PREVALENCE OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF PAKISTAN.

Background: Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is well established in most of the developed countries, where childbirth is obligatory in hospitals and allied facilities. In rural Pakistan the situation is reverse, where most of deliveries take place in homes by traditional birth attendants' therefore true prevalence of CHD in our population is unknown. In rural Pakistan almost 80% children are born at home hence the figures are unknown.

Natural history of rheumatic heart disease, a 12 years observational study "penicillin bites the muscle but heals the heart".

Background: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is amajor cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in young individuals, in developing countries. Long term studies regarding natural history of RHD in Pakistan have not been reported in literature. We present our follow up observations on RHD patients at the end of 12 years since our first survey conducted in rural communities in 1994.

Prompt delivery of thrombolytic therapy: experience with chest pain units and emergency medical services.

Objective: To reduce the reperfusion time with thrombolytics.

Methods: The study was done at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahimyar Khan, between January and October 2009, and comprised all consecutive patients with ST segment Myocardial Infarction presenting to the hospital in emergency. In phase one, emergency medical services of Rescue 1122 were utilised to minimize transportation time and thrombolytics were instituted in the Emergency Department or the Coronary Care Unit.

Prevalence of long QT syndrome and other cardiac defects in deaf-mute children.

Background: Long QT syndrome is considered a fatal disease because of its association with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Objectives of study were to determine the prevalence of long QT syndrome and other heart diseases, in deaf-mute children.

Methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Cholistan special education centre and Cardiology department, Sheikh Zayed hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan in September 2006.