Acute renal failure in diabetes mellitus

To study the causes and outcome of Acute renal failure [ARF] in diabetes mellitus. This prospective study was conducted at nephrology unit of SIUT Karachi, Pakistan from November 2012 to May 2013. All adult patients with known underlying diabetes presenting with suspected ARF were included in the study. The treatment options were conservative and dialysis. Renal biopsy was performed in selected patients. All patients were followed for a period of six weeks for outcome of renal failure i.e. recovery, dialysis dependency and death. A total of 95 patients with suspected ARF were enrolled during this period. We found sepsis as the single most common factor causing ARF in 66 [69.5%] patients and the most common focus of infection was found to be urinary tract in 47 [71.2%] patients. Other factors leading to ARF included volume depletion in 19 [20%], cardio renal in 13 [13.7%], acute glomerulonephritis in 3 [3.15%] and contrast exposure in 2 [2.1%] patients. In all 72 [75.8%] patients required dialysis, while 23 [24.2%] were managed conservatively. Eventually 62 [67.39%] patients recovered, 14 [15.21%] became dialysis dependent, and 16 [17.39%] died. Among those who expired, all underwent dialysis and sepsis was the leading cause of death in 13 [81.25%] patients. Infection, especially of urinary tract is the leading cause of ARF in Diabetics. Outcome is favourable in those who dot require dialysis

Uncommon sites of a common disease - hydatid cyst

Objective: To review uncommon sites of hydatid cysts and to assess radiological features of hydatid disease in head, neck, spine and heart

Methodology: A retrospective study of 50 cases of hydatid disease attended at Radiology department of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar between May 2012 and November 2013 was conducted to determine the incidence and imaging presentations of atypical localization of the disease. After taking permission from ethical committee, indoor and outdoor patients with hydatid cysts were selected for the study. All data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 10.0.The data was assessed using Microsoft excel 2007

Results: A total number of 50 patients had Hydatid cysts. Two patients had multiorgan involvement i.e., one had liver and lung involvement while other had liver and brain involvement. The cysts were present in brain [n=3, 6%], spine [n=2, 3%], neck soft tissues [n=1, 1%], heart [n=2, 3%], ovary [n=3, 6%], kidney [n=1, 1%], spleen [n=3, 6%], peritoneal cavity [n=2, 4%] and pancreas [n=1, 1%]. Liver was involved in 20 [41%] cases while lung was involved in 14 [28%] cases

Conclusion: Hydatid disease can involve unusual sites like heart, brain, neck, spine and pancreas. It may occur anywhere, from the big toe to the crown of the head and should be kept in consideration when a cystic lesion is encountered anywhere in the body especially in endemic areas

Evaluation of Viola betonicifolia for its nutrition value

In the present study, Viola betonicifolia [whole plant] and solvent fractions obtained thereof were evaluated for various micronutrients such as lead, copper, chromium, iron, nickel, zinc, cadmium, cobalt and macronutrients such as sodium, potassium and calcium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometry respectively. It was observed that cobalt and cadmium were not detectible in tested samples while remaining nutrients were present in variable concentrations. The concentrations of all metals were compared with the recommended limits for plants and the daily consumption of all the nutrients were calculated on the basis of dose [15 g/70 kg/day or 214 mg/Kg body weight] prescribed by hakims in their practice. The concentration of chromium was far beyond the recommended limits in almost all the samples. Proximate analysis was carried out in the powdered form of the plant. Viola betonicifolia appeared as a good source of life essential nutrients like fats [18.70%], proteins [15.70%], carbohydrates [21.42%], fiber [39.01%] and vitamin C [150 mg/100 g]. In conclusion, Viola betonicifolia is an excellent source of various micro and macronutrients for human being and can be used safely as a nutritional supplement