Frequency of hepatitis D virus infection in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver diseases

To determine the frequency of HDV among hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive liver disorders. An observational cross-sectional study. Medical Unit I, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana, from July 2003 to June 2008. Adult patients with HBs liver related disorders were evaluated for the presence of delta antibodies using commercially available ELISA kits. Descriptive statistcs were used for describing data. Proportions of anti D antibodies between gender and age were compared using chi-square test with significance at p < 0.05. Of the 774 cases, 438 were males [60.4%] and 336 were females [39.6%]. The mean age was 36.5 +/- 14.39 for males and 34.03 +/- 13.16 years for females ranging from 15 to 60 years. Anti-HDV was positive in 183 patients [23.6%].The frequency of HDV was not significantly different between the gender groups [p=0.718]. HDV infection was markedly higher in chronic than acute liver disorders. The HBV/HDV co-infection is frequent in the studied area. Therefore, practitioners and health care managers should be made aware of the risk of dual infection with HBV and HDV

Glycemic status, income, self-monitoring, compliance, education and pattern of pharmacotherapy in 100 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus

To assess the glycemic status, income, self-monitoring, compliance, education and pattern of pharmacotherapy in 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Material and This descriptive observational study was carried out at Medical A Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. A total of 100 type 2 diabetic patients were included through non-probability sampling. Glycosylated hemoglobin of each patient was determined and questions were asked about income, self-monitoring of glycemic status, education and compliance of the patients. Majority of the patients [78%] had poorly controlled diabetic mellitus. Most of the patients [42%] were poor and their monthly income was less than 5000 rupees. Only 57% of the patients monitored their blood sugar once a month. No patient was using glycosylated hemoglobin for assessment of his or her glycemic status. Majority of the patients [82%] were illiterate. Oral hypoglycemic agents were used by 81% of the patients. Most of the patients had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Majority of the patients were poor and illiterate and there was poor self-monitoring. Most of the patients were using oral hypoglycemic drugs

Diabetes mellitus [diagnosed and undiagnosed] in acute myocardial infarction

To determine the proportion of Diabetes Mellitus [DM] in patients with documented first episode of Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI], in both genders. A prospective, case control observational study. Emergency Room, CCU and Medical wards of Chandka Medical College Hospital Larkana, Pakistan, from January 2005 to August 2005. 200 patients 100 consecutive males and 100 consecutive females, presenting with definite first episode of AMI. Diagnosis of D.M established on previous history of D.M, medical record and medications used by patient, patients without previous diagnosis of D.M [Undiagnosed], were diagnosed by performing Fasting Plasma Glucose [FPG], once within around 72 hours and 8 weeks later on. Out of 200 patients 49 [24.5%] were known diabetics, 20 [10%] revealed hyperglycemia [suspected diabetics] on routine plasma glucose level and Fasting Plasma Glucose [FPG] petformed within 72 hours of the onset of AMI and on subsequent follow up after 8 weeks, FPG level performed revealed 12 [6%] newly diagnosed definitive diabetics, while 5 [2.5%] revealed Impaired Glucose Tolerance Test [GTT] and 3 [1.5%] were found to be non-diabetics, so that a total 61 [30.5%] were labeled as diabetics. one out of every three patients with AMI had DM, elevated levels of random blood glucose and FPG at the time of admission are not reliable measures to establish the diagnosis of diabetes in cases of AMI and thus follow up measurements after a period of 6-8 weeks are necessary to establish the diagnosis. Awareness in general public regarding deleterious effects of DM should be promoted

Pyrazinamide induced hyperuricemia in patients taking anti-tuberculous therapy

To record the effect of pyrazinamide on uric acid in patients of tuberculosis. Design: Descriptive and observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana from February 2000 to January 2003. Patients and All patients receiving anti-tuberculosis drugs with pyrazinamide were included. Serum uric acid levels were monitored at weeks 0, 2, 8 and 12 of therapy. Serum creatinine was done at weeks 0, 8 and 12. Results were reported on 216 patients. Mean uric acid and creatinine levels at the start of therapy, i.e., week '0' were 5.07 '0.57 mg/dl and 0.87 '0.11 mg/dl respectively. The results show significant increase in uric acid levels from week '0' to week '2', at the end of week '8', the levels remained elevated and there was no statistical significant difference from that at week '2'. The uric acid levels reduced at week '12' after pyrazinamide was stopped and the difference was significant. Despite that renal function steadily improved with the treatment of tuberculosis to the extent that comparable pre-treatment values were obtained at the end of treatment. Anti-tuberculous therapy with pyrazinamide affects the uric acid levels early. This change is reversible after the withdrawal of the agent

Frequency and transmission mode of hepatitis C virus in Northern Sindh

To study the frequency of hepatitis C and mode of transmission in patients of chronic liver disease [CLD]. Design: A descriptive, non-interventional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the department of Medicine, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana over a period of 6-year [January 1997-December 2002]. Patients and The study included 1074 patients of chronic liver disease admitted to the department of medicine due to HCV. Their variables were recorded and analyzed. A total of 1074 patients, comprising of 564 of chronic hepatitis [group I] and 510 of cirrhosis liver [group II] respectively were studied. The male to female ratio was 2:1 in both groups. Anti-HCV antibody was present in 51% in group I and 57% in group II. Use of syringes [62%] was an important risk factor. HCV is a leading cause of CLD. The leading risk factor identified is the use of contaminated syringes