Pattern of benzodiazepine prescription in internal medicine outpatients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

To explore the pattern of prescription of benzodiazepines in internal medicine outpatients at a tertiary care hospital. The study included the types of benzodiazepines used, gender and age preference, indication of prescription, past history of use, dosage and length of prescription. This cross sectional study was undertaken from 1[st] of Januaryto 1[st] of March 2011 at Internal medicine outpatients during this time were indentified through the hospital database. Relevant data from charts of patients was recorded on a preformed questionnaire. All data collected was analyzed in SPSS 17.0. Out of 1706 patients attending the outpatient clinics, 11.1% patients were prescribed benzodiazepines. Female gender and older age was associated with higher rate of prescription. Intermediate acting benzodiazepines prescribed to 98.4% patients, were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Most common indication for prescription of benzodiazepine was anxiety and depression. The length of prescription was mentioned in only 19% of cases. Only 24.3% patients had previously been prescribed the drug. The pattern of benzodiazepine prescription in tertiary care hospital is comparable to that of developed countries. Due to the grave potential for abuse, regulation regarding the use of this class of drugs is extremely important. Data from this study and other studies from the country seem to suggest that awareness on this topic is in place. However, further widespread studies need to be carried out at the community level

Surgical fixation of clavicular fractures outcome and complications

To determine the outcome of K-wire fixation of Clavicular fracture in terms of union rates and complication profile. Retrospective case series study. This study was carried out at DHQ teaching hospital Abbottabad and Mansehra from March 2009 to Feb 2011. Forty five adult patients with displaced mid clavicular fractures treated with K-wire fixation in a standard Supine position were included in this study. Out of 45 patients, non union occurred in only two, Implant failure occurred in the same two cases. Most of the complications were of minor nature consisting of superficial wound infection 2, delayed union 4 and pin prominence at insertion site 10. No major nerve or vascular injuries occurred. Intra medullary K-wire fixation of displaced mid clavicular fracture with protection in early post operative period is a safe and simple procedure, achieving good union rates without major complications

Response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of quinine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Boomy county of Liberia

To document the response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Boomy County of Liberia. Quasi-experimental study. Pak Level-II Hospital Tubmanburg, Boomy Country Liberia over a period of one year [Jan 2006- Dec 2006]. Employees of United Nations' Mission in Liberia [UNMIL] mostly Pakistani soldiers but also other nationals belonging to different countries; who presented with Falciparum malaria and treated with quinine were included in the study. Falciparum malaria was confirmed microscopically in each case and was treated with a seven day course of Quinine followed by a single dose of Fansidar [sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine]. A total of 69 patients were treated with Quinine; age range 20 to 50 years; 43 Pakistanis and 26 other nationals. All responded well to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine. Fever settled within 72 hours in 91% of cases and parasite disappeared from the blood in 96% cases within 72 hours. A combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine is very effective in the treatment of Falciparum malaria. Majority of patients became asymptomatic within 72 hours

Clinical presentation and course of Lassa fever in Pakistani troops serving in United Nations' Mission in Liberia

To document clinical presentation and course of Lassa fever in Pakistani troops serving in United Nations' Mission in Liberia [UNMIL]. Case series. Pak Level-II Hospital Tubmanburg, Liberia; over a period of four months from January 2006 to April 2006. Pakistani soldiers who presented with fever and later were confirmed to be suffering from Lassa fever by Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] test were included in the study. A total of 6 patients were confirmed to be suffering from Lassa fever. Three cases also had concomitant Falciparum malaria. Three cases presented with symptoms of upper respiratory infection, three presented with gastrointestinal symptoms and two cases with cervical lymphadonopathy. Two cases died while four recovered without any sequelae. Lassa fever presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms. In endemic areas, Lassa fever should be suspected in any patient who presents with fever and does not respond to antimalarials and broadspectrum antibiotics within a few days