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Articles 271 - 300 of 1099

Full-Text Articles in Pediatrics

Higher Entropy Observed In Sars-Cov-2 Genomes From The First Covid-19 Wave In Pakistan, Najia Karim Ghanchi, Asghar Nasir, Kiran I. Masood, Syed Hani Abidi, Syed Faisal Mahmood, Akber Kanji, Safina Abdul Razzak, Waqasuddin Khan, Saba Shahid, Maliha Yameen, Ali Raza, Javaria Ashraf, Zeeshan Ansar Ahmed, Mohammad Buksh Dharejo, Nazneen Islam, Zahra Hasan, Rumina Hasan Aug 2021

Higher Entropy Observed In Sars-Cov-2 Genomes From The First Covid-19 Wave In Pakistan, Najia Karim Ghanchi, Asghar Nasir, Kiran I. Masood, Syed Hani Abidi, Syed Faisal Mahmood, Akber Kanji, Safina Abdul Razzak, Waqasuddin Khan, Saba Shahid, Maliha Yameen, Ali Raza, Javaria Ashraf, Zeeshan Ansar Ahmed, Mohammad Buksh Dharejo, Nazneen Islam, Zahra Hasan, Rumina Hasan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Background: We investigated the genome diversity of SARS-CoV-2 associated with the early COVID-19 period to investigate evolution of the virus in Pakistan.
Materials and methods: We studied ninety SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated between March and October 2020. Whole genome sequences from our laboratory and available genomes were used to investigate phylogeny, genetic variantion and mutation rates of SARS-CoV-2 strains in Pakistan. Site specific entropy analysis compared mutation rates between strains isolated before and after June 2020.
Results: In March, strains belonging to L, S, V and GH clades were observed but by October, only L and GH strains were present. The …


Deep Learning Applications In Neuro-Oncology, Adnan Khan, Hamza Ibad, Kaleem Ahmed, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim Aug 2021

Deep Learning Applications In Neuro-Oncology, Adnan Khan, Hamza Ibad, Kaleem Ahmed, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Medical College Documents

Deep learning (DL) is a relatively newer subdomain of machine learning (ML) with incredible potential for certain applications in the medical field. Given recent advances in its use in neuro-oncology, its role in diagnosing, prognosticating, and managing the care of cancer patients has been the subject of many research studies. The gamut of studies has shown that the landscape of algorithmic methods is constantly improving with each iteration from its inception. With the increase in the availability of high-quality data, more training sets will allow for higher fidelity models. However, logistical and ethical concerns over a prospective trial comparing prognostic …


Cohort Profile: The Alliance For Maternal And Newborn Health Improvement (Amanhi) Biobanking Study, Fahad Aftab, Salahuddin Ahmed, Aneeta Hotwani, Muhammad Ilyas, Mohammad Javaid, Fyezah Jehan, Farah Khalid, Usma Mehmood, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Muhammad Sajid Aug 2021

Cohort Profile: The Alliance For Maternal And Newborn Health Improvement (Amanhi) Biobanking Study, Fahad Aftab, Salahuddin Ahmed, Aneeta Hotwani, Muhammad Ilyas, Mohammad Javaid, Fyezah Jehan, Farah Khalid, Usma Mehmood, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Muhammad Sajid

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

No abstract provided.


Comparing Growth Velocity Of Hiv Exposed And Non-Exposed Infants: An Observational Study Of Infants Enrolled In A Randomized Control Trial In Zambia, Obvious Nchimunya Chilyabanyama, Roma Chilengi, Natasha Makabilo Laban, Masuzyo Chirwa, Michelo Simunyandi, Luiza Miyanda Hatyoka, Innocent Ngaruye, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Samuel Bosomprah Aug 2021

Comparing Growth Velocity Of Hiv Exposed And Non-Exposed Infants: An Observational Study Of Infants Enrolled In A Randomized Control Trial In Zambia, Obvious Nchimunya Chilyabanyama, Roma Chilengi, Natasha Makabilo Laban, Masuzyo Chirwa, Michelo Simunyandi, Luiza Miyanda Hatyoka, Innocent Ngaruye, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Samuel Bosomprah

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Impaired growth among infants remains one of the leading nutrition problems globally. In this study, we aimed to compare the growth trajectory rate and evaluate growth trajectory characteristics among children, who are HIV exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV unexposed uninfected (HUU), under two years in Zambia.
Method: Our study used data from the ROVAS II study (PACTR201804003096919), an open-label randomized control trial of two verses three doses of live, attenuated, oral RotarixTM administered 6 &10 weeks or at 6 &10 weeks plus an additional dose at 9 months of age, conducted at George clinic in Lusaka, Zambia. Anthropometric measurements …


Phylogenetic And Drug-Resistance Analysis Of Hiv-1 Sequences From An Extensive Paediatric Hiv-1 Outbreak In Larkana, Pakistan, Syed Hani Abidi, George Makau Nduva, Dilsha Siddiqui, Wardah Rafaqat, Syed Faisal Mahmood, Amna Rehana Siddiqui, Apsara Ali, Aneeta Hotwani, Rashida Abbas Ferrand, Fatima Mir Aug 2021

Phylogenetic And Drug-Resistance Analysis Of Hiv-1 Sequences From An Extensive Paediatric Hiv-1 Outbreak In Larkana, Pakistan, Syed Hani Abidi, George Makau Nduva, Dilsha Siddiqui, Wardah Rafaqat, Syed Faisal Mahmood, Amna Rehana Siddiqui, Apsara Ali, Aneeta Hotwani, Rashida Abbas Ferrand, Fatima Mir

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Introduction: In April 2019, an HIV-1 outbreak among children occurred in Larkana, Pakistan, affecting more than a thousand children. It was assumed that the outbreak originated from a single source, namely a doctor at a private health facility. In this study, we performed subtype distribution, phylogenetic and drug-resistance analysis of HIV-1 sequences from 2019 outbreak in Larkana, Pakistan.
Methods: A total of 401 blood samples were collected between April-June 2019, from children infected with HIV-1 aged 0-15 years recruited into a case-control study to investigate the risk factors for HIV-1 transmission. Partial HIV-1 pol sequences were generated from 344 blood …


Effectiveness Of Specialized Nutritious Foods And Social And Behavior Change Communication Interventions To Prevent Stunting Among Children In Badakhshan, Afghanistan: Protocol For A Quasi-Experimental Study, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Gul Nawaz Khan, Shabina Ariff, Arjumand Rizvi, Mohammad Asif Hussainyar, Cecilia Garzon, Martin Ahimbisibwe, Rafiullah Sadeed, Ahmad Reshad Aug 2021

Effectiveness Of Specialized Nutritious Foods And Social And Behavior Change Communication Interventions To Prevent Stunting Among Children In Badakhshan, Afghanistan: Protocol For A Quasi-Experimental Study, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Gul Nawaz Khan, Shabina Ariff, Arjumand Rizvi, Mohammad Asif Hussainyar, Cecilia Garzon, Martin Ahimbisibwe, Rafiullah Sadeed, Ahmad Reshad

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Stunting predominantly occurs during the first 1000 days of life and continues to the age of five years. We will aim to assess the effectiveness of specialized nutritious foods (SNF)and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) strategies during the first 1000 days of life to prevent stunting among children in two rural districts of Badakhshan, Afghanistan. This will be a quasi-experimental pre-post study with the control group utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods. Before launching the program, formative research will be conducted on the acceptability, appropriate use and SBCC strategies needed to support the introduction of intervention package. Repeated cross-sectional baseline …


Unveiling And Addressing Implementation Barriers To Routine Immunization In The Peri-Urban Slums Of Karachi, Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study, Amna Tanweer Yazdani, Ameer Muhammad, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Uzma Khan, Yasir Shafiq Aug 2021

Unveiling And Addressing Implementation Barriers To Routine Immunization In The Peri-Urban Slums Of Karachi, Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study, Amna Tanweer Yazdani, Ameer Muhammad, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Uzma Khan, Yasir Shafiq

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Great disparities in immunization coverage exist in Pakistan between urban and rural areas. However, coverage estimates for large peri-urban slums in Sindh are largely unknown and implementation challenges remain unexplored. This study explores key supply- and demand-side immunization barriers in peri-urban slums, as well as strategies to address them. It also assesses immunization coverage in the target slums.
Methods: Conducted in four peri-urban slums in Karachi, this mixed-methods study consists of a baseline cross-sectional coverage survey of a representative sample of 840 caregivers of children aged 12-23 months, and 155 in-depth interviews (IDIs) through purposive sampling of respondents (caregivers, …


Effect Of Community-Based Kangaroo Mother Care Package On Neonatal Mortality Among Preterm And Low Birthweight Infants In Rural Pakistan: Protocol For A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Shabina Ariff, Atif Habib, Zahid Memon, Tayyaba Arshad, Tariq Samejo, Ikram Maznani, Muhammad Umer, Amjad Hussain, Arjumand Rizvi, Imran Ahmed, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta Aug 2021

Effect Of Community-Based Kangaroo Mother Care Package On Neonatal Mortality Among Preterm And Low Birthweight Infants In Rural Pakistan: Protocol For A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Shabina Ariff, Atif Habib, Zahid Memon, Tayyaba Arshad, Tariq Samejo, Ikram Maznani, Muhammad Umer, Amjad Hussain, Arjumand Rizvi, Imran Ahmed, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Neonatal mortality due to preterm birth and low birthweight remains a significant challenge in Pakistan. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a unique, low-cost intervention proven to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity and increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. However, KMC has not been attempted in community settings in Pakistan. We aim to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based KMC package to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality among preterm and low birthweight (LBW) infants, which will provide evidence for policy development and the large-scale implementation of KMC across the country.
Objective: The primary objective of this trial is to reduce …


Detection Of Subclinical Rheumatic Heart Disease In Children Using A Deep Learning Algorithm On Digital Stethoscope: A Study Protocol, Fatima Ali, Babar Hasan, Huzaifa Ahmad, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Zainab Bhuriwala, Muhammad Hanif, Shahab U. Ansari, Devyani Chowdhury Aug 2021

Detection Of Subclinical Rheumatic Heart Disease In Children Using A Deep Learning Algorithm On Digital Stethoscope: A Study Protocol, Fatima Ali, Babar Hasan, Huzaifa Ahmad, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Zainab Bhuriwala, Muhammad Hanif, Shahab U. Ansari, Devyani Chowdhury

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Rheumatic heart diseases (RHDs) contribute significant morbidity and mortality globally. To reduce the burden of RHD, timely initiation of secondary prophylaxis is important. The objectives of this study are to determine the frequency of subclinical RHD and to train a deep learning (DL) algorithm using waveform data from the digital auscultatory stethoscope (DAS) in predicting subclinical RHD.
Methods and analysis: We aim to recruit 1700 children from a group of schools serving the underprivileged over a 12-month period in Karachi (Pakistan). All consenting students within the age of 5-15 years with no underlying congenital heart disease will be eligible …


Our Experience Of Treating Adult Bone Lymphoma, A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study In A Tertiary Care Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Masood Umer, Muhammad Younus Khan Durrani, Javeria Saeed, Nasir Ud Din Aug 2021

Our Experience Of Treating Adult Bone Lymphoma, A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study In A Tertiary Care Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Masood Umer, Muhammad Younus Khan Durrani, Javeria Saeed, Nasir Ud Din

Section of Orthopaedic Surgery

Objective: To determine the experience at the Aga Khan University Hospital in diagnosing and treating adult patients with primary lymphoma of bone.
Methodology: All patients with Primary lymphoma of bone (PLB) that were diagnosed and/or treated at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from 2005 to 2019 were included as part of this study.
Results: There were 17 patients with PLB including 13 (76.5%) males and 4 (23.5%) females with a mean age of 44 ± 16.5 years. Nine patients were between 30-59 years of age at diagnosis. The mean follow-up time of patients was 80±46.7 months. Six patients had tumours …


Frequency Of Primiparous Mother Initiated Breastfeeding Earlier After Birth And Factors Associated With It In Sindh, Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis, Asma A. Bham, Sucheta Sharma, Akash Sardool, Umer F. Mujahid, Amrat Ayaz, Komal Valliani, Nawaal Maredia Aug 2021

Frequency Of Primiparous Mother Initiated Breastfeeding Earlier After Birth And Factors Associated With It In Sindh, Pakistan: A Secondary Analysis, Asma A. Bham, Sucheta Sharma, Akash Sardool, Umer F. Mujahid, Amrat Ayaz, Komal Valliani, Nawaal Maredia

Community Health Sciences

Background: Initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after delivery plays a vital role in a newborns life by not only increasing their survival rate but also reducing many life-threatening diseases in the newborn. The aim of the study was to determine frequency of early initiation of breastfeeding among primiparous mothers in a rural district of Thatta, Pakistan.
Methods: This study was conducted using survey data extracted from a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 on prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and factors associated with it among women in Thatta. The outcome was early initiation of breastfeeding. To determine factors associated with it, …


The Prevalence Of Albuminuria In Children With Chronic Kidney Disease In Two Tertiary Hospitals In Nairobi, Kenya, Mercy Wambui Githumbi Aug 2021

The Prevalence Of Albuminuria In Children With Chronic Kidney Disease In Two Tertiary Hospitals In Nairobi, Kenya, Mercy Wambui Githumbi

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem globally. In Africa, the burden in children remains unclear and is often reported as low. In developing countries, it is mainly due to secondary causes and nephrotic syndrome, while in the developed countries it is mainly due to congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) defines CKD and utilises glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria as an additional factor. Albuminuria is significant in prognostication of individuals with CKD as it is a marker of kidney damage. It is correlated with outcomes including …


Red Blood Cell Transfusion In Critically-Ill Children And Its Association With Outcome, Hafsa Sohail, Shah Ali Ahmed, Parveen Usman, Farah Khalid, Anwar Ul Haque, Qalab Abbas Aug 2021

Red Blood Cell Transfusion In Critically-Ill Children And Its Association With Outcome, Hafsa Sohail, Shah Ali Ahmed, Parveen Usman, Farah Khalid, Anwar Ul Haque, Qalab Abbas

Department of Emergency Medicine

Objective: To determine the indications and threshold of haemoglobin levels for packed red blood cell transfusion and its association with outcomes in a paediatric intensive care setting.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted in the paediatric intensive care unit of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records of all inpatients with age between 1 month and 16 years who received packed red blood cell transfusions between January and December 2017. Data was retrieved from the hospital database and was analyzed using SPSS 22.
Results: Of the 147 subjects with a mean age of 67.89±65.8 months, 76(51.7%) were …


Health-Related Quality Of Life Of Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Nissen Fundoplication And Gastrostomy Tube Insertion, Felix Wafula Musibi Aug 2021

Health-Related Quality Of Life Of Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After Nissen Fundoplication And Gastrostomy Tube Insertion, Felix Wafula Musibi

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) negatively impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Nissen fundoplication is done when medical treatment fails. Goal of therapy is to eliminate symptoms and improve quality of life. Justification: HRQoL is a key indicator that we can use to evaluate the impact of our interventions so that we can make evidence-based decisions and advice our patients appropriately based on the outcomes of these interventions. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess the HRQoL of children with GERD after Nissen fundoplication alone or Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube insertion. Methods: Design- Observational retrospective cohort study. Setting- …


Variances In Bcg Protection Against Covid-19 Mortality: A Global Assessment, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Krunal Pandav, Sarabjot Singh Makkar, Saman Hasan Siddiqui, Gaurav Patel, Tania Platero-Portillo, Bishnu Mohan Singh, Mohamed Iburahim Haja Maideen, Deepika Sarvepalli, Muzna Sarfraz Aug 2021

Variances In Bcg Protection Against Covid-19 Mortality: A Global Assessment, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Krunal Pandav, Sarabjot Singh Makkar, Saman Hasan Siddiqui, Gaurav Patel, Tania Platero-Portillo, Bishnu Mohan Singh, Mohamed Iburahim Haja Maideen, Deepika Sarvepalli, Muzna Sarfraz

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

The BCG vaccine is known to impart nonspecific immunological benefits alongside conferring protection to tuberculosis in endemic regions. It is also known to protect against bladder cancer and other respiratory tract infections. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the BCG vaccine has gained attention due to its role in conferring protective immunity. We demonstrate the potential immunological protective mechanisms that play a role against COVID-19. We conduct a global assessment of the countries that have the highest and lowest mortality rates determined by an a priori methodology. Lastly, we discuss the potential limitations of incorporating BCG vaccines as potential …


Detection Of Typhoid Carriers By Duodenal Fluid Culture In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study, Sonia Qureshi, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Shafquat Rozi, Shahida Qureshi, Aneeta Hotwani, Kamran Sadiq, Om Parkash, Abdul Momin Kazi, Furqan Kabir, Hadi Usmani, Farah Naz Qamar Aug 2021

Detection Of Typhoid Carriers By Duodenal Fluid Culture In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study, Sonia Qureshi, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Shafquat Rozi, Shahida Qureshi, Aneeta Hotwani, Kamran Sadiq, Om Parkash, Abdul Momin Kazi, Furqan Kabir, Hadi Usmani, Farah Naz Qamar

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

We aimed to detect typhoid carriers by performing duodenal fluid culture in patients in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Participants were interviewed, and duodenal fluid samples were taken for culture to detect Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and paratyphi. A polymerase chain reaction on 100 randomly selected sub-samples was also conducted. A total of 477 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 42.4±15.5 years. History of typhoid fever was present in 73 (15.3%) participants. Out of the 477 …


Effectiveness Of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Against Culture-Confirmed Salmonella Enterica Serotype Typhi In An Extensively Drug-Resistant Outbreak Setting Of Hyderabad, Pakistan: A Cohort Study, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Sultan Karim, Sonia Qureshi, Abdul Momin Kazi, Hina Memon, Amber Junejo, Zohra Khawaja, Najeeb Ur Rehman, Muhammad Sajid Ansari, Rafey Ali, Heera Mani Lohana, Farah Naz Qamar Aug 2021

Effectiveness Of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Against Culture-Confirmed Salmonella Enterica Serotype Typhi In An Extensively Drug-Resistant Outbreak Setting Of Hyderabad, Pakistan: A Cohort Study, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Sultan Karim, Sonia Qureshi, Abdul Momin Kazi, Hina Memon, Amber Junejo, Zohra Khawaja, Najeeb Ur Rehman, Muhammad Sajid Ansari, Rafey Ali, Heera Mani Lohana, Farah Naz Qamar

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S Typhi) is a major public health problem in low-income and middle-income countries. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and impact of the typhoid conjugate vaccine Typbar-TCV against S Typhi among children in an outbreak setting of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) S Typhi in Pakistan.
Methods: This cohort study was done from Feb 21, 2018, to Dec 31, 2019. A census survey of all households located in the Qasimabad and Latifabad subdistricts of Hyderabad, Pakistan, was done at baseline, and 174 005 households were registered in the census. The Typbar-TCV immunisation campaign was initiated at temporary …


Probabilistic Measures Of Hiv-1 Transmission In Different Hiv-1 Key Population Groups Of Larkana, Pakistan, Syed Rizwan-Ul-Hasa, Abiha Abdullah, Shakil Arshad Siddiqui, Shakil Ahmed, Sharaf Ali Shah, Fatima Mir, Syed Hani Abidi Aug 2021

Probabilistic Measures Of Hiv-1 Transmission In Different Hiv-1 Key Population Groups Of Larkana, Pakistan, Syed Rizwan-Ul-Hasa, Abiha Abdullah, Shakil Arshad Siddiqui, Shakil Ahmed, Sharaf Ali Shah, Fatima Mir, Syed Hani Abidi

Medical College Documents

Objective: To estimate the probability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 transmission from different key HIV population groups using probabilistic modelling.
Methods: This study was conducted in December 2020. A probabilistic model was used to estimate the probability of HIV-1 transmission from different key HIV population groups in Larkana. Our model was run on three probabilistic assumptions: 1) each replication gave two conceivable results: 'true' or 'false'; 2) the chance of giving a 'true' result is the same for each replication; and 3) the replications are independent - 'true' in one will not impact the likelihood of 'true' in another.
Results: …


Establishing Reference Interval For Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone In Children Below Two-Year Ages In Pakistani Population, Siraj Muneer, Imran Siddiqui, Hafsa Majid, Lena Jafri, Khadija N Humayun, Sibtain Ahmed, Aysha Habib Khan Jul 2021

Establishing Reference Interval For Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone In Children Below Two-Year Ages In Pakistani Population, Siraj Muneer, Imran Siddiqui, Hafsa Majid, Lena Jafri, Khadija N Humayun, Sibtain Ahmed, Aysha Habib Khan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Introduction: Reference intervals (RIs) of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) are age, assay and population specific. Currently, the age and assay-specific RIs for TSH are not available for children under two years of age. This study aimed to establish reference intervals for serum concentrations of TSH and FT4 in healthy children aged 1-24 months as per CLSI C28-A3 guidelines.
Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in children from 1 to 24 months visiting the clinical laboratory for serum vitamin D testing but without any recent illness, hospitalization, medication and history of maternal thyroid diseases from August 2018 …


Poliovirus Excretion Among Children With Primary Immune Deficiency In Pakistan: A Pilot Surveillance Study Protocol, Asma Sadruddin Pethani, Zaubina Kazi, Ujala Nayyar, Muhammad Shafiq-Ur-Rehman, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Mach Ondrej, Ali Faisal Saleem Jul 2021

Poliovirus Excretion Among Children With Primary Immune Deficiency In Pakistan: A Pilot Surveillance Study Protocol, Asma Sadruddin Pethani, Zaubina Kazi, Ujala Nayyar, Muhammad Shafiq-Ur-Rehman, Mohammad Tahir Yousafzai, Mach Ondrej, Ali Faisal Saleem

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Children with primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) are more susceptible to developing viral infections and are at a substantially increased risk of developing paralytic poliomyelitis. Such children, if given oral polio vaccines tend to excrete poliovirus chronically that may lead to the propagation of highly divergent vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). Consequently, they may act as a reservoir for the community by introducing an altered virus potentially imposing a risk to global polio eradication. However, the risks of chronic and prolonged excretion are not well characterised in the study context. This study seeks to establish a pilot surveillance system for successful identification …


Risk Of Infection And Transmission Of Sars-Cov-2 Among Children And Adolescents In Households, Communities And Educational Settings: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Omar Irfan, Jiang Li, Kun Tang, Zhicheng Wang, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta Jul 2021

Risk Of Infection And Transmission Of Sars-Cov-2 Among Children And Adolescents In Households, Communities And Educational Settings: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Omar Irfan, Jiang Li, Kun Tang, Zhicheng Wang, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Woman and Child Health

Background: There is uncertainty with respect to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in children (0-19 years) with controversy on effectiveness of school-closures in controlling the pandemic. It is of equal importance to evaluate the risk of transmission in children who are often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic carriers that may incidentally transmit SARS-CoV-2 in different settings. We conducted this review to assess transmission and risks for SARS-CoV-2 in children (by age-groups or grades) in community and educational-settings compared to adults.
Methods: Data for the review were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WHO COVID-19 Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) Database, WanFang Database, Latin …


Role Of Community Engagement In Maternal Health In Rural Pakistan: Findings From The Clip Randomized Trial, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Sana Sadiq Sheikh, Rahat Qureshi, Javed Memon, Farrukh Raza, Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella, Jeffrey N. Bone, Marianne Vidler, Sumedha Sharma, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta Jul 2021

Role Of Community Engagement In Maternal Health In Rural Pakistan: Findings From The Clip Randomized Trial, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Sana Sadiq Sheikh, Rahat Qureshi, Javed Memon, Farrukh Raza, Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella, Jeffrey N. Bone, Marianne Vidler, Sumedha Sharma, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Community-based strategies to promote maternal health can help raise awareness of pregnancy danger signs and preparations for emergencies. The objective of this study was to assess change in birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) and pregnant women's knowledge about pre-eclampsia as part of community engagement (CE) activities in rural Pakistan during the Community Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) Trial.
Methods: The CLIP Trial was a cluster randomized controlled trial that aimed to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality using CE strategies alongside mobile health-supported care by community health care providers. CE activities engaged pregnant women at their homes …


Gut Integrity And Duodenal Enteropathogen Burden In Undernourished Children With Environmental Enteric Dysfunction, Zehra Jamil, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Romana Idress, Zubair Ahmad, Kamran Sadiq, Junaid Iqbal, Sana Syed, Aneeta Hotwani, Furqan Kabir, Kumail Ahmed, Sheraz Ahmed, Fayyaz Umrani, Fatima Aziz, Adil Kalam, Syed Asad Ali Jul 2021

Gut Integrity And Duodenal Enteropathogen Burden In Undernourished Children With Environmental Enteric Dysfunction, Zehra Jamil, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Romana Idress, Zubair Ahmad, Kamran Sadiq, Junaid Iqbal, Sana Syed, Aneeta Hotwani, Furqan Kabir, Kumail Ahmed, Sheraz Ahmed, Fayyaz Umrani, Fatima Aziz, Adil Kalam, Syed Asad Ali

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical condition of intestinal inflammation, barrier dysfunction and malabsorption associated with growth faltering in children living in poverty. This study explores association of altered duodenal permeability (lactulose, rhamnose and their ratio) with higher burden of enteropathogen in the duodenal aspirate, altered histopathological findings and higher morbidity (diarrhea) that is collectively associated with linear growth faltering in children living in EED endemic setting. In a longitudinal birth cohort, 51 controls (WHZ > 0, HAZ > -1.0) and 63 cases (WHZ< -2.0, refractory to nutritional intervention) were recruited. Anthropometry and morbidity were recorded on monthly bases up to 24 months of age. Dual sugar assay of urine collected after oral administration of lactulose and rhamnose was assessed in 96 children from both the groups. Duodenal histopathology (n = 63) and enteropathogen analysis of aspirate via Taqman array card (n = 60) was assessed in only cases. Giardia was the most frequent pathogen and was associated with raised L:R ratio (p = 0.068). Gastric microscopy was more sensitive than duodenal aspirate in H. pylori detection. Microscopically confirmed H. pylori negatively correlated with HAZ at 24 months (r = -0.313, p = 0.013). Regarding histopathological parameters, goblet cell reduction significantly correlated with decline in dual sugar excretion (p< 0.05). Between cases and controls, there were no significant differences in the median (25th, 75th percentile) of urinary concentrations (μg/ml) of lactulose [27.0 (11.50, 59.50) for cases vs. 38.0 (12.0, 61.0) for controls], rhamnose [66.0 (28.0, 178.0) vs. 86.5 (29.5, 190.5)] and L:R ratio [0.47 (0.24, 0.90) vs. 0.51 (0.31, 0.71)] respectively. In multivariable regression model, 31% of variability in HAZ at 24 months of age among cases and controls was explained by final model including dual sugars. In conclusion, enteropathogen burden is associated with altered histopathological features and intestinal permeability. In cases and controls living in settings of endemic enteropathy, intestinal permeability test may predict linear growth. However, for adoption as a screening tool for EED, further validation is required due to its complex intestinal pathophysiology.


A Retrospective Review On Antibiotic Use In Acute Watery Diarrhea In Children In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi, Pakistan, Sonia Qureshi, Shahzadi Resham, Mariam Hashmi, Abdullah B. Naveed, Zoya Haq, Syed Asad Ali Jul 2021

A Retrospective Review On Antibiotic Use In Acute Watery Diarrhea In Children In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi, Pakistan, Sonia Qureshi, Shahzadi Resham, Mariam Hashmi, Abdullah B. Naveed, Zoya Haq, Syed Asad Ali

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Responsible for at least one in nine pediatric deaths, diarrheal diseases are the leading, global cause of death. Further abetted by improper antibiotic use in a hospital setting, children with acute watery diarrhea can see prolonged hospital stays, and unwanted adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance. Hence, this study is aimed to identify the association between antibiotic usage for the treatment of acute watery diarrhea in children, and the impact this line of management has on the duration of their hospital stay.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at the department of Pediatric of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) …


Longitudinal Association Between Parental-To-Child-Maltreatment And Self-Reported Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms In Pakistani Adolescents, Maryam Pyar Ali Lakhdir, Ghazal Peerwani, Salman Muhammad Soomar, Apsara Ali, Salima Farooq, Naureen Akber Ali, Asif Khaliq, Muhammad Masood Kadir, Syed Iqbal Azam Jul 2021

Longitudinal Association Between Parental-To-Child-Maltreatment And Self-Reported Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms In Pakistani Adolescents, Maryam Pyar Ali Lakhdir, Ghazal Peerwani, Salman Muhammad Soomar, Apsara Ali, Salima Farooq, Naureen Akber Ali, Asif Khaliq, Muhammad Masood Kadir, Syed Iqbal Azam

Community Health Sciences

Background: Parent-to-child maltreatment is considered one of the risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been adequately tested in Pakistani settings.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the association between parent-to-child maltreatment and the risk of developing GAD symptoms among adolescents.
Methods: The association of none to rare, occasionally, and frequently parent-to-child maltreatment with the incidence of GAD symptoms was investigated in a sample of 800 adolescents aged 11-17 years who were followed for two years. Parent-to-child maltreatment was assessed using ICAST-C (International child abuse screening tool). GAD Symptoms were determined by SCARED (Screen …


Indirect Determination Of Serum Creatinine Reference Intervals In A Pakistani Pediatric Population Using Big Data Analytics, Sibtain Ahmed, Jakob Zierk, Imran Siddiqui, Aysha Habib Khan Jul 2021

Indirect Determination Of Serum Creatinine Reference Intervals In A Pakistani Pediatric Population Using Big Data Analytics, Sibtain Ahmed, Jakob Zierk, Imran Siddiqui, Aysha Habib Khan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Background: The indirect methods of reference intervals (RI) establishment based on data mining are utilized to overcome the ethical, practical challenges and the cost associated with the conventional direct approach.
Aim: To generate RIs for serum creatinine in children and adolescents using an indirect statistical tool.
Methods: Data mining of the laboratory information system was performed for serum creatinine analyzed from birth to 17 years for both genders. The timeline was set at six years from January 2013 to December 2018. Microsoft Excel 2010 and an indirect algorithm developed by the German Society of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine's Working …


Diagnostic Accuracy Of Machine Learning Models To Identify Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Uswa Jiwani, Saima Sattar, Rehana A. Salam, Babar Hasan, Jai K. Das Jul 2021

Diagnostic Accuracy Of Machine Learning Models To Identify Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis, Zahra Hoodbhoy, Uswa Jiwani, Saima Sattar, Rehana A. Salam, Babar Hasan, Jai K. Das

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: With the dearth of trained care providers to diagnose congenital heart disease (CHD) and a surge in machine learning (ML) models, this review aims to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of such models for detecting CHD.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search in the PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed. Studies that reported the diagnostic ability of ML for the detection of CHD compared to the reference standard were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The sensitivity and specificity results from the studies were used to …


Improved Clinical Competence And Patients Satisfaction: Comparison Of Patient-Centered, Interdisciplinary Collaborative Round Versus Traditional Post-Partum Round, Arshia Javed, Arjumand Sohaila, Irfan Sheikh, Nida Qadir Jul 2021

Improved Clinical Competence And Patients Satisfaction: Comparison Of Patient-Centered, Interdisciplinary Collaborative Round Versus Traditional Post-Partum Round, Arshia Javed, Arjumand Sohaila, Irfan Sheikh, Nida Qadir

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

The origin of the patient-centered interdisciplinary collaborative round, which involves health care members of all levels at a time, is an effective and emerging approach to offer inpatient healthcare. Traditionally, post-partum rounds at teaching hospitals consisted of separate visits from all members of the obstetric team that resulted in patient inconvenience, care insufficiencies, and communication gaps. The main objective of this study was to assess the patient's satisfaction level from the traditional post-partum round versus the patient-centered collaborative care (PCCC) round. This study showed that in the traditional round, the patient's satisfaction with the treatment was 95.1%; whereas, in PCCC …


Direct Maternal Morbidity And The Risk Of Pregnancy-Related Deaths, Stillbirths, And Neonatal Deaths In South Asia And Sub-Saharan Africa: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study In 8 Countries, Imran Ahmed, Shabina Ariff, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Muhammad Ilyas, Fyezah Jehan, Usma Mehmood, Karim Muhammad, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Yaqub Wasan, Anita K. M. Zaidi Jun 2021

Direct Maternal Morbidity And The Risk Of Pregnancy-Related Deaths, Stillbirths, And Neonatal Deaths In South Asia And Sub-Saharan Africa: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study In 8 Countries, Imran Ahmed, Shabina Ariff, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Muhammad Ilyas, Fyezah Jehan, Usma Mehmood, Karim Muhammad, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Yaqub Wasan, Anita K. M. Zaidi

Woman and Child Health

Background: Maternal morbidity occurs several times more frequently than mortality, yet data on morbidity burden and its effect on maternal, foetal, and newborn outcomes are limited in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to generate prospective, reliable population-based data on the burden of major direct maternal morbidities in the antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods and its association with maternal, foetal, and neonatal death in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods and findings: This is a prospective cohort study, conducted in 9 research sites in 8 countries of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted population-based surveillance of women of reproductive …


Tocilizumab And Covid-19: A Meta-Analysis Of 2120 Patients With Severe Disease And Implications For Clinical Trial Methodologies, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Muzna Sarfraz, Hinna Aftab, Zainab Pervaiz Jun 2021

Tocilizumab And Covid-19: A Meta-Analysis Of 2120 Patients With Severe Disease And Implications For Clinical Trial Methodologies, Azza Sarfraz, Zouina Sarfraz, Muzna Sarfraz, Hinna Aftab, Zainab Pervaiz

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background/aim: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, numerous therapies to counteract this severe disease have emerged. The benefits of Tocilizumab for severely infected COVID-19 patients and the methodologies of ongoing clinical trials are explored.
Materials and methods: A systematic search adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, medRxiv, and bioRxiv using the following keywords: “Tocilizumab,” “Actemra,” “COVID-19.” An additional subsearch was conducted on Clinicaltrials.gov to locate ongoing tocilizumab trials.
Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis comprising 2120 patients. The treatment group had lower mortality compared to the control group (OR = 0.42, …