Factors related to the use of internet for health care management among university students

To determine the frequency of using internet for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions; to identify the most frequent [websites] resources used for selfdiagnosis and treatment of medical conditions; to assess the awareness of inaccuracy of information on internet for self-diagnosis of medical conditions A cross-sectional study was done including students in the GMU using validated self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes in addition to socio-demography of participants, information about the use of internet for self health management, most common website searched, history of complication following the use and if they had verified the diagnosis with treating physician. Informed consent was taken from participants and the confidentiality of the participants was maintained. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.20 and Chi-Square test was done. The results showed that 93.6% of the participants were using internet for healthcare management and the main reason was the ease of accessing medical information online. In 75.9% of respondents who had used the internet for self-management, the diagnosis was verified with a doctor, and 49.7% of them found that it was inaccurate. 43% of the participants took medication listed online followed by their internet-based self-diagnosis. Specialized medical websites were the most credible source as 57.10% of the study sample using this successfully verified their diagnosis with a doctor. Most of the participants were using the internet for self-diagnosis and management and 49.7% of respondents found that the diagnosis was inaccurate after it had been verified by a doctor. Specialized medical websites were the most credible source. It was identified that students do realize how inaccurate the internet can be

Comparative study on neem leaf extract and nimolicin [NC] on gastric mucosa of albino rats

Compare the anti ulcer effect of Methanolic Neem [Azadirachta indica, A Juss, Meliaceae] Leaf Extract [NLE] and Neem compound Nimolicin on gastric mucosa of albino rats. Azadiradione also called Nimolicine coded as NC has been studied for its anti insect effect but anti ulcer effect has never been studied. Experimental study. This study was carried out at the Pharmacy and Physiology Department of Baqai Medical College for duration of two years. Gastric ulcers in albino rats were induced in group-1 [check group] by a single oral dose of 1 ml 100% ethanol. After 24 hours the treatment was started. Group-2 was treated with oral administration of pea nut oil 1 ml/day for 5 days [control of the treated group]. Group-3 was treated with NLE [1 ml/day for 5 days] and Group-4 with NC 1% [1 ml/day for 5 days]. The healing effects of neem were compared to oral administration of anti ulcer drugs ranitidine [50mg/kg daily for 5 days] and omeperazole [2.5 mg/kg daily for 10 days]. Histopathology of the stomach was performed to confirm the presence or healing of ulcers. Ulcers were scored and indexed on the basis of histopathology. Ranitidine had the highest ulcer inhibition of 84%. NLE proved to be better than omeperazole by showing an ulcer inhibition of 82 % compared to 73% ulcer inhibition of omeperazole. NC showed least anti ulcer activity with an ulcer inhibition of only 69%. HPLC was performed to show the tissue concentration of NC, omeparazole and ranitidine showing their retention time, area and concentration compared to their controls. It is concluded that NLE proved to be better anti ulcer agent as compared to NC and can be used as an anti ulcer drug after clinical trials

Transurethral cystolithotripsy for large vesical calculi

To assess efficacy and safety of transurethral cystolithotripsy in the management of large vesical calculi. Adult patients with large vesical calculi [>2.5cm] were selected for this prospective study. Patients with associated urethral stricture and big adenomas were excluded. Stone size was measured on ultrasound in the largest diameter. Patients were operated under spinal or general anaesthesia. Nephroscope with 28 fr sheath was used transurethrally along with 2 cm lithoclast probe. Initial fragmentation was achieved with Swiss lithoclast. Later bigger fragments were dealt with stone punch. In the end all fragments were evacuated with Ellick evacuator. Bladder was drained with Foley's catheter for 24 hours. TURP [transurethral resection of prostate] was done if required. Patients with bigger glands were excluded to restrict operating time. Patients were followed up for two weeks. Forty patients were selected. Mean age of the patients was 55 years [range 18-73 years]. There were 32 males [80%] and 8 females [20%]. Stone size was 4.72 +/- 2.52 cm with range of 2.5-7.0 cm. Five patients had multiple stones, four of them had associated neurogenic bladder. Procedure time ranged from 20-90 minutes [mean 45.8 minutes]. Complete fragmentation of calculi was achieved in all patients. Twelve patients underwent TURP under same anaesthesia. Time consumed on resection of prostate was not included in procedure time. There were no major complications. Transurethral cystolithotripsy is very effective and safe for large vesical calculi [>2.5cm]. It is time consuming but saves patients from hazards of open surgery.

Endoscopic evaluation of aetiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscope evaluation of upper gastrointestinal bleed [UGIB] to see the difference in aetiology in our population compared to that in the West. This retrospective, observational analysis of a time based study was carried out in the Department of Gastroenterology, Ward No. 10, Nishtar Hospital, Multan during the period from May2002 to April 2003. A total of 385 patients who presented with UGIB, were evaluated by endoscopic examination to determine the cause. A total of 385 patients were endoscoped, out of these 126 [32%] were females and 259 [78%] were males. of the total, oesophageal varices were found in 267[69%], no findings were observed in 48 [12%] gastntis 22 [5.7%], esophagitis in 20 [5%], duodenal ulcer 11 [2.8%] duodenitis in 6 [1.5%]. gastric ulcer 6 [1.5%] fundal varices in 3 [0.7%] and gastric carcinoma in 2[0.5%] patients. GI endoscopy, a reliable diagnosis and hence an adequate management of these patients can be done