Pattern of benzodiazepine prescription in internal medicine outpatients at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

To explore the pattern of prescription of benzodiazepines in internal medicine outpatients at a tertiary care hospital. The study included the types of benzodiazepines used, gender and age preference, indication of prescription, past history of use, dosage and length of prescription. This cross sectional study was undertaken from 1[st] of Januaryto 1[st] of March 2011 at Internal medicine outpatients during this time were indentified through the hospital database. Relevant data from charts of patients was recorded on a preformed questionnaire. All data collected was analyzed in SPSS 17.0. Out of 1706 patients attending the outpatient clinics, 11.1% patients were prescribed benzodiazepines. Female gender and older age was associated with higher rate of prescription. Intermediate acting benzodiazepines prescribed to 98.4% patients, were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Most common indication for prescription of benzodiazepine was anxiety and depression. The length of prescription was mentioned in only 19% of cases. Only 24.3% patients had previously been prescribed the drug. The pattern of benzodiazepine prescription in tertiary care hospital is comparable to that of developed countries. Due to the grave potential for abuse, regulation regarding the use of this class of drugs is extremely important. Data from this study and other studies from the country seem to suggest that awareness on this topic is in place. However, further widespread studies need to be carried out at the community level

Post poliomyelitis syndrome: a rare sequel of acute poliomyelitis

Post poliomyelitis syndrome [PPS] is a rare sequel of acute poliomyelitis, usually seen 30-40 years after an acute episode. It is characterized by new muscle weakness seen in survivors of acute poliomyelitis. We describe a rare case of a 50 year old man; with a previous history of poliomyelitis in right lower limb who now presented with complaints of progressive left lower limb weakness for past two years. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical suspicion and EMG findings. PPS is not a well recognized disease in Pakistan and due to the lack of documentation; its true prevalence is not known. Though, over the years, cases of Poliomyelitis have decreased worldwide, however, PPS still remains a constant challenge for the physicians. This report highlights the impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients suffering from PPS and emphasis on the need for new therapeutic approach