paradigm shift: the new novel oral anticoagulation agents

Atrial fibrillation [AF] is the most common arrhythmia and represents one-third of the arrhythmia-related hospital admissions in the developed countries

Embolic strokes associated with AF are more severe and disabling

Thrombo-embolic stroke prevention is a major goal in treatment of AF and Warfarin has successfully served this purpose for many years

Drug-drug interaction and regular monitoring with Warfarin pose a significant challenge where health care system has limited resources; and lack of a well-structured health system, hinders regular International Normalized Ratio [INR] monitoring. Novel oral anticoagulants [NOACs] have opened up a new exciting chapter in the field of anticoagulation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation [NVAF]. This review discussed the landmark trials that led to the development of NOACs and explored the potentials of these new agents with simultaneous comparison of Warfarin

Spectrum of liver disorders in children: a hospital based study

The aim of the study was to find out the existing pattern of liver diseases in hospitalized children. Observation descriptive study. Paediatric Unit-III Civil Hospital Karachi.affilliated with Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi. From January 2001 to December 2005. Children ages more than two months to 15 years. During the study period, 92 children were included who fulfilled the criteria. Amongst Acute hepatitis [31.5%], HBV was [41.4%], HAV [27.6%], HCV [10.3%], drug induced [6.9%] and idiopathic causes [13.8%]. Chronic liver diseases were 51%, which constitute cryptogenic [42.5%] and post-hepatitis [32.0%], among which HBV [23.4%], HCV [8.5%] while Wilson [17%], Gaucher's disease [4.3%], hemochromatosis [2%] and autoimmune hepatitis was 2%. In acute hepatitis, HBV is more common while HAV is less than anticipated, HCV is significantly present. In chronic liver disease, the majority of causes are cryptogenic, posthepatitis, metabolic and storage disorders