Latent class trajectories of biochemical parameters and their relationship with risk of mortality in ICU among acute organophosphorus poisoning patients.

Acute poisoning is a global public health challenge. Several factors played role in high mortality among acute organophosphorus poisoning (OP) poisoning patients including clinical, vitals, and biochemical properties. The traditional analysis techniques use baseline measurements whereas latent profile analysis is a person-centered approach using repeated measurements.

Trajectories of vital status parameters and risk of mortality among acute organophosphorus poisoning patients - a latent class growth analysis.

Background: Acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is one of the major causes of mortality among patients presenting to emergency departments in developing countries. Although various predictors of mortality among OP poisoning patients have been identified, the role of repeated measurements of vital signs in determining the risk of mortality is not yet clear. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between trajectories of vital signs and mortality among OP poisoning patients using latent class growth analysis (LCGA).

Unique side effects of interferon.

Interferon-alpha, a potent mediator of host immune response, has immunomodulatory properties in addition to its antiviral effects. A wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases can occur in patients treated with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis B and D, of which clinical systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accounts for less than 1% and hypothyroidism for 2-4 %. We report herein a case of a 16-year-old male who developed antinuclear antibody (ANA)-negative SLE and hypothyroidism after treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis.

Hypothyroidism simulating as polymyositis.

Polymyositis-like syndrome in hypothyroidism is a rare condition characterised by proximal muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzymes. Patients with this condition can initially be misdiagnosed as having polymyositis due to similar characteristics of both diseases; however a response to thyroxine is the main differentiating feature. This report highlights the case of a 30-year-old male who had severe myalgia and proximal muscle weakness.

Insulin resistance in non-diabetic patients of chronic Hepatitis C.

Objective: To determine insulin resistance in non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).

Methodology: Patients having anti-HCV positive were included in this study. Patients with diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, hyperlipidemias, hypercortisolism and infective diseases other than hepatitis C were excluded.

Correlation of quality of life in patients of cirrhosis of liver with etiology and disease severity using disease-specific quality of life questionnaire.

Background: Quality of Life has an important status in patient management suffering from chronic disease like cirrhosis and health related quality of life has significant impact on patient management. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation of health related quality of life with disease severity in patients of cirrhosis of liver.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical Unit-IV, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, during the period January 2006 to October 2006.

Frequency of dual tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients presenting at tertiary care centers at karachi.

Objective: To determine the frequency of dual infection of Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and document the sexual practices of infected patients.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Medical Unit-IV of Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in collaboration with Sindh AIDS Control Program at Services Hospital, Karachi, from January 2003 to December 2004.

Hemogolbin, ferritin, vitamin B12 and halicobacter pylori infection: a study in patients who underwent upper gi endoscopy at civil hospital karachi.

Objective: To compare hemoglobin, ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy according to their Helicobacter pylori status.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Civil Hospital and Lyari General Hospitals, Karachi, from March 2004 to June 2006.

Comparison of heart rate and QTc duration in patients of cirrhosis of liver with non-cirrhotic controls.

Objective: To compare QTc duration and Heart Rate (HR) in patients with cirrhosis with non-cirrhotic controls.

Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Civil Hospital and Lyari General Hospital, Karachi, from March 2004 to February 2006.

Frequency and comparative analysis of hapatitis D in petients seeking treatment for hepatitis B.

Objective: To find the frequency of hepatitis 'D' in patients of hepatitis 'B' seeking treatment and to compare clinical and biochemical features in patients harboring HDV with those who are not.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place And Duration Of Study: Medical Unit-IV, Civil Hospital Karachi, Medical Unit-VI and Surgical Unit-VII, Lyari General Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi; from July 2003 to June 2005.