Medical Specialties Commons^™

Factors Predicting Need For Post-Operative Ventilation After Microsurgical Clipping Of Cerebral Aneurysms – A Multivariate Analysis, Usman Siddiqui, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Saad Bin Anis, Bushra Ahmad, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Rida Mitha, Fouzia Anis Khan, Erfan Hussain

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Patients with aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) frequently require Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, pre-operatively and more often, post-operatively due to the need for ventilatory support and specialized monitoring. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of post-operative ventilatory requirement in patients with aSAH and identify the possible predictive factors that might influence the need of post-operative ventilation in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively identified a five-year data of all patients with aSAH who underwent surgical clipping using a structured proforma. Aneurysm was confirmed by Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) or Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA).

Continuity Of Care And Outpatient Management For Patients With And At High Risk For Cardiovascular Disease During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Scientific Statement From The American Society For Preventive Cardiology, Amit Khera, Seth J. Baum, Ty J. Gluckman, Martha Gulati, Seth S. Martin, Erin D. Michos, Ann Marie Navar, Pam R. Taub, Peter P. Toth, Salim S. Virani

Office of the Provost

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has consumed our healthcare system, with immediate resource focus on the management of high numbers of critically ill patients. Those that fare poorly with COVID-19 infection more commonly have cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension and diabetes. There are also several other conditions that raise concern for the welfare of patients with and at high risk for CVD during this pandemic. Traditional ambulatory care is disrupted and many patients are delaying or deferring necessary care, including preventive care. New impediments to medication access and adherence have arisen. Social distancing measures can increase social isolation and alter …

Labrad : Vol 46, Issue 1 - March 2020, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

LABRAD - Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Radiology Archives

• Role of Immunofluorescence Studies in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disorders
• Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency
• Treatment of Factor VIII Inhibitor
• Effective Internal Communication in Laboratories
• Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
• Overview of Common Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
• Clinical Significance of free Androgen Index (FAI)
• Radiology Quiz
• The Best of the Past
• Section Of Histopathology: Newer Horizons
• A Webinar Series ‘Rare Links’
• A Look into the Eye can Unleash Vital Diagnostic Pearls for 32 Rare Disorders
• Lab & Rad Mesh up for the Early Recognition of Rare Disorders
• Polaroid

Evaluation Of Non-Invasive Continuous Physiological Monitoring Devices For Neonates In Nairobi, Kenya: A Research Protocol, Amy Sarah Ginsburg, Evangelyn Nkwopara, William Macharia, Roseline Ochieng, Mary Waiyego, Guohai Zhou, Roman Karasik, Shuai Xu, J Mark Ansermino

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction: Continuous physiological monitoring devices are often not available for monitoring high-risk neonates in low-resource settings. Easy-to-use, non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring devices could be instrumental in providing appropriate care and improving outcomes for high-risk neonates in these low-resource settings.

Methods and analysis: The purpose of this prospective, observational, facility-based evaluation is to provide evidence to establish whether two existing non-invasive, multiparameter, continuous physiological monitoring devices developed by device developers, EarlySense and Sibel, can accurately and reliably measure vital signs in neonates (when compared with verified reference devices). We will also assess the feasibility, usability and acceptability of these devices …

The Impact Of Post Pcnl Tube Type On Blood Loss And Postoperative Pain, Salman Jamil, Hammad Ather

Section of Urology

Objective: To evaluate the impact of nephrostomy tube type on postoperative pain and blood loss following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Methods: This is a prospective non-randomized study performed at Aga Khan University Hospital from July 2017 to June 2018. In this study we prospectively studied adult patients (16 to 65 years) who underwent unilateral PCNL. Patients who had nephrostomy with balloon (12Fr Foley's catheter) were compared with patients who had nephrostomy without balloon (12Fr Nelaton™ catheter). STONE Nephrolithometry score was used to assess the stone complexity. Mean pain score at six and 24 hours and mean hemoglobin drop at 24 hours …

Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases: Patterns Of Presentation To The Emergency Department Of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Surraiya Bano, Saleem Akhtar, Uzma R. Khan

Department of Emergency Medicine

Objective: To observe presentation of Pediatric congenital cardiac defects to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients under the age of 16 years with congenital cardiac defects presenting to the Emergency Department of Aga Khan University Hospital over a period of eighteen months, from January 2012 to June 2013. Study population was divided into two groups; first group constituted children with undiagnosed congenital cardiac defects, whereas second group constituted children with diagnosed congenial cardiac defects presented to ED. In previously diagnose cases each visit was counted as …

Prediction Of Cognitive And Intellectual Competence In Kindergarten Schools Associated With General Measures Of Health: A Study On Children With Age Ranges Between 4 To 7 Years, Abeer Musaddiq, Yusra Saleem, Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui, Shamoon Noushad, Sadaf Ahmed

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

BACKGROUND Stunting refers to the low “height-for-age” measurement. Literature suggests that it is associated with delayed or diminished physical development, cognition and intellectual abilities. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the physical growth measures among children under 4 to 7 years of age and to determine its relationship with cognitive deficits & intellectual performances.

Chikungunya Encephalitis: Usual Presentation At An Unusual Time. A Case Report, Muhammad Owais Hashmat, Dureshahwar Kanwar, Iffat Khanum Khanum

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

CHIK is an arboviral infection caused by chikungunya virus transmitted by Aedes mosquito worldwide. It usually manifests as a self-limiting acute febrile illness with rash, body ache and severe polyarthralgia; in some patients, symptoms persist up to months or even years. Neurological manifestations are relatively uncommon. In recent years Pakistan and other South East Asian countries have been hit several times by its epidemics1. We report a case of a middle-aged male who presented in our hospital with acute febrile illness along with neurological manifestations. Extensive laboratory investigations were done and he was diagnosed with seropositive CHIKV. He was treated …

Patterns Of Eeg(Electroencephalogram) Findings In Patients With Neurological Disorders, Saba Zaidi, Amsa Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

OBJECTIVE: To study the patterns of EEG in patients with neurological disorders BACKGROUND: EEG is still relevant in the diagnosis and management of patients with seizure disorders and extends to other neurological conditions, however local data is limited

Myotonic Dystrophy In A Pakistani Family: A Case Series And Literature Review, Waleed Shahzad, Muhammad Hassan, Mazhar Badshah, Haris Majid Rajput, Zakir Jan, Tehmina Inayat

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Myotonic dystrophy also known as (Steinert's disease) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous multisystem disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 8000 in the general population. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is characterized by myotonia, myopathy of voluntary and involuntary muscles, frontal baldness in men, cardiac conduction abnormalities, cataracts, intellectual deterioration and endocrinopathies. Affected men may have gonadal atrophy and infertility. On the other hand women are generally fertile. We report a case series of three individuals belonging to the same family presenting with characteristic features of myotonic dystrophy. The presentation of these cases depicts that …

Cutaneous Allodynia In Migraine, Dr. Ghulam Shabbir, Dr. Haris Majid Rajput, Dr. Zakir Jan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

OBJECTIVE: Objective of this study is to find out the presence and severity of cutaneous allodynia in migraine sufferers. BACKGROUND: Cutaneous allodynia is the perception of pain in response to non noxious stimuli. It occurs due to repeated stimulations that lead to sensitization and abnormal skin response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a descriptive case study and conducted at Neurology department Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences from June 2017 to May 2018. All patients of both genders above age 13 years of age with migraine diagnosed as having “Migraine without aura” or “Migraine with aura” according to the International Headache …

Distance Learning For Neurology: Experiences From Mini-Fellowship In Movement Disorders., Danish Bhatti, John Bertoni

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Sub-speciality training in neurology is not available in Pakistan given lack of trained supervising faculty. Developing trained supervisors by sending faculty abroad for formal fellowships is too slow, resource intense and subject to attrition or brain-drain. Web-based learning methods have been used effectively in training in medicine. Meta-analysis of 201 eligible studies showed large positive effects of E-learning in health professionals compared with no interventions1. There are highly qualified academic neurologists available in developed countries of Pakistani origin providing opportunity to bridge the gap and transfer skills.

Memory And Cognitive Flexibility In Physical Therapy Students Of Karachi, Sonya Arshad, Muhammad Faisal Qureshi, Syed Hasan Abbas Rizvi, Javeria Rizvi, Kanza Imtiaz, Kisa Hussain Rizvi, Khushbakht Ahmed, Khola Noman, Vishal Kumar

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Memory allows us to remember the skills that we have learnt and retrieve valuable information stored in the brain. Physical therapy is a multidimensional profession which demands efficient cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills with an excellent memory to help the therapist to multi-task.

Covid-19 Infection; Loss Of Taste, Smell, And Neurogenic Respiratory Failure, Abdul Mannan Baig, Mohammad Wasay

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Neurological Signs and Symptoms in COVID-19: Like the rest of the world, Pakistan is been gripped by unprecedented and complex burden of COVID-19. While the diseases got upgraded to a pandemic, the preparedness of even the first world countries to combat COVID-19 is distressing, as there seems to be a lack of clear strategy to tackle the disease spread and treatment.

Frequency Of Depression And Anxiety Among Patients With Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Visiting A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Muhammad Rizwan Rafique, Sadia Masood, Sana Tanzil, Saadia Tabassum, Shaheen Naveed

Section of Internal Medicine

Objective: To determine the frequency of anxiety and depression among chronic spontaneous urticarial patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: The prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from February to August 2015, and comprised patients diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria at the dermatology clinic. All the participants were assessed for anxiety and depression using Aga Khan University-Anxiety Depression Scale. Data was collected in face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. The association of the condition with different characteristics were calculated after stratification for age, gender, occupation and monthly income. SPSS 19 was used for …

Cephalic Vein Transposition: An Effective Surgical Option For Dealing With The Cephalic Vein Stenosis, Zia Ur Rehman

Department of Surgery Docs

No abstract provided.

Post Tuberculosis Treatment Infectious Complications, Desmond Hsu, Muhammad Irfan, Kauser Jabeen, Nousheen Iqbal, Rumina Hasan, Giovanni Battista Migliori, Alimuddin Zumla, Dina Visca, Rosella Centis, Simon Tiberi

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Following greater attention and follow-up of patients with treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), it has emerged that infections are more likely to occur in this cohort of patients. This comes as no surprise, as pulmonary TB is a destructive process that leads to cicatrization, alteration of parenchyma, bronchiectasis, and scarring of the lung, with reduction of lung volumes and an impact on pulmonary function. In addition to relapse and re-infection with TB, other pathogens are increasingly recognized in post-TB patients. This paper serves as a summary and guide on how to approach the post-TB patient with new signs and symptoms of …

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections-A Neglected And Emerging Problem, Imran Ahmed, Simon Tiberi, Joveria Farooqi, Kauser Jabeen, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Giovanni Battista Migliori, Rumina Hasan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous dwellers of environmental niches and are an established cause of natural and nosocomial infections. The incidence of NTM infections is rising owing to a growing population of immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals, complex medical and surgical procedures, as well as increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities. The prevalence of different NTM varies between continents, regions, and countries. The true global burden of pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease is unknown and estimates are subject to under and/or over-estimation. Diagnosis requires confirmation by isolation of NTM along with clinical and radiological criteria, which may be suboptimal at all levels. Susceptibility …

Oxidative Stress And Male Infertility: A Cross Sectional Study, Rehana Rehman, Sofia Amjad, Hemaila Tariq, Nida Zahid, Masnoon Akhter, Mussarat Ashraf

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Objective: To compare stress markers and antioxidants in fertile and infertile males, and to explore their effects on reproductive hormones and fertility.
Methods: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 at the Islamabad Clinic Serving Infertile Couples, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised male subjects aged 25-55 years. Infertile subjects were the cases, while healthy fertile males acted as the controls. Stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline and antioxidants glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Results: Of the 376 subjects, 241(64%) were cases and 135(36%) were controls. …

Ewing Sarcoma Of Larynx: A Rare Case In A 5-Year-Old Boy, Hamdan Ahmed Pasha, Shayan Khalid, Muhammad Wasif, Moghira Siddiqui, Nasir Ud Din

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

Ewing Sarcoma of the head and neck region is an extremely rare entity. Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in varying sequences. We present the third case to date of Ewing sarcoma of the larynx in a paediatric population. A 5-year-old boy presented to emergency room with acute respiratory distress. Computerized tomography scan showed a mass in the supraglottis; he was intubated using videolaryngoscope and tracheostomy was avoided, mass was removed by cold dissection. Final histopathologic examination revealed Ewing sarcoma. Further workup showed no systemic metastasis. Patient was advised adjuvant therapy which the family refused. Currently he is doing …

Remarks About The Study On Infection-Associated Relapses In Children With Nephrotic Syndrome: A Short-Term Outcome Study, Akbar Shoukat Ali, Raheel Allana, Rahim Jandani

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Worldwide Network For Blood And Marrow Transplantation (Wbmt) Recommendations For Establishing A Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Program In Countries With Limited Resources (Part Ii): Clinical, Technical And Socio-Economic Considerations, M Aljurf, D Weisdorf, S K. Hashmi, A Nassar, E Gluckman, M Mohty, D Rizzo, M Pasquini, M Hamadani, Salman Adil

Section of Haematology/Oncology

The development of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) programs can face significant challenges in most developing countries because such endeavors must compete with other government health care priorities, including the delivery of basic services. While this is may be a limiting factor, these countries should prioritize development of the needed expertise to offer state of the art treatments including transplantation, by providing financial, technological, legal, ethical and other needed support. This would prove beneficial in providing successful programs customized to the needs of their population, and potentially provide long-term cost-savings by circumventing the need for their citizens to seek care …

Mainstreaming Nutrition Services: Stabilization Centers And Outpatient Therapeutic Program Centers, Ashar Muhammad Malik

Community Health Sciences

No abstract provided.

A Descriptive Study Of Double Burden Of Malnutrition In Mothers Of Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition Admitted In Children Hospital And Institute Of Child Health, Multan, Saadia Khan, Umme Ammara, Reema Arshad, Farah Naz, Kamran Ishfaq

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of mothers of severely malnourished children, and to evaluate the factors associated with inadequate caloric intake of children with severe acute malnutrition versus sufficient caloric intake by mothers.
Methods: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to June 2016 at Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan, and comprised mothers of severely malnourished children admitted for treatment. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered through interviews. Elements noted included body mass index, 24-hour recall, dietary restriction during pregnancy, lactation and complimentary feeding patterns of the children. The mothers were also examined …

Immediate Changes In Hemodynamics And Gas Exchange After Initiation Of Noninvasive Ventilation In Cardiac Surgical Patients, Mohammad Hamid, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Saba Ahmed

Department of Anaesthesia

Introduction: Cardiac surgery is associated with pulmonary dysfunction and complications such as prolonged intubation and reintubation. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine has been used in the clinical settings to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and avoid reintubation. The effect of BiPAP on cardiovascular parameters is not well established, and very few studies have targeted hemodynamic changes. The aim of the study was to assess the immediate effect of BiPAP on respiratory and hemodynamic parameters in post-cardiac surgery patients.
Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 33 adult cardiac surgery patients. Ethical review committee approval was sought …

International Standards For Fetal Brain Structures Based On Serial Ultrasound Measurements From The Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study Of The Intergrowth-21 St Project, Raffaele Napolitano, Malid Molloholli, Vera Donadono, Eric O. Ohuma, Sikolia Wanyonyi, Bryn Kemp, Mohammad K. Yaqub, Stephen Ash, Fernando C. Barros, Maria Carvalho

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Objective: To create prescriptive growth standards for five fetal brain structures, measured by ultrasound, from healthy, well-nourished women, at low risk of impaired fetal growth and poor perinatal outcomes, taking part in the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) of the INTERGROWTH-21st Project.

Methods: This was a complementary analysis of a large, population-based, multicentre, longitudinal study. We measured, in planes reconstructed from 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes of the fetal head at different time points in pregnancy, the size of the parieto-occipital fissure (POF), Sylvian fissure (SF), anterior horn of the lateral ventricle (AV), atrium of the posterior ventricle (PV) and cisterna …

Adequacy Of Hemodialysis And Its Associated Factors Among Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Samina Somji, Pascal Ruggajo, Sibtain Moledina

Internal Medicine, East Africa

The worldwide prevalence of maintenance hemodialysis continues to rise. An adequate delivery of hemodialysis dose as measured by Kt/V or urea reduction ratio is a crucial determinant of clinical outcome for chronic hemodialysis patients. )e aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of hemodialysis and its associated factors among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Dar es Salaam. )is was a cross-sectional study done on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in four dialysis centers in Dar es Salaam. Sociodemographic information and treatment characteristics were collected. Urea reduction rate and single-pool Kt/V were calculated to determine the adequacy of hemodialysis. )e …

Long-Term Outcomes And Factors Associated With Mortality In Patients With Moderate To Severe Pulmonary Hypertension In Kenya, Mzee Ngunga, Abdulaziz Mansur Abeid, Jeilan Mohamed, Anders Barasa

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is poorly studied in Africa. The long-term survival rates and prognostic factors associated with mortality in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Africa are not well described.

Objectives: To determine the causes of moderate to severe PH in patients seen in contemporary hospital settings, determine the patients’ one-year survival and the factors associated with mortality following standard care.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with moderate to severe PH at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUHN) from August 2014 to July 2017 was carried out. Clinical and outcome data were collected …

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Discordance With Atherogenic Lipid Measures And Incidence Of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease In Primary Prevention: The Aric Study, Renato Quispe, Erin D. Michos, Seth S. Martin, Rishi Puri, Peter P. Toth, Jassim Al Suwaidi, Maciej Banach, Salim S. Virani, Roger S. Blumenthal, Steven R. Jones

Office of the Provost

Background: Inflammation is an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). However, whether hsCRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) is prognostic across various levels of atherogenic lipid measures such as low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in primary prevention is unknown.
Methods and Results: We studied 9748 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study participants who were free of ASCVD at baseline (visit 4, 1996–1998) and had measurements of lipids, apolipoprotein B, and hsCRP. We used multivariable adjusted Cox models to estimate the risk of incident ASCVD events associated with hsCRP levels (less than/greater …

Ethnic Disparity And Exposure To Supplements Rather Than Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked To Preterm Birth In Pakistani Women, Kiran Shaikh, Shahirose Sadrudin Premjib, Sharifa Bashir Lalani, Ntonghanwah Forcheh, Aliyah Dosanic, Ilona S. Yim, Pauline Samia, Christopher Naugler, Nicole Letourneau, The Maternal Infant Global Health Team (Might) Collaborators In Research

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with prenatal mental health and negative pregnancy outcomes in high income countries, but whether the same association exists in Pakistan, a low- to middle-income (LMI) country, remains unclear.

Methods: Secondary data analyses of a prospective longitudinal cohort study examining biopsychosocial measures of 300 pregnant women at four sites in Karachi, Pakistan. A predictive multiple logistic regression model for preterm birth (PTB; i.e., <37 weeks’ gestation) was developed from variables significantly (P < 0.05) or marginally (P < 0.10) associated with PTB in the bivariate analyses.

Results: Of the 300 women, 263 (88%) returned for delivery and were included in the current analyses. The PTB rate was 11.1%. We found no association between ACE and PTB. Mother's …