Efficacy of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as an effective therapy for AF. We conducted a meta-analysis to update the current clinical evidence on the efficacy of CA for AF in patients with HCM.

Meningitis as an Initial Presentation of COVID-19: A Case Report.

The common presenting symptoms of fever, fatigue, and mild respiratory symptoms like dry cough, are associated with COVID-19, however, patients can also develop neurological manifestations like headache, anosmia, hyposmia, dysgeusia, meningitis, encephalitis, and acute cerebrovascular accidents during the disease. Although very rare, these neurological manifestations are sometimes the sole initial presenting complaint of COVID-19. This case report discusses patients where the initial presenting symptoms seemed to be exclusive to meningitis but the later diagnosis was COVID-19.

A Review of the Risk Factors Associated With Poor Outcomes in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its rapid spread throughout the globe is of much concern. With little known about the peculiar virus and the changing mortality and morbidity, we attempt to review the risk factors associated with significant outcome.  We conducted a review of the information available in medical journals published on COVID-19 risk factors associated with poor outcomes using PubMed®, Google Scholar, and material published online.

Comparison of Pregabalin Versus Placebo in Reduction of Pain due to Lumber Disc Herniation.

Introduction  Lower back pain is an extensive problem globally, and quite prevalent in Pakistan as well. In most cases of lower back pain, the cause is lumbar disc herniation. To treat this pain, there are various treatment options available.

Treatment Options for COVID-19: A Review.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe has caused great concern worldwide. Due to the limited evidence available on the dynamics of the virus and effective treatment options available, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a huge impact in terms of morbidity and mortality. The economic impact is still to be assessed.

Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): A Review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been associated with many neurological symptoms but there is a little evidence-based published material on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of the various neurological manifestations and underlying associated pathophysiology in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a review of the various case reports and retrospective clinical studies published on the neurological manifestations, associated literature, and related pathophysiology of COVID-19 using PUBMED and subsequent proceedings.

The Spectrum of Extra-intestinal Manifestation of Crohn's Disease.

Introduction Extra-intestinal manifestations (EIM) play an important role in the mortality, morbidity, and quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Understanding the prevalence and clinical course of these manifestations is important to understand and manage CD. Materials and methods The hospital records of 103 patients diagnosed with CD between July 2016 and December 2019 at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan were reviewed retrospectively.

Retrospective Analysis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is not a common differential diagnosis in patients with longstanding refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the prevalence of EoE in patients with refractory GERD. Methods This retrospective analysis was performed in the Gastroenterology Department of a tertiary care institute in Karachi, Pakistan.

The Frequency of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections in Patients Diagnosed With Acute Appendicitis in Pakistan.

Introduction: The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Enterobius vermicularis infections and other unique histopathological findings in patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis.

Materials: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan over a time period of 9 years from 2005 to 2013. The recorded demographic and histopathological data for the 2956 appendectomies performed during this time frame were extracted using a structured template form.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Self Care Practices Amongsts Patients WithType 2 Diabetes in Pakistan.

Background: In this age, diabetes is one of the most prevalent, incurable diseases present. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and self-care practicesrelated to diabetes in an urban population in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross sectional survey to assess the knowledge and practices of people with diabetes was conducted in general urbanpopulace.

Can single incision laproscopic cholecystectomy replace the traditional four port laproscopic approach: a review.

The major aim of surgeons has always been a minimalist approach towards surgery, thereby reducing the complications associated with the surgery. The gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis with cholecystitis is currently the four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4 PLC). Recently, a newer technique has been introduced which uses a single port, rather than the four ports, for the removal of the gall bladder laparoscopically; it is known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILC).

Predictors of the size of prosthetic aortic valve and in-hospital mortality in aortic valve replacement.

Purpose: We hypothesized that gender, age, aortic root dimension, blood group and Left Ventricular End Diastolic and Systolic Diameters may have a significant correlation with the size of mechanical valve used.

Methods: We included 48 patients retrospectively who had been operated at a single tertiary hospital. All patients with aortic stenosis or regurgitation were included in the study.

The frequency of smoking and common factors leading to continuation of smoking among health care providers in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi.

Background: The primary objective of the study was to find out the frequency of tobacco smoking among health care providers in tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. The secondary objective was to identify the common factors responsible for the continuation of smoking.

Method: This cross sectional study was conducted in the wards and out-patient departments of three selected tertiary hospitals of Karachi.

On pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery versus off pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a review.

There are two basic ways of performing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG): on pump CABG and off pump CABG. Off pump CABG is relatively a newer procedure to on-pump CABG and does not require the use of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine. On pump CABG is the more traditional method of performing bypass surgery.

Betel nut usage is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Aim: The objective of our study was to assess betel nut usage as one of the major risk factors associated with coronary artery disease.

Methods: This case control study consisted of 300 controls and 300 cases. A structured questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess consumption of betel nut and confounding variables.