Audit of head and neck cancer: hospital based statistics of Islamabad

Head and Neck Cancers are the leading cancer of South East Asia. Because of dietary habits of this region and poor socioeconomic conditions oral cavity cancers and pharyngeal cancers are common respectively. A hospital based cancer registry is maintained from February 2000 to February 2004 in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and National Oncology Research Institute [NORI], Islamabad. All cancer patients reported in that period examined, staged, biopsied, discussed and treated accordingly. 714 cases were seen, 458 male [64.1%] and 256 females [35.9%]. Leading cancer was oral cavity 228 [31.9%], larynx 127 [17.8%], hyopharynx 105 [14%], nose and nasopharynx 69[9.6%] and unknown primary 44 [6.16%]. Summing up the results oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal cancers constituted 72.5% of head and neck cancers

Survey regarding AIDS awareness among indigenous population at Karachi [Pakistan]

A health survey about AIDS awareness in Pakistan was conducted during 1998-99 as a joint venture of International Collaboration Medical Team of Japanese National Institute of Public Health, Nagoya University, School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan and Awan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. It is important to be aware of the attitude and behavior related to AIDS infection, because the number of people infected by it has been increasing rapidly in many countries of Asia. The information collected in this survey can serve as a guide for health policy in Pakistan. A randomized survey comprising 5110 [2400 male and 2710 female] Pakistani nationals of different age groups were tested in this study. The marital status and educational background were also recorded. A questionnaire was distributed to the subject individuals, which was based upon the information about the modes of AIDS spread. The mass survey for its awareness in general public has successfully been conducted for the first time in Pakistan. The survey revealed several striking facts and figures that will help build up our future strategy to combat the challenge of this deadly disease. With reference to this survey, about 12% of the total population was completely in dark about AIDS [including 9.7% illiterate]. It is recommended that the people at large should be fully made aware of AIDS. The most effective medium for such an education oriented programme [as revealed by this survey] is television. The authorities should allocate sufficient time on television for programmes like drama, group discussions, interviews by the AIDS victims and open question-answer sessions

Toxoplasmosis and abortion: serological co-relation

This study involved the analysis of serum samples and product of conception in 105 females for Toxoplasmosis. The serum analysis for IgM and IgG were done by enzyme immuno assay [EIA] in our population. All human sera were also screened for human immnuno deficiency virus [HIV] to rule out that toxoplasma infection was not due to immuno suppression. The product of conception was used for making wet mount, stained preparation and mice innoculation [with saline control]. One group of mice was sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day and the other on or about 3rd week. Out of the 105 samples tested for IgM antibodies specific to Toxoplasma, 16 [15.2%] were sero-positive [both groups]. Fourteen [25.9%] sera were positive for IgM antibodies in 54 patients having had spontaneous abortion and 35 [33.3%] samples were sero-positive for IgG antibodies out of a total of 105 cases. In AB group there were 27 [50.0%] sero-positive out of 54 screened and in TA group out of 51 cases tested 8 [15.7%] were sero-positive. HIV screening by EIA in both AB and TA groups did not reveal any sero-positive case. HIV result showed that sero-positivity of Toxoplasma was not due to immuno suppression. Product of conception was subjected to wet mount and stained preparation [Alkaline Methylene Blue and Giemsa] in which we observed parasite in 2 cases. Serum study done in mice sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day showed no sero-positivity for IgG and IgM type of antibodies, whereas mice sacrificed on 3rd week gave 2 [3.1%] sero-positivity of IgM and IgG specific to Toxoplasma in AB group out of 54 cases. Wet mount and stained preparation revealed parasites from peritoneal wash of mice sacrificed on 3rd or 4th day. Toxoplasmosis situation in our country is acute and needs launching of national programme for sero-diagnosis of pregnant women and adopting preventive measures to overcome serious consequences of disease