Correlation of 13C urea breath test values with Helicobacter pylori load among positive patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: 13C urea breath test (13C UBT) is used to detect Helicbacter (H.) pylori in gastric mucosa. There are controversial results regarding associations of 13C UBT values with histopathological grades. We designed this study to correlate 13C UBT values with different histopathological grades in our local setting. METHODOLOGY: 13CO2/12CO2 ratio for 13C UBT was analyzed using mass spectrometry and histopatholgical grades were scored by updated Sydney System. RESULTS: 13C UBT values of H. pylori positive patients at different times (T10-T60) were higher as compared to negative patients. Significant positive correlation of 13C UBT values at T30 with different scores of H. pylori load (r = 0.277, p = 0.037) was observed. Associations of the mean 13C UBT values with neutrophil infiltration (p = 0.214), mononuclear cell infiltration (p = 0.648), atrophy (p= 0.620), atypia (p = 0.057) and metaplasia scores (p = 0.718) were found to be nonsignificant. H. pylori load significantly correlated with neutrophil infiltration and atrophy with exception of mononuclear cell infiltration, atypia and metaplasia. CONCLUSIONS: In the present analysis, significant positive correlation was observed between 13C UBT values and H. pylori load that would be helpful in qauntification of H. pylori in our local setting.

Efficacy and safety of artemehter-lumefantrine in uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Liberia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vivo efficacy and adverse effects of Artemether-lumefantrine combination in acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted at Department of Medicine and Pathology, Pakistan Medical level II hospital, Tubmanburg and Harper from March 2009 to September 2009. One hundred subjects with positive Plasmodium falciparum rings on malaria slide fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in the study. Mean, minimum and maximum values along with standard deviation of age, malarial parasite index, fever clearance time and parasite clearance time were calculated. A 28 day parasitological cure rate was determined. Frequency of various adverse events observed during this study were also noted. RESULTS: Of 100 subjects, 70 wereAfricans while remaining were Asians. Mean fever clearance time in Africans and Asians were 18.9 +/- 11.5 and 27.9 +/- 14.3 hours respectively. The mean parasite clearance time was almost similar in both races ranging from 28 to 31 hours. A 28 day parasitological cure rate was found to be 100%. About 10% of the subjects developed mild to moderate side effects including headache, vomiting, loss of sleep, vertigo and diarrhoea. There was no mortality during the study. CONCLUSION: Artemether Lumefantrine combination therapy may be used safely and effectively in the management of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria.