Frequency of superficial fungal infections in renal transplant recipients

To determine the frequency of superficial fungal infections in renal transplant recipients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinic, Department of Dermatology, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi. Patients of 20-60 year of age undergone renal transplant 3 to 12 months back were enrolled while patients with diabetes were excluded from study. Patients were evaluated for the presence of superficial mycoses. Skin scrapings and nail clippings were collected mycologic evaluation. A total of 62 patients were enrolled. The mean age of enrolled patients was 39.9 +/- 10.3 years and 37 [59.7%] were male. The mean duration of transplant was 7.6 +/- 2.9 months. 23 [37.1%] were on steroids. Fungal infections were documented in 38 [61.3%] patients. Of 38 patients, 19 [50%] had candidiasis. Stratified analysis showed fungal infections to be similar in >/=40 or <40 years of age [63.6% v. 58.6%], female and male [64% vs. 59.5%]; duration of transplant <8 or >8 months [63.9% vs. 57.7%] and those who were on steroids [69.6%] or other drugs [62.5%]. It is concluded from this study that patient's undergone renal transplant has increased frequency of fungal infection

Frequency of new onset diabetes mellitus type ii in patients of psoriasis attending tertiary care hospital

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of new onset diabetes mellitus type II in patients of psoriasis attending tertiary care hospital

METHODS: This cross-sectional study done in the out-patient department, Department of Dermatology, Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi. Diagnosed cases of psoriasis meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and relevant history taken. Fasting blood sugar levels were checked two times. Informed consent was taken from all the patients. Categorical variables were expressed in frequency and percentage, whereas numerical variables were expressed in mean and standard deviation. Stratification was done with regards to age, gender and duration of psoriasis 1-5 years, to find out the effect of duration upon onset of Diabetes

The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17

RESULTS: Of 114 patients 63 [55.3%] were less than 50 years of age with mean age of 48.8+/-7.3 years and 77 [67.5%] were male with male to female ratio of 2.1:1. Of 114 patients, 68 [59.6%] had duration of psoriasis less than 2 years with mean duration of 3.5+/-2.3 years. Of 114 patients, 9 [7.9%] had blood sugar >126 mg/dl with mean blood sugar 113+/-24.2 mg/dl. Frequency of new onset type II diabetes was 9 [7.9%]. Stratified analysis showed that new onset type II DM is more common in female patients of < 50 years of age

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded from this study that patients with psoriasis are at the risk of developing type II diabetes and these patients should be screened for diabetes

Hyperglycemia: an unusual cause for hemichorea-hemiballism

Hemichorea - hemiballism is a rare neurologic disorder due to oxidative stress leading to neurodegeneration of the dentate nuclei and striata. It is rarely observed in diabetes. One such case occuring in an adult female diabetic is described