Tertiary Care Hospital In Lahore Research Articles

Association of FSHR gene polymorphisms with endometriosis in women visiting tertiary-care hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan.

The study aimed to explore the association of endometriosis risk factors with single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6166 and rs6165 (Asn680Ser and Ala307Thr) of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene in Pakistani women. This study was conducted from 2013 to 2016. The sampling and extraction of DNA was done in Department of Zoology GC University, Lahore, while the sequencing was performed at Yale University, USA. This case control study consisted of 364 subjects including 156 women diagnosed with endometriosis and 208 conveniently recruited controls. Subjects diagnosed at stage II-IV endometriosis with infertility were pooled for study. The women with adenomyosis, ovarian cancer and leiomyoma were excluded. The whole blood leukocytes were used for DNA extraction. Two important polymorphisms of exon 10 of FSHR gene were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing both in endometriosis and controls. Genetic variant SNP rs6166 in the affected endometriosis subjects exhibited high incidence of allele "A" (Asn/Asn) 68.3% as compared to controls 33.7% (OR= 4.240; P =0.001). Similarly, the allele "A" of SNP rs6165 (Thr/Thr) was more frequent in endometriosis 67.3% than in control subjects 37.5% (OR =3.430, P =0.001). The occurrence of haplotype AA (Asn/Thr) was 45.5% in endometriosis and 11 % in control subjects (P= 0.001). Remarkably, the incidence of haplotype GG (Ser/Ala) was contrary to previous observations, since only 9.9% occurred in endometriosis as opposed to 45.2% in controls (P= 0.001). Investigation of FSHR gene polymorphisms rs6165and rs6166 (Ala307Thr and Asn680Ser) in the current study showed that haplotype AA (680Asn/307Thr) was associated with endometriosis in Pakistani women.

Rare Variant of Adult Rhabdomyosarcoma Presenting as a Palatal Swelling

A 26-year-old male was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore with chief complaint of painless swelling on the right palate of 40 days duration. Clinical differential diagnosis included squamous cell carcinoma, Ewing sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Computed tomography scan revealed hypodense mass with necrotic changes. Histological examination of the excised tumor revealed malignant neoplasm arranged in fascicles and bundles comprising of spindle cells with pleomorphic, hyperchromatic nuclei and increased atypical mitosis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed negative staining with Cytokeratin, S100, CD34, Stat6, h-Caldesmon and EMA while the tumour cells were positive for desmin, myogenin, smooth muscle actin, CD-99 and MyoD1 thus confirming the diagnosis of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma.

Frequency of Micro-organisms in Different Biological Samples of Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

Bacterial infections are one of the leading causes of illness and death across the world. In this context, the spread of resistant microbes plays a key role. Due to insufficient treatment choices and the sluggish discovery of new antibiotic classes, the rapid emergence of multidrug resistance in bacteria poses a serious threat to global public health. Objective: To determine the frequency of clinical isolates in various samples. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was undertaken at the Pathology Department of the Fatima Memorial Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. The study lasted one year. A total of 1,200 samples (sputum, wound swabs, blood, urine, pus, cerebrospinal fluid, and semen) were collected. Each sample was taken in a sterile container. The sample container was labeled with the source, date, and time of collection within one hour of collection and brought to the laboratory for analysis. Bacteria were identified using traditional culture and biochemical testing. Results: A total of 1200 clinical isolates were identified. Positive cultures obtained from 1200 biological samples were mostly from Urine (71.1%). 55.3% of the positive sample were male and 73% of the clinical isolates were gram-negative. Among Gram-negative isolates, the most common pathogen was Klebsiella species (42.9%) and among Gram-Positive isolates, the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus Aureus 68.5%. Conclusions: Gram-negative bacterial isolates were prevalent, with 55% frequency distribution and Staphylococcus aureus was frequent in different samples of patients.

Association of Family History, Drinking and Transient Ischemic Attach with Coronary Artery Disease in a tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore, Pakistan

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiac disease, caused by the accumulation of a waxy substance called plaque inside the coronary arteries' lumens. CAD is the main cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, accounting for more than 4.5 million deaths in developing countries. Objective: To determine the association of family history, alcohol consumption and transient ischemic attack with coronary artery disease in Pakistani population. Methods: It was case-control research conducted in Lahore's Mayo Hospital, a tertiary medical facility. A total of 200 people were included in the study, with 100 being cases and the other 100 being controls. Non-probability sampling was used to enroll 77 males and 23 females in the cases and 52 males and 48 females in the controls. The data was analyzed with SPSS software, which was utilized to determine the relationship between various risk variables and CAD. Results: Results showed that CAD is more prevalent in males as compared to females (38.5% versus 11.5%). Family history was found to be substantially associated with coronary artery disease patients (p-value=0.000, OR=4.00). 24 had a history of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and 76 did not have TIA, whereas in controls only 3 had TIA, and 97 did not have TIA. There is a statistically significant association of TIA with CAD. In CAD patients, 4 were alcoholics and 96 were non-alcoholics. In controls, 3 were alcoholic and 97 were nonalcoholic. There is no statistically significant association between alcohol and coronary artery disease. Conclusions: The current study has brought attention to the rising prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated risk factors, such as gender, family history, and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). The development of targeted efforts to raise knowledge about coronary artery disease and its associated risk factors, as well as an emphasis on lifestyle adjustment, is urgently required.

Colonization and Antibiotic Resistance Profiling of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) in Patients from Tertiary

The methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is affecting the economy worldwide contributing to the increased morbidity and treatment costs. The present cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association of MRSA with kidney and liver patients from Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan and its antibacterialresistance patterns. The study was conducted for the period of one year; from April 2019 to April 2020. A total of 1984 different samples were obtained and examined for bacterial cultures using standard procedures. From total samples, 51.05% were collected from male and the rest 48.95% were collected from females including different age groups. Samples were inoculated on different culture media for isolation of S. aureus and susceptibility testing. A total of 253/1984 clinical samples exhibited S. aureus characteristics while 39 of 253 S. aureus (15.41%) were identified as MRSA. MRSA strains were found highly resistant to Amikacin (AK), Cefoxitin (FOX),Clindamycin (DA), Fusidic acid (FD), Gentamicin (CN) and Tobramycin (TOB) while highest sensitivity was noted against Vancomycin (100%) and Linezolid (100%). The presence of MRSA and multidrug resistance pose serious therapeutic burden to critically ill patients. A systematic and concerted effort is essential to identify high-risk patients rapidly and to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance.

MASKNE’ (mask induced acne) in health care professionals of tertiary care hospitals of Lahore during COVID-19 Pandemic

MASKNE’ (mask induced acne) in health care professionals of tertiary care hospitals of Lahore during COVID-19 Pandemic

Frequency of Hepatitis A & E Infections in Adult Patients of Acute Hepatitis

Objective: To study the frequency of Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus infections in adult patients of acute hepatitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore. Methods: All samples received from medical units (indoor and outdoor) of Mayo hospital Lahore from 26 Feb.2019 to 26.Sept.2019, for Hepatitis A & E IgM antibody testing by ELISA were included in the study. The results and other relevant information were recorded on proforma. Results: Out of 690 study subjects, 62% were male and 38% were female. The mean age ± SD was 33.8 + 7.4years. The percentage of HAV or HEV infected cases was 59%,and 41% were not infected with HAV or HEV. The frequency and percentage of Hepatitis AVirus was 62(15%),whereas the frequency and percentage of HEV was 327(80%) and that of co-infection with HAV and HEV was 21(5%). The mean + SD age of Hepatitis AVirus was 35.2 + 5.0,whereas the mean + SD age of Hepatitis E Virus and co-infection with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Virus were 31.45 + 2.3 and 22.6 + 6.3 years, respectively. Conclusion: Hepatitis E Virus is the commonest cause of acute hepatitis in our study,followed by hepatitis A Virus and coinfection of HAV and HEV. Key words: Frequency, Hepatitis A infection, Hepatitis E infection, Co- infection Hepatitis A & Hepatitis E.

Periodontitis: A Risk Factor for Preterm Labour

Objective: To determine the relationship between periodontitis and preterm labour in pregnant women presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: This case control study was conducted at Obstetrics & Gynecology Unit 4 of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore for six months. The delivering women, who consented to participate, were divided into two case and control groups. For each case one control was enrolled who met the inclusion criteria, so total sample size was 380 women. Women delivered before 37 weeks of gestation were case group and those delivered after 37 weeks were control group. A patient was considered having periodontitis if she had probing pocket depth of ≥3mm in at least 3 sites. Data was collected and analyzed on SPSS version 21. Results: In this study the mean age of the case group patients was 28.52±6.45 years while of the control group was 28.67±6.35 years. The mean value of probing depth pocket in the case group was 3.872±1.37 while the mean value probing depth pocket of the control group was 3.58±1.52. Out of 380 patients the periodontitis was found in 275 patients. The odds of having periodontitis in case group was 1.85 times higher than control group i.e. OR=1.85[1.17-2.92]. Conclusion: Periodontitis is a preventable risk factor of preterm labour in women presenting at a tertiary care hospital. Keywords: Preterm Labour, Periodontitis, dental hygiene, preterm delivery

Postpartum Psychiatric disorders –A neglected Issue

Postpartum period along with pregnancy are considered to be emotionally susceptible periods. The association between emotional or psychiatric disorders and postpartum period has been documented since Hippocratic times. Hormonal changes have been implicated, along with multiple factors in the development of depression associated with postpartum period. Moreover, maternal depression can have devastating effects on neonate as well. This study explores an important area to assess the magnitude of problem in our setup, so that appropriate evaluation of mental health status and up-to-date management can be planned. Objective: To find out psychiatric morbidity among females presenting during postpartum period at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Central Park Teaching Hospital, Lahore. One Hundred women presenting in peripartum period were included in the study, using purposive sampling technique. After an informed consent participant's bio data was recorded. A structured proforma was used for psychiatric evaluation of the cases, which contained social and demographic details along with questions from Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to DSM-5. Severity of illness was assessed using Hamilton rating scale for depression and Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Results: Postpartum follow up of 100 females revealed that 18% developed psychiatric morbidity. 13 had major depressive disorder and 5 females had anxiety disorder. There was no case of puerperal psychosis in any of the females postpartum in this study. Psychiatric morbidity and age group between 18-25 years (20.6%) showed significant correlation. Similarly, higher incidence of psychiatric morbidity was observed in women living in nuclear household (24.1%). Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidities are common among females during postpartum period. Major depression is the commonest one. Therefore assessment for depression should be included in routine obstetric follow-ups. Key Words: psychiatric morbidity, major depression, anxiety disorder, puerperal psychosis, postpartum females.

Emergence of MDR and XDR Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi from pediatric septicemia patients in Lahore

Background: Typhoid fever is a systemic febrile illness that requires prompt antibiotic treatment. Over 21 million people contract typhoid each year mainly due to fecal contaminated food or water and among these 161,000 die globally. Moreover, in southeast Asia including Pakistan, 3.6 cases of typhoid occurred per 100,000 persons/year. Extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever is spreading in Pakistan, raising fears of antibiotic failure at a global level. Methods & Materials: Blood samples (n = 4543) were collected from children suspected of septicemia from a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected aseptically in peads BacT/ALERT plus blood culture bottles and placed in BacT/ALERT for up to 5 days. Positive blood culture bottles were sub-cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Colonies were observed by morphological characteristics. Biochemical confirmation of isolates was carried out by VITEK 2 compact system using GN card. MIC (μg/mL) was determined against 15 different antibiotics using AST-N204 by VITEK 2 compact system. Results: Of 4543 blood cultures samples, 415 (9.1%) were positive for S. Typhi. Among these, 69.1% were MDR S. Typhi while 41.6% were XDR S. Typhi. The highest prevalence of MDR S. Typhi in Peads emergency (167; 40%) followed by peads OPD (90; 21%) and Peads Medical Ward (78; 11.5%). Antibiogram (μg/mL) showed that patients had MDR and XDR S. Typhi was resistant to ampicillin (90%), ciprofloxacin (73%), co-trimoxazole (72.6%) and cefotaxime (67.6%) and ceftriaxone (65.3%) however, 100% sensitive to meropenem and colistin. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the emergence of MDR and XDR S. Typhi in children is a serious public health concern that causes mortality due to treatment failure.

Needle stick injuries among nurses of two tertiary care hospitals of Lahore: A KAP study

Background: Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) are wounds caused by needles that accidentally puncture the skin. NSI are one of the commonest occupational hazards to which a Health Care Worker is exposed.2 million out of 35 million health care workers experience NSI per year.90% of Hep.B, Hep.C and HIV cases among health care workers due to NSI occur in the developing countries. A high prevalence of needle-stick injuries in Pakistan estimated around 55%.This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of needle-stick injuries in female nurses of a public and private hospital and compare the findings. Methods and materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted at one public and one private tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Comprised of female nurses who were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the subjects. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17. Results: Of the 386 participants, there were 193(50%) from each of the two hospitals. The prevalence of needle-stick injuries was found to be 85(44%) in public and 51(26.4%) in the private hospital. The highest proportion of injuries in both hospitals occurred while disposing or recapping needles, 36(42.4%) and 32(62.7%) in public and private hospitals, respectively, especially in the morning shift, i.e. 42(49.4%) in public and 32(62.7%) in private hospital. Syringe needles were mostly involved, 51(60%) in public and 45(88.2%) in private hospital. Conclusion: The prevalence of needle-stick injuries was higher in public hospital.

PLATELET FUNCTION ASSESSMENT AMONG CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL CYANOTIC HEART DISEASE PRESENTING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL LAHORE

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of platelet dysfunction in congenital cyanotic heart diseases patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was carried out from March 2018 to February 2019 in children hospital Lahore. Patients of congenital cyanotic heart disease who fulfilled the inclusion were selected after taking informed consent. Aggregation ability of platelet rich plasma was tested by collagen (1.25μg/ml), ristocetin (1.2mg), epinephrine (5μM) and ADP (2.5μM). Results: There were one hundred and eighty-seven patients of congenital cyanotic heart disease in our study. The minimum age was 1 year and maximum age was 15 years with a mean age 8.02 ± 4.31 years. Platelet dysfunction was diagnosed in 60.4% patients. Conclusion: Platelet dysfunction was found to be high among patients of congenital cyanotic heart diseases.

Perceived Stress of Pakistani Parents Having Normal Children Aged Under Ten Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan

Introduction: Having children changes the dynamics of family functioning and parenting role can become a source of stress for parents, even if their child is following a normal growth pattern without any unusual problem. A maximal number of studies in our setup have been conducted to assess stress levels in parents who have differently abled (special needs) children. This study, in contrast, will assess the perceived stress level in parents who have normal children following a normal growth pattern. Aims & Objectives: 1) To determine perceived stress levels in parents having normal children ≤10 years of age. 2) To identify the association of perceived stress levels in parents with socio-demographic factors. Place and duration of study: Shalamar Hospital, Dec 18, 2019-Mar 19, 2020. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in one tertiary level hospital in Lahore. The study subjects were parents with normal children ≤10 years of age. Purposive sampling technique was applied to recruit the subjects. Study variables were: a) sociodemographic b) variables of perceived stress among parents. Data was collected upon the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a structured socio-demographic Performa. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20, with perceived stress as the outcome. Descriptive statistics were calculated, while the Independent Samples T-test was used to test differences between PSS scores and characteristics of the family. Multivariable Logistic Regression model was applied for studying associations of perceived stress with socio-demographic characteristics. Results: From a total of 390 respondents, the mean parental perceived stress score was 41.59±8.27. Among these, 32.6% were categorized in low stress, 50.8% moderate, and 16.6% in high stress category. A significant association was found between perceived stress and the working status of the mother (pvalue= 0.011), and with the father’s monthly income (p-value=0.000). The Independent sample t-test showed significant differences between PSS total score and structural types of the family (p-value=0.001). Conclusion: The development of a child with parents’ positive mental health is important, and parental stress compromises the healthy growth of children. The current results warrant further study at a community level with a representative sample to have a more in-depth analysis of the application of some intervention at an early stage. This will assist in minimizing parental stress and improve parenting quality.

Antenatal Domestic Violence & Fetal Outcome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Antenatal domestic violence is a global public health and human rights concern. It increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Aims & Objectives: To assess the frequency of antenatal domestic violence and associated factors and also to determine effect of domestic violence on fetal outcome. Place and duration of study: This cross sectional study was conducted from January to June 2015 in post-natal wards of department of Gynecology & Obstetrics of six tertiary care hospitals of Lahore. Material & Methods: A total of 255 females admitted in post-natal wards of department of Gynecology & Obstetrics enrolled after proper verbal informed consent. A structured, self-constructed questionnaire was administered on females enrolled consecutively till the desired sample size was complete. Data on domestic violence (verbal or physical), its associated factors, gestational age at birth, mode of delivery and birth weight of the neonate was analyzed on SPSS version 21.0. Results: 22% (55/255) females experienced antenatal domestic violence during current pregnancy and out of 55, 72% faced verbal abuse while 27% experienced physical violence. In total 65/255(26%) w low birth weight neonates were born and out of them 58.18% (32/55) were born to mothers facing violence during pregnancy. Husband was mostly responsible for violence in 49% of cases. Antenatal domestic violence was significantly associated with low birth weight (p=<0.001). Conclusion: Antenatal domestic violence is associated with low birth weight babies. Antenatal domestic violence prevention needs implementation of legislation and changing behaviors of violence in communities so to avoid health implications.

PREVALENCE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER ATTENDING PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
 PREVALENCE OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER ATTENDING PSYCHIATRY DEPARTMENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE, PAKISTAN
 Ahmed Waheed, M. Ismail Tariq, Sumira Qambar Bokhari, Shahid Hameed Warris, Aysha Rashid, Surya Fazal Hashmi.
 
 
 ABSTRACT
 Background: 
 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating disease which runs a chronic course and affects patient’s functioning badly. Frequency of Suicidal thoughts and attempts is much more common in OCD patients than it was thought previously.
 
 Objective: 
 To determine the frequency of suicidal ideation among patients with obsessive compulsive disorder presenting in a tertiary care hospital.
 
 Material & Methods
 This Cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care hospital on 159 patients of OCD. Demographic data was taken. All patients were assessed for history of suicidal attempt. History of suicidal ideation was obtained from patients on a Performa comprising of BECK suicidal intent scale. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 20.
 
 Results:
 Suicidal ideation was found in 40(25.2%) patients. Frequency of suicidal ideation was higher among female (57.5%) patients as compared to male (42.5%) patients. Socio-demographic factors like age, gender, duration of OCD, marital status, educational status and financial condition did not show any statistically significant association with suicidal ideation.
 
 Conclusion:
 Current study showed that suicidal ideation was present in 25% of the patients of OCD which signifies the importance of assessment of suicidal ideation in all OCD patients routinely.
 
 Key words:
 Suicidal ideation, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Psychiatry department.

Opinion and Usage Regarding Complementary and Alternative Therapies among Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are widely used among the population in Pakistan either separately or in conjunction with convention medical therapies. CAM therapies are used for varying reasons and result in complications as conventional treatment is often delayed resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Objective of the study was to assess the opinions and usage regarding CAM therapies among patients in a tertiary care setup. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore from April 2018 to June 2018. Sample size was calculated to be 186 which were equally divided between patients in OPD, ER and IPD. A structured questionnaire was administered. SPSS 20 was used for analysis. Results: In this study 112(60.2%) patients had used CAM for an illness whereas 74(39.8%) had never used CAM therapy. Most of the patients 165(88.7%) were able to differentiate between CAM and conventional therapies. Most frequent source of knowledge cited was family and friends 139(74.7%), previous users of CAM 83(44.6%) and media/internet 69(37.1%). Spiritual Healers (Pirs) were the most used modality of CAM at 64(34.4%) followed by hakeem and homeopathy. Most common reasons for using CAM were advice from family and friends, personal will and religious/spiritual reasons. Conclusion: Use of CAM therapies is widely prevalent in our study with more than half the respondents having used a modality of CAM. Users of CAM were found to be generally satisfied with the treatment.

Prevalence of Awareness of being Hypertensive in Patients presenting in Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

Prevalence of Awareness of being Hypertensive in Patients presenting in Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

Maternal Near Miss: Data from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Background: Death or near to death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days after end of pregnancy due to any obstetric cause is known as maternal near-miss. Objective: To determine the frequency of causes and surgical interventions conducted to manage the pregnant females presented with maternal near-miss. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, General Hospital, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: 3 months from January 01, to March 30, 2019. Methodology: Sample size of 84 patients were enrolled in the study through non-probability, consecutive sampling. Patients of age 15-45 years, presented after 12 weeks of pregnancy with maternal near-miss. Then patients underwent medical or surgical procedure for management of maternal near-miss. Results: The mean age of patients was 33.93 ± 13.95 years. The mean gestational age at time of maternal near-miss was 24.58 ± 7.93 weeks. The most common cause of maternal near-miss was eclampsia [33 (39.2%)], followed by ruptured ectopic [23 (27.3%)], morbidly adherent placenta [11 (13%)], uterine rupture [7 (8.5%)] and septic induced [1 (1.2%)]. Cases of ruptured uterus underwent surgical procedure. Most commonly, peri-partum hysterectomy was performed i.e. 13 (15%) cases followed by B-lynch [10 (11.9%)] and uterine atony [1 (1.2%)]. Conclusion: The frequency of need of severe complications like eclampsia was high in such cases. Now, we have got the local evidence and now we recommend the females for regular antenatal check-up in pregnancy and screening for such complications in earlier stages to avoid such complications and maternal near-miss in future.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Immunity Status of Laboratory Staff Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore: An Interventional Study

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the common chronic viral infections worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) had estimated that only a minority are aware of their status and still a fraction of the diagnosed cases were receiving treatment for their ailment.Theaverageburden of disease in Pakistan is about 3.3%. The incidence may appear lower among the healthcare workers (HCWs) as compared to blood donors, but HCWs are at increased risk to acquire the HBV infection and the risk is even greater for laboratory personnel. This risk can be minimized by offering<br />them the vaccination.<br /><strong>Methods</strong>: Blood samples from all categories of staff in the laboratory were tested for hepatitis B Surface Antibodies (HBsAb). Those foundnon-immune were offered recombinant hepatitis B vaccine by intramuscular (I/M) injections. The results were tabulated by entering age/sex of the laboratory staff with HBsAb level. Blood was drawn 4 weeks after completion of 3 doses vaccination course in 6 months. Repeat HBsAb levels were determined in this initially non-immune group. All results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 96 staff members, 30were found to be immune on first testing. Remaining 66 non-immune staff were offered complete course (3 doses) of HBV Vaccine. Five staff members were lost to follow up during the course of vaccination, two of them refused vaccination and two were non-responders. The rest 57 became immune after three doses of vaccination.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> It is recommended that a national policy be adopted for HBsAb screening and offer of<br />vaccination, to non-immune HCWs</p>

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Immunity Status of Laboratory Staff Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore: An Interventional Study

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Immunity Status of Laboratory Staff Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore: An Interventional Study