Aerobiology and pollen allergy in Islamabad

Pollen allergies affect a significant proportion of Islamabad residents. Many patients with pollen allergy are hospitalised in Islamabad in spring [February to April], fall seasons [July to September], and after monsoons. To determine the type and concentration of airborne pollens causing allergic diseases in the susceptible patients in Islamabad. The study was conducted from January 2005 to December 2006 and 'Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap' provided by the World Allergy Organization was used. This spore trap was placed in the F-10 area of Islamabad and samples were collected on weekly basis during the whole study period. To obtain the sample, the spore trap drum was loaded with a strip of sticky tape every week. The sampled sticky tape was then collected each week at a specified time and replaced with a fresh strip of, sticky tape, which was then collected next week. This cycle continued for whole study period. From each sample seven permanent slides were made and mounted with gelevitol mounting media. The slides were then examined microscopically, A total of 702 individuals irrespective of age or gender were included in the study. Skin prick tests were performed for pollens using allergen extracts of Hollister-Steir, USA and the results were recorded. The two flowering seasons in Islamabad i.e., spring and fall caused maximum pollen allergies. The Broussonetia papyrifera [paper mulberry] tree in spring, and the Cannabis saliva [bhang] weed in the fall season, produced the highest seasonal pollen counts. In the spring season of 2005, Broussonetia papyrifera produced the highest pollen count, [73%] of the total pollen count, with a maximum count of 1390 pollen/cu meter of air/hour on 20th of March, while in 2006, it accounted for 75% of the total pollen count, with a maximum count of 1430 pollen/cu meter of air/hour on 10th of March. In fall season of 2005, Cannabis saliva produced maximum pollen counts of 85 pollens/cu meter of air/hr on 18th of August, while in 2006, it achieved maximum counts of only 40 pollens/cu meter of air/hr on 27th of August. Skin prick tests demonstrated that out of 702 individuals selected irrespectivc of age or gender, 338 [48%] exhibited positive results in response to Broussonetia papyrifera pollen extracts, 207 [29%] were positive to grass pollen extracts, and 137 [20%] were positive to Cannabis sativa pollen extracts. The Broussonetia papyrifera has the highest pollen count in the spring, [February to April], and is the main cause of allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis and asthma among the residents of Islamabad, while the Cannabis sativa pollen count peaks in the fall season, causing allergic symptoms from July to September. Skin prick tests confirmed the findings. Regular awareness campaigns for seasonal pollen allergy should be launched before the beginning of the seasons

Audit of a general surgical unit: reed for self evaluation

To find out the pattern of admissions and the outcome of patients in a general surgical unit of a major teaching hospital. Observational, descriptive study covering the year 2006 with retrospective data collection. Surgical Unit three, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital Karachi. All patients admitted to the unit during 2006 either through Out-patient Department or Emergency Department or transferred/referred from other units/departments. Detailed data regarding the patients was collected and analyzed. A total of 779 patients, 492 males and 287 females, were admitted during the study period; 489 from the Out-patients Department [OPD] and 276 from the Emergency [Casualty] Dept., while 14 were transferred from other departments as they had general surgical problems. Inguinal hernias accounted for the highest number of admissions i.e. 15.5% followed by Acute Appendicitis [11 9%] and Chronic Cholecystitis [10.7%]. Trauma constituted 11.2% of the total admissions, including 46 [5.5%] cases of gunshot injuries. There is a dire need of local studies on the topic of Surgical Audit because for proper and better health care planning of the country, a knowledge of the current pattern of admissions and diseases spectrum are essential

Experience of karadykis procedure in the treatment of pilonidal sinus

To evaluate the advantages of karydakis procedure for the treatment of the pilonidal sinus Interventional study. The study was conducted in surgical unit 1[ward 3], Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Karachi from January 2001 to December 2004. In this study we enrolled 1 00 adult patients who presented with pilonidal sinus. All the patients where evaluated by thorough history, physical examination and were investigated before undergoing primary asymmetrical closure of pilonidal sinus by a procedure describe by Karydakis. In this study average age of patients was 28 years. Male/female ratio was 10:1. Most of the patients were hairy 81 percent and over weight 85 percent. Single sinus opening present in the midline of natal cleft in 69 percent patients. Results showed uneventful recovery in 93 percent patients, postoperative wound infection in four patients 4 percent. seroma formation and recurrence in three patient 3 percent. Average hospital stay was 4 days. Experience of karydakis procedure in the treatment of pilonidal sinus is worth adopting and sharing with others, with all its advantages, as with this procedure patient has short hospital stay, early wound healing and less postoperative complications