Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis In Children.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis and to identify possible risk factors in children. METHODS: The descriptive, interview-based study was conducted at the Pulmonology outdoor clinic of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January to August 2019, and comprised children aged up to 14 years who were either contacts of a multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients or non-contacts. Data related to their demography as well as clinical and social characteristics was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Of the 202 subjects, 115(56.9%) were girls and 87(43.1%) were boys. There were 70(34.7%) subjects aged >13 years, followed by 45(22.3%) aged 9-12 years, 44(21.8%) aged £4 years and 43(21.3%) aged 5-8 years. Overall, there were 26(12.9%) cases positive for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis; 16(61.5%) girls and 10(38.5%) boys. In terms of age, 17(65.4) cases were positive in those aged >13 years. Age, previous history of tuberculosis, co- infection with any immune-compromising disease and close contact with patients of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis were significant risk factors identified. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was high in contacts of multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients, more prevalent in children aged 13-14 years.

Substantiating the predictive role of ultrasound imaging in athletes with lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential of ultrasound imaging to anticipate and monitor future symptoms of patellar or Achilles' tendinopathy. METHODS: The systematic review comprised prospective studies that used ultrasound imaging of Achilles' OR patellar tendons in asymptomatic patients at baseline and measurements of pain and/or function at follow-up. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist used to assess study quality and it was done by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 19 studies reviewed, 9(47.3%) investigated patellar tendon alone, 6(31.5%) did both patellar and Achilles' tendon, and 4(21.2%) did Achilles tendon alone. The method of ultrasound administration was almost uniform for both the tendons. The studies showed that the use of ultrasound to predict lower limb tendinopathy was indefinite, but that a higher proportion of tendon disorganisation increased the risk of developing tendinopathy. In addition, promising results were obtained for the use of ultrasound in both Achilles' and patellar tendinopathy in monitoring the effect of load or treatment on tendon structure. CONCLUSIONS: The included studies had participants from different sports. Tendon irregularities at baseline on ultrasound were related to increased risk and future occurrence of both patellar and Achilles' tendinopathy. .

Subacromial Content to Subacromial Space Ratio in Neutral Position of the Arm as Diagnostic Criteria of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the main causes of shoulder disability of working-class individuals. Currently, dynamic sonography of the shoulder is the modality of choice for the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome. The ratio of subacromial contents (SAC) and subacromial space (SAS) in neutral arm position could be used as a diagnostic parameter for the subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), especially in patients who have difficulties in the elevation of their shoulders due to pain. To use the SAC to SAS ratio as a sonographic criterion for the diagnosis of SIS. Methods: SAC and SAS of 772 shoulders were vertically measured in coronal view with linear transducer 7-14MHz of Toshiba Xario Prime ultrasound unit, while the patient arm was kept in the neutral position. The ratio of both the measurements was calculated, to be used as a diagnostic parameter of the SIS. Results: The mean SAS was 10.79 ± 1.94 mm and SAC was 7.65 ± 1.43 mm. SAC-to-SAS ratio for normal shoulders was a focused value with narrow standard deviation (0.66 ± 0.03). However, shoulder impingement is confirmed by any value falls out of the range of ratio for normal shoulders. Area under the curve at 95% confidence interval was 96%, while the sensitivity at 95% confidence interval was 99.25% (97.83%-99.85%), and specificity was 80.86% (76.48%-84.74%). Conclusion: SAC-to-SAS ratio in neutral arm position is a relatively more accurate sonographic technique for the diagnosis of SIS.

Effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Impaired vision is one of the commonest and most disabling consequence following stroke. Among all visual impairments, eye movement disorders are found in 70% of stroke patients which include nystagmus, strabismus, gaze palsies, disconjugate eye movements and cranial nerve palsies. They have a wide ranging impact on balance and activities of daily livings by creating difficulties in maintaining normal alignment and appropriate movement of eyes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. A sample of 64 patients was recruited and randomly allocated into experimental and control group. 32 patients in experimental group were treated with visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach and 32 patients in control group were treated with task specific approach alone. Pre and post assessment of balance and activities of daily livings was assessed on BERG BALANCE SCALE and BARTHEL INDEX SCALE at baseline and at 4th week. RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in all items except in items 4, 13 and 14 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 3, 5, 8 and 12 respectively, whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result in all items (p < 0.05) except in items 9 and 10 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 1, 3, 4 and 8 respectively whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Inter-group analysis showed statistically significant result in total scores of BERG BALANCE SCALE (p = 0.000) and BARTHEL INEX SCALE (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach were found to be more effective in comparison to task specific approach alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: [IRCT20190717044237N1], trial registration date: 10/11/2019.

Combined effects of virtual reality techniques and motor imagery on balance, motor function and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, impairing balance and motor function. Virtual reality (VR) and motor imagery (MI) are emerging techniques for rehabilitating people with PD. VR and MI combination have not been studied in PD patients. This study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of VR and MI techniques on the balance, motor function, and activities of daily living (ADLs) of patients with PD. METHODS: This study was a single-centered, two-armed, parallel-designed randomized controlled trial. A total of 44 patients of either gender who had idiopathic PD were randomly allocated into two groups using lottery methods. Both groups received Physical therapy (PT) treatment, while the experimental group (N: 20) received VR and MI in addition to PT. Both groups received assigned treatment for three days a week on alternate days for 12 weeks. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) (parts II and III), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale were used as outcome measures for motor function, balance, and ADLs. The baseline, 6th, and 12th weeks of treatment were assessed, with a 16th week follow-up to measure retention. The data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvement in motor function than the control group on the UPDRS part III, with 32.45±3.98 vs. 31.86±4.62 before and 15.05±7.16 vs. 25.52±7.36 at 12-weeks, and a p-value < 0.001. At 12 weeks, the experimental group's BBS scores improved from 38.95±3.23 to 51.36±2.83, with p-value < 0.001. At 12 weeks, the experimental group's balance confidence improved considerably, from 59.26±5.87to 81.01±6.14, with a p-value of < 0.001. The experimental group's ADL scores improved as well, going from 22.00±4.64 to 13.07±4.005 after 12 weeks, with a p-value of < 0.001. CONCLUSION: VR with MI techniques in addition to routine PT significantly improved motor function, balance, and ADLs in PD patients compared to PT alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20200221046567N1 . Date of registration: 01/04/2020.

Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is an extensively common complaint reported by patients of low back pain (LBP), resulting in several impairments. A comparatively novel technique, non-surgical spinal decompression (NSD), is introduced, which uses a sensitive computerized feedback mechanism and decompresses the spinal nerve roots through segmental distraction. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of NSD therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, lumbar range of motion (ROM), functional disability, back muscle endurance (BME), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: A total of sixty patients with lumbar radiculopathy were randomly allocated into two groups, an experimental (n = 30) and a control (n = 30) group, through a computer-generated random number table. Baseline values were recorded before providing any treatment by using a visual analogue scale (VAS), Urdu version of Oswestry disability index (ODI-U), modified-modified Schober's test (MMST), prone isometric chest raise test, and Short Form 36-Item Survey (SF-36) for measuring the pain at rest, functional disability, lumbar ROM, BME, and QOL, respectively. All patients received twelve treatment sessions over 4 weeks, and then all outcome measures were again recorded. RESULTS: By using the ANCOVA test, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) between-group improvement was observed in VAS, ODI-U, BME, lumbar ROM, role physical (RP), and bodily pain (BP) domains of SF-36, which was in favour of NSD therapy group. The between-group difference was 1.07 ± 0.32 cm (p < .001) for VAS, 5.65 ± 1.48 points (p < .001) for ODI-U, 13.93 ± 5.85 s (p = 0.002) for BME, 2.62 ± 0.27 cm (p < .001) for lumbar flexion, 0.96 ± 0.28 (p < .001) for lumbar extension, 5.77 ± 2.39 (p = 0.019) for RP and 6.33 ± 2.52 (p = 0.016) for BP domain of SF-36. For these outcomes, a medium to large effect size (d = 0.61-2.47, 95% CI: 0.09-3.14) was observed. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a combination of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy with routine physical therapy is more effective, statistically and clinically, than routine physical therapy alone in terms of improving pain, lumbar range of motion, back muscle endurance, functional disability, and physical role domain of quality of life, in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, following 4 weeks of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: WHO Iranian registry of clinical trials ( IRCT20190717044238N1 ) Dated: 23.12.2019.

Comparison of Mulligan technique versus muscle energy technique in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

Objectives: To compare the effects of Mulligan technique and muscle energy technique in patients with adhesive capsulitis. METHODS: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Physiotherapy, Government Mian Munshi Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from September 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, and comprised patients with adhesive capsulitis who were randomised into Mulligan mobilisation Group A and muscle energy technique Group B. The outcome assessor was kept blinded to the treatment plan. Pain, range of motion and functional disability were measured using Visual Analogue Scale, universal goniometer and Shoulder Pain and Disability Indexat baseline, and subsequently at the end of third and sixth weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 78 subjects, 39(50%) were in each of the two groups. Group A had 11(28%) male and 28(72%) female patients, while Group B had 20(51%) male and 19(49%) female patients. Both groups showed significant improvement (p<0.001), and inter-group comparison showed the difference to be non-significant at baseline and third week (p>0.05). However, post-intervention difference showed significantly better results in Group A compared to Group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan technique was found to be more effective than muscle energy technique in improving range of motion, and in reducing pain and functional disability. Clinical Trial Number: IRCT 20200605047660.

Effects of virtual reality exercises and routine physical therapy on pain intensity and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Objectives: To compare the effects of Virtual Reality exercises and routine physical therapy on pain and functional disability in patients with chronic low-back pain. METHODS: The single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted from April to October 2020 at the Physiotherapy Department of the Government Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised patients of either gender, aged 25-50 years with chronic non-radiating low-back pain who were randomised into two equal groups. Group A received routine physical therapy, while group B received Virtual Reality exercises with routine physical therapy. Visual Analogue Scale and Modified Oswestry Disability Index were used to measure outcomes at baseline and after 4th, 8th and 12th sessions. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. RESULTS: Of the 84 patients, there were 42(50%) in each of the two groups. There were 28((33%) males and 56(66.6%) females. The mean age in group A was 37.5±12.5 years and in group B it was 38.2±11.8 years. Pain score at baseline was 6.62±1.04 in group A and 6.50±1.24 in group B which decreased to 3.32±0.81 and 1.00±0.60 respectively after the 12th session (p<0.05). Functional disability score at baseline was 65.08+8.94 in group A and 69.16±9.13 in Group B which decreased to 40.56±8.59 and 16.04±6.82 respectively after the 12th session (p<0.05). Group B showed significantly better results than group A (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual Reality exercises in combination with routine physical therapy had dominant effect on functional disability and low-back pain. Trial Registration Number (IRCTID): IRCT20200330046895N1.

Role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on lumbar spondylolysis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on lumbar spondylolysis. METHODS: Literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PEDro and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2020 by using medical subject headings and applying Booleans, such as low-intensity pulsed ultrasound OR interventional ultrasound AND lumbar spine OR lumbar region AND spondylolysis OR stress fracture. Unpublished studies were hand-searched in the journals, abstracts of conferences were reviewed, and citation index was used for searching experts in the field and then contacting them for information. Studies included were the ones that had at least one of the following outcomes: bone union rate, treatment period to bone union and time to return to previous activities. RESULTS: Of the 243 studies identified, 228(94%) were full text articles and only 2(0.8%) studies were critically appraised for qualitative synthesis based on bone union rate, treatment period to bone union, and time to return to previous activities. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was found to be effective for bone union and a useful therapy for quick return to playing sports in patients with lumbar spondylolysis.

Effects of breathing re-education on clinical outcomes in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of breathing re-education with routine physical therapy. This mixed method study was conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital Faisalabad, Faisalabad from April 2020 to July 2020. Fourteen participants (6men and 8 women) with chronic neck pain were recruited over a 16-week period and were equally divided into breathing re-education and routine physical therapy groups. The mean age of the patients was 38.48±5.92 years. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, randomisation and retention rates of the participants. Clinical outcomes assessed for full trial were neck pain, cervical ROM, strength and endurance of neck muscles, quality of life and pulmonary functions. Outcomes were measured at baseline, fourth and eighth weeks. All the participants completed all the treatment sessions. No adverse events were reported. The breathing re-education group showed significant improvement in clinical outcomes. The results of this feasibility study provide supporting evidence for a future large-scale trial. Breathing re-education appears to be an effective treatment for chronic neck pain.

Urdu version of Oswestry disability index; a reliability and validity study.

BACKGROUND: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is broadly used in clinical and research settings for assessing the disability level in patients with lumbar radiculopathy but it has not been translated into Urdu language according to the pre-established translation guidelines as well as the validity and reliability of ODI Urdu version has not been tested yet. The aim of this study was to translate ODI in native Urdu language (ODI-U) according to recommended guidelines and to measure its psychometric properties in Urdu speaking patients suffering from lumber radiculopathy. METHODS: Out of 108 participants, 54 were healthy (who filled ODI-U) and 54 were patients of lumber radiculopathy. The patients were administered through ODI-U, visual analogue scales for disability (VAS disability), pain intensity (VAS pain) and SF-36 at baseline and after 3 days. Reliability was investigated through test-retest method, internal consistency, standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). ODI-U was assessed for exploratory factor analysis, construct (convergent and discriminative) validity and content validity. Alpha level < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and psychometric standards were evaluated contrary to priori hypothesis. RESULTS: ODI-U revealed excellent test-retest reliability for total score (ICC2,1 = 0.95) and for all item (ICC2,1 = 0.72-0.98). Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 showed excellent internal consistency and moderate correlation between ODI-U total score and each item through spearman's correlation coefficient (r = 0.51-0.76). One factor structure was created, explaining 52.5% variance. There was no floor and ceiling effect of total ODI-U score. Content validity was assessed through conducting interviews with patients and incorporating expert's opinions. The discriminative validity was measured by independent sample t-test, where significant difference between healthy and patients (P < 0.001) was observed. The convergent validity was evaluated through Pearson's correlation showing moderate positive correlation of ODI-U with VAS pain (r = 0.49) and VAS disability (r = 0.51) but moderate negative correlation with all SF-36 domains (r = - 0.43to - 0.63). CONCLUSION: ODI-U showed adequate psychometric properties. ODI-U was found to be a reliable and a valid tool to measure the level of disability in Urdu-speaking patients with lumber radiculopathy.

The effects of whole body vibration on gait after chronic stroke: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of whole body vibration therapy on gait in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: The randomised, assessor-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2017 to April 2019, and comprised chronic stroke patients wh were randomly divided into two equal groups, with group A reciving routine physiotherapy and group B reciving whole-body vibration therapy. Both the groups received 12 sessions each. Vibration therapy was given with an amplitude of 3mm and frequency of 20Hz. Sessions comprised 5 bouts of 120 seconds with 60s rest intervals for 6 days/week for 2 weeks in erect standing position. The outcome measure was the score of timed up and go test and 10-meter walk test before and after intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients, there were 32(50%) in each of the two groups. Significant difference was seen post-intervention in both the groups (p<0.05) although both groups were statistically same in terms of Timed Up and go Test, 10 Meter walk Test Slow Speed and 10 Meter walk Test Fast Speed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Walking speed improved with both treatments i.e. whole-body vibration therapy and routine physiotherapy in chronic stroke survivors. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Identifier: IRCT20190328043131N1:https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/38832/view.

Role of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: synthetic analysis of last two decades.

OBJECTIVE: To explore current evidence on the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. METHODS: The meta-analysis study was conducted at University of Lahore from May 2019 to December 2019 and comprised search on Cochrane, Medline, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Databasedatabases and other sources as well as unpublished grey literature related to shockwave therapy in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy published between 2000 and 2019. Methodological quality assessment was performed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and the included studies were critically appraised using the Physiotherapy Evidence Databasescale. RESULTS: Of the 11 studies shortlisted, data was not extractable from 2(18%). Of the 9(82%) studies analysed, 8(89%) were randomised trials and 1(11%) was randomised pilot study. Overall, 4(44.4%) studies had high quality and 5(55.6%) fell in the fair category. CONCLUSIONS: There was no consensus found on the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy compared to traditional rehabilitation among patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Effects of Virtual Reality with Motor Imagery Techniques in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, of insidious onset, with major motor symptomatology including bradykinesia, rest tremor, rigidity, and postural disturbances. Virtual reality (VR) and motor imagery (MI) are among the more innovative techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with PD which promote motor learning both through explicit and implicit processes. This study is unique in that it will examine the combined effects of VR and MI on motor function, balance and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with PD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of VR with MI techniques in addition to routine physical therapy on motor function, balance, and ADLs in patients with PD. METHODS: This is a two-armed parallel design, single-blinded (assessor blinded), single-centered, randomized controlled trial, and the study protocol is based on SPIRIT guidelines. Thirty-four patients with PD (Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) will be randomly allocated with a 1:1 ratio into Group A (control group) and Group B (treatment group). Group A will be given routine physical therapy in 40-min sessions and 20 min of walking and cycling with a short period of rest, every alternate day (3 days per week) for 12 weeks, while for Group B routine physical therapy protocols along with VR and MI will be used in 60-min sessions, every alternate day (3 days per week) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures are as follows: (i) the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS; part III), (ii) the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). The secondary outcome measure is the UPDRS (part II). Assessments will be recorded at baseline, the sixth and twelfth weeks of therapy, and 1 month after the discontinuation of therapy. Clinical Study Registration: This randomized controlled prospective study was registered with the Iranian Registry of clinical trials (IRCT20200221046567N1) on April 1, 2020 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/46073).

Prevalence and risk factors of preterm birth in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To find prevalence of preterm birth in Pakistan and to explore its related risk factors. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017, at Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan, and data was collected from Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments of various hospitals in four provinces of the country. To find risk factors of preterm birth, data was divided into two groups: Group-1 consisted cases with preterm birth defined as gestational age <37 weeks on ultrasonography; and Group-2 consisted controls with full-term birth defined as gestational age 37-41 weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: There were 1,691 females with mean gestational age of 37.3±2.062 weeks. The prevalence of preterm birth was 366(21.64%). Top 5 major risk factors identified were Placenta Previa (odds ratio: 51.97), maternal thyroid disease (odds ratio: 18.46), being a minority (odds ratio: 7.73), foetal distress (odds ratio: 7.19), and maternal asthma (odds ratio: 6.23). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of preterm birth was found to be high with several modifiable and controllable risk factors.

Risk factors for candidaemia in neonates with sepsis in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for candidaemia in babies admitted to a tertiary care hospital with neonatal sepsis. METHODS: This nested case control study was conducted in the Neonatal Unit of the department of Paediatrics, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2017 to June 2018. A total of 350 neonates having sepsis according to the clinical case definition were enrolled in this study by non-probability convenient sampling. Blood culture for bacteria on first day and for candida on fifth day was sent. Patients were started antimicrobial therapy as per institutional policy on admission. All patients were followed for risk factors for development of candidaemia. Data was analyzed by SPSS 22.0, Odds ratio and logistic regression was used to determine the magnitude of risk factors. RESULTS: Among 350 septic neonates, 36 isolates were positive for Candida spp, constituting 10.2% of candidaemia among septic neonates. Necrotizing enterocolitis was found to be the significantly associated risk factor for development of candidaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Necrotizing enterocolitis was found to be an important risk factor for development of candidaemia among hospitalized septic neonates.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with prenatal depression among pregnant women in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

To determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and explore its association with socio-demographic risk factors, stressful life events and women autonomy/decision-making. The recognition of these problems would play a substantial role in the strategic development of interventions for those Pakistani women who have been suffering from prenatal depression. Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Allied hospital Faisalabad during a period of 18 months (1st Jan 2019 to 30 June 2020). Data was collected by using simple random sampling technique. EPDS was used to measure prenatal depression. A modified kuppuswamy scale, Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS) and women autonomy/decision making scale was used to assess the risk factors. A total of 380 women were included in the study. The mean age (in years) ± SD was 29.37±5.27. According to cut-off score >10 on Edinburg postnatal depression scale the prevalence of depression was found as 51.6%. The findings revealed that women education, socio-economic class, BMI, pregnancy duration, history of miscarriage, contraception, stressful life events and women autonomy had significant association with prenatal depression (P<0.05). Socio-demographic factors, stressful life events in previous life and women autonomy are significant predictors of prenatal depression that need to be addressed in order to sustain safe motherhood.

Unfiltered Nanofat Injections Rejuvenate Postburn Scars of Face.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of postburn facial scars before and after injection of unfiltered nanofat. The study was performed in the Plastic Surgery Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2015 to December 2016. Forty-eight patients with postburn facial scars were included; age range was 4 to 32 years with Fitzpatrick skin types between 3 and 4. Patients with hypertrophic scars, contractures, or keloids were excluded. Scars were assessed by a senior plastic surgeon and the patient on the POSAS (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale). Fat was harvested from the abdomen and/or thighs with a 3-mm multiport liposuction cannula (containing several sharp side holes of 1 mm) using Coleman technique. The harvested fat was emulsified and transferred into 1-mL Luer-Lock syringes for injection into the subdermal or intradermal plane. Final follow-up was scheduled at 6 months, and scar was rated by the patient and the same surgeon on the POSAS. Preoperative and postoperative scar scores were compared, and P values were calculated. Results indicated that after nanofat grafting, there was a statistically significant improvement in scar quality. The most significant improvements on the observer scale were seen in pigmentation and pliability (P < 0.0001). Thickness and relief were the least improved variables (P = of 0.785 and 0.99, respectively). ImageJ scanning also showed pigmentation change (P = 0.076). A statistically significant improvement was seen in all parameters of the patient section of the POSAS (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, unfiltered nanofat grafting seems to be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in postburn facial scars, showing significant improvement in scar quality. The trial was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with following ID NCT03352297.

Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy with erlotinib followed by maintenance erlotinib in patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor mutation- positive adenocarcinoma lung.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of erlotinib in combination with radiation therapy followed by maintenance therapy in Stage III and IV, epidermal growth factor receptor mutationpositive adenocarcinoma lung patients. METHODS: The single-arm, quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from September 2013 to December 2014, and comprised patients with lung adenocarcinoma who were followed up till December 2017. The patients received concurrent radiation therapy (60- 70 Gy in 30-35 fractions) along with erlotinib 150mg/day, followed by erlotinib 150mg/day as maintenance therapy till disease progression. Primary endpoint was overall response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours guideline version 1.0, while secondary endpoint was progression-free survival, overall survival and toxicity assessment with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Eventsversion 3.0. Before starting erlotinib, all patients received four cycles of standard chemotherapy with platinum doublets (Pemetrexed, Docetaxel, Paclitaxel, Gemcitabine). Data was analysed using SPSS 16.. RESULTS: of the 62 patients initially enrolled, 49(79%) completed the study. Of them, 37(75.5%) patients were smokers. Mean age of the patients was 57.0±8.51 years (range: 31-73 years) and 40 (81.6%) were male subjects. Objective response rate was 71.4% (n=35). Median progression-free survival for stage III disease was 7.4 months and for stage IV disease 2.8 months. Corresponding median overall survival rates were 12.9 months and 5.5 months. Common adverse events observed were rash n=30(61.2%), fatigue n=21(42.9%) and diarrhoea n=18(36.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent radiotherapy with erlotinib was effective and well-tolerated in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma lung harbouring epidermal growth factor receptor mutation.

Performance of Pediatrics' residents as clinical teachers: A student-based assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical teaching skills of Pediatrics' residents as rated by final year MBBS students by using augmented Stanford Faculty Development Program questionnaire (SFDPQ) in a teaching hospital, Lahore. METHODS: This cross- sectional survey was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University, Lahore in six months in 2016.Total of 265 students of final year MBBS, attending the teaching sessions organized by residents during their four weeks rotation in Pediatrics were included by non-probability purposive sampling. The augmented SFDPQ was emailed to the study participants after the completion of the clinical rotation, following several encounters with the resident. The data was entered in SPSS 22 for statistical analysis. Scores for each domain (learning climate, control of session, communication of goals, promoting understanding and retention, evaluation, promoting self-directed learning, teacher's knowledge and teacher's attitude) were also presented as mean and standard deviation. One-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to observe the normality of data. Where normality of data was observed, independent sample t-test was applied and where normality of data was not observed, Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the score between genders. Score of four was considered as cut off score for satisfactory results. RESULTS: Out of 265 students, 250 responded with response rate of 94.3%. Out of 250 medical students, 105 (42.0%) were male and 145(58.0%) were female. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of this score was excellent (0.973). The mean score for all SFDPQ domains was also sub-optimal (2.90±0.611). The mean total score was sub-optimal for learning climate (3.39±0.69), control of session (3.25±0.77), communication of goals (3.26±0.86), promoting understanding and retention (3.26±0.77), evaluation (2.25±0.67), promoting self-directed learning (3.17±0.90), teacher's knowledge (3.14±0.93) and teacher's attitude (3.31±0.89), while it was good only for feedback (4.03±0.11). The mean total score for all SFDPQ domains in males and females was 3.05±0.54 and 2.79±0.64 respectively. Although sub-optimal in both the genders, the score was significantly higher in males with p-value 0.001. CONCLUSION: We found suboptimal clinical teaching skills of Pediatrics' residents as rated by final year MBBS medical students.