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Male Gender Preference, Female Gender Disadvantage As Risk Factors For Psychological Morbidity In Pakistani Women Of Childbearing Age - A Life Course Perspective, Farah Qadir, Murad M. Khan Dr., Girmay Medhin, Martin Prince

Department of Psychiatry

Background: In Pakistan, preference for boys over girls is deeply culturally embedded. From birth, many women experience gendered disadvantages, less access to scarce resources, poorer health care, higher child mortality, limited education, less employment outside of the home and circumscribed autonomy. The prevalence of psychological morbidity is exceptionally high among women. We hypothesise that, among women of childbearing age, gender disadvantage is an independent risk factor for psychological morbidity. Methods: A cross-sectional catchment area survey of 525 women aged 18 to 35 years living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The effect of gender disadvantage was assessed as a latent variable using …

Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: An Institutional Audit And Analysis Of Factors Related To Complications, Zain A. Sobani, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Mohsin Qadeer, Najiha Bilal, Syed Ghulam Murtaza, Ather Enam, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Section of Neurosurgery

Background:Although a relatively simple procedure, cranioplasties have been associated with high complication rates. Keeping this in perspective, we aimed to determine the factors associated with immediate and long-term complications of cranioplasties at our institution.
Methods: A retrospective review of Patient records was carried out for Patients having undergone reconstructive cranioplasties at our institution during the last 10 years (2001-2010). All case notes, records, and investigations were reviewed and the data were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. Complications were recorded along with existing comorbids and measures taken for their prevention and management. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed …

Isolated Adult Hypoganglionosis Presenting As Sigmoid Volvulus: A Case Report., Irfan Qadir, Muhammad Musa Salick, Abrar Barakzai, Hasnain Zafar

Department of Surgery Docs

Introduction:Isolated hypoganglionosis is a rare cause of intestinal innervation defects. It is characterized by sparse and small myenteric ganglia, absent or low acetylcholinesterase activity in the lamina propria and hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae, principally in the region of the colon and rectum. It accounts for 5% of all intestinal neuronal malformations. To the best of our knowledge, only 92 cases of isolated hypoganglionosis were reported from 1978 to 2009. Isolated hypoganglionosis usually manifests as enterocolitis or poor bowel function, and is diagnosed in infancy or childhood. We report the first case of isolated hypoganglionosis presenting with sigmoid volvulus …

Labrad : Vol 37, Issue 2 - September 2011, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

LABRAD - Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Radiology Archives

• Biochemical Bone Profiles Available at Clinical Laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital
• Ionized Calcium Determination in Clinical Labortory
• Parathyroid Hormone Disorders and Issues of Testing
• Tubular Maximum Reabsorption Rate of Phosphate to Glomerular Filtration Rate (TmP/GFR)
• LABRAD Quiz
• Renal Osteodystrophy: A Disturbed Metabolic Aspect of Renal Failure
• Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Beta Thalassemia Major
• Role of β2 Microglobulin in Multiple Myeloma
• Update on Microbiological Diagnosis of Bone and Joint Disorders
• Bone Sarcomas: Role of Histopathology in Diagnosis

Elderly Patients And Their Health In Pakistan: Current Status, Issues, Challenges And Opportunities, Waris Qidwai, Tabinda Ashfaq

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Setting Research Priorities To Reduce Global Mortality From Childhood Pneumonia By 2015, Igor Rudan, Shams El Arifeen, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Robert E. Black, Abdullah Brooks, Kit Yee Chan, Mickey Chopra, Trevor Duke, David Marsh, Antonio Pio, Eric A. F. Simoes, Giorgio Tamburlini, Evropi Theodoratou, Martin W. Weber, Cynthia G. Whitney, Harry Campbell, Shamim A. Qazi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.

Vitamin A Supplements For Preventing Mortality, Illness, And Blindness In Children Aged Under 5: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Evan Mayo-Wilson, Aamer Imdad, Kurt Herzer, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Objective:To determine if vitamin A supplementation is associated with reductions in mortality and morbidity in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion. Data were double extracted, discrepancies were resolved by discussion. Meta-analyses were performed for mortality, illness, vision, and side effects. Data sources: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, metaRegister of Controlled Trials, and African Index Medicus. Databases were searched to April 2010 without restriction by language or publication status.
Eligibility criteria …

Early Complications After Biliary Enteric Anastomosis For Benign Diseases: A Retrospective Analysis, Syed Nabeel Zafar, M. R. Khan, Rushna Raza, Muhammad N. Khan, Mahwash Kasi, Ammar Rafiq, Omer H. Jamy

Department of Surgery Docs

Background:Biliary-enteric anastomosis (BEA) is a common surgical procedure performed for the management of biliary obstruction or leakage that results from a variety of benign and malignant diseases. Complications following BEA are not rare. We aimed to determine the incidence and the factors associated with early complications occurring after BEA for benign diseases.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of all Patients who underwent BEA for benign diseases at our institution between January 1988 and December 2009. The primary outcome was early post operative complication. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors predicting the occurrence of complications.

Results:

Records …

Impact Of Age On Outcome After Colorectal Cancer Surgery In The Elderly - A Developing Country Perspective, M. R. Khan, Hassaan Bari, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Syed Ahsan Raza

Department of Surgery Docs

Background:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population and surgery is often the only definitive management option. The suitability of surgical candidates based on age alone has traditionally been a source of controversy. Surgical resection may be considered detrimental in the elderly solely on the basis of advanced age. Based on recent evidence suggesting that age alone is not a predictor of outcomes, Western societies are increasingly performing definitive procedures on the elderly. Such evidence is not available from our region. We aimed to determine whether age has an independent effect on …

Access To Essential Medicines: In Pakistan Identifying Policy Research And Concerns, Shehla Zaidi, Noureen Nishtar

Community Health Sciences

The fundamental importance of ensuring access to medicines, particularly for the poor, is reflected in MDG 8 however remains poor in many low and middle income countries (LMICs). Country specific evidence on access to medicines is weak in LMICs and research has rarely been from an integrated health systems perspective. This study used an evidence based approach to identify key priority concerns and emerging research questions related to access to medicines in Pakistan. WHO’s Access to Medicine Framework was used as the conceptual basis for data collection on rational usage, affordability, financing and health systems. Methods involved a systematic desk …

Acid Maltase Deficiency--Pompe's Disease, Sajjad Jamil, Shahid Ahmed, M. Tariq

Section of Internal Medicine

Mutation in genes encoding for proteins involved in glycogen synthesis, degradation or regulation results in various inborn errors of glycogen metabolism. The disorders that result in abnormal storage of glycogen are known as glycogen storage diseases (GSD). We report a rare and interesting case of a young boy who presented with generalized weakness and reduced muscle bulk since childhood. He was diagnosed to have acid maltase deficiency, also known as Pompe's disease, one of the rare types of glycogen storage disease. The case is presented here in the form of a case study, including a review of the pertinent literature …

Ganglioneuroblastoma Of The Posterior Mediastinum: A Case Report., Saulat Fatimi, Samira A Bawany, Awais Ashfaq

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Introduction:Ganglioneuroblastoma is a rare peripheral neuroblastic tumor that is derived from developing neuronal cells of the sympathetic nervous system, and is found mostly, but not exclusively, in babies and young children.

Case Presentation:

To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previously reported cases of ganglioneuroblastoma of the mediastinum from Pakistan. We present a case of ganglioneuroblastoma in an eight-year-old Pakistani Sindhi boy incidentally found to have a large posterior mediastinal mass that on biopsy initially looked like ganglioneuroma. He underwent successful excision of the mediastinal mass and remained stable post-operatively. Final pathology findings showed a ganglioneuroblastoma. …

The Use Of Mcv And Mch To Screen For Iron Deficiency In Pregnancy Among Women With Normal Haemoglobin Values, Charles M. Muteshi

Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background: Worldwide the commonest cause of anaemia is inadequate nutritional supply manifest as iron deficiency. Iron deficiency affects 25% of the world’s population and up to 50% in the developing world. Most susceptible are women of child bearing age and infants. In pregnancy most iron deficiency is detected when there is already resultant anaemia by measuring the haemoglobin content. It is important to develop a tool that could pick out women who are iron deficient before anaemia ensues. This study aims to determine the predictive ability of red cell mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in screening …

Prevalence Of Low Bone Mineral Density Amongst Resident Doctors At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Rose Ndumia

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Objective: This was a cross-sectional study carried out amongst resident doctors training at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi to determine their bone mineral density and investigate for any association between the bone mineral density and the residents’ lifestyle. Methods: 65 randomly selected residents from various departments in the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, underwent a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan and filled out questionnaires to assess their physical activity, sunlight exposure and calcium intake. This was carried out between April and June 2011. Results: 65 residents were included in the final analysis. 50 residents (76.9% with a 95% …

Applying Community Participatory Methods To Meet Women's Mental Health Needs In Karachi, Pakistan, Nargis Asad, Judith Mcfarlane, Saima Hirani, Farhana Madhani, Shireen Shehzad

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Poor mental health is a global epidemic with women affected more often compared to men. Compromised mental health jeopardizes women's health and functioning and also the health and wellbeing of their children. To promote women's mental health, principles of community participatory methods were used to design and implement a mental health program, which was predicated on empirical research, sensitive to community culture and needs, and delivered by Lady Health Workers in an urban slum area of Karachi, Pakistan. The sequential steps of community participation, program development, implementation and strategies for sustainability are described.

The Prevalence And Factors Associated With Nonadherence With Arv Treatment And Cotrimoxazole Preventive Therapy Among Hiv Infected Adolescents Attending Out-Patient Hiv Clinics In Kenya, Reson Marima

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: There is an increase in the burden of HIV infected adolescents, both those perinatally infected as well as those acquiring HIV during adolescence. Female adolescents continue to be at the highest risk for acquiring HIV; in many Southern African countries, they have a three fold risk of acquiring HIV compared to their male counterparts. Adherence to treatment among adolescents has been shown to range between 30-70%, which is unacceptably low for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Psychosocial wellbeing and social support have been shown to be possible contributing factors to adherence to ART. This relationship has not been previously evaluated among …

Effects Of Hypo And Iso - Tonic Intravenous Maintenance Fluids On Plasma Sodium Level In Hospitalized Children. A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial, Ismail Ahmed

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Hypotonic fluids are widely used in pediatrics and are the standard of care when giving maintenance fluids. However, there are several reports of risk of iatrogenic hyponatremia attributed to this practice in the literature. There is therefore uncertainty as to whether isotonic fluids would be the more appropriate fluid. Objectives: The primary objective was to compare effects of hypotonic and isotonic maintenance fluids on plasma sodium levels in children between the ages of 2 months and 15 years admitted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). The secondary objective was to compare effects of hypotonic and isotonic maintenance fluids on …

Strengthening Africa’S Contributions To Child Development Research: Introduction, Kofi Marfo, Alan Pence, Robert A. Levine, Sarah Levine

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

The articles in this Special Section are based on contributions to an SRCD-sponsored invitational conference held in Victoria, Canada, in February 2009. This introductory article establishes the rationale for focusing on Africa as part of an effort to advance a more inclusive science of child development, provides a brief overview of the thrust of the other articles in the section, describes 2 research capacity-building initiatives that emerged from the conference, and concludes with reflective perspectives on conceptual and methodological considerations for a future African child development field.

Does Improving Maternal Knowledge Of Vaccines Impact Infant Immunization Rates? A Community-Based Randomized-Controlled Trial In Karachi, Pakistan, Aatekah Owais, Beenish Hanif, Amna R. Siddiqui, Ajmal Agha, Anita K. M. Zaidi

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: In Pakistan, only 59-73% of children 12-23 months of age are fully immunized. This randomized, controlled trial was conducted to assess the impact of a low-literacy immunization promotion educational intervention for mothers living in low-income communities of Karachi on infant immunization completion rates. Methods: Three hundred and sixty-six mother-infant pairs, with infants aged Results: Baseline characteristics among the two groups were similar. At 4 month assessment, among 179 mother-infant pairs in the intervention group, 129 (72.1%) had received all 3 doses of DPT/Hepatitis B vaccine, whereas in the control group 92/178 (51.7%) had received all 3 doses. Multivariable analysis …

Hughes-Stovin Syndrome, Umair Khalid, Taimur Saleem

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

Hughes-Stovin Syndrome (HSS) is a very rare clinical disorder characterized by thrombophlebitis and multiple pulmonary and/or bronchial aneurysms. Less than 40 published cases of HSS have been described in English medical literature so far. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of HSS is unknown, possible causes include infections and angiodysplasia. HSS has also been considered as a variant of Behcet's disease (BD). Patients with HSS usually present with cough, dyspnea, fever, chest pain and haemoptysis. The management of HSS can either be medical or surgical. Medical management includes the use of steroids and cytotoxic agents. Cyclophosphamide, in particular, is a favored …

Effect Of Balanced Protein Energy Supplementation During Pregnancy On Birth Outcomes, Aamer Imdad, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:The nutritional status of the mother prior to and during pregnancy plays a vital role in fetal growth and development, and maternal undernourishment may lead to adverse perinatal outcomes including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Several macronutrient interventions had been proposed for adequate protein and energy supplementation during pregnancy. The objective of this paper was to review the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy on birth outcomes. This paper is a part of a series of reviews undertaken for getting estimates of effectiveness of an intervention for input to Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model.

Methods:

A literature search …

Effect Of Routine Iron Supplementation With Or Without Folic Acid On Anemia During Pregnancy, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Introduction:Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in the world, particularly during pregnancy. According to the literature, anemia, particularly severe anemia, is associated with increased risk of maternal mortality. It also puts mothers at risk of multiple perinatal complications. Numerous studies in the past have evaluated the impact of supplementation with iron and iron-folate but data regarding the efficacy and quality of evidence of these interventions are lacking. This article aims to address the impact of iron with and without folate supplementation on maternal anemia and provides outcome specific quality according to the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group …

Effect Of Preventive Zinc Supplementation On Linear Growth In Children Under 5 Years Of Age In Developing Countries: A Meta-Analysis Of Studies For Input To The Lives Saved Tool, Aamer Imdad, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Introduction:Zinc plays an important role in cellular growth, cellular differentiation and metabolism. The results of previous meta-analyses evaluating effect of zinc supplementation on linear growth are inconsistent. We have updated and evaluated the available evidence according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria and tried to explain the difference in results of the previous reviews.

Methods:

A literature search was done on PubMed, Cochrane Library, IZiNCG database and WHO regional data bases using different terms for zinc and linear growth (height). Data were abstracted in a standardized form. Data were analyzed in two ways i.e. weighted …

Effect Of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation During Pregnancy On Maternal And Birth Outcomes, Batool Azra Haider, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Objectives/Background:Given the widespread prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, supplementation with multiple micronutrients rather than iron-folate alone, could be of potential benefit to the mother and the fetus. These benefits could relate to prevention of maternal complications and reduction in other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as small-for-gestational age (SGA) births, low birth weight, stillbirths, perinatal and neonatal mortality. This review evaluates the evidence of the impact of multiple micronutrient supplements during pregnancy, in comparison with standard iron-folate supplements, on specific maternal and pregnancy outcomes of relevance to the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). Data sources/review methods: A systematic review …

Effect Of Breastfeeding Promotion Interventions On Breastfeeding Rates, With Special Focus On Developing Countries, Aamer Imdad, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:Given the recognized benefits of breastfeeding for the health of the mother and infants, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life. However, the prevalence of EBF is low globally in many of the developing and developed countries around the world. There is much interest in the effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion interventions on breastfeeding rates in early infancy.

Methods:

A systematic literature was conducted to identify all studies that evaluated the impact of breastfeeding promotional strategies on any breastfeeding and EBF rates at 4-6 weeks and at 6 months. Data were …

Impact Of Maternal Education About Complementary Feeding And Provision Of Complementary Foods On Child Growth In Developing Countries, Aamer Imdad, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:Childhood undernutrition is prevalent in low and middle income countries. It is an important indirect cause of child mortality in these countries. According to an estimate, stunting (height for age Z score < -2) and wasting (weight for height Z score < -2) along with intrauterine growth restriction are responsible for about 2.1 million deaths worldwide in children < 5 years of age. This comprises 21 % of all deaths in this age group worldwide. The incidence of stunting is the highest in the first two years of life especially after six months of life when exclusive breastfeeding alone cannot fulfill the energy needs of a rapidly growing child. Complementary feeding for an infant refers to timely introduction of safe and nutritional foods in addition to breast-feeding (BF) i.e. clean and nutritionally rich additional foods introduced at about six months of infant age. Complementary feeding strategies encompass a wide variety of interventions designed to improve not only the quality and quantity of these foods but also improve the feeding behaviors. In this review, we evaluated the effectiveness of two most commonly applied strategies of complementary feeding i.e. timely provision of appropriate complementary foods (+/- nutritional counseling) and education to mothers about practices of complementary feeding on growth. Recommendations have been made for input to the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model by following standardized guidelines developed by Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG).

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review of published randomized and quasi-randomized trials on PubMed, Cochrane Library and WHO regional databases. The included studies were abstracted and graded according to Study Design, limitations, intervention details and outcome effects. The primary outcomes were change in weight and height during the study period among children 6-24 months of age. We hypothesized that provision of complementary food and education of mother …

Impact Of Vitamin A Supplementation On Infant And Childhood Mortality, Aamer Imdad, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Christopher Sudfeld, Batool A. Haider, Robert E. Black, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Introduction:Vitamin A is important for the integrity and regeneration of respiratory and gastrointestinal epithelia and is involved in regulating human immune function. It has been shown previously that vitamin A has a preventive effect on all-cause and disease specific mortality in children under five. The Purpose of this paper was to get a point estimate of efficacy of vitamin A supplementation in reducing cause specific mortality by using Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) guidelines.

Methods:

A literature search was done on PubMed, Cochrane Library and WHO regional data bases using various free and Mesh terms for vitamin A …

Neonatal Resuscitation And Immediate Newborn Assessment And Stimulation For The Prevention Of Neonatal Deaths: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis And Delphi Estimation Of Mortality Effect, Anne C. C. Lee, Simon Cousens, Stephen N. Wall, Susan Niermeyer, Gary L. Darmstadt, Waldemar A. Carlo, William J. Keenan, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Christopher Gill, Joy E. Lawn

Woman and Child Health

Background: Of 136 million babies born annually, around 10 million require assistance to breathe. Each year 814,000 neonatal deaths result from intrapartum-related events in term babies (previously "birth asphyxia") and 1.03 million from complications of prematurity. No systematic assessment of mortality reduction from tactile stimulation or resuscitation has been published. Objective:To estimate the mortality effect of immediate newborn assessment and stimulation, and basic resuscitation on neonatal deaths due to term intrapartum-related events or preterm birth, for facility and home births.

Methods:

We conducted systematic reviews for studies reporting relevant mortality or morbidity outcomes. Evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria …

Role Of Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy In Reducing Risk Of Developing Gestational Hypertensive Disorders: A Meta-Analysis Of Studies From Developing Countries, Aamer Imdad, Afshan Jabeen, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:Hypertension in pregnancy stand alone or with proteinuria is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the world. Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that an inverse relationship exists between calcium intake and development of hypertension in pregnancy though the effect varies based on baseline calcium intake and pre-existing risk factors. The Purpose of this review was to evaluate preventive effect of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on gestational hypertensive disorders and related maternal and neonatal mortality in developing countries.
Methods: A literature search was carried out on PubMed, Cochrane Library and WHO regional databases. Data …

Screening And Triage Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (Iugr) In General Population And High Risk Pregnancies: A Systematic Review With A Focus On Reduction Of Iugr Related Stillbirths, Aamer Imdad, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Saad Siddiqui, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background:There is a strong association between stillbirth and fetal growth restriction. Early detection and management of IUGR can lead to reduce related morbidity and mortality. In this paper we have reviewed effectiveness of fetal movement monitoring and Doppler velocimetry for the detection and surveillance of high risk pregnancies and the effect of this on prevention of stillbirths. We have also reviewed effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) screening, symphysial-fundal height measurement and targeted ultrasound in detection and triage of IUGR in the community.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed all published literature to identify studies related to our interventions. We …