Evaluating the Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Malaria Tests in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background Malaria remains one of the most significant public health challenges, particularly in pediatric populations in developing countries. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been widely adopted due to their ease of use and quick results, but their diagnostic accuracy, compared to microscopy, the gold standard, remains a topic of interest. Early and accurate detection of malaria is crucial in reducing complications and mortality in children, who are especially vulnerable to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses.

Probiotics vs. Placebo: Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in a Premature Infant.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal condition primarily affecting preterm newborns, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

Objective: This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing NEC in premature infants. Secondary objectives included assessing the impact on mortality, late-onset sepsis, duration of hospital stay, and weight gain.

Understanding the Crisis: Prevalence and Key Determinants of Stunting in Children Aged 2 to 5 Years in an Afghan Refugee Camp in Kohat.

Background: Stunting, characterized by impaired growth and development due to malnutrition and illness, is a significant public health concern with profound implications for cognitive and physical development. This issue is particularly severe in refugee settings, where food insecurity and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the problem.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of stunting among children aged 2 to 5 years in an Afghan refugee camp in Kohat, Pakistan.

Effectiveness of Oral Azithromycin in Treating Enteric Fever: A Hospital-Based Study on Pediatric Patients.

Introduction Enteric fever is prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries. It is caused by Salmonella Typhi, which has developed resistance over the years to commonly used antimicrobials. Meropenem is an effective treatment for all complicated and uncomplicated extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria, but it is administered intravenously, three times daily, by infusion, and it is quite expensive for the patient.

Surgical Management of Odontoid Fracture in Elderly.

Odontoid type II fractures are associated with high mortality in the elderly. No formal guidelines are present regarding the treatment of such fractures. Their management can be done either conservatively or surgically, however, surgical treatment is technically demanding and relatively new.

Quantification of sparfloxacin in pharmaceutical dosages and biological samples.

A simple and fast method for spectrophotometric determination of sparfloxacin using p-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde (DMAB) has been developed. A yellow coloured product formed from reaction between sparfloxacin and DMAB as a result of condensation reaction at room temperature. The maximum absorbance was found at 392 nm with molar absorptivity of 4.

A reappraisal of contributing factors leading to shunt infection.

Background: Central nervous shunt infection (CNSI) is a cause of significant morbidity, causing shunt malfunction and chronic ill health. It can also lead to prolong hospital stay. The aim of this study was to look into the factors responsible for neurosurgical shunt infection and measures to prevent them.

Salvage decompressive craniectomy in malignant MCA infarcts--results of local experience at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Malignant infarctions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) have high mortality. Recent studies showed decreased mortality with good functional outcome in young people with decompressive surgery. We report prospective, non-randomized case series of live patients in whom successful life saving decompressive craniectomy was performed.

Thoracolumbar junction injuries and their management with pedicle screws.

Background: To evaluate the use of pedicle screw fixation in earthquake injured thoracolumbar spine.

Methods: Nineteen patients with posttraumatic instability of lower thoracic or upper lumbar spine were included in the study. White and Panjabi criteria was used to assess spinal instability.