Albendazole in the treatment of hymenolepiasis in school children

Hymenolepiasis is a helminthic and occasionally fatal disease of human imposing heavy economic losses to human society. Present study was aimed to diagnose the school children for the prevalence and control of Hymenolepiasis. A school based cross-sectional analysis of stool samples collected from 188 children aged 06-15 years was carried out [February to June 2016]. Two stool samples were collected from each student before diagnosing and after treatment. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin and observed under the light microscope using the methods of direct smear in Lugol's solution, normal saline and flotation techniques. On the basis of drugs accessibility all the H. nana infected children were divided in to 2- groups. Children in group A were treated with albendazole [bendazol] 400mg once orally, group B was treated with albendazole [zentel] 200mg orally. Eggs per gram of faeces were counted in each group before and after treatment. Of the 188 children, current study reveals only 6.08% [n=18/296] infection with H.nana and 10.5% [n=16/151] were diagnosed with co infections. The % efficacy of albendazole [Zentel] and albendazole [bendazol] against Hymenolepis nana infection was reported as 83% and 75% respectively. Present study was concluded that albendazole [zentel] is the drug of choice for the treatment of hymenolepiasis in children

Evaluation And Comparison Of Patient Satisfaction Tendencies And Acceptance For Different Prosthodontic Treatment Modalities.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the denture satisfaction tendencies for and between the completely and partially edentulous patients, with different prosthodontic treatment modalities. Methodology: The study was conducted to include twenty eight patients that were fit to the criteria of the research, asked to answer some questions, reflect their satisfaction with the newly received dentures, which were delivered to patients according to their conditions and needs (complete removable denture, conventional metal frame RPD, RPD with flexible esthetic clasps and RPD with attachments). Results:The data collected from these patients was grouped and the questionnaires values were calculated to estimate the most satisfied group, which was seen with the group who received RPD with flexible esthetic clasps. But the significant difference analysed by Mann-Whitney Test, was focused on the satisfaction of prostheses’ appearance, that was clearly revealed for the patients who received RPD with resilient attachments; followed by the group who received complete dentures and RPD with esthetic flexible clasp (at the same level), supported by the family and friends positive opinions. Also the same group that received RPD with attachments achieved optimum level in prosthesis’ satisfaction for retention. Conclusion:The results of this research directed the attention to the recent treatment modalities in fabrication of dentures, like using flexible esthetic clasps and attachments; the patients that received RPD with flexible esthetic clasps appeared to be more satisfied with their prostheses, mostly this was related to the comfortability, esthetic and retention traits, followed with group that received RPD with attachments that showed significant differences in esthetic and retention scores than other groups. While the complete denture wearers were the less satisfied group, related obviously to the difficulty to gain the retention in relation to the partial once, as well as the uncomfortable feelings.

Complete Denture Acceptance Among Newly Rehabilitated Elderly Population In Retirement (Old Age) Homes In Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Abstract: Background:Elders in retirement (old age) homes are mainly those who have been abandoned by their family and have one or more physical or mental disabilities. It is a major challenge for the dental professional to plan oral health strategy for this group of patients. Methodology:This cross‑sectional study was conducted using a survey proforma. Information regarding their experience with the new denture, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after denture insertion was gathered. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the Chi‑square test withP < 0.05 considered significant. Results:One hundred and eighty‑three residents out of a total of 400 residents in 3 retirement (old age) homes were denture wearers. Among them, 101 (55.2%) were females and 82 (44.8%) were males. Dental prosthesis whether worn regularly, discomfort, retention, cleansing of denture during a period of 1month, 3 months and 6 months was found to be significant satisfaction with the prosthesis, denture adhesives used, food accumulation during a period of 1month, 3 months and 6 months was found to be non significant.Conclusion:The emotional characteristics of the patient must be taken into consideration during the entire procedure. We must understand that the success and failure of the prosthesis depends mainly on the patient’s confidence in the dentist rather than the quality of the prosthesis.

Quality analysis of different marketed brands of paracetamol available in Bangladesh.

Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug worldwide. The present study was conducted to analyze the quality of seven marketed brands of paracetamol tablet formulation manufactured by different multinational and national companies. The tablet formulations of different brands were tested for various parameters like weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profile using standard techniques to evaluate their quality. The values were compared with the standards. Weight variation value requirement was complied by all brands. All studied samples except two local products complied with the standard specification for tablet hardness. All brands showed impressive friability values and products of multinational companies comparatively exhibited the highest values. Disintegration time for all brands was within 15 minutes also complying the USP (United State of Pharmacopeia) recommendation. Moreover, the release rate of different brands of paracetamol was satisfactory within 45 minutes and ranged from 79.82% to 103.53%. Therefore, it can be concluded that almost all the brands of paracetamol that are available in Bangladesh meet the USP specification for quality control analysis.

Rehabilitation Of An Ocular Defect For A Geriatric Patient: A Case Report.

Abstracts: The loss of an eye has a far-reaching impact on an individual’s psychology and an immediate replacement is necessary to promote the physical and psychological healing of the patient and to improve his/her social acceptance. The loss of an eye is an emotional and psychological set back to the patient. Acceptable cosmetic results usually can be obtained with a facial prosthesis. Maxillofacial prostheses which restore and replace missing organ, aim to improve the patient’s aesthetics, restore and maintain health of the remaining structures and consequently provide physical and psychological well-being. Enucleation of the eye is therefore normally followed by fabrication of an ocular prosthesis to improve esthetics. This case report describes prosthetic rehabilitation of a 75 year old male patient having a right ocular defect. The resultant prosthesis was structurally durable and aesthetically acceptable with satisfactory retention. The importance of meticulous treatment planning to tackle the challenges faced in fabricating an ocular prosthesis is explained with the relevant literature.

Quality analysis of different marketed brands of paracetamol available in Bangladesh.

Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug worldwide. The present study was conducted to analyze the quality of seven marketed brands of paracetamol tablet formulation manufactured by different multinational and national companies. The tablet formulations of different brands were tested for various parameters like weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution profile using standard techniques to evaluate their quality. The values were compared with the standards. Weight variation value requirement was complied by all brands. All studied samples except two local products complied with the standard specification for tablet hardness. All brands showed impressive friability values and products of multinational companies comparatively exhibited the highest values. Disintegration time for all brands was within 15 minutes also complying the USP (United State of Pharmacopeia) recommendation. Moreover, the release rate of different brands of paracetamol was satisfactory within 45 minutes and ranged from 79.82% to 103.53%. Therefore, it can be concluded that almost all the brands of paracetamol that are available in Bangladesh meet the USP specification for quality control analysis.

Susceptibility of microorganism to selected medicinal plants in Bangladesh

Objective: To analyze in-vitro antimicrobial activities of some ethno-pharmacologically significant medicinal plants (methanol extract) against the pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans). Methods: The disc diffusion method was applied for antibacterial test and the poisoned food technique was applied for antifungal test. Results: The methanol extract of Terminalia chebula (bark), Phyllanthus acidus (fruits), Sarcochlamys pulcherrima (leaves) and Abelmoschus esculentus (fruits) had significant in vitro antibacterial activity angainst the entire test samples in comparison to standard drug ciprofloxacin. Most of the plant extracts showed low activity against Gram negative bacteria while potential activity against Gram positive bacteria. The antifungal activities of methanol extracts of these plants and standard drug griseofulvin were determined against two pathogenic fungi, and Polygonum lapathifolium (leaves) and Cinnamomum tamala (leaves) showed maximum activity, while Erioglossum rubiginosum (leaves) showed no antifungal activity. Conclusions: Further chemical and pharmacological investigations are required to identify and isolate chemical constituents responsible for these potential bioactivities and thus to determine their full spectrum of efficacy.

Assessment of pharmacological activities of two medicinal plant of Bangladesh: Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb in the management of pain, pyrexia and inflammation

BACKGROUND: The current study aims at evaluating the analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic extract of the stem, bark and leaves of Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb. RESULTS: The AELS and AEAR extract presented a significant (***p < 0.001) dose dependent increase in reaction time in writhing method and showed inhibition of 63.1% and 57.1% respectively at the doses of 400 mg/kg body weight while standard drug showed (P < 0.001) inhibition of 69.23%. In tail immersion method, AELS and AEAR showed maximum time of tail retention at 30 min in hot water i.e. 6.93 sec and 6.54 sec respectively at highest doses of 400 mg/kg body weight than lower dose while standard pentazocine showed reaction time of 7.62 sec. The AELS and AEAR extract also exhibited promising anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by statistically significant inhibition of paw volume by 32.48% and 26.75% respectively at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight while the value at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight were linear to higher dose at the 3rd hour of study. On the other hand, Standard indomethacin inhibited 40.13% of inflammation (***P < 0.001). In Cotton-pellet granuloma method, AELS and AEAR extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight exhibited inhibition of inflammation of 34.7% and 29.1% respectively while standard drug showed (P < 0.001) inhibition of 63.22%. Intraperitoneal administration of AELS and AEAR showed dose dependent decrease in body temperature in brewer's yeast induced hyperthermia in rats at both doses. However, AELS significantly decreased body temperature (***p < 0.001) at 400 mg/kg compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Present work propose that the methanolic extract of Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb possesses dose dependent pharmacological action which supports its therapeutic use in folk medicine possibly mediated through the inhibition or blocking of release of prostaglandin and/or actions of vasoactive substances such as histamine, serotonin and kinins.

Prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare system in urban and rural people of Noakhali district, Bangladesh.

Healthcare systems contribute a major role in maintaining good health. The study was conducted to analyze the prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare systems in urban and rural people of Noakhali district of Bangladesh. Data were collected randomly from 400 respondents aging 20 to 60 years by personal inter-viewing with a well structured questionnaire during October 20, 2011 to December 20, 2011. Study stated that, overall 79% of the respondents were found to feel comfortable in using traditional healthcare system whereas only 21% prefer the modern system. Urban people showed their belief mostly in homeopathy (23%), ayurvedic/unani (18%) and herbal medicine (17%) of traditional healthcare system whereas Kaviraji (27%), herbal medicine (18%) and spiritual healing (11%) were the systems on which rural people showed their much faith and belief for the treatment of different ailments. Jaundice and sexual problems were the two dominant disease conditions for which traditional healthcare systems were most preferred by the respondents. Beside these 68% of urban and 88% of rural as well as 57.64% of educated and 97.82% of uneducated respondents were not aware about the appropriate healthcare system for different diseases. Belief in no side effect and safe remedy, mass population of the study area preferred different traditional healthcare systems but most of them were not aware about the exact therapy.

Effects of release modifier on Carvedilol release from Kollidon SR based matrix.

Sustained release Carvedilol matrix tablets constituting Kollidon SR were developed in this study in an attempt to investigate the effect of release modifiers on the release profile of Carvedilol from matrix. Three matrix tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression of Kollidon SR in combination with release modifier (HPMC and Microcrystalline Cellulose) and magnesium stearate. Tablets containing only Kollidon SR with the active ingredient demonstrated a rapid rate of drug release. Incorporation of HPMC in the matrix tablet prolonged the release of drug but incorporation of Microcrystalline Cellulose showed superimposable release pattern with an initial burst effect as confirmed by mean dissolution time and Higuchi release rate data. After 7 hours of dissolution, Carvedilol release from the matrix systems were 91.42%, 83.41%, from formulation F1 and F2 respectively. Formulation F3 exhibited 100 % release at 4 hours. All the tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmaco-technical properties and complied with the in-house specifications for tablet weight variation, friability, hardness, thickness, and diameter. Prepared tablets also showed sustained release property for carvedilol. The drug release mechanism from the matrix tablets of F1 and F2 was found to be followed by Fickian and F3 by Non-Fickian mechanism.

In Vitro Evaluation of Oral Extended Release Drug Delivery System for Metoprolol Succinate Using Kollidon SR.

The objective of this study was to develop a sustained release matrix tablet Metoprolol Succinate by cost saving and production efficient process. Among various tablet manufacturing process, direct compression is the simplest and cost saving process. Different trials were formulated and evaluated using different concentrations of directly compressible grade Kollidon SR as release retardant. The formulated tablets were evaluated for physical and dissolution study using buffer medium. The most outstanding aspect of this study is to monitor the influence of different percentage of Kollidon SR on release rate from the matrix tablet. In this study, influence of different ratio of polymer concentration on drug release was evaluated. The release pattern of different batches were evaluated for Zero order, Higuchi, First order, Krosmeyer-Peppas and Hixson-Crowell kinetics and showed that all the batches followed best the Higuchi kinetics. The drug release kinetics was found to be governed by the amount of the polymer in the matrix system. The higher polymeric content in the matrix decrease the release rate of the drug. The nature of the drug release from the matrix tablets was dependent on drug diffusion and polymer relaxation and therefore followed non-Fickian or anomales release. The studies indicated that the drug release can be modulated by varying the concentration of the polymer. Among the four formulations, formulation 1 is the best formulation as it controls the release best and best linearity for zero order plots.

Prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare system in urban and rural people of Noakhali district, Bangladesh.

Healthcare systems contribute a major role in maintaining good health. The study was conducted to analyze the prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare systems in urban and rural people of Noakhali district of Bangladesh. Data were collected randomly from 400 respondents aging 20 to 60 years by personal inter-viewing with a well structured questionnaire during October 20, 2011 to December 20, 2011. Study stated that, overall 79% of the respondents were found to feel comfortable in using traditional healthcare system whereas only 21% prefer the modern system. Urban people showed their belief mostly in homeopathy (23%), ayurvedic/unani (18%) and herbal medicine (17%) of traditional healthcare system whereas Kaviraji (27%), herbal medicine (18%) and spiritual healing (11%) were the systems on which rural people showed their much faith and belief for the treatment of different ailments. Jaundice and sexual problems were the two dominant disease conditions for which traditional healthcare systems were most preferred by the respondents. Beside these 68% of urban and 88% of rural as well as 57.64% of educated and 97.82% of uneducated respondents were not aware about the appropriate healthcare system for different diseases. Belief in no side effect and safe remedy, mass population of the study area preferred different traditional healthcare systems but most of them were not aware about the exact therapy.

Effects of release modifier on Carvedilol release from Kollidon SR based matrix.

Sustained release Carvedilol matrix tablets constituting Kollidon SR were developed in this study in an attempt to investigate the effect of release modifiers on the release profile of Carvedilol from matrix. Three matrix tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression of Kollidon SR in combination with release modifier (HPMC and Microcrystalline Cellulose) and magnesium stearate. Tablets containing only Kollidon SR with the active ingredient demonstrated a rapid rate of drug release. Incorporation of HPMC in the matrix tablet prolonged the release of drug but incorporation of Microcrystalline Cellulose showed superimposable release pattern with an initial burst effect as confirmed by mean dissolution time and Higuchi release rate data. After 7 hours of dissolution, Carvedilol release from the matrix systems were 91.42%, 83.41%, from formulation F1 and F2 respectively. Formulation F3 exhibited 100 % release at 4 hours. All the tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmaco-technical properties and complied with the in-house specifications for tablet weight variation, friability, hardness, thickness, and diameter. Prepared tablets also showed sustained release property for carvedilol. The drug release mechanism from the matrix tablets of F1 and F2 was found to be followed by Fickian and F3 by Non-Fickian mechanism.

Outbreak of dengue fever in Lahore: study of risk factors

Dengue fever is a rapidly emerging arthropod born viral disease threatening to become an international public health problem. Approximately 500,000 people suffer from dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome with 20,000 deaths annually. Objective of this study was to look into the risk factors associated with the development of dengue fever. This crosssectional descriptive study was conducted on patients admitted in various hospitals of Lahore with suspected Dengue fever. Data was collected on a questionnaire from 109 conveniently selected patients. Mean age of the patients was 34 +/- 16.5 years, and majority [80, 73.4%] were male. Seropositivity for dengue was found in 78 [71.5%]. The study did not find significant statistical association of seropositivity with demographic variables. However, source of water supply was found associated with dengue seropositivity [p=0.002]. Source of water is a determinant of contracting dengue fever owing to it a breeding media for mosquitoes. All other phenomena associated with use of water and sanitation needs to be part of long term control of dengue that will also contribute to controlling other diseases with the same determinants.

Development and evaluation of sustained release losartan potassium matrix tablet using kollidon SR as release retardant

The present study was undertaken to develop sustained release (SR) matrix tablets of losartan potassium, an angiotensin-II antagonist for the treatment of hypertension. The tablets were prepared by direct compression method, along with Kollidon SR as release retardant polymer. The amount of losartan potassium remains fixed (100 mg) for all the three formulations whereas the amounts of Kollidon SR were 250 mg, 225 mg, and 200 mg for F-1, F-2, and F-3 respectively. The evaluation involves three stages: the micromeritic properties evaluation of granules, physical property studies of tablets, and in-vitro release kinetics studies. The USP apparatus type II was selected to perform the dissolution test, and the dissolution medium was 900 mL phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The test was carried out at 75 rpm, and the temperature was maintained at 37 ºC ± 0.5 ºC. The release kinetics was analyzed using several kinetics models. Higher polymeric content in the matrix decreased the release rate of drug. At lower polymeric level, the rate and extent of drug release were enhanced. All the formulations followed Higuchi release kinetics where the Regression co-efficient (R²) values are 0.958, 0.944, and 0.920 for F-1, F-2, and F-3 respectively, and they exhibited diffusion dominated drug release. Statistically significant (P<0.05) differences were found among the drug release profile from different level of polymeric matrices. The release mechanism changed from non-fickian (n=0.489 for F-1) to fickian (n=0.439 and 0.429 for F-2, and F-3 respectively) as a function of decreasing the polymer concentration. The Mean Dissolution Time (MDT) values were increased with the increase in polymer concentration.

O presente estudo foi realizado para desenvolver (SR) matriz de comprimidos de liberação sustentada de losartana, um antagonista da angiotensina II, para o tratamento da hipertensão arterial. Os comprimidos foram preparados pelo método de compressão direta com Kollidon SR como polímero de liberação lenta. A quantidade de losartana potássica permanece fixa (100 mg) para todas as três formulações enquanto que as quantidades de Kollidon SR foram de 250 mg, 225 mg e 200 mg para F-1, F-2 e F-3, respectivamente. A avaliação envolve três etapas- propriedades micromeríticas dos grânulos, estudo das propriedades físicas dos comprimidos e estudos de cinética de liberação in vitro.. Selecionoou-se o aparelho USP tipo II para realizar o teste de dissolução em meio com 900 mL de tampão fosfato pH 6,8 . O teste foi realizado em 75 rpm e a temperatura foi mantida a 37 ºC ± 0.5 ºC. Analisou-se a cinética de liberação utilizando-se vários modelos cinéticos. Conteúdo mais alto de polímero na matriz reduziu a taxa de liberação do fármaco. Em níveis mais baixos de polímero, a taxa e a extensão de liberação do fármaco foram aumentados. Todas as formulações seguiram a cinética de liberação de Higuchi, em que os valores do coeficiente de regressão (R2) foram 0,958 , 0,944 e 0,920 para F-1, F-2 e F-3, respectivamente, e elas apresentaram liberação do fármaco dominada pela difusão. Encontraram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P<0,05) entre os perfis de liberação do fármaco com diferentes níveis de matrizes poliméricas. O mecanismo de liberação mudou de não-fickiano(n=0,489 para F-1) para fickiano(n=0,439 e 0,429 para F-2 e F-3, respectivamente) em função da diminuição da concentração de polímero. Os valores do Tempo de Dissolução Média (TDM) aumentaram com o aumento da concentração polímero.

Evaluation of Kollidon SR based Ketorolac Tromethamine Loaded Transdermal Film.

The present study concerns the development of polymeric films of Ketorolac tromethamine by solvent casting method to explore the possibilities of using kollidon SR as a transdermal drug delivery system. Ketorolac tromethamine was used as a model drug & incorporated in low doses. The films were prepared by using various amounts of Kollidon SR to prolong the drug release with localized action. Some films were also prepared containing certain percent of PEG-6000 along with the drug & polymer. The prepared polymeric films were evaluated for various parameters like weight uniformity, flatness, % elongation, surface pH, uniformity of drug content, in-vitro dissolution studies. The drug-polymer ratio was found to influence the drug release. The rate of drug release decreased with increased polymer concentration. About 10% increased in polymer concentration causes 50% decreased drug release. All the formulation followed Higuchian kinetics & the mechanism of release was diffusion mediated. When PEG-6000 was used as a channeling agent in this formulation drug release was increased accordingly but higher concentration of PEG-6000 results in decreasing release rate of drug because of increasing viscosity of the matrix channels.

Awareness among barbers about health hazards associated with their profession

Barbers are important professionals of the community which are still owned, cared and financed by the community especially the rural one. Barbers besides performing duties in social events like marriage, circumcision etc is also responsible for hair and nail cutting. In urban settings they have developed their profession by incorporating facial massage and make-up. It is the need of their profession to utilize instruments like knife, blades etc. The objective of the study was to assess awareness among barbers regarding health hazards related to their profession and to identify professional practices linked with infection transmission. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Kharian city of district Gujrat, located almost mid-way between Lahore and Islamabad, from June 2003 to September 2003. Sample of 50 barbers were selected by simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire and a checklist. Data was analyzed using SPSS 10. The mean age of barbers interviewed was 33.3 years with SD +/- 8.3. It was found that 29 [58%] barbers denied about any health hazards associated with their profession whereas 21 [42%] had knew about hepatitis, AIDS; they also described the role of contaminated blades, clips, towels, apron, and combs in causing skin problems. It was observed that 90% of barbers did not wash hands, 80% did not change the apron, 66% did not change towel during barbering services to different customers. Besides 7 [14%] barbers were also performing minor surgeries like circumcision, in growing toe nail excision and abscess drainage. There was significant difference in level of awareness among barbers in respect of age; educational status and duration of working. Age group [15-25] had better knowledge about the health hazards than barbers in age group [26-50]. There is a significant difference [p<0.05] in the awareness of those who got formal education. As for the effect of media on the knowledge of these workers, it was observed that 78% of them had the access to TV and out of these 69% had significant knowledge about health hazards related to barbering profession. The level of knowledge among barbers about health hazards associated with their profession is very poor. Majority of them do not have any perception of unhealthy working practices in barbering. Awareness about threat of receiving hazardous infection from their customers is also unsatisfactory

Comparison of closed and open methods of pneumoperitonium in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Pneumoperitonium is the first step in laparoscopic surgery including cholecystectomy. Two commonly used methods to create pneumoperitonium are closed and open technique. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The current study was designed to compare these two techniques in terms of safety and time required to complete the procedure. This was a randomized controlled prospective study conducted at Department of Surgery, Ayub Hospital Complex Abbottabad, from 1[st] June 2007 to 31[st] May 2008. Randomization was done into two groups randomly using sealed envelopes containing the questionnaire. Seventy envelopes were kept in the cupboard, containing 35 proformas for group A and 35 for group B. An envelope was randomly fetched and opened upon selection of the patient after taking the informed consent. Pneumoperitonium was created by closed technique in group A, and by open technique in group B. Time required for successful pneumoperitonium was calculated in each group. Failure to induce pneumoperitonium was determined for each technique. Time required to close the wounds at completion, total operating time and injuries sustained during induction of pneumoperitonium were compared in both techniques. Out of the total 70 patients included in study, 35 were in group A and 35 in group B. Mean time required for successful pneumo'peritonium was 9.17 minutes in group A and 8.11 minutes in group B. Total operating time ranged from 55 minutes to 130 minutes in group A and from 45 minutes to 110 minutes in group B. Mean of total operating time was 78.34 and 67 minutes in group A and B respectively. Mean time needed to close the wound was 9.88 minutes in group A and 4.97 minutes in group B. Failure of technique was noted in three patients in group A while no failure was experienced in group B. In two cases in group A minor complications during creation of pneumoperitonium were observed while in group B no complication occurred. No patient died in the study. We concluded from this study that open technique of pneumoperitonium was, less time consuming and safer than the closed technique

Etiology, presentation and managment outcome of pneumothorax

This study was carried to determine etiology, presentation, complications and management outcomes of pneumothorax in patients presenting at two hospitals in NWFP province of Pakistan. Pneumothorax patients reporting at the chest unit of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, and Pulmonology unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from 1999 to 2002 were included in the study. Patients of all ages were included. They were admitted and followed up to the full recovery/late complications. A total of 146 pneumothorax patients reported during this period. Majority of the patients were diagnosed to have pneumothorax due to pulmonary tuberculosis making about 36.30%] of the total cases. Second most common cause was primary spontaneous pneumothorax [19.86%]. Bacterial infections were also sizeable at 16.43%. Other causes included COPD, Asthma, latrogenic, Interstitial lung disease, tuberous sclerosis and bronchiectasis. It was concluded from this study that pulmonary tuberculosis is the commonest cause of pneumothorax in our setup