Volume 3 Issue-1 Jan-Mar,14

 

The articles for the PJMD Issue July-Sep 2014 are listed below. The articles are in PDF Format which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing.

EDITORIAL

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) – A need for research in medical schools

The term Andragogy was introduced by Malcom Knowles, based on the seven principles of adult learning. These present guidelines to teach learners in an independent way. The main philosophy being to provide an effective learning environment where the learners can express themselves. to take the ownership of their learning and formulate their own learning objectives.1 Various learning methodologies have been introduced like reflective teaching, problem based learning, and self directed learning. Amongst them, the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is currently under discussion on a national and international level. Literature is being published on the outcomes of Peer Assisted Learning, comparing it to conventional teaching…

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 1-2
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Anila Jaleel
    Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Fatima Medical College of Medicine and Dentistry.

ORIGNAL ARTICLE

Unusual Histopathological Findings of Appendectomy Specimens

Background:

Appendicitis is a very common surgical clinical condition and appendectomy is a frequently performed procedure worldwide. Although obstruction caused by fecoliths or lymphoid aggregation is a common reason for appendicitis, unusual histopathological findings can be a cause too. Unusual findings can range from benign conditions like worm infestation and cysts to malignant conditions like carcinoid tumors and adenocarcinomas. Enterobius vermicularis infection, tuberculosis, ascaris lumbricoides infestation, carcinoid tumors and cystadenomas are some of the commonly appearing unusual findings.

Objective:

To document the number of rare histopathological findings of appendectomy specimens.

Methods:

A 7 year retrospective study was conducted at Ziauddin University Hospital from March 2005 to December 2012. From accumulated information for 2157 appendectomies, 138 appendectomy specimens had rare histopathological findings. Incidental and negative appendectomies were excluded from this study.

Results:

58% of the patients with unusual histopathological findings were males (n=80) and 42% were females (n=58). Most common findings included: Enterobius vermicularis48.5%(n=67), Tuberculosis13% (n=18), Carcinoid tumors 9% (n=13) and cystadenomas 8% (n=11). Other findings include: peri appendicular abscess, adenocarcinoma of colonic origin, necrotizing lymphadenitis, ascaris lumbroides, Meckel’s diverticulum, taenia saginata, pheochromocytoma and mucocele.

Conclusion:

Appendectomy specimens should be routinely sent for histopathological examinations as this practice can help in diagnosing rare tumors and conditions.

Key Words:

Appendicitis, Histopathological Findings, Appendectomies, Enterobius Vermicularis, Tuberculosis infestation, Carcinoid tumors, Cystadenomas.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 3-7
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Iqbal Memon
    Resident, Department of Surgery, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Komal Moorpani
    House Officer, Department of Surgery, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Shafiq-ur-Rehman
    Professor and HOD, Department of Surgery, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Iqbal Memon

Relation of Serum Cotinine with Passive Smoking

Background:

Cotinine is a major metabolite of nicotine and retains for a substantial time in different body fluids. It is considered as a passive smoke exposure marker. Studies on different biochemical markers of tobacco smoke exposure are lacking in Pakistan and serum continine levels in nonsmokers provide a comprehensive measure of passive smoking from all sources in the last two to three days.

Objective:

To compare the frequency of serum cotinine detection in smokers, passive smokers and never smokers.

Methods:

Serum cotinine was analyzed on 135 self reported smokers, never smokers and passive smokers by 17-A gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with Supelco SPB-5 fused silica capillary column attached with Class GC 10 Software. Association between the qualitative variables (cotinine present/absent) between groups (smoker, never smoker and passive smoker) was taken out using Pearson chi-square test. The mean difference for serum cotinine between the groups (smoker, never smoker and passive smoker) was evaluated by using kruskal wallis test. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results:

Serum cotinine was detectable in 72.1% of passive smokers which was a significantly higher proportion than smokers and never smokers (p< 0.001).

Conclusion:

Cotinine was detectable in the serum of smokers and passive smokers. Passive smoking may contribute to increased serum cotinine levels. Large sample size may be required to establish it as a marker for environmental tobacco smoke exposure marker and for validation of smoking status.

Key Words:

Cotinine, Passive Smoking, Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS), Secondhand Smoke (SHS), Gas Chromatography.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 8-12
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Zil-a-Rubab
    Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Mohammad Ata-ur-Rehman
    Professor, Department of Biochemistry, KIBGE Karachi University, Karachi.
  • Saeeda Baig
    Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Zil-a-Rubab

(VDR) Gene Polymorphisms – Rapid and noninvasive oral detection Method

Background:

In recent years, the importance of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene restriction fragment length polymorphisms for various types of disease and cancers has been investigated by a great number of studies. A non invasive method could be employed for extracting DNA. Oral rinse has been found to be one of the sources for collecting genomic DNA.

Objective:

To develop a rapid and non-invasive method for the detection of Vitamin D Receptor (VDRFok1) Gene from oral rinse.

Methods:

Oral rinse samples were collected normal individuals with informed consent. Individuals included were healthy adults between 20-40 years of age. Oral rinse (40ml) was taken after gentle brushing over the lesions. DNA extraction was done according to Lucky MH et al and PCR was performed using beta globin primers GH02/PC04 and VDR-Fok1 primers. A 256bp amplified products was visualized by Gel Doc Hero Lab software (Germany). The PCR-RFLP results showed the 20 or 40% FF genotype (homozygote of common allele) with one band of 265bp.

Results:

The mean concentration of 60 DNA samples was 14.484±10.63ug/ml. The results of VDR-Fok1 gene polymorphism shows that out of 60 subjects 48 were normal (FF 80%), 12 were Heterozygous (Ff 20%) and 0 were mutated (ff 0%).

Conclusion:

Oral rinse is a perfect medium for rapid and non invasive diagnostic applications of VDR gene may be optimized for other salivary biomarkers.

Key Words:

Oral Rinse, DNA Extraction, PCR, RFLP, VDR, Fok1 Polymorphism.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 13-18
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Muhammad Haris Lucky
    Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University & Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Saeeda Baig
    Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University & Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Muhammad Haris Lucky

Co-existence of Dengue Fever & Malaria in Thrombocytopenic Patients Presented with Acute Febrile Illness

Background:

Dengue fever and malaria both can present with thrombocytopenia and is regarded as a strong predictor of dengue fever. Thrombocytopenia is also considered criterion of disease severity, bad prognostic factor and its presence is associated with increase probability of malaria.

Objective:

To determine frequency of co-existence of dengue fever and malaria in thrombocytopenic patients presented with acute febrile illness in tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, observational study conducted at the department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi from April 2013 to January 2014. A total of 159 patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in this study. 5ml of blood by venupuncture in EDTA anti-coagulant for platelet count and preparing thick and thin films and 2 ml of blood in plain bottle for detection of dengue specific IgM was collected from all patients. Thick films are used to identify malarial parasites and thin films to identify specie. Dengue fever was diagnosed on positive dengue IgM. Co-existence was labeled as positive if malarial parasites and dengue IgM found to be present at the same time. This diffusion susceptibility test was use to determine susceptibility of bacterial agents to antibiotics. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS software version 19.

Results:

Overall mean (±SD) age was 38.3 (±7.9) years, with Male to female ratio was 1.1: 1. Coinfections (Dengue and Malaria) were diagnosed in 5 (5.6%) of cases. From 5 cases, 3 (60%) were male and 2 (40%) were female. Mean (±SD) age of 5 positive cases of co-infection was 37.8 (±8.3) years.

Conclusion:

Concurrent infections were found 5.6% in this study, however, this percentage is slightly low; and special consideration should be given to the likelihood of co-infection with dengue and malaria.

Key Words:

Dengue Fever, Malaria, Immunoglobulin-M (IgM), Febrile Illness, Thrombocytopenia

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 19-23
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Shazia Yasir
    Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospitals.
  • Muhammad Owais Rashid
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospitals.
  • Faisal Moin
    Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospitals.
  • Komal Owais
    Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University and Hospitals.
  • Corresponding Author
    Shazia Yasir

Familial, Hereditary and Sporadic Characterization of Prostate Cancer & Impact on Diagnostic Modalities

Background:

A family history of prostate cancer has been associated with increased risk of prostate cancer development, but the risks were inconsistent in terms of the affected family members and the data on prostate cancer characterization with respect to family history of disease among Pakistani men is limited.

Objective:

To characterize prostate cancer based on family history into familial including hereditary and sporadic cases and to investigate the association with diagnostic modalities; age of patient at diagnosis and pathological tumor grade.

Methods:

A self-administered written questionnaire was forwarded to 100 patients diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma, containing questions about age at diagnosis and cases of prostate cancer in family. The information regarding age of patient at diagnosis, cases of prostate cancer in relative, pathological tumor grade and age at death for all relatives affected by prostate cancer was acquired. The data was validated through the biopsy report of patient and medical records of relative affected by prostate cancer, provided by patient respectively. Patients were then divided into three groups according to their family history: familial prostate cancer (FPC), hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) and sporadic prostate cancer (SPC) groups.

Results:

17% of the patients were categorized in the FPC group, of which 2% were identified as having HPC and 81% were assigned SPC group. Overall, there was no significant statistical difference between groups and study variables.

Conclusion:

We found no difference in age and pathological tumor grade, in patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of prostate following TURP. These results are consistent with previous studies except that patients with HPC in previous studies were significantly younger at diagnosis.

Key Words:

Prostatic Neoplasms, Characterization of Prostate Cancer, Family History.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 24-28
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Faraz Ahmed Baig
    Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University & Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Amna Hamid
    Department of Surgery, Civil Hospital, Karachi.
  • Talat Mirza
    Department of Pathology, DOW University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Serajuddaula Syed
    Professor and HOD, Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University & Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Faraz Ahmed Baig

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Safety of Herbal Cough Syrup

Background:

Herbal medicine or phytotherapy is the science of using herbal remedies for the treatment of diseases. Nowadays increasing number of people are using herbal medicines because of lower level of side effects and toxicity associated with them. Pharmacologists must be knowledgeable about their safety. Present study was carried out to evaluate the cardiovascular safety of herbal cough syrup. The syrup contains Glycerrhiza glabra, Piper longum, Adhatoda vasica, Viola odorata, Hyssopus officinalis, and Alpinia galanga. All these ingredients are said to have antitussive properties without any cardiovascular toxic effects.

Objective:

To evaluate cardiovascular safety of herbal cough syrup

Methods:

Twenty eight rabbits of either sex, weighing 670g–1200g were divided into four groups, with 7 rabbits in each group. Group I was the control group & received 0.3 ml of water, group II, III & IV received herbal syrup normal dose (0.57ml/kg), moderate dose (5ml/kg),and high dose (10ml/kg) respectively once daily, orally for a period of 45 days following which blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture, centrifuged & serum was analyzed on Vitalab eclipse automatic analyzer for cardiac & lipid profile.

Results:

In comparison to control group there were no significant changes in cardiac and lipid profile of all groups. Overall results did not reveal any significant toxicity.

Conclusion:

The Herbal Syrup is safe as an antitussive and reveals no significant cardiovascular toxicity.

Key Words:

Herbal, Cough, Cardiovascular Safety

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 29-34
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Riffat Farooqui
    Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi.
  • Talea Hoor
    Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi.
  • Tahira Zamir
    Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi.
  • Rafeeq Alam Khan
    Professor, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City Jeddah, KSA
  • Corresponding Author
    Talea Hoor

Curriculum-based Prescription Writing Among Undergraduate Medical and Dental Students

Background:

Prescription writing is highly intricate. It is a reflection of the prescriber’s knowledge of clinical pharmacology and well-defined judgment. Weak prescribing skills are mostly exhibited by junior doctors. Contributory factors include improper training, integrated system, and weak skills of the prescriber. Research provides substantial evidence that these flaws can be minimized through structured educational interventions.

Objective:

To evaluate medical and dental students on rational prescription writing, identification of elements and abbreviations of a prescription.

Methods:

A cross sectional study was performed on second year medical and dental students of Ziauddin University. In three 3 sessions, the students were taught rationale prescription writing, abbreviations, and elements used in prescription writing consecutively. The elements were based on doctor’s and patient’s information, followed by the drug component written explicitly. Each session was followed by exercises on case scenarios, to assess their comprehension of the topic. The p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

In the study 83% of the students completed components of rational prescription writing for a given case scenario, with 75% and 77% students identifying abbreviations and various elements in five tailor-made prescriptions respectively.

Conclusion:

Rational prescription writing is a curriculum-based inherent skill acquired by medical and dental students during their training. When rational prescription writing is taught together with elements of a prescription and abbreviations, it equips students with sound knowledge of clinical pharmacology and refines their judgment in formulating prescriptions.

Key Words:

Rational Prescription Writing, Elements, Medical Abbreviations.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 35-39
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Nadya Ameen
    Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Samia Perwaiz Khan 
    Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Fouzia Shaikh
    Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Zahida Memon
    Associate Dean & Chair, Department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi..
  • Corresponding Author
    Nadya Ameen

Successful Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage Using B-Lynch Suture

Background:

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life threatening obstetric emergency. In Pakistan 25% of maternal deaths are due to PPH and majority is due to uterine atony. B-Lynch suture is a simple and effective method for control of PPH due to uterine atony as an alternative to more complicated surgery including hysterectomy with loss of fertility and associated psychological morbidity.

Objective:

To demonstrate the effectiveness of B-Lynch compression suture in patients with massive postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony refractory to medical treatment.

Methods:

Prospective observational study conducted at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital, Karachi, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Data was collected during the 12 month period for all women who had massive primary postpartum haemorrhage (> 1500ml) due to uterine atony refractory to uterotonic agents in whom surgical haemostasis was initiated by applying B-Lynch suture. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. The main outcomes evaluated were reduction or cessation of bleeding, whether hysterectomy was needed to control haemorrhage and whether minor or major complications of the procedure arose.

Results:

During the 12 months study period 3.1% (152/4782) women had primary postpartum haemorrhage, while massive postpartum haemorrhage occurred in 0.62% (30/4782) cases. Majority of these cases were due to uterine atony (20/30). B-Lynch suture was applied to 16 women who had massive primary postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony refractory to uterotonic agents. Effective haemostasis was achieved in all cases. None of the women required hysterectomy. All women later resumed normal menstrual flow without any abnormality. One patient had spontaneous pregnancy after eleven months of her delivery.

Conclusion:

B-Lynch suture is effective in the control of massive postpartum haemorrhage as an alternative to hysterectomy, a lifesaving procedure preserving the uterus and thus fertility.

Key Words:

Massive Postpartum Haemorrhage, B-Lynch Suture, Uterine Atony.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 40-44
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Anjum Afshan
    Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ziauddin University & Sobhraj Maternity Hospital.
  • Shabnam Shamim Asim
    Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Karachi Medical and Dental College & Sobhraj Maternity Hospital.
  • Corresponding Author
    Anjum Afshan

MEDICAL EDUCATION

Role of Student Semiars in Teaching Physiology

Objective:

To assess usefulness of student’s seminars in teaching of physiology.

Methods:

A cross sectional study conducted from January 2010 to December 2011. The students seminars were scheduled once in two months for a duration of 2 hours with at least three presentations. Presentation of 30 minutes carried by a group of four students was, followed by question and answer session. The response of students on usefulness of seminars was acquired through a questionnaire with three components; I) usefulness of seminars in understanding of Physiology acquired on 5 point Likert Scale strongly disagree (0) to strongly agree (5); II) useful for leaning capabilities on three point scale, not at all, to some extent and to a great extent, and III) comprised the free comment section. Frequency of responses was analyzed by SPSS version 11.

Results:

A total of 13 seminars were conducted by Department of Physiology. Response showed that 62 (71%) and 71(82%) were not able to understand content and difficult concepts of Physiology. Only 2(2%) rated its usefulness to understand pathological aspects, it did not help altogether in theory examination and only 5 (6%) rated its efficacy for practical examination. Working in group enabled them 42(48%) to interact with each other. Seminars helped in self directed learning with development of presentation and communication skills in 21(24%), 28 (32 %) and 32(37%) respectively. The students recommended this to be conducted in small groups.

Conclusion:

Students were not satisfied with the utility of seminars in teaching of Physiology and improvement in their learning capabilities.

Key Words:

Seminars, Teaching Methodologies, Learning Capabilities

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 45-49
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Rehana Rehman
    Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College.
  • Syeda Umme Rubab Zaidi
    Lab Technician, Department of Physiology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College.
  • Hina Moazzam
    Lecturar , Department of Physiology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College.
  • Corresponding Author
    Rehana Rehman

CASE REPORT

A Young Girl with Brachymesophalangia V

Brachymesophalangia is the most common hereditary anomaly of the middle phalanges. Brachymesophalangia–V (BMP-V) is the terminology used for a short and broad middle phalanx of the fifth digit which can present both alone and in a large number of complex brachydactylies with congenital disorders. Its frequency varied in different populations between 3.4% and 21%. To our knowledge no case of BMP-V has been reported from our country. We incidentally found a case of BMP-V who presented to us with the history of trauma which is presented in this case report. Literature search showed that this condition is caused by heterozygous mutations in the Indian hedgehog (IHH) gene.

Key Words:

Brachydactyly; BMP-V; Phenotype; Skeletal Dysplasia; Hand.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 50-52
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Waseem Mehmood Nizamani
    Senior Registrar, Department of Radiology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Farheen Raza
    Resident, Department of Radiology, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Farheen Raza

Identification of a Case of CHARGE Syndrome

CHARGE syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a specific and recognizable pattern of anomalies. It is estimated to occur in 1:10,000 births worldwide with various clinical manifestations. The major clinical features of CHARGE syndrome include ocular coloboma, heart malformations, atresia of the choanae, growth retardation, genital hypoplasia, and ear abnormalities. The underlying defect is in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene, which is located on chromosome 8q12.1. Around 67% of the patients clinically diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome have CHD7 mutations4 . So far, five hundred and twenty-eight unique alterations of CHD7 have been identified so far with no prefential domain being affected. The CHD7 gene encodes an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dependent protein that participates in chromatin organization and plays a predominant role in neural tissue during fetal development. Majority of the CHD7 gene mutations occurs de novo. Familial transmission and germline mosaicism have rarely been identified.

Key Words:

CHARGE Syndrome, CHD7, Coloboma.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 53-56
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Syeda Ismat Bukhari
    Resident, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Farzana Faryal
    Senior RMO, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi. H
  • Shaista Ehsan
    Department of Pediatrics, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Farha Agha
    Department of Pediatrics, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Syeda Ismat Bukhari

REVIEW ARTICLE

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: An update

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), a very distressing situation for the patient and physician, occurs in 1-5% of women who conceive. The cause of recurrent miscarriage is multifactorial, it may be caused by thrombotic, fibrinolytic, genetic, infectious, chromosomal, anatomic, endocrine, or immune abnormalities, but more than 33% of cases remain unexplained. Thrombophilic and fibrinolytic defects are raising issues regarding the cause of RPL. Fibrinolysis is a novel research avenue in the recurrent miscarriage field. A systematic review to explore the risk factors of recurrent pregnancy loss was done. Articles that contained population based, epidemiological and prospective studies were selected and data concerned with prevalence, possible etiology and future directions of RPL was compiled. The objective of this review is to appraise and explore the latest research in the field of different causes of recurrent miscarriage especially fibrinolysis, a new area of research, which needs to be explored by randomized studies, meta-analysis and systematic reviews. Well designed multicentre research trials with large sample size are necessary to produce strong evidence-based medicine.

Key Words:

RPL (Recurrent Pregnancy Loss), Thrombophilia, Fibrinolysis, PAI-1(Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1).

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 57-61
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Syeda Ismat Bukhari
    Resident, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Farzana Faryal
    Senior RMO, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi. H
  • Shaista Ehsan
    Department of Pediatrics, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Farha Agha
    Department of Pediatrics, Ziauddin University and Hospitals, Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Syeda Ismat Bukhari

STUDENT CORNER

Bacterial Analysis and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteria Found in Different Water Sources in Karachi

Background:

In Pakistan, the bacteriological quality of drinking water is not closely monitored andprevalence of waterborne diseases due to the contamination of drinking water is among the most common problems faced in urban and rural areas of Pakistan. The bacteria inhabiting these water sources carry genes which render them resistant to many antimicrobials. These genes can be transmitted to other non-resistant bacteria as well making the diseases caused by them hard to treat.

Objective:

To test the isolated bacteria from collected drinking water samples for their antibiotic susceptibility profile for 14 commonly used antimicrobials.

Methods:

The study involves collection of 100 samples of drinking water from four water sources, namely boring water, tap water, filtered water and boiled water, randomly collected from different parts of Karachi using a sterile method. They were tested to determine the bacterial isolates present in them using the analytical profile indexing (API). The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of these bacteria was done using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results:

It was estimated that Klebsiella is the most commonly found organism in the drinking water samples, followed by Pseudomonas and E.Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus being the least common. The isolates were found to be most resistant to Ampicillin (99%) and least resistant to Amikacin (1%) while they were found to be most sensitive to Amikacin (96%) and Imipenem (96%).

Conclusion:

Better quality and standards of drinking water are necessary for healthy human life. Filtration and boiling of tap and boring water decreases the number of pathogens present in it making it better and healthier for human consumption.

Key Words:

Frequency, Bacteriological Analysis, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Drinking Water.

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Volume 3 Issue-3 July-Sep,14
ISSN : 2308-2593
Page No. : 62-67
Published : 2014-07-01
Publisher Name : Ziauddin University
  • Sharmin Amin
    Student, Sindh Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Farhan Essa Abdulla
    Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi.
  • Ghazala Usman
    Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah SIndh Medical University,Karachi.
  • Corresponding Author
    Ghazala Usman