FREQUENCY, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN ADULT ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME POPULATION OF D.I.KHAN DIVISION, PAKISTAN

COMPLICATIONS IN ABO-INCOMPATIBLE HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT IN PAKISTAN

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is therapeutic option for many blood diseases. It has increased risk of complications with incompatible pair. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of complications in ABO-incompatible HSCT in Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre , Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 11th August 2018 till 15th March 2021. A sample of 73 ABO-incompatible HSCT patients was selected. Variables were sex, age groups, acute delayed hemolysis, pure red cell aplasia and acute GvHD. All variables being categorical were described by count and percentage with 80%CI. Complications in sample vs. population were compared through chi-square goodness of fit test.RESULTS: Seventy three patients with ABO-incompatible HSCT included 52 (71.23%) men 21 (28.77%) women, and 49 (67.12%) in age group ≤14 years 24 (32.88%) in ≥15 years. Out of 73 patients, eight (10.96%) had acute hemolysis, 26 (35.62%) had delayed hemolysis, four (5.84%) had pure red cell aplasia and 34 (46.58%) had acute GvHD. The observed prevalence in sample was similar to population for acute (p=.46893) and delayed hemolysis (p=.30759) and acute GvHD (p=.55841), while it was different for pure red cell aplasia (p=.00006).CONCLUSION: Most common complication in our study was acute GvHD, followed by delayed hemolysis, acute hemolysis pure red cell aplasia. The observed prevalence in sample was similar to population for acute delayed hemolysis and acute GvHD, while it was different for pure red cell aplasia.

DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIVE HEPATITIS C INFECTED POPULATION BY SEX AND AGE GROUPS IN DISTRICT D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Untreated hepatitis C virus infection is major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma causing significant morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to determine distribution of active hepatitis C infected population by sex and age groups in District D.I.Khan, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at District Health Office, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from 25 April 2021 to 12 May 2021. Data was collected for period from 11 February 2017 to 22 April 2021. 1062 active hepatitis C infected cases were selected from population at risk consecutively. Sex (nominal) and age groups (ordinal) were variables. Distribution was analyzed by count, percentage and confidence intervals for proportion for population. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit test.Results: Out of 1062 active hepatitis C infected population, 569 (53.58%) were men 493 (46.42%) women, and 51 (4.80%) in age group 0-20 years, 433 (40.77%) in 21-40, 476 (44.82%) in 41-60 102 (9.61%) in 60 years. Our distribution by sex (p.00001) and age groups (p.00001) was different than expected.Conclusion: In our study, active hepatitis C infection was more common in men than women and most common in age group 41-60 years, followed by 21-40, 60 0-20 years. Our observed prevalence of active hepatitis C infection in men was lower than expected in women it was higher than expected. Our observed prevalence of active hepatitis C infection in the four age groups was not similar to expected.

PREVALENCE OF MORTALITY AND ITS DISTRIBUTION BY SEX AND AGE GROUPS IN INDOOR COVID-19 PATIENTS IN D.I.KHAN DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: COVID-19 has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of mortality and its distribution by sex and age groups in indoor COVID-19 patients in D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan. A sample of 438 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was selected. Sex age-groups were two demographic and presence of mortality was a research variable. The data type for all variables was nominal, except ordinal age groups. Prevalence distribution were described by count and percentage with 95%CI. The hypotheses were tested by chi-square goodness of fit test.Results: Out of 438 COVID-19 patients, mortality was 43 (9.82%), including 34 (7.76%) men and nine (2.06%) women. The mortality was 0% for 0-19 years, four (0.92%) for 20-39 years, 12 (2.74%) for 40-59 years and 27 (6.16%) ≥60 years. Our mortality 9.82% was lower than expected 20.95% (p=.001). It was higher in men than women (p=.001). It was highest in age group ≥60 years, while 0% in 0-19 years. It was similar to expected by sex (p=.070) and age group (p=.207).Conclusion: Our study showed 9.82% mortality in indoor COVID-19 patients. The mortality was lower than expected. The mortality was higher in men than women. It was highest in elderly, while zero in children and adolescents. It was similar to expected by sex and age group.

DISTRIBUTION OF DRUG SENSITIVE TUBERCULOSIS BY SEX, AGE GROUPS AND TYPE OF DISEASE IN DS-TB POPULATION OF DISTRICT D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the 10th leading cause of death globally and is leading cause of death from a single infectious disease. The objectives of our study were to determine the distribution of drug sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) by sex, age groups and type of disease in DS-TB population of District D.I.Khan, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from January 5, 2021 to January 25, 2021. The data of 3,916 patients was retrieved from District Health Office, D.I.Khan for the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. Sex, age groups and type of disease were categorical variables and analyzed by count and percentage with CI at 95%CL. Distribution of DR-TB by sex, age groups and type of disease was analyzed separately by chi-square goodness-of-fit test at alpha .05. Results: Out of 3,916 patients with DS-TB, women 2,110 (53.88%, 95% CI 52.32-55.44) were more than men 1,806 (46.12%, 95%CI 44.55-47.67), with most common age group of 15-44 years 1,948 (49.74%, 95%CI 48.17-51.31), and with more pulmonary 2,877 (73.47%, 95%CI 72.08-74.85%) than extrapulmonary 1,039 (26.53%, 95%CI 25.14-27.91) cases. Our observed prevalence of DS-TB in men was lower 46.12% than expected 51.72% and in women it was higher 53.88% than expected 48.28% (p.00001). Our observed distribution of DS-TB in different age groups was not similar to expected (p.00001). Our observed prevalence of pulmonary TB was lower 73.47% than expected 80.35% and in extrapulmonary TB it was higher 26.53% than expected 19.65% (p.00001).Conclusions: Drug sensitive tuberculosis was more common in women than men in DS-TB population of District D.I.Khan, Pakistan. It was highest in age group 15-44 years and higher for pulmonary TB than extrapulmonary TB. Our observed prevalence in men was lower than expected and in women it was higher than expected. Our observed prevalence for drug sensitive TB in various age groups was different than expected. Our observed prevalence for pulmonary TB was lower than expected and for extrapulmonary TB it was higher than expected.

ADDRESSING MYTHS OF OUR MEDICAL COMMUNITY REGARDING RESEARCH

Writing the first research article is always considered a difficult task. With experience, the difficulty level decreases but still it’s not less than a nightmare for most of our medical community. Faculty, consultants and students are generally found struggling with their research projects. They are engaged in research, including basic science research, public health/ social science research, medical education research or clinical research. Research is conducted for one or more of the three reasons including identifying magnitude of the problem, cause of the problem or actual solution of the problem.

POST-OPERATIVE ORAL ANTIBIOTICS IN REDUCING FREQUENCY OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION FOLLOWING NON-PERFORATED APPENDECTOMY IN POPULATION OF SOUTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY, PAKISTAN

Background: Acute appendicitis is most frequent cause of acute abdomen in younger population, and surgical site infection (SSI) is commonest complication of appendectomy. The objective of this trial was to compare the efficacy of post-operative oral antibiotics versus placebo in reducing the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) following appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis in population of South Waziristan Agency, Pakistan.Materials Methods: The randomized placebo trial was conducted at Agency Headquarter Hospital, Wana, South Waziristan, Pakistan from October 1, 2016 to November 18, 2018. One hundred fifty (150) patients were randomly allocated into two groups, 75 in experimental group, to whom antibiotics were given and 75 in placebo group, to whom antibiotics were not given. Age groups and presence of SSI were two variables, being on nominal scale, were described by count and percentage with CI at 80%CL. McNemar chi-square test was applied to test the hypothesis to see the significance of difference between the experimental and placebo groups in terms of frequency of SSI at alpha .05.Results: SSI was present in nine (12%, 80%CI 7.19-16.80%) out of 75 cases in experimental group and in 12 (16%, 80%CI 10.57-21.42%) out of 75 cases in placebo group. McNemar chi-square test showed no significant difference between the experimental and placebo groups in terms of frequency of SSI (p=.2482).Conclusion: The results are comparable for post-operative oral antibiotics versus placebo in reducing the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) following appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis in population of South Waziristan Agency, Pakistan.

DISTRIBUTION OF HEPATITIS B INFECTED POPULATION BY SEX AND AGE GROUPS IN DISTRICT D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Significant morbidity and mortality is caused by untreated hepatitis B virus infection through cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objectives of our study were to determine distribution of hepatitis B infected population by sex and age groups in District D.I.Khan, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at District Health Office, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from January 30, 2021 to February 15, 2021. Data was collected for period from March 14, 2013 to January 28, 2021 for 2368 hepatitis B infected cases from population at risk consecutively. Sex and age groups were demographic variables. Data type was nominal for sex and ordinal for age groups. Distribution was analyzed by count, percentage and confidence intervals for proportion for population. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit test.Results: Out of 2368 hepatitis B infected population, 1670 (70.52%) were men 698(29.48%) women, and 562 (23.73%) were in age group 0-20 years, 1266 (53.46%) in 21-40 years, 462 (19.51%) in 41-60 years 78 (3.30%) in 60 years. Our distribution by sex (p.00001) and age groups (p.00001) were different than expected respectively.Conclusion: In our study, hepatitis B infection was more common in men than women and most common in age group 21-40 years, followed by 0-20 years, 41-60 years and 60 years. Our observed prevalence of hepatitis B infection in men was higher than expected in women it was lower than expected. Our observed prevalence in the four age groups was not similar to expected.

PREVALENCE, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF INTESTINAL TUBERCULOSIS IN ADULT INDOOR PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SMALL INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN POPULATION OF PESHAWAR DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Acute small intestinal obstruction (ASIO) is one of the commonest causes of emergency hospital admissions, morbidity and mortality. Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is common cause of ASIO in developing countries leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to determine prevalence, distribution and determinants of ITB in adult indoor patients with ASIO in population of Peshawar Division, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Surgery Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan from January 2019 to June 2020.  The data was collected from its three affiliated hospitals; Mercy Teaching Hospital, Kuwait Teaching Hospital Prime Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. 207 ASIO subjects were selected from population at risk consecutively. Sex, age groups and presence of ITB were variables. Prevalence and distribution were described by count, percentage and confidence intervals for proportion for population. Hypotheses for distribution were tested by chi-square goodness of fit and of association by chi-square test of association.Results: Out of 207 patients with ASIO, 128 (61.84%) were men and 79 (38.16%) women, 87 (42.03%) were in age group 18-40 and 120 (57.97%) in 41-60 years. Out of 207 patients with ASIO, 41 (19.81%) had ITB, while 166 (80.19%) had no ITB. Out of 41 ITB patients, 25 (12.08%) were men and 16 (7.73%) women, 17 (8.21%) in age group 18-40 and 24 (11.60%) in 41-60 years. The prevalence of ITB was similar to expected (p=.5695). The distribution across sex (p=.00001) was different and across age groups (p=.12501) was similar to expected. Presence of ITB was not associated to sex (p=.8992) and age groups (p=.9347).Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal TB in adult indoor acute small intestinal obstruction (ASIO) population of Peshawar Division, Pakistan was 19.81%. Prevalence was higher in men than women and higher in 41-60 years than 18-40 years age group population. Overall prevalence of intestinal TB was similar to expected. Observed distribution across sex was different and across age groups was similar to expected. Presence of intestinal TB was not associated to sex and age groups respectively.

DISTRIBUTION OF DR-TB BY SEX, AGE GROUPS, OCCUPATION, PROVINCE, DIVISION, DISTRICT, TYPE OF DISEASE, TYPE OF DRUG RESISTANCE, TREATMENT REGIMEN AND OUTCOME OF TREATMENT IN DR-TB POPULATION IN D.I.KHAN DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is the major cause of mortality worldwide. Our objectives were to determine the distribution of DR-TB by sex, age groups, occupation, province, division, district, type of disease, type of drug resistance, treatment regimen and outcome of treatment in DR-TB population in D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan. A sample of 286 DR-TB patients was selected consecutively from population at risk. Sex, age groups, occupation, province, division and district were demographic while type of disease, type of drug resistance, treatment regimen and outcome of treatment were research variables. All variables being nominal were described by count, percentage cumulative percentage with 95% confidence interval for proportion. Distribution of DR-TB patients by all the ten variables were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit test.Results: Out of 286 DR-TB patients, 123 (43%) were men and 163 (57%) women. DR-TB cases were most prevalent in age group 15-44 years 172 (60.14%), housewife 140 (48.95%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 175 (61.19%), D.I.Khan Division 178 (62.24%) and district 121 (42.31%). Most common type of disease, drug resistance and treatment regimen was pulmonary TB 282 (98.60%), MDR 273 (95.45%) and longer treatment (n=273 MDR-TB) 246 (90.11%) respectively. Treatment success rate was 161 (56.29%). The observed prevalence by occupation, province, division, district and type of disease in our sample was similar to expected prevalence in population (p.05 for all), while it was different from population by sex, age groups, type of drug resistance, regimen and treatment outcome (p.05 for all).Conclusion: The prevalence of DR-TB was higher in women, age group 15-44 years, housewife, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and D.I.Khan Division and District. Most common type of disease, drug resistance and treatment regimen was pulmonary TB, MDR and longer treatment respectively. Treatment success rate was 56.29%. The observed prevalence by occupation, province, division, district and type of disease in sample was similar to population, while it was different by sex, age groups, type of drug resistance, regimen and treatment outcome.

PREVALENCE, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI RESISTANCE TO CEFTRIAXONE IN ADULT INDOOR UTI POPULATION OF DISTRICT PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Background: Escherichia coliresistance to ceftriaxone in UTIs is an emerging health problem.Our objectives were to determine prevalence, distribution and determinants of E. coliresistance to ceftriaxone in adult indoor UTI population of District Peshawar, Pakistan. Materials & Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2017. 380 UTIs cases were selected from population at riskconsecutively.Sex and age groups were demographic, while presence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone was research variable. All variables were nominal.Prevalenceand distribution were analyzed by count, percentage and confidence intervals for proportion for population. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit and of association by chi-square test of association. Results: Out of 380 patients with UTI, 136 (35.80%) were men,244(64.20%) women, 262 (68.95%) in age group 18-45 years and 118 (31.05%) in age group 46-65 years. Frequency/ prevalence of E. coli resistance was 287/380 (75.53%, 95%CI 71.20-79.85). Out of 287 patients with E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone, 101 (26.58%) were men and 186 (48.95%) women, 198 (52.11%) in age group 18-45 years and 89 (23.42%) in age group 46-65 years. Our prevalence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone was higher than expected (p<.00001), our distribution by sex(p<.00125) and age groups (p<.00001) were different than expected. Presence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone was not associated to sex (p=.669333) and age groups (p=.975097). Conclusion:Prevalence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone in adult UTI population of District Peshawar, Pakistan was alarmingly high 75.53%. Prevalence was more in women than men and more in younger age group (18-45 years) than older age group (46-60 years) population.Overall prevalence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone was higher than expected. Distribution by sex showed higher prevalence than expected in men and lower than expected in women, and higher than expected in younger age group and lower than expected in older age group. Presence of E. coli resistance to ceftriaxone was not associated to sex and age groups respectively in adult UTI population of District Peshawar, Pakistan.

DISTRIBUTION OF DELIBERATE SELF-POISONING BY SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS, PRECIPITATING EVENTS, TYPE OF SUBSTANCE AND MORTALITY IN POPULATION OF HAZARA DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Deliberate self-poisoning is important cause of deaths in younger population. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of deliberate self-poisoning by 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality in population of Hazara Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan from October 9, 2017 to December 28, 2018. 102 deliberate self-poisoning patients were selected consecutively from population at risk. Variables were 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality. All variables being categorical were described by count and percentage for sample and by confidence intervals for proportion for population at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Deliberate self-poisoning cases (n=102) were higher in women 80.39%, in age group 18-25 years 54.90%, similar in urban 49.02% and rural 50.98%, higher in non-Pathan 74.51%, in married 57.84%, in joint family 79.41%, in up to matric education 85.29% and in housewives 52.94%, 4.90% with previous history of self-harm, 1.96% with family history of self-harm and higher in lower socioeconomic group 81.37%. The most common precipitating event was interpersonal difficulties with spouse, family members or friends 56.86%, while the most common type of substance was organophosphate 62.75%. Mortality was 3.92%. Conclusion: Deliberate self-poisoning was more prevalent in women, younger age group, married, joint family, educated up to matric, housewives and lower socioeconomic status. Family conflict was most common precipitating factor. Organophosphate was most common type of substance and mortality was high 3.92%.

PREVALENCE, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS IN ADULT INDOOR STROKE POPULATION OF PESHAWAR DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Stroke is a devastating public health problem worldwide, considered as the third leading cause of death in developed countries, and the leading cause of disability among adults. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including pulmonary embolism (PE) as a sequel, is a serious complication of various medical conditions including stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine frequency of deep vein thrombosis among patients presented with stroke. Materials and methods: This study was descriptive (cross-sectional) study, conducted in the Department of Neurology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar over 6 months. In the study a total of 196 patients were observed. Base line investigations were done and ultrasound was carried out to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. All the laboratory investigations and ultrasound were done by single experience pathologist and sonologist having minimum of five years of experience respectively. Observation and examination was done by neurologist who was not aware about the study and data was recorded in a predesigned proforma. To control confounders and bias in the study results, strict exclusion criteria had been followed. Results: In this study mean age was 63 years with standard deviation ± 28.34. Forty two percent patients were male and 58% patients were female. More over 8% patients had deep vein thrombosis. Conclusion:Our study concludes that the frequency of deep vein thrombosis was 8% among patients presented with stroke.

FREQUENCY OF ABO, RH AND ABO-RH BLOOD GROUPS IN STUDENTS OF GOMAL MEDICAL COLLEGE, D.I.KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Blood group of an individual is commonly determined by ABO & Rh status. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of ABO, Rh and ABO-Rh blood groups in students of Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from April 1 to May 23, 2019. The population being accessible was taken as sample. Sample size was 452. Our research variables (attributes) were ABO (A, B, AB, O), Rh (positive and negative) and ABO-Rh (A+, B+, AB+ O+, A-, B-, AB-, O-) respectively. All variables being nominal were described by count and percentage. The estimated parameters were given as confidence interval for proportion at 95% confidence level. The observed frequency of ABO, Rh and ABO-Rh blood groups was tested against their expected frequency using chi-square goodness of fit test. Results: Out of 452 students, the frequency of ABO blood group was; A 127 (28.12%), B 165 (36.53%), AB 57 (12.62%) & O 103 (22.73%); Rh blood group was; Rh+ 408 (90.33%) & Rh- 44 (9.67%) and ABO-Rh was; A+ 116 (25.60%), B+ 148 (32.05%), AB+ 50 (11.30%), O+ 91 (20.10%), A- 11 (2.40%), B- 17 (03.70%), AB- 7 (1.50%) & O- 12 (2.60%). The observed frequency of ABO & ABO-Rh blood groups was significantly different whereas of Rh blood group was similar to expected prevalence. Conclusion: In our population, most common blood group was B+ and the least common was AB-. The observed frequency of ABO & ABO-Rh blood groups was different while of Rh was same as expected. Awareness of blood groups in populations will help in the effective management of blood banks record in routine as well as during blood related life emergency situations.