Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test [HPSA] for the diagnosis of gastric infection

To determine the accuracy of Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen test [HpSA], compared with endoscopic histopathology for the diagnosis of gastric HeUcobecter pylori infection. Cross-sectional study. Medical Unit II, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from March 2003 to March 2004. A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopy for gastric antral mucosal tissue biopsy for histopathology of H.pyiori and advised for HpSA. Patient's information including age, gender, past history, presenting signs and symptoms, results of HpSA and histopathology were recorded. Sensitivity analysis was performed to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of HpSA. Among 50 patients, 48% males and 52% females [M: F 1: 1.08], a total of 27 [54%] were true positive while 20 [40%] were true negative. Two patients were false negative and only one was false positive. Sensitivity of HpSA was, therefore, 93.1%, specificity 95% and positive and negative predictive values were 96.42% and 90.9% respectively. Helicobacter pylori stool antigen was an accurate and reliable test for the diagnosis of gastric H. pylori infection

Total abdominal paracentesis in cirrhotic patients with ascites with I/V albumin of polygeline

Ascites is a frequently encountered problem in Cirrhotics and Total Abdominal Paracentesis is an easy and quick way of relieving these patients. To observe the Total Abdominal Paracentesis with IV Albumin or Hemaccel and observe systemic hemodynamics, electrolytes and renal function. Material and 30 patients who were admitted in A.S.H. were included in study. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, child Grade, increased Prothrombin time etc. were excluded. Out of 30 patients enrolled, one expired as he was erroneously included in study. In rest of patients all were hemodynamically stable after one day. Total Abdominal Paracentesis is a safe procedure and can be used to relieve patients with tenso ascites in fast and safe way

Polycythemia rubra vera. A report of three cases and review of literature

Three case reports of Polycythemia Rubra Vera are mentioned. Two were male and one was female, The hemorrhagic complications were seen in males only. The females presented with headache, abdominal pain and cyanosis. All patients responded to Hydorxy Urea. CASE: 65 yrs. Old Mr. M.S. resident of North Karachi presented to OPD of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in July 2000 with complaints of persistent headache for last 6 months and painful swelling in left upper chest on the back for 2 days. He was non smoker and afebrile. On examination he was an old man of thin built having plethoric face and conjunctival injection. He had an overall dusky cyanotic complexion. The examination of swelling revealed a 25cm x 12cm fluctuant tender swelling. There was hepatosplenomegaly. A provisional diagnosis of polycytemia vera was made and blood was sent for investigation. Hemoglobin came to 18gm/dl