Progression pattern of rheumatoid arthritis: a study of 500 Pakistani patients

To estimate the most prevalent age of patients and disease status and progression in terms of severity at different age groups in the Pakistani Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] patients. A total of five hundred [500] RA patients were enrolled during October, 2009 to October, 2013. A screening questionnaire was filled for each patient satisfying America College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria under the supervision of certified rheumatologists. Epidemiological and demographic variables were statistically analyzed for correlation with progression of the disease using SPSS ver 17.0.1 software. In general, rheumatoid arthritis preferentially affects women with female to male ratio of about 3:1; however, patients with above 60 years of age have equal female to male ratio. The most prevalent age is 45-60 years. The disease severity increases with increase in the age and reaches to its peak in above 60 years of age [p=0.001]. The pattern of progression of RA in the Pakistani patients is almost consistent with other relevant studies conducted on European and European derived populations

Rheumatoid arthritis: what have we learned about the causing factors?

Rheumatoid Arthritis [RA] is a common inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the synovitis of both small and large joints, which may lead to the destruction of cartilage and bones causing significant disabilities due to erosion of bones surfaces, if left untreated. It is a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease having contribution of both genetic [50-60%] and environmental factors. The unawareness of general public might be a contributing factor in the high prevalence rate of RA world-wide. This review article focuses on the causing factors [genetics and environmental] involved in this devastating disease. We also gave brief overview of the treatment options and animal models of RA. The literature was reviewed using mesh terms in PubMed search "etiology of RA, genetics of RA, environmental factors in RA, Genome Wide Association Studies [GWAS] in RA". The data was thoroughly reviewed and comprehensive information was extracted to help the readers in improving understanding towards the mechanisms, which trigger the outcomes of RA. The more we increase awareness about RA, the better we manage this disease and hence can improve life style and socio-economic status

Neonatal outcome of meconium stained liquor

Background: Meconium staining may have its effect on neonates

Objective: To determine the neonatal outcome in meconium stained liquor

Methodology: Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecolgy, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Duration of Study: From 12[th] May to 11[th] November 2013. Sampling Technique: Nonprobability consecutive sampling. Data Collection Procedure: Total 149 cases of pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria, presenting with complaint of watery, vaginal discharge and labour pain were registered. Patient included in the study were followed throughout the labour till delivery. Strict fetal heart rate monitoring was done by intermittent cardiotocography. A pediatrician attended all the babies. APGAR score, NICU admission, neonatal death, meconium aspriration syndrome, and birth weight of the babies was recorded on specially designed proforma. Data Analysis Procedure. Collected information was entered into SPSS version 17 and analyzed

Results: A total of 149 patients were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 23.47 + 4.13 years, gestational age was 37 + 4.13 weeks, APGAR score 6.73 + 2.37 and mean birth weight of neonates was 3.59 + 0.59 Kg. 57 babies [38.3%] were admitted to NICU, 21 neonates [14.0%] expired, satisfactory Apgar score was observed in 73 [49%] neonates, meconium aspiration syndrome was found in 26 cases [17.5%]

Conclusion: Meconium staining of amniotic fluid is commonly observed phenomenon in labour and is frequently associated with prolonged labour. Meconium stained liquor is associated with increased incidence of poor APGAR score, neonatal nursery admission, meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal death

Effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection of extracted human teeth for institutional use: a case control study conducted at a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: To determine the most effective method of sterilization and disinfection of extracted human teeth foruse in dentalcolleges

Study Design: Case Control study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at OMFS and Microbiology Department, KMDC, Karachi from June 2013 to December 2013

Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted human teeth [n=50] were obtained and sent for bacteriological processing. Teeth were dividing into 5 groups; samples were taken pre and post treatment. A platinum wire loop was flamed in red heat and cooled; sample was inoculatedinC for 48 hours. Colony count was noted to observe the quantity of microorganism, which determines the efficacy of the sterilizing method

Results: The results of the study revealed that the autoclave, hot air oven had shown no growth.While5% sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and normal saline had shown positive growth of microorganisms

Conclusion: Autoclave and Hot air oven are effective methods of sterilization of extracted human being teeth for use in dental college in preclinical settings