Role of alanine transaminase as an indicator of non alcoholic fatty liver patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus

This study was carried out to see the role of Alanine transaminase [ALT] as an indicator of Non Alcoholic Fatty liver disease [NAFLD] in patients having Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. This was a descriptive study carried out al PMRC FJMC Lahore. A total of 63 diabetic cases that were diagnosed on ultrasonography as nonalcoholic fatty liver were recruited in this study. Demographic profile of the patients were recorded and all were subjected to lab investigation which included random blood glucose, serum triglycerides and liver function tests including viral marker of the hepatitis. Fatty liver was more prevalent in female patients 47 out of 63 [74.6%] and is more common above 40 years of age, median age being 46 years. The duration of disease was prolonged with median of 6 years. It is seen that 28/63 [44.5%] were hypertensive, 31% had hyperlipidemia and 9.5% were having ischemic heart disease. Majority of patients 28 out of 63 [44.5%] had hepatomegaly. The liver enzymes results showed that 12 of the 63 [19%] were positive for hepatitis B and C and had ALT level raised with mean of 63.00 +/- 40.66. While, among the other 51 patients without hepatitis B and C ALT level were within normal range in 36 [71%] of the cases. While in rest of 29%%15 out of 51 they were only mildly elevated. Thus showing that ALT has no role as an indicator of fatty liver. Alanine transaminase is not an indicator of NAFLD and mild elevation can be due to the metabolic disturbances in type-2 diabetic patients. It is therefore, suggested that ultrasound graph is a good tool to detect the NAFLD in its early stage

Carcinoma breast, late presentation: a big concern

To study the different presentation patterns and their treatment options in advanced carcinoma breast. A retrospective observational study North Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from November 2004 to April 2006. In total, 156 patients with carcinoma breast, confirmed histopathologically by biopsy and /or FNAC, were included in this study. Information was gathered from them using a structured questionnaire. The peak incidence of carcinoma breast was found to be between 31- 45 years of age. Majority of these patients presented in stage II [22%]. Maximum number of patients presented in stage III [56%]. However stage IV disease was also found in 12% of patients population. But stage I disease was least commonly presented disease [10%]. And infiltrative ductal carcinoma was the most prevalent [94%] histologic type. Modified radical mastectomy was the surgical treatment adopted in about 72% of cases with adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Advance stage breast lump with local or locoregional spread remained the commonest mode of presentation of carcinoma breast. And infiltrative ductal carcinoma is the commonest histologic variant. Majority of the of patients with carcinoma breast in Pakistan still present in advanced stages where almost no cosmetically more acceptable surgical procedure can be carried out

survey of public health importance - Part I Chemical quality of drinking water of some industrial areas of Pakistan [Wah' havelian' sanjwal' taxila and kamra]

Sixty one samples of drinking water from 36 water supplies of 5 Industrial Areas located in Rawalpindi, Attock and in Hazara Districts have been collected and analysed in the Water Quality Control Laboratory of the AFM College Rawalpindi. 33% of the samples were unfit for human consumption due to the presence of nitrites which indicate recent oganic pollution. The water was otherwise chemically satisfactory