Characteristics and outcome of dengue infection; clinical perspective from a secondary care hospital of Karachi

To determine the frequency and characteristics of dengue fever [DF] in patients of acute febrile illness presenting at a secondary care hospital. The observational cross sectional study was carried out from May to October 2010 in Remedial Centre Karachi and included patients above the age of 12 years who presented with acute febrile illness. The WHO classification and case definitions were used to classify the disease as Dengue Fever [DF], dengue hemorrhagic fever [DHF] and dengue shock syndrome [DSS]. Clinical, hematological and biochemical findings were recorded serially until discharge. During the study period, 90 [34.75%] presented with typical features of DF, 28 [31.11%] were dengue proven, seven [7.7%] proved to be of malaria in which malarial parasites were found positive in the peripheral blood, while the remaining 55 [61.11%] patients were dengue probable. Age of the patients ranged from 13 to 76 years. Fever was the most common clinical presentation [100%] followed by vomiting 50 [55.56%], body ache 31 [34.44%] abdominal pain 17 [18.89%] and headache 9 [10%]. Maculopapular rash was seen in 4[4.44%] patients. Laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and raised alanine aminotransferase levels. Eighty one patients [90%] improved clinically and hematologically and were discharged in stable condition. Fever and thrombocytopenia were the most common presentation of dengue fever [DF]. The overall mortality of DF is low, if treated appropriately. Awareness of health care professionals and public regarding preventive strategies is essential to fight against this disease

Knowledge, attitude and practice of tuberculosis management among general practitioners of Karachi

To assess the knowledge attitude and practice of tuberculosis management among general practitioners of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. It was a descriptive cross sectional study. The study was carried out in Gulshan-e-lqbal from March - September 2007. Fifty general practitioners of Gulshan-e-lqbal town participated in study. 64% of GPs knew and were following DOTS.20% admitted that they were familiar about this program but they didn't follow it while 16% told that they were unaware about DOTS. 32% GPs were unaware of the correct regimen. Awareness about TB was not adequate among general practitioners of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. The practitioners having experience of 5-10 years had better knowledge, attitude practice than those having experience of 10-15 years. Male practitioners had better knowledge and management as compared to female while attitude of female was found better than males