Real-world comparison of terlipressin vs. octreotide as an adjuvant treatment in the management of variceal bleeding

Variceal bleeding is a major complication and the leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of terlipressin vs octreotide as an adjuvant to endoscopic management of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding in a real-time scenario. We reviewed the medical records of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding from January 2005 to December 2020 at our tertiary care Aga Khan University Hospital. Mortality was assessed after 6 weeks. A total of 842 patients with variceal bleed were evaluated. 624 patients (74.1%) and 218 patients (25.9%) received Terlipressin and Octreotide respectively. On multiple regression analysis, cardiac events during hospital stay (OR: 11.22), presence of Porto-systemic encephalopathy (OR: 3.79), and elevated bilirubin levels at the time of presentation were found to be independent risk factors for increased six weeks mortality. Moreover, cardiac events during hospital stay (OR: 3.26), Porto-systemic encephalopathy at presentation (OR: 3.06), and octreotide administration (OR: 1.80) were identified as independent risk factors for increased length of hospital stay. Terlipressin and Octreotide have similar outcomes in terms of control of bleeding, hospital stay, mortality, and side effects when used as adjuvant therapy for the management of variceal bleeding.

ACE2 Receptor Polymorphism and its Correlation with Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM Antibodies - A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly worldwide. The virus gets entry into target cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and its gene is highly polymorphic.

INTRODUCTION

The variations in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity can be explained on a genetic level by studying the polymorphism in ACE2 receptor polymorphism.

OBJECTIVE

A prospective case-control study was designed to compare the ACE2 levels in SARS-CoV- 2 patients with the healthy controls in the local population, for which a total of 100 EDTA-containing blood samples were included (50 SARS-CoV-2 IgM positive case and 50 healthy controls).

METHODS

PCR-RFLP was performed to investigate the polymorphism of ACE2 in genomic DNA and the ACE2 plasma levels were determined through ELISA.

RESULTS

No significant difference in allelic and genotype frequencies (GG, GA, AA) were observed while the ACE2 plasma levels were found to be decreased in positive samples.

CONCLUSION

No significant association of the ACE2 gene polymorphism (G8790A) was found with the SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in the Pakistani population which intimates the search for other genetic factors within the local population.

ShcA promotes chondrocyte hypertrophic commitment and osteoarthritis in mice through RunX2 nuclear translocation and YAP1 inactivation

OBJECTIVE

Chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation, a key process in endochondral ossification, is also a feature of osteoarthritis leading to cartilage destruction. Here we investigated the role of the adaptor protein Src homology and Collagen A (ShcA) in chondrocyte differentiation and osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Mice ablated for ShcA in osteochondroprogenitor cells were generated by crossing mice carrying the Twist2-Cre transgene with ShcA^flox/flox mice. Their phenotype (n = 5 to 14 mice per group) was characterized using histology, immuno-histology and western-blot. To identify the signaling mechanisms involved, in vitro experiments were conducted on wild type and ShcA deficient chondrocytes (isolated from n = 4 to 7 littermates) and the chondroprogenitor cell line ATDC5 (n = 4 independent experiments) using western-blot, cell fractionation and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Deletion of ShcA decreases the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate (median between group difference -11.37% [95% confidence interval -17.34 to -8.654]), alters the endochondral ossification process, and leads to dwarfism (3 months old male mice nose-to-anus length -1.48 cm [-1.860 to -1.190]). ShcA promotes ERK1/2 activation, nuclear translocation of RunX2, the master transcription factor for chondrocyte hypertrophy, while maintaining the Runx2 inhibitor, YAP1, in its cytosolic inactive form. This leads to hypertrophic commitment and expression of markers of hypertrophy, such as Collagen X. In addition, loss of ShcA protects from age-related osteoarthritis development in mice (2 years old mice OARSI score -6.67 [-14.25 to -4.000]).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals ShcA as a new player in the control of chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and its deletion slows down osteoarthritis development.

Assessing the impact on pharmacists’ time by introducing a technician screening process for clinical trial prescriptions

Introduction

Various national guidance from the Lord Carter 2016 report to the NHS Long term plan have emphasised the need to transform traditional hospital pharmacy and make work streams more efficient.[1] A clinical trials pharmacist has historically validated clinical trial medicines. Whilst this is good practice for non-chemotherapy prescriptions, it is not a requirement of the Clinical Trial Regulations.[2] Interruption to validate trial prescriptions can have a negative impact on pharmacists’ duty and consequently patient outcomes. With limited data available, this issue has been highlighted by anecdotal evidence. Due to the often complex requirements associated with trials, the research team are responsible for assessing the suitability of treatment. This includes checking interactions with concomitant medication, reviewing blood results and patient counselling. The clinical aspect of the pharmacist validation is therefore removed, allowing technicians to be involved in the screening of suitable prescriptions. Much is written on technicians extending their roles in the clinical setting, but this service improvement focuses on enhancing their role within the pharmacy clinical trials department.

Aim

To evaluate the amount of pharmacists’ time saved by the introduction of technician screening of clinical trial prescriptions.

Method

A risk-based proforma was created and used by a pharmacist to assess clinical trial prescriptions for the suitability of screening by a Band 7 technician. Only prescriptions with pre-printed doses, no aseptic preparation or additional medicines, were approved for technician screening. The process of screening therefore only involves the checking of patient and prescriber details, allergy status and possibly a medication randomisation. The technicians under-went an in-house training including the screening of prescriptions under pharmacist supervision. A quantitative data collection tool was used to review the screening / validation of all nonchemotherapy clinical trial prescriptions received at two sites over a two-week period in September 2020. The data collection tool was piloted and all data was analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results

A total of 89 prescriptions were received. 56 (63%) were eligible for technician screening, of which a suitable technician validated 50%.

Across both sites a total time of 360 minutes were spent validating/screening prescriptions including solving prescription related issues. Combining the time taken by a pharmacist to return from a clinical area and screening time consequently saved a total of 227 minutes of pharmacists’ time.

Conclusion

Distributing the workload amongst trained staff saves pharmacist’s time, which can be utilised on clinical and complex tasks. This does not eliminate the requirement of a pharmacist to validate prescriptions however; it reduces the frequency and streamlines the service. Further data collection is required to analyse the direct impact on patients’ and any changes in the number of reported errors. A limitation to the study is the lack of data prior to implementation as a comparator. Additionally, during data collection there were no suitable technicians available at one site due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in only 50% of eligible prescriptions being screened by a technician. Ultimately, this does not change the outcome; enhancing technician’s roles allows pharmacists’ time to be used more efficiently.

References

1. Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Shaping Pharmacy for the future. Hospital Pharmacy: A briefing for members in England. 2017. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/Hospital%20pharmacy%20briefing%20-%20final.pdf [Accessed: 11/10/20]

2. National Pharmacy Clinical Trials Advisory Group. Professional Guidance on Pharmacy Services for Clinical Trials v2.1. 2019. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/Portals/0/RPS%20document%20library/Open%20access/Hospital%20Pharmacy%20Hub/Practice_Guidance_on_Pharmacy_Services_for_Clinical_Trials_v2.1.pdf?ver=2020-09-18-095937-733 [Accessed: 09/10/20]

Innovative 12 months ticagrelor virtual clinic – supporting appropriate extended dual anti-platelet therapy in post MI

Background

The ESC and NICE guidelines recommend extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with Ticagrelor 60mg twice a day for 3 years after 12 months of a myocardial infarction (MI) among high risk patients with low risk of bleeding. As those patients in our health system are not routinely reviewed by a cardiologist, we introduced a 12 months Virtual Review clinic to support primary care in ensuring that appropriate patients are offered extended DAPT.

Methods

Working with primary care, a group for cardiologists and cardiology pharmacists established a clear guidance and pathway for identifying patients who are suitable for extended DAPT with Ticagrelor 60mg twice a day for 3 years inline with ESC guidelines. A virtual review clinic was established where primary care can refer potential candidates to be considered for extended DAPT. Patients needed to have had an MI approximately 12 months before the referral, have uptodate full blood counts and creatinine. Patients were reviewed virtually by a cardiology pharmacist against an agreed protocol. Patient risk factors and eligibility were identified and their risk of bleeding was assessed using the PRECISE-DAPT scoring. Complicated patients were discussed with a cardiologist and the final recommendation was sent to primary care electronically.

Results

201 patients were reviewed in the virtual clinic; Mean age 69, 58% were males. 60% had NSTEMI, 37% STEMI, and the rest had either Unstable Angina or Type II MI. 28% had diabetes, 22% had prior MI, 60% had multivessel disease, and 22% were anaemic. 93% of patients had at least one high risk factor according to PEGASUS trial. 33% (n=67) of all patients reviewed were high risk of bleeding according to PRECISE-DAPT. Of these 78% (n=52) were not suitable to extended DAPT despite 71% (n=37) having risk factors.

The virtual clinic recommended extended DAPT for 40% (n=81) of patients referred. In the case of 15 patients extended DAPT was recommended despite High risk of bleeding as deemed appropriate by the MDT with close monitoring.

At discharge post index point, 18% (n=37) had recommendations to extend DAPT or not by the interventionist. 11% (n=4) of those recommendations were reversed at the 12 months review.

40% (n=80) of patients reviewed in clinic were inappropriately on Ticagrelor 90mg twice a day (with aspirin) beyond 12 months post MI. That is a total of 556 months of excess ticagrelor. 19 patients were HIGH risk of bleeding

Discussion and conclusion

The multidisciplinary innovative 12 months virtual review clinic improved appropriate initiation of extended DAPT in high risk patients and reduced risk of bleeding by stopping inappropriate antiplatelet dosing (90mg vs. 60mg). The clinic supported the low levels of recommendations made by the interventionist at index point and assured safety when actioning these recommendations. The virtual review clinic improved levels of extended DAPT prescribing and improved patient safety.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): This is a service development project funded by the Leeds NHS Community Commissioning Group

DISTRIBUTION OF DELIBERATE SELF-POISONING BY SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS, PRECIPITATING EVENTS, TYPE OF SUBSTANCE AND MORTALITY IN POPULATION OF HAZARA DIVISION, PAKISTAN

Background: Deliberate self-poisoning is important cause of deaths in younger population. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of deliberate self-poisoning by 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality in population of Hazara Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan from October 9, 2017 to December 28, 2018. 102 deliberate self-poisoning patients were selected consecutively from population at risk. Variables were 12 socio-demographic factors, precipitating events, type of substance and mortality. All variables being categorical were described by count and percentage for sample and by confidence intervals for proportion for population at 95% confidence level. RESULTS: Deliberate self-poisoning cases (n=102) were higher in women 80.39%, in age group 18-25 years 54.90%, similar in urban 49.02% and rural 50.98%, higher in non-Pathan 74.51%, in married 57.84%, in joint family 79.41%, in up to matric education 85.29% and in housewives 52.94%, 4.90% with previous history of self-harm, 1.96% with family history of self-harm and higher in lower socioeconomic group 81.37%. The most common precipitating event was interpersonal difficulties with spouse, family members or friends 56.86%, while the most common type of substance was organophosphate 62.75%. Mortality was 3.92%. Conclusion: Deliberate self-poisoning was more prevalent in women, younger age group, married, joint family, educated up to matric, housewives and lower socioeconomic status. Family conflict was most common precipitating factor. Organophosphate was most common type of substance and mortality was high 3.92%.

Clinical Outcomes of the First 2 Years of Implementation of the Integrated Care Pathway for Concurrent Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

Background

Both major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder are highly prevalent, often comorbid and cause significant socioeconomic burden. At CAMH, we have developed and integrated care pathway (ICP) to treat these disorders and evaluated its effectiveness in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU)

Methods

Chart review; descriptive statistics, c2 and t-tests, linear mixed effects models, Kaplan–Meier and log-rank analyses.

Results

Overall, 81 patients were enrolled into ICP. Comparisons of treatment retention rates between ICP patients and matched historical controls (n = 81) showed significantly lower dropout rate in ICP cohort (18.5% vs. 69.1%, P < 0.001, Fig. 1). The ICP patients demonstrated significant reduction in depressive symptoms severity (QIDS: 14.6 vs. 10.0, P < 0.001; BDI 26.3 vs. 16.2, P < 0.001), reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed weekly from 44.6 standard drinks at baseline to 12.6 (P < 0.001) by the end of treatment, which was significantly better compared to controls (56.9 vs. 25.2, P < 0.001), P = 0.014 (Fig. 2).

Conclusions

The ICP is a feasible approach to treatment of concurrent AUD and MDD with significantly higher retention rates than TAU. Patients demonstrate improvements on several levels including depressive symptoms, and changes in alcohol drinking patterns.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Frequency of food hypersensitivity in patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Food hypersensitivity (FH), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) have many overlapping symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel habits. We aimed to determine the frequency of FH in patients with IBS and functional FD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Adult patients of either gender diagnosed with IBS and/or FD as per the Rome III criteria were recruited. Patients underwent serological testing against 6 food allergens: beef, shrimp, egg white, milk, peanut, and soy-bean. Those testing positive were subjected to a food elimination diet for 4 weeks. Those showing improvement on elimination diet were subjected to re-challenge. Changes in symptoms were documented by the Global overall improvement scale (GOS) and Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS).

RESULTS

Two hundred patients were screened. Average age of the patients was 38.6, and 55 % were male. Nineteen (38%) patients tested positive, and were subjected to a food elimination diet. The most common food hypersensitivity was shrimp (17/89%), followed by 4/21% for egg-white, and peanut. Off these, 8 showed improvement. They were re-challenged, and were evaluated 2 weeks later, when all suffered symptom relapse. These 8 (4%) patients were diagnosed with FH. There was a statistically significant difference in both GSRS (total and component) and GOS scores at baseline between patients testing (+) and (-) on food allergen testing, mainly for diarrhoea (p=0.001), abdominal pain (p=0.001) and indigestion p=<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FH is present in 4 % of patients with a functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Association of Helicobacter pylori and protozoal parasites in patients with chronic diarrhoea

Introduction An association of Helicobacter pylori and common protozoal parasites in patients with abdominal discomfort and chronic diarrhoea is unclear and may be pathological. Materials and methods One hundred and sixty-one patients with diarrhoea were compared to 114 age and sex matched controls. Stool samples were examined by microscopy and DNA extracted for PCR with specific primers for H. pylori and protozoal parasites Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba sp. (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii) and Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis). Results There was a marked difference in the presence of parasites between patients and controls: no parasite 42/75%, one parasite 42/15%, two or more parasites 16/10%, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with diarrhoea were more likely to be infected with Blastocystis sp (p < 0.001), E. histolytica (p = 0.027) and E moshkovskii (p = 0.003). There was no difference in the frequency of H. pylori (p = 0.528), G duodenalis (p = 0.697) or E dispar (p = 0.425). Thirty-three patients and 27 controls had H. pylori infection. Of these, 22 patients and 6 controls were infected with Blastocystis sp (p = 0.001), 6 patients and no controls were infected with E. histolytica (p = 0.02), whilst 7 patents and 9 controls were infected with E dispar (p = 0.292). Conclusion In this population, diarrhoea is linked to infection with Blastocystis sp, E. histolytica and E moshkoviskii. In H. pylori infection, diarrhoea is linked to Blastocystis sp and E. histolytica infection. These associations may be linked pathogenically.

Reasons for failure to quit: a cross-sectional survey of tobacco use in major cities in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Tobacco dependence has been defined as a chronic relapsing disease. Around 5 million annual tobacco-related deaths have been reported worldwide. The majority of smokers want to quit but are not successful.

OBJECTIVES

To screen our population for tobacco use, gauge the baseline demographics of tobacco users and assess factors associated with failed attempts to quit.

METHODS

Free health camps supervised by a physician were held across two major cities of Pakistan. All consenting participants were administered a questionnaire and had their exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels measured.

RESULTS

Of 12 969 participants successfully enrolled, the mean age was 31.4 ± 10.0 years. More than three quarters were aged 20-40 years (n = 10 168, 78.4%). The overall average CO level was 12.0 ± 8.0 ppm. The majority of the participants wanted to quit, and nearly everyone had received advice about quitting. The majority had tried smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. Friends/peer pressure (n = 1554, 12%), anxiety (n = 681, 5.3%), tobacco dependence (n = 1965, 15.2%) and stress/mood changes (n = 390, 3.0%) were the most widely observed reasons for failure to quit in study participants.

CONCLUSION

The information provided by this study can guide the development of more targeted intervention programmes for smokers who wish to quit.

Helicobacter pylori: correlation of the virulence marker iceA allele with clinical outcome in a high prevalence area

The association of Helicobacter pylori virulence marker 'induced by contact with epithelium A' (iceA) allele types was determined in H. pylori-related diseases and virulence markers. Gastric biopsies were obtained at EGD from patients for culture, histopathology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for iceA types, cagA and vacA alleles. Two hundred and eighty-four H. pylori isolates were examined. iceA type 1 was positive in 177 (62%) and iceA type 2 in 158 (56%). In iceA type 2, gastric ulcer was present in 34 (21%) (P < 0.001) and carcinoma in 28 (25%) (P = 0.002), compared to nine (8%) and 2 (2%) in iceA type 2-negative cases. For iceA type 2, 139 (88%) were associated with chronic active gastritis compared to 95 (75%) (P = 0.006) in iceA type 2-negative. H. pylori cagA was positive in 101 (64%) iceA type 2 strains compared to 57 (45%) in negative strains (P = 0.002). H. pylori iceA type 2 was dominant and associated with cagA, chronic active inflammation, gastric ulcer and carcinoma.

Major cost savings associated with biologic dose reduction in patients with inflammatory arthritis

The purpose of this study was to explore whether patients with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA) (Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)) would remain in remission following a reduction in biologic dosing frequency and to calculate the cost savings associated with dose reduction. This prospective non-blinded non-randomised study commenced in 2010. Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis being treated with a biologic agent were screened for disease activity. A cohort of those in remission according to standardized disease activity indices (DAS28 < 2.6, BASDAI < 4) was offered a reduction in dosing frequency of two commonly used biologic therapies (etanercept 50 mg once per fortnight instead of weekly, adalimumab 40 mg once per month instead of fortnightly). Patients were assessed for disease activity at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months following reduction in dosing frequency. Cost saving was calculated. 79 patients with inflammatory arthritis in remission were recruited. 57% had rheumatoid arthritis (n = 45), 13% psoriatic arthritis (n = 10) and 30% ankylosing spondylitis (n = 24). 57% (n = 45) were taking etanercept and 43% (n = 34) adalimumab. The percentage of patients in remission at 24 months was 56% (n = 44). This resulted in an actual saving to the state of approximately 600,000 euro over two years. This study demonstrates the reduction in biologic dosing frequency is feasible in Inflammatory Arthritis. There was a considerable cost saving at two years. The potential for major cost savings in biologic usage should be pursued further.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E and Helicobacter pylori in a low socioeconomic area of a metropolitan city in a developing country

This study aims to determine the prevalence of coinfection of H. pylori and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the paediatric age group in an urban slum area of Karachi and identify risk factors associated with co-infection. Five hundred and forty children aged one to 15 years were investigated. Blood samples were collected and questionnaires completed on socio-demographic characteristics. Anti-H. pylori, HEV IgG and IgM antibodies were analysed by enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The seroprevalence of H. pylori antibody was 47.2%, while that of HEV IgG and IgM was 14.4% and 2.4%, respectively. 12.4% exhibited seroprevalence for both H. pylori and HEV (IgG). In 67 (26%) cases positive for H. pylori IgG, HEV IgG positivity was also seen (P < 0.001). Only 13 (5%) positive for H. pylori were also positive for HEV IgM (P < 0.001). Only 11 (4%) HEV IgG-positive cases were H. pylori antibody-negative (P < 0.001). Hepatitis E virus was common in children who had access to municipal piped water (P = 0.025). H. pylori was common in children who used a non-flush toilet system (P < 0.001). Children exposed to H. pylori infection were also exposed to the risk of HEV.

Parental knowledge and attitudes towards dental radiography for children

BACKGROUND

Radiographs are an essential part of most clinical dental examinations and diagnoses. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents towards dental radiographs for their children.

METHODS

A 21-item questionnaire, covering parental level of radiation knowledge and socio-demographics was applied. Sliding scales were used to assess attitude towards dental radiographs.

RESULTS

There were 1467 questionnaires distributed between five primary schools in the Perth (Western Australia) metropolitan area, with 309 surveys (21%) returned for collection. Most parents displayed a low level of knowledge, but had a positive attitude towards dental radiographs. Parents with children who have previously had dental radiographs perceived dental radiographs as 'good', 'useful' and 'pleasant'. A higher level of education and parents with children who have previously had radiographs were significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge about dental radiography. Parents who had higher scores on questions assessing radiation knowledge were more likely to perceive dental radiographs as 'safe' and 'beneficial'.

CONCLUSIONS

Most parents have a positive attitude towards dental radiographs on their children. However, the majority of parents lack knowledge regarding dental radiography, especially regarding the risks involved.

Effectiveness of educational interventions in improving clinical competence of residents in an internal medicine residency program in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

Medical education is a continuously evolving field. Training institutes and programs should have a process in place to gather continuous feedback and then make appropriate modifications in order to provide education and training effectively. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a quality improvement cycle approach in using various educational interventions within a residency. Effects were measured on the key educational outcomes of residents; medical knowledge, skills and professional attitudes using results of postgraduate examination with both written and clinical skills components.

METHODOLOGY

A number of educational interventions were implemented which included changes in work hours with increased time for self-study, new educational activities including a Residents Hour, a Residents Slide Session, Grand Rounds and Journal Clubs, Clinico-pathological conferences, and a two- week postgraduate course for senior residents. Newer and improved assessment tools were also implemented, including an annual in-training mock exam based on the format of the postgraduate examination. Pass rates in postgraduate examinations (Fellow of College of Physicians and Surgeons exam and Member of Royal College of Physicians exam) were compared before and after the interventions to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

RESULTS

The first group of residents after introduction of the educational interventions completed residency training in 2001. Postgraduate exam pass rates (sometimes after two or more attempts) were 59.2% (42 of 71 graduates) before 2001 and 86.4% (38 of 44 graduates after 2001 (p = 0.002). The number of candidates passing the examinations in either their first or second attempts before 2001 was 17 of 42 (40.5%), which increased to 33 of 38 (86.8%) after 2001 (p = <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study describes a number of interventions that were successful in bringing about an improvement in the performance of our residents. These can serve as a guide for postgraduate training programs, particularly those of Internal Medicine, in implementing strategies to strengthen training and enhance the performance of trainees.

Helicobacter pylori infection in children: population-based age-specific prevalence and risk factors in a developing country

AIM

We estimated the prevalence, age of acquisition and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seroprevalence in children aged 1-15 years.

METHODS

Exposure was assessed using ELISA. Parents responded to a questionnaire regarding number of individuals sharing house, rooms, water source, latrines, housing and assessment of socioeconomic status (SES) by Hollingshead Index.

RESULTS

Serum of 1976 children was tested. Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in children aged 11-15 years was 53.5% (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.58-2.5). It increased with moderate crowding index (CRI) of 2-4 to 45.9% (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.92-1.63) and to 51.2% with CRI >4 (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.06). In middle SES, seropositivity was 50.5% (331/655) (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.29-2.35), whereas in lower SES, it was 47.1% (500/1062) (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0). Multivariate analysis showed that Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence was high in children aged 6-10 and 11-15 years (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-1.9 and OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.56-2.47 respectively), in lower-middle SES (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1 and OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.10-2.0 respectively) and in uneducated fathers (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.27-1.95).

CONCLUSION

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity increases with age, in low-middle SES and is related to father's educational status. Reducing H. pylori seroprevalence will require improvement in sanitary conditions and educational status of the population.

Medical mortality in Pakistan: experience at a tertiary care hospital

AIM

To acquire systematic data on the causes of hospital mortality in Pakistan, a developing country with scant mortality records.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of death certificates and hospital charts of patients dying on general and specialty medical services at our hospital during one calendar year.

RESULTS

Of a total 10,590 admissions, 657 (6.2%) died in hospital. The deceased included 357 (54.4%) males and 299 (45.6%) females, with a collective median age of 63 years and mean length of stay 6.71 days (median 4 days, range 1-56 days). Primary cause of death was categorised as infectious (21.2%), pulmonary (17.2%), cancer related (15.7%), cardiovascular (12.6%), gastrointestinal and hepatic (10.8%), neurological (11.4%) and miscellaneous (11.1%). Within each category, the most common diagnoses were septicaemia (76.9% of infectious cases), pneumonia (55.7% of pulmonary cases), myocardial infarction (40.9% of cardiovascular), intracranial haemorrhage (37.3% of neurological), and cirrhosis (45.0% of gastrointestinal). There were multiple causes among malignant disorders with no single cause dominating. Patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary deaths tended to be older than the median age (p = 0.001), while patients with gastrointestinal and cancer related deaths tended to be younger than the median age (p = 0.001). Length of stay did not differ significantly among the various subgroups. About a quarter (26.4%) deaths occurred within 24 h of admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Infections, including septicaemia and pneumonia, are the leading causes of hospital mortality in our setting, followed by malignancy and cardiovascular causes. The overall mortality rate is comparable to published mortality data from other hospital settings.

An 8- to 10-year review of the Rotaglide total knee replacement

Mobile-bearing knee arthroplasty (MBKA) is an alternative to fixed-bearing knee arthroplasty. This was a retrospective study of the Rotaglide Total Knee System. We present the results of the monitoring of 77 patients (85 knees) with a median duration to failure or end of follow up of 8.5 years (range 0.4 to 10.1 years). Patients were clinically and radiologically assessed at dedicated follow up clinics. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Knee Society Score (KSS) systems were used to describe the clinical and radiological findings. The prosthesis had an estimated survival probability of 93.5% (standard error 3.4%) at 9 years. It is associated with good rates of patient satisfaction and high scores on the HSS and KSS systems. No knees were revised for aseptic loosening. This knee replacement has a survival rate equivalent to other prostheses. It is a safe and reliable prosthesis associated with good clinical outcome.

Asthma knowledge and approach among Pakistani family physicians and the impact of an educational programme

OBJECTIVES

To assess asthma knowledge and approach among Pakistani family physicians and the impact of an educational programme.

DESIGN

A total of 89 family physicians attending a continuing medical education programme were evaluated using a 17-item questionnaire before and after a lecture and seminar-based educational programme. Three scores -- total score (TSc), knowledge subscore (KSc) and approach subscore (ASc) -- were calculated before and after the course.

RESULTS

A total of 82 (92%) family physicians completed the questionnaire. A minimum TSc of > or =9 was achieved by 57% physicians before the course; this increased to 78% after the course. Physicians with < or =10 years since graduation achieved a higher baseline TSc than those who had graduated > or =20 years previously. The latter group showed a larger post-course improvement. Analysis of individual questions disclosed that 79% of family physicians were unable to assess the empirical risk of asthma in an unborn child, 61% were unable to correctly classify/treat Stage 2 asthma and a similar number peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (l/min) based acute asthma exacerbation. Reassuringly, 97% correctly identified clinical signs and 87% life-threatening features of asthma.

CONCLUSION

Of all family physicians who responded to the questionnaire, 57% achieved acceptable baseline standards. Deficiencies regarding areas such as genetic counselling and disease severity assessment were observed. Strengths in identifying clinical signs and life-threatening features were evident. Continuing medical education resulted in a significant improvement in the post-course assessment, regardless of the years since graduation.

An unusual case of patella dislocation

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