Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Three-Dimensional Neurorehabilitation: A Different Perspective, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Randolph Mitchell Jenkins

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

The authors have narrated their perspective on rehabilitation of neurological disabilities based upon their experiences in three different regions of the globe, hence the word "three dimensional". It also reflects the need of holistic approach in neurorehabilitation. The article emphasizes the significance of impact of socio-cultural factors on disability and the way different challenges can change outcomes of the same neurological impairment in different health care systems. The understanding, perception and management of disability secondary to any neurological impairment varies greatly from one region to another across the world. Hence treatment guidelines applicable in one socioeconomic setup may not be …

Epilepsy In Pakistan: National Guidelines For Clinicians (Part 2), Fowzia Siddiqi, Shaukat Ali, Mughis Sheerani, Tipu Sultan, Shahid Mustafa, Saleem Barech, Haris Majid, Sarwar Siddiqi, Abdul Malik, Mohsin Zaheer, Wasim Akhter, Rasheed Jooma

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

In 2013 an international taskforce of the ILAE shaped out a communal definition of Epilepsy.(2) This definition is useful for all or most practical purposes, thus more helpful in management. Epilepsy was defined as recurrent unprovoked seizures i.e 2 or more at least 24 hours apart. The revised practical definition implies that Epilepsy can be considered even after a single seizure in individuals who have other factors predictive of a second unprovoked seizure, a risk set at 60%. The factors include the diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome, structural lesions like stroke, CNS infections, intraparenchymal contusions after trauma, as well as …

Bomb Blast Injuries: An Exploration Of Patient Characteristics And Outcome Using Pakistan National Emergency Departments Surveillance (Pak-Neds) Data., Irum Qamar Khan, Nadeem Ullah Khan, Rubaba Naeem, Salima Kerai, Kate Allen, Nukhba Zia, Sana Shahbaz, Shiraz Qayoom Afridi, Emaduddin Siddiqui, Uzma Rahim Khan, Adnan A. Hyder, Junaid Abdul Razzak

Department of Emergency Medicine

BACKGROUND:

Bomb blast injuries result in premature deaths and burdening of healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to explore the characteristics and outcome of patients presenting to the emergency departments in Pakistan with bomb blast injuries.

METHODS:

Active surveillance was conducted in seven major emergency departments of Pakistan from November 2010-March 2011. All the sites are tertiary care urban centers. All the patients who presented to the hospital's emergency department (ED) following a bomb blast injury as per self-report or the ambulance personnel were included in the study. Frequency of demographics, injury pattern, and outcomes were calculated.

RESULTS: …

Overcrowding In The Emergency Departments: Challenges And Opportunities For Improvement, Muhammad Akbar Baig, Asad Mian, Fatima Najeeb, Hira Shahzad

Department of Emergency Medicine

With the advent of Emergency Medicine, one can observe an increase in the number of Emergency Departments (ED) across the country. However, most EDs struggle due to an overwhelming number of patients. Overcrowding can lead to delays in patient care. For a city like Karachi which is an active disaster zone, preemptive preparedness is required in the face of terror threats and such overcrowding needs to be decreased to a bare minimum. The most frequent causes of prolonged length of stay (LOS) in the ED include non-availability of in-hospital beds, delays in response to subspecialty consultations and escalating medical expenses. …

Developing Paediatric Emergency Medicine—An Opinion From A Developing Country Tertiary Care Center, Emaduddin Siddiqui, Shahan Waheed, Irum Qamar Khan

Department of Emergency Medicine

No abstract provided.

Pneumoperitoneum, Pneumoretroperitoneum, Pneumomediastinum And Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema In A Patient With Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report., Usman T Siddiqui, Hira Shahzad, Asad Raja

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Pneumo-mediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare presentations of lower gastrointestinal tract perforation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE:

We are presenting the case of a middle aged man diagnosed with UC who presented with dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema, attributed to multiple perforations including the stomach and colon.

CASE DISCUSSION:

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk of perforations due to friability of colonic mucosa given the chronic inflammation and relapsing flares. Chronic use of steroids further predisposes to stress ulcers. These pathologies sometimes coexist and identification of each is crucial for the appropriate treatment plan.

CONCLUSION:

The case …

Prevalence Of Hypertension In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Ahmed Sarki, Chidozie U. Nduka, Saverio Stranges, Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala, Olalekan A. Uthman

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

We aimed to obtain overall and regional estimates of hypertension prevalence, and to examine the pattern of this disease condition across different socio-demographic characteristics in low-and middle-income countries. We searched electronic databases from inception to August 2015. We included population-based studies that reported hypertension prevalence using the current definition of blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg or self-reported use of antihypertensive medication. We used random-effects meta-analyses to pool prevalence estimates of hypertension, overall, by World Bank region and country income group. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity across the included studies. A total of 242 studies, comprising data …

Prospective Evaluation Of Outcome Of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Using The ‘Stone’ Nephrolithometry Score: A Single-Centre Experience, Muhammad Farhan, Syed M. Nazim, Basit Salam, Hammad Ather

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the prediction of stone clearance and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using the 'STONE' nephrolithometry score, assessing stone size, tract length (skin-to-stone distance), degree of obstruction, number of calyces involved and stone essence (density).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a prospective study of patients undergoing single-tract PCNL while prone, conducted at a university hospital. All patients had non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography within 3 weeks of the procedure. Only patients with a unilateral procedure and radio-opaque stones were included. The five variables of the STONE nephrolithometry score were calculated before the procedure. The stone-free rates were assessed with …

“Looks Can Be Deceiving”: Adrenal Teratoma Causing Diagnostic Difficulty, Mehwash Nadeem, Muhammad Hammad Ather, M Nasir Sulaiman, Shahid Pervez

Department of Surgery Docs

Teratomas are unusual tumours that derived from totipotent cells with their origin from more than one or usually all three germ cells. Here authors are presenting a case of primary retroperitoneal tumour that is a rare clinical entity. A 19-year-old male presented with right lumbar pain and was found to have complex cyst with large calcification in right adrenal gland on imaging. Intraoperatively, he was found to have a solid mass with areas of soft consistency, which was excised en bloc. On gross examination, the cyst contained pieces of bone, few teeth, and hairs entangled in mucinous material. On histological …

Universal Health Coverage Assessment Pakistan, Muhammad Ashar Malik

Community Health Sciences

No abstract provided.

Are Pre-School Girls More Likely To Be Under-Nourished In Rural Thatta, Pakistan?-A Cross-Sectional Study., Rozina Nuruddin, Wilbur C. Hadden

Community Health Sciences

BACKGROUND:

Pakistan ranks third lowest on a global gender index (2013) and 13(th) highest on the prevalence of underweight among under-five children (2010). Through this population-based study, we examined gender differentials in the prevalence of stunting, wasting and under-weight defined by World Health Organization (WHO) Growth Standard among rural pre-school Pakistani children.

METHODS:

We performed secondary analysis of data collected through a cross-sectional survey of Thatta district during 1992-93. Prevalence ratios were calculated for 1051 children aged 0-35 months from 95 randomly selected villages of rural Pakistan using a clustered adjusted log binomial model. Level 1 variables included child and …

A Rare Cause Of Recurrent Wheeze And Seizures., Maryam Hassan,, Saher Quraeshi, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi

Department of Medicine

A 34-year-old woman presented with recurrent attacks of breathlessness and seizures. The patient's condition worsened during the course of her hospital stay, as a result of which she had to be intubated twice. Radiological studies showed a mass in the trachea and the subsequent biopsy of the mass revealed an infiltrating carcinoma with morphological features of adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Continuation Rates And Reasons For Discontinuation Of Intra-Uterine Device In Three Provinces Of Pakistan: Results Of A 24-Month Prospective Client Follow-Up, Waqas Hameed, Syed Khurram Azmat, Muhammad Ishaque, Wajahat Hussain, Erik Munroe, Ghulam Mustafa, Omar Farooq Khan, Ghazunfer Abbas, Safdar Ali, Qaiser Jamshaid Asghar

Community Health Sciences

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as the intrauterine device (IUD), remain underutilised in Pakistan with high discontinuation rates. Based on a 24-month prospective client follow-up (nested within a larger quasi-experimental study), this paper presents the comparison of two intervention models, one using private mid-level providers branded as "Suraj" and the other using community midwives (CMWs) of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Programme, for method continuation among IUD users. Moreover, determinants of IUD continuation and the reasons for discontinuation, and switching behaviour were studied within each arm.
Methods: A total of 1,163 IUD users, 824 from Suraj and 339 from the …

Ependymal Tumors With Oligodendroglioma Like Clear Cells: Experience From A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, Fauzan Alam Hashmi, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Saad Akhtar Khan, Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Ehsan Bari, Arsalan Ahmed

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Ependymal tumors with oligodendroglioma like clear cells have never been reported from Pakistan. We aimed to see the features and outcomes of this rare entity.
Methods: It was retrospective cohort conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University from 2003 to 2013. The medical records and radiology of patients with proven histopathology were reviewed. Analysis was done on SPSS 20.
Results: Eleven cases of ependymal tumors with clear cells were found, which equated to 1.5% of the total tumor burden in 11 years. The median age was 49 years. Most common presenting symptom was headache 54.5%. Out of …

Toe-Tourniquet Syndrome: A Rare Potentially Devastating Entity, Naveed Baloch, M Atif, Rizwan Hussain Rashid, Pervaiz Mahmood Hashmi

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Toe-tourniquet syndrome is a rare and commonly misdiagnosed condition caused by a hair or a fiber wrapped around digits (fingers and toes). A four months baby girl who was crying and presented with redness and swelling at her 2nd and 3rd toes of right foot. Child had red and swollen 2nd and 3rd toes of right foot with hair end protruding through wounds. Constricting hairs were cut and removed. Toetourniquet syndrome is a rare entity which is caused by hair wrapped around a toe or a digit. Diagnosis is mostly clinical. In order to prevent this condition to happen, education …

Surveillance In The Service Of Safety, Rashid Jooma

Section of Neurosurgery

The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention of 2004 recommended that the newly motorizing countries establish road injury surveillance to define the burden, identify highrisk groups, plan intervention and monitor their impact. Despite its stated importance in the literature, very few examples of sustained surveillance systems are reported from low income countries. This presentation shares the results of an urban RTI surveillance program that has been running for the past 8 years since 2007 in the emergency departments of five major hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. We describe the process of establishing the road injury surveillance system incorporating a multi-institution …

Comparison Of Frequency Of Insulin Resistance In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With Normal Controls, Zareen Kiran,, Numan Majeed, Bader Faiyaz Zuberi

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To compare mean homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with and without chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: A Case control analytic study was conducted in medical outpatient department of Medial Unit-II of Dow University of Health Sciences from April 2013 to September 2013. All patients with the diagnosis of COPD were included as cases. Controls were age match healthy individuals with minor illnesses. Age, weight, height and forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio were documented. Fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels were done. Body mass index (BMI) …

Hip Fragility Fractures: Anaemia, Calcium And Vitamin D Supplementation, Iqra Khan, Ambreen Jawaid, Khabir Ahmad, Shahryar Noordin

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To assess the burden of anaemia and osteoporosis in hip fracture patients, to determine the rate of blood transfusion per-operatively, to assess the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements and the use of anti-osteoporotic medications postoperatively.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University and Hospital (AKUH) between June 2009 and May 2011, and comprised record of patients treated for intertrochanteric and femur neck fractures. Patients with associated pathological, open or long bone fractures were excluded. The main study outcome measures were the use of pre-operative and post-operative calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates and management of anaemia …

Association Of Depression And Life Satisfaction With Low Resilience Among Married Women Of Karachi, Pakistan, Shireen Shehzad, Nida Zahid, Iqbal Azam Syed, Nargis Asad, Rozina Karmaliani Professor, Omrana Pasha

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Background:

The concept of resilience is very crucial in promoting positive psychological well-being. However, this construct was never looked among married women of Karachi, Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors of resilience in Pakistan.

Methods:

It was a cross-sectional survey, using the Wagnild Resilience Scale (RS) to assess resilience, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) for measuring depression and Trait Wellbeing Inventory for determining Life Satisfaction. Systematic sampling was employed to enroll 636 participants of aged 20 to 40 years living in two urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. Prevalence ratio was computed …

Anticipated And Unanticipated Complications Of Severe Dengue In A Primigravida, Madiha Hashmi, Ghulam Zainab, Farah Khan

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

As the incidence of dengue is rising among adults more cases of dengue fever are being reported during pregnancy. Physiological changes of pregnancy mask the pathognomonic features of severe dengue such as increased hematocrit, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia and a high index of suspicion are required in endemic areas. Massive hemorrhage may complicate operative deliveries in unsuspected patients. World Health Organization recommends that all patients with severe dengue should be admitted to a hospital with access to intensive care facilities and blood transfusion. We present the successful management of hemorrhage and unanticipated complications of severe dengue in a young primigravida admitted …

Postnatal Growth Standards For Preterm Infants: The Preterm Postnatal Follow-Up Study Of The Intergrowth-21st Project, José Villar, Francesca Giuliani, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Enrico Bertino, Eric O. Ohuma, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Fernando C. Barros, Douglas G. Altman, Cesar Victora, Julia A. Noble, Michael G. Gravett, Manorama Purwar, Ruyan Pang, Ann Lambert, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Roseline Ochieng, Yasmin A. Jaffer, Stephen H. Kennedy

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Charts of size at birth are used to assess the postnatal growth of preterm babies on the assumption that extrauterine growth should mimic that in the uterus.

Methods: The INTERGROWTH-21st Project assessed fetal, newborn, and postnatal growth in eight geographically defined populations, in which maternal health care and nutritional needs were met. From these populations, the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study selected low-risk women starting antenatal care before 14 weeks’ gestation and monitored fetal growth by ultrasonography. All preterm births from this cohort were eligible for the Preterm Postnatal Follow-up Study, which included standardised anthropometric measurements, feeding practices based on …

What Can Pakistan Do To Address Maternal And Child Health Over The Next Decade?, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Assad Hafeez

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Pakistan faces huge challenges in meeting its international obligations and agreed Millennium Development Goal targets for reducing maternal and child mortality. While there have been reductions in maternal and under-5 child mortality, overall rates are barely above secular trends and neonatal mortality has not reduced much. Progress in addressing basic determinants, such as poverty, undernutrition, safe water, and sound sanitary conditions as well as female education, is unsatisfactory and, not surprisingly, population growth hampers economic growth and development across the country. The devolution of health to the provinces has created challenges as well as opportunities for action. This paper presents …

Does Tranexamic Acid Reduce Blood Transfusion Following Surgery For Inter-Trochanteric Fracture? A Randomized Control Trial, Yasir Mohib, Rizwan Haroon Rashid, Moiz Ali, Akbar Jaleel Zubairi, Masood Umer

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the frequency of blood transfusion after surgery for fixation of inter-trochanteric fractures in patients given tranexamic acid versus placebo.

METHODS:

The randomised control trial was conducted at the Aga khan university hospital from May 1 to October 31, 2014, and comprised patients diagnosed with Inter-trochanteric fracture based on X-ray imaging. The patients were randomised into two equal groups based on a computer-generated random number table. The Intervention group received two doses of 10mg/kg body weight of tranexamic acid just before surgery and three hours later intravenously. The Control group received two doses of 10mg/kg body weight …

Pycnodysostosis With Special Emphasis On Dentofacial Characteristics, Aisha Khoja, Mubassar Fida, Attiya Shaikh

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

Pycnodysostosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that manifests as osteosclerosis of the skeleton due to the defective osteoclasts mediated bone turnover. The diagnosis of this disorder is established on the basis of its characteristic features and must be differentially diagnosed with other bone disorders. Dental surgeons should be aware of the limitations and possible adverse oral complications such as osteomyelitis of bone in these patients. This will guide them in planning realistic treatment goals. This paper reports the clinical and radiographic features of pycnodysostosis with the great emphasis on its dentofacial characteristics. The aim of this case report is …

Prophylaxis Against Heterotopic Ossification After Elbow And Acetabular Fractures — Do We Really Need It, Rizwan Haroon Rashid, Irfan Qadir, Waseem Ahmed, Masood Umer

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the efficacy and safety of prophylactic modalities for heterotopic ossification prevention after elbow and acetabular surgeries.

METHODS:

The retrospective chart review was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital and comprised record of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for elbow and acetabular fractures between 2010 and 2013. Data was classified into three groups: Group A patients had received single dose of radiotherapy; Group B patients had received indomethacin, and Group C patients had not received any prophylaxis. Outcome variables included time-to-fracture healing, heterotopic ossification, non-union and wound infection.

RESULTS:

Of the 104patients 70(67.3%) …

Osats For Total Knee Replacement: Assessment Of Surgical Competence In The Operating Room, Shahryar Noordin, Salim Allana

Department of Surgery Docs

No abstract provided.

K Wire Fixation Of Supra-Condylar Humerus Fractures In Children. Is Ulnar Nerve At Risk?, Waseem Ahmed, Haroon Rashid, Yasir Mohib, Rizwan Haroon Rashid

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in lateral entry pin fixation versus medial and lateral entry pin fixation in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. Measurement of clinical parameters in terms of elbow range of motion and postop radiographic alignment was also targeted.

METHODS:

The retrospective cohort study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of paediatric patients who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation for the treatment of displaced extension type supracondylar fractures of the humerus between July 2007 and June 2012. Data regarding socio-demographic status, disease and …

Calcaneal Fractures: An Audit Of Radiological Outcome., Tashfeen Ahmad, Zehra Abdul Muhammad, Bilal Humayun Matin, Azeem Tariq Malik, S. A. Quadri

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess radiological outcome of management of calcaneal fractures.

METHODS:

The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of calcanealfractures managed between February , 2008 and February, 2014 Cases were identified through medical records, and X-rays were reviewed through digital radiology archive. Bohler\'s angle, Gissane\'s angle, calcaneal height and width were assessed digitally on pre-operative and post-operative X-ray images.

RESULTS:

Of the27 patients, only 1(3.7%) was female. The cause of fracture was fall from height 15(56%), road traffic accidents 7(26%) and bomb blasts5(19%). Tongue type fractures were 16(59%) and 11(41%) were joint …

Clinic-Based Biopsy With A Small Curette: Is It A Reliable And Safe Option In Extremity Tumours?, Waseem Ahmed, Masood Umer, Yasir Mohib, Rizwan Haroon Rashid

Department of Surgery Docs

Objective: To establish the diagnostic accuracy and safety of clinic-based biopsy done with a small curette.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi and comprised data of patients who underwent biopsy procedure of extremity tumours in clinic under local anaesthesia from July 2009 to June 2012. Patients who underwent the procedure in operating room under general anaesthesia were excluded and so were those with insufficient or missing information, or those who had the final procedure done elsewhere. Clinical parameters were evaluated and histo-pathology was compared with the final resected specimen.
Results: The mean age of …

Clinic Based Biopsy Vs. Theatre Biopsy Of Bone And Soft Tissue Extremity Tumours: Comparable Diagnostic Modalities, Waseem Ahmed, Masood Umer, Yasir Mohib, Rizwan Haroon Rashid

Department of Surgery Docs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of clinic-based biopsy versus theatre biopsy against final histopathology in patients presenting with extremity tumours.

METHODS:

The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised record of patients who underwent biopsy procedure of extremity tumours from January 2008 to December 2011. Data regarding socio-demographic status, disease-related and procedure-related variables were collected from the files. Histopathology report of biopsy was compared with the final histopathology after definite procedure of the tumour for concordance.

RESULTS:

Of the 87 patients whose records were reviewed, 42(48%) had undergone biopsy in theatre and 45(52%) …