Hospital Karachi Research Articles

Frequency of urinary incontinence in post-partum multiparous women

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread condition of uncontrollable urine leakage that has been strongly linked to natural delivery problem impacting one's wellbeing and quality of life. Objective: The objective of study was to determine frequency of urinary incontinence in postpartum multiparous women in Karachi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study by using non-probability convenient sampling technique was conducted at different hospitals of Karachi in a duration of seven months, June 2020 to December 2020. A total of 267 women aged between 18 to 40 years, undergoing postpartum period after normal deliveries in last one year were included in the study. Ethical permission was taken from the Institutional review board of Hayat Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. A consent form in their native language was taken before recruiting into the study. They were asked to fill the questionnaire Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS). Data entry and analysis was done through SPSS version 26 and descriptive analysis was done. Data was presented in frequency and percentages, however, demographic information was presented in mean and standard deviation. Results: A total of 267 women were recruited, the mean ±SD of age in years was 30.6 ±5.087 while all women were housewives. Females experienced symptoms like urgency 13.48%, bladder pain occasionally at 80.15%, and frequent visits to the toilet to urinate 41.2%. The current study discloses that 61.16% experienced urinary incontinence. Conclusion: This study concludes that urinary incontinence is moderately found in postpartum multiparous women.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF X-RAY IN DIAGNOSING AVASCULAR FEMORAL HEAD, KEEPING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) AS GOLD STANDARD

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a common cause of musculoskeletal disability, and it presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Although patients are initially asymptomatic, avascular necrosis frequently leads to joint destruction, typically before the age of 50. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, rapid, and compassionate diagnostic tool commonly used by clinicians. This study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of X-rays in detecting avascular necrosis of the femoral head, using MRI as the gold standard. This Cross-Sectional Validation Study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan. The study was conducted over six months after the synopsis approval, from November 6, 2021, to May 5, 2022. This study included all patients who met the inclusion criteria and visited the JPMC Hospital in Karachi. After explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits of the study, informed consent was obtained from all patients. All patients underwent X-rays, and those diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head underwent MRI. The collected data was entered into the attached proforma and used electronically for research. The mean age was 48.8±9.2, with 92 (63.0%) male and 54 (37.0%) female patients. The diagnostic accuracy of the X-ray was 82.88% in detecting avascular necrosis of the femoral head, with sensitivity and specificity of 82.05% and 83.82%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 53.42%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 80.28%, using MRI findings as the gold standard. In conclusion, the use of X-ray in evaluating avascular necrosis of the femoral head was not helpful and comparable to MRI. Therefore, an MRI should be performed in every case of avascular necrosis of the femoral head to achieve an accurate diagnosis. More prospective and well-controlled trials are required to validate the current findings.

Association of Antenatal Gender Preference with Perceived Stress among Pregnant Women

Background: Antenatal stress is the stress experienced by a pregnant mother as a result of stressful life circumstances. Gender preference for male children and dislike for female children prevails in many regions of the world. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how gender preferences during pregnancy, influenced by cultural and sociodemographic factors, contribute to perceived maternal stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association between stress and gender preference in pregnant women. A total of 363 healthy pregnant females recruited from tertiary care hospitals of Karachi and Lahore via purposive sampling technique were first interviewed for demographic information. The self-structured questionnaire comprises items based on preferences in pregnancies and antenatal or postnatal psychological health, was then asked to be filled to determine the association between antenatal gender preference and perceived stress among the participants. Results: Male child preferences were significantly linked to antenatal stress (32.8%, p<0.05). Gender scans were performed in around 33.1% and 64.6%of mothers desired male children. The rationale behind it is that a male offspring will be able to support them in their later years. Conclusion: It was concluded that a significant association wasfoundbetween male child preferences and antenatal stress. Moreover, antenatal stress was also associated with younger mother age, low self-esteem, low socioeconomic position, and a strong familial desire for sons. Premature birth, low birth weight, and inadequate prenatal care are all possible outcomes of stress during pregnancy. Keywords: Gender Identity, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Psychological Factors.

Frequency of Gall Stones in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis at Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: In developed countries, the adult population has a 20% incidence of gallstones, with a rise of 0.60 to 1.39% yearly. Our study aimed to determinethe frequency of gallstones in Acute Pancreatitis (AP) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted atAbbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, recruited all patients fulfilling inclusion criteria presented in the general surgery department from 3rd Oct 2020 to 3rd Oct 2021. After ethical approval and consent, a brief history was taken, and clinical examination, laboratory investigations, and ultrasound of the upper abdomenwere done to ascertain the frequency of gallstones. Results:A total of 93 patients diagnosed with APwere included in this study. Of these, 70 (50.6%) were male patients, and 23 (49.4%) were females,with a mean age of 40.752+11.764 years. The gallstones were found in 42 (45.2%) patients. Conclusion: The frequency of gallbladder stones was high in patients with AP. A prompt or a late diagnosis can directly affect a patient’s mortality and morbidity. Keywords: Abdomen, Acute Pancreatitis, Gallstones, Prevalence.

Socio-demographic characteristics of children and young people with primary brain tumours: comparison between a public and private sector tertiary hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Primary brain tumours (PBTs) are the commonest solid tumours in children and young people (CYP). A study was conducted at a private and a public sector hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, to determine the socio-demographic and tumour-related characteristics of CYP with PBTs between those presenting to the public and private hospitals. A total of 49 patients were included. The commonest PBT was pilocytic astrocytoma (29%). There were no differences in tumour-related characteristics between the two groups. However, parents of CYP with PBTs presenting to the public sector hospital were significantly less educated and had lower household incomes. No significant differences in age, gender, educational status, and ethnicity of CYP with PBTs were observed. Since CYP with PBTs presenting at the public sector hospital were from significantly lower socioeconomic backgrounds and their parents were less educated, it suggests socio-economic disparities in PBT care for CYPs in Karachi, Pakistan.

Covid-19 related isolation and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients presenting to tele-clinics at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

The objective of this study was to assess the psychological impact of isolation on individuals with Covid-19 and determine the experiences of people in isolation. All adults with Covid-19 who reported to the infectious disease tele-clinic were included in the study; participants were sent the survey form via email. The email was sent to 146 people and 47 responses were received. IES-R questionnaire was submitted to all individuals on Day 7 of quarantine, along with a qualitative questionnaire. The mean score on IES-R for all the respondents was 18.77. Out of 47 participants, for 6 (12.8%) PTSD was a clinical concern, 3 (6.4%) participants had a probable diagnosis of PTSD, and 6 (12.8%) participants scored high enough to suppress immune function. The majority of participants reported stress due to confinement in an isolated space and interruption in daily routine, specifically work-related routine. Praying, meditation, and having social support helped the participants cope with the isolation.

Increased antimicrobial resistance against azithromycin during COVID: role of irrational utilization.

To assess the use of azithromycin during coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and its impact on antimicrobial resistance in an urban setting. The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on two different data sets. The first data set was of inpatients (N = 300) during the first wave of COVID 19 i.e. January to December, 2020. Data was collected from tertiary care hospitals in Karachi between October 2021 and November 2022 after approval from the ethics review committee of Ziauddin University, Karachi. Drug utilisation evaluation was done using a structured and validated tool. The treatment protocols were evaluated by comparing against the coronavirus disease-2019 treatment protocol 2020 and the guidelines issued by the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan. Second data set comprised of the consumption data (obtained from pharmacies for both inpatients and outpatients) as well as the antimicrobial resistance, (obtained from antibiogram collected from the microbiology departments of the participating hospitals). This data was taken for the period of three years i.e. 2019 (Pre-COVID) to 2021 (Post-first wave of COVID) to establish trends of both consumption and antibiotic resistance. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 300 patients, 207(69%) were males and 93(31%) were females. There were 162(54%) adults with mean age 40.06±10.48 years, followed by 120(40%) geriatrics with mean age 70.37±6.94 years, 18(6%) paediatrics with mean age 13.5±3.60 years. All patients were given Azithromycin empirically followed by culture sensitivity test in 21% cases only. Comparison with COVID treatment protocols revealed the non-compliance of just 3%. However, in case of Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), sinusitis, typhoid and urethritis, comparison with MMIDSP guidelines revealed non-compliance of 95%, 22%, 75% and 100% respectively. Moreover, in 11% of patients, it was administered for conditions not recommended by guidelines. Furthermore, the Antibiogram exhibited percent increase in resistance against azithromycin. Enhanced consumption and irrational use of azithromycin during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic most likely contributed to increase in antimicrobial resistance.

Predictors of Seroconversion of Hepatitis-C Virus in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health challenge globally. Hemodialysis, the primary treatment for CKD, not only sustains lives but also increases the risk of disease transmission, particularly hepatitis C (HCV), with a 48.9% seroconversion rate. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to HCV seroconversion of hemodialysis patients in Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at three dialysis units within tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, from June 2022 to June 2023. A total of 141 patients aged between 18 and 65, of any gender, undergoing chronic hemodialysis for a minimum of 6 months, demonstrating good adherence, and possessing comprehensive serological data for HCV (baseline test and follow-up screening) were included. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 and a comparison between baseline characteristics and risk factors with seroconversion of HCV was done using independent samples t-test/Chi-square test. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The patients had a mean age of 33.30±8.04 years. Seroconversion occurred in 14.9% of cases, with 21% testing positive for HCV on PCR. Notably, a higher prevalence of blood transfusion history (p=0.002), surgery history (p=0.001), a family history of HCV (p=0.001), dialysis at multiple centers (p=0.001), and initiating dialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (p=0.015) was observed among HCV-positive patients who underwent seroconversion, in comparison to those who remained HCV-negative. Conclusion: A history of blood transfusion and surgery, a family history of HCV, dialysis at multiple centers, and initiation of dialysis with arteriovenous fistula are notable predictors for seroconverted positive HCV patients.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF MENTZER INDEX AS A SCREENING TOOL FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA BY TAKING IRON PROFILE AS GOLD STANDARD IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH HYPOCHROMIC MICROCYTIC ANEMIA AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

Anemia is the most prevalent haematological condition in newborns and children. A deficiency of iron necessary for synthesizing haemoglobin causes it. This study used the iron profile as the gold standard for patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi to assess the Mentzer index's diagnostic accuracy for iron-deficient anemia. From January 2021 to December 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, NICH, Karachi. With the patient's explicit consent, data was prospectively collected. Those who satisfied the diagnostic requirements totaled 163 patients. While frequency and percentages were used to represent qualitative factors, simple descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation were used to convey quantitative data. The following metrics were calculated: diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and a significance level set at p-value ≤0.05. A total of 163 patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia were included in the study; their mean age was 8.23±3.57 years. 78 (47.9 percent) and 85 (52.1 percent) were female. For the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, the Mentzer index's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were determined to be, respectively, 90.1 percent, 90.1 percent, 93.8 percent, 84.6 percent, and 90.8 percent. According to the study's findings, cell-count-based indices—in particular, the Mentzer index—are trustworthy, widely accessible techniques that have a high degree of discrimination power for identifying iron deficiency anemia.

Neonatal Hematological Abnormalities Associated with Maternal Pre-eclampsia at Birth

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) can cause hematological abnormalities that can further exacerbate the existing morbidity in newborns. This study aimed to investigate neonatal hematological abnormalities associated with maternal pre-eclampsia at the time of birth. Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted from January 2023 to July 2023, involving 122 neonates born at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Sohail Trust Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. It analyzed neonates of either gender, aged from birth to 24 hours of life, and born to pre-eclamptic mothers, and their demographic details were recorded. At delivery, 2 ml of umbilical venous blood was collected by a trained pediatric nurse and then sent to the institutional laboratory. Hematological changes like leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia were noted. To assess the influence of various factors on hematological outcomes, chi-square tests were applied, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05. Results: In a total of 122 neonates, the mean age was 8.14±6.49 hours. The mean gestational age was 38.87±3.15 weeks. There were 68 (55.7%) neonates who were male. Low birth weight (LBW) was less than 2500 grams in 45 (36.9%) newborns. Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and neutropenia were identified in 32 (26.2%), 25 (20.5%), and 23 (18.9%) neonates respectively. Stratification of leukopenia concerning study variables revealed that gestational age and LBW had a significant association (p=0.0036, p=0.0072) with leukopenia. Moreover, neutropenia also had an association with LBW (p<0.0001). Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of early hematological screening for neonates born to pre-eclamptic mothers to facilitate timely diagnosis and care.

Assessment of Vaccination Coverage Among Measles Cases in Children Aged 10 Months to 5 Years at Civil Hospital Karachi

Background: Measles remains a global health concern, particularly in developing countries, and despite improvements in global vaccination efforts, certain regions, including Pakistan, continue to report cases. This study aims to assess the frequency of vaccinated children among measles cases, shedding light on potential vaccine failure factors. Methodology: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 139 children diagnosed with measles in an emergency department. The vaccination status of each child was determined through a thorough examination of their vaccination history and available vaccination cards. In cases where records were unavailable, relevant data were meticulously recorded on a standardized Performa. Results: Among the 139 children studied, 30.94% were found to have received vaccinations, and only 35.9% had completed the recommended two-dose schedule. The average age for receiving the first and second doses was 9.6±1.05 months and 15.67±0.82 months, respectively. Conclusion: The findings underscore that a substantial proportion of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, emphasizing the critical role of complete immunization. However, despite vaccination efforts, many children still contracted the disease, indicating the necessity for further in-depth research in this domain.

Preventing Ocular Surface Foreign Body Complications: Enhancing Awareness and Precaution

Background: Ocular surface foreign bodies are the second most common emergency condition in the ophthalmology department OPD, which can be easily prevented through proper precautionary measures. Also, they can be either superficial or embedded into the cornea or conjunctiva. In this study, we aimed to create awareness regarding the prevention and management of such cases to reduce ocular complications. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the Ophthalmology department of Ziauddin University Hospital Karachi. The study duration was 4 years from 16th November 2019 to 15 November 2022. Patients presented to the ophthalmology department OPD with complaints of ocular foreign bodies were examined clinically and a total of 427 patients were included in the study who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data was collected and analyzed on SPSS 23. The chi-square test was used to compare the variables. Results: Our study analyzed that ocular surface foreign bodies had a strong association with the profession. The metallic foreign bodies were found in 283(66.3%) patients and the remaining 144 (37.7%) were non-metallic. There was a strong correlation found between the type of foreign body and the site of ocular involvement. The p-value was significant with 0.0001. Conclusion: The majority of ocular surface foreign bodies were workplace-related due to a lack of awareness of protective measures. A counseling workshop should be arranged regarding its importance for workers in their workplaces which will improve their work capacity, and health and reduce economic burden.

Comparison of Skin Staples versus Skin Sutures After Inguinal Hernioplasty in Terms of Surgical Site Infection

Background: Surgical site infection is a major concern following inguinal hernia repair, potentially leading to extended hospital stays, increased morbidity, patient discomfort, and higher healthcare costs. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between skin staples and skin sutures in inguinal hernioplasty, explicitly focusing on their impact on surgical site infection rates. Methods: From September 2022 to June 2023, a randomized control trial study was carried out at the Surgery Department, Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital Karachi. A total of 100 patients who underwent Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty were allocated into two groups: the stapler group (n=50) and the polypropylene suture group (n=50). The patients were monitored for 3 to 6 hours post-surgery and safely discharged on the first postoperative day. Follow-up was scheduled 7 days after surgery to assess wound complications, specifically surgical site infections. Comparison between both groups was done using the Chi-square/Fisher exact test for surgical site infection and independent samples t-test for pain score. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The incidence of postoperative pain was slightly lower in the stapler group compared to the suture group (10% vs. 16%), this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.544). Moreover, the surgical site infection rate was significantly lower in the stapler group (3%) than in the suture group (12%) with p=0.012. Conclusion: When securing the mesh in inguinal hernia cases, the utilization of skin staples was considered a safe approach and was associated with lower surgical site infection as compared to skin sutures.

Unveiling the silent threat of new onset atrial fibrillation in covid-19 hospitalized patients: A retrospective cohort study.

COVID-19, a highly infectious respiratory disease, has been associated with a range of cardiovascular complications. One of the most commonly reported cardiovascular issues in COVID-19 patients is the development of arrhythmias. Among all types of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation is the most frequently observed. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, and it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. To investigate the incidence and association of new onset atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 hospitalized patients and its impact on survival. A retrospective cross-sectional study that encompassed all patients, both positive and negative for COVID-19, who were consecutively admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, a tertiary care facility, from June 2021 to December 2021. A total of 1,313 patients who met the inclusion criteria of our study were enrolled as participants. These patients were then stratified into two groups based on COVID-19 status: the study group (COVID-19 positive) comprised 626 (47.7%) patients and the control group (COVID-19 negative) consisted of 687 (52.3%) patients. The incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation was 85 (13.6%) in COVID-19 positive compared to 43 (5.2%) in COVID-19 negative group. The study found a strong association between COVID-19 and new-onset atrial fibrillation in both univariate (unadjusted odd ratio 2.35 [95% CI, 1.60-3.45], p-value < 0.01) and a multiple-adjusted regression analysis (adjusted odd ratio 3.86 [95% CI, 2.31-6.44], p-value < 0.01). These findings highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring of cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients, especially those with pre-existing conditions that predispose them to the development of atrial fibrillation. The study underscores the need for prompt recognition and management of new onset atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patients, as this may mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes and improve overall prognosis.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CA15-3 IN CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST WITH VISCERAL METASTASES

Background: The most common malignancy and second most common cause of death is breast cancer among women. About 2.09 million fatalities from breast cancer happened in 2018. The objective was to evaluate the elevated CA15-3 in breast cancer patients with visceral metastases presenting at the tertiary care hospital of Karachi. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Oncology of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center from 15th December 2018 to 15th November 2019. Female patients aged 26–80 years diagnosed with visceral metastatic (defined as metastasis to lung, liver, brain and adrenal glands) breast cancer were included in the study. The diagnosis of breast cancer was confirmed on histopathology whereas the metastatic sites were evaluated using physical examination and imaging. The serum CA15-3 concentration was assessed using assay kits. The serum CA15-3 level of 0-32 U/ml was taken as normal range for all the patients whereas CA15-3 level greater than 32 U/L was considered as elevated CA15-3. SPSS version 23 was used to enter and analyze data. Results: A total of 139 females were included in the study. The mean age &amp; BMI of the patients were reported as 46.5 years &amp; 26.69 kg/m2. In the majority of the patients’ metastases were detected in the liver (n=54), 92 in the lungs+ parenchymal disease, 20 in adrenal glands, 12 in pleural effusion and 10 in the brain. Out of 139 patients with visceral metastases, 52(37.4%) had normal CA15-3 level whereas 87 (62.6%) had elevated serum CA15-3 levels (&gt;32 U/L). Conclusion: The serum CA15-3 tumour marker is elevated significantly in visceral metastases and can be used as a prognostic marker in metastatic breast cancer patients.

Frequency And Risk Factors For Developing Surgical Site Infection In Abbasi Shaheed Hospital

Introduction: Surgical site infections are the most common nosocomial infections worldwide and are also the common problem in developing countries. The impact of its prevalence contributes to morbidity and mortality and therefore the need to determine its prevalence is necessary. Finding out the prevalence of surgical site infections and the frequency of risk variables for surgical site infections in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi is the aim of this study. Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out from February 22, 2022- August 22, 2022 at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in Karachi with a sample size of 157 subjects with abdominal surgery fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Results: In our study, the mean age, length of operation and BMI were 49.87±8.74 years, 2.14±1.87 hours, 29.72±3 respectively with 61.1% of female and 38.9% male subjects. Out of 157 patients, 22 (14%) and 135 (86%) had and did not have surgical site infection. Conclusion: Patients and the healthcare systems are both heavily impacted by the effects of SSIs. A comprehensive strategy addressing pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables is necessary for the prevention of SSI. In order to lower SSI, hospital infection control procedures should be developed in conjunction with the establishment of an ongoing, long-term surveillance system to detect risk factors.

Surah Al Fatiha Induced Betterment of Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Levels of PCOS: Evidence from Clinical Trials

Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrinal disorder comprising multiple signs and symptoms that are associated with hormonal imbalance. The intervention was administered to subjects who were reluctant to go for pharmacological intervention. Methodology The designed study was intended to evaluate the effect of Surah Al Fatiha in combating PCOS pathology. Inclusion of females was from teenage to 45 years of age. Rotterdam criteria were used to diagnose 7 PCOS cases, while 7 healthy controls were recruited from the Mamji Hospital in Karachi's gynecology department. Surah Al Fatiha exposure was given to all the subjects. Exposure commenced on second day of subject’s menstrual cycle (three times daily) till the subsequent menstrual cycle started. Surah Al Fatiha, a pre-recorded version by ‘Qari Mishary Rashid Alafasy’ was used in this study. Biochemical parameters were monitored and evaluated before and after the Surah Al Fatiha therapy. Results revealed significantly decreased levels of hormones in PCOS afflicted females after Surah Al Fatiha exposure. Insulin and TSH were restored to their normal levels while rest of the hormones though decreased but were in normal range prior to the exposure of intervention. Conclusion Surah Al Fatiha exposure induces serenity and reduces stress, thus inducing normalization of TSH, decreased IR and in turn regularizing the menstrual cycle.

Clinical and Sonological Evaluation of Borderline Amniotic Fluid Index and Oligohydramnios-Its Correlation with Perinatal Outcomes

Objective: To evaluate the correlation of low borderline amniotic fluid index and oligohydramnios with perinatal outcomes among pregnant females presenting at the tertiary care hospital of Karachi. Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, from March 2021 to March 2022.Methods: Females aged 18-45 years, with a gestational age of 20-42 weeks assessed on the last menstrual period and a single fetus on ultrasound were enrolled. The final sample size for the study was determined to be 260 with 130 participants in each group, i.e., the females with Amniotic Fluid Value (AFI) value of ≤5 cm considered as oligohydramnios (group-1) and AFI value of 5.1 to 8 cm considered as borderline AFI (group-2)The amniotic fluid index value was determined in all the females using ultrasonographic reports by the consultant physicians. Females were classified as having oligohydramnios if their amniotic fluid index value was less than 5 cm and borderline amniotic fluid index between 5.1 and 8 cm. To evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes, all females were monitored up to birth. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results: The mean maternal age was 29.85±5.45 years, and the mean BMI was 29.78±5.62 kg/m . Most of the females had gravida ≥1. Females with oligohydramnios had higher rates of low birth weight (84.6% vs. 51.5%, p=0.001), IUGR (68.5% vs. 22.3%, p=0.001), meconium staining (42.3% vs 7.7%, p=0.001), low APGAR score (50.8% vs. 13.8%, p=0.001), respiratory distress syndrome (72.3% vs 27.7%, p=0.001), birth asphyxia (65.4% vs 23.1%, p=0.001), NICU admission (73.8% vs. 43.1%, p=0.001), and neonatal death (21.5% vs. 5.4%, p=0.001) than women with borderline amniotic fluid index.Conclusion: This observational study demonstrates a significant correlation between oligohydramnios and adverse perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring and intervention in pregnancies with low amniotic fluid. How to cite this: Jamsheed S, Abid K. Clinical and Sonological Evaluation of Borderline Amniotic Fluid Index and Oligohydramnios-Its Correlation with Perinatal Outcomes. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 16-21. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.378

Effect of Body Mass Index and Ankle Dorsiflexion in Planter Fasciitis Patients; Performance Perspective

Objective: To determine the effects of body mass index and ankle dorsiflexion in patients with plantar fasciitis.Study Design: A cross-sectional.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Physical Therapy of the two leading tertiary care centers, Advance Orthopedic &amp; Reconstructive Institute &amp; Dr. Ziauddin Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from August 2022 to June 2023.Methods: Sixty-Four participants were recruited from the physical therapy departments of two tertiary care centers in Karachi by convenience sampling. The study focuses on the impact of demographics on the performance of plantar fasciitis patients. The measurement tools used in this are BMI (Body mass index), NRS (Numeric rating scale), LEFS (Lower extremity functional scale), and Goniometer. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Results: Our findings show that plantar fasciitis is more common in the obese-II category with reference to BMI, females are more affected than males with reference to gender, the middle age group is more affected with reference to age and dorsiflexion angle of patients is less than normal range shows the directly proportional of demographics with the performance of patients with plantar fasciitis.Conclusion: Our study showed the positive effect of ankle dorsiflexion angle and BMI, gender, pain, and age on the physical performance of plantar fasciitis patients.&#x0D; How to cite this: Lata P, Hayat S, Kumar V, Hassan MF, Batool S, Sandeela KA, Jamil K. Effect of Body Mass Index and Ankle Dorsiflexion in Planter Fascitis Patients; Performance Perspective. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 113-119. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.461

Comparison of Efficacy between Myo-Inositol versus Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of myo-inositol versus metformin in treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Gynae Unit II, Dr. Ruth. K.M. Pfau th th Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from 7 February 2019 to 6 August 2019.Methods: All eligible patients who visited the hospital were enrolled. The group-Aincluded females who received myo-inositol (n=35), whereas the group-B included females who received metformin (n=35). Females in the myo-inositol group were administered 1 gram of myo-inositol twice daily, while those in the metformin group were administered 500 mg of metformin twice daily. Regular follow-up visits were scheduled every two months, and the efficacy of the treatment was assessed after six months. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of the normalization of menstrual cycles and the achievement of ovulation.Results: The mean age in the myo-inositol and metformin groups was 23.92±3.70 and 23.68±4.23, respectively. The mean weight in the myoinositol and metformin groups was 59.23±2.07 and 61.79±5.92, respectively. Notably, the efficacy rates for the myo-inositol and metformin groups were 68.57% and 20%, respectively with p-value=0.001.Conclusion: Myo-inositol was found to demonstrate significant superiority over metformin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.How to cite this: Latif N, Rajar S, Yousuf M, Imtiaz S, Abbas S, Jamali Z. Comparison of Efficacy Between Myo-Inositol versus Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 48-53. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.486