Impact of transcranial Doppler screening on stroke prevention in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have increased stroke risk, identifiable by elevated velocities on transcranial Doppler (TCD). This review assessed the impact of TCD screening on stroke, mortality, quality of life and morbidity in children with SCD.

Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane libraries, and trial registries was conducted from inception to 28th February 2023.

Point-of-care diagnostic test accuracy in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Detection of sickle cell disease (SCD) could be improved with greater use of point-of-care testing (POCT). This review assessed the accuracy of POCTs for SCD in children and adolescents.

Methods: We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane libraries, registries and conference proceedings from inception to 28th February 2023.

A Nationwide Survey Following the Devastating 2022 Floods in Pakistan: Current State of Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception Toward Climate Change and Its Health Consequences.

Background:  Climate change (CC) persists as a critical public health concern, vividly demonstrated by Pakistan's severe unprecedented flooding from June to October 2022. The interplay between floods and CC highlights the urgent need to comprehend their complex dynamics. Given Pakistan's significant geographical vulnerability to CC events, assessing public awareness of CC becomes essential.

Impact of single-pill combinations versus free-equivalent combinations on adherence and persistence in patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Hypertension is a leading cause of death and disease burden followed by dyslipidemia. Their asymptomatic nature leads to low adherence and persistence to treatments. A systematic literature review (SLR) investigated the impact of single-pill-combinations (SPC) compared to free-equivalent combination (FEC) on adherence, persistence, clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and patient-reported outcomes, in patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, or both.

A global systematic review and meta-analysis on the emerging evidence on risk factors, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A).

Background: The multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) has emerged, similar to those in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) [multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)]. This review aimed to analyze the risk factors, clinical course, and prognosis of MIS-A.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several databases for cases reporting MIS-A from 1 December 2019 till 9 September 2021.

Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus - Is Trisomy 21 Associated With Refractory Hyperglycaemia?

Background: Neonatal diabetes mellitus is a rare disorder characterized by refractory hyperglycaemia which is further divided into two types, transient (TNDM) and permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM), which is associated with genetic aberrations at the human chromosome 6q24 accompanied with pancreatic structural abnormalities or -cell dysfunction requiring insulin treatment. This case report analyzes a rare correlation between a case of permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus with Trisomy 21.

Method: An infant presented with intrauterine growth retardation and very low birth weight showing signs of persistent hyperglycaemia where genetic analysis suggested presence of permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus accompanied with Trisomy 21.

Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcomes of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Adolescents-a Live Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose Of Review: A multisystem inflammatory condition occurring in children and adolescents with COVID-19 has become increasingly recognized and widely studied globally. This review aims to investigate and synthesize evolving evidence on its clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes in pediatric patients.

Recent Findings: We retrieved data from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WHO COVID-19 Database, Google Scholar, and preprint databases, covering a timeline from December 1, 2019, to July 31, 2021.

Mental Health and Positive Development Prevention Interventions: Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Context: Previous reviews of mental health interventions have focused on adolescents (10-19 years), with a paucity of comprehensive evidence syntheses on preventive interventions for school-aged children (5-10 years).

Objective: To summarize and synthesize the available evidence from systematic reviews of mental health and positive development interventions for children aged 5-14.9 years in both high-income (HIC) and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with a focus on preventive and promotive strategies.

What can work and how? An overview of evidence-based interventions and delivery strategies to support health and human development from before conception to 20 years.

Progress has been made globally in improving the coverage of key maternal, newborn, and early childhood interventions in low-income and middle-income countries, which has contributed to a decrease in child mortality and morbidity. However, inequities remain, and many children and adolescents are still not covered by life-saving and nurturing care interventions, despite their relatively low costs and high cost-effectiveness. This Series paper builds on a large body of work from the past two decades on evidence-based interventions and packages of care for survival, strategies for delivery, and platforms to reach the most vulnerable.

Residual symptoms and the quality of life in individuals recovered from COVID-19 infection: A survey from Pakistan.

Background: There remains scarcity of literature regarding the patient's health status post-COVID-19 infection. This study analyzes the prevalence of residual symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after COVID-19.

Methods: An anonymous online survey was administrated in Pakistan from November 2020 to April 2021 in COVID-19 survivors.

Zinc Supplementation and the Prevention and Treatment of Sepsis in Young Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Prematurity and low birth weight are major risk factors for neonatal sepsis. Zinc supplements have been previously shown to be beneficial in pregnancy and small for gestational age birth outcomes. There is sparse information, however, on the potential benefits of zinc supplementation to prevent or treat serious infections in this age group.

The mystery of COVID-19 reinfections: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, reports on disparities in vaccine roll out alongside COVID-19 reinfection have been emerging. We conducted a systematic review to assess the determinants and disease spectrum of COVID-19 reinfection.

Materials And Methods: A comprehensive search covering relevant databases was conducted for observational studies reporting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed infection and reinfection cases.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine in Pakistan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine is available across various countries worldwide, with public-private partnerships ensuring all individuals are vaccinated through a phased approach. Irrespective of the geographical spread, several myths pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine have stemmed, ultimately limiting the national administration of vaccines and rollouts. This study assessed the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general public in Pakistan.

Risk of infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among children and adolescents in households, communities and educational settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is uncertainty with respect to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in children (0-19 years) with controversy on effectiveness of school-closures in controlling the pandemic. It is of equal importance to evaluate the risk of transmission in children who are often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic carriers that may incidentally transmit SARS-CoV-2 in different settings. We conducted this review to assess transmission and risks for SARS-CoV-2 in children (by age-groups or grades) in community and educational-settings compared to adults.

Who is at a Higher Risk? A brief review of Recent Evidence on comorbidities in children infected with COVID-19.

COVID-19 has affected both adults and children with variable presentations and disease severity. Children can present with mild symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath, and rapidly progress to severe pneumonia, requiring mechanical ventilation. This population includes children who are younger than one year and older adolescents who have an underlying comorbidity-specifically immunosuppression or prior cardio-respiratory infections.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of paediatric COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Compare paediatric COVID-19 disease characteristics, management and outcomes according to World Bank country income level and disease severity.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting: Between 1 December 2019 and 8 January 2021, 3350 articles were identified.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of Pakistanis towards COVID-19; a large cross-sectional survey.

Background: The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has created havoc globally as countries worldwide struggle to combat this pandemic. Since prevention and social isolation are known to be the only ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this has created challenges among the lower-middle income countries (LMIC) including Pakistan, as it battles between an under-resourced healthcare, an economic shutdown, and widespread myths and misconceptions. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perceptions regarding COVID-19 as public understanding is vital to help facilitate the control of this outbreak.

COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues to spread worldwide, there have been increasing reports from Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America describing children and adolescents with COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory conditions. However, the association between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and COVID-19 is still unknown. We review the epidemiology, causes, clinical features, and current treatment protocols for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents associated with COVID-19.

Long-term Follow-up of Exstrophy-epispadias Complex from a Lower-middle Income Country: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) is a rare congenital defect where the abdominal muscles and bones fail to close in the mid-pelvis. It is crucial to understand the health-related quality of life (QOL) of exstrophy patients who have undergone multiple correctional surgeries. We herein discuss a case of bladder EEC that was repaired through a series of procedures at a resource-limited hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Effects of preventive nutrition interventions among adolescents on health and nutritional status in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Background: Malnutrition is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents and is now considered to be one of the largest risk factors responsible for the global burden of diseases along with poor diet.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the impact of preventive nutrition interventions (including nutrition education and counselling; micronutrient supplementation/fortification and macronutrient supplementation) to improve the health and nutritional status of adolescents aged 10-19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The secondary objective of the review was to assess various contextual factors based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) health system building blocks framework that might potentially impact the effectiveness of these interventions for this age group.

Impact of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Nutrition Interventions on Breastfeeding Practices, Growth and Mortality in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Systematic Review.

Undernutrition is associated with 45% of total infant deaths, totalling 2.7 million globally per year. The vast majority of the burden is felt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Polycythaemia Vera Presenting As A Porta Hepatis Mass.

Polycythaemia Vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder in which bone marrow has increased production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The hallmarks of the disease are veno-occlusive events, secondary to increased blood viscosity. Polycythaemia Vera rarely presents with portal vein thrombosis below age of 55 years especially in absence of any chronic liver disease.

Effects of Preventive Nutrition Interventions among Adolescents on Health and Nutritional Status in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this review was to assess the impact of preventive nutrition interventions on health and nutritional status of adolescents aged 10-19 years in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched the databases until 5 February 2019 without any restrictions on publication, date, language, or publication status. A total of 10 studies (15 papers) including 10,802 participants assessing the impact of micronutrient supplementation/fortification were included in this review.

Current state of knowledge of basic life support in health professionals of the largest city in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is the recognition of sudden cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system, followed by resuscitation, and rapid defibrillation. According to WHO, Pakistan has one of the highest mortality rates from accidental deaths therefore assessment and comparison of BLS knowledge in health professionals is crucial. We thereby aim to assess and compare the knowledge of BLS in doctors, dentists and nurses.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A 17 Year Experience From A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan.

Granulomatosis with Polyangitis (GPA) is an uncommon immunologically mediated necrotizing vasculitis affecting the small and medium sized systemic blood vessels. We previously reported our experience with this condition and herein, we document our study findings and compare them to the clinical and radiological findings of various studies from around the world. By doing so we hope to further create awareness of this condition afflicting not only our part of the population but is part of a larger global phenomenon.