Hematological profile and risk factors associated with pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Quetta, Pakistan

Tuberculosis [TB] is a chronic debilitating infectious disease affecting more than one third of the global population. This study was designed to investigate different peripheral blood parameters and risk factors in TB patients. A total of 600 [Male, 238 and Female, 362] aging 20-80 Years patients with clinical signs of prolonged cough, chest pain and fever, were evaluated for peripheral blood parameters using hematology analyzer. All the informations related to the disease were collected from the patients and recorded using predesigned questionnaire. Erythrocytic Sedimentation Rate [ESR], Hemoglobin [Hb] and lymphocytes were markedly changed in both sexes. Hemoglobin was recorded lower than normal value in 55% and 53% of male and female population respectively. Total leukocyte count was also lower than normal values in 8% and 6% of male and female respectively. Similarly neutropenia was observed in 5% and 8% cases, while neutrophilia was recorded as 60% and 64% in male and female patients respectively. Lymphocytopenia was also observed in 59% and 43% patients in male and female respectively. Illiteracy, smoking habits, overcrowding and living in shared houses were the main associated risk factors contributing in the enhancement of the disease. The disease was present significantly more in females and was relatively higher in older patients. Different hematological parameters like Erythrocytic sedimentation Rate [ESR], platelets and leukocytes work as hallmark and help the clinicians in early diagnosis of the disease. Malnutrition, smoking tobacco, living in shared houses, illiteracy and poverty were the common risk factors contributing to the dissemination of the tuberculosis in the target area population

frequency of hepatitis B and C among volunteer blood donors in Balochistan

In this cross-sectional study, the frequency of hepatitis B and C among volunteer blood donors in blood banks of Sandeman Provincial and Lady Duffren Hospitals, Quetta, Pakistan was estimated. 1474 blood donors were selected by convenient sampling. After obtaining informed consent, brief history and examination were done. They were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies in laboratory. The collected data analyzed by SPSS 12.0 and results shown in frequencies and percentages. Out of 1474 blood donors, 1284 [87.1%] were males and 190 [12.9%] were females. The mean age was 25 [range: 16-49] years. 71 [4.8%] were positive for HBsAg [63 males and 8 females], 26 [1.8%] for anti-HCV [21 males and 5 females] and 4 [0.27%] were positive for both [3 males and 1 female]. Most of them belonged to ages 21-40 years. The frequency of hepatitis B is same as that of other part of the country contrary to the belief that Balochistan is a high prevalent region for hepatitis B as compare to the rest of the country, while the frequency of hepatitis C is less than expected. Health education and vaccination for hepatitis B should be encouraged and more vigilant efforts should be done

Diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology in parotid tumors

To evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors. We reviewed files of all patients who underwent parotidectomy for various parotid pathologies at Aga Khan University Hospital. Study design included a comparison between results of preoperative FNAC with final histopathological diagnosis. Galen and Ganbino method was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity of FNAC. Among 50 patients reviewed, there was one false positive and 3 false negative results reported on FNAC. This gives a sensitivity of FNAC for reporting malignancy to be 74% and specificity to rule out malignancy 97%. No significant complications were reported while performing the procedure. FNAC is a safe and effective modality in diagnosis and treatment planning of patients with parotid tumors

Measurement of serum cholesterol and triglyceride; evaluation in patients with diabetes; hypertension and cerebrovascular accident in south Punjab

Lipid disorders occur in patients with hypertension, cerebrovascular accident [CVA] and NIDDM. However their detection and subsequent intervention remains under-estimated throughout the world due to one or another reason. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of lipids in our diabetic, hypertensive and stroke patients regardless of their hypertensive and glycemic control, age and sex. This study was carried out on 300 cases of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cerebrovascular accident at Medical Unit-II of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Out of 300 patients, 93 [31%] patients showed isolated stroke, 114 [38%] patients showed isolated diabetes mellitus. Isolated hypertension was found among 21 [7%], six [2%] patients out of 300 showed combined, hypertension, CVA and diabetes mellitus. 18% [6%] patients exhibited combined hypertension and stroke. 20 [6.7%] patients were having combined diabetes mellitus and Hypertension. 7 [2.3%] patients out of 300 exhibited combined diabetes mellitus and stroke

Patients with spontaneous chest pain; safety and prognostic value of early dobutamine stress echocardiography

This Study comprised 50 patients with age group of 30-60 years, 40 were female and 10 male patients. All patients underwent serial creatinine phosphokinase enzyme measurements, continuous ECC monitoring for at least 12-24 hours and early Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography [DSE].In patients with negative creatinine kinase enzymes and normal findings of ECG monitoring, [DSE] was considered positive in patients with wall motion abnormalities. Five patients had evidence of early myocardial infarction. In the remaining 45 patients DSE was performed. DSE results were of poor quality in 2, non-diagnostic in 6, negative in 22 and positive in 16 patients. Two patients suffered from tachyarrhythmia, one patient has paroxymal atrial tachycardia [PAT] and other suffered ventricular tachycardia. Both were successfully cardioverted

Fistulae of bileduct

A series of 18 cases of extra hepatic bile duct injuries resulting in stenosis and external biliary fistulae is presented with two deaths and no recurrence of symptoms suggestive of narrowing of hepatico-jejunostomy anastomosis. Contrary to the routine we have not used stents and indwelling tubes and have faced no problem. The series is too small to prove that prolonged intubations with extra hepatic tubes is probably not required