Comparative study of different anti-TB regimens in the treatment of pulmonary TB under field conditions at Faisalabad

In this retrospective study on 262 pulmonary T.B. patients [167 new and 95 retreatment cases], various parameters including radiology, weight, ESR., symptoms and post treatment complications were comparatively studied by dividing them into five groups depending on the regimens used. Overall results were significantly better in new patients as compared to retreatment cases. Results of treatment were better with regimens containing rifampicin during both initial intensive phase and continuation phase. Group B [3SHRE/9HR] showed better results with cure percentage at 100% in new and 80% in retreatment cases. The relapse percentage was zero in new, but 12% in retreatment cases. Continuation of treatment with regimens containing rifampicin beyond nine months recorded no further significant improvement in the parameters studied in new patients. Continuation of treatment to 12 months, however recorded a noticeable improvement in parameters in retreatment patients despite a relapse rate of 3.6% in new and 8.4% in retreatment cases with regimens containing pyrazinamide during initial intensive phase

Response to verbal anti-smoking advice in chest diseases out-patients of Punjab medical college hospital, Faisalabad

In this prospective study 5363 patients [3195 Male and 2168 Female] were questioned about smoking habits. 1148 [21.40%] [1047 male and 101 female] were found to be smokers. Cigarette smoking was most popular mode among males [49.77%] Hukka being least popular [17%] with 33.23% smoking both. Among females Hukka was most popular [72.27%] and cigarette least popular [10.89%] with 16.83% smoking both. 45.59% males and 65.71% females stopped smoking immediately. 24.60% males and 5.71% females reduced by 50%. 5.19% males restarted smoking. All female patients complied with advice and did not restart

Compliance in tubercular patients at Faisalabad

A total of 1345 patients [498 at PMC hospital, 568 at first author's private clinic, 150 at PESSI hospital and 129 at Islamic hospital, Chiniot]; 777 males and S68 females, were documented for 12 months in order to study compliance in relation to different socio-demographic parameters and different chemotherapeutic regimens. Overall compliance at 12 months was found to be 29.67%. The compliance was significantlyl higher in PMC hospital patients [39.96%] as compared to [21.83%] at private clinic, [29.33%] at PESSI hospital and [24.81%] at Islamia hospital. Compliance was significantly higher i.e. P<0.01 in non-rifampicin containing regimens [36.54%] compared to rifampicin containing regimens [22.76%]. Socio-economic status repealed direct association with level of compliance. The effect of educational status and distance travelled was insignificant to the level of compliance