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Jafree SR, Naveed A, Ahsan H, Burhan SK, Khan MA, Khawar A, Fischer F. Mental health and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease: a single-center structural equation model. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:193. [PMID: 38840079 PMCID: PMC11155103 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the leading disease burdens in Pakistan. Until now, there has only been limited focus in the country on providing health services through tertiary services in urban cities, whereas there is almost no research in Pakistan on the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients. This study aimed to understand which predictors influence the mental health and quality of life of CLD patients in order to advise better policy protection. METHODS Data was collected from CLD patients at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 850 respondents were part of the final sample. The age of respondents ranged from 18 to 79 years and included the following diagnosis: (i) Chronic Viral Hepatitis (n = 271), (ii) Cirrhosis (n = 259), (iii) Hepatocellular Carcinoma (n = 193), and (iv) Non-viral Liver Disease (n = 127). RESULTS Mean results reveal that females as well as illiterate patients need more support for mental health and communication with their physician; whereas men need more support to develop coping strategies. Structural equation modelling results reveal that the severity of symptoms (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β=-0.51, p < 0.001), and doctor communication (β=-0.35, p < 0.001) predict mental health. Quality of life is associated with the severity of symptoms (β=-0.36, p < 0.001), coping strategies (β = 0.26, p < 0.05), and doctor communication (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A 'bio-psycho-social-spiritual' model is recommended for Pakistan's CLD patients which includes the integration of social officers to provide support in four key areas to secure mental health and quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rizvi Jafree
- Department of Sociology, Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Naveed
- Pakistan Kidney Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Humna Ahsan
- Department of Economics, Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Masha Asad Khan
- Academic Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amna Khawar
- Department of Psychology, Lahore College of Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Arshad F. Allopurinol Prophylaxis: Safeguarding Against Liver Cirrhosis Complications. Am J Med 2024; 137:e116. [PMID: 38821688 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
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Ali MM, Gul M, Imran M, Ijaz M, Azeem S, Ullah A, Yaqub HMF. Molecular identification and genotyping of hepatitis E virus from Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Sci Rep 2024; 14:223. [PMID: 38167570 PMCID: PMC10762251 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a global health concern. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is endemic in Pakistan. HEV has four genotypes: HEV-1 through HEV-4. The genotypes HEV-1 and HEV-2 are associated with infection in humans, especially in countries with poor sanitation. The genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic and human infection takes place by consuming undercooked meat or being in contact with animals. The present study was designed to ascertain the presence of HEV in the Southern Punjab region of Pakistan. First, blood samples (n = 50) were collected from patients suspected of infection with the hepatitis E virus from the Multan District. The serum was separated and the samples were initially screened using an HEV IgM-ELISA. Second, the ELISA-positive samples were subjected to PCR and were genetically characterized. For PCR, the RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis were done using commercial kits. The HEV ORF2 (Open Reading Frame-2, capsid protein) was amplified using nested PCR targeting a 348 bp segment. The PCR amplicons were sequenced and an evolutionary tree was constructed using MEGA X software. A protein model was built employing the SWISS Model after protein translation using ExPASy online tool. The positivity rate of anti-HEV antibodies in serum samples was found as 56% (28/50). All Pakistani HEV showed homology with genotype 1 and shared common evolutionary origin and ancestry with HEV isolates of genotype 1 of London (MH504163), France (MN401238), and Japan (LC314158). Sequence analysis of motif regions assessment and protein structure revealed that the sequences had a similarity with the reference sequence. These data suggest that genotype 1 of HEV is circulating in Pakistan. This finding could be used for the diagnosis and control of HEV in the specific geographic region focusing on its prevalent genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Muddassir Ali
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Mehek Gul
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ijaz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahan Azeem
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arif Ullah
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Farooq Yaqub
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Bansal SB, Ramasubramanian V, Prasad N, Saraf N, Soman R, Makharia G, Varughese S, Sahay M, Deswal V, Jeloka T, Gang S, Sharma A, Rupali P, Shah DS, Jha V, Kotton CN. South Asian Transplant Infectious Disease Guidelines for Solid Organ Transplant Candidates, Recipients, and Donors. Transplantation 2023; 107:1910-1934. [PMID: 36749281 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
These guidelines discuss the epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, posttransplant prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of endemic infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates, recipients, and donors in South Asia. The guidelines also provide recommendations for SOT recipients traveling to this region. These guidelines are based on literature review and expert opinion by transplant physicians, surgeons, and infectious diseases specialists, mostly from South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) as well as transplant experts from other countries. These guidelines cover relevant endemic bacterial infections (tuberculosis, leptospirosis, melioidosis, typhoid, scrub typhus), viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; rabies; and the arboviruses including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, Japanese encephalitis), endemic fungal infections (mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, sporotrichosis), and endemic parasitic infections (malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, strongyloidiasis, and filariasis) as well as travelers' diarrhea and vaccination for SOT candidates and recipients including travelers visiting this region. These guidelines are intended to be an overview of each topic; more detailed reviews are being published as a special supplement in the Indian Journal of Transplantation .
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Bihari Bansal
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology Medanta-Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | | | - Narayan Prasad
- Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta, Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Rajeev Soman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Govind Makharia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Santosh Varughese
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manisha Sahay
- Department of Nephrology, Osmania Medical College, and Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vikas Deswal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medanta, Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Tarun Jeloka
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Sishir Gang
- Department of Nephrology, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Nadiad, Gujrat, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Priscilla Rupali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dibya Singh Shah
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University of Teaching hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Camille Nelson Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Liver Transplantation: A Right or a Privilege? Sustainable Liver Transplant Financing With an Innovative Model for the Developing World. Transplant Proc 2023; 55:402-407. [PMID: 36878746 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Living donor liver transplant in addition to its lifesaving therapy is a cost-effective alternate to long-term disease management in patients with chronic liver disease. Financial constraint is the biggest hurdle faced by patients in developing countries in availing the liver transplantation. So, we conducted this study to report a government-funded financial support system for liver transplant services. A total of 198 patients who underwent living donor liver transplant with at least 90 days follow-up were included in the study. According to proxy means test score, 52.2% patients were from low and middle socioeconomic groups and 64.6% of patients underwent liver transplantation through government support. Out of 198 patients who underwent liver transplantation 29.6% had monthly income below 25,000 Pakistani rupees ($114). In recipients, 90-day mortality was 7.1% and morbidity was 67.1%. Donor morbidity was 23.2% without any mortality. This financial model can serve as a valuable source for middle and low income group countries to overcome the financial challenge and make liver transplant an accessible, affordable, and economically viable option.
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Ullah K, Dogar AW, Ochani S, Ahmad HB. Hepatitis E infection in chronic liver disease patients causing acute on chronic liver failure: Vaccination is need of the hour. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:bmjgast-2022-001051. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-001051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Comparative prevalence of different types of viral hepatitis in the district Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-022-00203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Viral hepatitis causes both liver inflammation and damage and is a serious health problem.
Methods
The indoor data of different types of hepatitis were collected from the official records of the administration of District Head Quarter Hospital Dera Ismail Khan for 2 years (2020–2021).
Results
A total of 1193 cases of viral hepatitis during the study period were found including viral hepatitis C accounted for 547 (45.9%) cases, followed by the co-infection of viral hepatitis A and E 367 (30.8%) cases, and viral hepatitis B 279 (23.4%) cases. March showed the highest prevalence of hepatitis (33.2%), followed by February (10.2%). The co-infection of hepatitis A and E showed a relatively higher prevalence in 6 months from May to November except September including a peak in June (76.5%) during the study period. While viral hepatitis B demonstrated a comparatively higher percentage prevalence in both February and September with a peak in February (68%), and viral hepatitis C is dominant in January, March, and December with a peak in March (83.8%).
Conclusion
All types of viral hepatitis showed variation in prevalence over months and monthly variation concerning peak prevalence exists among different types of hepatitis. Both viral hepatitis A and E demonstrated similar trend in relative prevalence in both 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, viral hepatitis A and B showed monthly and seasonal variation in relatively prevalence in both years. The study help in adopting strategies for the prevention of viral hepatitis in the study area.
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8
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Samavia N, Fahed P, Yasir W, Tasneem A, Syeda N. Prediction of promiscuous epitopes in ORF2 of Hepatitis E virus: an In-Silico approach. Afr Health Sci 2022; 22:626-639. [PMID: 36910344 PMCID: PMC9993254 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i3.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine development against emerging infections is essentially important for saving people from increasing viral infections. In developing countries, Hepatitis E (HEV) is a common infection affecting millions of people worldwide. Based on In-silico analysis, different approaches have been targeted. Objectives Rationale of this study is to design an epitope-based vaccine candidates with the help of immunoinformatics that can predict promiscuous B-cell and T-cell epitopes of the most antigenic HEV-ORF2 capsid protein. Materials & Methods This study suggests potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes of the highly antigenic HEV ORF2 capsid protein while using various In-silico tools such as NCBI-BLAST, Expassy, CLC workbench, Ellipro and Discotope. Results Potential antigenic and immunogenic CD8+ T-cell epitopes were predicted from the global consensus sequence of ORF2-HEV. Furthermore, twenty-two linear B-cell epitopes were predicted. Among these, "SLGAGPV" at position 587-593 and "LEFRNLTPGNTNTRVSRYSS" at position 306-325 were most antigenic with antigenicity score 1.4206 and 1.3600 respectively. Discontinuous B-cell epitopes were found by three-dimensional capsid protein structure. Epitopes predicted in this study reveal high antigenicity and promiscuity for HLA classes. Conclusion Collectively, our data suggests promiscuous epitopes that can potentially acts as new candidates for the design of HEV peptide vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Samavia
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Parvaiz Fahed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Waheed Yasir
- Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Tasneem
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Nasreen Syeda
- IBADAT International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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9
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Saraf N, Dhampalwar S, Kute V, Bansal S. Expert group opinion for diagnosis and management viral hepatitis in solid organ transplant recipients in South Asia. INDIAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION 2022; 16:77. [DOI: 10.4103/ijot.ijot_89_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
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Mohsin A, Haneef K, Ilyas A, Zarina S, Hashim Z. Oxidative Stress Induced Cell Cycle Arrest: Potential Role of PRX-2 and GSTP-1 as Therapeutic Targets in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:1323-1329. [PMID: 34749598 DOI: 10.2174/0929866528666211105105953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence and mortality rate of HCC is a major concern, especially for developing countries of the world. Hence, extensive research is being carried out in order to explore new approaches for developing successful therapeutic strategies for HCC. The controversial role of oxidative stress in the prognosis and treatment of various diseases such as cancer has become the area of great interest and intrigue for many scientists throughout the world. OBJECTIVE We aim to investigate the role of induced oxidative stress on the suppression of HCC Huh-7 cancerous cells as therapeutic approach. METHODS Induction of oxidative stress via H2O2 treatment produced cell cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner and also led to the over expression of GSTP-1 and PRX-2. The expression of GSTP-1 and PRX-2 was compared in HCC Huh-7 treated, untreated cells and normal hepatocytes using immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, the effects of oxidative stress on cell cycle arrest were also studied through flow cytometry. RESULTS Our study demonstrated the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation as a result of H2O2 induction by arresting the cell cycle at G2 phase. CONCLUSION The induction of oxidative stress could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating HCC in the future. GSTP-1 and PRX-2 can serve as substantial therapeutic targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Mohsin
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270. Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Haneef
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270. Pakistan
| | - Amber Ilyas
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270. Pakistan
| | - Shamshad Zarina
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270. Pakistan
| | - Zehra Hashim
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270. Pakistan
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Arooj S, Mukhtar MU, Abbas F. An acute viral hepatitis epidemic: does ultrasound help the pediatrician? BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:95. [PMID: 33691769 PMCID: PMC7944630 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05510-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) caused by hepatitis virus A and hepatitis virus E is one of the many epidemics that plague third world countries like Pakistan. The serological tests required for the diagnosis of acute viral hepatitis may be unavailable or unaffordable to the denizens of a developing country like Pakistan. In such a scenario, the clinical manifestations and the ultrasonographic findings are the only diagnostic criteria usually present and these can be used to support a clinical diagnosis. This study aims to judge the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of AVH. Results Among the forty-seven subjects of this study, gall bladder wall thickening (GWT) was the most common radiological finding seen in 39 (82.9%) patients. Pericholecystic edema was the second most common finding, seen in 31 (65.9%) patients. Starry sky appearance of the liver was observed in 30 (63.8) patients. Hepatomegaly and ascites were seen in 28 (59.5%) and 25 (53.2%) of the patients, respectively. The ultrasonographic findings of GWT, pericholecystic edema, and starry sky appearance of the liver were the most common ultrasonographic findings associated with AVH. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05510-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Arooj
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Farnaz Abbas
- Department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Ahmed SAKS, Ajisola M, Azeem K, Bakibinga P, Chen YF, Choudhury NN, Fayehun O, Griffiths F, Harris B, Kibe P, Lilford RJ, Omigbodun A, Rizvi N, Sartori J, Smith S, Watson SI, Wilson R, Yeboah G, Aujla N, Azam SI, Diggle PJ, Gill P, Iqbal R, Kabaria C, Kisia L, Kyobutungi C, Madan JJ, Mberu B, Mohamed SF, Nazish A, Odubanjo O, Osuh ME, Owoaje E, Oyebode O, Porto de Albuquerque J, Rahman O, Tabani K, Taiwo OJ, Tregonning G, Uthman OA, Yusuf R. Impact of the societal response to COVID-19 on access to healthcare for non-COVID-19 health issues in slum communities of Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan: results of pre-COVID and COVID-19 lockdown stakeholder engagements. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e003042. [PMID: 32819917 PMCID: PMC7443197 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With COVID-19, there is urgency for policymakers to understand and respond to the health needs of slum communities. Lockdowns for pandemic control have health, social and economic consequences. We consider access to healthcare before and during COVID-19 with those working and living in slum communities. METHODS In seven slums in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan, we explored stakeholder perspectives and experiences of healthcare access for non-COVID-19 conditions in two periods: pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 lockdowns. RESULTS Between March 2018 and May 2020, we engaged with 860 community leaders, residents, health workers and local authority representatives. Perceived common illnesses in all sites included respiratory, gastric, waterborne and mosquitoborne illnesses and hypertension. Pre-COVID, stakeholders described various preventive, diagnostic and treatment services, including well-used antenatal and immunisation programmes and some screening for hypertension, tuberculosis, HIV and vectorborne disease. In all sites, pharmacists and patent medicine vendors were key providers of treatment and advice for minor illnesses. Mental health services and those addressing gender-based violence were perceived to be limited or unavailable. With COVID-19, a reduction in access to healthcare services was reported in all sites, including preventive services. Cost of healthcare increased while household income reduced. Residents had difficulty reaching healthcare facilities. Fear of being diagnosed with COVID-19 discouraged healthcare seeking. Alleviators included provision of healthcare by phone, pharmacists/drug vendors extending credit and residents receiving philanthropic or government support; these were inconsistent and inadequate. CONCLUSION Slum residents' ability to seek healthcare for non-COVID-19 conditions has been reduced during lockdowns. To encourage healthcare seeking, clear communication is needed about what is available and whether infection control is in place. Policymakers need to ensure that costs do not escalate and unfairly disadvantage slum communities. Remote consulting to reduce face-to-face contact and provision of mental health and gender-based violence services should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed A K Shifat Ahmed
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Motunrayo Ajisola
- National Institute for Health Research Project, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Kehkashan Azeem
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Yen-Fu Chen
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Olufunke Fayehun
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Frances Griffiths
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Harris
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Kibe
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard J Lilford
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Akinyinka Omigbodun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Narjis Rizvi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jo Sartori
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Simon Smith
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Samuel I Watson
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ria Wilson
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Godwin Yeboah
- Institute for Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Navneet Aujla
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Syed Iqbal Azam
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Paramjit Gill
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Lyagamula Kisia
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jason J Madan
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Blessing Mberu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shukri F Mohamed
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ahsana Nazish
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Mary E Osuh
- Department of Periodontology and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Eme Owoaje
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oyinlola Oyebode
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Omar Rahman
- University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Komal Tabani
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Olalekan John Taiwo
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Grant Tregonning
- Institute for Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rita Yusuf
- Centre for Health, Population and Development, Independent University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Ali B, Salim A, Alam A, Zuberi BF, Ali Z, Azam Z, Kamani L, Farooqi JI, Salih M, Nawaz AA, Chaudhry AA, Hashmi ZY, Siddique M. HEP-Net opinion on the management of ascites and its complications in the setting of decompensated cirrhosis in the resource constrained environment of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci 2020; 36:1117-1132. [PMID: 32704299 PMCID: PMC7372671 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.36.5.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one half of patients develop ascites within 10 years of diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis. It is a poor prognostic indicator, with only 50% surviving beyond two years. Mortality worsens significantly to 20% to 50% at one year if the ascites becomes refractory to medical therapy. Pakistan has one of the highest prevalence of viral hepatitis in the world and patients with ascites secondary to liver cirrhosis make a major percentage of both inpatient and outpatient burden. Studies indicate that over 80% of patients admitted with ascites have liver cirrhosis as the cause. This expert opinion suggests proper assessment of patients with ascites in the presence of underlying cirrhosis. This expert opinion includes appropriate diagnosis and management of uncomplicated ascites, refractory ascites and complicated ascites (including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) ascites, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and hyponatremia. The purpose behind this expert opinion is to help consultants, postgraduate trainees, medical officers and primary care physicians optimally manage their patients with cirrhosis and ascites in a resource constrained setting as is often encountered in a developing country like Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Ali
- Bushra Ali, Fatima Memorial Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Salim
- Adnan Salim, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Altaf Alam
- Altaf Alam, Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bader Faiyaz Zuberi
- Bader Faiyaz Zuberi, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Ali
- Zeeshan Ali, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Azam
- Zahid Azam, NILGID, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Lubna Kamani
- Lubna Kamani, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammed Salih
- Muhammed Salih, Quaid e Azam International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Arif Amir Nawaz
- Arif Amir Nawaz, Fatima Memorial Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Masood Siddique
- Masood Siddique, Jinnah Memorial Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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Qazi Arisar FA, Kamran M, Nadeem R, Jafri W. Impact of Severity of Chronic Liver Disease on Health-Related Economics. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020; 20. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.97933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is accountable for a multifaceted disease encumbrance upsetting the psychological, physical, and economic health of not only the patients but also their caregivers. Objectives: The study purposes to cover the economic aspect of CLD to comprehend the financial burden imposed on the patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The CLD patients presenting in gastroenterology clinics were recruited, and their socio-demographic, financial, and disease-related information including Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) scores were collected. Out of 190 CLD patients enrolled, 127 (67.2%) were males. The mean age was 50.09 years. Variables assessed include self-perceived social/economic status, self-perception of disease responsibility for worsening of social/economic situation, the impact of the disease on economic status due to medical expense, the impact of economic status on treatment compliance due to medical expenses, impact of severity of disease on socioeconomic status and treatment compliance, and impact of gender on disease status and treatment compliance. Results: Regardless of the disease duration, CLD significantly impacted a patient’s life, as 81% and 69% of the patients blamed their disease responsible for the worsening of social and economic conditions, respectively. In our study, 85% of patients had consumed all savings during their course of illness, and 67% had to borrow money for medical expenses. Nearly half of the patients had to leave or cut short their medicines, skip the physician's appointment, or defer their children's education. One-third of patients had unpaid medical and utility bills or even skipped their meals. The severity of disease affected the socioeconomic status significantly (89% in CTP class C vs. 40% in CTP class A). Patients with worsening socioeconomic status had significantly higher MELD scores as compared to those with stable socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Chronic liver disease imposes incredible socioeconomic encumbrance on patients and the family unit, and CLD associated expenditures influence the family unit’s everyday working and therapeutic compliance, which is directly linked to the severity of disease expressed in terms of CTP and MELD scores.
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15
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Akram M, Soomro MH, Magsi M. The Right Liver Lobe Size/Albumin Concentration Ratio in Identifying Esophageal Varices among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis. Middle East J Dig Dis 2019; 11:32-37. [PMID: 31049180 PMCID: PMC6488492 DOI: 10.15171/mejdd.2018.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is necessity to work more on non-invasive markers like right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio for predicting esophageal varices. We aimed to see the right liver lobe/albumin ratio in identifying esophageal varices among patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all indoor patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, General Hospital, Sector H-11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan, during May-December 2016. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Diagnosed cases of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C virus infection aged 25 years or more were included. A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 20. RESULTS A total number of 160 patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 56.04 ± 10.22 years, while 96 (60%) were men. Child-Turcotte-Pugh grades showed 41.88% of the patients with grade A, followed by grade B (38.12%), and grade C (20%). Esophageal varices were observed in 76.25% of the patients. The sensitivity was 86.89%, while specificity was 78.95%. The positive predictive value was 92.98% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86.64% - 96.91%) and negative predictive value was 65.22% (CI = 49.75% - 78.64%) with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSION The use of the studied non-invasive markers of portal hypertension particularly the right liver lobe size/albumin concentration ratio, can help physicians to restrict the use of endoscopic screening only to patients presenting a high probability of esophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Akram
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission General Hospital, Sector H -11/4 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Munawar Hussain Soomro
- Sorbonne Université and INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Faculty of Medicine, SaintAntoine Medical School, Paris, France.,Department of Community Medicine, Al-Nafees Medical College, Isra University, Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mansoor Magsi
- Department of Medicine, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakista
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16
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Aftab M, Amin I, Idrees M, Ali A, Rafique S, Naz S. Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis delta and hepatitis B viruses circulating in two major provinces (East and North-West) of Pakistan. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 64:65-69. [PMID: 29906637 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HBV and HDV are major public health problems with millions affected globally and Pakistan accounts for a significant proportion of the global Hepatitis burden. This cross sectional study was designed to assess the general epidemiological and virological features of HBV and HDV in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) provinces of Pakistan. METHODS A total of 1890 HBV patients from March 2016 to May 2017 were recruited in the study and the presence of HDV was retrospectively evaluated in all participants. Most participants were young adults (from 21 to 30 years). Genotyping was based on PCR amplification using primers specific for HBV genotypes A-F, and HDV. 405 nucleotide fragments of HDV were sequenced. MEGA was used for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Overall prevalence of HBV was 14.08% (266/1890). Higher prevalence was observed in males (66.85%) as compared to females (33.15%). Co-infection of HDV was found in 39 (14.66%) patients. HBV genotype-D was prevalent in dual infections followed by HDV/A (p < 0.05).While HDV genotype 1 was predominant in all HBV positive samples. Compared to Punjab, coinfection was higher in KP (14.3% versus15.2%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The prevalence of HBV and HDV is high in Pakistan. The description of HBV and HDV genotypes circulating in East and North-West Pakistan can contribute to a better understanding of their relevance in regional epidemics. These infections are highly endemic in the KP, where their control is confounded by its vast territorial dimension with small, hard-to-reach municipalities and diverse ethnic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahwish Aftab
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College For Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iram Amin
- Division of Molecular Virology & Molecular Diagnostics, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87 West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz, University Of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology & Molecular Diagnostics, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87 West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz, University Of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan.
| | - Amjad Ali
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, 87 West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shazia Rafique
- Division of Molecular Virology & Molecular Diagnostics, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87 West Canal Bank Road, Thokar Niaz, University Of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shagufta Naz
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College For Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
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17
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Alaei K, Sarwar M, Alaei A. The Urgency to Mitigate the Spread of Hepatitis C in Pakistan Through Blood Transfusion Reform. Int J Health Policy Manag 2018. [PMID: 29524949 PMCID: PMC5890065 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2017.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood transfusions are contributing to a higher rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Pakistan. Half of all blood
transfusions in Pakistan are not screened for hepatitis C, hepatitis B or HIV. Family members donate blood
that is likely not tested due to social stigma attached to HCV. Paid donations are also quite common in the
country, especially by people who inject drugs (PWID), which increases the population’s exposure to HCV.
Most of the population utilizes the private sector for their health needs; this sector has lax regulation due to
the lack of oversight by the government or any other regulatory body. In addition, groups who are at most
need for blood transfusions, such as hemophiliacs and those with thalassemia, have a higher rate of hepatitis
C. This fact reinforces the need for blood transfusion reform in Pakistan, which includes improving oversight,
upgrading infrastructure and promoting health literacy through cultural norms, according to the World Health
Organization (WHO) recommendations. The lessons learned in Pakistan can be adapted to countries facing
similar issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamiar Alaei
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Global Institute for Health and Human Rights (GIHHR), University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mohammad Sarwar
- Department of Public Administration and Policy, Rockefeller College, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Global Institute for Health and Human Rights (GIHHR), University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Arash Alaei
- Global Institute for Health and Human Rights (GIHHR), University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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18
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Butt AS, Sharif F. Viral Hepatitis in Pakistan: Past, Present, and Future. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2016; 6:70-81. [PMID: 29201731 PMCID: PMC5578565 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and a rising cause for concern in Asian countries. Weather it is blood borne or water/food borne hepatotropic virus, increasing burden is alarming for Asian countries. In this review we have evaluated the existing data to estimate the burden of viral hepatitis in populations of all age groups nationwide, along with an assessment of the risk factors and preventive and management strategies currently employed in Pakistan. The aim of our work is to consolidate and supplement the present knowledge regarding viral hepatitis in light of past and present trends and to provide future direction to the existing health policies. How to cite this article Butt AS, Sharif F. Viral Hepatitis in Pakistan: Past, Present, and Future. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):70-81.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Subhan Butt
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Sharif
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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