Effective strategy to cope the pain and discomfort among women undergoing mammography - A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of paracetamol in reducing pain and discomfort during the mammography procedure. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted at DIR, Ojha and LEJ Campus of DUHS from November 2019 to May 2021. All females aged above 40 years undergoing first time mammogram (screening or diagnostic) were enrolled. Of 639 included participants, 321 were included in paracetamol and 318 in placebo group. Patients in both the groups took medication orally which was customized by the Dow Pharmacy. The degree of pain felt during the mammography procedure was the outcome variable that was measured using Visual Analogue Scale. Results: The overall pain was found in 506 (79.19%) women. Pain was significantly higher in women who were in placebo group as compared to patients who were in paracetamol group, i.e., 280 (55.3%) and 226 (44.7%) (p-value <0.001). After adjustment of other covariates, the odds of pain was 3.64 times significantly higher in women who were in placebo group than that of women in paracetamol group (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.31-5.74). Moreover, >25kg/m2 BMI was 2.84 times, 22.6-25 kg/m2 BMI was 2.29 times, nulligravida was 3.56 times, menopausal status was 2.23 times, pre-menopausal status was 4.51 times, and family history of breast cancer was 2.33 times significantly more likely to have pain. No post-trial complications were observed in both the groups. Conclusion: The use of paracetamol prior to the mammography procedure was found to be an effective intervention to reduce the pain among women.Clinical Trials: Identifier: NCT04381104.

Positive predictive value of Birads IV Lesions on mammogram in detection of breast carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the positive predictive value of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category IV lesions, and to evaluate interobserver agreement among radiologists in interpreting the subcategories. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from September 2018 to February 2019, and comprised adult females aged 30-60 years diagnosed with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System IV. Already diagnosed breast carcinoma patients were excluded. The positive predictive value of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category IV was calculated using histopathology findings as the gold standard. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: There were 191 patients with a mean age of 49.01±11.79 years. Positive family history of breast cancer was found in 33(17.3%) subjects. Category IV-A was noted in 53(28.0%) subjects, IV-B in 45(23.6%) and IV-C in 93(48.7%). The overall positive predictive value of category IV was 151(79.1%), IV-A 27(50.9%), IV-B 35(77.7%) and IV-C 89(95.6%). Malignant disease was significantly associated with architectural distortion and suspicious microcalcifications (p<0.001). A good agreement was observed in the categorisation of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category IV between observers 1 and 2 (kappa 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.70-0.99), between observers 1 and 3 (kappa 0.77, 95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.94), and between observers 2 and 3 (kappa 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.43-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System BI-RADS IV was found to have a high positive predictive value in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Besides the interobserver agreement in terms of identifying BI-RADS IV subcategories was good.

Radiological profile of patients undergoing Chest X-ray and computed tomography scans during COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Radiology has played a significant role in the diagnosis and quantifying the severity of COVID 19 pulmonary disease. This study was conducted to assess patterns and severity of COVID-19 pulmonary disease based on radiological imaging. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a large tertiary care public sector teaching hospital of Karachi, Pakistan from June 2020 till August 2020. All confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients referred for chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans were evaluated along with RT-PCR results. Suspected patients were followed for RT-PCR. Radiological features and severity of imaging studies were determined. RESULTS: Of 533 patients in whom X-rays were performed, majority had severe/critical findings, i.e., 304 (57.03%). Of 97 patients in whom CT scan was performed, mild/moderate findings were observed in 63 (64.94%) patients. Of 472 patients with abnormal X-rays, majority presented with alveolar pattern 459 (97.2%), bilateral lung involvement 453 (89.6%), and consolidation 356 (75.4%). Moreover, lobar predominance showed lower zone preponderance in 446 (94.5%) patients. Of 88 patients with abnormal CT findings, ground-glass opacity (GGO) 87 (98.9%) and crazy paving 69 (78.4%) were the most common findings. An insignificantly higher association of PCR positive cases was observed with severe/critical X-rays (p-value 0.076) and CT scan findings (p-value 0.431). CONCLUSION: Most common patterns on CT scans were GGO and crazy paving. While on chest radiographs, bilateral lung involvement with alveolar pattern and consolidation were most common findings. On X-rays, majority had severe/critical whereas CT scan had mild/moderate findings.

CT-Based Evaluation of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Adult Population; Prevalence, Associations and Interobserver Agreement.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), being an asymptomatic condition, is generally discovered incidentally on imaging and it has not received much attention for research on clinical grounds. We assessed the prevalence of DISH, its associated factors, and interobserver agreement for computed tomography (CT)-based diagnosis of DISH. CT scans of chest, abdomen, and pelvis performed for various clinical indications were retrospectively reviewed. Resnick criteria were used for the diagnosis of DISH. Moreover, enthesopathy along with comorbidities was assessed. CT scans were observed by 3 observers having different experience levels. Out of total 416 patients, the prevalence of DISH was 30.8%. Strong positive agreement was observed between observer 1 and 2 (k = 0.89), observer 1 and 3 (k = 0.91), and observer 2 and 3 (k = 0.94). Reporting rate of DISH was 59.3%. Regression analyses showed that enthesopathy was 2.45 times (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.45, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.48-4.05), diabetic patients were 4.74 times (AOR: 4.74, 95% CI: 2.89-7.78) while hypertensive patients were 2.17 times (AOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30-3.62) more likely to have DISH in comparison to those who do not have DISH. A high prevalence of DISH was observed in our cohort. Enthesopathy and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension were significant factors associated with DISH. Moreover, excellent agreement was observed in defining DISH on CT according to Resnick criteria.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in evaluation of obstructive jaundice with MRCP as gold standard.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in obstructive jaundice taking MRCP as gold standard. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dow Institute of Radiology (DIR), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi from 2nd May 2018 till 2nd November 2018. Both male and female patients aged 30 to 80 years with suspected obstructive jaundice were included. Patients already diagnosed with obstructive jaundice were excluded. MRCP and ultrasound were performed in suspected patients. Diagnostic accuracy including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of obstructive jaundice were calculated using contingency tables using MRCP findings as gold standard. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 54.73 ± 12.65 years. In causes of obstruction, choledocholothiasis was responsible for 85 (35.1%), stricture 61 (25.2%), carcinoma of head of pancreas 39 (16.1%), periampullary carcinoma 21 (8.7%), cholangiocarcinoma 10 (4.1%) and gallbladder carcinoma 26 (10.7%) of the cases. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in obstructive jaundice taking MRCP findings as gold standard showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), negative predicted value (NPV) and overall diagnostic accuracy as 84.57%, 79.10%, 91.36%, 66.25% and 83.06%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has a high sensitivity, moderate specificity, and high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.

Awareness About Ebola Virus Disease Among the Health Care Professionals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background: Ebola virus disease is an acute and life-threatening illness, which, if untreated, is fatal. It was first discovered in 1976, which aware the world with sporadic outbreaks of Ebola in some parts of Africa. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the natural reservoir for Ebola virus remains unknown; however, it is yet to be affirmed that the natural habitat is animal-borne where bats are most likely to carry over this virus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate awareness of health care professionals as they serve as the integral part of our health care system. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 149 health care workers (HCWs) in Civil Hospital of Karachi from June 2015 to August 2015. The study participants were randomly selected individuals who were students of and/or were working in the university's affiliated tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Results: Baseline characteristics of the study participants are shown in Table 1. Median age of the participants is 21 (range: 17-24) years. Female preponderance was found to be higher (104; 69.8%) as compared with the males (45; 30.2%). Discipline of majority of the study participants was medical technology (80; 53.7%), followed by nurses (38; 25.5%) and doctors (31; 20.8%). Majority of the study respondents were undergraduate medical students (60; 75%) as compared with medical technologist and the nurses (17; 24.6%) with a P value < .001 as shown in Figure 1. The mean for correct responses was 8.43 ± 4.08 (range: 3-17). Appropriate knowledge was observed in 84 (56.4%) responders and inappropriate knowledge was observed in 65 (43.6%) of the study respondents. Conclusion: Our study concludes that there is an unsatisfactory knowledge about Ebola virus disease among health care professionals. Moreover, public health authorities should signify the importance of prevention against Ebola virus disease not only among the health care professionals but also into the communities through mass media and awareness campaigns which can thus halt the panic and incidence of Ebola virus outbreaks in coming decades.

Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) for transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) promotes the production of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) by reactivating gamma-genes. Evidence has shown clinical benefits of hydroxyurea in people with sickle cell anemia; however, only a few studies have assessed this treatment in people with beta (ß)-thalassaemia. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to review the efficacy of hydroxyurea in reducing or ameliorating the requirement of blood transfusions in people with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia. The second objective is to review the safety of hydroxyurea with regards to severe adverse effects in this population. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and hand searching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched electronic databases and trial registries, including ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO ICTRP and PubMed (09 October 2018).Date of last search of the Group's haemoglobinopathies trials register: 04 March 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of hydroxyurea in people with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia, compared with placebo or standard treatment or comparing different doses of hydroxyurea. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trials for inclusion in the review, which was verified by a third author. MAIN RESULTS: No trials were eligible for inclusion in this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is no high-quality evidence to support or challenge the continued use of hydroxyurea for managing people with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassaemia. Multicentre, randomised controlled trials (compared to placebo or other available treatment, i.e. blood transfusion and iron chelation) are needed in order to assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxyurea for reducing the need for blood transfusion, for maintaining or improving mean haemoglobin levels, as well as for determining its cost-effectiveness.

Diagnostic accuracy and associated complications of percutaneous computed tomography guided core needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions using coaxial technique.

This study was conducted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) using coaxial technique of pulmonary lesions, its complications and factors affecting them. A total of 122 patients with suspected lung malignancy underwent CT-guided CNB. Final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. There were 84 (89.4%) true positive while 26 (92.9%) true negative cases. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and overall diagnostic accuracy were 97.67%, 72.22%, 89.36%, 92.86% and 90.16% respectively. Pneumothorax was the only complication observed in 10 (8.2%) patients. The odds of pneumothorax was found to be 10.72 times higher among patients with 2.5cm of size of lesions (AOR 10.72, 95% CI 1.49-76.77) while 86% lower among patients having prone position (AOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.021-0.96). Results indicate that percutaneous CT guided biopsy of pulmonary lesions using coaxial technique is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic accuracy and lesser risk of major complications.

Predictability of intrapartum cardiotocography with meconium stained liquor and its correlation with perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the colour of liquor and the trace of cardiotocography to see whether it is reactive or non-reactive.. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Dar-ul-Sehat Hospital, Karachi from June 2015 to March 2016, and comprised women in labour who delivered singleton babies and had >37 weeks of gestation. Intrapartum monitoring by cardiotocography was conducted. The status of the amniotic membranes, colour and amount of liquor observed were recorded. Cardiotocography was performed for 30 minutes in the left lateral position on admission as well as a monitoring tool in labour at an interval of less than 4 hours. Foetal heart transducer and uterine pressure transducers were applied and the readings were recorded. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 200 subjects, 183(91.5%) were reactive and 17(8.5%) were non-reactive women. Overall mean age was 27.39±4.40 years. Most commonly noted risk factor were post-date 53(26.5%), anaemia 35(17.5%), premature rupture of membranes 28(14%) and pregnancy-induced hypertension 10(5%). Insignificant difference was observed in between Cardiotocography findings and risk factors of the women (p>0.05).. CONCLUSIONS: Significant change was seen in cardiotocography of clear liquor which needs more evaluation to rule out ongoing hypoxia.

Drug Compliance and Its Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients in Pakistan: A Cross-sectional Study.

The drug compliance and its associated factors were investigated among hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD), Karachi, from September 2014 to March 2015. Data were collected retrospectively from 300 hypertensive patients taken treatment for >1 year. Half of the patients (51%) were >55 years of age with the predominance of males (52.70%). Most respondents (47%) had had ischemic heart disease (IHD), 30% had diabetes, 47% had both IHD and diabetes, while only a small number of subjects (18%) reporting no comorbidity. Most respondents (82%) reported that they took medicine regularly. Drug compliance was found significantly higher in males (55.70%) as compared with females (44.30%) (P = .025). Similarly, drug compliance was found significantly higher in patients who monitored their blood pressure (BP) regularly (59.30%) as compared with the patients who did not monitor their BP regularly (40.70%) (P = .001). Most respondents (46.30%) with hypertension (HTN) duration ≤5 years had significantly higher drug compliance as compared with the patients with HTN duration of 6 to 10 years and ≥11 years, that is, 33.30% and 20.30%, respectively (P = .018). In conclusion, the rate of drug adherence is not up to the mark in hypertensive patients, with high compliance reported in only half of the respondents.

WITHDRAWN: Drug compliance and its associated factors among hypertensive patients in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Anatomical Variants Of Celiac Trunk, Hepatic And Renal Arteries In A Population Of Developing Country Using Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT)s has become a major part in evaluation of hepatic and renal tumours. With improvements in MDCT, CT angiography has also improved and normal anatomy and its variants in patients undergoing operative or interventional procedures can be effectively studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anatomical variation of celiac trunk, hepatic and renal arterial systems in patients undergoing multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography of the abdominal aorta. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on CT angiographies performed during the months of October till December 2015. Hepatic and renal arteries and celiac trunk were studied and normal and anatomical variations were noted. All patients with abnormalities affecting the vessels or a history of any vascular abnormality were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Out of total 110 patients, 69.1% had normal and 30.9% had variant hepatic artery with Michel Type IV being the most common variant whereas 88.2% had normal celiac trunk and 8.2% had gastrosplenic trunk variant. Variation in renal arterial system was observed in 15.5% of the patients with two renal arteries on right and two on left being the most common type. Multiple variants were identified in 11.8% of the patients.. CONCLUSIONS: The type and knowledge of anatomy is of prime importance for an optimum preoperative planning in surgical or radiological procedure. MDCT allows minimally invasive assessment of arterial anatomy with high quality 3D reconstruction images.

Relationship of Oral Tumor Thickness with the rate of lymph node metastasis in Neck based on CT Scan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of tumor thickness of oral lesions with metastasis in neck based on CT scan. METHODS: A total of 58 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients having the median age of 46 (39-55) years. with either gender presented with malignant tumor of buccal mucosa and tongue were prospectively enrolled. A CT Scan with contrast was performed on all patients. Correlation of tumor thickness level with metastasis in neck was calculated using spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 46 (39-55) years with preponderance of male gender, i.e. 48 (82.8%). Strong positive significant correlation was observed in between transverse dimension (TS) tumor size and stages of tumor (rho 0.673, p-value <0.001), Anterioposterior (AP) tumor size and stages of tumor (rho 0.675, p-value <0.001), and Craniocaudal (CC) tumor size and stages of tumor (rho 0.771, p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: CT scan of neck with contrast can be used for predicting the positive presence of lymph node in neck with primary tumors having a size of more than 4 mm.

Prevalence of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome using three different definitions and identifying associated risk factors among apparently healthy adults in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey in the year 2022.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of undiagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three different definitions among apparently healthy adults of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1065 healthy individuals aged 25-80 years of any gender were consecutively included. MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program for Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III guidelines, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified NCEP-ATP III. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was highest with the modified NCEP-ATP III definition at 33.9% (95% CI: 31-36), followed by the IDF definition at 32.2% (95% CI: 29-35). In contrast, the prevalence was lower at 22.4% (95% CI: 19-25) when using the NCEP ATP III definition. The risk of MetS significantly increases with higher BMI, as defined by the IDF criteria (adjusted OR [ORadj] 1.13, 95% CI 1.09-2.43), NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.19), and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.20). Current smokers had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the IDF (ORadj 2.72, 95% CI 1.84-4.03), NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 3.93, 95% CI 2.55-6.06), and modified NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88). Areca nut use was associated with higher odds of MetS according to both IDF (ORadj 1.71, 95% CI 1.19-2.47) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.72). Furthermore, low physical activity had significantly higher odds of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III (ORadj 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.84) and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (ORadj 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26). CONCLUSION: One-third of the healthy individuals were diagnosed with MetS based on IDF, NCEP-ATP III, and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria. A higher BMI, current smoking, areca nut use, and low physical activity were significant factors.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Apparently Healthy Adult Population in Pakistan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considerably higher worldwide. It varies greatly in different populations geographically and based on criteria used to diagnose the disease. This review was conducted to determine the prevalence of MetS among apparently healthy adults of Pakistan. A systematic review was performed on Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases until July 2022. Articles published on Pakistani healthy adult population reporting MetS were included. Pooled prevalence was reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 440 articles, 20 articles met the eligibility. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of MetS was 28.8% (95% CI: 17.8-39.7). The maximum prevalence was from a sub-urban village of Punjab (68%, 95% CI: 66.6-69.3) and Sindh province (63.7%, 95% CI: 61.1-66.3). International Diabetes Federation guidelines had shown 33.2% (95% CI: 18.5-48.0) whereas National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines showed 23.9% (95% CI: 8.0-39.8) prevalence of MetS. Furthermore, individuals with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 48.2% (95% CI: 30.8-65.6), central obesity 37.1% (95% CI: 23.7-50.5), and high triglyceride 35.8% (95% CI: 24.3-47.3) showed higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: A considerably higher prevalence of MetS was observed among apparently healthy individuals in Pakistan. High triglyceride, low HDL, and central obesity were found as significant risk factors. (Registration # CRD42022335528).

Role of anthropometric indices as a screening tool for predicting metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy individuals of Karachi, Pakistan.

Introduction: Anthropometric indices are affordable and non-invasive methods for screening metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, determining the most effective index for screening can be challenging. Objective: To investigate the accuracy of anthropometric indices as a screening tool for predicting MetS among apparently healthy individuals in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2022 to August 2022. A total of 1,065 apparently healthy individuals aged 25 years and above were included. MetS was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Anthropometric indices were defined based on body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR), conicity index, reciprocal ponderal index (RPI), body shape index (BSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). The analysis involved the utilization of Pearson's correlation test and independent t-test to examine inferential statistics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also applied to evaluate the predictive capacities of various anthropometric indices regarding metabolic risk factors. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) was computed, and the chosen anthropometric indices' optimal cutoff values were determined. Results: All anthropometric indices, except for RPI in males and BSI in females, were significantly higher in MetS than those without MetS. VAI [AUC 0.820 (95% CI 0.78-0.86)], WC [AUC 0.751 (95% CI 0.72-0.79)], WHtR [AUC 0.732 (95% CI 0.69-0.77)], and BMI [AUC 0.708 (95% CI 0.66-0.75)] had significantly higher AUC for predicting MetS in males, whereas VAI [AUC 0.693 (95% CI 0.64-0.75)], WHtR [AUC 0.649 (95% CI 0.59-0.70)], WC [AUC 0.646 (95% CI 0.59-0.61)], BMI [AUC 0.641 (95% CI 0.59-0.69)], and MUAC [AUC 0.626 (95% CI 0.57-0.68)] had significantly higher AUC for predicting MetS in females. The AUC of NC for males was 0.656 (95% CI 0.61-0.70), while that for females was 0.580 (95% CI 0.52-0.64). The optimal cutoff points for all anthropometric indices exhibited a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in predicting the onset of MetS. Conclusion: BMI, WC, WHtR, and VAI were the most important anthropometric predictors for MetS in apparently healthy individuals of Pakistan, while BSI was found to be the weakest indicator.

Utility of the serial portable chest x-ray for the diagnosis and quantification of COVID-19 patients.

Objective: To determine the role of the serial portable chest X-ray in the diagnosis and quantification of patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences. Confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 from November 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively studied. Patients' demographics and clinical characteristics, chest X-ray findings, and outcomes were retrieved through electronic medical records. Baseline and final follow-up chest X-rays findings were compared by using chest X-ray severity score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between patients' characteristics and patient outcomes. Results: The study included 329 patients with a mean age of 56.43 ± 13.10 years (range 16-85 years). Peripheral consolidation and ground glass opacities (89.4%) were the most common X-ray findings followed by bilateral lung involvement (79.0%) and perihilar consolidation/ground glass opacities (69.9%). Among the patients who were admitted, 61.4% were discharged, 49.5% had prolonged length of stay ≥10 days, and 37.7% died. After adjustment of all patients' characteristics, the multivariate model showed no significant difference in chest X-ray severity score in relation to the patient's outcome. Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit, and received oxygen support, bilevel positive airway pressure, and a ventilator were significantly associated with the outcome of being discharged, prolonged hospital stay, and death. Conclusion: Peripheral consolidation and ground glass opacities were the most common chest X-ray findings in admitted COVID-19 patients. No significant difference in chest X-ray severity score was noted in the primary outcome of being discharged, prolonged hospital stay, and death. There is no requirement for daily chest X-rays in hospitalized patients until required in the condition of worsening symptoms or significant intervention such as endotracheal intubation.

Risk Assessment for Cardiovascular Disease Using the Framingham Risk Score and Globorisk Score Among Newly Diagnosed Metabolic Syndrome Patients.

Purpose: The presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. In this study, CVD risk was calculated among individuals with newly diagnosed MetS using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Globorisk Score. The FRS and Globorisk score are particularly relevant in predicting CVD risk as these scores include key MetS-related risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and age. Patients and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at various sites in Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2022 to August 2022. Newly diagnosed cases of MetS with no physical disability, known illness, and not taking any regular medication were recruited. MetS was defined based on the definition of International Diabetes Federation. The major outcome was 10-year risk for CVD using the FRS and Globorisk Score. Results: Of 304 patients, 59.2% were classified as low risk according to FRS, while 20.4% were classified as moderate and high risk each. Using the Globorisk score, 44.6% of 224 patients were classified as low risk, 34.4% as moderate risk, and 21.0% as high risk. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the two CVD risk scores (r = 0.651, 95% CI 0.58-0.71). Both risk scores have reported age, gender, and current smokers as significant risk factors in predicting CVD in 10-years (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The outcome of both CVD risk scores predicted moderate-to-high risk of CVD in 10-years in almost half of the newly diagnosed patients with MetS. In particular, the risk of development of CVD in 10-years in newly diagnosed MetS is higher with increasing age, in male gender, and current smokers.

Evaluation of the combination therapy of hydroxyurea and thalidomide in ß-thalassemia.

Transfusion-related complications and lack of resources in low-to-middle-income countries have led to a search for novel therapies to reduce the need for blood transfusions in patients with ß-thalassemia. Hydroxyurea (HU) has demonstrated promising outcomes; additionally, thalidomide has also shown improvement in hemoglobin (Hb) levels for patients with ß-thalassemia in some studies. This study presents the findings of a single-arm nonrandomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy of HU and thalidomide in children with ß-thalassemia. A total of 135 patients (median age, 6 [interquartile range, 3-10] years), 77 (57%) males and 58 (43%) females, were followed first using HU alone, for 6 months, and then using the combination of HU and thalidomide for another 6 months. The primary outcome was a response to therapy, as measured by the number of transfusions required and Hb levels, for patients while receiving HU alone and then while using the combination therapy. Study findings showed a significant decline in blood transfusion volume (P < .001) and a significant increase in median Hb levels within 3 and 6 months of the combination therapy (P < .001). Eighty-nine (65.93%) participants were good responders, 16 (11.85%) were responders, and 30 (22.22%) were nonresponders, whereas the responders had variable genetic mutations. A total of 38 adverse events were reported that resolved on supportive treatment or temporary hold of the intervention. The combination therapy demonstrated promising results and could be considered for a diverse patient population with ß-thalassemia. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT05132270.

Seasonal variations in hematological disorders: A 10-year single-center experience.

AIMS: To assess the seasonal variations in hematological disorders among patients diagnosed on the basis of bone marrow biopsy, who attended National Institute of Blood Diseases (NIBD) clinics during 2006 to 2015. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 10-year records of hematological disorders among patients' NIBD clinics from year 2006 to 2015. All cases of aplastic anemia (AA), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) were categorized on the basis of the seasons in which they were diagnosed such as winter (December-February), spring (March-May), southwest monsoon periods (June-September), and retreating monsoon period (October and November). Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS and STATA. Inferential statistics were explored using the chi-square test for heterogeneity to evaluate seasonal variations. P-value <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: A total of 1982 cases were reviewed. Men were predominantly higher (n = 1190, 60%) as compared to women (n = 792, 40%). Frequency of ALL was found to be higher (513, 25.9%), followed by ITP (504, 25.4%), AML (490, 24.7%), AA (396, 20%), while APML was observed in only 79 (4%) patients. Seasonal variations in the diagnosis of hematological disorders were observed (P-value < .001), except in APML diagnosis (P-value = .445). Significant seasonal variations were also detected in both genders in stratified analysis. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study has reported an increase in the hematological disorder during 2006 to 2015. Particularly, majority of the cases were reported in southwest monsoon period, whereas least cases were reported in retreating period. Significant seasonal and yearly variations were detected in all diagnosis except the APML.