Association of dental anomalies with different malocclusions in patients visiting Liaquat college of medicine and dentistry

The purpose of present study was to determine association of dental anomalies observed in various dental malocclusion patients visiting for Orthodontic treatment. Total of 600 patients [169 male, 431 female] having mean age 17.25+/-5.55 years were evaluated. This study showed that 61.2% of patients [n = 600] presented with at least one dental anomaly. Ectopic eruption was the most commonly found [46.8%], followed by Agenesis [missing tooth or teeth] 9.0%, canine impaction 4.0% and supernumerary teeth 1.3%. The frequency of theses dental anomalies were found higher in female than in males. Ectopic eruption [56% within malocclusions] was more frequent in patients with Class II div 1 malocclusion. No supernumerary tooth was found in Class II division 2 malocclusion rather more prevalent in class III malocclusion [2.5%]. Impaction was associated with Class II div 2 malocclusion [11.1%], at a higher prevalence than other types of malocclusions. Agenesis was associated with Class II div 2 malocclusion and class III malocclusion [14.8]. The correlations between dental anomalies and different types of malocclusion were found statistically significant. Within limitation of this study, Dental anomalies recorded frequently higher in females than male subjects, the reason may be the female patients being more esthetically conscious, visiting orthodontic treatment in Pakistan

Comparison of Hydralazine and Labetalol tolower severe hypertension in pregnancy

Objective: To compare the intravenous Labetalol versus intravenous hydralazine in patients having severe Pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] and pre eclampsia [PE] in pregnancy

Methods: Seventy eight women admitted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Civil Hospital Karachi, having severe PIH/PE and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Random selection of patients was performed using sealed opaqe envelop for administration of either intravenous noted [IV] Labetalol or Hydrallazine. The mean fall in the MAP in each group was noted. This data was compared by applying SPSS version 13. The study was conducted from November 2012 to April 2013

Results: The mean [+/-SD] age of the labetalol group was 27.46 [+/-5.28] years while that in the hydralazine group was 26.28 [+/-5.17] years. The mean fall in MAP observed in the labetalol group was 29.10 +/- 7.21 mmHg and that in the hydralazine group was 25.05 +/- 10.15 mmHg which was statistically significant with the p value being 0.046

Conclusion: Intra Venous labetalol lowered MAP more than hydralazine, when administered to pregnant females with severe Pregnancy induced hypertension [PIH] and pre eclampsia [PE] in pregnancy

Reconsidering a lower level of follicle-stimulating hormone as abnormal in sub-fertile males of Pakistan

Objective: To assess the association between Follicle-Stimulating Hormone [FSH] and semen parameters in order to evaluate whether the current laboratory reference for abnormal FSH levels should be readjusted

Study Design: Observational, cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Infertility Clinic of Gynecology Unit 1, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from May 2015 to April 2016

Methodology: The study included 100 sub-fertile males inducted from the clinic. Those above 45 years of age, with hypo gonadotrophic hypogonadism, and those on anabolic steroids were excluded. After history and examination, semen parameters and FSH levels were tested. Abnormal semen values were based on WHO 1999 criteria. Data was analyzed by SPSS 17 and mean, frequencies and percentages were calculated. Chi-square test was applied to check association between variables

Results: The FSH levels had a significant association with abnormal semen sperm concentration, motility and morphology but not with semen volume [p=0.246]. The mean FSH level was 5.8 +/-1.80 IU/L with two-thirds of individuals having value >4.5 IU/L. Frequency of semen abnormalities increased as the level of FSH increased

Conclusion: There is significantly an increased possibility of abnormal semen characteristics at FSH levels >4.5, so the current reference level should be lowered down and adjusted again

Heavy metal - arsenic

Arsenic is detected virtually in all environmental matrices.Two forms of arsenic, reduced and oxidized can be absorbed and accumulates in tissues and body fluids causing impairment of cell respiration and subsequently diminishes ATP formation. Several million people are exposed to arsenic chronically throughout the world. Diet, for most individuals, is the largest source of exposure. It is also called as "king of poisons". Immediate symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea being followed by numbness, tingling of extremities, muscle cramping and death. Long-term exposure to high arsenic level usually affects skin. Blood, urine, hair, and fingernails are used for diagnosis of toxicity.This is treated by chelating agents and removal of arsenic from body. Awareness should be created among the communities. Governmental measures for provision of clean water, uncontaminated food and reduction of hazards at occupational level could play a vital role for preventing morbidity and mortality

Errors in prescription writing by consultants

Objective: To identify the errors in the prescriptions of consultant [CPx] from different parts of Karachi

Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology at Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, from 21st April to 23rd June 2015. A total of 100 prescriptions were collected randomly after verbal consent from four consultants from four districts of Karachi. All prescriptions were analyzed for identifying errors in Superscription,Inscription, Subscription, Transcription, Signature and Refill information. Verbal consent of the respective consultants was taken few days prior to collection of prescriptions. Patient's consent was taken at the time of obtaining the prescription

Results: A total of 562 errors were identified in 100 prescriptions of consultants.303 errors in superscription, 103 in inscription,100 in subscription, 6 in transcription, and 50 in refill information

Conclusion: Errors in prescription writing are found to be common in the prescriptions of consultants. Measures should be taken to refresh the prescription writing skills of consultants through Continuous Medical Education Sessions [CMEs] and workshops

Frequency and risk factors of low birth weight in term pregnancy

Objective: To determine frequency of Low Birth Weight [LBW] at term and to determine frequency of various associated risk factors

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Layari General Hospital and Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi between January 2007 to July 2008. Women with singleton pregnancy of 37 and above completed weeks were identified. Those women who gave birth to babies with less than 2500gm were recruited in the study. In all those patients who gave birth to LBW babies risk factors were assessed. The variables including age, parity, booking status, maternal weight and height, socioeconomic condition, smoking, fetal gender and birth weight were noted on a questionare. The data was analyzed on SPSS Version 15. Frequency of LBW and its associated risk factors were determined

Results: During study period 10.6% patients delivered LBW babies. Antenatal care was not received in 67% patients. Parity was less than three in 87%. In 26% of patients maternal weight was less than 50 kg and in 37% patients with LBW, maternal height was less than five feet. Majority of patients were anaemic [72%] including 20% with haemoglobin< 7 grams

Conclusion: LBW is associated with a group of factors which may be regarded as high risk factors. These include low socio economic status, anaemia, primiparity, short maternal height and less than average weight

Frequency of pre-menstrual syndrome and menstrual irregularities in adolescents of different socioeconomic groups

Objective: To assess association between menstrual irregularities and socioeconomic status in adolescent girls

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted at different schools and colleges of Karachi from December, 20[th] 2010 to 15[th] January 2011

Materials and Methods: The study included 650 girls from schools and colleges of Karachi district representing different socio economic groups. A questionnaire was constructed comprising of biodata, menstrual cycle pattern and details of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome [PMS]. Girls between 15-19 years were selected randomly from schools and colleges representing low, middle and high income group. They were requested to fill questionnaire. Information thus obtained was analysed on spss version 11

Results: A total of 611 questionnaires were analyzed. 33.2% of adolescent girls belonged to low income group, 30.3% were from middle and 36.5% from high income group. Mean age of girls was 16.7 years. Menstrual cycle pattern was regular in 75.28% girls. No difference was found in cycle pattern between different socioeconomic groups. 83.79% girls complained of dysmenorrhea and 34.76% of them were from low income group, 29.49% from middle and 35.75% from high income group. Treatment of dysmenorrhea was required in 14.56% girls, including 41.57% from low, 24.71% middle and 33.8% from high income group. PMS was noted 71.68% girls. 36.1% girls reporting PMS were from low and 32.2% and 31.7% from middle and high income group respectively

Conclusion: Menstrual cycles are regular in majority of teen age girls. Dysmenorrhea and PMS are prevalent menstrual disorders in young adolescents. Incidence of PMS is significantly higher in low socio-economic group

Sacrohysteropexy performed as uterus conserving surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: Review of case files

Objective: To assess the outcome and safety of sacrohysteropexy as uterus conserving surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in young women and to assess patients' satisfaction with the procedure

Methods:This is a case series of patients operated at Sind Government Lyari General Hospital and Civil Hospital Karachi, between January, 2007 to October, 2015. Data of the patients who had sacrohysteropexy were reviewed. Complications during surgery and post-operative period including haemorrhage, visceral injury, paralytic ileus and peritonitis were studied. Success of procedure, need of blood transfusion, hospital stay and condition on discharge and six weeks follow-up were noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Mean +/- SD was calculated for numerical, while frequencies were computed for categorical variables

Results:Data of 60 patients were reviewed. Early post-operative success was 100%. Duration of surgery was less than two hours in 57 [95%] patients. Blood loss was negligible in majority of cases. Out of all 60 cases, 52 [86.7%] did not suffer any complication. One patient had ureteric injury, while one patient sustained bowel injury. Two patients had paralytic ileus. Four patients suffered from abdominal wound infection. All patients were managed satisfactorily. Mean duration of stay in hospital was four days. Upon follow up 96.7% patients were satisfied with results of operative procedure. Sixteen [26.7%] patients complained of backache on follow-up visit

Conclusion:This review concludes that sacrohysteropexy was successful in all cases in early post-operative period. It is a safe procedure and should be considered as an option for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in young women, in whom uterine conservation is required

Umbilical cord blood pH in intrapartum hypoxia

To determine the association of cord arterial blood pH with neonatal outcome in cases of intrapartum fetal hypoxia. Descriptive analytical study. Gynaecology Unit-II, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from September 2011 to November 2012. All singleton cephalic fetuses at term gestation were included in the study. Those with any anomaly, malpresentation, medical disorders, maternal age < 18 years, multiple gestation and ruptured membranes were excluded. Patients with abnormal cardiotocography and/or meconium stained liquor were enrolled as index case and immediate next delivery with no such signs as a control. Demographic characteristics, pH level < or > 7.25, neonatal outcome measures [healthy, NICU admission or neonatal death], color of liquor and mode of delivery recorded on predesigned proforma. Statistical analysis performed by SPSS 16 by using independent-t test or chi-square test and ANOVA test as needed. A total of 204 newborns were evaluated. The mean pH level was found to be significantly different [p=0.007] in two groups. The pH value 7.25 had significant association [p < 0.001] with the neonatal outcome. However, the association of neonatal outcome with severity of acidemia was not found to be significant. Grading of Meconium Stained Liquor [MSL] also did not relate positively with pH levels as 85.7% of grade I, 68.9% of grade II and 59.4% of grade III MSL had pH > 7.25. Majority [63.6%] cases needed caesarean section as compared to 31.4% controls. There is a significant association of cord arterial blood pH at birth with neonatal outcome at pH < or > 7.25; but below the level of pH 7.25 it is still inconclusive

Responsibility, prevalence and major factors of infertility. a cross-sectional study in Karachi

A cross-sectional study was conducted to target the infertile couples visiting to private and government hospitals in Karachi from 2012 to 2014. The aim of the study is to know the higher prevalence of infertility among the married couples and to determine the major factors causing infertility. Detailed evaluation had been made to assess each cause. Likewise, in females, we analyze menstrual history, parity, past surgical history, family history and body weight, years of marriage, complete hormonal profile and ultrasonic measurements. On the other hand, in males; we conduct complete analysis of semen, coital frequency, addiction to any substance and medical history. Overall 475 infertile couples were targeted in the study, in which 175 pairs were included, who full fills all the inclusion criteria, i.e. with complete medical investigations and excluded the remaining with incomplete reports in females and in males who denied semen evaluation. The included couples are divided into four groups in order to determine the responsibility of childlessness between the two, a] female, b] male, c] both and d] unexplained infertility. Our study concludes that in the Karachi the majority of females are responsible for unproductiveness up to 41.1% rather than the male up to 25%, whereas 16.5% both the couples are involved in it and 17% has unexplained screened problems. Moreover, our study further explores the occurrence of primary infertility which is twice, i.e. 71.1% than secondary infertility, i.e. 22.8% in Karachi city. However, the major female factor is PCOS which is observed in more than half of the females in both primary and secondary incidents. While, lower sperm count, inefficient sperm motility and higher rate of abnormal sperm are the key male factors

Unplanned vaginal birth of singleton breech presentation at term

Objective: to determine the perinatal outcome in unplanned term breech vaginal deliveries

Study design: descriptive case series

Place and Duration of Study: department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit I, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, from November 2014 to October 2015

Methodology: data of all the women with singleton pregnancy and breech presentation, gestational age between 37 to 41 weeks, who underwent breech vaginal delivery, were collected. Variables studied included maternal age, parity, gestational age, type of breech, reason for conducting breech vaginal delivery, maternal complications, neonatal status and complications

Results: total births during the study period were 3,932. Total patients presenting with breech were 172 [4.37%] and those presenting at term were 143 [3.6%]. Out of these, 54 [37.8%] patients underwent breech vaginal delivery. Overall frequency of breech vaginal delivery of patients at term was 1.37%. Mean maternal age was 26.87 year, majority were multiparous and none was beyond 40 weeks of gestation. There were no maternal complications in 48 [88.9%] patients. Mean birth weight of newborn was 2.75 kg and 63% were females. Eight babies were born dead, of whom 7 arrived with absent fetal heart sounds. The 5 minute APGAR score was less than 7 in 22% cases. There were two neonatal deaths in this group

Conclusions: fifty-four breech vaginal births were conducted during the study period. Skills related to vaginal birth in breech presentation must be learned by all those who manage pregnant women

Ophthalmic manifestations of Linear Nevus Sebaceous/Organoid Nevus Syndrome

Linear Nevus Sebaceous Syndrome [LNSS] is a rare sporadic oculoneurocutaneous disorder, also classified as Organoid Nevus Syndrome. It consists of a triad of midline facial linear nevus sebaceous, central nervous system and ocular abnormalities. To the best of authors' knowledge ophthalmic features of LNSS have never been reported in Pakistani population. We report two cases of LNSS, associated with multiple cutaneous nevus sebaceous lesions, complex ocular choristomas and rare bilateral presentation in one patient. Ocular choristomas included limbal dermoids, dermolipomas at superior fornices and chroidal choristoma. Ocular surface was successfully reconstructed by excision of limbal dermoids, partial keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplant

Influence of anthropometric measurements on abnormal gonadotropin secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

To evaluate the influence of anthropometric measurements on abnormal gonadotropin secretion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. Cross-sectional study. The Institute of Basic Medical Sciences [IBMS], DUHS in collaboration with Gynae/infertility clinics of the Civil Hospital and Lady Dufferin Hospital, Karachi, from October 2010 to February 2011. One hundred and sixty three oligomenorrhic PCOS women of reproductive age [18 - 40 years] fulfilling the revised Rotterdam 2003 criteria were studied. The data recorded on a prescribed proforma included current age, age at menarche, menstrual irregularities, presence of hirsuitism, acne, infertility, familial nature, blood pressure, BMI and waisthip ratio. Blood samples for gonadotropin assay were taken randomly on day 6th to 30th of menstrual cycle, in a gel tube. Hormonal assay was performed using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Kruskul Wallis test was used to assess the influence of BMI levels on LH:FSH values. The mean weight was 66.14 +/- 11.02 kg and mean BMI was 27.03 +/- 4.42 kg/m2. There was no significant difference in mean LH/FSH ratio [p=.575] among BMI groups. However, there was a positive correlation between BMI and LH:FSH ratio [p=0.04, r=0.155]. There was high frequency of obesity [69%] in women with PCOS. Although no significant difference was found between mean LH:FSH ratio among different BMI groups levels but significant correlation between BMI levels and LH: FSH suggested that there was positive relation between BMI and LH: FSH

Defensive medicine; to determine the prevalence of defensive medicine among doctors of civil hospital and Jinnah hospital Karachi and to introduce it towards the community of doctors

To determine the prevalence of defensive medicine among doctors of Civil Hospital and Jinnah Hospital Karachi and to introduce it towards the community of doctors. 200 doctors from different wards of Civil Hospital Karachi and Jinnah Hospital Karachi played crucial role in filling of Performa which was especially designed for this research. Cross sectional study. Civil and Jinnah Hospital Karachi. January 01, 2013 to December 31, 2013. 47.9% doctors already knew about defensive medicine while 52.1% didn't. 40.7% doctors avoid invasive procedures while 50.3% don't. 92.4% of doctors care for high risk patients while 7.6% avoid caring for them. 109 out of 190 doctors agree and 30 doctors strongly agree about the practice of defensive medicine, 34 doctors are neutral and the rest of them disagree with its practice. Mostly ordered tests are CBC 78.9%, urine D/R 3.2%, 1.1% stool D/R, 1.6% MRI, 2.2% CT scan, 1.1% UCE, 2.7% blood cultures, 0.5% LFTs 9.1% other tests and the doctors with experience of 10 or 15 years are found ordering only CBC mostly. The conclusion obtained from the results shows that most of the participants were experienced doctors but many of them were unaware of the defensive medicine and in spite of that too great number of doctors strongly believe in its practice. Majority of the doctors were found caring for high risk patients. However the prevalence and practice of defensive medicine reduced among doctors having experience of more than 5 years

Tranexamic acid in decreasing blood loss during and after caesarean section

To determine the effectiveness of tranexamic acid [TXA] in reducing blood loss during and after caesarean section [CS], as well as its safety. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled study. The Lyari General Hospital, Karachi, from March 2009 till April 2011. Women undergoing lower segment caesarean section [LSCS] were enrolled. The patients were randomized to receive either injection TXA or distilled water just before the surgery. Blood loss was collected and measured. First from the time of placental delivery to the end of LSCS and later from the end of LSCS to two hours postpartum. Haemoglobin, urine analysis, liver and renal functions were tested in both the groups. Mean values blood loss were compared using t-test with significance at p < 0.05. Tranexamic acid significantly reduced the quantity of blood loss from placental delivery to the end of LSCS which was 356.44 +/- 143.2 ml in the TXA group versus 710.22 +/- 216.72 ml in the placebo group [p < 0.001]. It also reduced the quantity of blood loss from the end of LSCS to 2 hours postpartum which was 35.68 +/- 23.29 ml in the TXA group versus 43.63 +/- 28.04 ml in the placebo group [p = 0.188], was not significant. No complications or side effects were reported in either group. Tranexamic acid significantly reduced the amount of blood loss during the LSCS, but it did not reduce the blood loss significantly after the caesarean section. Its use was not associated with any side effects or complication like thrombosis. TXA can be used safely and effectively in women undergoing LSCS to reduce intraoperative blood loss

Clinical course of retinoblastoma

To determine the clinical manifestations and results of current treatment for patients with retinoblastoma [Rb] in a tertiary care eye hospital in the north west of Pakistan. Case series. Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2006 and December 2009. The data of 139 patients diagnosed as having retinoblastoma was collected. Gender, age at diagnosis, laterally, presenting sign, classification of tumour, treatment modality and outcome were noted. The mean age of presentation in this patients ranged from 6 to 50 months [mean: 24.05 +/- 10.74 months] The most common presenting sign was leucocoria in 78 eyes [44.1%]. One hundred and one [72.7%] patients had unilateral retinoblastoma. Using the International Classification of Retinoblastoma [ICRB], 135 [76.3%]eyes were placed in group-E. one hundred and twenty four [77.5%] eyes were enucleated or exenterated while globe preservation was achieved by chemoreduction and/or focal therapy in the rest of the treated eyes [n = 36, 22.5%]. Twenty three [16.5%] cases were lost to follow-up before one year. Ninety two [66.2%] patients survived, being free of tumour, at least one year after the completion of treatment. Most children with Rb showed an advanced stage of tumour at the time of diagnosis. Measures to improve the rate of globe preservation and patient survival by early diagnosis and intervention are the need of the hour

Effects of Artisan aphakic intraocular lens on central corneal thickness and intra ocular pressure in pediatric eyes with crystalline subluxated lenses

To study effects of Artisan iris fixated intraocular lens [IOL] on central corneal thickness [CCT] and intraocular pressure [IOP] in pediatric eyes with crystalline subluxated lenses. The study included 17 eyes undergoing Artisan aphakic IOL implantation after lensectomy for subluxated crystalline lenses. CCT and IOP measurements were recorded pre-operatively and post-operatively taking the mean of 4 post-operative visits. Patients were divided into Group A [n = 8] including patients with lensectomy and iris fixation of Artisan IOL as a primary procedure and Group B [n = 9] including patients in which lensectomy was carried out as a primary surgery and Artisan IOL fixation as a secondary procedure. Children ranged in age from 08 years to 16 years, mean 11.59 +/- 2.96 years. Follow-up period ranged from 7 months to 16 months, mean 11.24 months +/- 4.27. Mean pre-operative and post-operative IOP in Group A was 14.88 +/- 2.80 and 14.16 +/- 0.59 respectively [P = 0.528]. In Group B it was 12.44 +/- 2.79 and 14.44 +/- 1.15 respectively [P = 0.080]. Mean pre-operative and post-operative CCT in Group A was 529.13 +/- 24.23 and 529.87 +/- 17.46 respectively [P = 0.674]. In Group B it was 567.33 +/- 29.13 and 568.83 +/- 25.69 respectively [P = 0.859]. Primary and secondary Artisan aphakic IOL implantation did not cause any significant changes in corneal thickness or IOP during the follow-up period

Paternal factors in spontaneous first trimester miscarriage

To determine whether paternal factors i.e., age, tobacco use and genital tract infection increase the risk for spontaneous first trimester miscarriage. This case control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit V / IV, Dow Medical College and Lyari General Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. Duration of study was two and half years, from Nov, 2007 to Apr, 2010. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women with age 20 - 35 years irrespective of parity. Exclusion criteria were known medical illness in either partner, induced abortion and recurrent miscarriages. Studied paternal factors were age, tobacco use and genital tract infection. Data was computed using SPSS version 16. Significance of paternal factors was determined by Logistic Regression Analysis. Total cases studied were 200, while there were 400 controls. Mean maternal age was 27.6 +/- 4.9 years in cases and 26.5 +/- 4.5 years in controls. Mean paternal age was 35.5 +/- 6.2 years in cases and 32.3 +/- 5.4 years in controls. Paternal age was > 35 years in 54.5% cases and 16.8% controls. Spearman Bivariate correlation revealed paternal age > 35 years [p=0.000] and genital tract infection [p=0.043] as significant factors. Only paternal age >35 years [p=0.000] remained significant in Final Model after entering into logistic regression. Paternal age beyond 35 years was found to be significantly related to first trimester spontaneous miscarriages

Visual outcome and complications after modified Cionni endocapsular tension ring and intraocular lens implantation in eyes with subluxated lenses

To evaluate the visual outcome and complications after modified capsular tension ring [CTR] and intraocular lens implantation [IOL] in eyes with subluxated lenses. This is a prospective case series managed at Al Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Thirty three eyes with subluxated lenses having zonular weakness less than 180 degrees were implanted modified CTR and IOL implant after lens matter aspiration. Main outcome measures were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA], IOL centration, and complications. The age of 24 patients ranged from 2.5 to 38 years, mean 13.34 +/- 9.8 years. The follow up period was 20.87 +/- 2.40 months. The mean pre operative logMAR BCVA was 0.98 +/- 0.52 SD and the mean post operative logMAR BCVA was 0.38 +/- 0.32 SD [p value 0.000]. Intractable secondary glaucoma was seen in 01[03%] eye. One eye [03%] needed surgical anterior capsulotomy for anterior capsular phimosis. At the last follow-up visit, the modified CTR provided excellent centration and positioning in all cases. Modified CTR and primary IOL implantation in the capsular bag gives good visual outcome with no serious complications. However, it requires a highly experienced surgeon and sufficient patience for a relatively time-consuming procedure

Euthanasia; perspectives of Pakistani medical students and practitioners-a survey

To assess the perception towards euthanasia among Pakistani medical students and practitioners. This descriptive study was conducted at Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected by a self administered questionnaire, consisted of case history of a cancer patient and questions regarding end of life issues. Students were less likely to approve euthanasia as a murder than doctors. Large number of participants considered it as an unethical act. The decision of patients' right to die was more discouraged by the students than doctors. Though, both students and doctors were strongly disagreed to perform euthanasia in future. The legalization of euthanasia in Pakistan was favored by 15.4% of practitioners, compared with 10.4% of students. Nearly half of the participants stated that they would not trust doctors if euthanasia become legal in Pakistan. Medical practitioners were found more in favor of euthanasia, its practice and legalization in Pakistan. This study gave insight for elaborating opinions towards euthanasia by Pakistan