Digital Commons Network^™

Outbreak Of Sars, Ambreen Shakil, Muhammad Imran Omar, Saba Sohail

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Morbidity Spectrum In The Veterans, Muhammad Imran Omar, Saba Sohail

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Aids, Orphans, And Development In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review Of The Dilemma Of Public Health And Development, Joe Lugalla

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

HIV/AIDS is having devastating consequences on families, young children, and other vulnerable social groups. In this paper, I review the impact of HIV/AIDS on families and development in sub-Saharan Africa. I begin by showing the magnitude of the problem and the factors that have led to rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in this sub-continent. I discuss gender inequality, poverty, social inequality, and globalization, and show how these facilitate the rapid spread of the epidemic. I show how AIDS is creating a mass of orphans on the one hand, and how it is impacting development and creating new public health contradictions on …

Age, Temperature, And Parasitaemia Predict Chloroquine Treatment Failure And Anaemia In Children With Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria, D.H. Hamer, W.B. Macleod, E. Addo-Yobo, C.P Duggan, B. Estrella, W.W. Fawzi, J.K. Konde-Lule, V. Mwanakasale, Zul Premji, F. Sempertegui, F.P. Ssengooba, K. Yeboah-Antwi, J.L. Simon

Pathology, East Africa

The prevalence of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America over the last 2 decades, and has been associated with increased anaemia-associated morbidity and higher mortality rates. Prospectively collected clinical and parasitological data from a multicentre study of 788 children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were analysed in order to identify risk factors for chloroquine treatment failure and to assess its impact on anaemia after therapy. The proportion of chloroquine treatment failures (combined early and late treatment failures) was higher in the central-eastern African countries (Tanzania, 53%; Uganda, 80%; …

Antipyretic, Parasitologic, And Immunologic Effects Of Combining Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine With Chloroquine Or Paracetamol For Treating Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria, E. Hugosson, D. Tarimo, M. Troye-Blomberg, S.M. Montgomery, Zul Premji, A. Bjorkman

Pathology, East Africa

Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) is increasingly used against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa because of chloroquine resistance. However, chloroquine may have a beneficial antipyretic effect. We therefore compared the combination of SP plus chloroquine, chloroquine alone, SP alone, and SP plus paracetamol in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 175 Tanzanian children (1-4 years old) in a randomized trial. Outcome variables were axillary temperatures every six hours, daily parasitemias, and serum levels of IgG antibodies to P. falciparum. Lower mean temperatures (6-48 hours) were achieved with SP plus chloroquine or paracetamol than with SP alone (P < 0.001) or chloroquine alone (P < 0.05). All three SP-treated groups showed high and similar parasite reduction (0-48 hours), whereas treatment with chloroquine alone was much less effective. Levels of IgG antibodies to P. falciparum increased significantly (P < 0.001) and similarly in the four treatment groups between days 0, 2. and 3. Thus, the addition of chloroquine or paracetamol to SP improved the clinical outcome, but did not affect the parasitologic response or antibody production.

A Comparison Of 'Cough And Cold' And Pneumonia: Risk Factors For Pneumonia In Children Under 5 Years Revisited, Zafar Fatmi, Franklin White

Community Health Sciences

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and measure the risk factors differentiating upper respiratory infection from pneumonia.Methods: The World Health Organization's acute respiratory infection case management criteria were used. We studied 259 cases of pneumonia (cases) and 187 cases of 'cough and cold' (controls) among children under 5 years of age at a large tertiary-care hospital in Gilgit, Pakistan. While previous studies used healthy controls, in this study we used controls who had mild infection ('cough and cold').Results: In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, lack of immunization (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.54, 95% CI 1.0, 2.3), previous history …

Capacity-Building For Health Research In Developing Countries: A Manager's Approach, Franklin White

Community Health Sciences

Research may be viewed as rigorous inquiry to advance knowledge and improve practices. An international commission has argued that strengthening research capacity is one of the most powerful, cost-effective, and sustainable means of advancing health and development. However, the global effort to promote research in developing countries has been mostly policy driven, and largely at the initiative of donor agencies based in developed countries. This policy approach, although essential, both contrasts with and is complementary to that of research managers, who must build capacity "from the ground up" in a variety of health service settings within countries and with differing …

Clinical Diagnosis Of Plasmodium Falciparum Among Children With History Of Fever, Sindh, Pakistan, Siroos Hozhabri, Stephen P. Luby, Mohammad H. Rahbar, Saeed Akhtar

Community Health Sciences

Objective: To identify clinical predictors for malaria and develop a clinical algorithm to more accurately identify malaria from non-malaria cases.Methods: Four hundred thirty eight children aged 6-120 months attending the rural health center between August 15 and October 5, 1997, in Jhangara town of district Dadu, Sindh were recruited. A standard questionnaire was used to record symptoms and duration of child's illness. Each child was physically examined, had their axillary temperature measured, and blood samples were collected from which Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films were prepared and examined for presence of Plasmodium parasites. The sensitivity and specificity of …

Nutrition Education In The Undergraduate Medical Curriculum At The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, S H. Badruddin, S N B Inam

Section of Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Obesity Pandemic--Implications For Pakistan, D J. Nanan

Community Health Sciences

Background: Adverse health outcomes are associated with overweight and obesity. In February 2000, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the International Association for the Study of Obesity and the International Obesity Task Force published provisional recommendations for adults for the Asia-Pacific region: overweight at Body Mass Index (BMI) > or = 23 and obesity at BMI > or = 25.Methods: Data from the National Health Survey of Pakistan, 1990-94 were reanalyzed using BMI cut-offs recommended for Asians to reassess prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adult Pakistani population.Results: Prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 25) in 25-44 year olds …

Aku Newsletter : June 2002, Volume 3, Issue 1, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Health Sector Reform In South Asia: New Challenges And Constraints, Anwar Islam, M Zaffar Tahir

Community Health Sciences

In early 1990s, Jamison, Mosley and others concluded that a profound demographic and consequent epidemiological transition is taking place in developing countries. According to this classical model, by the year 2015, infectious diseases will account for only about 20% of deaths in developing countries as chronic diseases become more pronounced. These impending demographic and epidemiological transitions were to dominate the health sector reform agenda in developing countries. Following an analysis of fertility, mortality and other demographic and epidemiological data from South Asian and other developing countries, the paper argues that the classical model is in need of re-evaluation. A number …

Predictors Of Mortality In Brain Abscess, H U. Qureshi, A A. Habib, A A. Siddiqui, T Mozaffar, A R. Sarwari

Section of Neurosurgery

Objective: Brain abscess carries significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to elucidate the clinical presentation of brain abscess and to assess predictors of mortality in these patients.
Methods: All patients with a brain abscess presenting to the Aga Khan University Hospital, a tertiary care referral center in Karachi, Pakistan, were studied retrospectively. Statistical analysis involved univariate analysis and a logistic regression model.
Results: Among the 66 patients analyzed, a distant metastatic focus of infection was the most commonly identified predisposing factor (29%). Otogenic infection was the commonest contiguous source and sinusitis was noticeably absent. Multiple abscesses were frequent (35%). …

Health Sector Reform In Pakistan: Why Is It Needed?, A Islam

Community Health Sciences

Objective: The health care system in Pakistan is beset with numerous problems--structural fragmentation, gender insensitivity, resource scarcity, inefficiency and lack of accessibility and utilization. Moreover, Pakistan is faced with a precarious economic situation, burdened by heavy external debt and faltering productivity and growing poverty. These circumstances, on the one hand, underscore the need for innovative health sector reform and, on the other, indicate the complexity of the task involved. The recently announced Devolution Plan of the Government of Pakistan (GOP) that seeks to introduce elected district level local bodies, offers an opportunity to assess the existing publicly funded health care …

The Utilization Of Services Of Health Care Providers Among Patients Presenting To Family Physicians At A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Iqbal Azam, S. S. Ali, S. Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the utilization of services of Health care providers among patients presenting to Family Physicians in a teaching hospital in Karachi.
Methodology: It was a cross sectional study. A questionnaire was developed to collect patient’s utilization of services of health care providers. The investigators administered the questionnaire to 387 patients, after purpose of the study was explained, written consent was taken and confidentiality was assured.
Results: The study population included more females than males, with average age of 32.6 years. The majority were married, well educated, in private and government service, were students or housewives. …

Effect Of Zinc On The Treatment Of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria In Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial, F. Sempertegui, B. Estrella, F.R. Toapanta, D.S. Torres, D.E. Calahorrano, K. Yeboah-Antwi, E. Addo-Yobo, P. Arthur, S. Newton, Zul Premji, M. Hubert, C.S. Makwaya, F. Ssengooba, J. Konde-Lule, E. Mukisa, D.H. Hamer, W. Macleod, C. Duggan, W. Fawzi, J. Simon, V. Mwanakasale, M. Mulenga, T. Sukwa, J. Tshiula

Pathology, East Africa

Background: Zinc supplementation in young children has been associated with reductions in the incidence and severity of diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and malaria.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the potential role of zinc as an adjunct in the treatment of acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria; a multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was undertaken.

Design: Children (n = 1087) aged 6 mo to 5 y were enrolled at sites in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Children with fever and ≥ 2000 asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum/μL in a thick blood smear received chloroquine and were randomly assigned to …

Lack Of Benefit Of Granulocyte Macrophage Or Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor In Patients With Febrile Neutropenia, T. Siddiqui, I. A. Burney, A. Salam, G. N. Kakepoto, Mohammad Khurshid, R. A. Smego

Section of Haematology/Oncology

Objectives: To compare the clinical benefits of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plus standard supportive care to supportive care alone among cancer patients with febrile neutropenia.
Methods: Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 148 consecutive cancer patients with neutropenia and fever. Patients had hematologic (i.e., acute leukemias or lymphoproliferative disorders) or non-hematologic malignancies (i.e., solid tumors including carcinoma of breast, lung, or colon). Clinical variables analyzed included: age and sex; underlying malignancies; chemotherapy regimens; symptoms at time of presentation; duration of fever prior to study enrollment; days from chemotherapy until administration of GM-CSF or …

Abscesses In The Liver: Amoebic Or Pyogenic?, Bushra Jamil, Saeed Hamid

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Bilateral Cervical Radiculopathy As A Presentation Of Spinal Tuberculosis: Report Of Two Cases, G R. Sharma, Rashid Jooma

Section of Neurosurgery

No abstract provided.

Cryptococcus--Diversity Of Clinical Presentation, S B. Memon, A M. Memon, S Faisal, N Kapadia, I N. Soomro

Section of Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

Aku Newsletter : July 2001, Volume 1, Issue 6, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Evaluation And Management Of Urinary Tract Infection In Children In General Practice, N S. Ali

Community Health Sciences

No abstract provided.

Aku Newsletter : April 2001, Volume 1, Issue 5, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Maternal Deaths In A Developing Country: A Study From The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan 1988-1999, R N. Qureshi, S Jaleel, R Hamid, S F. Lakha

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objective: The maternal deaths occurring over a twelve-year period (1988-1999) in a tertiary referral center were reviewed. The purpose of the study was to assess the causes of these maternal deaths.
Setting: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: The medical records of maternal deaths were reviewed. These were women who had either registered for delivery at the hospital; or were referred from another hospital or from home, when an emergency developed. They were either admitted to the Medicine, Surgery and the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments at the hospital.Results: A total of 81 maternal deaths were identified, of …

An Analysis Of Anemia And Child Mortality, B.J. Brabin, Zul Premji, F. Verhoeff

Pathology, East Africa

The relationship of anemia as a risk factor for child mortality was analyzed by using cross-sectional, longitudinal and case-control studies, and randomized trials. Five methods of estimation were adopted: 1) the proportion of child deaths attributable to anemia; 2) the proportion of anemic children who die in hospital studies; 3) the population-attributable risk of child mortality due to anemia; 4) survival analyses of mortality in anemic children; and 5) cause-specific anemia-related child mortality. Most of the data available were hospital based. For children aged 0-5 y the percentage of deaths due to anemia was comparable for reports from highly malarious …

Aga Khan University Progress Report 2000-2001, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Reports Archives

• Foreword
• Aga Khan University
• University Focus
• University in the Community
• Research and Development Highlights
• Seminar and Conference Highlights
• Major University Partners and Supporters
• New Facilities
• Financial Information
• University Overview
• University Governance and Board of Trustees

Female Genital Tuberculosis Revisted, R N. Qureshi, S Samad, R Hamid, S F. Lakha

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objective: To assess the clinical presentation of genital tuberculosis and to study various modes of diagnosis and treatment.SETTING: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi.
Method: A retrospective case review of all index female cases of genital tuberculosis, admitted to AKUH over twelve years of period.
Result: A total of 40 cases of genital tuberculosis were reported during this time period. Majority of cases were between 25-45 years. The commonest presenting symptoms were infertility (42.5%) and abdominal pain (42%). Others included fever, ascites, irregular vaginal bleeding, oligomenorrhea, chest pain and pain in the flanks. Main mode of treatment was antituberculous …

Patients' Perceptions Of Blood Transfusion Risks In Karachi, Pakistan, S P. Luby, Q Niaz, S Siddiqui, S A. Mujeeb, S Fisher-Hoch

Community Health Sciences

Objective: To evaluate the understanding of and attitudes toward risks of blood transfusions among transfusion recipients in Karachi.Methods: One hundred forty-one transfusion recipients from 13 major Karachi hospitals were interviewed. Indications for transfusion were obtained by reviewing the patients' medical records.Results: The most common indications for transfusion were surgical complications (n = 77, 55%), anemia (n = 34, 24%), and generalized weakness (n = 15, 11%). Most recipients (n = 103, 80%) had never heard of viral hepatitis, and 44 (31%) had never heard of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ninety-four recipients (66%) believed that generalized weakness was a valid indication …

Anatomical Variations Of Internal Jugular Vein As Seen By "Site Rite Ii" Ultrasound Machine--An Initial Experience In Pakistani Population, Hameedullah, M. A. Rauf, Fazal Hameed Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To determine the anatomical variations of the internal jugular vein (IJV) in Pakistani adult population with the help of Site Rite II ultrasound machine.
Material and Method: The right IJV relation to the carotid artery was visualized at four different landmarks (angle of the mandible, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, and the supraclavicular area). Size of IJV in comparison to carotid artery was also seen.
Results: In 49 cases the IJV was found in aberrant relation to carotid artery at the angle of the mandible (p value
Conclusion:Care should be taken while cannulating IJV at the angle of the …

A Low-Cost Intervention For Cleaner Drinking Water In Karachi, Pakistan, S Luby, M Agboatwalla, A Raza, J Sobel, E Mintz, K Baier, M Rahbar, S Qureshi, Rumina Hassan, F Ghouri

Community Health Sciences

Objective: To pilot test an inexpensive, home-based water decontamination and storage system in a low-income neighborhood of Karachi.Methods: Fifty households received a 20-L plastic water storage vessel with a high-quality spout and a regular supply of diluted hypochlorite solution. Twenty-five control households were recruited. Water samples were collected at baseline and during unannounced follow-up visits 1, 3, 6, and 10 weeks later.Results: Baseline drinking water samples among intervention households were contaminated with a mean 9397 colony-forming units (cfu)/100 mL of thermotolerant coliforms compared with a mean 10,990 cfu/100 mL from controls. After intervention the mean concentration of thermotolerant coliforms decreased …