Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis as a sequela of pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report from Pakistan.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is a lung disorder characterized by the presence of single or multiple cavities with or without an aspergilloma or nodules on chest imaging, with mycological evidence of and/or demonstration of immunological response to Aspergillus spp. The affected patient should manifest relevant symptoms for at least 3 months. Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis is the most common subset of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which is often reported in patients previously treated for pulmonary tuberculosis, having residual cavities in their lungs. We present a case of a 55-year-old male patient treated for pulmonary tuberculosis 2 years back, now presenting with fever, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis with overt radiological changes from the baseline, positive direct microscopy, and serology for Aspergillus spp. and thus meeting the criteria for chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis. Treatment with oral antifungal was initiated, but the follow-up data are unavailable due to patient noncompliance and lack of resources. We aim to emphasize the radiological and microbiological features of this condition to aid the early diagnosis and prompt treatment, as this may mimic similar pulmonary disorders and pose a significant challenge in the diagnosis and management outcomes.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Apnea-Hypopnea Index or Nadir Oxygen Saturation Levels in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and nadir oxygen saturation (SpO2) are the indexes used to measure the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), is one of the main contributing factors to the onset and severity of OSA in patients. This study was conducted to find the association between BMI and OSA severity indexes, mainly AHI and nadir SpO2 levels. METHODS: Polysomnography reports of patients with diagnosed OSA in a teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed. BMI, AHI, and nadir SpO2 levels were recorded from the sleep study reports of the patients. Spearman's Rho test was applied to find the correlation between BMI and AHI/nadir Spo2 levels. RESULTS: A total of 167 patients were included in the study, comprising 83 males and 84 females. The Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to investigate the association between BMI and gender and age groups. The analysis revealed a significant difference in BMI between males and females, with females having a higher BMI. However, there was no significant difference in BMI among individuals in the early middle and late middle age groups. Spearman's Rho test was employed to explore the correlation between BMI and AHI/nadir SpO2 levels. The results indicated no significant correlation between BMI and AHI (p = .122) or nadir SpO2 levels (p = .239). CONCLUSION: Contrary to common belief, BMI was not linked to the severity of OSA. It implies that several other factors, independent of BMI, play a role in the disease progression and severity.

The bilobed flap - a better option for soft tissue release in the management of Radial Club Hand.

OBJECTIVE: To establish that the bilobed flap as soft tissue release component for the radial club hand is superior to the z-plasty technique in type III and IV radial club hands. METHODS: This study was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from 2009 to 2015, and comprised patients with radial club hands operated by a single consultant plastic surgeon. Soft tissue release was performed at 08 months. The extremity was then casted for 08 weeks and kept in a long-arm cast for 3 to 6 months. RESULTS: Twelve radial club hands of 9 patients treated successfully during the study period showed good to excellent results. Z-plasty was used on the radial side to correct the soft tissue deficiency in 5(42%) hands, and a bilobed flap in 7(58%) hands for soft tissue rearrangement on the radial side. Of all hands, 1(8.3%) z-plasty flap developed partial flap necrosis and 1(8.3%) each developed infection and needed implant (Kirschner wire removal), which were dealt with efficiently with no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The bilobed flap was found to be superior to the z-plastytechnique since the flap had better predictability and no tissue was wasted.

Congenital alveolar synechiae with cleft palate.

Congential maxillomandibular fusion or jaw adhesions is a rare entity. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies like cleft palate and is characterized by restricted mouth opening. This unusual presentation of congenital alveolar synechiae is highlighted in a 15 days old baby boy. Under inhalational anaesthesia his fibrocartilagenous adhesions were excised and endotracheal tube was then placed. Good recovery without any residual scars or adhesions and a 25 mm mouth opening was achieved.

Factors associated with duration of hospitalization and outcome in burns patients: a cross sectional study from Government Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Burns are important contributors toward mortality in trauma related injuries in Karachi, Pakistan. The aim of the present study was to delineate the factors contributing to the duration of hospitalization and mortality in such patients. METHODS: We performed a single center retrospective study of patients admitted during a 2 year period (January 2009 till December 2010) in Burns Center, Karachi. Patients with incomplete record were excluded. Variables included were age and gender of the patient, the percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burn, the cause of the burn and the body parts affected along with the micro-organisms isolated from the burn wounds. The relationship of these variables with the duration of hospitalization and the outcome of patients was assessed by means of Pearson Chi Square test in SPSS version 14. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 26.64 years (± 13.430). More males (56.6%) were admitted than females (43.4%), giving a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Mean percent total body surface area (%TBSA) burnt and mortality were 24.69% and 26.38% respectively with both having higher values in females (p<0.001). Males had a mean longer duration of hospitalization compared to females (35.94 days vs. 27.63 days). The most common micro-organism colonizing the wounds was found to be Staphylococcus aureus. Factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with increased duration of hospitalization and mortality include the age and gender of the patient, the cause of burn, inhalation injury, the region affected and %TBSA burnt. CONCLUSION: The relationship of age and gender of the patient, the cause of burn, inhalation injury, the region affected and %TBSA burnt are important factors in determining the duration of hospitalization of the patients and whether the patients will survive or succumb to injuries.

Physicians reading and writing practices: a cross-sectional study from Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: To determine the behavior of physicians regarding medical literature reading and participation in research activities at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Pakistan. METHOD: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing the house officers, residents and fellows of six major specialties (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychology, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anesthesia) in Civil Hospital, Karachi between August and December, 2011. The questionnaire elicited responses regarding the reading habits of physicians, preferred sources of information, their participation in research activities (publication & supervision) and views regarding journal club. SPSS 17.0 was used for data entry and analysis. RESULT: A total of 259 completely filled questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 85.19%. Mean age of the participants was 29.67 ± 7.65 years. Books were selected by 71.4% doctors as their preferred source of information, regardless of their clinical specialties. (p < 0.05). E-journals were preferred by 75.7% of the doctors over printed journals. This holds true for doctors from all specialties (p < 0.05). The ease of searching for relevant articles was the major contributor (50.5%) in preference of e-journals. 137 (52.9%) doctors read 5 or less articles per week. 30 (11.6%) doctors have subscription of journals (printed or electronic). At least one research paper has been published by 151 (58.3%) of the physicians interviewed. Most common reason for not participating in research activities was busy schedule (56.4%). Almost half (49.4%) doctors reported lack of journal club in their units. Of these, majority (88.35%) wanted a journal club in their respective units. CONCLUSION: Urgent intervention is required to promote healthcare literature reading and writing practice in our physicians. Easy access to workplace computers with internet and subscription of paid journals will facilitate physicians. Lack of supervisors and busy schedule were reported to be important contributors for not participating in research. Addressing these issues will encourage doctors to participate more in research activities.