Preliminary radiological result after establishment of hospital-based trauma registry in level-1 trauma hospital in developing country setting, prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries are the second most common cause of disability, the fifth most common cause of healthy years of life lost per 1000 people and unfortunately 90% of mortality takes place in low-to middle-income countries. Trauma registries guide policymakers and health care providers in decision making in terms of resource allocation as well as enhancing trauma care outcomes. Furthermore data from these registries inform policy makers to decrease the rate of death and disability occurring as a result of injuries. We present our experience in setting up an orthopedic trauma registry and the first short term follow-up of radiological outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Our study is a non-funded, non-commercial, prospective cohort study that was registered at Research Registry. The primary objectives of our study included assessing pattern of injuries in patients with upper and lower limb skeletal trauma presenting to our tertiary care academic university hospital and their respective outcomes. Data was collected by the musculoskeletal service line team members supervised by an experienced research associate and trauma consultants. The work has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were included in this analysis, of whom 101 (57.1%) patients had lower limb fractures, 64(36.1%) patients ad upper limb fractures and 12 (6.8%) patients had both upper and lower limbs involved. A total of 189 upper and lower limb fracture cases were recorded. 176 patients (93.1%) underwent surgeries and 13(6.9%) were managed nonoperatively. Roentgenographic outcomes were assessed using radiological criteria for each bone fractured. CONCLUSION: Establishing a trauma registry assists in identification of the pattern of injuries presenting to the hospital which helps in priority setting, care management and planning. This continuous audit of outcomes in turn, plays a significant role in quality improvement.

Cd20 Expression and Effects on Outcome of Relapsed/ Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma after Treatment with Rituximab

Introduction: Down regulation of CD20 expression has been reported in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)). Therefore, it is important to determine whether chemotherapy with rituximab induces CD20 down regulation and effects survival. Objectives: To determine the incidence of down regulation of CD20 expression in relapsed DLBCL after treatment with rituximab and to compare outcomes and assess pattern of relapse between CD20 negative and CD20 positive cases. Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed patients with relapsed DLBCL who received rituximab in the first line setting at Aga Khan University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2014. Data were recorded on predesigned questionnaires, with variables including demographics, details regarding date of diagnosis and relapse, histology, staging, international prognostic index, treatment and outcomes at initial diagnosis and at relapse. The Chi square test was applied to determine statistical significance between categorical variables. Survival curves were generated by the Kaplan­Meier method. Results: A total of 54 patients with relapsed DLBCL were included in our study, 38 (70 %) males and 16(30%) females. Some 23 (43%) patients were at stage IV at the time of diagnosis and 34 (63%) had B symptoms. The most frequent R-IPI at diagnosis was II in 24 (44%) patients. Only 6 (11%) did not show CD20 expression on re-biopsy for relapsed/refractory disease, 2 with CD20 negative DLBCL responding to second line chemotherapy. A complete response after salvage chemotherapy was noted in 16 (29.6%) cases with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Seven (13%) patients underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant as consolidation after second line treatment. Median overall survival was 18 months in CD20 positive vs. 13 months in CD20 negative patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a small percentage of patients treated with rituximab lose their CD20 expression at the time of relapse. However, it is unclear whether this is associated with an inferior outcome.

Correlation of TP53 Overexpression and Clinical Parameters with Five-Year Survival in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Introduction TP53 mutation and overexpression have been correlated with poor survival in many cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We aim to understand the role of TP53 overexpression in OSCC in our population and correlate it with five-year survival to test its viability as a prognostic marker for OSCC patients. Materials and methods Patients with biopsy proven OSCC at Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2000 to January 2008 were recruited. Immunohistochemistry was used to establish TP53 status and the results were published. Following up on these patients, five-year data were collected and correlated with TP53 status and other clinicopathologic parameters. Results Overexpression of TP53 was not significantly associated with five-year survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.543; 95% CI: 0.911-2.612; p = 0.107). Conclusion Although we had proven statistical relevance when correlated with overall survival in our previous study, we were unable to extend the same relevance to TP53 overexpression when it comes to five-year survival.

Hernia of Morgagni Presenting as Constipation in a 65-Year-Old Male.

Hernia of Morgagni is congenital defects in the diaphragm. They are mostly asymptomatic and present with vague symptoms when they do so. A high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnose of this condition. Here we present the case of a 65-year-old male patient presented to our institute with constipation for the past six months. Chest radiology raised the suspicion of a hernia which was further confirmed by contrast studies. Laparotomy was done and the hernia sac identified, colon and greater omentum reduced and defect repaired. He was discharged in stable condition and was doing well on follow-up.