Karachi Cancer Registry (KCR): Age-Standardized Incidence Rate by Age-Group and Gender in a Mega City of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cancer incidence by age group and gender for the population of Karachi Division by analyzing the Karachi Cancer Registry data of 2017-19. SETTINGS: The population of Karachi division is 16.1 million according to national census 2017. 'Karachi Cancer Registry' which is a part of 'National Cancer Registry' is collecting data from eight major hospitals in Karachi since 2017. For outcome measures, cancer counts and the age standardized incidence rates (ASIR) per 100,000 population were computed for age groups (0-14, 15-19 and ≥20 years), in both genders and all cancer site/type. METHODS: The population denominators were based on the population of Karachi division estimated at 16.1 million in the population census, 2017. Counts and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) were calculated for each of the three age categories. RESULTS: From Jan 2017 till Dec 2019 a total of 33,309 malignant cases were recorded in KCR database comprising 17,490 (52.5%) females and 15,819 (47.5%) males. ASIRs in age groups 0-14, 15-19 and ≥ 20 years, among female were 11.5, 2.4 and 223.6 and in males were 17.6, 3.2 and 216.7 respectively. The commonest diagnosis in children, adolescent and adults were (1) among females: children; bone (3.12),  leukemia (2.09) brain/CNS (1.26); in adolescents: bone (0.78), brain/CNS (0.27), connective and soft tissue (0.11), in adults: breast cancer (76.07), oral cancer (16.68) and ovary (10.89) respectively, and (2) among males: children; bone (4.56),  leukemia (2.79) and brain/CNS (1.88); in adolescent; bone (1.19), brain/CNS (0.31) and leukemia (0.21) and in adults: oral cancer (42.83), liver (16.10) and bone (13.37) respectively. CONCLUSION: Oral Cancer, a largely preventable cancer is the leading cancer in Karachi adult males while in female adults Breast Cancer is the leading cancer followed by Oral Cancer. In children and adolescents Bone, Leukemia and Brain/CNS malignancies are most common.
.

Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Patient With Bernard-Soulier Syndrome.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome, a congenital bleeding disorder, can rarely present with atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Acute coronary syndrome in such patients present a unique challenge as no standard set of guidelines exist for successful treatment. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Clinical audit to assess delays in chemotherapy administration at daycare oncology center at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

AIM: There were delays reported by patients in chemotherapy administration in daycare oncology. Therefore, we decided to audit all processes which are involved in chemotherapy administration. The objective was to improve our service by decreasing the time between admission and initiation of chemotherapy and identify the reasons for delays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The audit was conducted in three parts. In Review I, audit tool was developed and information documented of 109 patients receiving chemotherapy at daycare center from April 14 to May 13, 2015. Five processes were assessed out of which delay in initial assessment by the nurse was the only factor identified leading to delay in chemotherapy. Review II was done from March 1 to 31, 2016 of 208 patients after increasing the number of nurses and Review III from June 7 to August 25, 2016 of 287 patients by dividing the initial assessment process at two different areas to decrease delay in initial assessment. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of patients had their initial assessment done within 15 min of arrival in daycare in the first audit. In the second part of audit this percentage decreased to 55%, and finally, in the third part of the audit, percentage was improved and increased to 75% after separating initial assessment process into two areas (P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSION: After separating initial assessment process into two different areas, delays in chemotherapy administration were reduced.

Distribution of Chromosomal Abnormalities Commonly Observed in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Pakistan as Predictors of Prognosis

Objectives: The heterogenous response to treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be attributed largely to the difference in cytogenetic features identified in between cases. Cytogenetic analysis in acute leukemia is now routinely used to assist patient management, particularly in terms of diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis and risk stratification. Knowing about cytogenetic profile at the time of diagnosis is important in order to take critical decisions in management of these patients. The study was conducted to determine the distribution of cytogenetic abnormalities in Pakistani adult patients with AML in order to have insights regarding behavior of the disease. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of AML (≥15years old) diagnosed at Aga Khan University from January 2011 to December 2016 was performed. Cytogenetic analysis was made for all cases using the trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. Karyotypes were interpreted using the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) criteria. Results: A total of 321 patients were diagnosed with AML during the study period, of which 288 samples successfully yielded metaphase chromosomes. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. A normal karyotype was present in 61% (n=176) of the cases whereas, 39% (n=112) had an abnormal karyotype. Of the abnormal cases, t (8;21) (q22;q22) and t (15;17) (q22;q12) were identified in 8.3% and 4.9% cases respectively. Adverse prognostic cytogenetic subgroups including complex karyotype, monosomy 7 and t(6;9)(p23;q34) were identified in 9%, 1% and 0.7% patients respectively. Conclusions: This largest cytogenetic data in adult AML from Pakistan showed comparable prevalence of favorable prognostic karyotype to international data. The prevalence of specific adverse prognostic karyotype was low.

Clinico-Pathological Profile And Outcomes Of Patients With Polycythaemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythaemia And Idiopathic Myelofibrosis: A Tertiary Care Center Experience From Southern Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The "Philadelphia Negative Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms" include polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). These three disorders share several clinical and laboratory features including JAK2 V617F mutation. Our objectives were to determine the clinico-pathological profile and outcomes of Pakistani patients with polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) in order to have an insight regarding behaviour of these conditions. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of PV, ET and IMF diagnosed at our institute from January 1995 to December 2013 was performed. Age, gender, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, treatment provided and duration of follow-up were included for analysis. Appropriate statistics were utilized for calculation of data. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were diagnosed as PV, ET or IMF during the study period. Male to female ratio was 1.1:1. Forty five percent (n=27) patients came to medical attention due to abnormal laboratory results, 3 had cerebrovascular events, 3 had pruritus, and 1 patient each with gangrene and Budd-Chiari syndrome. Haemorrhage was not seen in any patient. Sixty percent (n=35) patients were treated with phlebotomy, hydroxyurea and aspirin alone or in combination. None of the patients transformed to myelofibrosis (MF) or myelodysplasia (MDS) during the mean (±SD) follow-up period of 57.2±50 months. One patient with ET transformed to acute myeloid leukaemia 9 years after the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a relatively more benign form of PV, ET and IMF with lesser frequency of symptoms, good response to treatment and less likelihood of transformation to MF, MDS or AML.

Rhesus and Kell Phenotyping of Voluntary Blood Donors: Foundation of a Donor Data Bank.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Rhesus (Rh) and Kell (K) phenotype of voluntary blood donors and lay foundation of a data bank of voluntary blood donors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Blood Bank, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, in the year 2014. METHODOLOGY: Voluntary blood donors were inducted after taking written informed consent. Three -5cc of EDTA anticoagulated blood sample was taken to phenotype red cells for C, c, E, e, and Kell antigens using antisera. [DiaMedSwitzerland]. RESULTS: Hundred blood donors were included in the study. ABO blood groups of the donors were: O [37%], B [31%], A [21%] and AB [11%]. Ninety-seven percent were Rh D positive while 3% were Rh D negative; 'e' antigen had the highest frequency [99%], while 'E' antigen was the least frequent [19%]. The most common probable Rh phenotype was R1R1 ((DCe/DCe) in 44 [44%]. In the Kell system, all the donors [100%] had phenotype of K-k+. CONCLUSION: The most common blood group was O +ve. The pattern of Rhesus antigen expression and phenotype found in this study was concordant to that reported previously from Asia. However, there was a much lower frequency of K antigen.

Monitoring and reporting transfusion reactions as a quality indicator - a clinical audit.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This audit was conducted as a part of a quality assurance activity to assess the frequency of receiving completely filled out blood transfusion reaction forms which were accompanied by the required samples. Once this information is known, we will elevate the bar each year to achieve 100% compliance. The sub-aim was to evaluate the frequency of the reported transfusion reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted from 1st April 2010 to 30th April 2011. The information was evaluated and the frequency of receiving completely filled blood transfusion reaction forms was assessed. The variables identified were the type of transfusion reaction, the blood component transfused, the health care personnel filling the form, and whether there was legible handwriting and a completely filled form. Transfusion reactions were reported as a percentage of the total number of units transfused. RESULTS: During the study period, 17,880 packed red cells, 13,200 platelets, 13,620 fresh frozen plasma and 2256 cryoprecipitate were transfused and 106 transfusion reactions (0.23%) were reported. Of these, febrile non hemolytic transfusion reaction was the most common (47%), the majority caused by packed red cells. CONCLUSION: Eighty-four percent of the transfusion reaction forms were completely filled as per our criteria. Febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions were the most common reactions reported.

Febrile neutropenia: median door-to-needle time - results of an initial audit.

BACKGROUND: Recently, due to inadequacies during immediate management of patients with febrile neutropenia, a new gold standard 'door-to-needle' time of 1 hour for the administration of intravenous antibiotics was introduced. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this audit was to identify whether that target was being met in our emergency department (ED). This is phase 1 of the study which will be followed by identification of barriers to the achievement of the target and recommendations for improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from January 2013 to April 2013 of consecutive patients (adult and pediatric age group) who presented to the ED with febrile neutropenia for various underlying causes. Fever was defined as single oral temperature of >38.3°C (101°F) or a temperature of >38.0°C (100.4°F) sustained for more than 1 hour. Neutropenia was defined as absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 10(9)/l, or expected to fall below that number. Variables analyzed included age, gender, antibiotics administered, underlying diagnosis, day of presentation, and door-to-needle time. RESULTS: During the study period, there were n = 81 patients who presented with febrile neutropenia. There were n = 49 were males and n = 32 were females. There were n = 37 patients in the pediatric age group while rest were adults. Patients most commonly had an underlying hematological malignancy (n = 49). A combination of piperacillin/tazobactam (4.5 g × Q8hrly) and amikacin (750 mg × once daily) was most frequently administered (n = 57) to these patients. The median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes (range ± SD: 10 minutes to 6 hours ± 1 hour 10 minutes). Long delays of over 4 hours occurred in n = 4 patients (all were adults). There were minimal delays observed in pediatric patients due to 'red alert' policy implementation. Long delays occurred on weekdays and weekends, equally. CONCLUSION: The overall median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes, which was in the accepted range. However, delays that occurred demand improvements like introducing 'red alert' policy for adult patients, counseling of staff and residents, identifying potential barriers in achieving the target time along with solutions, and developing hospital-based guidelines on managing patients with neutropenic sepsis.

Effect of L-type calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) on myocardial iron deposition in patients with thalassaemia with moderate-to-severe myocardial iron deposition: protocol for a randomised, controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sideroblastic cardiomyopathy secondary to repeated blood transfusions is a feared complication in thalassaemia. Control of myocardial iron is thus becoming the cornerstone of thalassaemia management. Recent evidence suggests a role for L-type Ca(2+) channels in mediating iron uptake by the heart. Blocking the cellular iron uptake through these channels may add to the benefit of therapy to standard chelation in reducing myocardial iron. We aim to determine the efficacy of amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) as an adjunct to standard aggressive chelation in retarding myocardial iron deposition in thalassaemics with or without cardiomyopathy. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is to compare the efficacy of amlodipine+chelation (intervention) versus standard chelation (control) in retarding myocardial iron deposition. Secondary outcomes include the effect of amlodipine therapy on systolic and diastolic function, strain and strain rate and liver iron content. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, parallel-group, prospective randomised control trial. Twenty patients will be randomised in a 1:1 allocation ratio into the intervention and control arms. In addition to conventional echocardiography, MRI T2* values for assessment of cardiac and liver iron load will be obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Cardiac T2* will be reported as the geometric mean and per cent coefficient of variation, and an increase in cardiac T2* values from baseline will be used as an end point to compare the efficacy of therapy. A p Value of <0.05 will be considered significant. STUDY SETTING: Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee and Clinical Trials Unit at The Aga Khan University with respect to scientific content and compliance with applicable research and human subjects regulations. Findings will be reported through scientific publications and research conferences and project summary papers for participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.Gov. Registration no: NCT02065492.

Frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in Pakistani adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The difference in prognosis of adult and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be attributed largely to variation in cytogenetic abnormalities with age groups. Cytogenetic analysis in acute leukemia is now routinely used to assist patient management, particularly in terms of diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis and risk stratification. Knowing about cytogenetic profile at the time of diagnosis is important in order to take critical decisions in management of the patients. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities in Pakistani adult patients with ALL in order to have insights regarding behavior of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of ALL (≥15years old) diagnosed at Aga Khan University from January 2006 to June 2014 was performed. Phenotype (B/T lineage) was confirmed in all cases by flow cytometry. Cytogenetic analysis was made for all cases using the trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. Karyotypes were interpreted using the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were diagnosed as ALL during the study period, of which 151 samples successfully yielded metaphase chromosomes. The male to female ratio was 3.4:1. The majority (n=120, 72.3%) had a B-cell phenotype. A normal karyotype was present in 51% (n=77) of the cases whereas 49% (n=74) had an abnormal karyotype. Of the abnormal cases, 10% showed Philadelphia chromosome; t(9;22)(q34;q11.2). Other poor prognostic cytogenetic subgroups were t(4;11)(q21;q23), hypodiploidy (35-45 chromosomes) and complex karyotype. Hyperdiploidy (47-57 chromosomes) occurred in 6.6%; all of whom were younger than 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a relatively low prevalence of Philadelphia chromosome in Pakistani adults with ALL with an increase in frequency with age (p=0.003). The cumulative prevalence of Philadelphia- negative poor cytogenetic aberrations in different age groups was not significant (p=0.6).

Chromosomal abnormalities in primary myelodysplastic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities in patients diagnosed as primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) using conventional karyotyping. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Clinical Laboratory, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between January 2006 - June 2012. METHODOLOGY: Patients of all ages and either gender who fulfilled WHO criteria for MDS were included. Cytogenetic analysis was conducted at the time of diagnosis. Patients who had secondary MDS were excluded from analysis. Chromosome identification and karyotype description was done according to the International System for Chromosome Nomenclature (ISCN, 1995) and described as frequency percentage. RESULTS: Out of the 122 cases of MDS, 71 patients had their karyotype done at the time of diagnosis, including 42 males (59.2%) and 29 females (40.8%) with median age of 60 years. Forty one (57.7%) showed normal karyotype and 30 (42.3%) showed clonal karyotypic abnormalities at diagnosis. Out of which 14 (19.7%) had single, 11 (15.5%) had complex and 6 (8.5%) had double cytogenetic abnormalities. The common abnormalities found were: trisomy 8 in 7 cases (9.9%), -7/del (7q) in 3 cases (4.2%), -Y and complex 5q in 2 cases (2.8%) each, complex trisomy 8, del 11q , inversion 9, trisomy 19 and del 20q were found in 1 case (1.4%) each. Other abnormalities were found in 11 cases (15.5%). CONCLUSION: Trisomy 8 was the most common disorder/abnormality found in this study population followed by the complex cytogenetics.

Clinical characteristics, outcome and early induction deaths in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia: a five-year experience at a tertiary care centre.

INTRODUCTION: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a distinct clinical and biological subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia. APL is notorious for causing early death during induction therapy, resulting in induction failure. The aim of our study was to report the clinical characteristics, outcome and early induction deaths with regard to patients with APL seen at our hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Patients aged > 15 years diagnosed with APL within the period September 2007-September 2012 were included in the study. RESULTS: Within the study period, 26 patients were diagnosed with APL based on morphology and the detection of t(15;17)(q24.1;q21.1) and promyelocytic leukaemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARA). The male to female ratio was 1:1. The median age of the patients was 41 (range 16-72) years. In all, there were 13 (50.0%) high-risk patients, and early induction death rate was 61.5%. Causes of early induction deaths (n = 16) included haemorrhage in 7 (43.8%) patients, differentiation (ATRA) syndrome in 7 (43.8%) and infection in 2 (12.5%). The survival rate among patients who survived the early period was 70% at 42 months. The relapse rate was 30%. CONCLUSION: Early induction death rate was very high in patients with APL. The most common cause of early induction death in our study was haemorrhage. Outcome among patients with APL was found to be better among those who survived the initial period.

Chromosomal abnormalities in Pakistani children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetic abnormalities have important implications in diagnosis and prognosis of acute leukemia and are now considered an important part of the diagnostic workup at presentation. Karyotype, if known at the time of diagnosis, guides physicians to plan appropriate management strategies for their patients. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the cytogenetic profile of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Pakistani children in order to have insights regarding behavior of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the cases of ALL (<15years old) diagnosed at Aga Khan University from January 2006 to June 2011 was performed. Cytogenetic analysis was made for all cases using the trypsin-Giemsa banding technique. Karyotypes were interpreted using the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were diagnosed as ALL during the study period, of which 127 samples successfully yielded metaphase chromosomes. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. A normal karyotype was present in 51.2% (n=65) of the cases whereas 48.8% (n=62) had an abnormal karyotype. Most of the abnormal cases showed hyperdiploidy(13.4%) followed by t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) (7.08%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a relative lack of good prognostic cytogenetic aberrations in Pakistani children with ALL.

Estimating window period blood donations for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus by nucleic acid amplification testing in Southern Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Recently, strategic planning was initiated by the National Blood Transfusion Services Pakistan to improve its blood bank facilities. Emphasis has been placed on appropriate screening of blood products. Located in the southern region, Aga Khan University Hospital is a 700-bed tertiary care academic institute with comprehensive blood banking. Screening of blood donors has been based on verbal screening and serologic testing to date. Additionally, the need of implementing nucleic acid testing (NAT) was considered in 2011 because of an upsurge in hepatitis epidemiology. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of this additional donor screening program and to evaluate the impact of NAT on the yield and residual risk of transfusion-transmissible viral infections. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 42,830 blood donations collected between 2011 and 2012 were screened for routine serologic assays. Only serologically negative donors (n=41,304) were tested for NAT. The frequency of viral infections was evaluated through serologic techniques and NAT yield for viral agents was estimated for computing window period donors. Residual risk per million donors was computed for viral infections in seronegative blood donors. RESULTS: Serologic work-up showed 1571 abnormal screening results in 1526 blood donors with the following results: hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV; n=708), hepatitis B surface antigen (n=555), human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (anti-HIV; n=29), malaria (n=30), VDRL (n=249), and coinfection (n=45). Thirty-five NAT-reactive samples were identified: HIV-1, one; HCV, 27; and hepatitis B virus (HBV), seven. Incident rates per 10(5) donors were highest for HCV (453.3) followed by HBV (171.5) and HIV (72.2). Calculated residual risk per million donors was highest at 1 in 10,900 for HBV, intermediate at 1 in 13,900 for HCV, and least at 1 in 62,600 for HIV. CONCLUSION: Incidence rates and estimated residual risk indicate that the current risk of transfusion-transmitted viral infections attributable to blood donation is relatively high in this country. The study recommends the parallel use of both serology and NAT screening of donated blood in countries that have high seroprevalence of these viral infections.

Root cause analysis of non-infectious transfusion complications and the lessons learnt.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of blood and blood products can be associated with hazards which may be at times fatal. Timely reporting of transfusion reactions is imperative for root cause analysis and their prevention in future. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the transfusion reactions at our institution during last seven years. The data was retrieved from our computerized blood bank information system and by reviewing the medical charts of patients. The frequency of adverse effects, implicated products, wrong blood transfusion and its outcome were observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: During study period (2006-2012), a total of 393,662 blood or blood products were transfused. There were 458 adverse events with an estimated rate of 1.16 per 1000 blood products administered. During 2011-2012, 121 transfusion reactions were reported of 119,921 transfused units. The most common adverse effects were allergic reactions (70 episodes of 121 or 57.8%) followed by febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions or FNHTR (43 events of 121 or 35.5%). Transfusion associated dyspnea, circulatory overload and transfusion associated lung injury were less frequent. During the study period, 142,066 red cell units were transfused with nine recognized ABO-mismatch transfusions and two fatalities. The computed incidence of ABO-mismatch transfusion was 1 in 15,785 with a mortality rate of 1 in 71,033 units transfused. Etiology included: errors in final bed side check (n=5), blood bank clerical errors (n=3) and mislabeled tube (n=1). A review of these cases prompted hospital transfusion committee for re-enforcing policies and protocols to minimize accidental ABO incompatible transfusions. We concluded that urticaria and FNHTR are the most frequent transfusion reactions in our setting. ABO mismatched blood transfusions are rare but preventable errors and result mainly from clerical imprecisions.

Cost effective improvement in the protocol for detection of haemoglobin variants -a step forward in quality assurance.

BACKGROUND: We report the results of a cost effective improvement in the protocol for detection of haemoglobin variants which incorporates the findings of peripheral blood film along with the results of HPLC. FINDINGS: A total of n = 10,844 samples were received from January 2011 till August 2011. Diagnosis of haemoglobinopathy was made in n = 1123 samples while other abnormalities included iron deficiency anaemia, megaloblastic anaemia, malarial parasite, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and G6PD deficiency (n = 2473). CONCLUSION: We diagnosed 23% of abnormalities other than haemoglobinopathy by reviewing peripheral smear of samples received for detection of haemoglobin variants. This resulted in providing proper diagnosis to the referring physician without increment in cost.

Implementation of Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule and an Improvement in Transfusion Practices of Surgeons subsequent to Intervention.

Over ordering of blood is a common practice for elective surgeries in many developing countries. Over a decade back, our institution-The Aga Khan University, Pakistan noticed that surgeons were making unnecessary arrangement of red cells. This was reflected in their undesirably high cross-matched to transfusion (CT) ratios. A clinical audit conducted in 1998-2000 confirmed this. This prompted the institution for designing a maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) in 2000 based on the retrospective usage of blood in various elective surgeries. This study aimed at observing the impact of implementation of MSBOS on surgeons' transfusion practices by comparing pre and post intervention cross-matched to transfused ratio in selected elective surgeries. For this purpose, we conducted a clinical audit from 2009 to 2010 and data was retrieved for quantity of red cells units arranged and transfused in the peri-operative period. C:T ratio was computed and compared with those in 2000. Identification of patients and physicians were kept confidential. Baseline C:T ratios for C-section, TURP, total knee replacement, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CABG were 32, 22, 11.42, 23 and 4.77 respectively. In 2009-2010, red cells were transfused in 86 of 1,224 C-sections (7 %), 599 of 727 CABG (82 %), 10 of 324 TURP (3 %),16 of 890 laparoscopic cholecystectomy (1.7 %) and 14 of 85 total knee replacement (16.4 %) The C:T ratio in these surgeries was between 0 and 1. Implementation of MSBOS and efforts of BUC showed a significant impact in transfusion practices of surgeons with marked reduction in the utilization of blood and the C:T ratio. We recommend that regular audits should be conducted in every institution to improve the quality of services, encourage team work and ensure high standards.

Retrospective review of 25 cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in Pakistan.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fever, neurological abnormalities, and renal dysfunction. Because of the rarity of TTP, no comprehensive data is available in the Pakistani population. The present study aimed to review the therapeutic interventions, relapses and mortality rate in patients with TTP treated at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. This was a retrospective review of patients treated over a period of more than nine years (2001-2010). Medical charts were retrieved using the ICD coding system version 9 and each file was reviewed by the principal author for clinical and laboratory details, along with the therapy utilized and the outcome. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with TTP, including nine males (36%) and 16 females (64%) with a median age of 30 ± 18.4 years for all patients. Idiopathic TTP was seen in 17 patients (68%) and secondary causes were identified in eight (32%). Patients were treated with plasma exchange once the diagnosis of TTP was established. Only neurological and renal involvement at the time of presentation emerged as important indicators in determining the outcome and response to treatment. Most of our patients tolerated plasmapheresis very well; however, delay in starting plasmapheresis due to late presentation was a major hurdle in our set up.