Transcobalamin deficiency - a rare genetic defect in transportation of cobalamin; case report.

Background: Vitamin B12 is primarily transported from plasma to cells by Transcobalamin. Deficiency of Transcobalamin is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results in unavailability of cobalamin in cells and accumulation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid.

Case Report: We report a case of a 2-year-old male child with persistent pancytopenia, recurrent infections, and megaloblastic anemia.

Doppler-Assessed Ureteric Jet Frequency: A Valuable Predictor of Ureteric Obstruction.

Objectives: To compare ureterovesical jet frequency in non-obstructed versus obstructed ureter secondary to ureteric stone using ultrasonography in patients presenting with ureteral stones.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional prospective study. Place of study and duration: Urology Department, The Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute from May 16 to November 15, 2019.

Clinical Spectrum in a Cohort of Patients With High Fecal Calprotectin Levels.

Introduction: Distinguishing between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and functional gastrointestinal disorders is a diagnostic challenge. The need for non-invasive biomarker as a diagnostic tool in the assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms is required. The objectives of current study were to determine the spectrum of clinical features in patients tested for fecal calprotectin presenting with high levels and to compare calprotectin levels among already diagnosed patients known to have IBD as per biopsy findings and documented on patients' file with newly presenting patients who were being investigated and did not have a diagnosis.

The impact of structured counselling on patient knowledge at a private TB program in Karachi.

Objective: To assess the impact of structured counselling on the knowledge of patients and families attending the Tuberculosis (TB) clinic at the Indus Hospital, Karachi.

Methods: This was a case control study conducted from 17th December 2018 to 28th December 2018 at The Indus Hospital, Karachi. We evaluated the baseline knowledge regarding TB in 60 patients and families, 30 of whom had undergone at least one counselling session at the TB clinic.

Factors Determining Pakistani Medical Students' Career Preference for General Practice Residency Training.

Background Few studies have explored factors affecting preference of medical students towards general practice as a career choice. We conducted a survey in Karachi across various public and private sector medical colleges to examine factors associated with students' general practice career aspirations in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods From January to March 2018, we distributed a 21-item questionnaire to final year medical students in eight medical schools.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Nurses in Pakistan Towards Diabetic Foot.

Introduction Diabetic foot ulcers are a pressing complication of diabetes mellitus. Wound care requires a significant proportion of healthcare resources. It is imperative, therefore, for healthcare professionals to possess sound knowledge of the disease along with a positive attitude to ensure better clinical practice.

Frequency and Determinants of Inappropriate Use of Treadmill Stress Test for Coronary Artery Disease.

Background In developing countries like Pakistan, treatment is mediated by private and public healthcare setups with a limited budget for health facilities. Moreover, the inappropriate use of treadmill tests imposes a burden on healthcare resources and leads to unwarranted interventions. Our aim is to assess the prevalence and predictors of inappropriate referrals for the exercise tolerance test (ETT) to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) while taking public and private healthcare settings into consideration.

Knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis among female medical school entrants in Pakistan.

Background: Osteoporosis is a growing health problem around the world. The increasing incidence of osteoporotic fractures coupled with the lack of knowledge about the disease in the general community means that the disease is continuously increasing the burden on health sector and the general population. The purpose of the study is to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices about osteoporosis among female medical school entrants in Karachi.

Self-Medication with Antibiotics among People Dwelling in Rural Areas of Sindh.

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics is becoming increasingly common due to multiple factors. The public who are using these antibiotics generally do not have full information regarding their proper use, especially the dosages and possible side-effects. Hence, unregulated use of such medicines may cause dangerous adverse effects in the patients.

Effects of colchicine on pericardial diseases: a review of the literature and current evidence.

Colchicine, extracted from the colchicum autumnale plant, used by the ancient Greeks more than 20 centuries ago, is one of the most ancient drugs still prescribed even today. The major mechanism of action is binding to microtubules thereby interfering with mitosis and subsequent modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte function. Colchicine has long been of interest in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; however, its efficacy and safety profile for specific conditions have been variably established in the literature.

Comparison of the Postprocedural Quality of Life between Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review.

The treatment of choice between coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has remained unclear. Considering quality of life (QOL) increases life expectancy, we believe QOL should be important in determining the optimum treatment. Thus the objective of this review was to illustrate the comparative effects of CABG and PCI on postprocedural QOL.

Factors associated with patient visits to the emergency department for asthma therapy in Pakistan.

Background: Acute asthma is a chronic condition affecting people of all ages around the world and hence, is one of the leading causes of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions globally. Most of them are related to poor patient practices and a weak healthcare system. The aim of our study was to assess the reasons for the increased usage of the ED by asthmatic patients in Pakistan.

Frequency and awareness of hepatitis B and C in visitors of Hepatitis Awareness Mela.

Objective: To observe the frequency of Hepatitis B and C in a section of society that is presumably healthy and educated and to evaluate the awareness about the modes of transmission of hepatitis B and C, in this segment.

Methods: A total of 504 individuals visiting the Awareness Mela arranged to observe World Hepatitis Day were screened for Hepatitis B and C. In addition, 106 conveniently selected individuals of age 16 years or more were asked to fill out a questionnaire which enquired on the modes of transmission of the diseases.