Study of frequency and responsible factors for post stroke depression in stroke patients coming to Mayo Hospital Lahore

Post stroke depression develops as a complication after stroke and impedes the recovery process. Different factors responsible for the development of depression include severity of paralysis, low functional and socioeconomic status and duration of stroke. Our objective was to find out the frequency and responsible factors for PSD in patients presenting to Mayo Hospital Lahore. In a descriptive design 174 patients were studied in out door clinics of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Depression was diagnosed on the basis of DSM IV and severity of stroke was evaluated on the basis of Barthel Index. Results showed that 37.9% of patients had post stroke depression and majority of patients with PSD came with in first 3 months after stroke. We also found that there is a linear relationship [R2 = 0.844] between severity of stroke and PSD. Hence we concluded that PSD developed in almost one third of patients of stroke, is associated with duration and severity of stroke, developing more commonly with in first 3 months

Normal value of BMD [bone mineral density] in Pakistani student nurses and its relation with age and other factors

The aim of this study was to evaluate the BMD in younger age group. It was a cross-sectional observational study done in January 2003. 223 subjects were taken [all females] of age group 16-25 years. Heel Ultrasound procedure was done on all these subjects using a "Clinical Bone Sonometer" and their T-score was plotted against age. The results of the study showed that young female nurses gain bone minerals with increasing age in this group

Correlation of fracture index with BMD T-score in postmenopausal females

To find the correlation between Fracture Index and BMD T-score so that fracture index can be used as a predictive tool for fracture risk estimation in post menopausal females. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 396 women age 50 years and above. BMD T-score measurements using ultrasound and Fracture Index calculations based on the risk factor assessment were performed. Setting: North Medical Ward, Unit 4 Et Out Patient Clinics, Mayo Hospital and Akram Medical complex, Lahore. Main outcome: Use of Fracture Index as a predictive tool for the estimation of fracture risk in post menopausal females. The study results showed that when Fracture Index increases BMD T-score decreases to osteoporotic range and correlation coefficient is -0.162. When Fracture Index increases, BMD T-score decreases therefore we can use Fracture Index as an assessment tool for predicting fracture risk in postmenopausal females

Glimepiride - A short term trial of the clinical efficacy

Diabetes is a common disorder and is reaching epidemic proportions especially in the third world. In the last few years new drugs have emerged targeting at better pharmacokinetic and low side effect profile. Among them have been various insulin sensitizers and newer sulfonylurias. Glimepiride with an impressive tract record offered more benefits and improved quality of life. The clinical efficacy in relation to the commonly used or traditional sulfonylurias was thus evaluated in this short term open trial involving 48 patients. The objective was to determine the clinical efficacy, tolerability, side effect profile and the equivalent dose of glimepiride compared to conventional sulphonylurias. The advantages of this new second generation sulfonyluria are discussed

Assessment of acute abdomen by laparoscopic video imaging

A series of 40 patients with acute abdomen is presented in which laparoscopic video imaging was used to confirm the diagnosis. In these cases surgery was avoided in at least 22 cases

Evaluation of surgical results. After coronary artery bypass grafting and incidence of silent ischemia post-operatively

The aim of the study was to document the effectiveness of surgery in management of after coronary artery disease and to document the incidence of silent ischemia postoperatively. 40 patients were studied coronary artery bypass grafting [1/2 to 10 years] by treadmill test for exercise induced ischemia and their exercise tolerance, from October 1990 to October 1991. They were divided into three groups: Group I, up to 1 year; Group II, 1 - 5 years; Group III, 5 - 10 years postoperatively. 85.5% in group I;84.6% in group II and 62.5% in group III had improved exercise tolerance expressed by prolongation of EKG exercise test duration. 47.3% patients from group I, 46.2% patients from group II and 75% from group III were positive for stress induced ischemia and out of them 85% in group I; 77% in group II and 100% in group III had SILENT ISCHEMIA. It is suggested that E.T.T. should be done at about 6 months postoperatively as a baseline and treatment for I.H.D. should not be stopped after CABG unless silent ischemia has been ruled out

Efficacy of enalapril as antihypertensive monotherapy given once daily evaluated by 24 hour ambulatory by monitoring

This efficacy trial was conducted on 18 patients selected from the out patient department with repeated pre-treatment blood pressure over a period of one month, measured by conventional mercury sphygmomanometer, above the 140/90 mmHg criterion. After a wash out period of two weeks Enalapril was started on a once daily regime at a dose of 5mg per day. The patients were monitored and the dose of Enalapril was increased by 5mg on subsequent visits till the blood pressure was controlled or a maximum dose of 40mg per day was reached. 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was conducted afterwards. 15 patients [83.33%] were controlled on an average dose of 22.36mg per day. The time taken on average, to control blood pressure was 26.06 days. The incidence of side effects was 5.55%, and they were transient. In no patient, therapy with Enalapril was stopped because of serious side effects. Pre-treatment blood pressure values were evaluated using the t-Test and showed a significant p value of < 0.001 at 95% confidence interval. The ambulatory and post-treatment blood pressure monitoring data showed adequate control over 24 hours