HCV transmission between serodiscordant couples through sexual route

To determine the rate of transmission of HCV between spouses through sexual route. Descriptive study. This study was carried out at Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It was conducted over a period of 4 years from June 2009 to June 2013. One hundred and sixty eight consecutive patients confirmed to have HCV infection by PCR for HCV RNA were enrolled in the study. Their spouses were also included in the study, and it was established through PCR for HCV RNA that the spouses were not suffering from HCV infection. All couples were inducted in the study within the first two months of starting the study. Therefore, the maximum and minimum follow-up time was 48 months and 46 months, respectively. The spouses were questioned for HCV risk factors and were tested for HCV antibodies six monthly. Once spouses were found to be anti-HCV positive, their HCV status was confirmed with PCR for HCV RNA. Out of 168 patients, 90 [53.57%] were males and 78 [46.43%] were females. PCR for HCV RNA was found to be positive in 4 of 168 [2.38%] spouses. All these 4 couples in whom HCV transmission was found had genotype 3a. Out of the 4 spouses who tested positive for HCV RNA PCR, 3 [75%] were females and 1 [25%] was male. So HCV infection was transmitted in 3 out of 90 [3.33%] and 1 out of 78 [1.28%] female and male spouses, respectively. In PCR for HCV RNA positive and negative spouses, the duration of marriage was 202 +/- 53 and 199 +/- 49 weeks; and the number of total sexual intercourses was 171 +/- 93 and 169 +/- 89, respectively. HCV transmission among serodiscordant couples in our setup did occur. The overall rate of transmission was 2.38%. The rate of transmission from male to female [3.33%] was higher than female to male [1.28%]. However, a large scale study conducted over a longer duration of time is needed to recommend protected sex in serodiscordant couples if either partner is suffering from HCV infection

Pollution Based Study of Heavy Metals in Medicinal plants Aloe vera and Tamarix aphylla.

The main objective of this study was to generate perception in community regarding pollution of heavy metals contained in Aloe vera and Tamarix aphylla plants which have wide range of medicinal use but having toxic concentration of heavy metals. The plant samples were collected at three different areas referred as spots i.e. polluted (spot 1), less polluted (spot 2) and non- polluted (spot 3) from District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In the present study, essential heavy metals such as Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) and non-essential heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) were analyzed in Aloe vera leaves and Tamarix aphylla by using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals concentration in different spots were found to be in order as Spot 1> Spot 2>Spot 3 with the concentration range of found heavy metals., Cd 0.25-0.51 mg/kg, Pb BDL-15.23, Co 1.90-3.31mg/kg, Ni 2.98-4.01 mg/kg, Cr 4.86- 6.01 mg/kg, Cu 2.32-3.01 mg/kg, Fe 12.42-22.47 mg/kg, Zn 34.53-53.08 mg/kg for Aloe vera leaves and concentrations of the same heavy metals like Cd 0.13-0.31 mg/kg, Pb 1.00-18.01 mg/kg, Co 0.25-2.90 mg/kg , Ni 3.75-5.93 mg/kg , Cr 3.83-5.32 mg/kg , Cu 1.01-1.90 mg/kg, Fe 23.65-30.10 mg/kg , Zn 13.70-25.63 mg/kg were observed in the bark of Tamarix aphylla. Thus it was concluded from the present study that the samples collected from polluted area were found more contaminated with heavy metals as compared to less polluted and nonpolluted area.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in diagnosis of obstructive jaundice

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP in diagnosing obstructive jaundice taking endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] as gold standard. Cross sectional survey. This study was conducted Radiology and Gastroenterology Departments, Sheikh Zayed Post graduate medical Institute, Lahore for a period of Six months from August 2012 to January 2013. A total of 90 patients having history and clinical suspicion of obstructive jaundice were enrolled in this study. MRCP was obtained in all cases followed by ERCP was performed. All this information was recorded on proforma and results were evaluated. A total of 90 patients were included in the study. 40 [44.4%] were male and 50 [55.6%] were female. The age ranged from 15-80 years. Mean age of patients was 46.66 +/- 16.33 years. In our study the sensitivity of MRCP in diagnosing obstructive jaundice was found to be 86.0%, specificity 70%, positive predictive value 96.0% and negative predictive value was found to be 39.0% and diagnostic accuracy was 84.0%. The outcome of this study was that MRCP is reasonably good in diagnosing obstructive jaundice but is relatively less accurate as compared to ERCP

Patient satisfaction; An experience at HMC-T railway hospital

To study the degree of patient satisfaction with various aspects of care in Islamic International Medical College Trust [IIMC-T] Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi. cross-sectional, descriptive. All the patients admitted to IIMC-T Railway Hospital were given a questionnaire form at the time of discharge. They were requested to give feedback regarding different aspects of services at the hospital and suggestions for improvements of services. This information is part of the hospital management information system. The data for this study was obtained from these feedback responses. Responses of patients regarding different aspects of services of the hospital were graded as excellent, good and unsatisfactory. Out of 2,709 responses, 34% were excellent, 60% good and 6% unsatisfactory. Best aspect of service was the availability of doctors in wards [84% excellent and good] and worst aspect was cleanliness of wards [12% unsatisfactory]. An anonymous satisfaction survey is a low cost, valid and reliable method of obtaining information about patient satisfaction with the services of the hospital. IIMC-T Railway Hospital is providing services to patients with a reasonable degree of patient satisfaction