Musculoskeletal problems and recommended remedies to computer users at Isra University

Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complications and recommend remedies to computer users at ISRA University, Hyderabad

Design:Descriptive cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: This study was conducted from October 2009 to March 2010 at ISRA University, Hyderabad

Methodology: One hundred computer users [54 males and 46 females] of Isra University were enrolled in this study. Through a questionnaire, data were collected and statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test. Furthermore, remedies [rest, physiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDS] and muscle relaxant] were prescribed for relief, according to the grading of complications

Results: The frequency of musculoskeletal complications in either group [male or female] was 52.63% in those who had been in contact with computers for less than or equal to 2 hrs, 68.18% between 2-4 hrs, 81.48% between 4-6 hrs, and 93.75% more than 6 hrs, respectively. The frequency of musculoskeletal complications [neck pain, low backache, shoulder pain, and elbow and wrist pain] was graded according to a scale of pain ranging from grade I to grade V with respect to the number of hours spent with computers

Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that most subjects had complaints of musculoskeletal complications directly proportional to the extensive use of a computer. The pattern observed in evaluating pain on a grading scale suggests opportunities for remedies

Frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in patients undergoing surgery for cholelithiasis

To determine the frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in patients undergoing surgery for cholelithiasis at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Singh- Pakistan. This was a descriptive study, conducted from April 2006 to March 2008 at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad, Pakistan. This study included 200 cases of cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy at out Hospital. Patients belonged to both sexes having cholelithiasis, diagnosed on the basis of clinical grounds and supported by ultrasonography. A uniform procedure of history taking, physical examination, investigations and treatment was adopted for all the patients, and data were recorded on the pre-designed proforma. Of 200 cases that were operated for gall bladder stone disease, eight were found to have carcinoma of gall bladder i.e. frequency was 4%. The age ranged from 35 to 70 years, with mean 50[ +/- 5.3] in females and 56[ +/- 2] in males. Male to female ratio was 1:3. On ultrasound, only three [37.50%] patients with advanced disease had a pre-operative clue of carcinoma. The frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in our population seems much higher than Western populations. Females are more affected than males by this problem. Ultrasonography can miss malignant lesions; therefore every gall bladder specimen should be subjected to histopathology. While in unsuspected cases undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gentle handling of the gall bladder is critical to avoid port site implantation caused by spillage of bile

Appropriate cut-off value of alvarado scores for patients undergoing appendectomy at Isra university hospital, Hyderabad

To determine the frequencies as well as the appropriate cut-off value of Alvarado scores in patients undergoing appendectomy at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad-Sindh, Pakistan. A descriptive study. Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from September 2007 to September 2008. One hundred consecutive patients fulfilling the selection criteria during the above mentioned period were included in this study. After the detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations, the Alvarado score was calculated for each patient. After appendectomy, the relationship of operative and histopathological findings with Alvarado score as well as cut-off points for the decision of appendectomy was analyzed. The majority of patients were between the ages of 15 to 30 years with male to female ratio of 2.2:1. The commonest operative finding was acutely inflamed appendix followed by perforated appendix. Gangrenous appendix and normal looking appendix. A majority [57%] of the patients had Alvarado scores of eight or more. None of the patients having a score of four or less was operated. Normal and perforated appendices were not found in patients having Alvarado scores of eight or more and seven or less, respectively. In this study, 8%, 16%, 19%, 22%, 26% and 9% of the patients undergoing appendectomy had Alvarado scores of five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten, respectively. An Alvarado score of seven was the most appropriate cutoff value for the decision to perform appendectomy