Female spouses of injection drug users in Pakistan: a bridge population of the HIV epidemic?

An estimated 21% of injection drug users [IDUs] in Pakistan are HIV-positive and data suggest that the spouses of IDUs may be a critical component of the HIV transmission chain. This study interviewed 101 spouses of male IDUs about their sexual practices and drug use. We found that 43% had been sexually active with their partners in the past month but only 4% reported selling sex. Almost a quarter [23%] used drugs and 19% injected drugs, usually a combination of diazepam and pheniramine. Although sex work was infrequent among spouses of IDUs, their risk of contracting HIV and transmitting it to others was high because they received injection drugs, sometimes along with their IDU husbands, from the same health centres that provided therapeutic injections to the rest of the community. IDU spouses may thus serve as a bridge group via therapeutic injections, rather than via sex work

Hodgkin's disease: the disease pattern and treatment response

To study the disease pattern and treatment response of Hodgkin's Disease in our patients. Prospective study from Jan 1995 to June 1997. Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and Oncology Department of CMH, Rawalpindi. Patients with newly diagnosed Hodgkin's Disease. Disease pattern on presentation and response to various therapeutic protocols. Thirty patients were included in the study, 19 males and 11 females. Age of patients ranged from 3.5-90 years with a median of 32.5 years. Histologically mixed cellularity was the most common subtype [76.6%]. Most of the patients had advanced disease, 46.6% stage III and 16.6% were in stage IV at the time of initial presentation. Overall Complete Remission [CR] rate was 82%. There was no significant difference between the CR rate among the patients who received ABVD [10 out of 12 achieved CR] and MOPP variants [9 out of 12 achieved CR]. Complete response rate is 82% which is similar to the other centres of the world. Results of treatment with ChlVPP, C-MOPP and LOPP are almost equal to ABVD. These modifications of MOPP are very cheap as compared to ABVD, ChlVPP is almost ten times cheaper. These regimens can be safely recommended without compromising treatment benefits. This observation is very pertinent in developing countries like Pakistan, where resources allocated for health facilities are very limited

Intensive post remission chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia

To establish the spectrum of toxicities and supportive care required during intensive post remission chemotherapy with high dose Ara-c in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. A retrospective study. From Aug. 95 to Feb. 98. Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology CMH Rawalpindi and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi. Eleven patients of acute myeloid leukaemia achieving complete remission, received total of 36 courses of HidAC. Toxicities occurring and supportive care required during intensive post remission chemotherapy with HidAC. Most common toxicities included fever, bleeding and conjunctivitis. Two patients died due to cerebral bleeding and DIC. Patients were managed with antibiotics, platelet concentrates and topical steroids. No patient developed CNS toxicity