ABO / Rh-D Blood types and susceptibility to Corona Virus Disease-19 in Peshawar, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between ABO/Rh-D blood types and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Pakistan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1935 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were included using consecutive sampling. Age and gender-matched sample of 1935 blood donors was used as a comparison group. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for inferential statistics. RESULTS: Significantly higher proportion of blood type-B was observed in COVID-19 group (35.9% vs 31.9%, p=0.009). Blood type-AB was found more frequently (14.2% vs 11.8%, p=0.03) in the comparison group. The Rh-D Positive blood types were 93.3% in COVID-19 group and 94.9% in comparison group (p=0.03). The odds of blood type-B, AB and Rh-D positive to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 1.195 (95% CI 1.04 - 1.36, p=0.009), 0.80 (95% CI 0.66 - 0.97, p=0.03) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.57- 0.98, p = 0.03), respectively. Blood types A and O did not have significant association with SARS-CoV-2 PCR result (p = 0.22 and 0.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant association between blood types B & AB and susceptibility to COVID-19. There is no association between blood types A and O with COVID-19. Rh- D positive blood types are less susceptible to COVID-19.

Spinal cord injury due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report epidemiology, complications and rehabilitation outcomes of patients who sustained spinal cord injury (SCI) due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in which patients admitted to Paraplegic Centre Peshawar from July 2016 to July 2018 who sustained SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution were included. Of total 852 patients, 39 (4.58%) sustained SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution. Two patients were excluded and data of 37 patients was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 35.03±13.47 years. Twenty-two (59.4%) patients had associated burns on different parts of body. Twenty-seven (72.9%) had pressure ulcers, 31 (83.8%) had spasticity, 18 (48.6%) had neuropathic pain and 2 (5.4%) had limb amputations due to injury. Mean Spinal cord injury independence measure score at the time of discharge was 53.4±5.7. CONCLUSION: SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution is rare however combined effect of injury by electricity along with fall from electricity poles are associated with severe complications. Rehabilitation outcomes in these patients are also minimal.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in management of neuropathic pain in patients with post traumatic incomplete spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in management of neuropathic pain in post-traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury patients. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at from January 2017 to June 2017 at Paraplegic Center Hayatabad, Peshawar. Total 60 incomplete spinal cord injured patients with diagnosis of neuropathic pain were subjected to high frequency TENS of 80 HZ. One session was of 45 minutes while there were two sessions per day. TENS was applied for four days in a week and all patients were followed for eight week duration. Pain intensity was measured by using VAS (Visual analogue scale). RESULTS: Mean pain intensity on VAS at baseline was 6.45 which was decreased to 4.77 post intervention at day-1 while it was decreased to 3.48 at day-4 of week one. After application of TENS for 8 weeks, mean pain intensity was decreased to 2.80 ± 1.74. During the consecutive sessions of the TENS application, the pain intensity decreases in a linear fashion and there were significant difference (p<0.05) between pre and post treatment sessions. CONCLUSION: TENS is useful and safe adjuvant in spinal cord injury patients for the management of neuropathic pain.

Problem-based learning in comparison with lecture-based learning among medical students.

OBJECTIVE: To compare performance of medical students exposed to problem-based learning and lecture-based learning. METHODS: The descriptive study was conducted at Rehman Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan from May 20 to September 20, 2014, and comprised 146 students of 3rd year MBBS who were randomised into two equal groups. One group was taught by the traditional lecture based learning, while problem-based learning was conducted for the other group on the same topic. At the end of sessions, the performance of the two groups was evaluated by one-best type of 50 multiple choice questions. Total marks were 100, with each question carrying 2 marks. SPSS 15 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 146 students who were divided into two equal groups of 73(50%) each. The mean score in the group exposed to problem-based learning was 3.2 ± 0.8 while those attending lecture-based learning was 2.7±0.8 (p= 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Problem-based learning was more effective than lecture based learning in the academic performance of medical students.

In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction With or Without Mitral Regurgitation.

Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication in hospitalized cardiac patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, the patient outcomes depend on various factors that vary across facilities and regions. There is an acute need to stratify STEMI patients by risk of in-hospital mortality. We conducted this study to compare the mortality of patients with acute STEMI with or without MR admitted to different units of the Cardiology Department at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar. Methods In this prospective study, we compared the mortality rates of STEMI patients with and without MR from June 5 to October 30, 2021. All patients with different types of STEMI treated at LRH were enrolled in the study regardless of age and gender. ST-elevation was confirmed via electrocardiogram, and MR was confirmed via echocardiography. We excluded any patients with primary organic valve disease or congenital heart disease. We also collected patient demographic and clinical characteristics. We used IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for statistical analyses. Results Our study population included 228 patients with a mean age of 62.4 ± 12.3 years. Most of the patients were men (n=140; 61.4%), and only 78 (38.6%) were women. The prevalence of MR was 29.4%. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (63.6%), and inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI) was the most common type of MI (49.1%). Hypertension, prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Killip class ≥ 2 were significantly associated with MR (p<.001). In-hospital mortality was 29.8%, significantly associated with MR (p=.0001). Patients who needed CPR prior to hospitalization and those with Killip class ≥ 2 were less likely to survive (p=.0001). Conclusions MR is common following MI, especially in cases of inferior wall MI. Patients with MR have a poorer prognosis than those without MR following MI, more so when combined with other comorbidities. Regarding its relation to MI complications, an assessment of the MR is necessary to make an appropriate decision for treatment.

Do Laboratory Biomarkers Predict Survival In Severe Covid-19? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study aims to compare lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and D-dimer among survivors and non-survivors of severe COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional analytical study included 69 patients for whom a record of the biomarkers and survival status was available. Baseline and peak values were selected for serum CRP, ferritin, LDH and D-Dimer. Baseline and trough lymphocyte counts were selected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Mean and standard deviation were used to compare the biomarkers with paired t-test. p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the study population was 55.5±9.1 years and 50 (72.5%) were male. Among survivors, the increase in CRP level was not significant (from 15.80±9.8 mg/dl to 17.87±8.4 mg/dl, p=0.45) while it was significant in non-survivors (from 16.68±10.90 mg/dl to 20.77±12.69 mg/dl, p=0.04). There was no significant rise in LDH levels in survivors (from 829.59±499 U/L to 1018.6±468 U/L, p=0.20) while it increased significantly in non-survivors (from 816.2±443.08 U/L to 1056.61±480.54 U/L, p=0.003). The decrease in lymphocyte count and increase in D-Dimers in both the groups was significant (p=0.001). There was no significant elevation in ferritin in both the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: In severe COVID-19 patients, serum CRP and LDH can be used for risk stratification and predicting survival. Lymphopenia, increase in serum ferritin and D-dimers may not predict survival.

Frequency of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Presenting With Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common concern in patients with heart disease, especially those with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the frequency of AF and associated risk factors among patients with ADHF at a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study of hospitalized patients with ADHF treated in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, from June 5 to October 30, 2021. The study's primary outcome was the proportion of patients with ADHF who had AF, and our secondary outcome was examining the risk factors for AF. The College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan provided ethical approval of the study design. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We applied the chi-square test to compare the proportion of AF concerning risk factors (i.e., comorbidities). Results One hundred ninety-four patients with ADHF were included in the study; 54.6% were male and 45.4% female. Most (56.7%) were older than 60, and 38.1% were aged 40-60. The prevalence of AF was 38.1%. Diabetes, hypertension, previous stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the most common comorbidities. All patients with ADHF with AF also had MI and hypertension. Patients of known coronary artery disease (CAD) but without MI, previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery were less associated with AF than other comorbidities. Conclusions We conducted this study to determine the incidence of AF among patients with ADHF. AF occurs in a significant amount of patients with ADHF, and the risk factors associated with AF in these patients include hypertension, history of MI, diabetes, and COPD. Healthcare professionals should screen patients with ADHF for AF, especially those with common risk factors.

The Effect of Tocilizumab on Inflammatory Markers in Survivors and Non-survivors of Severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of tocilizumab (TCZ) on inflammatory markers, laboratory indices; and short-term outcome in patients with severe COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan from 10th June till 31st August 2020. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four patients with severe COVID-19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. All patients had received TCZ (4 mg/kg) in addition to standard treatment. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer levels, full blood count, and liver function tests (LFTs) were checked before and 24 hours after receiving TCZ. Short-term outcome, defined as survival at day 28, was determined from hospital record/telephonic contact. Paired t-test was employed to assess the statistical significance of mean differences between the pre- and post-TCZ variables, considering a p-value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Overall, the mean pre- and post-TCZ CRP was 18.7 ± 10.7 and 10.2 ± 8.6 mg/dl (p <0.001). It was 18.0 ± 10.3 and 10.3 ± 8.8 mg/dl (p=0.003) in survivors; and 19.4 ± 11.4 and 10.2 ± 8.7 mg/dl (p=0.005) in non-survivors, respectively. Overall, mean D-dimer level decreased from 12.5 ± 23 to 10.3 ± 12.2 µg/ml following TCZ (p=0.643); it decreased from 15.8 ± 29.8 to 11.4 ± 10.6 µg/ml (p=0.612) in survivors; and 9.0 ± 12.8 to 9.2 ± 14.1 µg/ml (p=0.961) in non-survivors, respectively. There were no significant differences in the pre- and post-TCZ LDH levels overall and between the groups. The 28-day mortality was 46.3%. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab results in a significant reduction in CRP, while mean change in LDH and D-dimers was not substantial. The mean change in inflammatory markers did not predict survival. Key Words: Tocilizumab, COVID-19, Biomarkers, Outcome, Mortality.

The Effect of Tocilizumab on Inflammatory Markers in Survivors and Non-survivors of Severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of tocilizumab (TCZ) on inflammatory markers, laboratory indices; and short-term outcome in patients with severe COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of the Study: Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan from 10th June till 31st August 2020. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four patients with severe COVID-19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. All patients had received TCZ (4 mg/kg) in addition to standard treatment. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer levels, full blood count, and liver function tests (LFTs) were checked before and 24 hours after receiving TCZ. Short-term outcome, defined as survival at day 28, was determined from hospital record/telephonic contact. Paired t-test was employed to assess the statistical significance of mean differences between the pre- and post-TCZ variables, considering a p-value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Overall, the mean pre- and post-TCZ CRP was 18.7 ± 10.7 and 10.2 ± 8.6 mg/dl (p <0.001). It was 18.0 ± 10.3 and 10.3 ± 8.8 mg/dl (p=0.003) in survivors; and 19.4 ± 11.4 and 10.2 ± 8.7 mg/dl (p=0.005) in non-survivors, respectively. Overall, mean D-dimer level decreased from 12.5 ± 23 to 10.3 ± 12.2 µg/ml following TCZ (p=0.643); it decreased from 15.8 ± 29.8 to 11.4 ± 10.6 µg/ml (p=0.612) in survivors; and 9.0 ± 12.8 to 9.2 ± 14.1 µg/ml (p=0.961) in non-survivors, respectively. There were no significant differences in the pre- and post-TCZ LDH levels overall and between the groups. The 28-day mortality was 46.3%. CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab results in a significant reduction in CRP, while mean change in LDH and D-dimers was not substantial. The mean change in inflammatory markers did not predict survival. Key Words: Tocilizumab, COVID-19, Biomarkers, Outcome, Mortality.

Detection of blaNDM-1 gene in ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from urine samples.

INTRODUCTION: Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the most prominent bacterial species resistant to almost all commonly used antibiotics. Carbapenem is one of the last resort drugs for treating such emerging multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to detect carbapenem-resistant blaNDM-1 gene in ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates. METHODOLOGY: A total of 190 E. coli and 350 K. pneumoniae isolates were screened for extended spectrumß-lactamase (ESBL), carbapenemase and metallo ß-lactamase (MBL) production via double-disk synergy test (DDST), modified Hodge test and combined-disk diffusion method. The blaNDM-1 gene was detected by PCR and confirmed via Sanger sequencing method. RESULTS: Of the 540 isolates tested, 71.8% were found to be multidrug-resistant. Overall rate of ESBL-positive isolates were 57.89% E. coli and 31.42% K. pneumoniae. Among ESBL positive isolates, 49.09% E. coli and 40% K. pneumoniae were positive for carbapenemase production whereas MBL production was detected in 29% E. coli and 22% K. pneumoniae isolates. In MBL positive isolates, (37%) E. coli and (40%) K. pneumoniae isolates harboured blaNDM-1 gene. The pair-wise DNA was aligned with the NDM-1 sequence from GenBank. The alignment score was 243 and the blast nucleotide sequencing results showed 97% sequence similarity with the sequences in GenBank for the blaNDM-1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The blaNDM-1 gene was found to be the most prevalent in urine samples. There is a dire need to conduct screening tests in hospitals and communities to find out the exact prevalence of the blaNDM-1 spread in our population.

Mortality of Patients With Severe COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study From a Major COVID-19 Receiving Hospital.

Objective To determine the mortality of patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) in relation to age, gender, co-morbidities, ventilatory status, and length of stay (LOS). Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on data retrieved for 204 patients admitted to the ICU of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from April to August 2020. Study variables were age, gender, co-morbid conditions, ventilatory status, and length of stay (LOS). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). The independent t-test and the chi-square test were used to compare the means and frequencies of variables. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the likelihood of mortality. Results The overall mortality was 77%. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was administered to 61.8% of patients. Mortality was higher for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (93.6% vs 66.7%, p<0.001) and for over 60 years (87.3% vs 72.3%, p=0.019). Mortality without co-morbidities was 75.2%. Comparative mortality rates for at least one co-morbidity (79.7%), diabetes mellitus (80.0%), hypertension (100%), diabetes mellitus and hypertension both (87.1%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (75%) were insignificant. The LOS for survivors was longer (8.9±8.9 versus 5.4±5.2 days, p=0.017). The LOS < 24h was associated with higher mortality (85.9% vs 72.9%, p=0.040). On multivariable regression, the likelihood of mortality was high for IMV (7.330, 95% CI 2.667 - 20.143, p<0.001) and elderly (>60 years) patients (2.607, 95%CI 1.063 - 6.394, p=0.036). Mortality decreased with LOS longer than 24h (0.412, 95%CI 0.173 - 0.982, p=0.045). Co-morbidities did not have any effect on mortality. Conclusions Age more than 60 years and IMV were independent risk factors for higher mortality. Longer ICU stay, specifically more than 24 hours, was associated with lower mortality but LOS less than 24 hours might not have a causal relationship with mortality. The odds of survival were not affected by co-morbidities.

Does Working in a COVID-19 Receiving Health Facility Influence Seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2?

Objective In this study, we aimed at comparing the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in healthcare workers (HCWs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving and non-COVID-19 receiving hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a COVID-19 receiving hospital (hospital 'A') and a non-COVID-19 receiving hospital (hospital 'B'). Using stratified random sampling, 1,011 HCWs (439 from hospital 'A' and 572 from hospital 'B') were recruited to participate in the study. Immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M (IgG/IgM) antibodies were checked using Elecsys® (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay. The chi-squared test was used to compare frequencies, and the binary logistic regression model was used to predict the association between study variables' seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The overall seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the two hospitals was 30.76%. It was 28.2% in hospital 'A' and 32.7% in hospital 'B' (p=0.129). The seroprevalence in HCWs having direct contact with COVID-19 patients was higher (33.1%) in non-COVID-19 receiving hospital versus 23.8% in COVID-19 receiving hospital (p=0.034). Seroprevalence was highest among administrative staff (44.0%), followed by nurses (30.8%), residents (19.8%), and consultants (17.8%) (p=0.001). As compared to consultants, the administrative and nursing staff were 3.398 and 3.116 times more likely to have positive antibodies, respectively. There were no significant differences in the seroprevalence between the respective categories of staff of the two hospitals. Conclusions The non-COVID-19 receiving hospital had a higher proportion of seropositive HCWs than the COVID-19 receiving hospital. The HCWs in the non-COVID-19 receiving hospital who had direct contact with patients had significantly higher seroprevalence. Seroprevalence was highest for administrative staff followed by nursing staff, residents, and consultants. Regardless of the COVID-19 status of the healthcare facility, all HCWs shall be trained on, and consistently follow, the proper protocols for donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

2-(2-Methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl 3-bromo-benzoate.

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(13)H(12)BrN(3)O(4), is non-planar, as indicated in the dihedral angle of 59.5 (4)° formed between the least-squares planes through the imidazole and benzene rings. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected via C-H⋯O contacts, forming a supra-molecular chain.

Exploring operational barriers encountered by community midwives when delivering services in two provinces of Pakistan: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: to explore barriers experienced by community midwives (CMWs) when delivering services, from their own and their managers׳ perspectives, at provincial and district level in the context of organisational factors, and to determine other factors linked with the poor performance of CMWs in the delivery of maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH)-related services within their communities. DESIGN: qualitative study design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). SETTING: two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces in Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: 41 participants were interviewed in depth; they included CMWs, lady health supervisors and managerial staff of the MNCH programme. MEASUREMENTS: participants were interviewed about administrative issues including financial and policy areas, training and deployment in the community, functioning in the community, and supervision and referral for emergency cases. FINDINGS: CMWs reported financial constraints, training needs and difficulty with building relationships in the community. They required support in terms of logistics, essential supplies, and mechanisms for referral of complicated cases to higher-level health facilities. CONCLUSIONS: CMWs working in developing countries face many challenges; starting from their training, deployment in the field and delivery of services in their respective communities. Facilitating their work and efforts through improved programming of the CMW's services can overcome these challenges. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: the MNCH programme, provincial government and other stakeholders need to take ownership of the CMW programme and implement it comprehensively. Long-term adequate resource allocation is needed to sustain the programme so that improvements in maternal and child health are visible.