Comparison of efficacy of thioridazine with clonidine acting through different mechanisms in acute opioid abstinence syndrome

To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of thioridazine with clonidine in patients with Acute opioid Abstinence Syndrome. This single blind comparative clinical trial was carried out at Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center [JPMC], Karachi. Fifty two addicts were selected randomly and were grouped into, group-A to received thioridazine 100 mg/day and group -B to received clonidine 150mcg/day. All participants completed the treatment program and stayed in hospital for ten days. The efficacy safety and tolerability of thioridazine was scant, while clonidine showed statistically significant turn down in the objective signs of acute opioid abstinence syndrome. Clonidine had more powerful effects than thioridazine. While treating the withdrawal signs of opioid abstinence syndrome may possibly pointed out that over activation of norepinephrine is a major factor contributes to the commencement of opioid abstinence syndrome

Frequency of dominant blood groups in medical students of Karachi

1. To assess the different blood groups, in students of DUHS. 2. To determine the dominant blood group in the students of DUHS. 3. To compare the results of present study with other cities of Pakistan and countries of the world. Cross-sectional study. This study was carried out on medical students of Sindh and Dow medical Colleges, [DUHS] Karachi from September 2000-2004. Sample size of 2300 was drawn by using convenient sampling method. Blood samples were collected by finger prick method. Data was collected and analyzed on SPSS version 16. Out of 2300 students group B was found to be the commonest [40%], group O [32%], group A [20%], group AB [08%].Rh positive [85%].The dominant being B+ in karachi as well in Pakistan, compared to O blood group in different countries of world. The study showed very little%[08] of blood [AB] groups among the medical students of Karachi; it generated an authentic data, which may serve a useful purpose for high transfusion demand to very emergent situations

Are students of Isra university sleep deprived; a prospective study

To assess the sleep pattern of students of Isra University using Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Epworth sleepiness scale. Descriptive study. This study was conducted at Isra University medical college Hyderabad Sind from Jan 2010 to June 2010. One hundred medical students of various batches of Isra University were randomly selected for this study. There were 57 females and 43 males. All were given instructions to fill the questionnaires of Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Epworth sleepiness scale. These were then collected and analyzed. Among the students mean Epworth score was 8.37 +/- .342 and the mean Pittsburgh score was 5.99 +/- 0.322. Pittsburgh score was above the reference value. There was no difference in these scores between male and female students. In 34% students, Epworth score was above 9 and in 55% students Pittsburgh score was above 5. Both scores were higher in more female students than males. 26% students had less duration of sleep and 13% had difficulty in daily routine due to insufficient sleep. It is concluded that Sleep as assessed by using Epworth sleepiness scale was within normal range. Mean Pittsburgh sleep quality index was above normal range indicating poor sleep quality. Duration of sleep was mainly affected

Association of leukocyte count with albumin excretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus

In type 2 diabetes Mellitus albumin excretion rate correlates with leukocyte count. One of the major components of chronic sub clinical inflammation associated with both insulin resistance and other sclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between leukocyte count and Albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus. A prospective study conducted on patients with type 2 diabetes during 2004 at BMSI Jinnah Post graduate Medical Centre Karachi. A total of 100 subjects of either sex were included, out of which 75 type 2 diabetics were selected from diabetic clinic Jinnah post graduate Medical Centre Karachi and 25 non diabetics as control from general population. Each subject was interviewed, examined and investigated for blood pressure measurements, body weight, fasting serum glucose urinary volume, urinary albumin, albumin creatinine ratio, urinary albumin excretion and leukocyte count. Patients having acute illness and proteinuria due to cardio vascular disease and other causes were excluded. Leukocyte count was significantly high [P<0.001] in all patient groups as compared to control group, also it shows significant increase in smoker diabetics as compared to non smoker diabetics. A strong relation ship was found between leukocyte count and albumin excretion r =0.786, P< 0.001 in type 2 diabetes Mellitus. Albumin excretion rate correlates with leukocyte count in patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus

Embolia cutis medicamentosa

Embolia cutis medicamentosa or Nicolau syndrome is an acute necrotic condition of skin and subcutis that follows intramuscular administration of certain medicines. A young lady from rural area presented with an irregular-contoured ulceration with livedoid features on left deltoid region which she developed after receiving intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium. The histopathological examination of the biopsied tissue demonstrated dead keratinocytes with degenerated epidermis and dermis. The condition improved on local management of wound with a residual scar