Assessment of molybdenum breakthrough levels in molybdenum-99/technetium-99m generators: one year experience at NIMRA Jamshoro Pakistan

Technetium-99m radioisotope is the backbone of any nuclear medicine institute. This radioisotope is acquired by the elution of Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m generator which emits 141 keV gamma ray and having 6.04 hour half-life. Occasionally the contents of Molybdenum-99 may mix up with elute, which may affect image quality and patients may receive higher doses than recommended. This study was initiated to check and evaluate the contamination of Molybdenum-99 in Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m generators used at Nuclear Institute of Medicine and Radiotherapy [NIMRA] Jamshoro Pakistan before its administration to patients for diagnostic procedures. The Molybdenum-99 impurity in Technetium-99m elute for 50 generators was studied during the year 2012. The measurements were made using dose calibrator and a standard canister at the time of first elution of the generators. The dose calibrator displays result after executing various steps in a sequence. Due to some production process error or any mechanical fault high activity of Molybdenum-99 was recorded and removed with decrease in Technetium-99m yield. The most of eluted generators [90%] contained 10% of molybdenum breakthrough of the permissible limit [P < 0.05]. The high activity of Molybdenum-99 was recorded in only 6% of the generator and removed by using standard methods with some reduced Technetium-99m activity. The molybdenum breakthrough was according to recommended standards in most of the generators. The removal of high contents of Molybdenum-99 enabled the institute to continue routine imaging services by improved image quality and reduction in radiation dose to the patients

Determination of trace metals abnormalities in patients with vivax malaria

In the present study, blood serum level of metals were determined in malarial patients and compared with those in the normal subjects without complication using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. For the determination of these metals twelve intravenous blood samples each from referred malarial patients and a group of normal subjects were collected and immediately centrifuged to obtain the supernatant liquid, serum of both the groups for analysis. The blood serum levels of copper in malarial patients determined to be 2.6917 ppm, which is higher as compared to that found 2.045 in normal subjects. Whereas the blood serum levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc found 2.0708 ppm, 12.2467 ppm and 4.9017 ppm respectively in malarial patients, who are lower than those, are determined in the blood serum of normal subjects. Blood serum levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc in normal subjects found 3.950 ppm, 19.4892 ppm, and 5.242 ppm respectively. In this study the metal content of copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in vary in malarial patients as compared those in the normal subjects. It may suggest that the decreased levels of iron, magnesium, and zinc can be maintained by giving as supplement of these metals in therapy

Acute appendicitis during pregnancy

To evaluate the incidence of appendicitis in various stage of pregnancy along with it symptomatology, physical signs, laboratory results, operative findings and rates of complications especially maternal morbidity and mortality. Setting: Liaquat Medical College, Hospital Hyderabad Sindh. Subject All patients who were admitted to Liaquat Medical College Hospital Hyderabad from January 1993 to March 1998. Total number of patients were twenty six. Incidence during pregnancy was 1 per 550 deliveries. Acute appendicitis was common in 18 to 23 years age group. It was seen commonly in women during their third or fourth pregnancy [16 cases [61%]. All patients had abdominal pain and location of pain was the right lower quadrant in 16 cases [61%]. Urine analysis, haematology and ultrasound were not helpful in diagnosis. All 26 patients underwent surgery within 24 hours after admission Acute appendicitis was found in 25 cases [96%]. One appendix was normal [4%]. Four patients developed post operative wound infection [15%] E.Coli and klebsiella were grown from the wound. Two patients were diabetic. There was one foetal loss in the first trimester, the patient had perforated appendix, but no maternal loss. The average hospital stay was 9.2 days. Early presentation of a patient, with an aggressive approach in the diagnosis and surgical management reduces the maternal and foetal morbrbidity and mortality