Comparative bioavailability study of supplemental oral Sucrosomial vs. oral conventional vitamin B12 in enhancing circulatory B12 levels in healthy deficient adults: a multicentre, double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to diverse health conditions, including megaloblastic anemia and neurological issues. Oral supplementation is a standard treatment for B12 deficiency.

Effect of Berberine Phytosome on reproductive, dermatologic, and metabolic characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a controlled, randomized, multi-centric, open-label clinical trial.

Berberine is a poorly absorbed natural alkaloid widely used as nutraceutical to counteract diarrhoea and to lower cholesterol and hyperglycaemia. It has also been reported to reduce signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To explore, through a multi-centric, randomized, controlled and prospective study, the possible role played by a form berberine that is more easily absorbed (Berberine Phytosome, BP) in 130 Pakistani women with a diagnosis of PCOS and fertility problems due to menstrual and ovary abnormalities.

A comparative absorption study of sucrosomial orodispersible vitamin D3 supplementation vs. a reference chewable tablet and soft gel capsule vitamin D3 in improving circulatory 25(OH)D levels in healthy adults with vitamin D deficiency-Results from a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Background: Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency (VDD), associated with diverse health conditions, is commonly treated with Vit D3 supplements. However, the gastrointestinal (GI) absorption of Vit D3 in different formulations has not been well studied.

Objective: We aimed to compare the absorption of an innovative phospholipids-sucrester matrix biodelivery vehicle-based (sucrosomial) orodispersible Vit D3 preparation against a reference chewable tablet and soft gel capsule (SGC) Vit D3 formulations in Vit D-deficient healthy adults.

Female Urinary Incontinence: Frequency, Risk Factors, and Impact on the Quality of Life of Pregnant Pakistani Women.

Objectives: To determine the frequency and associated risk factors of urinary incontinence (UI), and its effect on the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant Pakistani women.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 309 pregnant women, 16-40 weeks gestation, age 18- 45 years, at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, between August 2019 and February 2020. Data were obtained using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence-Short form (ICIQ-UI-SF).

Vaginal Reconstruction in Patients with vaginal agenesis: Options and Outcome: A single-center experience.

Objectives: To assess the postoperative functional, anatomical outcome and complications of various surgical procedures of vaginoplasty performed for patients with vaginal agenesis at our institution.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 14 patients (age range 17-40 years), who underwent vaginoplasty at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan between January 2008 to December 2018. We aimed to assess the anatomical outcomes in terms of vaginal depth, axis and functional outcome as painless and satisfactory vaginal intercourse.

Vaginal Leiomyoma Presenting as Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Pregnancy.

Vaginal leiomyomas are extremely rare in pregnancy. These can present in a variety of ways. They can cause mechanical obstruction leading to maternal and perinatal morbidity.

Causative factors, social and surgical outcomes of vesicovaginal fistulas treated via an abdominal transvesical approach: A single-center experience.

Objective: To study the demographics, and surgical and social outcomes of patients with fistula repair performed at our hospital.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients with fistula repair performed between 2014 and 2019 in the Urology Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar using an open transvesical repair method without omental interposition. Data were collected on patients' demographics, and social and surgical outcomes.

Ruptured uterus: Frequency, risk factors and feto-maternal outcome: Current scenario in a low-resource setup.

Introduction: Pakistan is among the countries with the highest maternal death rates. Obstetric hemorrhage accounts for 41% of these deaths. Uterine rupture is a grave obstetric emergency with high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

The practice of Burch Colposuspension versus Mid Urethral Slings for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in developing country.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and complications of Burch colposuspension and Mid Urethral Slings (MUS) for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 162 patients who underwent surgery for SUI with Burch colposuspension (n=40), tension free vaginal tape (TVT) (n= 59) or transobturator tape (TOT) (n=63), from 2006 to 2014 at the Aga Khan University Hospital- Karachi. All three groups were assessed in terms of demographics, cure rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications at one and five years using incontinence impact questionnaire-short form-7 (IIQ-7) and urogenital distress inventory -short form-6 (UDI-6).

Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence and female sexual functions: A quasi-experimental study.

Objectives: To assess the effect of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and/or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on various domains of female sexual functions in patients before and after reconstructive surgery for these pelvic floor disorders.

Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study of 126 women aged 25-65 years, presenting with POP / SUI, from January 1 2019 to December 31 2019 at Aga Khan University Hospital. POP surgery was performed only in patients with symptomatic POP ≥ stage 2 according to POP-Q (quantification).

The association of symptoms of overactive bladder with pelvic organ prolapse and its improvement after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Objectives: This study asseses the association of overactive bladder symptoms and pelvic organ prolapse severity and evaluates the effect of pelvic reconstructive surgery on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It also looks into any pre and post-operative factors responsible for persistent postoperative OAB symptoms.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2018.

A clinical audit of management of third and fourth degree perineal tears.

Objective: To perform a clinical audit of the practices related to the management of third and fourth degree perineal tears.

Methods: The retrorspective study was conducted in 2019 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records from January 2008 to December 2018 of women having singleton term vaginal delivery and sustaining obstetric anal sphincter injuries. The change in practices regarding tear management was compared with a previous audit done at the same institution in 2008.