Experiencia en Manejo de Pacientes con Covid19 en un Servicio de Cirugía / Covid19 Patients Management In A Surgical Service

Antecedentes: La pandemia de COVID-19 en Guatemala provocó el rebalse de los ya colapsados hospitales. Los servicios de otras especialidades además de Medicina Interna tuvieron que emplearse de lleno en atender la pandemia. En el Hospital General San Juan de Dios, el servicio de operados de emergencia atendió durante 4 meses pacientes con esta enfermedad, a cargo del personal quirúrgico, residentes de infectología y de medicina de emergencias para apoyar a la especialidad de Medicina Interna; mostrando la necesidad de la intervención de todas las especialidades en la atención a la pandemia. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal sobre la experiencia del servicio de operados de Emergencia en la atención a pacientes con enfermedad COVID-19 de julio a octubre del 2020. Resultados: Se atendieron 178 pacientes con COVID-19, con predominio de sexo masculino 57%, con edades de 16 a 91 con una media de 65 años.70 pacientes eran hipertensos, 69 diabéticos y 13 con enfermedad renal. 169 casos tuvieron neumonía por SARS-COV2, 2 con choque y fallo orgánico múltiple. La mortalidad fue de 13 casos (7 %). Los medicamento más utilizados fueron las heparinas de bajo peso molecular. El 86 % recibió terapia con esteroides, 50% con anticuerpos monoclonales, especialmente tocilizumab. El antibiótico más usado fue la Ceftriaxona (32 %). 6 pacientes recibieron remdesivir (3%). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio evidencia la experiencia del servicio de operados de emergencia durante la pandemia de COVID19, donde médicos no expertos en enfermedades virales infecciosas, aprendieron sobre la marcha el manejo de esta enfermedad. Un significativo número de pacientes fueron beneficiados con la implementación de estos servicios. El aprendizaje, las competencias y los servicios que presta el médico dedicado a urgencias debe adaptarse para responder a las necesidades de la población (AU)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala collapsed hospitals due to overflow. The services of other specialties in addition to Internal Medicine had to be fully used to attend the pandemic. At the San Juan de Dios General Hospital, the emergency surgery service treated patients with this disease for 4 months, in charge of surgical personnel, infectology residents and emergency medicine support the Internal Medicine specialty; showing the need for the intervention of all specialties in the care of the pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional descriptive study on the experience of the Emergency Service in caring for patients with COVID-19 disease from July to October 2020. Results: A total of 178 patients with COVID-19 were treated, with a male predominance of 57%, aged from 16 to 91 with an average of 65 years. In addition to COVID-19 disease, 70 patients were hypertensive, 69 diabetics, and 13 with kidney disease. 169 cases had SARS-COV2 pneumonia, 2 with shock and multiple organ failure. Mortality was 13 cases (7%). Because most of the cases required oxygen and were moderate, severe and severe, drug treatment was used with high frequency. The drug that was used the most was heparins in all cases, most of them low molecular weight. 86% received steroid therapy, 50% with monoclonal antibodies, especially tocilizumab. Antibiotics were used frequently, the majority (32%) received Ceftriaxone. 6 cases received remdesivir (3%). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded that doctors from all specialties join the response and fight against this disease. This study shows that all specialties have the capacity to handle patients with COVID-19 since internal medicine and related services have exceeded their capacity to care (AU)

Successful medical drainage and surgical treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation caused by klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic patient

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We describe the case of a diabetic patient who developed vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation due to klebsiella pneumoniae. METHODS: A 64-year-old woman with a 4-year history of type-2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the Emergency Department. The subject had a 2-day history of high-grade fever associated with chills and a 5-hour history of consciousness. She received empirical treatment with febrifuge, after which her fever decreased. RESULTS: Her fever recurred after an interval of three hours. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas muscle abscess with gas formation. Blood culture and purulent fluid described the growth of the Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient received antibiotic therapy and bilateral drainage therapy after the drainage catheter was placed into the abscess cavity by CT-guidance. Due to the serious damage to the vertebral column and permanent pain, the patient underwent minimally invasive internal spinal fixation and recovered successfully. CONCLUSION: A case of vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic patient. Antibiotic therapy, drainage, and minimally invasive internal spinal fixation were performed, which enabled a good outcome.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever o caso de uma paciente diabética que desenvolveu osteomielite vertebral e abcesso bilateral do psoas com formação de gás causada por klebsiella pneumoniae. MÉTODOS: Uma mulher de 64 anos de idade, com 4 anos de histórico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, foi admitida no Serviço de Emergência. A paciente apresentava um quadro de dias de febre alta acompanhada de calafrios e um histórico de 5 horas de consciência. Ela recebeu tratamento empírico com antitérmico, após o qual a febre diminuiu. RESULTADOS: A febre retornou após um intervalo de três horas. Uma tomografia computadorizada do abdome revelou osteomielite vertebral e abcesso bilateral do músculo psoas com formação de gás. A cultura do sangue e o fluido purulento revelaram o crescimento de Klebsiella pneumoniae. A paciente recebeu antibióticos e terapia de drenagem bilateral após o cateter de drenagem ser posicionado na cavidade do abscesso com auxílio de TC. Devido a sérios danos à coluna vertebral e a dor permanente, a paciente foi submetida à fixação vertebral interna minimamente invasiva e recuperou-se com sucesso. CONCLUSÃO: Um caso de osteomielite vertebral e abscesso do psoas bilateral com a formação de gás causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae em uma paciente diabética. Antibioticoterapia, drenagem e fixação vertebral interna minimamente invasiva foram realizadas, o que permitiu um bom resultado.

Diabetes remission rate in different bmi grades following roux-en-y gastric bypass / Taxa de remissão do diabete em diferentes imcs após bypass gástrico em y-de-roux

ABSTRACT Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus has a high long-term remission rate after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), but few studies have analyzed patients with BMI<35 kg/m2. Aim: To compare glycemic control after LRYGB between BMI 30-35 kg/m2 (intervention group or IG) and >35 kg/m2 patients (control group or CG) and to evaluate weight loss, comorbidities and surgical morbidity. Methods: Sixty-six diabetic patients (30 in IG group and 36 in CG group) were submitted to LRYGB. Data collected annually after surgery were analyzed with generalized estimating equations. Results: Average follow-up was 4.3 years. There was no statistical difference between groups using complete remission American Diabetes Association criteria (OR 2.214, 95%CI 0.800-5.637, p=0.13). There was significant difference between groups using partial remission American Diabetes Association criteria (p=0.002), favouring the CG group (OR 6.392, 95%CI 1.922-21.260). The higher BMI group also had lower HbA1c levels (-0.77%, 95%CI -1.26 to -0.29, p=0.002). There were no significant differences in remission of hypertension, dyslipidemia and surgical morbidity, while weight was better controlled in the IG group. Conclusion: No differences were found in diabetes complete remission, although greater partial remission and the lower levels of glycated hemoglobin in the BMI >35 kg/m2 group suggest a better response among more obese diabetic patients with LRYGB. In addition, both groups had important metabolic modifications at the expense of low morbidity.

RESUMO Racional: Diabete mellito tipo 2 apresenta alta taxa de remissão em longo prazo após derivação gástrica em Y-de-Roux (DGYR), mas poucos estudos analisaram pacientes com IMC <35 kg/m2. Objetivo: Comparar o controle glicêmico de pacientes após DGYR entre IMC 30-35 kg/m2 (grupo intervenção ou GI) e >35 kg/m2 (grupo controle ou GC) e avaliar a perda de peso, comorbidades e morbidade cirúrgica. Método: Sessenta e seis pacientes diabéticos (30 no grupo GI e 36 no GC) foram submetidos à DGYR. Dados foram coletados anualmente após a operação e analisados com equações de estimativa generalizada. Resultados: A média de seguimento foi 4,3 anos. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos usando critérios de remissão completa da American Diabetes Association (OR 2,214, 95%IC 0,800-5,637, p=0,13). Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos usando critérios de remissão parcial da American Diabetes Association (p=0,002), favorecendo o grupo GC (OR 6,392, 95%IC 1,922-21,260). O grupo com IMC maior também teve menores níveis de HbA1c (-0,77%, 95%IC -1,26 a -0,29, p=0,002). Não houve diferença significativa na remissão de hipertensão, dislipidemia e morbidade cirúrgica, enquanto o peso foi melhor controlado no grupo GI. Conclusão: Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada na remissão completa do diabete, embora maior remissão parcial e menores níveis de hemoglobina glicada no grupo com IMC >35 kg/m2 sugiram melhor resposta entre diabéticos mais obesos com DGYR. Além disso, ambos os grupos tiveram importantes modificações metabólicas às custas da baixa morbidade.

Incidence and causes of lower-limb amputations in the city of Ribeirão Preto from 1985 to 2008: evaluation of the medical records from 3274 cases / Incidência e causas de amputações dos membros inferiores em Ribeirão Preto de 1985 a 2008: avaliação de 3274 casos

ABSTRACT: Objective: It was to identify trends of traumatic and non-traumatic causes of lower limb amputations, as well as the role played by population aging, traffic violence increase, public health policy of diabetes control program and drivers anti-alcohol laws on these amputations. Method: Hospitalization data recorded in the discharge forms of 32 hospitals located in the region of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, from 1985 to 2008 were analyzed. Result: A total of 3,274 lower-limb amputations were analyzed, of which 95.2% were related to non-traumatic causes, mainly infectious and ischemic complications of diabetes mellitus. Cancer (2.8%) and congenital (1.3%) causes were included in this group. Only 4.8% were related to traumatic causes. Traumatic amputation average rate was 1.5 amputations in 100,000 habitants with a slight tendency of increase in the last 5 years. Non-traumatic causes showed an average rate of 30.0 amputations for 100,000 habitants and remained relatively constant during the whole period. Non-traumatic were much more predominant in patients older than 60 years and traumatic amputations occurred more frequently in patients younger than 39 years. Conclusion: The overall rates of amputation and the rates of traumatic and non-traumatic amputations remained nearly constant during the study period. The impact of diabetes control policies and the introduction of traffic safety laws could not be identified on the amputation rates.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar as tendências temporais de causas traumáticas e não traumáticas de amputações de membros inferiores, e os efeitos do envelhecimento da população, do aumento de violência no trânsito, da política de saúde pública do programa de controle de diabetes e das leis de controle do uso de álcool em motoristas sobre as taxas de amputações. Método: Foram analisados os dados das folhas de alta de pacientes submetidos a amputações de todos os 32 hospitais localizados na região de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil, de 1985 a 2008. Resultado: De 3.274 amputações de membros inferiores, 95,2% estavam relacionadas a causas não traumáticas, principalmente complicações do diabetes mellitus. Câncer (2,8%) e causas congênitas (1,3%) foram incluídos neste grupo. Apenas 4,8% estavam relacionados às causas traumáticas. A taxa média de amputação traumática foi de 1,5 amputações por 100.000 habitantes, com uma ligeira tendência de aumento nos últimos 5 anos. As causas não traumáticas mostraram uma taxa média de 30 amputações por 100.000 habitantes e mantiveram-se relativamente constantes durante todo o período. As causas não traumáticas foram predominantes em pacientes com mais de 60 anos, e as amputações traumáticas ocorreram mais frequentemente em pacientes com menos de 39 anos. Conclusão: A taxa total de amputações e as taxas de amputações traumáticas e não traumáticas permaneceram praticamente constantes durante o período de estudo. O impacto das políticas de controle do diabetes e da introdução de leis de repressão do uso de álcool no trânsito não pode ser identificado nas taxas de amputação.

Diabetes mellitus and limb loss: an analysis from a tertiary care center

To compare the frequency and determinants of prosthesis fitting [artificial limbs] in diabetic and non-diabetic amputees at a tertiary care center. Cross Sectional Comparative Study This study was conducted at Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation [IPM and R] at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi during Oct 2007- Sep 2010. Data was collected from amputee records files seeking carefor prosthetic fitting. There were 1469 prosthesis fitted in both diabetic and non-diabetics patients. The data from both groups were compared for frequency of amputation in diabetic and non-diabetics. The data was entered and analysis was performed on SPSS windows version 16. The analysis of data was performed for patients who were provided prosthesis fitting at IPM and R. Diabetic males were 327[73.6%] female were 117 [26.4%].About a third of amputees had primary, secondary and tertiary health care services for control of diabetes. About 60% of all diabetics were not able to seek medical care for control of diabetes. The use of primary, secondary and tertiary health care services to control diabetes were also recorded to correlate with health seeking facilities among diabetics. The prosthesis fitting was given to one third of diabetic patients after lower limb amputation. The major determinants of diabetic amputees were old age, man uneducated, low socioeconomic status. The facilities for primary, secondary and tertiary health care services to control diabetes are available only to one third of diabetic patients. Diabetic control, education of foot care and accessibility to diabetic and prosthesis centre can markedly improve functional integration of diabetic amputees in community

Vivências de pessoas com diabetes e amputação de membros / Experiences of people with diabetes and amputation of members / Vivencias de personas con diabetes y amputación de miembros

Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, na perspectiva fenomenológica heideggeriana. Foi desenvolvido no Centro Integrado de Saúde Dr. Lineu Araújo e em Unidades Básicas de Saúde, de Teresina (PI), tendo como sujeitos doze pacientes diabéticos e amputados. Utilizou-se como técnica para produção dos dados a entrevista fenomenológica. Na tentativa de aproximação e apropriação dos significados por eles atribuídos, foram construídas quatro Unidades de Significação. Nesta perspectiva, Ser-pessoa-com-diabetes-e-amputações de membros significa vivenciar um cotidiano permeado por dificuldades, limitações e restrições impostas pela situação; sofrer pela dependência de outras pessoas, pela solidão imposta pelo isolamento social, seja por limitações pessoais, econômicas e/ou inadequação das políticas públicas.

This is an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative study, built up on Heidegger's phenomenological perspective. It was developed at the Integrated Health Center Dr. Lineu Araújo and at Basic Health Units of Teresina (PI), with the subjects being twelve diabetic patients that have suffered member's amputation. Phenomenological interview was used, as the technique for producing the data. In an attempt of approaching and appropriation of the meanings they attributed to the phenomena, four units of meaning were built. In this perspective, being-person-with diabetes-and-member amputations means experiencing a quotidian permeated by difficulties, restrictions and limitations imposed by the situation; suffering for dependence on others, loneliness imposed by social isolation, either by personal limitations, economic and / or inadequacy of public policies.

Este es un estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, desenvuelto en la perspectiva fenomenológica heideggeriana. Se desarrolló en el Centro Integrado de Salud Dr. Lineu Araújo y en una Unidad Básica de Salud de Teresina (PI), teniendo como sujetos doce pacientes diabéticos sometidos a amputaciones. Como técnica para producir los datos, se utilizó la entrevista fenomenológica. En un intento de acercamiento y apropiación de los significados que ellos atribuyen al fenómeno, se construyeron cuatro unidades de significado. En consecuencia, Ser persona-con diabetes-y- amputación de miembros significa experimentar un cotidiano impregnado por dificultades, restricciones y limitaciones impuestas por la situación; y sufrir por la dependencia de otros, y de la soledad impuesta por el aislamiento social, ya sea por limitaciones personales, económicas y / o por insuficiencia de políticas públicas.

Mortalidade perioperatória em diabéticos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica / Perioperative mortality in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJETIVO: Investigar fatores de risco para óbito intra-hospitalar em diabéticos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica isolada. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 305 pacientes. Foram avaliadas média de idade, taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar, uso de circulação extracorpórea, débito cardíaco no período pós-operatório e uso da artéria torácica interna. Análise univariada para variáveis categóricas foi executada com teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher, conforme apropriado. Potenciais fatores de risco com valor de P <0,05 na análise univariada foram incluídos na análise multivariada, que foi realizada por regressão logística backward. Valores de P <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: A população estudada apresentou média de idade de 61,44 anos (±9,81), sendo 65,6% (n=200) do sexo masculino. A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 11,8% (n=36). Os fatores de risco independentes para óbito mostraram: uso de circulação extracorpórea OR 6,15; IC 95% 1,57-24,03; P=0,009 e baixo débito cardíaco no período pós-operatório com OR 34,17; IC 95% 10,46-111,62; P<0,001. O uso de artéria torácica interna foi fator protetor independente para óbito com OR 0,27; IC 95% 0,08-0,093; P=0,038. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo identificou como fatores de risco independentes para óbito após a operação o uso de circulação extracorpórea e síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco. O uso da artéria torácica inerna foi fator protetor independente.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for in-hospital death in diabetic patients undergoing isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with 305 consecutive diabetic patients undergoing CABG in the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery of our institution from April 2004 to April 2010. Univariate analysis for categorical variables was performed with the chi-square or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Potential risk factors with p <0.05 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis, which was performed by backward logistic regression. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study population had a mean age of 61.44 years (± 9.81) and 65.6% (n=200) were male. The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.8% (n=36). The following independent risk factors for death were identified: on-pump CABG (OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.57 to 24.03, P=0.009) and low cardiac output in the postoperative period (OR 34.17, 95% CI 10.46 to 111.62, P <0.001). The use of internal thoracic artery (ITA) was an independent protective factor for death (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.093, P=0.038). CONCLUSION: This study identified the following independent risk factors for death after CABG: on-pump CABG and low cardiac output syndrome. The use of ITA was an independent protective factor.

Perioperatorio de trasplante renopancreático / Perioperative of renopancreatic transplantation

El trasplante renopancreático es el tratamiento de elección para el paciente diabético con insuficiencia renal crónica. En el Hospital Universitario, desde junio de 2002 a mayo de 2010 se han realizado 35 trasplantes renopancreáticos. Los receptores presentaban una larga evolución de su diabetes y del tratamiento dialítico, con alta incidencia de patología médica asociada. En todos los pacientes se realizó anestesia general y a la monitorización estándar se agregó: monitorización invasiva de la presión arterial y de la presión venosa central, así como monitorización paraclínica seriada. Se administró insulina en infusión continua para control de la glicemia. La duración promedio del procedimiento fue de 407,9 ± 76,4 min. La reposición intraoperatoria se realizó en base a cristaloides y coloides (4.665 ± 2.127 ml y 1.015 ± 492 ml respectivamente). En 21 pacientes (60%) se administraron glóbulos rojos (858 ± 502 ml). El balance promedio fue positivo: 1.430 ± 832 ml. Para mantener la estabilidad hemodinámica se utilizaron fármacos vasoactivos y aporte de volumen. Ocho pacientes (22,8%) presentaron hipotensión severa transitoria; 14 (40%) presentaron acidosis metabólica, ocho pacientes (22,8%) hipokaliemia leve y tres (8,5%) hipoglicemia. Veintitrés pacientes (65%) requirieron al menos una reintervención en la internación inicial. La mortalidad global fue de 11,4% (cuatro pacientes): 2,8% (un paciente) en las primeras 48 horas. Ocho pacientes (22,8%) presentaron insuficiencia renal desde el inicio del postoperatorio. Se perdieron 15 páncreas (42,8%); cinco de ellos (14,2%) en las primeras 48 horas. Actualmente sobreviven 31 pacientes (88%), 25 preservan la función renal (80,6%) y 20 la función pancreática (64,5%). Se reveló una alta incidencia de complicaciones anestésico-quirúrgicas precoces, las cuales tienen gran importancia sobre los resultados a corto y largo plazo.

Experience with the Pascal® photocoagulator: An analysis of over 1200 laser procedures with regard to parameter refinement.

Aim: To systematically refine and recommend parameter settings of spot size, power, and treatment duration using the Pascal® photocoagulator, a multi-spot, semi-automated, short-duration laser system. Materials and Methods: A retrospective consecutive series with 752 Caucasian eyes and 1242 laser procedures over two years were grouped into, (1) 374 macular focal / grid photocoagulation (FP), (2), 666 panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and (3) 202 barrage photocoagulation (BP). Parameters for power, duration, spot number, and spot size were recorded for every group. Results: Power parameters for all groups showed a non-gaussian distribution; FP group, median 190 mW, range 100 – 950 mW, and PRP group, median 800 mW, range 100 – 2000 mW. On subgroup comparison, for similar spot size, as treatment duration decreased, the power required increased, albeit in a much lesser proportion than that given by energy = power × time. Most frequently used patterns were single spot (89% of cases) in FP, 5 × 5 box (72%) in PRP, and 2 × 2 box (78%) in BP. Spot diameters as high as ≈ 700 μm on retina were given in the PRP group. Single session PRP was attempted in six eyes with a median spot count of 3500. Conclusion: Overall, due to the small duration of its pulse, the Pascal® photocoagulator tends to use higher powers, although much lower cumulative energies, than those used in a conventional laser. The consequent lesser heat dissipation, especially lateral, can allow one to use relatively larger spot sizes and give more closely spaced burns, without incurring significant side effects.

Estabilidade visual na retinopatia diabética tratada por panfotocoagulação com laser / Visual stability in diabetic retinopathy treated by panretinal laser photocoagulation

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da "laserterapia" na acuidade visual em portadores de retinopatia diabética avançada e sem queixas visuais. MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se estudo observacional descritivo em portadores de retinopatia diabética avançada e sem queixas visuais, submetidos a panfotocoagulação retiniana com laser de argônio. Foi realizado exame oftalmológico completo. Entre o 3° e o 5° meses do tratamento, foi repetido o exame inicial. Para comparação da acuidade visual, entre período pré e pós-tratamento, foi utilizado o teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi constituída por 44 pacientes, totalizando 67 olhos, sendo que 37 (55,2 por cento) apresentavam retinopatia diabética proliferativa e 30 (44,8 por cento) não proliferativa grave ou muito grave. A acuidade visual pré-tratamento variou de 0,5 a 1,0 (média de 0,83 ± 0,17). Não houve alteração estatisticamente significante na acuidade visual (p= 0,057) pré e pós-tratamento no período estudado. CONCLUSÃO: Houve estabilidade visual pós-tratamento com a panfotocoagulação, o que enfatiza a necessidade de intervenções em fases mais precoces da retinopatia diabética para preservar a função visual.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of laser treatment in the visual acuity caused by advanced diabetic retinopathy without visual complaints. METHODS: A descriptive observational study was developed in advanced diabetic retinopathy patients not presenting visual complaints. The patients were submitted to argon laser panretinal photocoagulation after ophthalmological examination as well as retinography and retinal angiofluoresceinography. The same initial exams were repeated between third and fifth months after the treatment. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was employed for statistical evaluation between the visual acuities before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The sample involved 67 eyes of 44 patients. Of these 67 eyes, 37 (55.2 percent) presented proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 30 (44.8 percent) showed severe and severe non proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The visual acuity before the treatment ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 (mean 0.81 ± 0.16). There was no significant statistical difference between the visual acuity (p= 0.057) before and after the treatment during the follow-up period of five months. CONCLUSION: The visual stability after panretinal argon laser photocoagulation indicated the need of this treatment in early phases of diabetic retinopathy in order to preserve the visual function.

Lower extrimity amputation in diabetic patient

To evaluate the frequency of lower limb amputations in diabetic patients, hence emphasizing the importance of timely surgical intervention in salvage of lower limb and to reduce the morbidity and mortality. This descriptive study was conducted in Nishtar Hospital, Multan over a period of one year extending from January 2004 to December 2004. One hundred patients were included in the study. The incidence of amputations rose steeply with age; most amputation occurred in patients over 60 year. The incidence was a higher in men than in women. The incidences of major amputations were 32% than that of minor amputations. The main out come variables were the number of repeat operations and hospitalization for salvage of limb with recurrent or persistent infection, and time to complete forefoot healing or foot amputation. Amputations performed at healthy zones reduce the hospital stay of the patient but mortality was more consistently for proximal amputations