Dissection of ascending aorta after aortic valve replacement and reduction Aortoplasty

A case of Debakey type-II [Stanford type-A] dissecting aortic aneurysm, after aortic valve replacement and reduction aortoplasty, is reported. The patient was 35 years male who was diagnosed of severe aortic regurgitation along with aortic root dilatation of 7 cm. He underwent aortic valve replacement with 27-A St Jude's mechanical aortic valve along with reduction aortoplasty. Nine months later, he was admitted to our hospital with complaint of severe sudden anterior chest pain. Computed tomography with aortic enhancement showed dilatation and dissection of ascending aorta. Successful operation of aortic root replacement with composite graft was performed and patient was discharged without any postoperative complication. The aortic diameter at the time of aortic valve replacement is an independent risk factor for the late aortic dissection

Ethnobotanical studies and antimicrobial activity of chirchita [achyranthes aspera linn.] extracts

The ethnobotanical studies were carried out to know about the phonological data and the medicinal uses by the local villagers, tribal peoples in the four districts of western Uttar Pradesh that were surveyed. The antimicrobial activity was tested using Agar well method of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Chirchita [Achyranthes aspera Linn.] at different concentration gradient. Zone of inhibition was compared with standard drugs [Ampicillin for Gram Positive bacteria and Gentamicin for Gram Negative bacteria]. Against Gram Positive bacteria [i.e., Bacillus cereus [MTCC 430]] and Gram Negative bacteria [Klebsiella pneumoniae [MTCC 109]], Proteus vulgaris [MTCC 426] and Escherichia coli [clinical isolate] for antimicrobial activity. Chemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannin, oleonolic acid based saponins, amino acids, essential oil, steroids and resins as major compounds and the antimicrobial activity may be attributed to any of these compounds

Thyroid abnormalites in patients with chronic hepatitis-C

To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis-C. Case-series study. Department of Medicine, outpatient department of Internal Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. From April 25[th] till October 25[th] 2008

Hypothyridism in patients with chronic hepatitis-C

To determine the frequency of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with chronic hepatitis-C. Case-series study. Department of Medicine, outpatient department of Internal Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. From April 25th till October 25th 2008. A total of 73 patients were enrolled in the study. Data was entered and then analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences [SPSS] Version 14. Results are given for quantitative variables such as age are presented as means +/- Standard deviation and percentages are presented for hypo and hyperthyroidism. Stratification on age, gender, ALT levels and gender is undertaken to control for effect modification. Out of total of 73 patients 8 patients [11% of total patients] were found to be suffering from hypothyroidism. Out of these 8 patients 2 patients were males [6.9% of total male patients] and 6 patients were females [13.6% of total female patients]. Known duration of chronic hepatitis C infection in most of the patients suffering from hypothyroidism was 6-12 months [6 patients], however rest of 2 patients had known duration of chronic hepatitis C greater than 13 months. Looking at the ages of the patients in the study group with hypothyroidism showed that half [4 out of 8] patients were in the age group 35-43 years, however 2 patients were younger to the former group and were in the 25-34 age group, and remaining 2 patients were over the age of 44 years

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