In vitro antioxidant and anti-cancer activities and phytochemical analysis of Commelina benghalensis L. root extracts

Objective: To explore antioxidant potential, anti-cancer activity, and phytochemicals of Commelina benghalensis L. Methods: The roots of Commelina benghalensis were extracted in different solvents (methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform, n-hexane) with a range of polarity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum method, cytotoxicity by MTT assay, apoptotic and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, migratory and invasive potential by wound scratch assay and invasion assay, respectively, functional groups analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy and phytochemicals by aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Results: The extracts showed worthy antioxidant potential. The chloroform extract demonstrated the most significant cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) cell line, induced apoptosis and reduced migratory and invasive potential of MDA-MB-231 cells. Methanol and ethanol extracts presented good yield of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. The FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed different characteristic peak values with various functional compounds such as alkenes, alkanes, aliphatic amines, aromatics, alkyl halides, carboxylic acid, alcohols, ester, aldehydes and ketones. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential use of Commelina benghalensis as a good antioxidant with significant anti-cancer effect.

Co-Occurrence of Autosomal Recessive Lamellar Ichthyosis and X-Linked Recessive Ichthyosis in a Consanguineous Pakistani Family

No abstract available.

Absenteeism of medical students from subspecialty clinical rotations: a qualitative study

Objective: To explore in depth the phenomena of low attendance in subspecialty clinical ward rotation and how it can be improved among 4th year MBBS medical students

Study Design: Constructivist paradigm using qualitative transcendental phenomenological research design

Place and Duration Of Study: Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, from February to March 2017

Methodology: Two audio recorded focus group discussions [FGDs] of 4th year MBBS class consisting of six medical students [3 males and 3 females] were conducted using maximum variance purposeful sampling method based on students' performances. Group A included students among highest scorers in 2nd professional examination and group B included poorly performing students. Open-ended unstructured questions were posed in FGDs. Duration of discussion was approximately 45 minutes for each group. The recording was transcribed and analysed with NVivo software using thematic analysis technique generating themes and sub-themes. Member checking and triangulation with frequency of quotes were used for validation

Results: Students identified faculty related factors as the main theme with environment and students related contributory themes. Subthemes included improper teaching methodology, absence of a formal curriculum and teacher attitudes leading to little learning and students considering attending these wards a waste of time. Improvement suggested as an applied practical subspecialty curriculum implementation, continuing medical education for faculty development, effective interactive teaching/training strategies and record keeping

Conclusion: This study found that the main reason of medical students' low attendance was faculty related factors. Continued professional development of faculty may help improve subspecialty clinical training

Role of dietary phytochemicals in modulation of miRNA expression: Natural swords combating breast cancer

The National Cancer Institute had projected breast cancer (BC) as one of the topmost prevalent malignancies around the globe. In many cases, BC becomes resistant to chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapies. Traditional BC therapies are associated with adverse side effects, drug resistance and recurrence. Extensive research work has shown that these dietary phytochemicals (DPs) may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the miRNA expression. A large number of DPs have been researched as miRNA regulatory agents against BC and some other DPs have not yet been tested against BC. We have discussed the effects of curcumin, diallyl disulphide, 3,3′ diindolylmethane, ellagic acid, genistein, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane on regulation of expression of BC miRNAs in a wide range of in vitro and in vivo models. We have also shown some of the possible DPs (Oleanolic acid, capsaicin, benzyl isothiocyanate, epigallocatechin gallate, phenethyl isothiocyanate and ursolic acid) that have shown miRNA regulatory activities and have not yet been tested against BC miRNAs. Finally, current limitations, challenges, future perspectives of DPs and BC research are also critically discussed.

Dietary isoflavones, the modulator of breast carcinogenesis: Current landscape and future perspectives

Breast cancer is a frightful disease and serious concern in women around the world causing significant health care burden in both developed and developing countries. Extensive research work has shown that breast cancer provides strong resistance to chemical agents, UV radiation, and hormonal treatments. It is generally accepted that cell genetics is not the only main reason for breast cancer and genetic risk factors, for example, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes constitute 5%-10% of all breast cancer rates. Other related factors include age, gender, race, ethnicity, weight, reproductive factors, exo- and endogenous hormonal exposures, oral contraceptives use, ultraviolet radiation, diet, and night work (circadian disruption). Many studies have revealed that dietary isoflavones regulate breast cancer occurrence, recurrence and prognosis. Dietary isoflavones have long been part of Asian population diet and there is a significant increase as compared to dietary isoflavones intake among other populations. Dietary isoflavones are natural phytoestrogens having both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic potentials on breast cancer cells in culture, animal models and in experimental trials. This literature survey provides a comprehensive overview on the tumor preventive and tumor promoting potentials of dietary isoflavones on breast cancer. In addition, this paper provides a literature review of dietary isoflavones and their effects on up-regulation and down-regulation of different signaling pathways, genes and proteins. Finally, future perspectives of dietary isoflavones and breast cancer researchers are also critically discussed, which will provide a deeper insight regarding the inner molecular mechanisms of action.

Conventional versus microwave assisted synthesis, molecular docking and enzyme inhibitory activities of new 3,4,5-trisubstituted-1,2,4- triazole analogues

N-[Substituted]-5-[1-[4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl]piperidin-4-yl]-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio] acetamide were synthesized by following conventional as well as microwave assisted protocol through five consecutive steps under theimpact of various reaction conditions to control the reaction time and the yield of product. Starting from 4- methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride and ethyl isonipecotate, product 3 was obtained which was converted into product 4by treating with hydrazine hydrate. In step 3, the product 4 was refluxed with methyl isothiocyanate and KOH to yield compound 5 which was finally treated with variety of N-substituted acetamides to yield an array of different new compounds [8a-k]. These synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibition potential against bovine carbonic anhydrase [bCA-II], acetylcholinesterase [AChE] and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE] enzymes. Compound 8g demonstrated good activity against bCA-II, AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 8.69 +/- 0.38 MuM, 11.87+/-0.19 MuM and 26.01+/-0.55 MuM respectively. SAR studies assisted with molecular docking were carried out to explore the mode of binding of the compounds against the studied enzymes

Development and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal tablet containing metronidazole for the treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis

The current study was designed to evaluate mucoadhesive buccal tablet containing metronidazole [MTZ] for local action aided by Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K4M [HPMC] and Carbopol 940® [CP] as mucoadhesive polymers with other ingredients like sodium starch glycolate [SSG], polyvinyl pyrollidone K30 [PVP] as disintegrant and binders respectively. Formulations [F1-F8] were prepared by direct compression method and characterized for different physicochemical parameters. Results showed that the average weight and friability were within USP limits. Maximum mucoadhesive time was observed for F2 [14 hr] containing moderate amount of HPMC and CP used in the study. Up most mucoadhesive strength value was observed with F3 containing highest amount of HPMC used. Results indicated that high amount of HPMC was linked with the moderate to higher mucoadhesive strength and time. Maximum swelling index was observed in F7 [191.3%]. Only F1-F3 showed complete in vitro MTZ release within 3 hr. Formulations containing PVP released MTZ incompletely over time while SSG released earlier. Formulation F1 was considered best in terms of MTZ release [100.5%] with diffusion based Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics. Therefore, MTZ exhibiting best physicochemical characters in mucoadhesive buccal tablet was found in F1 containing HPMC and CP in amounts of 37.5 mg and 25 mg, respectively, for local action

use of Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS] as a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients

Aim: Is Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS] a predictor of 3 month post discharge mortality in cirrhotic patients?

Background: Cirrhotic patients often experience an abrupt decline in their health, which often leads to frequent hospitalization and can cause morbidity and mortality. Various models are currently used to predict mortality in cirrhotics however these have their limitations. The Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS] being one of the oldest performance status scales, is a health care provider - administered assessment that has been validated to predict mortality across the elderly and in the chronic disease populations

Methods: We used the KPS performance status scale to envisage short-term mortality in cirrhotic and HCC patients who survive to be discharged from hospital

Results: Our study showed that KPS one week post-discharge, child pugh score, hospital stay, international normalized ratio, serum albumin, total bilirubin and serum creatinine showed statistical significance on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, KPS was found to be statistical significant predictor of 3-month mortality

Conclusion: Hence KPS can be utilized to identify cirrhotic patients at risk of 3-month post discharge mortality

Maxillary intermolar width of Pakistanis with untreated normal occlusion

Objective: Intermolar width is a key measurement which assists in treatment planning of orthodontic patients requiring expansion as an alternate to premolar extraction. The present research was aimed at determining the mean value of intermolar arch width [IMW] of untreated normal arch Pakistani patients visiting tertiary care dental hospital

Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out using IMW measurements on plaster model of 120 untreated normal occlusion patients, at Department of Orthodontics, Faisalabad Medical University and de'Montmorency College of dentistry, from 15-12-2016 to 15-10-2017. The non probability consecutive sampling technique was used in this study. Data analysis was done using SPSS software 21.0.0

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 18.23+/-3.75 years. The mean value of IMW in selected subjects was 45.33+/-3.42 mm

Conclusion: Study results concluded that in Pakistanis, ideally align maxillary arch and occlusion can be achieved with upper intermolar distances of 45.33+/-3.42 mm

In silico and BSA binding study of some new biological analogs of 1, 2, 4-triazole pendant with azinane through microwave and conventional synthesis

Microwave and conventional techniques were employed to synthesize a novel array of compounds 7a-g with 1, 2, 4-triazole and piperidine rings having great biological importance. The microwave assisted method has a better operational scope with respect to time and yield comparative to the conventional method. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and IR techniques were employed to justify the structure of synthesized compounds. The antioxidant, butyrylcholinesterase inhibition and urease inhibition potential of every synthesized compound was evaluated. Every member of the synthesized series was found potent against mentioned activities. Compound 7g was the most active anti-urease agent having IC50 [microM] value 16.5 +/- 0.09 even better than the thiourea with an IC50 [microM] value of 24.3 +/- 0.24. The better urease inhibition potential of 7g was also elaborated and explained by docking and bovine serum albumin [BSA] binding studies

Effects of DPP-4 Inhibitors on Hemodynamic and Metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Objective: To investigate the impact of sitagliptin and vildagliptin on hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Study Design: A comparative randomized clinical trial

Settings: Outdoor patient of diabetic clinic of Sheikh Zayed medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Duration: Six months, July to December 2017

Methodology: Overall 120 type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia and mild to moderate hypertension were randomized at diabetic clinic for treatment with sitagliptin and vildagliptin respectively for a period of 12 week. Body weight, BMI, blood pressure and serum lipid profile were analyzed pre and post treatment by using SPSS 16

Results: There was significant improvement in HbA1C after 12 weeks treatment with sitagliptin[8.1+/-2.2 to 6.8+/-3.5]vildagliptin[8.5+/-3.1 to 6.4+/-4.2] with in group. However no significant changes were observed between groups [p-0.64]. This improvement in glycemic control was further accompanied by reduction in blood pressure within groups i.e. systolic [152+/-12.2 to 130.2+/-9.8 vs142+/-15.5 to 122+/-12.4] diastolic [90.5+/-8.4 to 80.4+/-6.5 vs 93+/-9.4 to 82.5+/-10.6]. When comparison was done between two groups in terms of blood pressure it found to be non-significant [p=0.82 and p=0.77]. Serum lipid profile also improved significantly with in groups but non significantly between groups i.e. total cholesterol [265+/-14.5 to 202+/-17.2 vs 255+/-14.82 to 210+/-14.5 p=0.12] triglycerides [210+/-20.5 to182+/-27.2 vs 192+/-32.5 to 148+/-42.55 p=0.37]LDL-cholesterol [152+/-14.4 to120+/-20.6 vs 158+/-15.4 to 110+/-9.5 p=0.86] HDL-cholesterol[42.4+/-3.5 to 47.4+/-3.8 vs 44+/-2.8 to 49+/-2.2 p=0.21] However no significant changes were recorded in terms of body weight and body mass index[BMI] within and between both study groups

Conclusion: DPP-4 inhibitors [sitagliptin andvildagliptin] significantly improved hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in type 2 diabetic patients

Applicability of index of Orthognathic functional treatment need [IOFTN]

Introduction: The Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need [IOFTN] was introduced to overcome the limitations of IOTN index to determine treatment need for Orthognathic surgery, and to assist in prioritising public resources for Orthognathic surgery

Objective: To apply IOFTN in patients who were in preparation for Orthognathic surgery

Study design: Across sectional study

Setting: Department of Orthodontics, Faisalabad Medical University [FMU], Faisalabad

Duration of study: 6 months from 10.6.2017 to 10.12.2017

Sample size: The calculated sample size was 50 patients

Sampling technique: Purposive sampling technique

Data collection procedure: Findings were recorded on data collection Performa. The data was analysed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software package [SPSS] 21

Results: Results showed that 90 percent of the cases scored grade 4 and 5. 51 percent of female patients and 49 percent of male patients were needed definite Orthognathic treatment according to IOFTN. No significant gender difference was found for Orthognathic treatment need. IOFTN showed 40 percent [Grade 5], 45 percent [Grade 4], 7 percent [Grade 3], 2= percent [Grade 2] and 0 percent [GradE[1]] results respectively.7 percent of the patients were classified as being in need of moderate treatment, with 2 percent having mild treatment needs. Class II malocclusions [60 percent] and Class III skeletal patterns [40 percent] were the most prevalent type

Conclusion: IOFTN found 90 percent of orthognathic patients as having great to very great functional needs

Plant-derived anticancer agents: A green anticancer approach

Cancer is a frightful disease and represents one of the biggest health-care issues for the human race and demands a proactive strategy for cure. Plants are reservoirs for novel chemical entities and provide a promising line for research on cancer. Hitherto, being effective, chemotherapy is accompanied by certain unbearable side effects. Nevertheless, plants and plant derived products is a revolutionizing field as these are Simple, safer, eco-friendly, low-cost, fast, and less toxic as compared with conventional treatment methods. Phytochemicals are selective in their functions and acts specifically on tumor cells without affecting normal cells. Carcinogenesis is complex phenomena that involves many signaling cascades. Phytochemicals are considered suitable candidates for anticancer drug development due to their pleiotropic actions on target events with multiple manners. The research is in progress for developing potential candidates (those can block or slow down the growth of cancer cells without any side effects) from these phytochemicals. Many phytochemicals and their derived analogs have been identified as potential candidates for anticancer therapy. Effort has been made through this comprehensive review to highlight the recent developments and milestones achieved in cancer therapies using phytomolecules with their mechanism of action on nuclear and cellular factors. Furthermore, drugs for cancer treatment and their limitations have also been discussed.

Rapid virological and End treatment response of patients treated with Sofosbuvir in Chronic Hepatitis C

Objective: To determine Rapid and End treatment response of patients treated with Sofosbuvir in Chronic Hepatitis C at tertiary care hospital

Methods: It was an observational study conducted at Memon Medical Institute from January 2016 to July 2017. The inclusion criteria for patients was 18 years of age or older, having chronic infection with HCV. Total=201 received sofosbuvir with or without interferon in our OPDs. Patients were categorized into Treatment naive, treatment experienced and decompensated chronic liver disease. Pregnant patients and those not willing to participate were excluded. Initially genotyping and Quantitative HCV RNA test was done

Results: A total of 201 subjects were included in the study with mean age of the patients was 46.22+/- 14.41 years. Of 201 patients, n= 131 [65.2%] chronic hepatitis C, compensated cirrhosis n= 47[23.4%], and with decompensated cirrhosis n=23[11.4%]. Most commonly genotype 3 n= 180 [89.6%] was present followed by genotype 1 n=9 [4.5%], genotype 2 n=1[0.5%], genotype 4 n=1[0.5%]

Of patients with genotype 3, 123 received dual therapy and 57 were given triple therapy. After one month of therapy HCV RNA by PCR, 200[99.5%] achieved RVR, 199[99%] achieved ETR and SVR achieved in 178[88.5%] while remaining 1 patient did not achieved RVR, 2 ETR and 12 patients did not achieved SVR and remaining 11 SVR lost follow up

Conclusion: Sofosbuvir has shown to be very effective and successful with achievement of virological response with little or no resistance in all genotypes mainly genotype 3 treated in our study population. The promising results of our study will aid in better outcomes and therefore help in eradication of the virus

Rifled fire-arm: the predominant weapon in all medico-legal deaths in Lahore

Objective: The main objective of Medico-legal autopsy is to find out the cause of death but it also helps in finding the manner of death. From this we also find out the criminal behavior of the society and usage of different kinds of weapons related with the cause of death and particularly the types of fire-arm weapons which is more in concern with the present study. This study was especially conducted to find out the predominance of rifled fire-arms weapons amongst all fire-arm deaths

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Forensic medicine and Toxicology K.E.M.U. Lahore during the period of 2006-2008

Materials and Methods: This study includes 2979 medico-legal autopsies. The information was gathered from post-mortem reports, police documents and hospital records. Not only the kind of weapon was studied but all other parameters were taken into consideration like, cause and manner of death, sex, age, season and areas of injuries on the body

Results: The analysis quite distinctly highlighted that amongst 2979 deaths 1285 were because of fire-arms weapons [43.13%]. Out of these 1192 [92%] deaths were by rifled weapons, whereas 103 [8%] were by smooth bored fire-arm weapons. Total number of male deaths by fire-arms was 1066 [82.95%], whereas females were 219 [17.05%]. All homicidal cases were 788, 46 suicidal, 97 accidental and in 354 the manner remained un-determined. The manner amongst males was, 652 homicidal, 42 suicidal, 82 accidental and in 290 it was un-determined. And in females 136 were homicidal, 4 were suicidal, 15 accidental and in 64 the manner remained un-determined. The ratio of homicidal to suicidal was 17.1:1 and homicidal to accidental ratio was 8.1:1. In 92% cases the rifled fore-arms weapons was used and in 8% it was smooth bored. The rifled fire-arms injuries had multiple entry wounds in 52.9% of deaths and there was single entry wound in 47% deaths. While there was single entry wound in 66% deaths in smooth bored weapons and in 34% of cases multiple wounds were observed. The range of fire in [56.8%] homicidal deaths was distant, whereas in 30.4% it was close range. Close contact fire was seen in 1.4% of suicidal deaths. 16% cases showed blackening, 10.58% cases had tattooing and in 2.25% cases there was burning

Conclusion: The fire-arms weapon is the most predominant mean of un-natural deaths. Amongst them the usage of rifled weapons is more than the smooth bored. So this needs formulation of effective law for control of these weapons

Homicidal strangulation: the leading cause in all asphyxial deaths in Allama Iqbal medical college, Lahore during the year 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the commonest cause of death in these asphyxial deaths during the period of study and to compare it with other studies previously carried out on this subject

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Forensic Medicine Department AIMC, Lahore from January 2013 to December 2013

Materials and Methods: Total medico-legal autopsies were 221. Out of these 32 were the cases of mechanical asphyxial deaths, which were selected for this study. The documents scrutinized for this purpose was, autopsy reports, police papers and hospital charts

Results: Out of all post-mortems conducted, the mechanical asphyxial deaths were 32 [14.47%]. Amongst them the cases of strangulations were the most 16 [50%], next in number were the cases of drowning 8 [25%]. There were 6 [18.75%] cases of throttling, and only 2 [6.25%] cases were of hanging. None of them was the case of traumatic asphyxia. In 32 cases of all asphyxial deaths males were 17[53.12%]. Amongst these 16 cases of strangulation the 3[rd]and 4th decades showed higher incidence. In all asphyxial deaths male [17] and females [15] show almost equal distribution. Strangulation is the most prevalent cause of death in all 32 asphyxial deaths. Almost all strangulation deaths were homicidal and hanging was suicidal. Similarly all throttling cases were homicidal. Ligature strangulation and throttling were the methods used in homicidal manner [50.00%] while hanging was used for suicide [6.25%]. In hanging the position of the knot was at occiput in all cases. In ligature strangulation showed the knot on the front in almost all cases

Conclusion: Amongst all asphyxial deaths the most prevalent cause was strangulation and manner in all was homicidal, it is one of the commonest causes of deaths in our country. So strangulation remains the most preferred method of homicidal asphyxial killings

Analysis of identifiable risk factors precipitating acute encephalopathy in chronic liver disease, at PNS Shifa Karachi

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy is one of the most debilitating manifestations and frequent complication in patients suffering from chronic liver disease

Objective: To determine the frequency of identifiable risk factors precipitating hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease, at PNS Shifa Karachi and their correlation with grades of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality. Study Design: It was a cross sectional study Period: 24 Oct 2014 to 31 Aug 2015

Methods: during which 96 patients of clinically diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy associated with CLD were enrolled. Hepatic encephalopathy was graded and precipitating factors identified based on history, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations. Management was carried out according to the latest guidelines. Patients were followed up till discharge/death from the hospital and duration of hospital stay. Mortality was recorded

Results: Majority of patients [57.3%] had one precipitating factor; more than one factor was found in 43.5%. Gastrointestinal bleed was the most common precipitating factor identified in 42 [44%] patients followed by Infection in 36 patients [38%], diuretic therapy in 10 patients associated with electrolyte imbalance [11%], constipation in 8 [9%] patients, use of high protein diet in 7[6.72%], sedative /tranquilizers in 4[3.84 %] and large volume paracentesis in 4 [3.84%] were least common factors, Mean hospital stay was 11 +/- 1.8 days. Mortality was 15 % with 14 patients expiring during the hospital stay. There was no statistically significant correlation between the various precipitating factors and grade of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality [p >0.05]

Conclusion: Commonest precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy in patients of liver cirrhosis are, gastrointestinal bleed, infection, electrolyte imbalance and constipation. There is no correlation between the various precipitating factors and grade of hepatic encephalopathy, length of hospital stay and mortality. There is a need to improve the awareness of patients and attendants about the precipitating factors and their avoidance. This also includes effective control measures against rising cases of hepatitis C and hepatitis B as it is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in Pakistan

Hep-net opinion about the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C in Pakistan in the era of available direct acting antivirals

In Pakistan, we have 4.9% prevalence of HCV in general population, with 79% genotype 3. Recently Sofosbuvir has been made available at compassionate price in Pakistan. Management of chronic hepatitis C includes counseling of HCV patients, their proper assessment to select those who need antiviral therapy, initiation of appropriate antiviral agents and duration of therapy, along-with careful monitoring for safety and efficacy. Hepatic status as well as previous history of HCV therapy needs to be taken in the consideration before starting antiviral therapy. Other factors include co-morbid conditions like obesity, DM, NASH, etc. Treatment of special populations like liver transplant patients, patients with HBV co-infection, chronic kidney disease and hemoglobinopathies need special considerations when initiating HCV therapy

Comparison of thrombocytopenia in chronic hepatitis c patients with and without cirrhosis

Background: Thrombocytopenia may be one of the manifestation of chronic hepatitis infection

Objective: To assess thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without cirrhosis

Methodology: Study Design: Cross Sectional study: Place and Duration: Department of Gastroenterology at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore from 1[st] January 2009 to 28[th] February 2010. One hundred known patients of HCV in which 64 male and 36 were females with chronic hepatitis C confirmed HCV [RNA] positive. Among these fifty had chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis, 50 without cirrhosis and 30 normal HCV negative individuals for comparison. All patients were analyzed for Hemoglobin, total leukocyte count and platelet count and ultrasound findings of with imaging for liver cirrhosis. Data was analyzed in statistical program SPSS version 16.0

Results: The results of this study have shown that there was a significant difference of mean platelets count. Platelets of patients with cirrhosis have mean platelets 88.25 +/- 25.39 with mean age 50.33, mean platelets of patients with chronic hepatitis C without cirrhosis have 142.68 +/- 50.69 with mean age 40.93 and mean platelets of control group was 265.30 +/- 34.55 [P-<.001] with mean age 39.07 years

Conclusion: Our study suggested that chronic hepatitis C is associated with thrombocytopenia. As the disease advances, the platelet count significantly decreases