Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Response To Comment On Ahsan Ali Syed Et Al (J Pak Med Assoc 2017; 67: 400-404 Frequency Of Worsening Liver Function In Severe Dengue Hepatitis Patients Receiving Paracetamol: A Retrospective Analysis Of Hospital Data, Syed Ahsan Ali

Section of Gastroenterology

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Quality Measures In Site-Specific Multidisciplinary Tumour Boards, Ahmed Nadeem Abbasi, Huriye Senay Kiziltan

Department of Radiation Oncology

No abstract provided.

Whisper Or Shout Study: Protocol Of A Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing Mhealth Sexual Reproductive Health And Nutrition Interventions Among Female Sex Workers In Mombasa, Kenya, Frances H. Ampt, Collins Mudogo, Peter Gichangi, Megan S. C. Lim, Griffins Manguro, Matthew Chersich, Walter Jaoko, Marleen Temmerman, Marilyn Laini, Stanley Luchters

Population Health, East Africa

Introduction New interventions are required to reduce unintended pregnancies among female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries and to improve their nutritional health. Given sex workers’ high mobile phone usage, repeated exposure to short messaging service (SMS) messages could address individual and interpersonal barriers to contraceptive uptake and better nutrition.

Methods In this two-arm cluster randomised trial, each arm constitutes an equal-attention control group for the other. SMS messages were developed systematically, participatory and theory-driven and cover either sexual and reproductive health (WHISPER) or nutrition (SHOUT). Messages are sent to participants 2–3 times/week for 12 months and include …

Serious Fungal Infections In Pakistan, Kauser Jabeen, Joveria Farooqi, Sajjad Mirza, D Denning, Afia Zafar

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

The true burden of fungal infection in Pakistan is unknown. High-risk populations for fungal infections [tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, cancer, transplant and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection] are numerous. Here, we estimate the burden of fungal infections to highlight their public health significance. Whole and at-risk population estimates were obtained from the WHO (TB), BREATHE study (COPD), UNAIDS (HIV), GLOBOCAN (cancer) and Heartfile (diabetes). Published data from Pakistan reporting fungal infections rates in general and specific populations were reviewed and used when applicable. Estimates were made for the whole population or specific populations at risk, as previously …

Association Of Hypercapnia On Admission With Increased Length Of Hospital Stay And Severity In Patients Admitted With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study From Pakistan., Nousheen Iqbal, Muhammad Irfan, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Safia Awan, Javaid Khan

Department of Medicine

Objectives: To determine whether the presence of hypercapnia on admission in adult patients admitted to a university-based hospital in Karachi, Pakistan with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) correlates with an increased length of hospital stay and severity compared with no hypercapnia on admission.

Study Design: A prospective observational study.

Settings: Tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The severity of pneumonia was assessed by CURB-65 and PSI scores. An arterial blood gas analysis was obtained within 24 hours of admission. Based on arterial PaCO₂ levels, patients were divided into three …

Comprehensive Review Of The Evidence Regarding The Effectiveness Of Community-Based Primary Health Care In Improving Maternal, Neonatal And Child Health: 8. Summary And Recommendations Of The Expert Panel, Robert E. Black, Carl E. Taylor, Shobha Arole, Abhay Bang, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, A Mushtaque R. Chowdhury, Betty R. Kirkwood, Nazo Kureshy, Claudio F. Lanata, James F. Phillips

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: The contributions that community-based primary health care (CBPHC) and engaging with communities as valued partners can make to the improvement of maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) is not widely appreciated. This unfortunate reality is one of the reasons why so few priority countries failed to achieve the health-related Millennium Development Goals by 2015. This article provides a summary of a series of articles about the effectiveness of CBPHC in improving MNCH and offers recommendations from an Expert Panel for strengthening CBPHC that were formulated in 2008 and have been updated on the basis of more recent evidence.
Methods: …

Setting Health Research Priorities Using The Chnri Method: Vii. A Review Of The First 50 Applications Of The Chnri Method, Igor Rudan, Sachiyo Yoshida, Kit Yee Chan, Devi Sridhar, Kerri Wazny, Harish Nair, Aziz Sheikh, Mark Tomlinson, Joy E. Lawn, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Several recent reviews of the methods used to set research priorities have identified the CHNRI method (acronym derived from the "Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative") as an approach that clearly became popular and widely used over the past decade. In this paper we review the first 50 examples of application of the CHNRI method, published between 2007 and 2016, and summarize the most important messages that emerged from those experiences.
Methods: We conducted a literature review to identify the first 50 examples of application of the CHNRI method in chronological order. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed and so-called …

Association Between Calcaneal Spurs And Plantar Fasciitis: A Study Comparing Heel Plain Radiography And Sonography, Micah Silaba Ominde

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Background: Heel pain is a common clinical entity that requires appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Multiple clinical conditions are known to cause heel pain but plantar fasciitis is the most common. Calcaneal spurs are thought to be associated with heel pain and plantar fasciitis but conclusive studies to prove this are sparse. Plain radiography is usually the first line imaging modality for imaging patients with heel pain. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the gold standard for diagnosing plantar fasciitis but studies have shown ultrasound to be comparable in sensitivity and specificity. The aim is to establish whether a relationship exists between calcaneal spurs …

Impact Of Deep Versus Awake Laryngeal Mask Airway Removal On Airway Complications In Spontaneously Breathing Adult Patients Following Isoflurane General Anesthesia., Ronald Ombaka

Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology

Background: The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is one of several supra-glottic airway management devices used in anaesthesia. The scope of use of the LMA is progressively expanding to areas previously contraindicated, for instance laparoscopy and prone position surgery. Certain aspects of LMA use remain unsettled. Whether to remove the LMA when a patient is “awake” vs “deep” following anaesthesia is one such area. The manufacturer Ambu® recommends that the AuraOnce™ LMA be removed once the patient is fully awake and protective airway reflexes are active. Despite this, several studies have shown benefit in removal of the LMA while a patient …

Prevalence Of Double Myc/Bcl2 Expression And The Cell Of Origin In Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas Diagnosed At A Tertiary Level Referral Laboratory, Jonathan Wawire

Master of Medicine in Anatomic Pathology

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most commonly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults worldwide. In Kenya DLBCL accounts for 64% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas diagnosed in adults. It is a heterogeneous disease and patients show varying outcomes despite standard treatment. This variability is attributed to the differences in the biology and molecular pathogenesis of DLBCL. The five most important prognostic factors for DLBCL include scores for the revised international prognostic index (R-IPI), the cell of origin (COO), presence of myelocytomatosis (MYC) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) gene rearrangements by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) or standard cytogenetics, the …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing The Proportion Of Hypoxia In Sedated Adults Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Using Target Controlled Infusion Of Propofol Versus Intermittent Boluses., Catherine Ndosi

Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology

Background: A wide variety of sedation techniques are employed to facilitate various invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Increasingly, propofol is emerging as the preferred sedative agent. Traditionally, it has been administered as intermittent boluses to achieve deep sedation to facilitate gastrointestinal endoscopy. Propofol target controlled infusion can be employed to provide suitably conducive conditions for this purpose. Objective: The primary objective sought to compare the proportion of hypoxia between the study group receiving intermittent boluses of propofol at 0.25mg/kg as needed, and the other receiving target-controlled infusion of propofol at 2.5mcg/ml during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The secondary objectives were to …

Association Between Female Sexual Dysfunction And Fertility Among Women Of Reproductive Age At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Felix Mwembi Oindi

Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Introduction: Sexual function plays an essential role in the bio-psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life of women and disturbances in sexual functioning often result in significant stress. Sexual dysfunction in women is a highly prevalent condition affecting up to 43% of women. Subfertility being a common problem affecting up to 20% of the population, causes significant psychosocial distress which might adversely affect sexual functioning and vice versa. However, despite the high prevalence of both conditions, little has been studied on the effects of subfertility on sexual functioning especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: This study primarily compared the prevalence of female …

Validation Of The Iief - 5 Questionnaire In A Clinic Population At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Denis Otim

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Background: Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are at risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other co - morbidities. The clinical assessment of ED is unreliable and the International Index of Erectile Function – 5 (IIEF – 5) a widely used tool is not validated in our setting. We aimed to validate the IIEF – 5 as a screening tool for ED in men with LUTS visiting the outpatient services. Methodology: In the study, 99 men above 40 years with LUTS attending the urology clinics were consecutively enrolled, administered with the IIEF – 5 and assigned an ED status. …

Diagnostic Value Of Complementary Strain Elastography In The Classification Of Breast Masses, Sarah Muthoni Wambui

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in women. Ultrasound has a high sensitivity but low specificity in the classification of benign and malignant breast masses. Strain elastography has the potential of increasing the specificity of breast ultrasound in classifying malignant and benign breast masses and reducing the number of benign breast biopsies performed. The diagnostic value of breast elastography in African women is not known. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the additive diagnostic value of strain elastography to conventional ultrasound in the classification of malignant and benign breast masses in an African population. Materials and …

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Hba1c Test In Diagnosis Of Diabetes And Prediabetes In A Multiethnic Population At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Francis Kiigu Wathigo

Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia secondary to impaired insulin secretion, impaired insulin action or both. In Kenya, an estimated 750,000 people are diabetic with more than 50% estimated to be unaware of their status. Conventionally, diagnosis has been based on plasma glucose levels. In 2010, Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was approved by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) for diagnosis of diabetes. However, different studies have shown variations in diagnostic performance of HbA1c. Research question: What is the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c in diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes at Aga …

Comparison Of Image Quality In High Pitch Free Breathing Versus Standard Pitch Breath-Holding Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography., Kevin Onyinkwa Ombati

Master of Medicine in Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common acute cardiovascular disease. Missed diagnosis is responsible for most preventable deaths associated with PE. Artefacts from cardiac and breathing motion are a main pitfall. Advances in Computed Tomographic imaging have enabled rapid imaging in an attempt to overcome these pitfalls. Objective: To compare image quality when using high pitch free breathing versus standard pitch breath holding Computed Tomographic Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) using a dual source scanner. Methods: This was a randomised control trial whereby patients referred to the radiology department for CTPA examination for suspected pulmonary embolism were randomly selected into …

Comparison Of The Sensitivity Of Biomarker Based Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (Maldi-Tof Ms) And Conventional Methods In The Identification Of Clinically Relevant Bacteria And Yeast, Ali Abdow Kassim

Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology

Background: MALDI-TOF MS is an analytical method that has recently become integral in the identification of microorganisms in clinical laboratories. It relies on databases that majorly employ pattern recognition or fingerprinting. Biomarker based databases have also been developed and there is optimism that these may be superior to pattern recognition based databases. This study compared the performance of ribosomal biomarker based MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methods in the identification of selected bacteria and yeast. Methodology: The study was a cross sectional study carried out in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Switzerland and Mabritec laboratory, Riehen, Switzerland. …

Comparison Of Biomarker Based Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (Maldi-Tof Ms) And Conventional Methods In The Identification Of Clinically Relevant Bacteria And Yeast, Ali Kassim, Valentin Pflüger, Zul Premji, Claudia Daubenberger, Gunturu Revathi

Pathology, East Africa

Background: MALDI-TOF MS is an analytical method that has recently become integral in the identification of microorganisms in clinical laboratories. It relies on databases that majorly employ pattern recognition or fingerprinting. Biomarker based databases have also been developed and there is optimism that these may be superior to pattern recognition based databases. This study compared the performance of ribosomal biomarker based MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methods in the identification of selected bacteria and yeast.

Methods: The study was a cross sectional study identifying clinically relevant bacteria and yeast isolated from varied clinical specimens submitted to a clinical laboratory. The identification …

Hybrid Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: Report Of Five Cases And Detailed Review Of Literature, Nasir Ud Din, Zubair Ahmad, Jamshid Abdul Ghafar, Rashida Ahmed

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

BACKGROUND: Hybrid peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) have been recognized recently and were first included in the 4th edition of World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Soft tissue and Bone, published in 2013. These tumors show combined features of more than one type of conventional benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The most common combinations are those of schwannoma/perineurioma followed by combinations of neurofibroma/schwannoma and neurofibroma/perineurioma. A detailed literature review of published cases is presented. We have discussed the types and etiology, epidemiology and sites of localization, gross and microscopic appearances and immunohistochemical features of hybrid PNSTs and association …

Improved Postpartum Care After A Participatory Facilitation Intervention In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Mixed Method Evaluation, Eunice Pallangyo, Columba Mbekenga, Pia Olsson, Christine Rubertsson, Carina Källestål

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: In order to improve the health and survival of mothers/newborns, the quality and attendance rates of postpartum care (PPC) must be increased, particularly in low-resource settings.

Objective: To describe outcomes of a collegial facilitation intervention to improve PPC in government-owned health institutions in a low-resource suburb in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: A before-and-after evaluation of an intervention and comparison group was conducted using mixed methods (focus group discussions, questionnaires, observations, interviews, and field-notes) at health institutions. Maternal and child health aiders, enrolled nurse midwives, registered nurse midwives, and medical and clinical officers participated. A collegial facilitation intervention was …

Pharmacological Threat To Lungs: A Case Series And Literature Review, Omar Irfan, Jaleed A. Gilani, Abeel Irshad, Babar Irfan, Javaid A. Khan

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

Drug-induced organ damage stands as a prevalent yet much-neglected issue globally. Keeping in view it's rising frequency, health care providers stand obliged to be well versed with the de-merits of the agents they prescribe. Drug therapies causing damage present with a non-specific clinical presentation, histological findings or radiology, which further elaborates on the necessity of a conscientious diagnosis. Pulmonary architecture ranging from the airways, lung parenchyma, mediastinum, pleura, pulmonary vasculature or the neuromuscular system, all can fall victim to the dreaded outcomes of this menace. In order to establish successful diagnosis, the definite temporal relation between initiation of drug therapy …

Prognostic Significance Of Idh 1 Mutation In Patients With Glioblastoma Multiforme, Inamullah Khan, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Focus of brain tumour research is shifting towards tumour genesis and genetics, and possible development of individualized treatment plans. Genetic analysis shows recurrent mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene in most Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. In this review we evaluated the prognostic significance of IDH 1 mutation on the basis of published evidence. Multiple retrospective clinical analyses correlate the presence of IDH1 mutation in GBM with good prognostic outcomes compared to wild-type IDH1. A systematic review reported similar results. Based on the review of current literature IDH1 mutation is an independent factor for longer overall survival (OS) and progression free …

A Multiparous Woman With Lately Diagnosed Multilevel Left Ventricular Obstruction, Nasir Rahman, Ibrahim Gul, Amjad Nabi

Section of Cardiology

A 56-year hypertensive, multiparous woman presented to the cardiology unit with Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class-III angina and worsening dyspnea for the past few weeks. Her clinical examination showed high blood pressure and mid-systolic crescendo-decrescendo murmur radiating to carotids. However, there was no radio-femoral delay or significant blood pressure difference between her arms. Her transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and mid cavity left ventricular outflow (LVO) obstruction. Left heart catheterization (LHC) showed coarctation of aorta with extensive collaterals, mid cavity LVO obstruction, and moderate AS. Thus, she was diagnosed as a case of multi-level LVO obstruction including …

In Pursuit Of Quality Research: Editors' Perspective, Jamshed Akhtar, Saba Sohail

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Cime Newsletter : May 2017, Cime

Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) Archives

- NEW! CIME’s Facebook Page

- Innovation Day

- Sharing Experience

- Higher Education Academy (HEA) Accreditation:

- CME Symposium on Ophthalmology

- Simulated Rapid Response Team (RRT) Training

- Upcoming Events at CIME

- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Basic Hysteroscopy Course for Postgraduate Students

Implementation Of Ventilator Bundle In Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Of A Developing Country, Anwar Ul Haque, Quratulain Riaz, Syed Asad Ali

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of VAP(ventilator associated pneumonia) after strict implementation of ventilator bundle in PICU. Medical records of all children (age 1 month - 16 years) were retrospectively reviewed, who were on mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours and received all key components of "ventilator bundle" from January 2012 to December 2014. Out of 1050, 565 (54%) patients were enrolled. The mean age was 4.02 SD 4.29 years and 62 (69%) were male. The indications of MV were respiratory illness (54%), neurological illness (31%), shock (9%), and postoperative care (6%). The …

Comparison Of Enteral Versus Intravenous Potassium Supplementation In Hypokalaemia In Paediatric Patients In Intensive Care Post Cardiac Surgery: Open-Label Randomised Equivalence Trial (Eips), Naveed Ur Rehman Siddiqui, Quratulain Merchant, Babar Hasan, Arjumand Rizvi, Muneer Amanullah, Amina Rehmat, Anwarul Haque

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of enteral potassium replacement (EPR) and intravenous potassium replacement (IVPR) as first-line therapy. Secondary objectives included comparison of adverse effects and number of doses required to resolve the episode of hypokalaemia.
Trial design: The EIPS trial is designed as a randomised, equivalence trial between two treatment arms.
Study setting: The study was conducted at the paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Participants: 41 patients (aged 1 month to 15years) who were admitted to PCICU post cardiac surgery were recruited (23 IVPR arm and 18 …

Impact Of Caregiving On Various Aspects Of The Lives Of Caregivers, Babar Irfan, Omar Irfan, Ahmed Ansari, Waris Qidwai, Kashmira Nanji

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: This study was designed to assess the impact of caregiving on the lives of the caregivers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2015 at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants who were more than 18 years old and were involved in caregiving (former or current) of a family member were invited to participate in the study. The participants were recruited through consecutive sampling technique. A total of 400 caregivers were interviewed. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. A pretest structured questionnaire was used for data collection and included sections …

Quality Of Life In Individuals Surgically Treated For Congenital Hydrocephalus During Infancy: A Single-Institution Experience, Saad Akhtar Khan, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Saqib Kamran Bakhshi, Omar Irfan, Hamza Abdur Rahim Khan, Asad Abbas, Safia Awan, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) is a frequently encountered birth anomaly that can hinder long-term neurologic maturity and social well-being of affected children. This study was undertaken to assess quality of life (QOL) 10-15 years after surgical treatment for primary CH during infancy at a tertiary care hospital in a developing country.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included individuals who presented to Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between 1995 and 2005 at QOL.
Results: Of 118 patients, 90 patients participated in the study. Mean age at first admission was 6.2 months. Mean length of follow-up was 5.4 years. Of these, …

A Description Of The Methods Of The Aspirin Supplementation For Pregnancy Indicated Risk Reduction In Nulliparas (Aspirin) Study, Matthew K. Hoffman, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Bhalachandra S. Kodkany, Norman Goco, Marion Koso-Thomas, Menachem Miodovnik, Elizabeth M. Mcclure, Dennis D. Wallace, Jennifer J. Emingway-Foday, Antoinette Tshefu, Adrien Lokangaka, Carl L. Bose, Elwyn Chomba, Musaku Mwenechanya, Waldemar A. Carlo, Ana Garces, Nancy F. Krebs, K. Michael Hambidge, Sarah Saleem, Robert L. Goldenberg, Archana Patel, Patricia L. Hibberd, Fabian Esamai, Edward A. Liechty, Robert Silver, Richard J. Derman

Community Health Sciences

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) remains the leading cause of neonatal mortality and long term disability throughout the world. Though complex in its origins, a growing body of evidence suggests that first trimester administration of low dose aspirin (LDA) may substantially reduce the rate of PTB.
Methods: Hypothesis: LDA initiated in the first trimester reduces the risk of preterm birth. Study Design Type: Prospective randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded multi-national clinical trial conducted in seven low and middle income countries. Trial will be individually randomized with one-to-one ratio (intervention/control) Population: Nulliparous women between the ages of 14 and 40, with a …