Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Q-Probes Study Of Replicate Specimens At The Clinical Laboratory, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, L Ali, I Siddiqui

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Objective: The aim of this Q-probes study was to evaluate the precision of replicate specimens.Methods: This Q-probes study done at the Clinical Laboratory, The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi is about routine chemistry analytes because of their importance in critical care patients. The analytes data was collected for six months from April to September 2002. There were total 358 samples, which were given for reanalysis during this period under the constant working conditions. After analysis, results of both the runs on different days, were compared to determine the percent difference between the results. After calculating the percent difference, the results …

Banti's Syndrome: Case Report And Review Of Literature, S. N. Waqar, S. Jindhani, N. S. . Baig, M. A. Waqar, Faisal Wasim Ismail, Muhammad Tariq

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Prognostic Indicators In Patients With Intracranial Tuberculoma: A Review Of 102 Cases, Mohammad Wasay, M. K. Moolani, J. Zaheer, Bhojo A. Khealani, R. A. Smego, A. R. Sarwari

Department of Medicine

Objective:

To see the characteristics, course and outcome of patients suffering from intracranial tuberculoma.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 102 patients diagnosed as intracranial tuberculoma at a tertiary care center over 10 years.

Results:

A total of 102 cases were seen with an age range of 1 to 75 years (mean, 30 years). Predisposing factors included Diabetes mellitus (8 patients) and pregnancy or puerperium (7 patients). Five pediatric patients had tuberculoma despite documented BCG vaccination. Fever (59%), headache (57%), meningeal irritation (36%) were the commonest presenting features; one-third of patients were drowsy or comatosed at presentation. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was performed …

An Experience With Free Scapular Flap For Reconstruction Of Lower Extremity Defects At Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pervaiz Mehmood Hashmi

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: Reconstruction of large composite tissue defects with exposed vital structures and weight bearing surfaces are extremely difficult for reconstructive surgeons. Coverage of such difficult defects can be achieved with free tissue transfer provided microsurgical expertise is available. This study was carried out to determine the outcome of free scapular flaps performed for lower extremity defects.
Methods: Clinical records of the patients were reviewed and important variables included demographic data, etiology of soft tissue defects, site and size of defect, complications and percentage of wound coverage by flap. Patient satisfaction and objective assessment of flap coverage and motion of involved …

Successful Use Of Angiographic Embolization To Control Hemorrhage From Blunt Pelvic Trauma In A Pediatric Patient, Z A. Qasim, R Masood, M A. Mateen

Section of Paediatric Surgery

No abstract provided.

Peer Review Audit Of Trauma Deaths In A Developing Country, Aa Jat, Mr Khan, Hasnain Zafar, Aj Raja, Q Hoda, R Rehmani, Rh Lakdawala, S. Bashir

Section of General Surgery

OBJECTIVES: Peer review of trauma deaths can be used to evaluate the efficacy of trauma systems. The objective of this study was to estimate teh proportion of preventable trauma deaths and the factors contributing to poor outcome using peer review in a tertiary care hospital in a developing country.
METHODS: All trauma deaths during a 2-year period (1 January 1998 to 30 December 1998) were identified and registered in a computerized trauma registry, and the probability of survival was calculated for all patients. Summary data, including registry information and details of prehospital, emergency room, and definitive care, were provided to …

Extradural Granulocytic Sarcoma Causing Acute Paraparesis, Arshad A. Siddiqui, Naim-Ur Rehman

Section of Neurosurgery

A case of 9 years old female presenting with rapidly progressive paraparesis during remission phase of acute myeloblastic leukemia is reported. Radiological imaging revealed an extradural mass in the upper dorsal spine producing significant cord compression. The patient showed a dramatic neurological recovery after spinal cord decompression and subsequently treated with appropriate chemotherapy and local radiotherapy.

Barriers To Smoking Cessation: Results Of A Survey Among Family Practice Patients, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Background and Objectives: Tobacco smoking is a major public health problem. We have studied barriers to smoking cessation among family practice patients.
Methods: It was a questionnaire based survey, conducted at Family Pr actice Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in July 2003. A trained volunteer administered the questionnaire that included data on demographic profile of the patient and information barriers to smoking cessa tion.Ethical requirement including the administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software was used for data management.
Results: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, of which …

Level Of Preparedness Of Patients For Medical Emergency, Waris Qidwai, Ss Ali, M Baqir, S Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Evidence Based Medicine: Transforming Research Into Practice, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Structured Feedback From Students In Tutorial Teaching, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

A National Survey Of New Zealand Registered Nurses Caring Attributes, Professional Self Concept And Technological Influences, A O'Brien, David Arthur, M Woods, P Watson

School of Nursing & Midwifery

No abstract provided.

Maximum Tolerable Dose Of Cyclophosphamide And Azathioprine In Pakistani Patients With Primary Renal Disease, S S. Ali, M A. Rabbani, S S M Moinuddin, Salim S. Virani, F Farooque, A Salam, A Ahmad

Section of Nephrology

Objective: The immunosuppressive regimens, at present, mainly rely on western guidelines that were derived from studies conducted in western populations. No such study exists for South Asian population, which is home to almost two billion people different in both genetics and environment from west. Locally derived thresholds for side effects markedly different from western figures may warrant re-adjustment of current local immunosuppressive regimens that are at present based largely on western guidelines. In order to define optimum dose for Cyclophosphamide (CYC) and Azathioprine (AZA) based immunosuppressive therapy, we conducted this study to find out maximum tolerable doses of azathioprine (AZA) …

Therapeutic Efficacy Of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine And Prevalence Of Resistance Markers In Tanzania Prior To Revision Of Malaria Treatment Policy: Plasmodium Falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase And Dihydropteroate Synthase Mutations In Monitoring In Vivo Resistance, K. Mugittu, M. Ndejembi, A. Malisa, M. Lemnge, Zul Premji, A. Mwita, W. Nkya, J. Kataraihya, S. Abdulla, H.-P. Beck, H. Mshinda

Pathology, East Africa

Prior to the 2001 malarial treatment policy change in Tanzania, we conducted trials to assess the efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and the usefulness of molecular markers in monitoring resistance. A total of 383 uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients (between 6 and 59 months old) were treated with SP and their responses were assessed. Mutations in the P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) genes in admission day blood samples were analyzed. Results indicated that 85.6% of the patients showed an adequate clinical response, 9.7% an early treatment failure, and 4.7% a late treatment failure. The quintuple mutant genotype …

Oral Contrast-Enhanced Ct Cholangiography--An Initial Experience, I Naseem, J Rees

Department of Radiology

Objective: To describe our experience of CT (Computed tomographic) Cholangiography examination for detection of choledocholithiasis at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi Pakistan.Methods: Seven patients underwent helical CT cholangiography for suspected choledocholithiasis. Iopanoic acid (6 grams) was administered orally 8-12 hours before acquisition of a helical CT cholangiogram. Three-dimensional reconstructions and curved multiplanar reformations were generated from a set of axial source images.Results: Our patients had no adverse reactions to iopanoic acid. The degree of biliary opacification was sufficient to perform three-dimensional and curved planar reformations in 5 patients. In two patients, the biliary tree was not opacified. Both …

Mammographic Criteria For Determining The Diagnostic Value Of Microcalcifications In The Detection Of Early Breast Cancer, M Yunus, N Ahmed, I Masroor, J Yaqoob

Department of Radiology

Objective: To evaluate the importance of microcalcifications in the detection of breast carcinoma in conventional mammography.Methods: This prospective study was carried out at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Mammograms of 68 patients with microcalcifications were evaluated. Craniocaudal and oblique views of both breasts were acquired on routine basis with cone compression and magnified views when required.Results: Among 68 patients with microcalcifications, 61 (89%) had clustered microcalcifications while 7 patients (10.29%) had scattered microcalcifications. Microcalcifications can occur in benign and malignant diseases. While evaluating clustered microcalcifications, few criteria have been established to determine malignant clustered microcalcifications, these include specific and nonspecific …

Role Of Estrogens In The Secondary Hormonal Manipulation Of Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer, Khurram M. Siddiqui, Farhat Abbas, Syed Raziuddin Biyabani, Muhammad Hammad Ather, Jamsheer J. Talati

Section of Urology

Objective: To evaluate the role of Estrogens (Honvan) in the secondary hormonal manipulation of patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRCP). Methods: Twelve patients diagnosed as hormone refractory prostate cancer received intravenous estrogens for six days (Fosfestrol, a synthetic phosphorylated estrogen derivative), followed by a maintenance oral dose of 120 mg thrice daily as second line hormonal treatment. During the treatment they were given deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Their stage at initial presentation, primary treatment, mode of androgen ablation, prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, duration of remission prior of HRPC status, PSA doubling time before and after estrogen treatment were …

Is An Excretory Urogram Mandatory In Patients With Small To Medium-Sized Renal And Ureteric Stones Treated By Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy?, Hammad Ather, Nuzhat Faruqui, Sobia Akhtar, M Nasir Sulaiman

Section of Urology

Background: An intravenous urogram (IVU) has traditionally been considered mandatory before treating renal and ureteric stones by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This study was designed to see whether there is a difference in complications and the need for ancillary procedures in patients managed by ESWL for renal and ureteric calculi, according to preoperative imaging technique.
Methods: This retrospective study compared 133 patients undergoing ESWL from January 2001 to July 2002. Patients were divided into three groups according to the preoperative imaging technique used: i) IVU; ii) non-contrast enhanced helical computed tomography (UHCT); and iii) ultrasound (US) + X-ray …

Pulmonary Infiltrates During Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia: Incidence, Patterns And Outcomes, N. Gangat, M.A.A. Khan, M. Mujib, Mohammad Khurshid

Section of Haematology/Oncology

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence, etiologies, radiographic patterns, and clinical outcomes of adult leukemics with prolonged febrile neutropenia and pneumonia.
METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The medical records of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia diagnosed between January 1989 and June 2000 and undergoing induction chemotherapy were included. Only the patients who presented with a pulmonary infiltrate, secondary leukemia (e.g., transformed chronic myeloid leukemia underlying myelodysplastic syndrome, or disease following alkylating agent therapy) were included and those developing infiltrates following consolidation chemotherapy were excluded.
RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were admitted …

Congenital Duodenal Diaphragm In Eight Children, Akhtar Nawaz, Hilal Matta, Alic Jacobsz, Omar Trad, Ahmed H. Al Salem

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Background: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is a common and usually easy to diagnose cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn, except when the cause of the obstruction is a duodenal diaphragm. We describe our experience with eight children who had intrinsic duodenal obstruction secondary to a duodenal diaphragm.
Methods: The medical records of 22 children with the diagnosis of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction were reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, gestation, birth weight, clinical features, associated anomalies, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Operative findings and procedures were obtained from the operative notes.
Results: Eight of the 22 children (36.4%) …

Morning Report Is An Effective Teaching Activity: Residents And Faculty Perspectives, M. Tariq, Shahab Abid, Wasim Jafri

Section of Internal Medicine

No abstract provided.

Reversible Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Right Heart Failure Due To Massive Tonsillar Hypertrophy, Mehnaz Atiq, Fatima Masood, Mubasher Ikram, Raana Haqqee

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively common but under diagnosed clinical entity in children. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause for upper airway obstruction in pediatric patients. If the obstruction to upper airways is not relieved, then the child can develop obstructive sleep apnea and its consequences. Treatment is simply to remove the obstruction thereby restoring patency of upper airways

Analysis Of Cervical Smears In A Muslim Population, Shahnaz Wasti, Waleed Ahmed, Abbas Jafri, Behram Khan, Rizwan Sohail, Sheema Hassan

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Background: Screening for cancer of the cervix remains a neglected health care issue in Pakistan. To provide baseline data for future efforts to improve screening, we conducted a retrospective analysis of cervical smears taken in the obstetrics and gynaecological clinics of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Method: We collected data on cervical smear cytology for cervical smears taken from January 1, 1990 to December 31,1996. We assessed risk factors for dysplasia, including age, age at first marriage, and number of pregnancies.
Results: The overall prevalence of abnormal smears in our study was 0.5%. Of 20,995 cervical smears, 12,451 …

Patients' Views About Physicians' Spiritual Role In Medical Practice, Waris Qidwai, Arsalan Tayyab

Department of Family Medicine

OBJECTIVE: To study patient perceptions with regard to spirituality in medical practice.
DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Family Practice Center of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, during July 2003.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Family practice patients were interviewed using a questionnaire which included data on demographic profile of the patient and perceptions on spirituality in medical practice. The study investigators administered the questionnaire without using systematic randomization. Ethical requirements including the administration of a written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software was used for data management.
RESULTS …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Regarding Obesity Among Patients, At Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Waris Qidwai, Iqbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health problem and responsible for significant morbidity and mortality among our patients. It is important to study the knowledge, attitude and practices with regard to obesity among patients, in order to devise interventional strategies.
METHODS: Patients visiting the out-patient clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, were included in the study. The interview was questionnaire-based and recorded the demographic profile of the patients and questions relevant to the objective of the study. The ethical requirements for the study were met. SPSS computer software was used for data management. A hundred patients were surveyed. …

Consequences Of A Medical Emergency Among Emergency Room Patients, Waris Qidwai, Ali Ss, M Baqir, Shahana Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the consequences of a medical emergency among Emergency Room patients, at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Design: A questionnaire-based survey
Settings: Emergency Room of Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Main outcome measures: Consequences of a medical emergency in terms of impact on employment, financial position, family life, social life, recreational life, self-confidence and psyche.
Results: A hundred patients were surveyed. Emergency Room patients feel that they will not have a major impact on their job or employment, as a result of the medical emergency but it will have adverse financial consequences. The …

A Need To Change Behavior And Attitudes In Medical Practice, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Perception About Family Physicians: Results Of A Survey Of Patients Visiting Specialist Clinics For Treatment, S. A. Huda, Z. A. A. Samani, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the perceptions about Family Medicine among patients visiting Specialist Physicians for treatment.
Methods: A questionnaire based survey was conducted at the Specialist Clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in June 2004. Trained volunteers administered the questionnaire among patients visiting Specialist Physicians for treatment. Confidentiality was ensured to all patients and written informed consent was taken as part of the ethical requirements for the conduct of the study. SPSS computer software and Microsoft Excel were used for data management.
Results: A total of 100 patients visiting the Specialist Clinic were interviewed, of which fifty four …

Ever Increasing Need For Family Physicians, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Awareness Of The Process Of Informed Consent Among Family Practice Patients In Karachi, H. Bhurgri, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

Objective: To study the awareness of 'Informed Consent', among patients presenting to Family Physicians.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Community Health Centre, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi in July 2002. Written Consent was taken and confidentially was assured
Results: Out of the 100 patients interviewed, 80 agreed to participate in the study, forty-four men and thirty-six women. Approximately half the participants (45%) were graduates and 40% had less than five years of school education. The awareness of the process of 'informed consent' was observed in only 20% of the respondents, all in the educational …