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Akhtar S, Khan S, Aziz N, Magsi MI, Samad Z, Iqbal R, Almas A. Obesity and Risk of Hypertension in Preadolescent Urban School Children: Insights from a Developing Country. Res Sq 2024:rs.3.rs-4213965. [PMID: 38659830 PMCID: PMC11042407 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4213965/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Background Childhood obesity and hypertension are growing concerns globally, especially in developing countries. This study investigated the association between overall and central obesity at baseline, and prehypertension or hypertension at follow-up among preadolescent school children in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods This is a sub study with cohort design embedded within a feasibility trial on School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP) in preadolescent aged 6-11 years, attending two private schools, were enrolled from 2017 to 2019. Hypertension or prehypertension at follow-up were the outcomes and obesity or central obesity at baseline were the exposure variables. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex, and height. Obesity was defined as body mass index for-age and sex ≥ 95th percentile, whereas central obesity was determined by waist circumference measurements ≥ 85th percentile of age, sex, and height specific cut-offs. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify risk factors for hypertension and prehypertension. Results Analysis was conducted for 908 participants, evenly distributed with 454 boys and 454 girls. Hypertension was observed in 19.8% of the preadolescents, with rates of 18.5% in boys and 21.0% in girls. Prehypertension was found in 16.8% of preadolescents, with 18% among boys and 16% among girls. Additionally, 12.8% of preadolescents were classified as obese and 29.8% had central obesity. Obesity at baseline was associated with hypertension (OR 8.7, 95% CI 3.5, 20.4) in the final model after adjusting for age, gender, physical activity, sedentary behavior, fruits, vegetable intake and hypertension at baseline. Central obesity at baseline also yielded high odds, with prehypertension (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.8) and hypertension (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9, 3.9) in the final model. Conclusion This study highlights a concerning prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension among preadolescent school-going children. Obesity and central obesity at baseline emerged as significant predictive factors for hypertension within this cohort. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing comprehensive school health education programs aimed at early detection and effective management of hypertension during childhood and adolescence in school settings.
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Inam M, Samad Z, Vaughan EM, Almas A, Hanif B, Minhas AM, Jarrar Z, Habib FZ, Sheikh S, Zhu D, Virani SS. Global Cardiovascular Research: Gaps and Opportunities. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:1831-1838. [PMID: 37982934 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01996-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CVDs contribute to a large health and economic burden on a global scale. We aim to describe the current landscape of global cardiovascular research, highlight significant findings, and identify potential opportunities for further studies. RECENT FINDINGS There has been remarkable research output regarding cardiovascular health in recent decades. Large-scale collaborative studies have made impactful strides in identifying modifiable risk factors and forming evidence-based guidelines to facilitate improved cardiovascular care and outcomes. However, there are significant CVD disparities between high- and low- income countries which require interventions to mitigate these inequalities. Encouraging collaborative partnerships, strengthening research capacity in low-resource settings, and promoting equity in research are fundamental strategic approaches to help improve global cardiovascular research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Inam
- Office of the Vice Provost, Research, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Samad
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Elizabeth M Vaughan
- Department of Internal Medicine, UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aysha Almas
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Mannan Minhas
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zeerak Jarrar
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fatima Zohra Habib
- Office of the Vice Provost, Research, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sana Sheikh
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Dongshan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Salim S Virani
- Office of the Vice Provost, Research, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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Sethi SM, Ahmed AS, Iqbal M, Sabir S, Almas A. An analysis of critical illness scores among patients admitted to intermediate care units (IMCUs) at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Clin Med (Lond) 2023; 23:115-116. [PMID: 38182190 PMCID: PMC11046922 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.23-6-s115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sania Sabir
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Almas A, Iqbal R, Ghani A, Samad Z, Sabir S, Kazmi K. School Health Education Program in Pakistan (SHEPP): findings from a feasibility trial in pre-adolescent school children from a lower middle-income country. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:123. [PMID: 37461089 PMCID: PMC10351151 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01344-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The school environment plays an essential role in promoting health education and physical activity for children and adolescents. We aim to assess the feasibility of threefold health education program in children and its potential efficacy on physical activity and diet and cardiometabolic risk factors including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. METHODS The SHEPP was a parallel group feasibility intervention trial conducted in two schools over 23 months. All children aged 9-11 years enrolled in the schools were included. The SHEPP intervention comprised of health education on healthy lifestyle and physical activity sessions for children, training of teachers, and awareness sessions for parents conducted over 10 months. One school received the intervention of SHEPP while the other school continued routine activity. The primary outcome was the feasibility of SHEPP in terms of recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes were physical activity levels, dietary intake (of fruits and vegetables), and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC)). RESULTS A total of 1280 preadolescent children were assessed for eligibility and 1191 were found eligible. The overall recruitment n (%) was 982/1191(82.5%) with 505(51.4) from SHEPP intervention school and 477(48.6) in routine activity school. The overall retention rate n (%) at 10-month follow-up was 912/982(92.8), with 465/505(92) in SHEPP intervention school and 447/477(93.7) in routine activity school. In treatment fidelity, 132/144(92) %). Physical activity sessions and all (100%) health education sessions were conducted for each of the twelve classes. Mean (SD) Seven-day Physical activity increased by 134 (196) min in the SHEPP intervention school v 29.8(177) in the routine activity school (P value < 0.001) from baseline to follow-up. Overall, there was an increase in vegetable intake (> 3 serving /day) in SHEPP intervention school of 5.5 to 21.4% from baseline to follow-up compared to 7.5 to 14.9% in routine activity school. The mean change (SD) in systolic blood pressure was 1.3(12) mmHg, 2.2(19.0) mm Hg in in diastolic blood pressure, - 0.09(5.4) kg/m2 in BMI and 6.2 cm in waist circumference in the intervention arm versus - 3.4(11.1) mm Hg in SBP, - 4.3(9.9) mm Hg in DBP, - 0.04((4.6) kg/m2 in BMI, and 3.8 cm in WC in the control arm. CONCLUSION We found that intervention using SHEPP is feasible in schools and may help children to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they age by increasing physical activity. However, the potentially beneficial effect on diet, MI, and BP needs further exploration and a longer follow-up, more specifically at the juncture of teenage and adulthood. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03303287.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Ghani
- Institute of Public Health, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Samad
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sania Sabir
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khawar Kazmi
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan
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Sethi SM, Ahmed AS, Iqbal M, Riaz M, Mushtaq MZ, Almas A. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation score and mortality of patients admitted to intermediate care units of a hospital in a low- and middle-income country: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci 2023; 13:97-103. [PMID: 38023573 PMCID: PMC10664031 DOI: 10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_83_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intermediate care units (IMCUs) serve as a bridge between general wards and intensive care units by providing close monitoring and rapid response to medical emergencies. We aim to identify the common acute medical conditions in patients admitted to IMCU and compare the predicted mortality of these conditions by acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II (APACHE-II) score with actual mortality. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from 2017 to 2019. All adult internal medicine patients admitted to IMCUs were included. Acute conditions were defined as those of short duration (<3 weeks) that require hospitalization. The APACHE-II score was used to determine the severity of these patients' illnesses. Results Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 62 (16.5) years, and 493 (49.2%) patients were male. The top three acute medical conditions were acute and chronic kidney disease in 399 (39.8%), pneumonia in 303 (30.2%), and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in 211 (21.1%). The mean (SD) APACHE-II score of these patients was 12.5 (5.4). The highest mean APACHE-II (SD) score was for acute kidney injury (14.7 ± 4.8), followed by sepsis/septic shock (13.6 ± 5.1) and UTI (13.4 ± 5.1). Sepsis/septic shock was associated with the greatest mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 6.9 [95% CI (confidence interval): 4.5-10.6]), followed by stroke (OR: 3.9 [95% CI: 1.9-8.3]) and pneumonia (OR: 3.0 [95% CI: 2.0-4.5]). Conclusions Sepsis/septic shock, stroke, and pneumonia are the leading causes of death in our IMCUs. The APACHE-II score predicted mortality for most acute medical conditions but underestimated the risk for sepsis and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sher Muhammad Sethi
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amber Sabeen Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Iqbal
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mehmood Riaz
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zain Mushtaq
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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Elahi A, Ali AA, Khan AH, Samad Z, Shahab H, Aziz N, Almas A. Challenges of managing hypertension in Pakistan - a review. Clin Hypertens 2023; 29:17. [PMID: 37316940 DOI: 10.1186/s40885-023-00245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review aims to describe existing evidence on the state of hypertension in Pakistan, including the prevalence, associated risk factors, preventive strategies, and challenges in the management of hypertension. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted electronically using PubMed and Google Scholar. Using specific screening methodology, 55 articles were selected to be included. RESULTS We found from this extensive review that several small studies report high prevalence of hypertension but there is a lack of population based prevalence of hypertension in Pakistan. Lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, unhealthy diet, decreased physical activity, low socioeconomic status, and lack of access to care were the main associated factors with hypertension. Lack of blood pressure monitoring practices and medication non-adherence were also linked to uncontrolled hypertension in Pakistan and were more evident in primary care setups. The evidence presented is essential for delineating the burden of the disease, hence allowing for better management of this underserved population. CONCLUSION There is a need for updated surveys to depict the true prevalence and management of hypertension in Pakistan. Cost-effective implementation strategies and policies at the national level are needed for both prevention and control of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aamir Hameed Khan
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Samad
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hunaina Shahab
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Namra Aziz
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Bibi R, Arif A, Arshad A, Almas A. Medication Adherence in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension & Hypertensive Crisis Presenting to a Hospital Setting in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus 2023; 15:e33995. [PMID: 36824568 PMCID: PMC9941021 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications contributes to poorly controlled hypertension while also increasing the risk of hypertensive crisis. The aim of our study was thus to estimate the frequency of adherence to antihypertensive medications in our population and also see if an association exists between adherence and the development of a hypertensive crisis. METHODS This cross-sectional study was undertaken on patients admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between July 2020 and March 2022. All patients with uncontrolled hypertension with systolic blood pressure >140 and diastolic blood pressure >90 who were admitted through the emergency department were included. A systolic blood pressure over 180mmHg or diastolic blood pressure over 120mmHg, with or without end-organ damage was used to define a hypertensive crisis. Adherence to medications was assessed using the 4-item Morisky Green Levine (MGL) scale. Each item was scored as 1 and then added together to get a final score out of 4 with a score of ≥3 signifying adherence while a cumulative score of 0, 1, or 2 was classified as non-adherence. RESULTS We found that 64% of the cohort were adherent to their medications while 93 (36%) were non-adherent. The most common comorbid condition was found to be diabetes mellitus (54.8%). Around 146 (64.6%) patients were on a single anti-hypertensive agent. Depression as calculated according to the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was seen in 133 (51.2%) of our cohort while 147 (56.5%) had anxiety. Similar rates of adherence were seen amongst males (49.1%) and females (50.9%). The highest level of adherence was seen in the 61 to 75 years age group (34.9%) and in those with university-level education (30.6%). We also found a statistically significant association between adherence to antihypertensive medications with anxiety (p-value=0.048). Moreover, in the hypertensive crisis group, 40.7% of the patients were adherent to their antihypertensive medications while 54.8% were found to be non-adherent, with the p-value reaching statistical significance (p-value=0.028). CONCLUSION We found a higher rate of adherence (64%) in this inpatient hypertensive population as compared to previous studies in our population. We also found that non-adherence is a risk factor for the development of a hypertensive crisis. Therefore, at clinic visits, physicians should assess their patient's adherence to antihypertensive medications to prevent the development of a hypertensive crisis.
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Almas A, Awan S, Bloomfield G, Nisar MI, Siddiqi S, Ahmed A, Ali A, Shafqat SH, Bhutta ZA, Mark DB, Douglas P, Bartlett J, Jafar TH, Samad Z. Opportunities and challenges to non-communicable disease (NCD) research and training in Pakistan: a qualitative study from Pakistan. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066460. [PMID: 36535721 PMCID: PMC9764671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most of the global non-communicable disease (NCD)-related death burden is borne by low and middle-income countries (LMICs). In LMICs like Pakistan, however, a major gap in responding to NCDs is a lack of high-quality research leading to policy development and implementation of NCDs. To assess institutional opportunities and constraints to NCD research and training we conducted a situational analysis for NCD research and training at Aga Khan University Pakistan. METHODS We conducted a descriptive exploratory study using grounded theory as a qualitative approach: semistructured interviews of 16 NCD stakeholders (three excluded) and two focus group discussions with postgraduate and undergraduate trainees were conducted. A simple thematic analysis was done where themes were identified, and then recurring ideas were critically placed in their specific themes and refined based on the consensus of the investigators. RESULTS The major themes derived were priority research areas in NCDs; methods to improve NCD research integration; barriers to NCD research in LMICs like Pakistan; design of NCD research programme and career paths; and NCD prevention at mass level, policy and link to the government. In general, participants opined that while there was an appetite for NCD research and training, but few high-quality research training programmes in NCDs existed, such programmes needed to be established. The ideal NCD research and training programmes would have in-built protected time, career guidance and dedicated mentorship. Most participants identified cardiovascular diseases as a priority thematic area and health information technology and data science as key methodological approaches to be introduced into research training. CONCLUSION We conclude from this qualitative study on NCD research and training that high-quality research training programmes for NCDs are rare. Such programmes need to be established with in-built protected time, career guidance and mentorship for the trainees to improve their research capacity in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Safia Awan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Gerald Bloomfield
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Global health, Duke university, Durhum, North Carolina, USA
| | - Muhammad Imran Nisar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sameen Siddiqi
- Community Health Sciences Department, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asad Ali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Benjamin Mark
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela Douglas
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Bartlett
- Department of Medicine and Global Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tazeen H Jafar
- Health Services & Systems Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Global Health, Duke University, Durhum, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zainab Samad
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Eikelboom JW, Jolly SS, Belley-Cote EP, Whitlock RP, Rangarajan S, Xu L, Heenan L, Bangdiwala SI, Luz Diaz M, Diaz R, Yusufali A, Kumar Sharma S, Tarhuni WM, Hassany M, Avezum A, Harper W, Wasserman S, Almas A, Drapkina O, Felix C, Lopes RD, Berwanger O, Lopez-Jaramillo P, Anand SS, Bosch J, Choudhri S, Farkouh ME, Loeb M, Yusuf S. Colchicine and the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 (ACT): an open-label, factorial, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Respir Med 2022; 10:1169-1177. [PMID: 36228641 PMCID: PMC9635892 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 disease is accompanied by a dysregulated immune response and hypercoagulability. The Anti-Coronavirus Therapies (ACT) inpatient trial aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory therapy with colchicine and antithrombotic therapy with the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin for prevention of disease progression in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. METHODS The ACT inpatient, open-label, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, controlled trial was done at 62 clinical centres in 11 countries. Patients aged at least 18 years with symptomatic, laboratory confirmed COVID-19 who were within 72 h of hospitalisation or worsening clinically if already hospitalised were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive colchicine 1·2 mg followed by 0·6 mg 2 h later and then 0·6 mg twice daily for 28 days versus usual care; and in a second (1:1) randomisation, to the combination of rivaroxaban 2·5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily for 28 days versus usual care. Investigators and patients were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome, assessed at 45 days in the intention-to-treat population, for the colchicine randomisation was the composite of the need for high-flow oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or death; and for the rivaroxaban plus aspirin randomisation was the composite of major thrombosis (myocardial infarction, stroke, acute limb ischaemia, or pulmonary embolism), the need for high-flow oxygen, mechanical ventilation, or death. The trial is registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS gov, NCT04324463 and is ongoing. FINDINGS Between Oct 2, 2020, and Feb 10, 2022, at 62 sites in 11 countries, 2749 patients were randomly assigned to colchicine or control and the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin or to the control. 2611 patients were included in the analysis of colchicine (n=1304) versus control (n=1307); 2119 patients were included in the analysis of rivaroxaban and aspirin (n=1063) versus control (n=1056). Follow-up was more than 98% complete. Overall, 368 (28·2%) of 1304 patients allocated to colchicine and 356 (27·2%) of 1307 allocated to control had a primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1·04, 95% CI 0·90-1·21, p=0·58); and 281 (26·4%) of 1063 patients allocated to the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin and 300 (28·4%) of 1056 allocated to control had a primary outcome (HR 0·92, 95% CI 0·78-1·09, p=0·32). Results were consistent in subgroups defined by vaccination status, disease severity at baseline, and timing of randomisation in relation to onset of symptoms. There was no increase in the number of patients who had at least one serious adverse event for colchicine versus control groups (87 [6·7%] of 1304 vs 90 [6·9%] of 1307) or with rivaroxaban and aspirin versus control groups (85 [8·0%] vs 91 [8·6%]). Among patients assigned to colchicine, 8 (0·61%) had adverse events that led to discontinuation of study drug, mostly gastrointestinal in nature. 17 (1·6%) patients assigned to the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin had bleeding compared with seven (0·66%) of those allocated to control (p=0·042); the number of serious bleeding events was two (0·19%) versus six (0·57%), respectively (p=0·18). No patients assigned to rivaroxaban and aspirin had serious adverse events that led to discontinuation of study drug. INTERPRETATION Among patients hospitalised with COVID-19, neither colchicine nor the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin prevent disease progression or death. FUNDING Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Bayer, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences Research Institute, Thistledown Foundation. TRANSLATIONS For the Portuguese, Russian and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Eikelboom
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada,Correspondence to: Prof John W Eikelboom, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Sanjit S Jolly
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emilie P Belley-Cote
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Richard P Whitlock
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sumathy Rangarajan
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lizhen Xu
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada
| | - Laura Heenan
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada
| | - Shrikant I Bangdiwala
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada
| | - Maria Luz Diaz
- Estudios Clínicos Latino América, Instituto Cardiovascular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Rafael Diaz
- Estudios Clínicos Latino América, Instituto Cardiovascular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Afzalhussein Yusufali
- Hatta Hospital, Dubai Medical College, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Wadea M Tarhuni
- Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,Department of Medicine, Western University, Clinical Skills Building London, ON, Canada,Windsor Cardiac Centre, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamed Hassany
- National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alvaro Avezum
- International Research Center, Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Harper
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sean Wasserman
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aysha Almas
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Oxana Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Camilo Felix
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Ecuador
| | - Renato D Lopes
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Clinical Research Institute, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Sonia S Anand
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jackie Bosch
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Michael E Farkouh
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Loeb
- Departments of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and Health Evidence Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Salim Yusuf
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences Hamilton, Canada,Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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10
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Yousuf FS, Arif A, Bibi R, Almas A. Association of Depression and Anxiety With Hypertensive Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Hospital Setting in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus 2022; 14:e29792. [PMID: 36340519 PMCID: PMC9618291 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypertension, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular death, has been closely linked with depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine the association of depression or anxiety with hypertensive crisis in patients and also see if the association is affected by age group or gender. This was carried out in a hospital setting. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2019 and March 2022 on 290 patients admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan. All adult patients more than 18 years of age admitted with uncontrolled hypertension with a systolic blood pressure of >140 and a diastolic blood pressure of >90 admitted through emergency were included. A hypertensive crisis was defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 120 mm Hg, with or without accompanying end organ damage. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with a cut-off score ≥8. Results Of the patients identified with uncontrolled hypertension, a total of 140 (48.3%) of the patients presented with a hypertensive crisis, while 150 (51.3%) did not have a hypertensive crisis at presentation. In the hypertensive crisis group, 60 (49.3%) had HADS scores consistent with depression, while 83 (59.3%) had HADS scores consistent with anxiety. In patients with hypertensive crisis, HADS depression and anxiety were most prevalent in the 61-75 age group (39.7%). In the comparison of gender, it was found that males and females with hypertensive crisis had an almost equal prevalence of anxiety (49.4% in males versus 50.6% in females). A slightly higher prevalence of depression was seen in females with hypertensive crises when compared to males. Conclusion We found no association between depression or anxiety with hypertensive crisis, and the association is not affected by age group or gender. However, do note that half of the patients with hypertensive crises had depression or anxiety. Future large multicentered studies are required to study the link in greater detail.
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11
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Mahmood SBZ, Zafar A, Almas A. Cognitive Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study from Lower Middle-Income Country. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2022; 26:189-190. [PMID: 35873938 PMCID: PMC9302410 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_18_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saad B. Z. Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amara Zafar
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
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12
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Farrukh F, Abbasi A, Jawed M, Almas A, Jafar T, Virani SS, Samad Z. Hypertension in Women: A South-Asian Perspective. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:880374. [PMID: 36035921 PMCID: PMC9399392 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.880374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hypertension is an important contributor to cardiovascular disease related morbidity and mortality. Despite the magnitude of its negative impact on cardiovascular outcomes, treatment and control of hypertension remain suboptimal in both men and women. Materials and Methods Numerous databases, i.e., PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc., were searched using keywords to identify relevant studies to our narrative review. The findings from the most pertinent articles were summarized and integrated into our narrative review on hypertension in women. Results The pathophysiology of essential hypertension is still being delineated in both men and women; there are multiple sex specific factors in association with the development of hypertension in women, including age, combined oral contraceptives (COCs), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), preeclampsia, etc. There are several sex specific considerations in antihypertensives drug choices. Discussion Despite the magnitude of its negative impact on cardiovascular outcomes, treatment and control of hypertension remain suboptimal in women. Medical treatment and adherence is uniquely challenging for South Asian women due to a variety of socio-cultural-economic factors. Further research is warranted to identify optimal sex-specific treatment options that will improve the control of hypertension and decrease the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease in both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amin Abbasi
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Misbah Jawed
- Medical College, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tazeen Jafar
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Zainab Samad
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.,Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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13
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Mushtaq MZ, Mahmood SBZ, Almas A, Ather Wasti S, Ahsan Ali S. Tocilizumab in critically ill COVID-19 patients: An observational study. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 102:108384. [PMID: 34838490 PMCID: PMC8604692 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tocilizumab decreases inflammatory response in the cytokine storm which is one of the mechanisms behind the development of ARDS in COVID-19 patients. The objective of our study was to determine response of tocilizumab in patients suffering from COVID-19 by analyzing clinical parameters and inflammatory markers. A single-arm observational retrospective study was conducted from March 15, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Clinical outcomes in terms of mortality, weaning from mechanical ventilator, improvement in laboratory parameters including inflammatory cytokines, and length of hospital stay were documented. Reduction in values of inflammatory markers, and patients discharged home in stable condition were defined as an improvement after tocilizumab administration. A total of 514 patients received tocilizumab, majority of whom were critically sick 333 (64.8%). Out of the total sample 363 (70.6%) patients were discharged home in stable condition. Overall mean length of stay was 11.50 ± 8.4 days. There was significant difference in length of stay of patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation as compared to those who were kept only on supplemental oxygen (p < 0.05). Patients who were discharged home showed significant improvement in inflammatory markers and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as compared to those who expired (p < 0.05). A total of 21 (4.1%) patients had positive blood culture while 57 (11.1%) had positive culture of tracheal aspirate. Hence, tocilizumab is found to be a reasonable therapeutic option for worsening COVID-19 pneumonia by decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation. However, it is associated with adverse events including bacterial and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Z Mushtaq
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saad B Z Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ather Wasti
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ahsan Ali
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
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14
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Abidi SHR, Almas A, Ghani A, Sabir S, Iqbal R. Assessment of macronutrients consumption in the diet of adolescent school children in four seasons: a longitudinal study from an urban city in Pakistan. J Health Popul Nutr 2021; 40:43. [PMID: 34656183 PMCID: PMC8520200 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-021-00268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A healthy diet in the adolescence period is essential for physical, mental, and immunological development. We aimed to assess macronutrient consumption in the diet of adolescent school children using 24 h recalls in four seasons of the year. METHOD This was a longitudinal study conducted from February 2014 to June 2015. The study population included 155 school children aged 7-14 years from an urban school in Karachi. 24HR recall was conducted on 4 random days of the 4 main seasons. A food composition table was developed where the weight, calories, carbohydrate, fat, and protein content of the food items were listed. Macronutrients quantification was calculated by using proportional weight from the food composition table. Food groups were also assigned to each food item including vegetables, fruits, grains, protein foods, dairy products, and oils. RESULTS A total of 155 adolescent children aged between 7 and 14 years were approached. Out of the 155 preadolescents and adolescents, 150 (96.7%) agreed to participate. The mean (SD) age of the children was 11.31 (1.6) years, and 59% of all the children were males. Overall mean (SD) daily intake for all seasons was 195.31 (86.87) grams of carbohydrates, 94.77 (71.87) grams of proteins, and 55.87 (30.79) grams of fats. Carbohydrates formed 48.16%, protein 21.92%, and fat 29.93% of the total caloric intake. The mean (SD) daily caloric intake was 1517 (644) grams. Overall, the highest source of calories was from carbohydrate 781 (347) Kilocalories (Kcal), followed by fat 502 (277) Kcal and protein 379 (287). The Carbohydrate intake in 24 h was highest in the autumn; 212.81 (85.37), and there was a significant difference in carbohydrate intake in all seasons (p value 0.003). Consumption of discretionary food group was high (31.3%), and consumption of fruits and vegetables was low (29%). CONCLUSION The study reports a suboptimal caloric intake of fewer than 2000 cal/day among the adolescents from school. The highest source of calories was from carbohydrates.The highest consumption of food was in autumn and the least in summer. Fruits and vegetable intake was low, and discretionary food intake was high.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Ghani
- Health Department, Government of Baluchistan, Chaghi, Pakistan
| | - Sania Sabir
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Romania Iqbal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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15
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Shahab H, Khan HS, Tufail M, Artani A, Almas A, Shah HA, Khan AH. Three Hours Ambulatory Blood Pressure: A Surrogate for Daytime Ambulatory Blood Pressure Assessment in the Pakistani Population. Cureus 2021; 13:e17433. [PMID: 34589341 PMCID: PMC8460547 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Office blood pressure (BP) measurement is affected by the white-coat phenomenon and shows a weaker correlation with the gold standard ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). To overcome this limitation, 24-hour ABPM is recommended by the guidelines for the diagnosis of hypertension. However, 24-hour ABPM is expensive and cumbersome, which limits its use in low to middle-income countries like Pakistan. We aimed to assess if an abbreviated ABPM interval can be utilized to diagnose hypertension effectively in our population. Methods A cross-sectional study, involving 150 participants as part of the Post Clinic Ambulatory Blood Pressure (PC-ABP) study, was conducted in the cardiology clinics. Participants ≥18 years of age, who were either hypertensive or referred for assessment of hypertension, were included. Blood pressure (BP) readings were taken with an ambulatory BP monitor over a 24-hour period. After excluding the first hour called the 'white-coat window,' the mean of the first six systolic readings taken every half hour during the daytime was calculated and was called systolic three-hour ABPM. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed to determine the correlation and limits of agreement between mean systolic three-hour ABPM and daytime-ABPM. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for systolic and diastolic three-hour daytime ABPM and area under the curve (AUC) were analyzed for the level of accuracy in predicting hypertension. Results Of the 150 participants, 49% were male, and 76% of all were hypertensive. The mean age of participants was 60.3 ± 11.9 years. The mean systolic three-hour ABPM was 135.0 ± 16 mmHg. The mean systolic daytime ABPM was 134.7 ± 15 mmHg. Pearson correlation coefficient between mean systolic three-hour ABPM and mean systolic daytime ABPM was 0.85 (p-value <0.001). The limits of agreement were 18 mmHg to -17 mmHg between the two readings on Bland-Altman plots and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was 0.96, suggesting that three-hour systolic ABPM is a good predictor of hypertension. Conclusion Three-hour ABPM correlates well with 24-hour ABPM in the Pakistani population. We recommend considering the use of this abbreviated ABPM to screen hypertension where a full-length ABPM cannot be used. Further studies can be conducted on a larger sample size to determine the prognostic implications of this shortened ABPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunaina Shahab
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Hamza S Khan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Mayera Tufail
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Azmina Artani
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Hamad A Shah
- Department of Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, PAK
| | - Aamir H Khan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
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16
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Mahmood SBZ, Zahid A, Nasir N, Tahir M, Ghouri U, Almas A. Triggering and protective factors of burnout in medical resident physicians in a lower-middle-income country: A cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 67:102500. [PMID: 34188912 PMCID: PMC8219648 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Residents and interns are prone to emotional and physical exhaustion, also known as burnout. Burnout has not been studied much in physicians working in lower-middle income countries. We conducted this study to determine the burden of burnout among internal medicine residents and to identify triggering and protective factors associated with burnout. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at two institutes in Karachi from 2018 to 2019. All residents registered in the internal medicine program for at least 6 months were invited to participate via an online survey. An abbreviated version of the Maslach Burnout scale was used to measure burnout, and protective and triggering factors were recorded according to known factors. Results A total of 71 out of 92 (77%) residents participated. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 28 (3.1) years, 51 (71.8%) were females and 51 (71.8%) were junior residents. A total of 33 (46.5%) residents had burnout. Burnout and emotional exhaustion were more in female residents (p < 0.05). None of the triggering factors attained statistical significance. The protective factors for burnout which showed significant association were good relationship with friends (OR 0.1–95% CI 0.0, 0.6), exercise and extra-curricular activities (OR 0.2–95% CI 0.0, 0.7), celebrating accomplishments (OR 0.2–95% CI 0.0, 0.7), having enough money (OR 0.2–95% CI 0.0, 0.4), and ability to plan for future (OR 0.1–95% CI 0.0, 0.6). Conclusion More than a third of medicine residents suffered from burnout. We need to focus on rejuvenating activities for medicine residents to decrease burnout among them. If not addressed adequately this may result in a compromise in the quality of care being provided to patients. More than a third of medicine residents suffered from burnout in our setup. We need to focus on rejuvenating activities to decrease burnout. Support of friends, celebrating accomplishment and enough money may reduce burnout. Burnout was more prevalent in women physicians compared to men physicians Level 2 physicians had higher burnout compared to the other levels of residency
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aqusa Zahid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Noreen Nasir
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Munaim Tahir
- Aziz Fatimah Medical, and Dental College, Pakistan
| | - Uzma Ghouri
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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17
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Almas A, Mushtaq Z, Moller J. Acuity level of care as a predictor of case fatality and prolonged hospital stay in patients with COVID-19: a hospital-based observational follow-up study from Pakistan. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045414. [PMID: 34049912 PMCID: PMC8166477 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if there is an association between acuity level of care (ALC), case fatality and length of stay in patients admitted to hospital due to COVID-19. DESIGN A hospital-based observational follow-up study. SETTING Internal Medicine Service of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, from 26 February 2020 to 30 June 2020. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, aged ≥18 years. METHODS ALC was categorised into low, intermediate and high level and patients were triaged using the standard emergency severity illness score. All patients were followed until the end of hospital admission for the outcome of case fatality and length of stay. RESULTS A total of 822 patients with COVID-19 were admitted during the study period and 699 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.5 years and 67% were males; 50.4% were triaged to low, 42.5% to intermediate and 7.2% to high acuity care. The overall case-fatality rate was 11.6%, with the highest (52%) in high acuity level followed by 16.2% in intermediate and 2% in low acuity care. Acuity level was associated with case fatality, with an HR (95% CI) of 5.0 (2.0 to 12.1) for high versus low acuity care and an HR of 2.7 (1.2, 6.4) for intermediate versus low acuity care, after adjusting for age, sex and common comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and chronic lung disease. Similarly, acuity level was also associated with length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION High and intermediate acuity level is associated with higher case fatality rate and prolonged length of hospital stay in patients admitted with COVID-19. In resource-limited settings where the provision of high acuity care is limited, the intermediate care acuity could serve as a useful strategy to treat relatively less critical patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zain Mushtaq
- Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jette Moller
- Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Sethi S, Iqbal M, Sabeen A, Sabir S, Almas A. Association of critical illness scores (q-SOFA and APACHE) and multimorbidity in patients admitted to internal medicine step down units. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 20:s47-s48. [PMID: 32409368 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.20-2-s47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sher Sethi
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Sania Sabir
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Kanwal S, Sajid S, Nasir N, Ahsan S, Almas A. Patient-related factors associated with severe heat-related illnesses in Karachi: A hospital perspective. J PAK MED ASSOC 2021; 70:2260-2262. [PMID: 33475608 DOI: 10.47391/jpma.10-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In 2015, Karachi saw its first ever epidemic of severe heatrelated illnesses that resulted in an extraordinary number of hospital admissions, especially in the intensive care, for fatal heat stroke within-hospital mortality of 3.7%.We conducted this study to elucidate the patient-related factors that lead to an increase in hospital admissions with heat-related illnesses in a tertiary care hospital. It was a descriptive case series conducted in the department of medicine at the Aga Khan University in June 2015. A total of 134 patients were admitted with heat-related illnesses of which 76(56.7%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 66 ±14.5 years. Heatstroke was present in 86 (64.2%) patients, followed by heat exhaustion in 48 (35.8%) and in-hospital mortality from heat-related illnesses was 5(3.7%). Hypertension (OR 2(95 % CI 1.0, 3.6) and insufficient sleep or food or water intake (OR 1.7(95 % CI 0.8, 3.8) was associated with severe heat-related illnesses. The effects remained even after adjusting for type and area of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Kanwal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sara Sajid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | - Noreen Nasir
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ahsan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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20
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Qureshi NQ, Mufarrih SH, Bloomfield GS, Tariq W, Almas A, Mokdad AH, Bartlett J, Nisar I, Siddiqi S, Bhutta Z, Mark D, Douglas PS, Samad Z. Disparities in Cardiovascular Research Output and Disease Outcomes among High-, Middle- and Low-Income Countries - An Analysis of Global Cardiovascular Publications over the Last Decade (2008-2017). Glob Heart 2021; 16:4. [PMID: 33598384 PMCID: PMC7845477 DOI: 10.5334/gh.815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Health research is crucial to managing disease burden. Previous work has highlighted marked discrepancies in research output and disease burden between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and lower-middle-income countries (LI-LMICs) and there is little data to understand whether this gap has bridged in recent years. We conducted a global, country level bibliometric analysis of CVD publications with respect to trends in disease burden and county development indicators. Methods A search filter with a precision and recall of 0.92 and 0.91 respectively was developed to extract cardiovascular publications from the Web of Science (WOS) for the years 2008-2017. Data for disease burden and country development indicators were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease and the World Bank database respectively. Results Our search revealed 847,708 CVD publications for the period 2008-17, with a 43.4% increase over the decade. HICs contributed 81.1% of the global CVD research output and accounted for 8.1% and 8.5% of global CVD DALY losses deaths respectively. LI-LMICs contributed 2.8% of the total output and accounted for 59.5% and 57.1% global CVD DALY losses and death rates. Conclusions A glaring disparity in research output and disease burden persists. While LI-LMICs contribute to the majority of DALYs and mortality from CVD globally, their contribution to research output remains the lowest. These data call on national health budgets and international funding support to allocate funds to strengthen research capacity and translational research to impact CVD burden in LI-LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gerald S. Bloomfield
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
| | - Wajeeha Tariq
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
| | - Ali H. Mokdad
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, US
| | - John Bartlett
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
| | - Imran Nisar
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
| | - Sameen Siddiqi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi PK
| | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, CA
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CA
| | - Daniel Mark
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
| | | | - Zainab Samad
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, PK
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, US
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21
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Almas A, Parkash O. Creating Hospital Spaces for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Pakistan. Asia Pac J Public Health 2021; 33:324-325. [PMID: 33426915 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520986250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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22
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Arshad V, Samad Z, Das J, Almas A, Rashid N, Virani SS, Bloomfield GS, Jafar TH, Ahmed B. Prescribing Patterns of Antihypertensive Medications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 33:14-22. [PMID: 33084371 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520965280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is highly prevalent, but its pharmacological management has not been well evaluated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review examined the prescribing patterns of antihypertensives in LMICs. Data were extracted from a total of 26 studies spanning the time period 2000 to 2018. In 10 studies, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were the most frequently prescribed medication for managing hypertension (range = 33% to 72%); in six studies, renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (range = 25% to 83%); in five studies, diuretics (range = 39% to 99%); and in five studies, β-blockers (BBs; range = 26% to 49%) were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications. Prescribing sedatives and sublingual administration of captopril for controlling hypertension was also reported in 3 studies. Only 10 studies presented their findings in light of national or international guidelines. This review calls for further antihypertensive utilization and dispensation studies and a better understanding of clinician's perception and practice of hypertension management guidelines in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jai Das
- The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Salim S Virani
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Almas A, Iqbal R, Sabir S, Ghani A, Kazmi K. School health education program in Pakistan (SHEPP)-a threefold health education feasibility trial in schoolchildren from a lower-middle-income country. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:80. [PMID: 32523724 PMCID: PMC7278168 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The school environment plays an essential role in promoting health education and physical activity for children and adolescence, and they are more likely to adapt it into their adulthood. School health education program has been endorsed and emphasized by the World Health Organization has not been implemented in true spirit in Pakistan yet. We aim to test feasibility of threefold health education program in children and its potential efficacy on physical activity and diet and cardiometabolic risk factors by including BP, BMI, and waist circumference. Methods It is a parallel-group feasibility intervention trial. It is being conducted in two schools from lower to middle-income areas, at different locations but having the same school curriculum under the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan (AKESP). All children aged 9-11 years enrolled from the schools mentioned above were included. Children with any physical disability were excluded. One school received threefold intervention (focused on children, parents, and teachers) of school health education program in Pakistan (SHEPP) while the other school continued routine activity. Intervention of SHEPP is directed towards educating children, parents, and teachers about healthy behaviors. Children will receive interactive educational sessions and specially designed physical activity sessions. A 3-h health education session focusing on same healthy behaviors as for children will be conducted for both parents and teachers. Primary outcome is feasibility of SHEPP in terms of recruitment, retention, and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes are physical activity levels, dietary intake (of fruits, vegetable), and cardiometabolic risk factors (blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference (WC)). The total number of children recruited were 982 (82.5 %); 505 from school A and 477 from school B and 496 (50.5) were boys. Conclusion SHEPP is a unique health education program for children as it focuses on children while involving the parents and teachers in the behavior change process. If found feasible and demonstrating potential efficacy on physical activity, dietary behaviors, and cardiometabolic parameters, we will be able to replicate this on a larger scale in public sector schools also. Trial registration NCT03303287
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sania Sabir
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Ghani
- Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Khawar Kazmi
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, Pakistan
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Shahab H, Khan H, Tufail M, Artani A, Almas A, Khan AH. P275 Uncontrolled post-clinic blood pressure readings can identify nocturnal non-dipping blood pressure pattern. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehz872.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Aga Khan University Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee (#80096)
On Behalf
PC BP (Post Clinic Blood Pressure) Study Group
Background
Nocturnal non-dipping increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) can identify nocturnal blood pressure(BP) dipping patterns but clinic BP cannot. We previously showed that 15-minute post-clinic BP correlates well with 24- hour ABPM.
Purpose
We aimed to determine if 15-minute post-clinic BP reading helped to identify patients with nocturnal non-dipping pattern.
Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 150 participants, as part of the Post Clinic-Ambulatory Blood Pressure(PC-ABP) study, was conducted in cardiology clinics. Participants aged ≥18 years, with hypertension or those referred for its assessment, were included. Pregnant females were excluded. Post-clinic BP was taken 15 minutes after the patient-physician encounter in the clinic using an automated, validated BP device by a research assistant. All the participants were then referred for 24-hour ABPM. Patterns of nocturnal dipping were studied amongst groups of controlled(<140 mmHg) and uncontrolled(≥140mmHg) post-clinic systolic BP(SBP). Fischer exact test was used to determine the difference in dipping patterns amongst the two groups.
Results
The mean age of participants was 60.3 ± 11.9 years. Of 150 participants, 49% were male and of all, 76% were hypertensive. Mean nighttime SBP(±SD) was 121.9(±18) mmHg(p-value <0.001). Mean nighttime DBP(±SD) was 68.7(± 8.7) mmHg(p < 0.001). Patterns of nocturnal dipping amongst patients with mean post-clinic SBP <140mmHg versus ≥140mmHg has been shown in Table 1. The difference in nocturnal dipping patterns between the two groups was statistically insignificant(p-value 0.071). Pearson correlation coefficient between post-clinic SBP and nighttime SBP for patients with loss of dip was higher (0.64; p < 0.001) whereas it was 0.56(p-value <0.001) for those with preserved dip.
Conclusion
Uncontrolled post-clinic BP can help in identifying patients with nocturnal non-dipping. Larger studies can help determine the prognostic value of post-clinic BP amongst patients with nocturnal non-dipping.
Nocturnal Dipping Amongst The Two Groups Controlled PC SBP <140mmHg (n = 80) Uncontrolled PC SBP ≥140mmHg (n = 70) Preserved Nocturnal Dipping (10 to 20% nocturnal drop in SBP) 61.2% (n = 49) 47.1% (n = 33) Loss of Dip (>0% to <10% of nocturnal drop in SBP) 33.8% (n = 27) 48.6% (n = 34) Reversed Dip (≤0% drop in SBP) 5% (n = 4) 1.4%(n = 1) Excessive Dip (>20% drop in SBP) 0 2.9% (n = 2) Table 1 shows the patterns of nocturnal dipping amongst patients with controlled (<140mmHg) and uncontrolled (≥140mmHg) 15-minute post-clinic systolic blood pressure (PC SBP).
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Affiliation(s)
- H Shahab
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H Khan
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - M Tufail
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Artani
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Almas
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A H Khan
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Shahab H, Khan H, Tufail M, Almas A, Khan AH. P274 Three-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a new surrogate for ambulatory blood pressure assessment in the pakistani population. Eur Heart J 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/ehz872.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Aga Khan University Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee (#80096)
On Behalf
PC BP (Post Clinic Blood Pressure) Study Group
Background
The gold standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) eliminates white coat effect. However, it is expensive and 24 hours long, making it cumbersome. Prior studies in other populations have investigated the utility of shorter intervals in which ABPM can be used to get the same results as 24-hour ABPM.
Purpose
Our objective was to determine if 3-hour ABPM correlates with 24-hour ABPM in the Pakistani population.
Methods
A cross-sectional study, involving 150 participants as part of the PC ABP (post clinic ambulatory blood pressure) study, was conducted in the cardiology clinics, starting 2015. Participants ≥18years of age and were either hypertensive or referred for assessment of hypertension were included. Pregnant females were excluded. Blood pressure (BP) readings were taken with an ambulatory BP monitor over a 24 hour period, every half hour during daytime and every hour during nighttime. After excluding the first hour called the white-coat window, the mean of the first 6 systolic readings taken every half hour during the daytime was calculated and was called systolic 3-hour ABPM. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated and Bland Altman plots were constructed to determine the correlation and limits of agreement between mean systolic 3-hour ABPM and mean daytime ABPM.
Results
Of 150 participants, 49% were male. Of all participants, 76% were hypertensive. Mean age of the participants was 60.3 ± 11.9 years. Mean systolic 3-hour ABPM was 135.0 ± 16mmHg. Mean systolic daytime ABPM was 134.7 ± 15mmHg respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient between mean systolic 3-hour ABPM and mean systolic daytime ABPM was 0.85 (p-value of <0.001). The difference between systolic 3-hour ABPM and systolic daytime ABPM was 0.3mmHg (95% Confidence Interval -1.1 to 1.7mmHg). The limits of agreement were 18mmHg to -17mmHg for systolic 3-hour ABPM and systolic daytime ABPM.
Conclusion
Three-hour ABPM correlates well with 24-hour gold standard ABPM in the Pakistani population. We suggest using this shortened study for the assessment of hypertension where a full ABPM cannot be conducted due to expense or logistic reasons, thus saving time and upfront cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Shahab
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H Khan
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - M Tufail
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Almas
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A H Khan
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Deleskog A, Ljung R, Forsell Y, Nevriana A, Almas A, Möller J. Correction to: Severity of depression, anxious distress and the risk of type 2 diabetes - a population-based cohort study in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1268. [PMID: 31519164 PMCID: PMC6743110 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Deleskog
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Forsell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicia Nevriana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Deleskog A, Ljung R, Forsell Y, Nevriana A, Almas A, Möller J. Severity of depression, anxious distress and the risk of type 2 diabetes - a population-based cohort study in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1174. [PMID: 31455291 PMCID: PMC6712830 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies assessing the relationship between depression and diabetes mellitus did not consider the severity of depression. In the present study we assessed the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among people with various severity of depression. METHODS This prospective longitudinal cohort study included 9,936 individuals residing in Stockholm County, Sweden who responded to the baseline questionnaire in 1998-2000. The participants were followed from 1 year after the baseline up to 2015 for the occurrence of T2DM, using the National Patient Register, Swedish Prescribed Drug Registers, and Cause of Death Register. Depression and anxious distress were assessed using psychiatric rating scales and defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). RESULTS Depression was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of T2DM after adjusting for potential confounders (OR 1.48, CI 1.10, 1.99). The strongest association was observed for severe depression (OR 1.72, CI 1.15, 2.59). Further, those with depression, regardless of severity, and with concurrent moderate/severe anxious distress had an increased risk of T2DM (OR 1.73, CI 1.13, 2.63) compared to those with neither depression nor anxious distress. CONCLUSIONS The study adds evidence that depression is associated with a higher risk for developing T2DM, and the association is stronger among people with severe depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Deleskog
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rickard Ljung
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Forsell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alicia Nevriana
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sohail M, Almas A, Majeed A, Usmani B, Khan AH, Afshan G. Frequency of Peri-operative Hypertension in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. J PAK MED ASSOC 2019; 69:1187-1189. [PMID: 31431777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the frequency of perioperative hypertension and its types (pre, intra and post-operative) hypertension in patients admitted for surgical procedures. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between the years 2012-2013 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Patients admitted for any surgical procedure during this time were included. Perioperative hypertension has been defined as systolic blood pressure of >140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of >90 mm Hg or whose blood pressure increased by 20% during surgery. A total of 428 surgical procedures were reviewed for the study. Overall perioperative hypertension was present in 231 (54%) of the patients. In the sample, 91 (21.7%) had pre-operative hypertension, 126(29.4%) reported pre-surgery hypertension, 24(5.6%) had intra-operative hypertension and 63(14.7%) had post-operative hypertension. Mean pain score was 1.43(1.4) v 1.25(1.2) in those with postoperative hypertension v no post-operative hypertension (p value 0.009).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Medical College
| | | | | | - Aamir Hameed Khan
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
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Shahab H, Khan HS, Almas A, Khan SA, Artani A, Khan AH. Defining the hemodynamic response of hypertensive and normotensive subjects through serial timed blood pressure readings in the clinic. Clin Hypertens 2019; 25:8. [PMID: 30984413 PMCID: PMC6442419 DOI: 10.1186/s40885-019-0114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Every third patient in the clinic is misdiagnosed due to white-coat phenomenon, necessitating needless and costly treatment. We aimed to study the hemodynamic response of the physician’s visit on hypertensive and normotensive patients by investigating the trend of blood pressure (BP) before, during and 15 min after the physician-patient encounter. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 8 months in the cardiology clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Both hypertensive and normotensive patients, aged ≥18 years, were recruited. Pregnant females or those with a history of volume loss were excluded. BP readings were taken using an automated, validated device (Omron-HEM7221-E) at three points: pre-clinic BP by the assessment nurse, in-clinic BP by the attending physician and post-clinic BP 15-min after the physician-patient encounter by a research assistant. Independent samples t-test was used to calculate the statistical difference between hypertensive and normotensive BP values. Results Of 180 participants, 71% (n = 128) were hypertensive and 57% (n = 103) of all were males. The mean age of the participants was 57 ± 15 years. The mean and standard deviation(±SD) systolic BP (SBP) taken pre-clinic, in-clinic and 15-min post-clinic for hypertensive population was 128.7 ± 20 mmHg, 137.1 ± 21 mmHg and 127.9 ± 19 mmHg. The mean and standard deviation(±SD) SBP taken pre-clinic, in-clinic and 15 min post-clinic for normotensive population was 112 ± 16 mmHg, 115.8 ± 20 mmHg and 111.8 ± 15 mmHg. The hypertensive SBP values showed statistically significant difference from the normotensive values (difference in pre-clinic SBP: 16.7 mmHg, p-value < 0.001; in-clinic SBP: 21.3 mmHg, p-value < 0.001; and 15 min post-clinic: 16.1 mmHg, p-value < 0.001). Conclusions Hypertensive and normotensive patients display congruent hemodynamics upon visiting the physician, the alert response being accentuated amongst the hypertensive group. In-clinic BP readings are higher for both hypertensive and normotensive patients making them unreliable for screening and management of hypertension amongst both the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunaina Shahab
- 1Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Hamza Sohail Khan
- 1Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- 1Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Sohail Abrar Khan
- 2Tabba Heart Institute, St-1, Block 2, Federal B Area, Karachi, 75950 Pakistan
| | - Azmina Artani
- 1Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Aamir Hameed Khan
- 1Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
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Almas A, Forsell Y, Millischer V, Möller J, Lavebratt C. Association of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val 158Met) with future risk of cardiovascular disease in depressed individuals - a Swedish population-based cohort study. BMC Med Genet 2018; 19:126. [PMID: 30045690 PMCID: PMC6060560 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-018-0645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val158Met) has been implicated in both depression and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess if COMT Val158Met, which influences the COMT enzyme activity, has an effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with a history of depression and also to determine if the risk differs depending on gender. Methods Data from a longitudinal cohort study of mental health among Swedish adults was used. Depression was assessed twice 3 years apart for each participant, in 1998–2001 and 2001–2003. Saliva DNA was contributed by 4349 (41.7%) of the participants and 3525 was successfully genotyped for COMT Val158Met. Participants were followed up until December 2014 from the National Patient register with regard to cardiovascular outcomes (hypertensive or ischemic heart disease, and stroke). Results Those with depression and the high COMT enzyme activity genotype (Val/Val) had almost a three-fold increased risk of later CVD (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 2.0-6.6) compared to those non-depressed carrying the Val/Val allele. This effect on risk for CVD was higher in women compared to men (OR 7.0; 95% CI: 3.0-14.0 versus OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-6.8). Both additive interaction (attributable proportion (AP) = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.24-0.90 and synergy index (SI) = 4.39; 1.0-18.7) and multiplicative interaction (log likelihood test p = 0.1) was present between depression and COMT Val158Met in predicting risk of later CVD. Conclusion High COMT activity genotype Val158Met increased the risk of CVD in depressed persons. The risk was higher in women compared to men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Yvonne Forsell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Millischer
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Neurogenetics Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, L8:00, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Neurogenetics Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, L8:00, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Shahab H, Khan HS, Almas A, Tufail M, Kazmi KA, Khan AH. The Post Clinic Ambulatory Blood Pressure (PC-ABP) study correlates Post Clinic Blood Pressure (PCBP) with the gold standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:460. [PMID: 29996947 PMCID: PMC6042456 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3509-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Our previous study showed that post-clinic blood pressure (BP) taken 15 min after a physician–patient encounter was the lowest reading in a routine clinic. We aimed to validate this reading with 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) readings. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the cardiology clinics at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Hypertensive patients aged ≥ 18 years, or those referred for the diagnosis of hypertension were included. Results Of 150 participants, 49% were males. 76% of all participants were hypertensive. Pre-clinic BP reading was measured by a nurse, in-clinic by a physician and 15 min post-clinic by a research assistant using a validated, automated BP device (Omron-HEM7221-E). All patients were referred for 24 h ABPM. Among the three readings taken during a clinic visit, mean (± SD) systolic BP (SBP) pre-clinic, in-clinic, and 15 min post-clinic were 153.2 ± 23, 152.3 ± 21, and 140.0 ± 18 mmHg, respectively. Mean (± SD) diastolic BP (DBP) taken pre-clinic, in-clinic and 15 min post-clinic were 83.5 ± 12, 90.9 ± 12, and 86.4 ± 11 mmHg respectively. Mean (± SD) daytime ambulatory SBP, DBP and pulse readings were 134.7 ± 15, 78.7 ± 15 mmHg, and 72.6 ± 12/min, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients of pre-clinic, in-clinic and post-clinic SBP with daytime ambulatory-SBP were 0.4 (p value: < 0.001), 0.5 (p value: < 0.001) and 0.6 (p value: < 0.001), respectively. Post-clinic BP has a good correlation with ambulatory BP and may be considered a more reliable reading in the clinic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunaina Shahab
- Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Hamza Sohail Khan
- Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Mayera Tufail
- Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Khawar Abbas Kazmi
- Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Hameed Khan
- Cardiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Second Floor, Faculty Offices Building, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
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Almas A, Ghazni MS, Hashmani S, Mushtaq Z. Aspirin in Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction/Angina and Stroke in Hypertensive Patients. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2018; 28:574. [PMID: 29950269 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2018.07.574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | | | - Shahrukh Hashmani
- Department of Adult Cardiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | - Zain Mushtaq
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
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Almas A, Moller J, Iqbal R, Forsell Y. Effect of neuroticism on risk of cardiovascular disease in depressed persons - a Swedish population-based cohort study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2017; 17:185. [PMID: 28697763 PMCID: PMC5504725 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-017-0604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between neuroticism, depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and has so far not been studied in depth. The aim of this study was to determine if neuroticism is an effect-modifier in the association between depression and CVD. Data derived from a longitudinal cohort study on mental health, work and relations among adults (20-64 years), including 10,443 individuals. Depression was assessed using the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and neuroticism by the Swedish Scale of Personality (SSP). Outcomes of cardiovascular disease were register-based from the National inpatient register. RESULTS Both depression (OR 1.9 (95%CI 1.4, 2.5)) and high levels of neuroticism (OR 1.2 (95%CI 1.1-1.3)) were associated with increased risk of CVD. The combined effect of depression and neuroticism on the risk of CVD revealed HRs ranging from 1.0 to 1.9 after adjusting for age and gender, socioeconomic position, prevalent hypertension and diabetes. Almost similar associations were seen after further adjustment for lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION Neuroticism increased the risk of CVD in depressed persons. We found synergistic interaction between neuroticism and depression status in predicting future risk of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jette Moller
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Romaina Iqbal
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yvonne Forsell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Syed AA, Almas A, Naeem Q, Malik UF, Muhammad T. Barriers and perceptions regarding code status discussion with families of critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital of a developing country: A cross-sectional study. Palliat Med 2017; 31:147-157. [PMID: 27226151 DOI: 10.1177/0269216316650789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Asian societies including Pakistan, a complex background of illiteracy, different familial dynamics, lack of patient's autonomy, religious beliefs, and financial constraints give new dimensions to code status discussion. Barriers faced by physicians during code status discussion in these societies are largely unknown. AIM To determine the barriers and perceptions in discussion of code status by physicians. DESIGN Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS This study was conducted in the Department of Medicine of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 134 physicians who had discussed at least five code statuses in their lifetime were included. RESULTS A total of 77 (57.4%) physicians responded. Family-related barriers were found to be the most common barriers. They include family denial (74.0%), level of education of family (66.2%), and conflict between individual family members (66.2%). Regarding personal barriers, lack of knowledge regarding prognosis (44.1%), personal discomfort in discussing death (29.8%), and fear of legal consequences (28.5%) were the top most barriers. In hospital-related barriers, time constraint (57.1%), lack of hospital administration support (48.0%), and suboptimal nursing care after do not resuscitate (48.0%) were the most frequent. There were significant differences among opinions of trainees when compared to those of attending physicians. CONCLUSION Family-related barriers are the most frequent roadblocks in the end-of-life care discussions for physicians in Pakistan. Strengthening communication skills of physicians and family education are the potential strategies to improve end-of-life care. Large multi-center studies are needed to better understand the barriers of code status discussion in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan A Syed
- 1 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Almas
- 1 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Quratulain Naeem
- 1 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Umer F Malik
- 2 Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Tariq Muhammad
- 1 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Almas A, Sultan FT, Kazmi K. Increased Level of Morning Surge in Blood Pressure in Normotensives: ACross-Sectional Study from Pakistan. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2016; 26:818-821. [PMID: 27806809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the mean morning surge (MS) in blood pressure, the frequency of increased morning surge in normotensive subjects, and to compare those with morning surge with those without MS. STUDY DESIGN Across-sectional, comparative study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2011 to March 2012. METHODOLOGY Adult normotensive healthy volunteers aged 35 to 65 years were inducted. Their ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) was measured over a 24-hour period, using digital ambulatory blood pressure monitors. Morning surge was calculated as the average of four readings after waking minus the lowest three nocturnal readings. Increased morning surge was defined as > 11 mm Hg in systolic (SBP) or > 12 mm Hg in diastolic (DBP). Dipping was defined as > 10% dipping in blood pressure. RESULTS Eighty-two healthy volunteers were recruited. Their mean age was 36.9 ±1.2 years; 74.4 (61%) were men, and 58.5 (48%) woke up for morning prayers. Mean overall SBPwas 113 ±1.6 mm Hg, overall DBPwas 73.9 ±0.7 mm Hg, and overall heart rate was 75 (10) beats/minute. Mean morning surge was 17.6 ±1.0 mm Hg in SBPand 16.0 ±0.8 mm Hg in DBP. The frequency of increased morning surge was 66 (80.5%) in SBP, and 57 (69%) in DBP. On comparison of participants with normal morning surge and increased morning surge in SBP, there was a significant difference in nondipping status (13.4% in normal vs. 18.3% in increased morning surge, p= 0.001). CONCLUSION Mean morning surge in SBPand DBPare relatively higher in this subset population in a tertiary care center in Pakistan. These values are higher than those reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | | | - Khawar Kazmi
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
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Almas A, Bhamani F, Khan AH. Better physician-patient communication; an important milestone in control of hypertension, a multicenter study from Karachi, Pakistan. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2016; 24:952-4. [PMID: 25523737 DOI: 12.2014/jcpsp.952954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Control of hypertension is an important cornerstone in prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to compare physician encounter score in patients with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. It was conducted at three tertiary care hospitals in Karachi. Patients were categorized into controlled and uncontrolled hypertension based on their initial blood pressure readings on presentation. Primary outcome variable was control of hypertension and physician encounter score (a composite score of 12 item question) was the main candidate variable. Higher scores reflected favorable encounter with physician. Mean age of participants was 57.7 ± 12 years; 224 (50.1%) were men. Controlled hypertension was present in 72.3% (323) and uncontrolled hypertension was present in 27.4% (124). Mean physician encounter score in uncontrolled hypertensive was 7.25 ± 2.64 versus 7.83 ± 2.22 (p=0.02) in controlled hypertensive. Patient-physician encounter is an important milestone in control of hypertension in hypertensive patients and directly translates into better adherence to antihypertensives in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | - Faridah Bhamani
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi
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Qasim A, Bashir A, Sajid S, Riaz MM, Almas A. Women with pregnancy induced hypertension have a higher risk of developing essential hypertension - a case control study from a tertiary care center in Pakistan. J PAK MED ASSOC 2016; 66:179-183. [PMID: 26819164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association of essential hypertension with pregnancy-induced hypertension in women. METHODS The case-control study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2012 to March 2013, and comprised on hypertensive female patients who visited the outpatient medicine clinics. The patients were aged 18-65 years and had been pregnant atleast once. Cases were women diagnosed as hypertensive or pre-hypertensive and the controls were normotensive women. The primary outcome was essential hypertension and the main exposure was pregnancy-induced hypertension. RESULTS Of the 258 subjects, 175(49.7%) were cases and 177(50.3%) were controls. The overall mean age was 44.6±13.3 years. Odds Ratio (95% Confidence interval) for pregnancy-induced hypertension for the outcome of essential hypertension was 1.6 (0.88, 3.0). The odds ratio increased further to 2.5(1.2, 5.2) after adjustment for age, family history of hypertension and physical activity. The association remained after further adjusting for body mass index in the final model; 2.20 (1.06, 4.57). CONCLUSIONS Women who develop hypertension in pregnancy are at higher risk of developing essential hypertension later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Qasim
- MBBS, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Bashir
- Medical Student, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sara Sajid
- Department of Biochemistry, Royal Institute Medical Science, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Shahab H, Khan HS, Almas A, Khan SA, Khan AH. Are BP readings taken after a patient-physician encounter in a real-world clinic scenario the lowest of all the readings in a clinic visit. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2015; 25:206-9. [PMID: 25772963 DOI: 03.2015/jcpsp.206209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the difference in Blood Pressure (BP) readings taken before, during and after the clinic encounter. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Cardiology Clinic, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to August 2013. METHODOLOGY Hypertensive and normotensive participants aged ³ 18 years were recruited. Pre-clinic BP was measured by a nurse and in-clinic BP by a physician. After 15 minutes, two post-clinic BP readings were taken at 1 minute interval. All readings were taken using Omron HEM7221-E. RESULTS Out of 180 participants, males were 57% and 130 (71%) were hypertensive. Mean SBP (Systolic BP) taken preclinic, in-clinic, post-clinic 1 and post-clinic 2 were: 126 ± 20 mmHg, 131 ± 23 mmHg, 126 ± 20 mmHg and 121 ± 21 mmHg respectively (p < 0.001). Mean DBP (Diastolic BP) taken pre-clinic, in-clinic, post-clinic 1 and post-clinic 2 were 77 ± 12 mmHg, 81 ± 13 mmHg, 79 ± 12 mmHg and 79 ± 11 mmHg respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION BP taken in the post-clinic setting may significantly be the lowest reading in a clinic encounter, making in-clinic BP unreliable to diagnose or manage hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunaina Shahab
- Resident, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi
| | | | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi
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Almas A, Ahmed N, Khawaja F, Khan AH. Diuretic induced hyponatremia in hypertensive patients. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2014; 24:606-608. [PMID: 25149845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Diuretics are the recommended antihypertensive by several international guidelines. This study was designed to determine the association of hyponatremia in hypertensive patients on diuretic therapy. This was a case control study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi in adult inpatients (> 18 years) who were known hypertensive. Cases were defined as hypertensives with hyponatremia and controls were defined as hypertensives without hyponatremia. Outcome was hyponatremia. Exposed were those using diuretics. Out of 1800 hypertensive patients sampled by the ICD-9-Coding; 1191 (66%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Cases n (%) were 553 (46.4) and controls were 638 (53.5). Among 553 cases (%) 180 (32.5) were exposed (on diuretics) and in controls 189 (29.6) were exposed (on diuretics) p=0.15. The association of hyponatremia with diuretic use was not significant with OR=1.11 (95% CI=0.86 - 1.45, p=0.40), after adjusting for chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease and chronic liver disease, in the final model. Diuretics were not associated with hyponatremia in hypertensive adult patients in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | - Nayla Ahmed
- Department of Medical Student, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
| | - Fareed Khawaja
- Department of Medical Student, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
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Almas A, Patel J, Ghori U, Ali A, Edhi AI, Khan MA. Depression is linked to uncontrolled hypertension: a case–control study from Karachi, Pakistan. J Ment Health 2014; 23:292-6. [DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.924047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Nasir N, Lalani S, Samani ZA, Almas A. Myocarditis complicating Plasmodium vivax malaria. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2014; 24 Suppl 2:S96-8. [PMID: 24906286 DOI: 05.2014/jcpsp.s96s98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Myocarditis complicating Plasmodium vivax malaria is an extremely rare complication. We report this development in a young girl who was diagnosed to have P. vivax malaria on the basis of peripheral smear. While undergoing antimalarial treatment, she developed respiratory distress requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support due to cardiogenic shock secondary to myocarditis. Cardiovascular complications are well recognized with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Nevertheless, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for the same in Plasmodium vivax infection especially if symptoms of heart failure develop in a young patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Nasir
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi
| | - Saima Lalani
- Medical Student, The Aga Khan University, Karachi
| | | | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi
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Jawaid A, Almas A. Cardiac tamponade as initial presentation in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2014; 24 Suppl 2:S138-40. [PMID: 24906269 DOI: 05.2014/jcpsp.s138s140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the many diseases known as 'the great imitators' because it can have diverse presentations and so is misunderstood for other illnesses. This case illustrates a 19 years old girl with SLE who presented as cardiac tamponade which is a rare feature of lupus pericarditis requiring medical and surgical treatment. Even after pericardiocentesis and steroid therapy there was a re-accumulation of the pericardial fluid resulting in cardiac tamponade which led to pericardial window formation. This case draws attention to the need to consider the diagnosis of tamponade in patients with connective tissue disease and dyspnea or hemodynamic compromise. It also outlines the treatment options available so that surgical referral, if needed, can be done timely for this rare but life threatening manifestation of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambreen Jawaid
- Department of Family Medicine, The Aga Khan University and Hospital, Karachi
| | - Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University and Hospital, Karachi
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective strategies to combat childhood obesity are challenging, especially among South Asian girls. We conducted a pilot cluster trial of a school-based physical activity programme among preadolescent girls to determine the feasibility (recruitment, retention and implementation) of the programme and influence on blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI). METHODS This two-arm parallel cluster intervention trial was conducted in four similar all-girls public sector schools in Karachi over a 20-week period. All girls aged 9-11 years were included. Intervention was a physical activity programme of 30 min duration four times a week. Primary outcome was to assess the feasibility of the physical activity programme defined as recruitment and retention >70% and treatment fidelity of >80% of physical activity programme. Secondary outcomes were changes in systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and BMI from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS A total of 360 participants were invited to participate, 280 girls met eligibility criteria, and were recruited; 131 (77%) in the intervention group and 146 (87%) in control group. At follow-up, the overall retention of participants was 222 (79.2%); 105 (80.1%) in the intervention group and 117 (78.5%) in the control group. The difference in mean change from baseline to follow-up in SBP, DBP and BMI score was 1.9 mm Hg, 0.7 mm Hg and 0.55 kg/m² between intervention and control arms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS A school-based physical activity programme in a public sector girls school of urban Pakistan is feasible. There was a favourable trend in BP and BMI at follow-up. (Clinical trial ID NCT 00533819).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 75210, Sindh, Pakistan.
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Jafri L, Nasir N, Almas A. Multifocal venous thrombosis in Behcet's disease. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2012; 22:730-2. [PMID: 23146858 DOI: 11.2012/jcpsp.730732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Behcet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory vascular disorder with a chronic course characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, eye lesion, arthritis and skin lesions. It has a typically waxing and waning course. The cause and pathogenesis of the disease are unclear and specific treatment is not available. A 39 years old man presented with rash, ocular manifestation and left leg swelling. He was found to have deep venous thrombosis of left leg along with recurrent cerebral venous thrombosis. He was a known case of Behcet's disease since 3 years and had been on anticoagulants since then.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Jafri
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
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Almas A, Godil SS, Lalani S, Samani ZA, Khan AH. Good knowledge about hypertension is linked to better control of hypertension; a multicentre cross sectional study in Karachi, Pakistan. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:579. [PMID: 23095492 PMCID: PMC3534478 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the National Health survey only 3% of the population has controlled hypertension. This study was designed to elucidate the knowledge about hypertension in hypertensive patients at three tertiary care centers in Karachi. Secondly we sought to compare the knowledge of those with uncontrolled hypertension and controlled hypertension. METHODS It was a cross-sectional study conducted at The Aga Khan University hospital (AKUH), Ziauddin Hospital (ZH) and Civil hospital, Karachi (CHK. All diagnosed Hypertensive patients (both inpatients and outpatients) coming to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan aged > 18 years were included. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: controlled and uncontrolled hypertension based on their initial BP readings on presentation Uncontrolled Hypertension was defined as average BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg in patients on treatment. Controlled Hypertension (HTN) was defined as average BP <140/90 mm Hg in patients on treatment. Standardized methods were used to record BP in the sitting position. Knowledge was recorded as a15 item question. Primary outcome was knowledge about hypertension. RESULTS A total of 650 participants were approached and consented 447 were found eligible. 284(63.5%) were from Aga Khan University, 101(22.6) from Dow University of health sciences and 62(13.9) were from Ziauddin University. Mean (SD) age of participants was 57.7(12) years, 50.1(224) were men. Controlled hypertension was present in 323(72.3) and uncontrolled hypertension was present in 124(27.4). The total mean (SD) Knowledge score was 20.97(4.93) out of a maximum score of 38. On comparison of questions related to knowledge between uncontrolled and controlled hypertension, there was statistically significant different in; meaning of hypertension (p <0.001), target SBP(p0.001), target DBP(p 0.001), importance of SBP versus DBP, improvement of health with lowering of blood pressure (p 0.002), high blood pressure being asymptomatic (p <0.001), changing lifestyle improves blood pressure(p 0.003),hypertension being a lifelong disease (<0.001), lifelong treatment with antihypertensives(<0.001) and high blood pressure being part of aging(<0.001). On comparison of knowledge as a composite score between uncontrolled and controlled hypertensive; Mean (SD) score was 21.85(4.74) v18.67 (4.70) (p value: < 0.001). On multivariate analysis; gender β (95% CI) 1.67(0.75, 2.59) p <0.001, uncontrolled blood pressure; -2.70(-3.76,-1.67) p <0.001, Sindhi ethnicity; -1.79(-3.25,-3.27) p 0.01 and pukhtoon ethnicity; -2.72(-4.13,-1.32) p <0.001 were significantly associated with knowledge score. CONCLUSION Knowledge about hypertension in hypertensive patients is not adequate and is alarmingly poor in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. More emphasis needs to be made on target blood pressure and need for taking antihypertensives for life to patients by physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium road, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Hamid M, Baqir M, Almas A, Ahmed S. Pain assessment and management in different wards of a tertiary care hospital. J PAK MED ASSOC 2012; 62:1065-1069. [PMID: 23866449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the pain management by medical team, emergency room (ER) team and Acute Pain team in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS The cross-sectional study was done in Medical Ward, Surgical Ward and Emergency Room of Aga Khan University, Karachi, in March-April 2010. The assigned research medical officer visited the three locations every day and selected patients by way of convenient sampling. The study comprised 75 patients; 25 each in three groups. Information was collected on patient's demographics, general characteristics, type of drugs and modalities used. Specific queries about pain were sorted out like adequacy of pain assessment done by primary physician, pain intensity, any intervention done and pain relief post-intervention. SPSS version 17, analysis of variance and Chi square test were used for statistical purpose. RESULTS The mean current pain score on the visual analogue score (VAS) was lowest in the Surgical Ward which was being managed by the Acute Pain Management Service (APMS) team followed by the Medical Ward and then Emergency Rooms. The difference was found to be statistically significant. The mean of worst pain score was also the lowest in the Surgical Ward. There was significant difference between wards in terms of the use of pain medications. Proper documentation for pain was done for all patients in the Surgical Ward, followed by the Emergency Room and then the Medical Ward. CONCLUSION Better pain assessment, re-assessment, documentation and patient satisfaction were observed in the Surgical Ward compared to the other two locations of the study.
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Parkash O, Almas A. Primary billiary cirrhosis (antimitochondrial antibody negative) leading to secondary amyloidosis. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak 2012; 22:330-2. [PMID: 22538043 DOI: 05.2012/jcpsp.330332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/24/2011] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
A 49 years old lady presented with low-grade fever (99-100°F) for 2 years. During this time she was extensively worked-up for pyrexia of unknown origin but no diagnosis could be established. Her Initial blood work-up was all negative except high alkaline phosphatase and gamma GT (374 IU and 195 IU respectively). She later presented to our tertiary care centre with facial swelling, flushing and bilateral pedal swelling for 3 months. Along with generalized body swelling she had frothy urine. She was diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome on the basis of nephrotic range proteinuria. Her Renal biopsy done for workup of nephrotic was positive for AA amyloid. Also, her gastrointestinal biopsy was suggestive of amyloidosis. As a workup for secondary amyloidosis, her liver biopsy was done which revealed features of primary billiary cirrhosis (PBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Om Parkash
- Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
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Almas A, Seraj S, Tabani H, lalani S, Samni ZA. Comparison of knowledge and understanding about hypertension in patients with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension: A multicenter study. Int J Cardiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.08.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Almas A, Ur Rehman Iqbal S, Ehtamam A, Khan AH. Spectrum of antihypertensive therapy in South Asians at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:318. [PMID: 21884613 PMCID: PMC3171374 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite available guidelines on hypertension (HTN), use of antihypertensives is variable. This study was designed to ascertain frequency of patients on monotherapy and > 1 antihypertensive therapy and also to ascertain proportion of patients on diuretic therapy. Methods It was a crossectional study conducted on 1191 adults(age > 18 yrs)hypertensive patients selected by computerized International Classification of Diseases -9-coordination and maintenance (ICD-9-CM) presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Data on demographics, comorbids, type of antihypertensive drug, number of antihypertensive drug and mean duration of antihypertensive drug was recorded over 1.5 year period (2008-09). Blood pressure was recorded on admission. Primary outcome was use of combination therapy and secondary outcome was use of diuretic therapy. Results A total of 1191 participants were included. Mean age(SD) was 62.55(12.47) years, 45.3%(540) were males. Diabetes was the most common comorbid; 46.3%(551). Approximately 85% of patients had controlled hypertension. On categorization of anti hypertensive use into 3 categories;41.2%(491) were on monotherapy,32.2%(384) were on 2 drug therapy,26.5%(316) were on ≥3 drug therapy. Among those who were on monotherapy for HTN;34%(167) were on calcium channel blockers,30.10%(148) were on beta blockers, 22.80%(112) were on Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,12%(59) were on diuretics and 2.20%(11) were on Angiotensin receptor blockers(ARB). Use of combination antihypertensive therapy was significantly high in patients with ischemic heart disease(IHD)(p < 0.001). Use of diuretics was in 31% (369) patients. Use of diuretics was significantly less in patients with comorbids of diabetes (p 0.02), Chronic kidney disease(CKD)(p 0.003), IHD (p 0.001) respectively Conclusion Most patients presenting to our tertiary care center were on combination therapy. Calcium channel blocker is the most common anti hypertensive drug used as monotherapy and betablockers are used as the most common antihypertensive in combination. Only a third of patients were on diuretic as an antihypertensive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Almas
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Godil SS, Tabani H, Khan AH, Almas A. White coat hypertension is not a benign entity: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. J PAK MED ASSOC 2011; 61:938-943. [PMID: 22360048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of White Coat Hypertension in patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at a tertiary care center and to compare ambulatory blood pressure profiles of normotensives, white coat hypertensives and hypertensives. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted which included all adult patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 3-year period. Those patients with incomplete data, less than 85% successful BP readings and inadequate number of daytime and nighttime readings were excluded from the study. The data on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring comprised of demographics, blood pressure, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure readings at every 30 minutes interval and also a graphical representation of patients' 24-hour blood pressure recording. SPSS was used for data analysis. Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for qualitative and quantitative variables respectively. RESULTS A total of 277 patients with a mean age of 48.98 +/- 17.52 years were included. There were 189 (58%) males included in the study. Out of the total, 46 (16.6%) patients had White Coat Hypertension, 59 (21.3%) were Normotensive and 172 (62.1%) had Hypertension. The mean age of Normotensives was 40.80 +/- 14.11 years, White Coat Hypertensives was 37.72 +/- 14.58 years and Hypertensives was 54.80 +/- 16.76 years (p <0.001). The overall average Systolic Blood Pressure in Normotensives was 118.69 +/- 6.61mm Hg in White Coat Hypertensives 120.57 +/- 6.71 mmHg and in Hypertensives it was 131.18 +/- 13.14mm Hg (p<0.001). The overall systolic load in Normotensives was 12.98 +/- 15.21, White Coat Hypertensives 15.86 +/- 14.12 and Hypertensives 41.71 +/- 28.21 (p value<0.001). The Mean Arterial Pressure in Normotensives was 90.17 +/- 5.02 mm Hg, in White Coat Hypertensives 90.17 +/- 5.08 mmHg and in Hypertensives it was 96.08 +/- 9.21mm Hg (p <0.001). The average Pulse Pressure in Normotensives was 43.56 +/- 6.29, White Coat Hypertensives 46.20 +/- 6.49 and in Hypertensives it was 54.65 +/- 12.86 (p <0.001). CONCLUSION Our study has shown a frequency of White Coat Hypertension, which is similar to many populations globally. All parameters of hypertension are more prevalent in this group compared to normotensives, which signifies that White Coat Hypertension is not a benign entity in our population and it needs to be closely followed for development of Hypertension and other cardiovascular complications.
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