Renal profile in cases subjected to blunt trauma

To study the occurrence of renal failure in cases subjected to blunt trauma. Analytical study. This study was carried out at the Medico-legal clinic, Services Hospital, Lahore from January to December, 2007. The study was based upon 50 cases of blunt trauma reporting at Medico-legal clinic, Services Hospital, Lahore. Twenty normal healthy controls were taken for comparison purposes. The cases were clinically examined for presence of evidence of trauma. Urine and blood samples were taken for estimation of blood urea, creatinine, potassium and calcium. There were 47 males [94%] and 3 females [6%]. The age of the subjects ranged between 18-70 years with mean of 30.9 +/- 12.34, maximum number [62%] below the age of 30. The injuries found were abrasions / bruises in 45 cases [90 %], lacerated wounds in 5 cases [10%]. In most of the cases [40%] injuries were distributed in more than one body region. As single area involvement the head and face area was affected in one case [2%], chest in 4 cases [8%] and limbs in 25 cases [50%]. The most commonly involved areas were buttocks, thighs, back of chest. Twenty nine cases [58%] reported for examination within 24 hours. Thirteen cases [26%] reported between 24-48 hours and 8 cases [16%] reported between 48-72 hours after being traumatized. Urine Examination showed yellow colour in 44 cases [88%] and brownish red in 6 cases [12%]. Specific gravity ranged between 1010-1030 with mean of 1020.6 +/- 6.59. It was between 1010-1019 in 14 cases[28%], 1020-1029 in 27 cases [54%] and 1030-1039 in 9 cases[18%]. pH ranged between 5 - 8 with mean of 5.8 +/- 0.75. It was between 5 - 5.9 in 7 cases[14%], between 6.0 - 6.9 in 27 cases [54%], between 7.0 - 7.9 in 14 cases [28%] and 8.0 and above in 2 case [4%]. In control group it ranged between 6.0 - 7.0 with mean of 6.4 +/- 0.50. Blood was positive in 7 cases [14%], and negative in 43 cases [86%]. Microscopic Examination of urinary sediment showed pus cells 0 - 5 /HPF in 35 cases [70%], and above 5/PHF in 15 cases [30%]. The red blood cells were present in 15 cases [30%]. Calcium oxlate crystals were found in 39 cases [78%], triple phosphate in 5 cases [10%]. In 6 cases [12%] no crystals were found. The cellular casts were present in 6 cases [12%]. In blood examination blood urea ranged between 15.5 - 86.0 mg/dl with a mean of 43.54 +/- 15.06 . The blood urea was above reference range in 7 cases [14%]. Blood Creatinine ranged between 0.5 - 2.6 mg/dl with mean of 0.97 +/- 0.47. The raised blood creatinine was found in 7 cases [14%]. These cases are the same cases which have raised blood urea. Serum Potassium ranged between 3.2 - 5.9 mmol/dl with mean of 4.45 and S.D. 0.78. It is above reference range in 9 cases [18%]. In cases with raised blood urea and creatinine it was raised in all cases. Serum Calcium ranged between 5.6 - 10.74 with mean of 8.84 +/- 1.01. The hypocalcaemia was seen in 25 cases [50%]. In the cases with raised blood urea and creatinine the calcium was low in all cases. In our study 14% cases have shown the evidence of renal function derangement. The cases subjected to blunt trauma are at threat to develop renal failure particularly in cases with dehydration and acidosis

Fatal road traffic accidents in Karachi

Fatalities due to road traffic accidents are a major cause of mortality all over the world. The aim of our study is to look at socio-demographic profile of such cases in order to find some remedial measures to minimize the brunt. Retrospective / observational study. This study was conducted at the Emergency Department, Sir Syed Hospital, Qayyumabad, Karachi from January to June, 2013. Study was based upon 56 victims of RTA. It includes all those who died during treatment or found dead on arrival in the emergency department. The demographic data of these cases was recorded. Males victims were 71% and maximum number of victims [37.5%] was in age group 30-39 years. Most of the accidents [38%] took place between 1200hrs and 1800hrs. Most of the injuries were found on the head [66%] and then chest 14%, lower extremities 21%, upper extremities 19%. The most common external injuries were abrasions, bruises and lacerations. Skull was the most common bone to be fractured [44%]. The head injury constituted major cause of death [53%] followed by hemorrhagic shock [35%]. Pedestrians and two wheeler riders were mostly affected individuals followed by cyclists, drivers of three wheeler, light and heavy motor vehicles. The incidence of traffic accidents is at rampant. The accidents risks can be minimized by enhancement of road visibility, good traffic control with properly working road traffic signals. Fatalities of Traffic accidents victims can be reduced by providing good pre-hospital care, establishment of well equipped emergency trauma centres in all big hospitals