Substantial and sustained reduction in under-5 mortality, diarrhea, and pneumonia in Oshikhandass, Pakistan: evidence from two longitudinal cohort studies 15 years apart.

BACKGROUND: Oshikhandass is a rural village in northern Pakistan where a 1989-1991 verbal autopsy study showed that diarrhea and pneumonia were the top causes of under-5 mortality. Intensive surveillance, active community health education and child health interventions were delivered in 1989-1996; here we assess improvements in under-5 mortality, diarrhea, and pneumonia over this period and 15 years later. METHODS: Two prospective open-cohort studies in Oshikhandass from 1989 to 1996 (Study 1) and 2011-2014 (Study 2) enrolled all children under age 60 months. Study staff trained using WHO guidelines, conducted weekly household surveillance and promoted knowledge on causes and management of diarrhea and pneumonia. Information about household characteristics and socioeconomic status was collected. Hurdle models were constructed to examine putative risk factors for diarrhea and pneumonia. RESULTS: Against a backdrop of considerable change in the socioeconomic status of the community, under-5 mortality, which declined over the course of Study 1 (from 114.3 to 79.5 deaths/1000 live births (LB) between 1989 and 1996), exceeded Sustainable Development Goal 3 by Study 2 (19.8 deaths/ 1000 LB). Reductions in diarrhea prevalence (20.3 to 2.2 days/ Child Year [CY]), incidence (2.1 to 0.5 episodes/ CY), and number of bloody diarrhea episodes (18.6 to 5.2%) seen during Study 1, were sustained in Study 2. Pneumonia incidence was 0.5 episodes /CY in Study 1 and 0.2/CY in Study 2; only 5% of episodes were categorized as severe or very severe in both studies. While no individual factors predicted a statistically significant difference in diarrhea or pneumonia episodes, the combined effect of water, toilet and housing materials was associated with a significant decrease in diarrhea; higher household income was the most protective factor for pneumonia in Study 1. CONCLUSIONS: We report a 4-fold decrease in overall childhood mortality, and a 2-fold decrease in childhood morbidity from diarrhea and pneumonia in a remote rural village in Pakistan between 1989 and 2014. We conclude that significant, sustainable improvements in child health may be achieved through improved socioeconomic status and promoting interactions between locally engaged health workers and the community, but that continued efforts are needed to improve health worker training, supervision, and the rational use of medications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not Applicable.

Prediction of pre-eclampsia during early pregnancy in primiparas with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that pre-eclampsia (PE) can be predicted early in primiparas by measuring serum levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). METHODS: All normotensive primiparas attending the antenatal clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital and Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karachi, Pakistan without any known risk factor for PE were invited to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups based on the development of PE. Their blood samples were collected at 8-15, 16-22, 23-28, 29v34 weeks of pregnancy and once within 1 week of delivery. All samples were analysed for sFlt-1 and PlGF. RESULTS: Six hundred and eleven (46.7%) of 1307 recruited primiparas completed the study according to the protocol. Of these, 39 (6.4%) women developed PE. The difference in serum sFlt-1 was evident as early as 15 weeks of gestation. Higher levels of serum sFlt-1 were present in women who later developed PE. Relatively higher levels of PlGF were observed in non-PE women compared to PE women up to 22 weeks of gestation. However, after 23 weeks of pregnancy, PlGF levels increased in both the groups, but less so in the PE group. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed that even in early pregnancy (<15 weeks of gestation), serum sFlt-1 alone has the potential to predict PE with area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of 0.81, 75.9 and 72.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: PE can be predicted in primiparas in the early part of second trimester with serum levels of sFlt-1 and in the later part of second trimester with serum levels of PlGF.

Effect of the menstrual cycle phase on post-operative pain perception and analgesic requirements.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that menstrual cycle phase may affect pain sensitivity. There is a lack of studies evaluating this effect on post-operative pain and analgesic needs. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we determined the effect of menstrual cycle phase on pain perception and analgesic requirements following total abdominal hysterectomy. Sixty women with regular menstrual cycles undergoing elective surgery were recruited and divided into 'follicular' and 'luteal' groups according to their menstrual history. Post-operative pain was managed with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia using tramadol. Intravenous morphine was used for rescue analgesia, and pain was assessed for 24 h. RESULTS: Pain scores in the recovery room and ward six and 24 h post-operatively were similar in the groups at rest and on coughing. Pain scores at rest 12 h post-operatively were significantly higher in the luteal group (P = 0.043), while they were similar on coughing. There was no significant difference in the total tramadol requirement. Number of patients requiring rescue analgesia and the amount of morphine used was also similar. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in pain scores or analgesic requirements between the two groups except for rest pain at 12 h, which was significantly higher in the luteal group. As pain was assessed at 13 different time points, a significant difference seen only at one point could be due to random chance. We suggest that future research should concentrate on studying this issue in patients of relatively younger age groups with more pronounced hormonal variations during the cycle.

Incidence and predictors of infection in patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting: a report from a tertiary care hospital in a developing country.

AIM: Infection following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and increased length of hospital stay. Many studies have investigated the predictive value of known risk factors for infection in patients following CABG and conclusions have been variable and may reveal regional or institution-specific influence. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the pre- and peri-operative risk factors for infection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery in a developing country. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken to collect data on 12 reported risk factors for all patients undergoing CABG during a five-year period at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan. The relationship of these risk factors to infection following CABG was evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 767 consecutive patients admitted for CABG, a total of 73 (9.51%) developed 92 infections following surgery. Sternal Surgical Site Infection (SSI) developed in 30 patients (3.91%), of which 29 (96.7%) were superficial and 1 (3.33%) was deep. There were 37 leg wound infections at the site of conduit harvest, and 2 cases of infection at the intra-aortic balloon pump. There were 12 cases of sepsis and 11 urinary tract infections. There were 26 cases (35.6%) of leukocytosis and 17 patients (23.3%) showed elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen (39.7%). Bacteremia data was not collected. Of the total cases of infection following CABG, 59 required prolonged hospitalization or readmission. Univariate analysis was performed using a p-value of <0.2 as the inclusion criteria for further analysis using logistic regression. Multivariate analysis with adjusted Relative Risk (RR) showed that diabetes (P=0.002, RR=2.3, 95% CI=1.4-4.0), obesity (P=0.036, RR=2.2, 95% CI=1.0-4.4), use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (P=0.001, RR=3.6, 95% CI=1.7-7.7), female gender (P=0.004, RR=2.5, 95% CI=0.2-0.8) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (P=<0.0001, RR=6.7, 95% CI=2.8-15.5) were independent predictors of infection in the study population. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that diabetes, obesity, use of an intra-aortic balloon pump and female gender are independent predictors of infection in patients undergoing CABG. Early and strict diabetic control and pre-operative weight reduction may reduce the incidence of infection following CABG. Contamination of these patients may occur before, during and after the operation and efforts to curb such contamination must be intensive. Further prospective studies need to be undertaken to identify and establish these and other risk factors for infection in the region and elsewhere.

Prevalence of immediate vasovagal reaction in blood donors visiting two blood banks of Karachi.

Vasovagal reaction (VVR) is a very common adverse event related to blood donation. No study has been conducted in Pakistan to estimate the prevalence of VVR in blood donors. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of immediate VVR in blood donors of Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted in two blood banks of Karachi. Data regarding the development of immediate VVR were documented. The effect of blood donation on vital parameters like pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), temperature and respiratory rate was also observed. Six hundred and seventy-four blood donors were recruited. All the donors who consented were males. Weakness and dizziness were two most common symptoms which were reported by 91 (13.5%) and 73 (10.8%) of the participants, respectively. Out of 91 donors in whom signs and symptoms of immediate VVR were observed, a significant drop in systolic BP (13.5 +/- 2.5 mmHg) and decrease in pulse rate (13.3 +/- 3.6) were concurrently noted in 55 donors (8.2% of all the participants). There was lack of association of age, body mass index (BMI), estimated blood volume, ethnicity, educational status, profession and first time donation status with the frequency of VVR. Only marital status was found to be significantly associated with higher frequency of immediate VVR, where married donors were having higher odds as compared to singles. The prevalence of VVR in the blood donors at two blood banks of Karachi is at least 8.2%. Furthermore, married men are at more risk of experiencing VVR in our population.

Using SERVQUAL for assessing and improving patient satisfaction at a rural health facility in Pakistan.

A cross-sectional study of patient satisfaction with care was conducted over a period of 1 year from March 2004 to March 2005 in a secondary-level hospital in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Using the SERVQUAL tool and exit interviews, data were collected quarterly from a total of 1533 patients. Results sharing and capacity-building workshops were arranged during the 4 phases of the survey to sensitize the staff of the hospital to work towards improving patient satisfaction. The level of satisfaction of the patients with the outpatient health services provided showed a gradual increase from 34.4% to 82.0% over the 1-year period.

Using SERVQUAL for assessing and improving patient satisfaction at a rural health facility in Pakistan

A cross-sectional study of patient satisfaction with care was conducted over a period of 1 year from March 2004 to March 2005 in a secondary-level hospital in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Using the SERVQUAL tool and exit interviews, data were collected quarterly from a total of 1533 patients. Results sharing and capacity-building workshops were arranged during the 4 phases of the survey to sensitize the staff of the hospital to work towards improving patient satisfaction. The level of satisfaction of the patients with the outpatient health services provided showed a gradual increase from 34.4% to 82.0% over the 1-year period

The Heartfile Lodhran CVD prevention project--end of project evaluation

Mainstream preventive interventions often fail to reach poor populations with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Pakistan. A community-based CVD primary prevention project aimed at developing approaches to reduce risk factors in such populations was established by Heartfile in collaboration with the National Rural Support Program in the district of Lodhran. The project implemented a range of activities integrated with existing social and health service mechanisms during a three year intervention period 2000/01-03/04. These were targeted in 4 key settings: community health education, mass media interventions, training of health professionals and health education through Lady Health Workers. The project received support from the Department for International Development, U.K. At the community level, a pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental design was used for examining project outcomes related to the community component of the intervention. Pre and post-intervention (training) evaluations were conducted involving all health care providers in randomly selected workshops in order to determine baseline levels of knowledge and the impact of training on knowledge level. In order to assess practices of physician and non-physician health care providers patient interviews, with control comparisons were conducted at each health care facility. Significant positive changes were observed in knowledge levels at a community level in the district of intervention compared with baseline knowledge levels particularly in relation to a heart healthy diet, beneficial level of physical activity, the causes of high blood pressure and heart attack and the effects of high blood pressure and active and passive smoking on health. Significant changes in behaviors at a practice level were not shown in the district of intervention. However the project played a critical role in spurring national action for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and introducing sustainable public health interventions for poor communities in Pakistan. (AU)

Diabetes knowledge, beliefs and practices among people with diabetes attending a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

A structured questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding diabetes was administered to 199 persons with diabetes (92.5% type 2) attending the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 53 (11) years. Mean duration of diabetes (SD) was 8 (7) years in men and 9 (6) years in women. Men had a significantly better knowledge score than women (P = 0.02); there was no significant difference in the beliefs and practices scores. Scores were classed as good (> 60%) in only 13.6% of participants for knowledge, 17.6% for beliefs and 11.2% for practices. About 38% of the participants had received education on diabetes care.

Diabetes knowledge, beliefs and practices among people with diabetes attending a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

A structured questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding diabetes was administered to 199 persons with diabetes [92.5% type 2] attending the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Mean age [standard deviation [SD]] was 53 [11] years. Mean duration of diabetes [SD] was 8 [7] years in men and 9 [6] years in women. Men had a significantly better knowledge score than women [P = 0.02]; there was no significant difference in the beliefs and practices scores. Scores were classed as good [> 60%] in only 13.6% of participants for knowledge, 17.6% for beliefs and 11.2% for practices.About 38% of the participants had received education on diabetes care

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression among family practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess anxiety and depression and to identify the factors associated with these conditions among family practitioners in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A self-reported postal survey was conducted among 540 family practitioners in Karachi during the months of July - August 2003. Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale (AKUADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. Additional questions were also inquired to get information about socio-demographic, professional and lifestyle characters. RESULTS: Using AKUADS, 155 (39%) family practitioners had anxiety and depression. Mutlivariate analysis disclosed five factors to be significantly associated with anxiety and depression; these were female sex (AOR = 6.4, 95% CI 3.2-12.6); age group of < 35 years (AOR = 23.3, 95% CI 9.0-60.3); lack of regular exercise (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI 2.4-10.2) and working for more than 48 hours per week (AOR = 12.7, 95% CI 6.2-26.2). CONCLUSION: This study reveals that prevalence of anxiety and depression among family practitioners in Karachi is high and higher than general population in Karachi. Further research and intervention studies are required to identify preventive measures in this regard and also to assess the impact of these interventions.

Macrovascular complications and their associated factors among persons with type 2 diabetes in Karachi, Pakistan--a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of macrovascular complications and factors associated with these complications among persons with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A multi-center, cross-sectional survey was conducted in three diabetes clinics of Karachi from November 2000 to April 2001. Six hundred and seventy-two persons were interviewed to determine the prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVA) and diabetic foot (DF). Demographic data and co-variables obtained include age, sex, duration of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, exercise habits and history of hypertension (HTN). RESULTS: Overall, 26.4%, 6.8% and 3.9% of individuals had IHD, CVA and DF respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that subjects having IHD were more likely to have HTN (AOR=1.88, 95% CI 1.31-2.69), not performing regular exercise (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.39-3.17) and be current smokers (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.10-3.10) Subjects having CVA were more likely to have diabetes for more than 5 years (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.97-3.87). Males were more prone than females to have DF (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI 1.46-8.31). Those who had DF were more likely to have diabetes for more than 5 years (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI 1.09-9.89) and of reporting current smoking (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI 1.49-10.71). CONCLUSION: Large proportions of persons with Type 2 diabetes were suffering from preventable macrovascular complications in Karachi, Pakistan. There is a need to develop risk factor modification interventions to reduce the impact of long-term complications.

Is there a value of mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in pre-employment screening of health care workers for tuberculosis in a high prevalence country?

SETTING: Pre-employment screening of health care workers (HCWs) is practiced widely. Research needs to be carried out to evaluate the screening procedure in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB), in pre-employment screening of HCWs, in a high prevalence country. DESIGN: Pre-employment screening of all new employees was reviewed from June to September 2000. The screening consisted of history, physical examination, blood and urine tests, Mantoux test and a chest radiograph. Patients with clinical, laboratory or radiological features suggestive of active TB were referred to a specialist. RESULTS: Out of 207 employees, a Mantoux reaction of > or = 10 mm and ESR of > or = 25 mm/first hour was noted in 90 (43.5%) and 21 (10.1%), respectively. One person had symptoms suggestive of TB and was already on anti-tuberculosis therapy at the time of screening. All other employees were asymptomatic. Based on radiographic findings, four (2%) cases were referred and one was given anti-tuberculosis therapy. An additional 48 (23.1%) employees were referred on the basis of positive Mantoux or elevated ESR; none were found to have active TB. CONCLUSION: In high prevalence countries use of Mantoux test and ESR in pre-employment screening of HCWs is not recommended for detection of active TB.

The utilization of services of health care providers among patients presenting to family physicians at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To study the utilization of services of Health care providers among patients presenting to Family Physicians in a teaching hospital in Karachi. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross sectional study. A questionnaire was developed to collect patient's utilization of services of health care providers. The investigators administered the questionnaire to 387 patients, after purpose of the study was explained, written consent was taken and confidentiality was assured. RESULTS: The study population included more females than males, with average age of 32.6 years. The majority were married, well educated, in private and government service, were students or housewives. We found that 383(99%), 141(36.4%), 88(22.7%) and 45(11.6%) of the respondents had used services of allopaths, homeopaths, hakims and spiritual healers respectively. It is important to consider that these patients had come for allopathic treatment, thus exhibiting preference for it. The five main ailments for consulting health care providers differed, suggesting the perception in the mind of patients that certain ailments are better treated by particular system of treatment than the others. Studies are needed to explore this area further. The main reasons for consultation with particular health care provider were the recommendation of others or the perceived effectiveness of the practitioners. The reasons cited for non-consultation with health care providers were the lack of belief in them or lack of effectiveness of their treatment. Three hundred seventy nine (98%), 259 (67%), 174 (45%) and 249 (64.4%) of patients were willing to consult allopaths, homeopaths, hakims and spiritual healers again respectively, if unwell in future. CONCLUSION: We found a substantial utilization of services of complimentary medicine practitioners among patients seeking allopathic treatment. Further study on the utilization and organization of services offered by health care providers is required.

Effect of age on haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation. A comparison of young, middle-aged and elderly patients.

The effect of age on the haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation was studied. Ninety ASA 1 or 2 patients were divided into three groups of 30 each based on age; ie., young (18-25 years), middle-aged (40-50 years) and elderly (65-80 years). The haemodynamic response after tracheal intubation was observed as percentage change in heart rate and blood pressure compared to the baseline. Inter-group comparison was also done at different time points. The greatest percentage change in the systolic arterial pressure after tracheal tube insertion was seen in the elderly group (15%). The increase in systolic arterial pressure was significantly less in theyounggroup compared with the two older groups at one, two, three and four minutes post-intubation. The greatest percentage increase in the diastolic blood pressure compared to the baseline was seen in the middle aged group (24%). The elderly and young patients showed a significant difference in the diastolic blood pressure response only at one minute post-intubation. The heart rate response was greatest in the middle-aged patients (40%) and least in the elderly (16%). These differences may have clinical significance and should be considered in assessing and performing research into the haemodynamic response to intubation.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with tuberculin skin test positivity among household contacts of smear-positive pulnionary tuberculosis cases in Umerkot, Pakistan.

STUDY POPULATION AND SETTING: Household contacts of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum smear-positive tuberculosis patients in the Umerkot Taluka, Sindh, Pakistan. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors associated with tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity among household contacts of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of household contacts of AFB sputum smear-positive tuberculosis cases, registered at the Umerkot Anti-Tuberculosis Association clinic from August 1999 to September 1999. The contact's Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection status was assessed using TST. On the day of the TST, a pre-designed questionnaire was administered to collect data on putative risk factors for TST positivity among contacts. The data were analysed using a marginal logistic regression model by the method of generalised estimating equations (GEE) to determine risk factors independently associated with TST positivity. RESULTS: The prevalence of TST positivity among household contacts of AFB sputum smear-positive index patients was 49.4%. The final multivariate GEE model showed that contact's age and sleeping site relative to the index case, the intensity of the index case's AFB sputum-smear positivity and the contact's BCG scar status were independent predictors of TST positivity among household contacts of AFB sputum smear-positive index cases. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the household contacts of AFB sputum smear-positive tuberculosis patients in a poor neighbourhood of rural Sindh had a high prevalence of M. tuberculosis infection as determined by TST. Poor housing conditions seem to contribute to the spread of M. tuberculosis infection. Early diagnosis of pulmonary TB through evaluation of TST-positive household contacts, followed by appropriate therapy, may prevent further spread of M. tuberculosis infection. We recommend an awareness programme to prevent household contacts from acquiring M. tuberculosis infection from smear-positive pulmonary TB cases.

Prevalence and risk factors for intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in Karachi, Pakistan.

Household contacts of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients are considered at increased risk of HCV infection. This cross-sectional study during April through June 1999 assessed the prevalence and risk behaviours associated with HCV seropositivity among the household contacts of HCV seropositive thalassaemic children in Karachi, Pakistan. Among the 341 household contacts of 86 thalassaemic HCV seropositive children who were tested, 70 (20.5%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The stratified analysis showed that HCV seroprevalence among the contacts did not differ significantly by the gender of the index patient and the type of relationship of contact with the index patient. However, HCV seroprevalences among the fathers and mothers of male index patients was substantially higher compared to those of female index patients. HCV RNA was recovered and genotyped from nine index patients and corresponding nine HCV-seropositive household contacts. HCV genotype 3a and 3b were found in 89% (8/9) and 11% (1/9) of the pairs, respectively. The final multivariable conditional logistic regression model revealed that after adjusting for the effect of ethnicity and past hospital admission history, the HCV-seropositive household contacts were more likely than HCV seronegative household contacts to have been bitten by the carrier [adjusted matched odds ratio (mOR)=2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.2] or have shared a toothbrush with the carrier (adjusted mOR=8.2; 95% CI 1.56-43.5). Control efforts should focus on the risk behaviours.

Significance of immunohistochemical c-ErbB-2 product localisation pattern for prognosis in human breast cancer.

Breast cancer is an increasingly important cause of illness and death among women. In recent years several novel prognostic determinants of breast cancer have been identified, including c-ErbB-2. In this study, expression of c-ErbB-2 in breast carcinoma was correlated with axillary lymph node metastases and disease outcome. The expression of c-ErbB-2 oncoprotein was analysed in 315 tumor specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. They were categorized according to the modified Bloom and Richardson criteria into three histological grades. These patients also had axillary lymph nodes sampling. The expression of c-ErbB-2 oncoprotein was analysed immunohistochemically. Over expression of c-ErbB-2 were observed in 39.36% tumors. Axillary lymph node metastasis had significant correlation with intensified positivity of c-ErbB-2. C-ErbB-2 positive patients did show resistance to chemotherapy when compared for recurrence and distant metastases following surgery (p< 0.05). At a median follow-up of 48 months in c-ErbB-2 positive patients, the overall survival was 3.0 years and disease free survival was 2.5 years. c-ErbB-2 negative tumor patients showed a far better survival. In this group the overall survival was 4.44 years and the disease free survival was 3.78 years. These findings reinforce the view that c-ErbB-2 immunohistochemical detection is of help in detecting a subgroup of breast carcinoma patients who are at high risk. This may also be of particular relevance in decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy to these patients.

Physician assisted suicide perceptions among patients presenting to family physicians at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To study the perceptions on physician assisted suicide, among patients presenting to family physicians, at a teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. METHOD: The study was carried out at the Community Health Center of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between December 1999 and May 2000. The principal and co-investigators filled a pre-coded and pretested questionnaire consisting of important demographic characteristics and bio-medical ethics issues. A system of convenience sampling was used and a written consent was taken from respondents over the age of 16 years, who agreed to participate. The data were managed by using the Epi Info (version 6.0) program. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty respondents were interviewed against an estimated sample size of 385. Majority (88%) were males between 25 and 34 years of age, and were self employed or in private service. Overall 9% respondents were advocated of physician assisted suicide, advocates was 9%. Those who advocated the Physician assisted suicide were more likely to be female, elderly, married and educated amongst the total respondents. Those who support Physician assisted suicide were less likely to attach divine qualities to physicians and were more bold, courageous and tolerant towards broader biomedical ethics issues. CONCLUSION: We have found a substantial acceptability to the idea of Physician assisted suicide in a Muslim society and have identified characteristics of those who support it.

Case control study of prognostic markers and disease outcome in inflammatory carcinoma breast: a unique clinical experience.

Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. In this first-ever study, we investigated the role of nine prognostic markers' expression (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PR], p53, C-erbB-2, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], cathepsin D [CD], proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], DNA ploidy, and S-phase fraction [SPF]) and disease outcome in IBC cases compared with the control group. A case control study of IBC was conducted on 40 test cases with two controls per case matching age, grade, and number of axillary lymph nodes sampled. During 7 years of this study, 10% of all patients with breast cancer had IBC. In this study, 84% of IBC cases showed positive axillary lymph nodes compared with 63% in control group. The expression of nine prognostic markers, that is, ER, PR, p53, C-erbB-2, EGFR, CD, PCNA, SPF, and DNA ploidy, was studied by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Hormone receptor status showed an inverse correlation (p < 0.05). Among p53, C-erbB-2, EGFR, and CD in the IBC group, only p53 showed a significant correlation, with 70% positivity in IBC versus 48% positivity in the control group (p < 0.05). Much higher SPF and PCNA positivity was seen in the IBC group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). DNA ploidy also showed a significant correlation compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After a median follow up of 18 months, median overall survival in the IBC group was 1.8 years (range 0.6-5.8 years) compared with 3.0 years (range 2.5-7.0 years), with a p value of 0.0001.