Frequency of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates in a tertiary care cardiac hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Bacterial contamination of platelets concentrates (PCs) can result in transfusion transmissible infection. Storage temperature for platelets provides favourable environment for the bacterial growth. This study was conducted at Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from May, 2016 to July 2016. A total of 200 (48 hours stored) whole blood derived PCs collected were selected for the study. Sample were inoculated into Oxoid Signal blood culture bottles and incubated at 36±1°C for 07 days. Signal culture bottle with positive signals and visual appearance of turbidity were sub-cultured. Bacterial growth identification was carried out by standard reference methods. Out of 200 platelets concentrates, 63 suspected turbid and 02 with positive signal culture device were sub-cultured and identified. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 02 bottles. The overall frequency of bacterial contamination in PCs was found to be 1%. The frequency of bacterial contamination in PCs found is very high as compared to developed counties. There is need of strict adherence to standard protocols for the prevention, early detection, and reporting of bacterial contamination in the PCs in Pakistan.

Think Before Chopping a Diabetic Foot: Insight to Vascular Intervention.

Diabetes mellitus is a most commonly occurring chronic disease around the world, resulting in damage to multiple organs. One of the consequences of poorly controlled diabetes is vascular damage resulting in peripheral artery disease, leading to inadequate perfusion of the foot and eventually gangrene and amputation. Research over the past decade or so has provided us with the statistics that vascular intervention has better clinical outcomes including patient mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. This editorial advocates the importance of pursuing a vascular plan prior to a limb salvaging procedure. We highlight some important aspects of saving a diabetic foot and encourage the importance of giving a vascular trial.