Frequency of hepatitis C infection in diabetic patients

Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of acquiring Hepatitis C Virus [HCV] infection owing to the nature of the disease and its inherent complications or frequent parental exposure. On the other hand HCV infection may itself contribute to the development of Diabetes Mellitus. The epidemiological evidence of this association has not been studied in Pakistan at a population level and its exact biological mechanisms are not obvious. Objective of this study was to study the frequency of HCV infection among adult diabetic patients attending the Hospital the study comprised of 100 Diabetic patients visiting the outpatient clinics or admitted in the medical wards of a Teaching Hospital, in Peshawar. Diabetes was confirmed according to the new diagnostic criteria based on 2 fasting or 2 random plasma glucose levels of more than 126 milligram per deciliter [mg/dL] and 200 mg/dL respectively. The presence of HCV infection was confirmed by Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay [ELISA] method. A concise history of the patient, examination and laboratory findings were recorded on a Performa. Out of the hundred diabetics 36% were found to be anti HCV positive and all of them had type II diabetes. There was no gender difference in the seropositive cases. Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase [SGPT] level was raised in 75% of the positive cases as compared to the 25% of the seronegative patients. The seropositive cases had a comparatively higher blood sugar level. HCV infection occurs more often in type II diabetic and further investigations should be done in diabetic patients with raised SGPT for the presence of chronic HCV infection

Arthritis in inflamatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a systemic disorder with intestinal and extra-intestinal features. Arthritis is a well recognized extra intestinal manifestation. Spondylitis, sacroiliiatis are the common involvement with IBD. NSAIDs are generally recommended in the treatment with caution due to its potential of flaring up the gastrointestinal symptoms. Sulphasalazine, methotraxate, aziothioprine and anti TNF alpha agents are licensed for treatment of arthritis in IBD

Glycemic control status in patients with type-2 diabetes

To assess the status of glycaemic control in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus [DM] in NWFP, Pakistan. Observational study. Medical Out-patient Department [OPD], Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar and a private clinic of physician from January 2003 to December 2003. Two hundred and ten patients with type-2 diabetes were included in the study. The glycemic control of these patients was determined by estimation of blood glucose [fasting and random] and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]. The patients were grouped in three categories, the 1st one having good glycaemic control, the 2nd having fair [acceptable] glycaemic control and the 3rd group having poor diabetic control with their HbA1c values being 6%-7%, 7.1%-8.2% and >8.2% respectively. Statistical analysis of the results was made by application of Pearson's chi-square test and student's t-test. Around half, 51.43%, of the patients had poor control of diabetes, with mean HbA1c of 10.183 +/- 1.73 SD [standard deviation] and were placed in category 3. Good control of diabetes accounted for 31.43% of our patients having mean HbA1c of 6.64 +/- 0.27 SD and were placed in category-1. The rest, 17.14%, were placed in fair control category having mean HbA1c value of 7.68 +/- 0.44 SD. Majority of our patients with type-2 diabetes are having poor control of their glycaemic status