FEV1/FEV6 as an alternative to FEV1/FVC in the spirometric detection of airway obstruction in chronic smokers

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is defined as a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. FEV1/FEV6 is a new more reliable spirometric index, which is derived from maneuvers that can be performed more easily and can detect early airway obstruction

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of FEV1/FEV6 by taking FEV1/FVC as gold standard in the detection of airway obstruction in chronic smokers. Study Design: Cross sectional [Validation] study. Setting: This study was conducted in the Department of Medical Unit-II, Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Duration with Dates: Six months from 01-12-2014 to 31-05-2015

Subjects: A total of 192 patients were enrolled from Medical OPD of Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Every patient was asked to take three practice attempts before actual readings were taken to avoid technical error. The patient was asked to breathe in as deeply as possible and then exhale. The both FEV1/FVC and FEV1/FEV6 were calculated for each patient

Results: The mean age of the patients were 42.1 +/- 8.9 years. There were 152 [79.2%] male and 40 [20.8%] female patients. The sensitivity of FEV1/FEV6 in the detection of airway obstruction was 88%, specificity 94%, positive predictive value 95%, negative predictive value 85% and diagnostic accuracy 91%

Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that FEV1/FEV6 is a sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of airway obstruction. FEV1/FEV6 can be used as a valid alternative for FEV1/FVC in the diagnosis of airway obstruction

Association of HIV with drug dependence; socio-demographic characteristics of substance abusers inclusive of HIV positive admitted in model drug abuse and treatment center, DHQ hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan

This study was undertaken with an objective of collecting basic data to assess the extent and variety of drug abuse in patients presenting to the model drug abuse and treatment center, DHQ hospital, Fsd as per social and demographic circumstances. cross sectional study. The study was conducted in the indoor Department of Model Drug Abuse Treatment Center of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad from Jan-2014 to March-2014. 80 patients dependent on different drugs participated in this study through purposive convenient sampling technique. Personal, Social, and Demographic variables were recorded on a demographic sheet. The results were obtained by using SPSS 17. Descriptive statistics showed that 31 patients [38.8%] were HIV positive. Most of the patients were males [97.5 %], between 30 to 35 years of age [28.8%], married [61.3%], lived in urban areas [55%], illiterate [32.5%], had primary level education [21.3%], or middle level education [22.5%]. 51.3 % patients were laborers. As illiteracy, low education, unemployment, labor as profession, and peer pressure are the key features of drug abusers. So, parents, health professionals, and state personals should take these as risk factors and focus upon these population segments to spread awareness and take measures of control to minimize the incidence of substance abuse

Prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients

Objectives: To find out frequency of depression among Tuberculosis [TB] patients, to study the causes of depression in them and its effect on treatment and prognosis of T.B

Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study

Study Area: Department of Chest Medicine District Head Quarters and Red Crescent T.B Hospital, Faisalabad

Duration of Study: March - May 2009. Study Population: TB patients admitted in Department of Chest Medicine DHQ and Red Crescent T.B Hospital, Faisalabad

Sample Size: Sample size was 60 TB patients

Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling technique

Data Collection Tool: Beck's Depression Inventory-II[BDI-II in Urdu] semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection for all TB patients who were able to understand it. Diagnosis was made as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth edition [DSM-IV]

Results: Depression was present in about 80% of the hospitalized TB patient. It was more common in males about 86%, while in the females it was about 71%. According to age, young and elderly patients were found to be more affected. Majority of the TB patients had moderate depression, while some had severe and mild depression. Main causes of depression among the male TB patients 24.7% were due to altered social relationship and among female TB patients 23.33% were due to TB stigma

Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that 80% patients were suffering from depression. The frequency of depression was found to be 86% among males; while 71% of the female patients were found to be depressed. Main causes of depression among the male TB patients were altered social relationship and among female patients TB stigma. Depression had adverse effect on drug compliance and TB treatment