Medical Specialties Commons^™

Multiple Parameters In The Diagnosis Of Ectopic Pregnancy, Iram Naseem, Vaqar Bari, Naila Nadeem

Department of Radiology

Objective: To determine the role of emergency ultrasound examination in the diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy.Methods: A descriptive study done at the Radiology Department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January 1999 to December 2000 using observational facts by non-probability convenient sampling method. Seventy one patients who presented with acute symptoms in early pregnancy, were subjected to emergency pelvic ultrasound. Both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound were done in 52 patients while in 19 patients only transabdominal ultrasound was performed. Serum Beta hCG levels, of all patients were greater than 1500 iu/ml.Results: Ultrasound correctly identified ectopic pregnancy in 71 patients. …

Re-Emphasizing The Publication Ethics, Saba Sohail, Jamshed Akhtar

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Ovarian Primary Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Of Non-Small Cell Type: Report Of An Extremely Rare Neoplasm, Zubair Ahmed, Kanwal Aftab, Naila Kayani

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Paraffin block sections of a uterus and ovarian mass from a 31 year old female were sent for second opinion to the Pathology Laboratory of Aga Khan University. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical features gave a diagnosis of primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of non-small cell type admixed with benign mucinous cystadenoma. This is a rare tumour with only eight being reported in literature.

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Parturients Regarding Epidural Analgesia For Labour In A University Hospital In Karachi, Mohammed Raheel Minhas, Rehana Kamal, Gauhar Afshan, Hafsa Raheel

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess the knowledge, sources of knowledge, attitude (fears and misconceptions) regarding Epidural Analgesia (EA) and practices of parturients delivery at Aga Khan University hospital (AKUH).Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at the obstetric unit of AKUH, from November to December 2003. A questionnaire was filled through verbal interviews conducted on 448 parturients fulfilling the inclusion criteria.Results: Seventy six percent of the females were aware of epidural analgesia as a labor pain relieving method. However, only 19% availed EA. About 40% had heard about EA from their obstetricians and 64% from friends or relatives. Twenty even …

Clinics In Diagnostic Imaging (102), M Azeemuddin, T Ul-Haq, H Ahsan, W A. Memon

Department of Radiology

A 19-year-old man presented with cough and haemoptysis of ten days duration. He also had mild right hypochondrial pain. Chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) showed a rounded soft tissue density opacity with an air crescent sign. CT showed multiple cystic lesions in the liver with a daughter cyst in its lateral wall. Diagnosis of hydatid disease of lung and liver was made. The contents of the liver cyst were aspirated, hypertonic saline instilled, re-aspirated, and absolute alcohol injected. Hydatid disease is endemic in certain parts of the world. Although the lungs and liver are most frequently affected, the disease …

Expression Of Hepatocyte Growth Factor And Its Receptor C-Met, Correlates With Severity Of Pathological Injury In Experimental Alcoholic Liver Disease., El-Nasir Lalani, Richard Poulsom, Gordon Stamp, Franz Fogt, Peter Thomas, Amin A. Nanji

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-met is up-regulated in various forms of liver injury. This study evaluated the relationship between HGF and c-met expression and pathological changes in experimental alcoholic liver disease. Rats (5 per group) were fed ethanol and a diet containing saturated fat corn oil or fish oil by intragastric infusion. Dextrose isocalorically replaced ethanol in controls. In a second set of experiments, Kupffer cells, endothelial cells and hepatocytes were isolated from rats in each group. Pathological evaluation and analysis of HGF and c-met expression were performed in liver and the different cell types. …

Delayed Supramalleolar Flap: An Innovative Technique For Enhanced Viability, Syed Kamran Ahmed, Pervaiz Mehmood Hashmi

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: Delaying flap rotation for 48 to 72 hours leads to opening of choke anastomotic vessels linking adjacent vascular territories. This mechanism enhances flap circulation. Lateral supramalleolar flap with larger dimensions or vascular variations can potentially have survival problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcome of delayed lateral supramalleolar flap.
Methods: This descriptive case series was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from May 1999 to December 2004. Eight cases of delayed lateral supramalleolar flap were identified through medical records maintained through Health Information Management Systems (HIMS). A detailed questionnaire was developed addressing variables of …

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (Bcg) Lymphadenitis: Changing Trends And Management, Zafar Nazir, Saqib Hamid Qazi

Section of Paediatric Surgery

Background: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is performed as a part of expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). Suppurative lymphadenitis is the common complication of BCG vaccination. The optimum treatment for this complication is debated.
Methods: All cases of BCG lymphadenitis presenting to pediatric surgical service over a 17-year study period were reviewed to determine the optimum treatment for this problem.
Results: Sixty children were referred for the management of BCG lymphadenitis during the study period. Most patients (n=43) presented during 1988 and 1990. Children were healthy and received BCG (Pasteur strain) vaccination at EPI during first 2 months of life. Initially …

Smoking Prevalence, Knowledge And Attitudes Among Medical Students In Karachi, Pakistan, F M. Khan, S J. Husain, A Laeeq, A Awais, S F. Hussain, J A. Khan

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

A survey of smoking prevalence and attitudes was made among medical students randomly selected from classes at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Of 271 respondents, 14.4% were current smokers (22.0% male and 3.8% females) and 3.3% ex-smokers. A majority of students recognized the dangers associated with active as well as passive smoking although only 55% of current smokers planned to quit in the near future. Most smokers (96%) believed that they as well as other health professionals needed training on smoking cessation and 95% of all students believed that doctors should play a role model in smoking cessation by …

Non-Traumatic Aortic Emergencies - Experience From A Tertiary Care Centre In, Nadeem Khan Ullah Khan, Junaid A. Razzak, Hasanat Sharif, Saqib Hamid Qazi

Department of Emergency Medicine

Objective: To review the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of Non traumatic Aortic emergencies in a tertiary care hospital and its evaluation in the Emergency department (ED).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of cases presented to the ED at Aga Khan University Hospital during 15 year period (1988 - 2002) who had final diagnosis of Aortic Dissection or Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm. Patients without confirmatory investigations were excluded. We aimed at looking for the incidence, clinical presentation, evaluation in the ED and final outcome.
Results: Of the 12 cases, 7 had aortic dissection while the remaining 5 had ruptured aortic …

Disaster Drill At A University Hospital, Rifat Rehmani

Department of Emergency Medicine

The course of a disaster drill held on 23 October 2001 at Aga Khan University, Karachi is reported. The Hospital Emergency Plan was put to trial on that day. Volunteers were invited to become simulated casualties in the drill. Briefing seminars had been conducted with the key players of the hospital. The scenario was a man-made type disaster. A 747 jumbo jet with 200 passengers had crashed at the end of the runway at Quaid-e-Azam International Airport while taking off in a thunderstorm. Fifty casualties were sent to Emergency Room by ambulance. The Plan was activated and relevant units were …

Tale Of A Woman With Stomatitis And Response Of Health Care System, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

A 55 year-old housewife presented to the Family Medicine Clinic due to recurrent oral ulcers for a year. She also had generalized itching, weakness, anorexia and abdominal distension after meals. She had visited several practitioners including family physicians and sub-specialists but a diagnosis was not reached. She was diagnosed to have Lichen Planus and Hepatitis C at family practice clinic. Since a health care system does not properly exist, patients seek treatment from sub-specialists without first consulting a primary care practitioner. This report identifies a failure in health care system and it is also recommended that all patients should be …

Characteristics Of Patients With Guillain Barre Syndrome At A Tertiary Care Centre In Pakistan, 1995-2003, Mohammad Yawar Yakoob, Aisha Rahman, Bushra Jamil, Nadir Ali Syed

Department of Medicine

Objective: To study the clinical presentation, hospital course and outcome of patients admitted with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: The charts of patients conforming to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code 9.0, for GBS, from September 1995 to January 2003 were reviewed. Clinical data was recorded on a standardized questionnaire, which included patients' age, sex, antecedent events, neurological signs and symptoms and ventilation requirement. The hospital course was analyzed, including nosocomial infections, therapy given and the functional status of patients, using the Rankin scale (0-6). Standard SPSS 11.5 software (Windows) …

Menke's Kinky Hair Syndrome--A Rare Medical Condition., Yaseer Al-Bita, Azam J. Samdani, Tania Azam

Department of Medicine

The case of a 16-month-old boy is described who had typical clinical and radiological features and was proven biochemically to be a case of Menke's disease. Clinical manifestations began in the first few months with hypothermia, hypotonia, seizures and death occurring at the age of 18 months.

Cardiogenic Shock After Dipyridamole Administration For Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, Fahim H. Jafary, Nageeb Basir, Adnan Amin, Nasiruddin Ahmed

Section of Cardiology

No abstract provided.

Efficacy And Safety Of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem®) Tablets (Six-Dose Regimen) In African Infants And Children With Acute, Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria, C. Falade, M. Makanga, Zul Premji, C.E. Ortmann, M. Stockmeyer, P. Ibarra De Palacios

Pathology, East Africa

Approximately one million children die from malaria each year. A recently approved artemisinin-based tablet, Coartem (co-artemether), comprising artemether 120 mg plus lumefantrine 20 mg, given in four doses, provides effective antimalarial treatment for children in many sub-Saharan countries. However, this regimen is considered insufficient for non-immune infants and in areas where multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum predominates. This open-label study assessed the efficacy and safety of co-artemether administered to 310 African children weighing 5-25 kg, with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Six doses of co-artemether were given over 3 days, with follow-up at 7, 14 and 28 days. Treatment rapidly cleared parasitemia and …

Plasma Zinc Concentrations Are Depressed During The Acute Phase Response In Children With Falciparum Malaria, C. Duggan, W.B. Macleod, N.F. Krebs, J.L. Westcott, W.W. Fawzi, Zul Premji, V. Mwanakasale, J.L. Simon, K. Yeboah-Antwi, D.H. Hamer

Pathology, East Africa

Plasma concentrations of some micronutrients are altered in the setting of acute infectious or inflammatory stress. Previous studies have provided conflicting evidence concerning the extent and direction of changes in plasma zinc concentrations during the acute phase response. We carried out an observational cohort study in 689 children enrolled in a randomized trial of zinc supplementation during acute falciparum malaria in order to evaluate the relation between plasma zinc concentration and the acute phase response. Plasma zinc was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. On admission, 70% of all subjects had low plasma zinc (<9.2 μmol/L). Multivariate analysis of predictors of admission plasma zinc showed that admission C-reactive protein (CRP), parasite density, and study site were the most important predictors. Predictors of changes in plasma zinc from admission to 72 h included baseline CRP, change in CRP, treatment group, study site, and baseline zinc concentration. In children with acute malaria infection, baseline plasma zinc concentrations were very low and were inversely correlated with CRP (r = -0.24, P < 0.0001) and the degree of parasitemia (r = -0.19, P < 0.0001). Even when CRP and time were taken into account, zinc supplementation increased plasma zinc concentration from admission to 72 h. When available, plasma zinc concentrations should be interpreted with concurrent measures of the acute phase response such as CRP. In children whose age, diet, and/or nutritional status place them at risk of zinc deficiency, those with low plasma zinc levels should be supplemented with oral zinc and followed for clinical and/or biochemical response. © 2005 American Society for Nutritional Sciences.

Habitat Characterization And Spatial Distribution Of Anopheles Sp. Mosquito Larvae In Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) During An Extended Dry Period, M.A. Sattler, D. Mtasiwa, M. Kiama, Zul Premji, M. Tanner, G.F. Killeen, C. Lengeler

Pathology, East Africa

Introduction: By 2030, more than 50% of the African population will live in urban areas. Controlling malaria reduces the disease burden and further improves economic development. As a complement to treated nets and prompt access to treatment, measures targeted against the larval stage of Anopheles sp. mosquitoes are a promising strategy for urban areas. However, a precise knowledge of the geographic location and potentially of ecological characteristics of breeding sites is of major importance for such interventions.

Methods: In total 151 km2 of central Dar es Salaam, the biggest city of Tanzania, were systematically searched for open mosquito breeding sites. …

Drug Related Critical Incidents, F A. Khan, M Q. Hoda

Department of Anaesthesia

Drug related incidents are a common form of reported medical errors. This paper reviews the critical incidents related to drug errors reported from the main operating theatre suite in a teaching hospital in a developing country from January 1997 to December 2002. Each report was evaluated individually by two reviewers using a structured process. During this period, 44 874 anaesthetics were administered; 768 critical incidents were reported, 165 (21%) of which were related to drug errors. Underdosage, side-effect/drug reaction and syringe swap were the most common. A total of 76% were classified as preventable; 56% due to human error and …

Outcome For Hospitalized Road Trauma Patients At A Tertiary Hospital In Kenya, Hassan Saidi, William Macharia, John Ating'a

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: The developing world continues to experience a disproportionate burden of injury. About one half of injury deaths are due to motor vehicle collisions. Road traffic fatalities per 10,000 vehicles are ten to 20 times higher in Africa compared to Europe.

Patients and Methods: 233 patients were consecutively analyzed. Injury acuity was determined by calculating Injury Severity Scores (ISS) for each patient. Information on the care and treatment outcome was obtained from patient interviews, case notes and discharge summaries. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 10.0 statistical software.

Results: Injury accounted for 48.8% of all emergency hospitalizations into …

Ceftriaxone Or Hiv Associated Angio-Oedema? Case Report, William Macharia, C. Mbaabu, L. Wachira, S.O.M. Muhudhia, G. Moniz

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Angio-oedema may be hereditary or acquired and is characterised by episodes of potentially life threatening localised tissue oedema and swelling resulting from deficiency of compliment pathway C1 esterase inhibitor. Acquired angio-oedema is about ten times less frequent than the hereditary type and has been associated with immune-deficiency disorders, malignancies and exposure to specific medications and food substances. We present a case of seven year old, human immune-deficiency virus positive girl, who developed gross swelling of the tongue and neck while on treatment for pneumococcal meningitis with ceftriaxone. Difficulties in arriving at a definitive diagnosis of angio-oedema in a resource poor …

Hairy Cell Leukemia: Clinical Presentation And Long Term Follow Up After Treatment With 2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-Cda), Fareena Bilwani, Mohammad Usman, Salman Adil, Ghulam N. Kakepoto, Mohammad Khurshid

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

The aim of the study was to the clinical features and long term follow up after treatment with Cladarbine in a tertiary care hospital. Seven patients with hairy cell leukemia were diagnosed between January 1990 till December 2003. Diagnosis in all the patients was established by bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsy along with TRAP. In two patients the diagnosis was supplemented by flowcytometry and in another two patients by splenectomy. Six patients were male while one was female. Mean age was 47.7 years (range 36-64). Most common presenting features were pallor and weakness (n=5). All patients had splenomegaly. Blood …

Sclerotherapy Plus Octreotide Versus Sclerotherapy Alone In The Management Of Gastro-Oesophageal Variceal Hemorrhage, Hasnain A. Shah, Khalid Mumtaz, Wasim Jafri, Shahab Abid, Saeed Hamid, Ashfaq Ahmad, Zaigham Abbas

Section of Gastroenterology

Background: There are different ways for controlling oesophageal variceal bleed which include pharmacological and endoscopic methods. In this study we compare efficacy of octreotide (50 g/hr for 48 hours) combined with sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy alone in patients with acute bleeding from gastro-oesophageal varices (GOV).Methods: It was a randomized clinical controlled trial conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 1997 to December 1998. We evaluated the role of octreotide (50 g/hr for 48 hours) combined with sclerotherapy versus sclerotherapy alone in a total of 105 adult cirrhotic patients who had acute bleeding from GOV. Patients were assigned to receive …

Manuscripts Categorization And Their Accreditation, Jamshed Akhtar, Saba Sohail

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Predicting Postoperative Cardio-Pulmonary Complications By A Test Of Stair Climbing, Nawal Salahuddin, Saulat H. Fatimi, Shehzad Huda, Mohammad Islam, Azam Shafquat

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a test of stair climbing ability could be used to predict the risk of developing postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia.
DESIGN: Cohort study.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The duration of the study was from December 2003 to December 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on consecutive, adult patients presenting for elective thoracic or abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Pre-operatively, patients were asked to climb a standard staircase. Number of steps climbed was recorded. Those unable to climb stairs due to debilitating …

Conversion From Laparoscopic To Open Cholecystectomy: Multivariate Analysis Of Preoperative Risk Factors, M Tayeb, S A. Raza, M R. Khan, R Azami

Department of Surgery Docs

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard in the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis. Some patients require conversion to open surgery and several preoperative variables have been identified as risk factors that are helpful in predicting the probability of conversion. However, there is a need to devise a risk-scoring system based on the identified risk factors to (a) predict the risk of conversion preoperatively for selected patients, (b) prepare the patient psychologically, (c) arrange operating schedules accordingly, and (d) minimize the procedure-related cost and help overcome financial constraints, which is a significant problem in developing countries.AIM: This study was aimed …

Familial Homocystinuria, F Bilwan, Na Syed, M Usman, Mohammad Khurshid

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Two cases of siblings diagnosed as cases of familial homocystinuria are reported. Both the cases have classical presentation of familial homocystinuria including history of dislocation of lens of the right eye. Brother had history of psychomotor retardation while sister had a significant history of deep vein thrombosis. Levels of plasma homocysteine were elevated and urinary homocysteine was positive in both the cases.

Healing During Physician-Patient Consultation, Waris Qidwai, Ss Ali, S Ayub, S Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patient perceptions regarding healing during a physician-patient consultation.
DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Family Practice Center of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in June 2004.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed that included the demographic profile of patients comprising age, gender, education and occupation as well as questions in line with the study objective. It was administered to 111 patients, visiting outpatient department of the hospital. Participants were explained the study objective, a written consent was taken and full confidentiality was assured.
RESULTS: The mean age of …

Patient Expectations From An Emergency Medical Service, Waris Qidwai, Ss Ali, M Baqi, S Ayub

Department of Family Medicine

BACKGROUND: Patient expectation survey at the Emergency Medical Services can improve patient satisfaction. A need was established to conduct such a survey in order to recommend its use as a quality improvement tool.
METHODS: The study was conducted on patients visiting the Emergency Medical Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the demographic profile, and expectations of patients. The ethical requirements for conducting the study were met.
RESULTS: A hundred patients were surveyed. The majority was relatively young, married men and women, well educated and better socio-economically placed. The majority of the …

Continuity Of Patient Care Among Family Practice Patients At A Teaching Hospital, Waris Qidwai, J Rehman, M Khan, Iqbal Azam

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.