Analytical Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Correlation between histopathology properties of dartos tissue and the severity of penile curvature in hypospadias.

Hypospadias, one of the congenital anomalies commonly associated with some degrees of ventral penile curvature that may arise from malformation of dartos fascia, the chordee. Our study aims to determine the correlation between the histopathology properties of dartos fascia and the severity of ventral penile curvature in hypospadias. One hundred hypospadias patients with various degrees of ventral penile curvature were included in this cross-sectional analytical study from 2020 to 2022. During hypospadias repair, ventral dartos fascia was excised and analyzed for the degree of collagen thickness and the severity of the fibrotic condition. Out of 100 patients, the mean age was 6.58 + 4.28 years, who were classified as mild to moderate (66%) and severe (34%) ventral curvature cases. The analyses showed significant differences in the severity of fibrotic condition and collagen thickness of dartos fascia to the severity of penile ventral curvature with p-values of 0.002 and 0.017, respectively. The difference in histopathology properties of dartos fascia may affect the severity of penile curvature in hypospadias patients.

Validation of the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 for children with mental disorders in specialized health-care services

IntroductionMental disorders are highly prevalent among children, yet access to timely and effective treatment remains limited. Untreated or poorly managed mental disorders in children are associated with significant functional deterioration and long-term consequences. The validation of reliable assessment tools is crucial for identifying functional impairments and guiding interventions in this population. This study aimed to assess the utility and psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in evaluating functional impairment among children and adolescents receiving specialized mental health care in Mexican psychiatric hospitals.MethodA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January 2018 to February 2020 in two psychiatric public hospitals in Mexico. The Spanish version of the WHODAS 2.0 was adapted for the pediatric population, and its psychometric properties were evaluated among 390 children and adolescents receiving psychiatric care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and tests of internal consistency and validity.ResultsThe WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .92) and convergent validity, with significant correlations observed between WHODAS scores and clinical variables. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-dimensional structure, with gender-specific differences identified in functional impairment patterns.DiscussionThe study provides robust evidence supporting the utility and psychometric properties of the WHODAS 2.0 for assessing functional impairment in children and adolescents with mental disorders in Mexican psychiatric hospitals. These findings have implications for clinical practice, policy-making, and future research aimed at improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Factors affecting tuberculosis (TB) prevention behaviors among household contacts in Phitsanulok Province, northern Thailand: implications for TB prevention strategy plan

BackgroundPulmonary tuberculosis can spread by airborne transmission when an infected person coughs, sneezes and speaks via expectorates. Therefore, household contacts who are close to a tuberculosis patient are at the highest risk of contracting the disease. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors affecting prevention behaviors among household contacts in Phitsanulok Province, northern Thailand.MethodsThe study sample included 193 household contacts with pulmonary tuberculosis in Phitsanulok Province. They were randomly selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 8 parts: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) tuberculosis knowledge, (3) perceived susceptibility of tuberculosis infection, (4) perceived severity of tuberculosis, (5) perceived self-efficacy of tuberculosis prevention, (6) perceived outcome of tuberculosis prevention, (7) social support of tuberculosis prevention, and (8) tuberculosis prevention behaviors. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and multiple regression analysis were explored for data analysis.ResultsMost participants (91.2%) had tuberculosis prevention behaviors at a high level (scores of 4.35). Factors that significantly affected tuberculosis prevention behaviors included perceived self-efficacy in tuberculosis prevention (β = 0.474), social support (β = 0.220), current smoker (β = -0.171), driving to the hospital (β = 0.150), unknown history of tuberculosis vaccination (BCG) (β = -0.122), and those who were older siblings, aunts, uncles, younger siblings, or nephews of participants (β = -0.116). These 6 factors explained 38.5% of tuberculosis prevention behaviors.ConclusionHousehold contacts to pulmonary tuberculosis should be educated about the perceived self-efficacy of tuberculosis prevention, and receive more social support to prevent the disease. The focus should be on current smokers, those who drive to the hospital, those who do not know the history of tuberculosis vaccination, and relatives of patients (older sibling, aunt, uncle, younger sibling, nephew) to reduce the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in the future.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress of Patients with Stroke Attending a Neurology Clinic — An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Background: A vast range of factors lead to psychological distress among stroke patients, causing poor outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and identify the associated factors among stroke patients attending the Neurology Clinics of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted among 177 patients with stroke attending the Neurology Clinics of the NHSL, Colombo, who were sampled by multistage random sampling. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Data collected under 6 domains underwent initial bivariate analysis using Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests, followed by multivariate analysis via binary logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the participants with stroke was 59.7 (SD:12.3) years. The prevalence of psychological distress among stroke patients was found to be 23.3% (95% CI:16.1–31.9). During bivariate analysis, six factors (p<0.05) were significant. The regression analysis identified five independent predictors: younger age (OR =0.87, 95% CI=0.79–0.97, p<0.05), female gender (OR=70.94, 95% CI=3.73–1348.89, p=0.05), patient being the sole source of income (OR=24.71, 95% CI=1.67–362.01, p<0.05), increased level of disability (OR=13.05, 95% CI=3.59–47.36, p<0.001), and past personal history of psychiatric disorders (OR=172.59, 95% CI=3.64–8174.42, p<0.05) with a R2 of 0.772. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress among patients with stroke attending the Neurology Clinics of the NHSL, Colombo, is considerably high and is associated with multiple health and non-health related factors.

Parents' Willingness-to-Pay for Fissure Sealant and Fluoride Varnish Therapy in Public and Private Pediatric Clinics.

This study employed the willingness-to-pay (WTP) method to investigate parents' valuation of fissure sealant (FS) and fluoride varnish (FV) therapy. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021 among 100 parents. The maximum WTP were collected using payment cards, an originally developed validated and reliable questionnaire, educational videos, and a hypothetical scenario. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression tests (α = 0.05). The mean (±SD) WTP was 245 700 (±158 756.24) and 232380.0 (±166 561.71) IR Tomans for FS and FV, respectively. WTP was significantly higher among parents who visited private clinics (p < 0.05) and government employees. Both in the whole sample and in the public group, parents without supplemental insurance had lower WTP values. The WTP values elicited through the payment card method (p = 0.014) and the open-ended question (p = 0.031) for fathers with educational attainment below a high school diploma were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the WTP values for these two therapies. Income level of the parents was the main indicator in the regression models, especially for WTP values of FS. The demographic and socioeconomic conditions of parents as well as their insurance status were associated with the WTP values.

Risk factors associated with hypertensive nephropathy in patients of the Farmadial Clinic

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors in patients with hypertensive nephropathy in our study population. This is a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study with an inductive method. The selection and collection of information was carried out through the search for studies and works related to the subject of the study. Interviews were conducted to patients arriving at the dialysis unit, with the objective of obtaining the necessary information with the amplitude of the radius of the patients this way to obtain the necessary data to determine that the factors present prevail in our studied population. According to the findings observed in our study, in terms of risk factors related to hypertensive nephropathy, it was found that the disease was manifested in a higher proportion in males, older than 65 years and black race, indicating the Relation of the results found with other studies cited in this study, where these risk factors are presented as triggers in the presence of this disease. It is believed that the race, gender, age, genetic predisposition and lifestyle of people are risk factors directly related to the onset or progression of hypertensive nephropathy, which allows us to have a guideline to generate preventive measures in people who present these risk factors.

Adolescents with Diabetes, exploring Knowledge, Attitude and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Adolescents with Diabetes, exploring Knowledge, Attitude and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Reliability of connectivity for the assessment of hearing perception in cochlear implant recipients

Objective The cochlear implant (CI) is the gold standard treatment for profound hearing loss with insufficient hearing aid benefit. Using regular words and sentences as verbal stimuli showed a ceiling effect in patients with optimal perceptual abilities. The objectives of the study were: (1) to evaluate the reliability of auditory perception through connectivity, comparing it to the regular audiometry in soundbooth and (2) to analyse the use of logatomes to better assess the perceptual abilities of high-performing patients. Design and study sample Cross sectional analytic study Study sample A total of 32 CI patients with high auditory performances underwent pure-tone and speech audiometry in two methods: (1) in an audiometric booth and (2) via direct streaming to the processor using a connectivity system. Correlation and concordance analyses were performed. Results Pure-tone audiometry showed a low correlation between the two methods. Speech audiometry revealed a high correlation at 30 dB HL but a low concordance between the two instruments. The evaluation through connectivity showed better results in pure-tone and speech audiometry than those of regular audiometry in soundbooth. The use of logatomes was useful for discriminating patients with better performances. Conclusions Connectivity might be considered a useful additional method to assess the performance of CI recipients.

Avaliação dos atributos dos serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde na perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde

Objective: To assess the presence and extent of primary health care (PHC) attributes from the perspective of health professionals. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out through the self-application of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool-Brasil) questionnaire, in the health professional’s version. General, essential and derived scores were assigned to each attribute. Results: General score indicated low performance for PHC. Essential attributes Ongoing care, Coordination of Services (information systems), Comprehensiveness (services available) and derived attributes (Family-centeredness and Community orientation) showed high orientation. Family Health Teams showed significantly higher scores in the attributes Ongoing care, Comprehensiveness (services provided) and Family-centeredness. Presence of specialization and residency in family health was positively associated with the attributes Ongoing care and Coordination of Services (integration of care). Conclusions: The study identified the presence and extension of the attributes, pointed out weaknesses, potentialities and possibilities for the services, both at the organizational level and as in the work process of the professionals. The qualification of professionals was associated with better results.

Comparison of Power Grip Strength in Male Knitter and Sedentary Worker

Context: The measurement of power grip strength is a simple and inexpensive method to assess hand functions. It is influenced by the health status and the level of occupational demand using hand. The study was carried out to compare the power grip strength of Bangladeshi male knitters and sedentary workers. Materials &amp; Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2017 to December 2017 on thirty three (33) adult Bangladeshi male sedentary workers (group A) and ninety nine (99) adult Bangladeshi male knitters (group B). Ninety nine participants of knitters were further subdivided into three subgroups according to their working experience in years. Hand grip strength dynamometer (Camry, USA) was used to measure the power grip strength. Results: Statistically significant difference (P&lt;0.05) of mean power grip strength was observed between sedentary workers (group A) and knitters (group B) in both hands whereas the mean power grip strength was greater in the knitters than the sedentary workers. Among the knitters the more experienced subgroup had non-significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) power grip strength than the less experienced subgroups. Conclusion: The present study showed that power grip strength was higher in male Bangladeshi knitters compared to sedentary workers in both hands. Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 22-25

The Application of BLUE (Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency) protocol in the Emergency Department

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lung ultrasonography (US) in detecting the cause of acute respiratory distress in the emergency department. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 195 adult patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of a University Hospital with acute respiratory failure in 6months period. The validity of the US diagnoses was assessed by comparing the decisions made by researchers according to the BLUE protocol classification with the final judgments made by the primary doctors using gold-standard diagnostic techniques suggested by the guidelines. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of lung US was 89.7%. While Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (n=91), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (n=53), pneumonia (n=69), and Pneumothorax (PTX) (n=5) could be diagnosed by ultrasound with high sensitivity and specificity, its specificity in the diagnosis of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE)(n=18) was low (67%). Ultrasonography could also diagnose combined pathologies such as pneumonia associated with CHF, or pneumonia associated with COPD, with high sensitivity and specificity. It has been determined that the diagnostic accuracy of the routine physical examination and lung radiography used in the emergency room to assess bedside respiratory distress is lower than that of ultrasonography. Discussion: In this study, we found that lung US was effective in the diagnosis of CHF, COPD, pneumonia, PTE, and PTX. Compared to the gold standard tests, it shortened the duration of the diagnosis. Finally, US can also be applied safely in centers where advanced diagnostic facilities are not available.

Determinants of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnant Women Attended at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Zimbabwe from January - December 2022

Background: Globally 2.73% of pregnant women suffer from hypertension. Currently, there is still a gap of knowledge in Zimbabwe on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy hence the present study. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. The structured checklist was used to extract data. HBP was measured two times on the right arm using an electronic device (OMRON HEM-7261) with an average of two readings. Patient records were used to collect secondary data from prenatal care visits and laboratory tests. We used simple random sampling methods to screen prenatal care records for pregnant women. All pregnant women at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in 2022 were eligible and constituted our study population. The sample size was determined statistically by power analysis using epidemiological information, this yielded a sample of 240. The Prevalence of HBP in pregnancy and risk factors were determined by Fisher exact test Graph Pad (Prism version6.0), P &lt; 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: 240 pregnant women were enrolled given a prevalence of HBP of 25%. Most pregnant women having HBP are 36 to 40 years old and located in urban areas (92%, n = 55). Gestational age 33 % (n = 5), Gravida 3-4 (33%, n = 13) Parity 3-4 (74%, n = 25), and Multiple Pregnancy (25%, n = 5) were the most associated with HBP. Pre-existing hypertension was the most common comorbidity 92%.Family history of HBP (OR = 4.62, 95%, CI = 1.4-15.1), p = 0.016) and age being &lt; 30 years OR= 0.26, 95%, CI = 0.14-0.49), p = 0.0001) were associated with HBP. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBP in pregnancy was higher (25%) than the worldwide prevalence of 2.7% and risk factors are mainly age and family history of HBP.

Prevalence Of Sensorineural Hearing Loss Among Stroke

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among stroke patients. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. Medicine department of HMC Peshawar and lady reading hospital (LRH) in Peshawar. Total 224 diagnosed stroke patients were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. 20 and above age group male and female were included. Transient ischemic, psychological, and congenital stroke patients were excluded. Pure Tone audiometry (PTA) was done using pure tone audiometer to identify type of hearing loss. The Study was conducted at audiology Department of The University of Lahore for the duration of six months from 22nd March2023 to 22nd August2023. Out of 224 stroke patients, 168 were ischemic and 56 were hemorrhagic type.15 patients had conductive hearing loss,111 had sensorineural hearing loss,21 had mixed hearing loss while 66 were having normal and 11 were having high frequency sensorineural hearing loss. This study showed that there was no significant association between sensorineural hearing loss and stroke.

A quantitative survey on exposures, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to swine influenza among villagers in different regions of Thailand

This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward the swine influenza virus (SIV) among pig farm owners, workers, and villagers in selected provinces of Thailand. This study was carried out from February to December 2022 in pig farms and villages across the provinces. A structured and standardized quantitative questionnaire was utilized to collect data on socio-demographic variables and KAP related to SIV from 215 participants. The quantitative data was analyzed in two steps using R software. The study findings showed that the average knowledge score on SIV was 6.92 out of 12, indicating moderate understanding of SIV in study participants. Attitudes towards SIV were generally positive, with an average score of 3.74 out of 5. Practices for SIV prevention averaged a score of 3.63 out of 5. Key factors associated with better SIV knowledge included higher education levels, higher monthly income, and direct involvement in vaccination processes. Moreover, those with higher education, employment on pig farms, and prior vaccination experience showed more positive attitudes towards SIV. Occupations related to pig farming and the availability of vaccination services significantly influenced SIV prevention practices. The findings highlighted that improved education and stronger connections with healthcare professionals and the pig farming sector may significantly enhance KAP regarding SIV among targeted populations. In contrast, participants with limited exposure to health services or pig farming activities, such as nearby villagers, require specialized educational interventions. This study recommends that local health authorities should develop and implement communication strategies and interventions focused on educating pig farm owners, managers, and villagers about SIV to mitigate the risks associated with SIV and other zoonotic diseases.

Agreement between Two Biometers for Central Corneal Thickness Measurement in High Myopia Patients

Background In refractive surgery, the measurement of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is a critical factor in the preparation and screening of surgery to correct myopia. CCT measurements can be measured by optical biometers, including the Scheimpflug camera and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT). Aim This study aimed to compare the Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) measurements made with Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT)-based biometers and the Scheimpflug camera in patients with high myopia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the agreement between Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) values obtained using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. We included a total of 28 individuals with high myopia, including 44 eyes, for our study. These patients underwent Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) tests using both Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera. The Bland-Altman test was used to assess the agreement between the two devices. Results Forty-four eyes with axial lengths ranging from 26.05 to 34.02 mm based on SS-OCT examinations were included in this study. The mean CCT was 527.59 ± 35.710 (p &lt;0.05) μm and 525.64 ± 35.421 μm (p &lt;0.05), based on SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot revealed good agreement between both devices, with a mean difference of 2.3409 μm; however, a 95% limit of agreement demonstrated a wide range, ranging from -8.48509 to 12.39400 μm at a 95% confidence interval. Conclusion CCT measurements using SS-OCT and the Scheimpflug camera differed significantly among patients with high myopia. Our findings have suggested that CCT measurements made with either device should be interpreted with caution and not be used interchangeably.

Association of Vitamin D and Prostate Health Status in Men: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Association of Vitamin D and Prostate Health Status in Men: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Evaluation of Ocular and Systemic Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the most severe complication of chronic hyperglycaemi stimulates oxidative stress that changes the retinal basement membrane function and provokes neovascularization, macular edema and retinal detachment. But an oxidative–antioxidant biomarker assessment in ocular matrices, such as aqueous humor (AH) and vitreous, might show the oxidative stress (OS) status in the posterior segment. Here, we show a cross-sectional analytical study of 39 patients who had a vitrectomy and assess the levels of different oxidative–antioxidant biomarkers in blood, aqueous and vitreous humor in three groups: diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) with PDR [DM(+)PDR(+)] (n =13), DM2 without PDR [DM(+)PDR(−)] (n = 13) and non-DM2 non-PDR [DM(−)PDR(−)] as the control group (n = 13). Our finding suggests the presence of oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy, as evidenced by increased levels of 8-isoprostanes and decreased levels of total antioxidant capacity from stages before the development of diabetic retinopathy. Our results reveal a notable increment in catalase levels in the DM(+)PDR(+) group in blood and vitreous humor. Likewise, we identified that the DM(+)PDR(−) group presents significant levels in 8-IP and SOD in vitreous humor and blood versus aqueous humor. These finding suggest the role of antioxidant enzymes in compensating oxidative stress mechanisms in PDR development.

Knowledge and Attitude of Emergency department Nurses about Care of Self-Harming Adolescents and Related Factors: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Self-harm is a hidden health issue and an emergency priority that is relatively common among adolescents. The standard level of service management for self-harming patients is directly related to the knowledge and attitude of nurses when providing care to self-harming patients. Objective: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of nurses regarding the care of self-harming adolescents and related factors among emergency nurses. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study involved 208 nurses with over 6 months of work experience in the emergency departments of educational hospital in Rasht, Iran. The nurses were included through census sampling. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire including demographic information, the Attitudes Towards Deliberate Self-Harm Questionnaire (ADSHQ), and knowledge. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests, multiple linear regression, the Friedman test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: Based on results the mean age of the participants was 34.8 ± 7.8 years and the majority of them (90.9%) were female and had bachelor’s degree (88.5%). The mean score of nurses’ knowledge was 0.67 ± 0.12. Nurses’ attitudes were positively evaluated with a mean score of 3.59 ± 0.28. Additionally, the attitude score had a positive correlation with the knowledge (r=0.252,p=0.001,). The knowledge score was significantly associated with nurses’ marital status (P= 0.042) and experience in caring for self-harming adolescents (P=0.016), Based on findings of multiple linear regression analysis, attitude score was significantly associated with nurses’ age (β=0.184, 95% CI; 0.061- 0.323, p=0.004) and experience in caring for self-harming adolescents (β=2.495% CI; 0.340 - 4.595, , p=0.023). Conclusion: Based on results, it is recommended to employ more experienced nurses in emergency departments to deal with these adolescents. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop orientation and retraining programs to familiarize nurses and strengthen positive attitudes, focusing on increasing empathy and self-confidence for effective care.

Risk Factors,Diagnosis and Outcome of Proven and Probable Invasive Trichosporonosis in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Analytical Study

Introduction: Trichosporon species are basidiomycetous yeast like fungus that is ubiquitous in the environment. They form part of the normal flora in humans. In recent years, they have been causing invasive infections, especially in the immunocompromised hosts. Disseminated cases including trichosporonemia can rapidly progress, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Aim: To diagnose and identify risk factors and outcomes of proven and probable invasive Trichosporon species infections. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was done at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, over a period of one year (March 2023 till February 2024). All the clinical samples sent for routine diagnostics to the laboratory during the study period and archived samples were included (Total isolates, n=60). European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infection Cooperative Group (EORTC/ IFICG) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Mycoses Study Group (NIAID/MSG) definitions were used to categorise samples as proven invasive and probable invasive trichosporonosis. Phenotypic characterisation was done by colony morphology on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Gram stain, Dalmau technique and urea hydrolysis. Genotypic characterisation was done by Trichosporon genus specific and Trichosporon asahii specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The reference strains used as quality control were Trichosporon asahii Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) 6179, Trichosporon jirovecii MTCC 9036 and Candida albicans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 90028. All statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel (2016) and descriptive statistics were presented as numbers and percentages. Results: All the 60 (100%) isolates were characterised as Trichosporon asahii. Amongst them 4 (6.7%) were categorised as proven invasive trichosporonosis and 56 (93.3%) were probable invasive trichosporonosis. Some important risk factors for invasive disease were Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, antibiotic usage, diabetes and hypertension. All 4 (6.3%) proven cases were isolated from blood and 2 (50%) amongst them succumbed to the disease. Amongst the probable cases, 16 (28.6%) succumbed to the disease. Conclusion: Invasive infections caused by Trichosporon species have high mortality especially amongst immunocompromised hosts. Hence, identification at an early stage by appropriate diagnostic methods and initiating appropriate antifungal agents can result in better outcome of the patient.

Comparison of frequency of postoperative requirement of additional analgesia and mean length of hospital stay in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate with and without postoperative catheter traction.

Objective: To determine and to compare the frequency of postoperative requirement of additional analgesia and mean length of hospital stay in patients undergoing TURP with and without postoperative catheter traction. Study Design: Analytical Cross Sectional Study. Setting: Department of Urology, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: Dec 2023 to March 2024. Methods: After ERC approval &amp; informed consent a total of 48 patients with comparable baseline characteristics such as age and preoperative prostate size who underwent TURP and were having significant postoperative hematuria (≥ grade 2 on a standardized hematuria colorimetric card) were enrolled in the study &amp; were divided into two groups i.e. group A and group B, each having 24 patients. Group A patients were subjected to postoperative catheter traction with thigh using an adhesive band that was maintained over the night, while group B patients were not subjected to this postoperative intervention. Patients of both the groups received a single shot of IM diclofenac sodium 75mg in the recovery room and later on oral diclofenac sodium 50mg was given twice a day. All Patients were presented with a visual analogue scale (VAS) every 6 hourly during the first 24 hours postoperatively and were given additional IM diclofenac sodium 75mg if the reported pain was of moderate-severe intensity as indicated by the VAS score and an entry was made on the pro forma. Also, at the time of discharge total days spent in the hospital by patients of both the groups after undergoing TURP and any postoperative complications were noted. Results: 79.16% of group A patients required additional postoperative analgesia as compared to a value of 29.16% of group B patients (p= 0.0001). The mean hospital stay of group A and group B was 4.04 ± 0.65 days and 3.25 ± 0.65 days respectively (p=0.0001).