Liver function tests in second and third trimester primigravida in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is a common obstetrical problem affecting 5-10% of pregnant females. The objective of this study was to determine and compare liver function tests in primigravidas in second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted that included 100 subjects aged 15-40 years with normal pregnancy, and preeclamptic primigravidas of second and third trimester. Their liver function tests were carried out and compared among the study groups

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 25.92+/-5.56 years, mean systolic BP was 136.3+/-24.623 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure was 87.8+/-15.736 mmHg. There were statistically significant differences in AST, ALT, ALP, and serum albumin among cases and controls of both 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimester [p<0.05]. However, serum total bilirubin among preeclamptics of 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimesters, and also between controls and preeclamptics of 3[rd] trimester was significantly increased [p<0.05]. Serum AST and ALT were significantly decreased among controls of 3[rd] trimesters compared to 2[nd] trimester while ALP was significantly increased in 3[rd] trimester controls compared to 2[nd] trimester controls. Serum albumin was significantly decreased in both 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimester preeclamptics compared to controls

Conclusion: Serum AST, ALP, and bilirubin was significantly increased in 3[rd] trimester preeclamptics compared to 2[nd] trimester preeclamptics

Hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver disease produced by chronic viral hepatitis

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy [HE] involves neuropsychiatric dysfunction as a result of metabolic disturbance. The objective of the study was to determine and compare grades of hepatic encephalopathy in patients of viral hepatitis B, C, and co-infection

Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed which included seventy five patients of chronic HBV, HCV, and co-infection of either sex, aged 35 years or above. The patients were equally divided into 3 groups. Hepatic encephalopathy was classified into four grades based on the West Haven classification

Results: Out of the 75 subjects, 51 [68.0%] were males and 24 [32.0%] were females. The Mean age was 44.69+/-7.423 years. Grade I hepatic encephalopathy was a significant feature of both chronic HCV and co-infection groups. The development of grade II encephalopathy was more marked in chronic HBV group, while grade III encephalopathy was more frequent in chronic HCV group. However, frequency distribution of grade IV encephalopathy remained same in all groups

Conclusion: The study concluded that progression of encephalopathy was not more marked in co-infection group. In fact, hepatic encephalopathy equally developed in study groups

Comparison of clinical features of chronic liver disease produced by chronic viral hepatitis

Background: Chronic infection with either Hepatitis B virus [HBV] or Hepatitis C virus [HCV] represents one of the major causes of chronic liver disease [CLD] globally. The objective of this study was to compare clinical features of CLD produced by chronic viral hepatitis B, C, and co-infection

Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed which included 75 patients of chronic HBV, HCV, and co-infection, aged 35 years or above, of either sex. The patients were equally divided into 3 groups

Results: Out of the 75 subjects, 51 [68%] were males and 24 [32%] were females. The mean age was 44.69+/-7.423 years. The relevant clinical features like fever, anorexia, and vomiting were more marked in chronic HBV group. However, splenomegaly as well as easily and poorly controlled ascites was distributed with same frequency in chronic HCV and co-infection groups. Breathlessness was equally frequent in chronic HBV and HCV groups, while hematemesis and melena were frequent in chronic HBV and co-infection groups. The frequency distribution of jaundice was more marked in co-infection group only

Conclusion: The clinical features were not more prevalent in co-infection group. The distribution of some features like breathlessness was same in two groups

Knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population

Objective: To ascertain knowledge of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population of Sargodha city; Pakistan

Study Design: Observational / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried in urban male population of Sargodha city, Pakistan from November, 1[st] to 30[th] 2015

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to recognize knowledge of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban male population of Sargodha city. All 100 married male apparently healthy participants; 25-60 years of age were included

Results: The mean age of subjects was 40.12 +/- 10.22 years. The frequency of smoking [28%] was significantly higher in study population, sedentary lifestyle [5%] obesity [22%], use of salt [17%] and use of fat [8%] respectively

Conclusion: The present study determines a poor knowledge of modifiable risk factors regarding Coronary artery disease in the urban male population. Therefore, there is an immediate need to initiate measures to raise awareness of these modifiable risk factors so that individuals at high risk for future Coronary artery disease can be managed

Frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female

Objective: To determine frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female population of Sargodha city of Punjab province of Pakistan

Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the urban female population of Sargodha city of Punjab province of Pakistan from March, 1[st] to 30[th] 2016

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to identify frequency of modifiable risk factors about coronary artery disease in an urban female population of Sargodha city. All 100 married female apparently healthy participants; 25-60 years of age were included

Results: The mean age of subjects was 36.02 +/- 10.02 years. The frequency of smoking [27%] was expressively advanced in study population, sedentary lifestyle [19%] obesity [25%], use of salt [16%] and use of fat [13%] respectively

Conclusion: The current research concludes a reduced information related to modifiable threat aspects regarding coronary artery disease in the urban feminine populace. Consequently, there is a speedy prerequisite to initiate actions to educate peoples of this group in relation of changeable risk features so that those at high risk for upcoming patients of controllable coronary artery disease can be coped

Bioavailability and disposition kinetics of amoxicillin; in normal and water deprived [dehydrated] rabbits

The study was planned to observe the bioavailability and disposition kinetics of amoxicillin in adult rabbits [irrespective of sex] under healthy and dehydrated conditions. Comparative. Place and duration of. The study was conducted at the department of pharmacology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore from April 2013 to October 2013. Initially all rabbits were weighed and their packed cell volume [PCV] and other biochemical parameters were observed under normal conditions. Bioavailability and disposition kinetics of amoxicillin [10mg/kg body weight] were studied in normal rabbits following oral and intravenous route of drug administration. After 10 days washout period, these rabbits were made dehydrated by keeping the animals off water but not food. The animals with 10% decrease in body weight were declared dehydrated. Their parameters were again measured. Treated rabbits were administered amoxicillin orally and intravenously [10mg/kg body weight]. Samples were drawn at prescribed time. Amoxicillin was assessed in plasma by using microbiological assay method. Plasma concentration was analyzed using non compartmental method. The water deprived or dehydrated rabbits showed a significant increase in the packed cell volume, blood glucose and plasma globulins as compared to the normal rabbits. However, there was a significant decrease in body weight, total proteins, albumins and albumin globulin ratio of the dehydrated rabbits. The peak plasma concentration, volume of distribution and rate constant of elimination was lower in the dehydrated rabbits as compared to the normal rabbits. The plasma concentration of amoxicillin after intravenous administration in dehydrated rabbits had a significant larger area under curve, area under 1[st] moment curve, a longer half life and a larger mean residence time. The study in the dehydrated rabbits indicated the need of modification of dosage regimen

Adverse drug reactions of first line anti-tuberculosis drugs used in DOTS implemented setting in Lahore

Background: Tuberculosis [TB] is a major health problem in most countries despite the availability of effective chemotherapy. The frequency and nature of anti-TB drugs induced adverse drug reactions [ADRs] have been matter of concern in many countries. In our programme patients take their medicines under the direct observation of a health care provider. It is therefore, important to monitor ADRs and increase awareness of health care providers about ADRs and their management

Objective: To get an over view of adverse drug reactions caused by first line anti-tuberculosis drugs used in the treatment of TB cases in directly observed therapy short course [DOTS]

Study design, settings and duration: This descriptive observational study was carried out at chest clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore for a period of one year

Patients and Methods: Patient aged >/=15 years of age registered for treatment of tuberculosis in treatment category I at Model Chest Clinic, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore were included in the study after obtaining consent. All patients were advised to visit health facility immediately if they had any feeling of drug reaction

Results: A total of 760 TB patients registered in treatment category I were included in the study. Out of 760 patients, 306 [40.2%] patients showed Adverse Drug Reactions [ADR] with anti TB drugs. Joint pain was the most common ADR, reported by 16.7% patients followed by skin itching in 11.5%, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain in 7.63% and jaundice in 3.68% patients. Rash and visual impairment was reported by 0.26% each. Within gender, ADRs were mostly reported by females [41.9%] as compared to male patients [37.6%]. Age wise majority [36%] of ADRs were reported by patients aged between 15-54 years as compared to those aged 55 years or above [4.2%]. Most adverse effects settled themselves or with addition of some anti-allergic drugs for few days and in only 4.2% cases one or more ant TB drugs had to be discontinued

Conclusion: ADRs were observed in 40.2% TB patients but most reactions were of mild intensity and settled without any intervention. Only 4.2% reaction were severe enough to stop the drug and replace it with another drug

Use of mycobacterium culture in confirming diagnosis of tuberculosis in smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects registered in dots implemented setting at Lahore

Objective: early diagnosis of disease and prompt initiation of treatment is essential for an effective tuberculosis control programme. There is concern that smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis may be over-diagnosed and treated in overburdened and resource poor countries. This study was conducted to determine what proportion of patients being registered for smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis treatment has microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis

Material and Methods: subjects of either sex above the age of 15 year with symptoms of and x-ray finding consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis were selected. Sputum specimens of 124 smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects about to be registered for smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis treatment by the national tuberculosis programme were inoculated on LJ culture medium to isolate the organism. The result of smear and culture were then compared

Results: a total of 124 sputum smear negative cases were subjected to culture on LJ medium. Out of these 18[14.51 %] were confirmed positive by culture

Conclusion: sputum culture is gold standard the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Complementing smear negative cases with culture may help in reducing over diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

Role of mycobacterium culture in the diagnosis of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects attending tertiary care setting

Sputum smear testing for acid fast bacilli is the gold standard for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The role of culture in cases that are negative on sputum smear testing is being emphasized for early diagnosis of disease and prompt initiation of treatment. To correlate the role of culture in diagnosing smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis suspects. Descriptive study carried out in chest clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore in collaboration with Institute of Public Health Lahore from January 2012 to June 2012. Materials and Adults over 15 year of either gender having symptoms and X-ray findings consistent with pulmonary tuberculosis were selected. The sputa of sputum smear negative cases were inoculated on Lowenstein-Jensen medium culture medium to isolate the organism and correlate the culture positivity and negativity in smear negative cases. A total of 88 sputa were negative for acid fast bacilli on smear which were subjected to culture on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. Of these 31[35%] grew acid fast bacilli and were thus confirmed positive by culture while rest 57 remained negative on culture. There was no significant difference in the symptoms and extent of lesions on X-ray between those who were culture positive or negative. Sputum culture should be done for the diagnosis or exclusion of smear negative clinically suspected and X-ray positive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Policy message: All clinically suspected and X-ray positive but sputum smear negative cases should undergo sputum culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis on Lowenstein-Jensen medium. The facilities to culture the micro organism should be made available at district level by the tuberculosis control program

Effect of decoction of camellia sinensis on blood pressure and heart rate

Camellia sinensis as a tea [hot decoction] is so widely used throughout the Asia. Therefore to find out, their effects on all the body functions are the need of hour. In the current study the effect of Camellia sinensis on human [females] blood pressure has been evaluated. Observational study. This study was conducted at Pharmacy Department, University of Malakand. The blood pressure before and after giving the decoction of Camellia sinensis to seventy six individuals was evaluated by using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. A moderate increase in the blood pressure had been noted. Also a great decrease in the heart rate of individuals has been identified after taking the decoction. From the current study it can be concluded that green tea have an effect of increasing blood pressure in the females, so the heart patients have to take care while using green tea in excess quantity

Role of total leukocyte count in diagnosis of acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. Diagnosis may be difficult with little help from radiological and laboratory investigations. Total leukocyte count is one of the helpful investigations, being evaluated in this study. The patients presenting with right ower quadrant abdominal pain whom were diagnosed as having acute appendicitis and later underwent appendicectomy were included in the study. The preoperative leukocyte count was compared with histo-pathology findings of removed appendix. Sensitivity and specificity of TLC was calculated by standard formulas. The sensitivity and specificity of TLC as calculated in this study is 76.5% and 73.7% respectively while positive predictive value is 92.5%. TLC although not a diagnostic criteria for acute appendicitis but still is helpful investigation in decision making