Objective: To determine the frequency of Temporary epicardial pacing wires usage and its predictors in the immediate postoperative period in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Methods: The longitudinal study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September 2019 to August 2020, and comprised adult patients of either gender who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Demographic, peri-operative and post-operative Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires use data was extracted from patient's files and the institutional electronic database. Logistic regression models were built to explore predictors of Temporary epicardial pacing wires usage. Data …

Barriers In Surgical Research: A Perspective From The Developing World, Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui, Muhammad Aanish Raees, Rehan Nasir Khan, Farhan Zafar

Department of Surgery

Research in surgery has led to significant advances over the last century in terms of how medicine is practised in and outside the operating rooms today. Surgical research in the developed countries is responsible for most of this advancement, but it is often inapplicable in resource-limited settings in the developing world. Lower- and middle-income countries are in a unique position to take this work further, but they are limited by certain barriers. These barriers could broadly be classified under social and cultural, infrastructure, financial, ethical, and personal categories. These barriers are often not fully realised, but can potentially be addressed …

Surgical Research: Exploring Our History - Navigating The Future, Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Ather Enam

Department of Surgery

No abstract provided.

The Environment Under The Knife: A Review Of Current Eco-Surgical Strategies And Recommendations For Pakistan, Russell Seth Martins, Edward Anthony Joseph, Javeria Tariq, Namrah Aziz, Saulat H. Fatimi

Medical College Documents

The healthcare sector at its core is based on the fundamentals belief to do no harm and bring about betterment in the lives of the people. Paradoxically, hospitals are one of the leading contributors to pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and toxic waste material worldwide. Surgical care delivery is quite resource intensive, consuming significant amount of energy and equipment as well as producing large quantities of waste. With climate change being a global priority, it is crucial that hospitals re-evaluate the environmental impact of such practices. The current review was planned to identify areas of improvement in surgical care in …

Intraoperative Post Partum Hemorrhage In A Patient With Dengue Fever, Usama Ahmed, Asiyah Aman

Department of Anaesthesia

A 33 year old obstetric patient with mild fever of undiagnosed etiology underwent emergency caesarean section under general anesthesia. She had platelet count of 98,000 per microliter and increased APTT of 37.8 s at the time of surgery. After uneventful anesthetic induction and delivery of fetus, slow and oozing type of bleeding led to massive hemorrhage. Patient remained vitally stable throughout perioperative phase and was extubated. Next day, patient's dengue IgM antibody was reported positive. Neonate was well and his dengue test was negative. Pregnant women are at high risk of developing severe complications of dengue fever with unclear mechanisms …

Stereotactic Radiosurgery For Pituitary Adenomas: A Review Of Literature, Kaynat Siddiqui, Saqib Kamran Bakhshi, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a choice of treatment for pituitary adenomas (PA), particularly for residual or recurrent disease, apart from surgery. It has a progression free survival and endocrine remission rate comparable to surgery, with fewer side effects, making it an ideal tool for dealing with PA. In this review, we have discussed the role of SRS for primary as well as post-operative residual/ recurrent PA, and have assessed its safety and outcomes.

Challenges During Colonoscopy In Women With A Prior Hysterectomy, Lubna Kamani, Nazish Butt, Hanisha Khemani

Section of Gastroenterology

No abstract provided.

State Transition Modeling Of Complex Monitored Health Data, Jörn Schulz, Jan Terje Kvaløy, Kjersti Engan, Trygve Eftestol, Samwel Jatosh, Hussein Kidanto, Hege Ersdal

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

This article considers the analysis of complex monitored health data, where often one or several signals are reflecting the current health status that can be represented by a finite number of states, in addition to a set of covariates. In particular, we consider a novel application of a non-parametric state intensity regression method in order to study time-dependent effects of covariates on the state transition intensities. The method can handle baseline, time varying as well as dynamic covariates. Because of the non-parametric nature, the method can handle different data types and challenges under minimal assumptions. If the signal that is …

Urinary Retention In Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison Between Continuous Epidural Analgesia And Single-Shot Femoral Nerve Block, Ausaf Ahmed Khan, Robyna Irshad Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To compare the frequency of urinary retention and requirement of bladder catheterization in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty while receiving either continuous epidural analgesia or single-shot femoral nerve block.
Study design: Randomized controlled study.
Place and duration of study: Operating Rooms of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2014 to January 2015.
Methodology: Patients were randomized in two groups of 30 each, i.e. epidural group (group E) or femoral nerve block group (group F). Baseline parameters were recorded. Postoperatively, patients were followed for upto 24 hours to collect the data regarding urinary retention. Final outcome was taken at …

Anaesthetic Management Of Nesidioblastosis In Two Infants, Muhammad Saad Yousuf, Mohsin Nazir, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Nesidioblastosis is the most common cause of non-transient, recurrent and persistent hypoglycaemia in neonates and infants. It is a disorder of diffuse proliferation of beta cells of the pancreas leading to hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycaemia. The main aim is to prevent the severe episodes of hypoglycaemia which can cause damage to the brain and/or mental retardation. In this case report we present two cases of nesidioblastosis and their perioperative anaesthetic course for near-total pancreatectomy. First case was a 7 months old female who had repeated episodes of convulsions since birth. Second case was a 4-month-old female child who again presented with …

Response To Comment On Mohammad Hamid Et Al (J Pak Med Assoc 67: 1019; 2017) - Incidence And Pattern Of Thrombocytopenia In Cardiac Surgery Patients, Khalid Ahsan

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access: An Evolving Standard Of Care Clinical Practice, Which Is Extremely Under-Utilized In Pakistan, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Mohammad Hamid, Fauzia Minai

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Physical Manipulation Of Larynx As A Technique For Insertion Of Nasogastric Tube, Sheema Siraj, Mehmood Mian, Fauzia Anis Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Anaesthetic Management In A Child With Goldenhar Syndrome, Waqas Ahmed Khan, Bushra Salim, Ausaf Ahmed Khan, Shakaib Chughtai

Department of Anaesthesia

Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital disorder involving deformities of the face. It usually affects one side of the face only and poses significant challenges in the airway management. We herein, report an 8-year boy, known case of Goldenhar syndrome, who presented to our radiology suite for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan brain. The boy had various features of Goldenhar syndrome, e.g. cleft palate, absent right eye and ear, right mandibular hypoplasia, micrognathia, and preauricular tags. His developmental milestones were delayed. Airway evaluation showed Mallampati class II with limited movements of head and …

Another Approach For Prone Positioning Under General Anaesthesia, Dileep Kumar, Mohammad Hamid, Kelash Kumar

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Emerging Protagonists In Cancer Metastasis: An Oath Of Allegiance By Platelets, Akbar Shoukat Ali, Arzoo Ajaz, Heeba Hamid

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Perioperative Adverse Neurological Events Associated With Anesthetic Management At A Tertiary Care Center Of A Developing Country, Fauzia Anis Khan, Sobia Khan, Gauhar Afshan

Department of Anaesthesia

Background and Aims: Existing literature on neurological complications related to anesthesia is reported from affluent countries but the trends may vary in less affluent countries.MATERIAL AND Methods: The objective was to find the associated factors contributing to neurological adverse events occurring within 48 h of anesthesia and surgery. The existing departmental morbidity and mortality database was reviewed from 1992 to 2012 for major adverse neurological events. A standardized methodology was used in reviewing and classifying the data. All adverse events were predefined and categorized before filling the form into the following headers; meningitis, cord/plexus/peripheral nerve injury, stroke, paraparesis/paraplegia/quadriparesis/or quadriplegia, new …

Multi-Organ Dysfunction Secondary To Yellow Scorpion Sting, Muhammad Faisal Khan, Hameed Ullah

Department of Anaesthesia

Scorpion stings are common in tropical and subtropical regions. The history and clinical manifestation warrant urgent recognition and treatment. The incidence of scorpion stings in Pakistan is not known as there is no published data available in literature. We report our experience of a yellow scorpion sting victim who required intensive care admission after developing multi-organ dysfunction.

Awareness Regarding Application Of Endotracheal Tube (Ett) Cuff Pressure Measuring Gauge In Anesthesia Practice; Acritical Step To Avoid Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis In Critically Ill Patients On Prolonged Mechanical Ventilator, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Antimicrobial Resistance And Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Multiantigen Sequence Typing (Ng-Mast) Genotypes In N. Gonorrhoeae During 2012-2014 In Karachi, Pakistan, Kausar Jabeen, Bhawan Mal P, Khan E, Chandio S, Jacobsson S, Unemo M

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Background: Globally, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoea has led to decreased treatment options for gonorrhoea. Continuous monitoring of resistance is crucial to determine evolving resistance trends in Neisseria gonorrhoea and to suggest treatment recommendations. Quality assured gonococcal AMR data from Pakistan are mainly lacking. This study was performed to determine prevalence and trends of gonococcal AMR and molecular epidemiology of local strains during 2012-2014 in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: Gonococcal isolates (n = 100) were obtained from urogenital specimens submitted to the Aga Khan University Laboratory, Karachi, Pakistan. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using Etest and molecular epidemiology was …

Comparison Of Spinal Anesthesia Dosage Based On Height And Weight Versus Height Alone In Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section, Khalid Maudood Siddiqui, Muhammad Asghar Ali, Hameed Ullah

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine, typically used for elective and emergency cesarean section, is associated with a significant incidence of hypotension resulting from sympathetic blockade. A variety of dosing regimens have been used to administer spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of hypotension following two different fixed dosing regimens.Methods: This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial with a two-sided design, 5% significance level and 80% power. After approval of the hospital ethics review committee, 60 patients were divided randomly into two groups. In one group, the local anesthetic dose was adjusted …

Effects Of Bupivacaine Infiltration On Postoperative Tramadol Consumption In Elective Day Care Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair, Rehan Muhammad Qureshi, Fauzia Anis Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To determine the difference in analgesic requirement in terms of mean postoperative narcotic consumption and mean postoperative pain score in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair with or without bupivacaine infiltration as day-care patients.Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from June to December 2011, and comprised patients who were randomly divided into groups A and B. Tramadol 1.5 mgkg-1 was used as intraoperative analgesia. At the time of closure of surgical incision, 20ml of bupivacaine 0.25% plain was infiltrated in the subcutaneous tissue sub-facially and in the deeper layers along the incision …

Frequency, Indications And Complications Of Pulmonary Artery Catheter Insertion In Adult Open-Heart Surgery Patients Of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Syed Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Rehana Kamal

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Patients presenting for cardiac surgery have unstable cardiovascular disease and haemodynamics with multiple coexisting diseases. Optimal monitoring in the perioperative period is very important for best perioperative outcome. The introduction of the flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) into clinical practice is one of the most important and popular advances in the field of cardiac anaesthesia. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency, indications and complications of pulmonary artery catheter insertion in adult open-heart surgery patients.Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted at cardiac operating rooms and Cardiac Intensive care unit (CICU) of Aga Khan University Hospital …

Role Of Acute Pain Service In Optimizing Postoperative Pain Relief In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Aliya Ahmed, Muhammad Yasir

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess the frequency and types of adjustments that acute pain service makes to postoperative analgesic regimes to improve pain relief or treat side effects.Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. Data was collected from Acute Pain Service register four hours after the pain rounds by a Service member not involved in rounds. Data was collected on a standardised form and analysed using SPSS 19.Results: Of the 323 patients, 209(65%) were receiving epidural infusions and 114(35%) were receiving intravenous patient-controlled analgesia. Overall, 114(35%) required …

Track Extubation In Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Open Heart Surgical Patients In Pakistan, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar

Department of Anaesthesia

No abstract provided.

Anaesthetic Consideration In A Cannabis Addict, Karima Karam, Shemila Abbasi, Fauzia Anis Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

This case report describes the anaesthetic management of a patient addicted to Bhang(cannabis) for 20 years. Cannabis use has implication in the anaesthetic management of a patient because of its effects on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and central nervous system and its interaction with anaesthetic drugs.

The Effect Of A Preanaesthesia Clinic Consultation On Adult Patient Anxiety In Aga Khan University Hospital; A Cohort Study, Anthony Kamau

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common perioperative complication, according to studies done it is seen in approximately 11-80% of adults undergoing surgery. Various pharmacological and non pharmacological techniques have been used to reduce preop anxiety.

One of the goals of the preanaesthesia clinic is to allay anxiety. Literature shows that a preanaesthesia clinic evaluation reduces anxiety however b current studies done on anxiety and the preanaesthesia clinic have not quantified this reduction.

Objective: To determine the reduction in anxiety in patients evaluated in the clinic versus those evaluated in the ward.

Study Design: A cohort and before – after study …

A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Weight Adjusted Dose Versus Fixed Dose Prophylactic Phenylephrine Infusion On Maintaining Systolic Blood Pressure During Caeserean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia, Lucy Wambui Mwaura

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is the standard of care for elective caesarean delivery. Its advantages over general anaesthesia include: decreased blood loss, reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery time. Despite these advantages, the sympathetic blockade induced by spinal anaesthesia results in 80 percent incidence of hypotension without prophylactic management. This hypotension can cause: nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular collapse or even loss of consciousness in the mother, and fetal acidosis.

Current evidence supports co-loading with intravenous fluids in conjunction with the use of vasopressors as the most effective way to prevent and treat the hypotension. Phenylephrine is the accepted vasopressor of choice in …