Message from Dean, Medical College

As the University continues its journey of self-discovery, to broaden and further deepen its
intellectual landscape and impact and to make AKU a truly research led institution of the 21st
century, it is important to continue fostering and underpinning our research culture and support and
forge new multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborations.

AKU’s first Health Sciences Research Assembly in 2005, was one step forward in this direction
– to contribute to the knowledge society and to make research a cornerstone of AKU’s very existence
which is a hallmark of all leading academic institutions of the world. Over the last six years the
Health Sciences Research Assembly has become an integral component of AKU’s academic and
scholarly activities with abstract submission and participation surpassing expectations year after
year.

In order to continue sharing our ongoing and completed research work with great synergy, for
exchange of ideas and dissemination of work in progress and for providing greater opportunities
for collegial work across disciplines and specialties, this year again, Health Sciences Research
Assembly 2011 has been organised as a two day event on December 14 and 15, 2011. It is heartening
to note that faculty from both the Medical College and School of Nursing has again participated
with even more zeal and fervour than previous years and has made significant contributions by
submitting their research work both completed and ongoing in record numbers.

Here, I must also appreciate and congratulate the Organising Committee of the Health Sciences
Research Assembly 2011 and its Scientific Committee for their invaluable contributions towards
the success of the event. My special thanks and compliments to Dr M. Asim Beg for leading the
Organising Committee this year too and for setting the bar to all time high with respect to quality
and relevance of both the abstracts and the event.

Dr Farhat Abbas
Dean, Medical College
Aga Khan University
 Message from the Interim Dean, School of Nursing

The culture of research is flourishing at Aga Khan University and is acting as a stepping stone for
intellectual innovation, change and evidence based practice.

It is a good sign for the growth of the University.

I am pleased that AKU is holding the sixth Health Sciences Research Assembly this year from
December 14-15, 2011.

I would encourage all faculty members at AKU in general and the faculty and students of the School
of Nursing in particular to participate in this annual event with great enthusiasm and fervour. I am
certain that this movement will not only provide opportunity to disseminate research findings but
will promote dialogue and research collaboration among faculty and students from each department,
and set the foundation for future multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborative research.

Dr Rozina Karmaliani
Interim Dean, School of Nursing
Aga Khan University
 Message from the Chair, Organising Committee

Research activities at the Aga Khan University have become an essential part of academic life. The
Health Sciences Research Assembly is a regular academic forum for faculty, staff, and graduate
and postgraduate students to show and share their research work.

The Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011 brings together research from varying backgrounds
and the collaborative work reflects the increasing necessity of working together to enhance quality
and impact. As in previous years we have received a large number of high quality abstracts which
comply with our newly introduced quality criterion based on recognised international ethical
standards.

I take this opportunity to thank and gratefully acknowledge my colleagues on the organising
committee for their hard work.

On behalf of the Organising Committee I would like to thank all our colleagues and students for
submitting their abstracts.

I am grateful for the support given by the Conference Secretariat, Research office and the IT and
Public Affairs Departments for printing the posters and abstract book.

I would also like to thank Dr Rozina Karmaliani and the School of Nursing for their enthusiastic
participation. Finally I would like to thank Dean of the Medical College, Dr Farhat Abbas for his
guidance and unwavering support in making this event a success.

Dr M. Asim Beg
Chair, Organising Committee
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011
 Organising Committee
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Chair
Dr M Asim Beg, Department of Pathology and Microbiology

Members
Mr Akbar Lakhani, Department of Pathology and Microbiology
Dr Amber Mehmood, Department of Emergency Medicine
Dr Anwar Siddiqui, Research Office
Dr Haider Ali Naqvi, Department of Psychiatry
Dr Hammad Ather, Department of Surgery
Mr Jack Fernandes, Research Office
Dr Khalid Samad, Department of Anesthesia
Dr Mohammad Wasay, Department of Medicine
Mr Muhammad Irshad, Conference Secretariat
Dr Naila Nadeem, Department of Radiology
Ms Nasreen Sulaiman, School of Nursing
Dr Nilofar Sultanali, Department of Family Medicine
Dr Rozilla Sadia Khan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Dr Sadia Mahmud, Department of Community Health Sciences
Ms Sajida Perveen, Information System Department
Ms Shela Hirani, School of Nursing
Mr Suleman Merchant, Information Systems Department
Dr Syed Faisal Haider Zaidi, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mr Zain ul Abedeen Sobani, Student, Medical College
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ID Theme Page

1.0 Bone and Joint Diseases / Orthopaedics ....... 1

2.0 Cancer .......................................................... 5
3.0 Cardiovascular / Respiratory Diseases ........ 21
4.0 Dentistry / Orthodontics / Dental Surgery ... 38
5.0 Drug Trials ................................................... 43
6.0 Endocrinology / Diabetes ............................ 45
7.0 GI / Liver ..................................................... 50
8.0 Health Sciences Education .......................... 61
9.0 Infectious Diseases ...................................... 77
10.0 Neurosciences / Mental Health .................... 101
11.0 Public Health ............................................... 116
12.0 Renal / Urology ........................................... 135
13.0 Techniques / Innovations ............................. 139
14.0 Women and Child Health ............................. 151
15.0 Miscellaneous .............................................. 188

Authors Index .............................................. 231

ABSTRACTS
AUTHORS INDEX
 AUTHORS INDEX

Aamir, Amber 148 Ahmed, Nazneen 100 Ali, Ranish Deedar 159
Aaqil , Hina 128 Ahmed, S. Nizam 227 Ali, Sajjad 210
Aban, Muniba 10(2), 203, 205, 142 Ahmed, Saba 158 Ali, Sarmad 10
Abbas, Kashif 1 (2) Ahmed, Sana 183 Ali, Sumera 116
Abbas, Qamar 78 Ahmed, Shahid 52 Ali, Syed 78, 81, 82, 117
Abbas, Zaigham 11, 53, 54(2), 55(2), Ahmed, Tashfeen 3 Ali, Syed Asad 99
53, 54(2), 55(2), 86 Ahmed, Tauqeer 80 Ali, Syed Rehan 36, 216
Abbasi, Nadeem 15 Ahmed, Tauseef 134 Ali, Syed Shayan 104
Abdul Tasneem 210 Ahmed, Zeeshan 116 Ali, Syeda K. 68, 70, 69
Abid, Humna 127 Ahmed,Masood 190 Ali, Syeda Kauser 205
Abid, Muhammad 73 Ahmed,Shahzad 109 Ali, Syeda Q. 77
Abid, Shahab 43, 52(2), 59 Ahmer, Syed 102 Ali, Tazeen S. 26
Abidi, Syed Hani 78, 82, 94, 117 Ahsan, Salwa 15, 96, 134, 148, 149, Ali, Tooba 53, 199
Abrar, Sohail 27 216 Ali,Rehan 156
Abro, Azra 78 Aijaz, Adil 129 Ali,Syed Faizan 104, 107
Abubakar, Farzana 90(2) Aishaqali, Hameeda 52 Ali,Syed Shayan 107
Adil, Salman 5, 7, 77, 199 Ajani, khairulnisa 67 Alia, Asifa 48(2), 49
Adil, Syeda Ezz-e-Rukhshan 156 Akber, Adil 10 Allana, Saleema 26
Adnan, Samira 41 Akber, Amna 158 Almas, Aysha 25
Afaq, Mohammad 109 Akber, Zainab 158, 210 Altaf, Lamia 98, 205
Afghan, Abaseen Khan 120, 123 Akhlaq, Anam 120 Altaf, Saneela 213
Afshan, Gauhar 194 Akhtar, Irfan Nake 144 Alwani,Nasreen 179
Afzal, Ayesha 13, 14 Akhtar, Jawed 45 Aman, Tahreem 143
Afzal, Azam 69, 189 Akhtar, M. Irfan 32 Aman,Asiyah 191
Afzal, Noureen 156(3) Akhtar, Shabbir 5, 15, 101 Amanullah, Muneer 32, 44, 75, 156
Aga, Rashna 38 Akhtar, Tameem 64 Amin, Almas 188, 189(2)
Ahad, Abdul 184 Akhtar, Waseem 66, 197, 198 Amin, Faiq 66
Ahmad, Amina 61 Akhtar, Wasim 64 Amin, Munira 213, 214
Ahmad, Anicha N. 19 Akhter, Javed 57 Amin, Zahida 205
Ahmad, Ashfaq 11 Akhund, Tauseefullah 153 Amirali, Parveen 213, 214
Ahmad, Bilal 11 Akram, Sharmeen 210 Anjum, Noor 129
Ahmad, Khabir 88, 90, 127, 128(2), Alam, Amna 87 Ansar, Tooba 9
130, 143(2), 144 (2) Alam, Didar 224 Ansari, Ambreen 77
Ahmad, Muhammad N. 74 Alam, Syed M.Z. 95 Ansari, Amna S. 82
Ahmad, Rashida 140 Ali, Amin 120, 123 Ansari, Naeemul Haque 134
Ahmad, Tashfeen 3, 4, 76, 146 Ali, Anum 81,120, 123 Ansari, Naila Baig 186
Ahmad, Zubair 53 Ali, Asho 84, 91, 93, 95, 201 Ansari, Tayyaba Z. 6(3), 7, 9
Ahmad,Khabir 144(2), 145, 184, 210 Ali, Farheen 95 Anwar, Shaheena 174, 218
Ahmed , Bilal 184 Ali, Fauziya 192, 202, 204 Anwar, Zahid 209
Ahmed , Hashim Hussnain 128 Ali, Syed Asad 159 Aqeel, Nosheen 139
Ahmed, Ayesha Ejaz 184 Ali, Syed Faizan 116 Arain, Asif A. 5, 15, 16
Ahmed, Sagheer 185 Ali, Alefiyah Rajab 119 Arfeen, Tayyab 102, 104
Ahmed, Aliya 194, 204, 218 Ali, Asad 92 Arshad, Sadia 26, 27(2), 28
Ahmed, Amina 169 Ali, Azam 128, 143, 144(2) Arshad,Muhammad 139, 193
Ahmed, Asma 45 Ali, Aziz 71, 72 Artani,Azmina Abdul Sultan 105, 201
Ahmed, Azra 63 Ali, Barkat 129 Asad, Nargis 178, 219
Ahmed, Beenish N. 226 Ali, Fariha S. 29(2) Asghar, Ali 191, 218
Ahmed, Bilal 53, 55, 106, 122, 176 Ali, Hammad 23 Asharf, Shamvil 186
Ahmed, Fahad Shabbir 13 Ali, Hina 12 Ashraf, Dilshad 205
Ahmed, Feroza N. 2 Ali, Liaquat 109 Ashraf, Irfan 4
Ahmed, Imran 64(2), 65, 71 Ali, Mohammad Usman 122 Ashraf, Mussarat 78, 79, 95(2)
Ahmed, Irfan 129 Ali, Mohammed 135, 192, 204, 220 Asif,Nimira 221
Ahmed, Kanwal 9 Ali, Naeed Sultan 226 Asim, Hamna 62
Ahmed, Maria 96 Ali, Naeem S. 15, 16 Ather, Hammad 12, 14(2), 135, 136,
Ahmed, Mehjabeen 105 Ali, Najia 210 138(3)
Ahmed, Mohammad Bilal 128 Ali, Natasha 10, 198, 199 Atiq, Mehnaz 44, 75
Ahmed, Mubashir 45 Ali, Nazbano Ahmed 204 Atiq, Navaira 99
Ahmed, Nayla 48, 227 Ali, Rajab 138 Atkinson, Barry 98

231
Authors Index

Attiya 40 Bhimani, Salima 223 Dawood, Ghaffar 77

Ausat,Fatima Azra 191 Bhulani, Nizar 68, 188 De Silva, N Maneka 212
Avan,Bilal Iqbal 152 Bhutta , Zulfiqar A 82, 151, 153(2), Dean, 177
Awaiz, Aiman 213 155(2), 159, 160(2), 161(2), 162,
Awan , Safia 34, 43, 52, 53(2),54, 163, 164, 165, 166(2), 167(2), Dean, Sohni 174
55(2) 109, 110, 133, 135, 188 168(2), 169(2), 170 (2), 171(3), Demas, Simon 216
Awan, Sohail 5(2) 172(3), 173(2), 174(2), 175(3), Dev, Jai 206
Ayaz, Sana 98 176, 177(3), 179,180, 181(3), Dhakam, Sajid 26
Ayaz, Afsheen 84 183, 184, 186, 218, 224 Dhanani, Raheem 225
Ayaz, Basnama 67, 202 Bial, Muhammad Asif 220(2) Dhanani, Shaheen 71, 131(2), 211
Ayaz, Sana 18, 94, 222(2) Bikak, Marvi 122 Dhangana, Rajoo 22(2)
Ayesha M, 175(2), 177(3), 179 Bilal, Muhammad Asif 210, 219 Dias, Jacqueline Maria 67, 72, 146
Ayoub, Nadia 15, 148 Bilal, Najiha 226 Dogar, Sohail Asgar 193
Ayub, Adil 8, 51 Bilal, Rakhshinda 43 Dogar,Sohail
Azam , Iqbal 46 (2), 62, 74, 100, 123, Blanc, Ann 168 Dojki,Maqboola 120
125, 130(2), 131, 132, 133, 149, Bokutz, Munira MA Khan 206(2) Donnay,France 168
157, 158, 176, 183, 225 Boricha, Shaista Feroz Ali 13 Dossani, Saba Akbar 126, 201
Azami, Rizwan 149(2) Boulet, Jack 70 Durrani, Hammad 125, 126
Azhar, Waleed Bin 198 Boulet, John 68
Aziz, Munira 138 Bushra, Rabia 77 Ebrahim, Shah 212
Aziz, Aliya B. 15 Butt ,Reema Tariq 221 Effa, Emmanuel E 161
Aziz, Fatima 79, 88, 92(2), 187 Butt, Amna Subhan 11, 57(2),58, 59 Effendi, Shahrukh 83, 93
Aziz, Kanza 52 Butt, Nazish 59 Ejaz, Kiran 66, 80, 86, 105, 141,
Aziz, Nauman 30 Bux, Rasool 34, 137(2), 212 158(2), 199, 210, 213
Aziz,Munira 194 Enam, Syed Ather 106, 226
Carow, Berit 99
Babar, Neelofar 74, 157, 183 Cassum, Shahnaz 63, 205 Fadoo, Zehra 186
Badruddin, Salma 34 Caulfied, Mark 212 Faheem, Urooba 70
Baig, Amanullah 71 Cawasji, 129 Faisal Mehmood 206
Baig, Rashid 144, 145 Cawasji, Zain F. 156 Faisal, Abida 64, 65(2), 66
Baloch, Hafiza NA 228 Chandran, Aruna 121(2) Faisal, Zanira 74
Bano, Muki 214 Changezi, 129 Faizi, Shaheen 108
Bano, Safia 90 Channa, Afshan 102 Farhan, Muhammad 95
Bano, Surraiya 197 Channa, Abid Ali 84, 93 Farid, Farah Naz 13, 81, 201
Baqir, Syed Muhammad 66, 199 Chaturvedi, Nish 34, 212(2) Farid, Huma 38
Barakzai, Abrar 50 Chaudhary , Mueen Ahmad 54 Faridi, Naveen 79
Bardai, Anila 216 Chaudhry, Tanveer Anjum 128 Farooq, Fahd 227
Bari, M. Ehsan 101, 226 Chaudhry, Bushra 148, 214 Farooqi, Joveria 95
Barlass , Usman 184 Chaudhry, Bushra 46, 48, 49, 94 Farooqi, Najiha Billal 11
Barolia, Rubina 202 Chaudhry, Tanveer Anjum 88, 127, Faruque, Ahmad Vaqas 139, 154,
Bashir, Maaman 186 143, 144, 184, 221 193(2)
Bashir, Rizwan 10 Chaudhry,Bushra 48, 143, 218 Faruqui, Saman 42
Bashir, Samra 54 Chaudry, Sana 228 Fatima, 129
Bashir,Hassaan Hasan 182 Chawla, Tabish 60, 149(2), 193 Fatima, Irum 140
Basir, Muhammad Umair 101 Chhipa, Shaukat Ali 130 Fatima, Nusrat 211
Bawany, Faizan Imran 104, 107 Chinoy, Muhammad Amin 146 Fatima, Nusrat 72
Beg, Faheemullah 120 Choudhary, 129(2) Fatima, Samar 47(2), 203
Beg, M Asim 83,96, 98, 207, 223, Choudhary, Maria 128 Fatima, Tehseen 6
227(2) Choudhary, Moaz 128 Fatimi, Saulat H. 21, 194
Beg, Madiha 63, 65 Chundrigar, Sana 85, 86 Fatmi , Zafar 78, 120, 122(2), 130(2),
Beg, Mohammad Asim 54, 84, 86, 87, Cosgrove,Peter 212 131, 133,
213 Critchley, Julia A 161 Fayyaz, Jabeen 26, 122, 199, 201,
Belgaumi,Asim 186 204,
Bellary, Srikanth 46 D'Agostino, Ralph B. 22 Fernandes, Jack 207, 217
Bham, Nida Shahab 50, 227 Dar, Ahsana 30, 108(3) Feroz, Sumaira 61
Bhanji, Seema 132 Dar,Farhan 2 Feroze, Zain 129
Bhatti, Junaid 124 Das, Jai K 82(2), 166(2), 167, 171, Fida, 40
Bhatti, Owais Iqbal 6 172(3), 173(2), 174(2), Fida, Asif 100
Bhimani, Mukesh M. 102, 104 Datoo, Farida 25, 132, 208, 222 Fida, Mubassar 38, 39(2), 40, 41, 42(2)

232
 Authors Index

Frayling, Timothy M 212 Haris, Muhammad 78 Hussain, Zainab 73

Frossard, Phillipe 83 Haroon , Anila 184 Hussain,M. Ahraz 1
Furnaz, Shumaila 22, 31 Haroon, Naveed 135 Hussain,Shabbir 193, 195
Haroon, Ali 123 Hyder, Adnan A. 121(2)
Gangwani, Manesh K 96 Haroon, Anila 176, 185 Hydrie, Zafar 46
Gani, Faiz 227 Haroon, Anita 115
Garner, Paul161 Haroon, Fahd 73, 74 Ibrahim, Afsheen 147
Ghaffar, Shehzad 5, 226 Hasan Zahra 95(2) Ibrahim, Saira 48, 85, 94(2)
Ghanchi, Najia K 83, 84, 87, 96, 223, Hasan, Rimsha 74, 82, 84, 91, 93, 95 Idress, Romana 19
227 Hasan, Zahra 77, 78, 79, 82, 84, 85, Iftikhar , Muzna 128
Ghani, Alina 156 87, 91, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 120, 147 Iftikhar,Muzna 106
Ghani, Faiz 227 Hashmani, S 88 Ikram, Mubasher 5, 139, 226
Ghani, Farooq 3, 135 Hashmani, Shahrukh 146 Ilyas, Aisha 90
Ghani, Samina 147, 205 Hashmi, Asra 124 Imam, 175(2), 177(3), 179
Ghias, Kulsoom 62 Hashmi, Farzeen Khalid 120, 123, 182 Imam, Ayesha Mallick 170, 180,
Ghirano, Rajab Ali 14 Hashmi, Mubashira 139 181(3)
Ghufran, Maryam 11 Hashmi, Perwez 134 Imam, Uzam 186
Ghufran, Noman 85 Hashmi, Salila S. 156 Imdad, Aamer 159, 183
Gilani, Anwar H. 54 Hashmi, Shiraz 34, 46 Imran, Manzoor 54
Gilani, Anwar ul Hassan 23, 30(2), Hashmi,Hasan Raza 223 Imran, Mehrunnissa 74, 75
53, 56, 57 Hasnain, Syed Farid-ul 120, 123, 128, Imran, Sehyr 99, 120, 156
Goldney, Robert 133 Hassan, Sayeeda A. 133 Imtiaz, 129
Gul, Raisa 63, 72, 192, 201, 205, 211 Hassan, Khursheed 146 Imtiaz, Kehkashan 224
Gulzar,Saleema 141 Hassan, Maheen 142 Inayat, Raunaq 84, 93
Gunaratne, Padma 109 Hassan, Muhammad 39, 120 Inker, Lesley Stevens 137(2)
Hassan, Omer 144 Iqbal, Sara 120
Habib, Aysha 3 Hassan, Riaz 133 Iqbal, Junaid 89, 96
Habib, Hassaan 6 Hassan, Sohaib 42 Iqbal, Perwaiz 123, 174, 218
Habib, Kiren 91 Hassan, Zahra 205 Iqbal, Romaina 2(2), 45, 105, 123,
Habib, Sadia 3, 17, 18, 19, 222 Hatcher, Juanita 34, 212 130(2), 131, 133
Habib, Shabnez 12 Herekar, Fivzia 79 Irfan, Hira 197
Haider ,Batool A 153 Hewson, Roger 98 Irfan, M 13, 14
Haider, Adil 141(2) Hirani, Saima 72, 146 Irfan, Muhammad 13, 14, 33(2), 34(2),
Haider, Batool A 162, 169(2), 170 Hirani, Shela Akbar Ali 178, 179 68, 78, 88
Haider, Ghulam 123 Hirani,Saima 219 Irfan, Seema 87
Haider, Khursheed 35 Hooda, Khairunnissa 74, 75 Ishaq, Muhammad 196
Haider, Nida 222 Hoosein, Samina 117 Ishaq, Saleha 1
Haider, Nida 18 Hotwani, Aneeta 187 Ishaque, Sidra 92, 111, 183
Haider, Zishan 57 Huang, Cheng-Ming 121(2) Islam, Muhammad 34, 46, 53, 54,
Haider,Qurratulain 185 Huda, Naureen 207, 217 137, 212(2)
Hajani, Amyn Deedar Ali 105 Huda, Sadaf Nooruddin 107, 126 Islam, Muhammad Zeeshan 96, 215
Halai, Nelofer 76 Huda, Samreen Anwer Ali 201 Islam, Muniba 79, 87, 95
Hameed Aamir 21, 27 Huicho, Luis 163 Islam, Najmul 69
Hameed, Anam, 228 Huma, Zule 195 Islam, Nazneen 97, 203
Hamid Saeed 68, 69, 98 Husain, Nida 202 Islam, Zafar Ul 41
Hamid, Aasma 15 Husain, Shahid Javed 29 Ismail, Humera 182
Hamid, Mohammad 32, 75 Hussain , Marium 128 Ismail, Madiha 47(2), 203
Hamid, Saeed 9, 11, 51, 52, 53, 54, Hussain, Rabia 99 Ismail, Muhammad 95, 97
55(2), 57(2), 58, 59, 222 Hussain, Zahir 123 Ismail, Samina 194, 195(2)
Hammad, Muhammad 36, 96, 215, Hussain, Ather 135 Israr, Ammar 11
216 Hussain, Izza 200
Hanif, Bashir 21, 23, 146, 147 Hussain, Javed 33, 35 Jabbar, Abdul 45, 176, 184, 185
Haq, Anwarul 44 Hussain, Nida 64 Jabeen Fayyaz 210
Haq, Tanveer Ul 11, 59, 135, 202, Hussain, Rabia 77, 79, 83 Jabeen, Kauser 88
220 Hussain, Syed Ather 135, 136 Jabeen, Mehnaz 155, 160, 227
Haqnawaz,Fauzia 204 Hussain, Syed M Faisal 21, 23, 62, Jafar, Tazeen H 34, 46, 137(2), 212(2)
Haque, A S 13, 33 119, 146, 147, 154, 157, 183, 194 Jafary, Fahim 28
Haque, Ahmed Suleman 33, 68, 88 Hussain, Syed M. Saad 119, 146 Jafer, Sanober 187
Haque, AS 14, 34 Hussain, Zahir 120 Jaffari, Syed Asad 64

233
Authors Index

Jaffer, Salma 192 Karmaliani, Rozina 70, 178(2), 179, Khan, Mustafa 103(2)
Jafferani, Asif 68, 120, 123 219 Khan, Nadeem Ullah 210
Jaffry, Ali Danial 135, 136 Kashmira, 45 Khan, Nasir 139, 208
Jafri, Asad 190 Kaul, Subhash 109 Khan, Naveed Ahmed 89, 90(2), 96,
Jafri, Fatima 188 Kausar, Toheed 203(2), 205(2) 97, 98
Jafri, Lena 1, 2, 25, 123, 135 Kayama, Fujio 120 Khan, Qazi Asad 88, 144, 145, 184
Jafri, Rabab Zehra 6 Kayani, Naila 9, 11 Khan, Rashid A. Masud 104
Jafri, S.M. Wasim 8, 11, 43, 51, 52, Kazi, Ambreen 66, 120, 155 Khan, Rizwan 11
53, 54(2), 55(2), 57, 58, 59, 86, Kazi, Maliha 5(2) Khan, Robyna 218
188(2), 189 Kazmi, Murtaza M 35(2) Khan, Rozilla Saadia 160
Jafri, Sana 82, 84, 91, 93, 223 Kazmi, Syed Hummad 50 Khan, Rustam 53, 55(2)
Jahan, Firdous 140 Kazmi,Khawar 132 Khan, Sadaf Qadeer 5
Jahangir, Shehryar K. 78 Kehnani, Samina 185 Khan, Sahoor 122
Jajja, Muhammad Raheel Nawaz 156, Khaleeq, Lubna 207 Khan, Salma 148
215(2) Khalid, Umair 154 Khan, Sania Hanif 122
Jamal, Abid 13 Khalid, Abdullah Bin 52, 59 Khan, Sarosh Ahmed 191
Jamal,Abid 145(2) Khalid, Hassan 120 Khan, Shagufta 108
Jamelle, Ashar 40 Khalid, Kiran 53 Khan, Shagufta 30, 108(2)
Jamil, Bushra 24, 78, 83, 92, 93 Khalid, Muhammad 16, 17, 18, 222 Khan, Shaista M. 11, 18, 19, 20, 222,
Jamil, Sajjad 52 Khan , Mansoor 44 228
Jamil, Zafar 64, 71(2), 72, 73, 190(3) Khan ,Mustafa 139 khan, Shehla 63
Jamshed, Mumtaz 139 Khan, Afshan R. 133 Khan, Sher Ali 128
Jamy, Rabia 108 Khan, M. Faheem A. 104 Khan, Sobia 164
Jan, Aziz 126 Khan, Shaista 148 Khan, Tahir 75
Jan, Muhammad Yahya 70 Khan, Aamir Hameed 26 Khan, Usmanghani 51
Janjua, Naveed Zafar 117 Khan, Abdul Ahad 24, 43 Khan, Uzma 132, 197
Javed, Ammar Asrar 52 Khan, Adeel 15 Khan, Uzma Rahim 116, 121(2), 124,
Javed, Gohar 106 Khan, Adeel Ahmed 116, 176 133, 134
Javed, Wajiha 176 Khan, Arif Mateen 193 Khanani, Muhammad R. 78, 81, 82,
Jawed, Yameena Tasneem 81 Khan, Arif Mateen 154 117
Jehan, 129 Khan, Aysha Habib 1, 2, 123 Khatri, Ismail A. 109
Jehan, Fyezah 100, 187 Khan, Aysha Habib 2, 11, 34, 53, 135 Khatri, Aftab 32
Jehan, Imtiaz 176 Khan, Azmat J. 178 Khawaja, Ali 198
Jessani, Saleem 137(2) Khan, Babar Ahmad 128 Khawaja, Ali 30, 57, 197
Jiwani, Aziz 125 Khan, Erum 87, 95 Khawaja, Ranish Deedar Ali 63, 65,
Jiwani, Noureen 72, 146 Khan, Faheem 102(2) 128, 197, 198
Jiwani, Noureen Shehzad 192 Khan, Farhan Raza 38, 39 Khawar, Huma 80
Jokhio, A H 162, 163(2) Khan, Farrukh Ali 200 Khealani, Bhojo 109
Junaid, Montasir 139, 226 Khan, Fauzia 83, 204 Khealani, Bhojo Asumal 103(3), 109
Junaid, Montasir 5(2) Khan, Irum Qamar 141 Kherani, Salima Amin 191
Junejo, Qamarudin 119 Khan, Javaid 127 Kheswalla, Kawasji 217
Khan, Javaid A 13, 33(2), 68, 78, 88 Khilji, Zahida Latif 10
Kabani, Mehrunisa 72, 146 Khan, Khalid Mohammed 108, 196 Khoja, Shariq 125, 126, 141
Kabani, Mehrunisa 72 Khan, Lal Khan Awal 137 Khowaja , Khurshid 26
Kabani, Mehrunissa 25, 222 Khan, M. Farhan Raza 38, 41 Khowaja, Amina 72, 211
Kabir, Furqan 100 Khan, M. Shahjahan 156 Khowaja, Anaiz 107, 126
Kabir, Sara 75, 140 Khan, Mansoor Ahmed 75 Khowaja, Asif Raza 80, 92, 131
Kadir, Masood 228 Khan, Mohammad Adeel 16 Khowaja, Liaquat 152
Kakepoto, Ghulam Nabi 123 Khan, Muhammad Babar 101 Khowaja, Shaneela 155
Kamal, Mustafa 144 Khan, Muhammad Rizwan 58, 59, 70 Khurram, 129
Kamran, Muhammad 8, 16, 214 Khan, Muhammad Umer Rais 158 Khursheed , Munawar 141, 201
Kamran,Naureen 110 Khan, Munira Mehboobali 206(2) Khursheed , Munawar 199
Kanji, Akbar 82 Khan, Munizeh 40 Khurshid, Faraz 49, 111
Kanji, Zeenatkhanu 158, 192 Khan, Murad M Khurshid, Mohammad 5, 7, 10, 77,
Kanwal, Darakhshan 209 Khan, Murad M 104, 105,107, 113, 191, 193, 199, 208(2)
Karim, Farheen 193 113(3), 114(2)133, 214, 215, 216 Khuwaja, Ali Khan 28, 46(2), 90,
Karim, Farheen 5 Khan, Mustafa 103 125(2), 132, 223, 225

234
 Authors Index

Khuwaja, Farzana Nawaz 92 Manzar, Bushra 33 Mohsin, Rahila 140

Khwaja, Khurshid 29(2) Manzar, Nabeel 33 Mohyuddin, Masaud 227
Kisat, Mehreen 23, 141(2), 147 Maqbool, Baila 199 Moin, Anoosh 30
Kondo, Takashi 9 Maqbool, Moaz 129 Moiz, Bushra 77, 85, 86, 191(2), 193,
Kukreja, Saajan 130 Maqsood, Anaum 143 198, 200(2), 207, 208, 227
Kumar Mahesh 10 Margolis, Marc 31 Molwani, Salma 222
Kumar, Dileep 24, 112 Mariat, Christophe 137 Monem, Abdul 194
Kumar, Rekha J 213 Mariat, Christopher R. 137 Moosa,Asad 141(2), 209
Kumar, Sudhesh 46 Maroof, Sarwat 10 Moosajee, Munira 8
Masood Sadia 79 Moosajee, Munira 8
Laghari, Altaf Ali 149 Masood, Kiran Iqbal 99 Moser, Debra 26
Lakhani, Arusa 211 Masood, Nehal 6(3), 7, 8(2), 9, 11, Moss, Paul 85, 94(2)
Lakhani, Arusa 72 199 Motiwala, Afaq 68(2), 70, 185, 194
Lakhani, Laila 117 Masood, Sadia 69 Motiwala, Afaq 70
Lakho, Ghulam Rehmani 62 Masroor, Imrana 20, 209 Muhammad Mahreen Peer, 13
Lalani, El-Nasir 16, 17(2), 18(2), Mateen, Ahmed 6 Muhammad, Jibran Sualeh 50
19(2), 85, 94, 98, 222, 207, 217, Maugueret, Marie-josée 89, 96 Muhammad, Taj 100
222 Mazari, Rabia 151 Mukhtar, Yasir 149
Lalani, Saima 225 McFerlane, Judith 219 Mumtaz, Khalid 52, 58
Lalani, Sharifa Bashir 192 McGrath, Joanne 205 Muqeet, Abdul 125, 141
Lassi, 175(2), 177 (3) Mehboobali, Naseema 123 Murad, Farzana 10
Lassi, Zohra 82, 153, 155(2), 160(2), Mehdi,Fahmida 72, 132, 146 Murad, Haris 120
161(2), 162, 164, 165, 166(2), Mehmood , Amber 199 Murad, Haris Farooq 93
167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 179, Mehmood, Afsheen 150 Murphy, Timothy P. 22(2)
180, 181(3), 204 Mehmood, Amber 66, 75, 80, 118, Murtaza, Ghulam 149
Latif, Naveed 218 134, 122, 140, 204 Murtaza, Ghulam 1, 14, 138, 148,
Leo, Sara 111 Mehmood, Kauser 109 149(2)
Levey, Andrew S. 137(2) Mehmood, Malik Hassan 23, 30(2), Murtaza, S. Ghulam 226
Lindberg, Greger 43 54, 56, 57 Mushtaq, Ammara 156(2)
Lumaansheikh, 182 Mehmood, Umber 132 Mushtaque, Lubna 20
Mehndiratta, MM 109 Muslim, Sana 187
MacArthur, Christine 162(2), 163(2) Mehraj, Vikram 227 Mustafa Ali, Syed 213
Mahboob, Raunaq 82, 91 Memon, Ayaz Ahmed 149 Mustafa, Mohsin Ali 122
Mahmood, Afsheen 71, 131(2), 211 Memon, M 138 Muzaffar, Sania 102
Mahmood, S. Faisal 81, 90, 91, 95, Memon, Ayaz Ahmed 50, 149 Nadeem, Mehwash 12, 60, 83, 136,
201, 216 Memon, Ismail 196 138
Mahmood, S. Shad 119 Memon, M. Yousuf 189 Nadeem, Naila 63, 65, 73, 74, 150
Mahmud, Sadia 90, 186 Memon, Mukhtiar 197 Nadeem, Sanober 140, 152(2)
Majeed, Amara 23 Memon, Rabnawaz 198 Naeem, Mohammad 63, 197
Majeed, Amina 228 Memon, Waseem 190 Naeem, Saad 106
Majid, Zain 63 Memon, Wasim 71 Naeem, Sana 11, 18, 222
Malik , Ali-Osama 128 Memon, Yousuf 123 Naeem, Syed Talha 3
Malik, Aamir 120, 123 Menon, Bindu 109 Nafees, Asaad 118
Malik, Anum 123 Merchant, Rahim 12 Najam, Farzad 31, 32
Malik, Ali Osama 106 Merchant, Quratulain 118 Najmi, Nida 15
Malik, Aliya 195 Mian, Ayesha 214 Naqvi, Haider 105
Malik, Anum 120 Minhas, Khurram 9 Naqvi, Ahmed 186
Malik, Ayesha 157, 160, 182, 183 Mir, Tahreem Aman 11, 141(2) Naqvi, Ali Haider 185
Malik, Faisal Riaz 84, 93 Mir, Umer 199 Naqvi, Baquar Shyum 77
Malik, Faisal Riaz 93 Mirza , Waseem 135 Naqvi, Hider 106
Malik, Huma 98 Mirza, Murtaza 228 Naqvi, Kashif 188
Malik, Muhammad Ashar 107 Mirza, Rabeea 70 Naqvi, Mansoor 142
Malik, Mumtaz 152 Mirza,Waseem 116 Naqvi, Sadaf 89
Malik, Ramsha 127 Moatter, Tariq 10(1), 77, 85, 86, 95, Naqvi, Sy. Zulfiqar Ali 17, 18, 19(2),
Malik, Shabneez 191 97, 98, 142, 147, 200, 203(2), 98, 222(2)
Mandi, Rafique 84, 93 205 Naru, Tahera 157, 160
Mannan, Fatima 28 Mobin, Shahana 149 Naru, Tahera 160
Mansoor, Sarah 185 Mohammad, Taj 79, 88, 92 Nasar, Asim 134
Mansoor, Nadia 159, 164 Mohsin, Raheela 162 Naseer, Maliha 89, 129

235
Authors Index

Nasim, Rizwana Bahar 18, 222 Qadeer, Mohsin 226 Raza, Emmon 122
Nasir, Noreen 24 Qadir, Faisal Sajjad 120 Raza, S J 14
Nasir, Nosheen 25, 83, 206 Qadir, Irfan 1(2), 22, 23, 50(2), 228 Raza, Shamim 148
Nasir, Sumaira 146 Qadir, Maqbool 36, 99, 156, 191 Raza, Syed Johar 14, 138(2)
Naureen, Ghazala 2, 11 Qaiser, Kanza N. 227 Raza, Syed Shamim 96, 215, 216
Naveed, Anila 179 Qazi, Romena 87 Raza, Tahseen 134
Nawaz, Ahmad 139, 226 Qazi, Saqib Hamid 139, 154, 193 Razzak, Junaid A 66, 116, 118, 121,
Nawaz, Zunera 215 Qidwai, Waris 111, 117, 196, 225 124, 133, 140
Naz, Farah Qamar 99 Quadri, S.A. 227 Razzak, Saher 85
Naz, Iram 194 Quattrone, Alessandro 111 Rees, Simon D 46
Naz, Shagufta 53, 54, 54, 86 Qureshi, Abdullah 102 Rehan, Seema 202
Naz, Uzma 219, 220 Qureshi, Huma 55 Rehanuddin 69
Nazim, Syed Mohammad 14, 135, Qureshi, Rahat N. 55, 74, 157, 183 Rehman , Muhammad Shafi 118
138 Qureshi, Riaz Ahmed 26 Rehman, Abdul 30, 57, 120
Nazir, M. Ressam 228 Qureshi, Shahida 79, 80, 88, 90, Rehman, Arshalooz 156(2)
Nazir, Mohsin 211 92,224 Rehman, Karim Abdur 118, 127
Niamatullah, Syed Najeeb 6 Qureshi, Sohail 87 Rehman, Kiran 38
Nigar, Saira 126, 141 Qureshi, Sonia 156(2) Rehman, Najeeb-ur 23
Nigar, Saira 141 Rehman, Rasham 3
Nisa, Tayyab Un 79, 80, 88, 92, 224 Rabbani, Fauziah 183 Rehman, Saf-ur 53
Nisar, Muhammad Imran 130(2), 131, Rabbani,Unaib 180 Rehman, Sameer Ur 13, 32(2), 58,
133, 186 Rafiq, Yasraba 84, 93 59, 145(2), 182
Nisar, Nighat 86 Rafiq, Zara 12 Rehman, Zia-ur 194
Nizami, Sobia 122 Rafique, Ghazala 123, 140, 152 Rehmani, Sadiq Saleem 81
Noordin, Shahryar 3 Rahatullah, Arsalan 35 Riaz, Nashmia 120
Nuruddin, Rozina 118, 149 Raheel, Muhammad 215 Riaz, Nashmia 123
Rahim , Maheen 93 Riaz, Nazia 17
O'Hare, J.P. 46 Rahman, Asma 120 Riaz, Soniya 139
Oighor, Farooq 33(2) Rahman, Atiya 79 Rizvi, Arjumand 151(2)
Olliaro, Piero L 161 Rahman, Atta-ur108 Rizvi, Javed 162
Rahman, Munawar 38(2), 39, 40, 41 Rizvi, Javed 162, 163(2)
Pal, K. M. Inam 9, 24, 93, 215 Rahman, Sara 188 Rizvi, Raheela Mohsin 162
Panni, Usman Younis 189 Rais, Abida 224 Rizvi, Raheela Mohsin 163(2)
Pardhan, Ambreen 46, 116, 125 Rajani, Amin 70, 142(2), 150(2), 202, Rizvi, Syeda Naghma 76
Pardhan, Amyn 141(2), 209 209, 210, 220 Rohra, Dileep K. 157, 183
Parekh, Asra 6(3) Rajput, Arsalan 130 Rohra, Dileep Kumar 74
Pariyo, George 163 Rajput, Shaheryar 5, 15, 16 Rose, Marianne Sarah 155
Parkash, Om 8, 51 Rajput, Sheerien 16, 17 Roshan, Rozina 201, 204
Parveen, Shazia 5 Ramirez, Sarah Stewart de 121(2) Rottenberg, Martin 79, 99
Parveen, Sheeba 142 Rao, Amna Saleem 96, 215 Rozi, Shafquat 117, 118
Parveen, Siddiqa 123 Rao, Nisar A. 34,78, 79, 95, 99
Pasha, Omrana 100 Rasheed, Muneera 151 Saadatnia, Mohammad 109
Patel, Junaid 102 Rasheed, Riffat 99 Saboohi, Kausar 48, 143
Pathan, Asad 146 Rashid, Anila 7 Sadaf, Shahmina 200, 213
Pencina, Michael J. 22(2) Rashid, Haroon 1 Sadaf, Shazia 140, 221
Pervaiz, Afshan 10(2) Rashid, Haroon 1 Sadaf,Shazia 221
Perveen, Shagufta 183 Rashid, Rizwan Haroon 3 Sadiq, Kamran 184
Perveen, Shazia 22, 31, 37 Rashid, Saima 164 Sadiq, Mohammad Ali 29
Perveen, Siddiqa 196 Rashid, Yasmin Abdul 7, 8(2) Sadqani, Saleem 197
Pervez, Shahid 10(2), 53, 224 Rasool, Mashhooda 200, 208 Sadruddin, Sunil 81
Pethani, Amin 120 Rauf, Javeria 115 Saeed, Tazeen Ali 178
Pinjani, Sheilla 76 Rauf, M. Yaseen 91 Saeed, 55
Pirmohammad, Khadija 75 Rauf, Mohammad Yaseen 106 Saeed, S. Abdul 62, 227
Poulter, Neil 34, 212 Raza , Jamal 184 Saeed, Tanveer 63
Pradhan, Ambreen 45 Raza , Farrukh 151, 196 Saeed, Zeb Ijaz 135, 136, 228
Premji, Shahirose 155, 158 Raza, Farhan 40 Sagheer, Mehwish 97, 98
Prince, Martin 113 Raza, Mohsin 146 Sahito, Shah Muhammad 119
Profetto-McGrath, Joanne 205 Raza, Afsheen 83, 84, 223 Saifuddin, Aamir 37

236
 Authors Index

Saima, 40 Shahr, Syed Amin 72 Siddiqui, M. Shamim 21, 147

Sajid, Sara 69 Shahryar, Saeeda 50 Siddiqui, Nabeel 52, 59, 186
Sajid, Ayesha 113 Shahzad , Khurram 195 Siddiqui, Nadeem 60, 149
Sajid, Sara 206, 221 Shahzad, Hira 36, 45, 99(2), 128 Siddiqui, Numan 49
Sajjad, Nida 154, 185 Shaikh, Farheen 127, 143 Siddiqui, Osama Tariq 122
Sajjad, Zafar 142 Shaikh, Attiya 38, 39(2), 41, 42(2) Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah 90(2), 96, 97,
Sajwani, Rubina A 171 Shaikh, Ayaz Hussain 23, 146 98
Salahuddin, Naseem 78, 79, 99 Shaikh, Babar T. 127 Siddiqui, Ruqaiyyah 89
Salahuddin, Nawal 35(2), 95 Shaikh, Kiran 155 Siddiqui, Saad 122
Salahuddin, Usman 119 Shaikh, Madani 129 Siddiqui, Sammer 196
Salam, Basit 209 Shaikh, Mohammad Usman 7 Siddiqui, Shahla 83
Salam, Basit 220 Shaikh, Nisar 129 Siddiqui, Tania A. 38
Salam, Rehana A 82, 162, 166(2), Shaikh, Shiraz 129 Siddiqui, Usman Tariq 106(2)
167, 171, 172(2), 173, 175 Shaikh, Usman 199 Sididqui, Tania Arshad 39
Salam, Rehana A 173 Shaikh, Usman 5, 77 Sikandar, Rozina 74, 157, 183
Salat , Huzaifah 98, 184 Shaikh,Farheen 221 Sinclair, David 161
Salat, Muhammad Sohail 98, 176, Shakil, Omair 8 Sirat, Shayan 73
184(3), 185(2) Shakir, Mariam 155 Slavin,Hazel 206
Saleem, Ali 131 Shakir, Mariam A 160, 168, 171 Sobani, Zain A. 226(2), 228(2), 227(3)
Saleem, Ali Faisal 99(2), 159, 186 Shakir, Murtaza 113 Sohail, Syed Mohammad 202
Saleem, Muhammad 188 Shakoor, Amarah 143 Sohni , V. 175(2), 177(2), 179
Saleem, Omema 20 Shamim , Adeel Ahmed 48 Somani, Mehreen 18, 81, 222
Saleem, Sarah 120 Shamim, Faisal 24, 191, 218 Somani, Rozina Karim 219
Saleem, Shirin 72, 146 Shamim, Kashif 134 Soofi, Sajid Bashir 119, 184, 151,153
Salemi, Marco 81 Shamim, M. Shahzad 43, 106, 158, Sophie, Ziad 194
Salick, Muhammad Musa 23, 50 226 Sugiyama, Toshior 51, 56
Salim, Maimoona Azhar 158 Shamshad, 206 Suhag, Zamir 184
Samad, Abdul 105 Shamsuddin, Naseem 77 Suhail, Anwar 16, 139, 226
Samani, Zahra Aziz 225(2) Sharif , Samuel 10 Sukhia, Rashna Hoshang 40
Sami, Sahr 23, 147 Sharif, Hasanat 22, 23, 31, 37, 227 Sukhia, Hoshang Rumi 40
Samreen, Azra 98, 203, 205 Sharif, Nadia 32 Sulaiman, Nasreen 204
Sanghera, Dharambir 46 Shaukat, Shahab 122, 204 Sulaiman, Salima 158
Sarfraz, Sarah 88 Sheerani, Mughis 61(2), 66, 103(2), Sulaiman,Nasreen 67, 217
Sayani,Raza 70, 135, 150, 209, 210, 188(2), 189(2) Suleman, Nasir 138
219(2), 220 Shehzad, Muhammad F 102 Sultan Ali, Naeem 5
Schmid, Christopher H 137 Sheikh, Abdul Sattar 159 Sultan Ali, Niloufer 28, 93
Sehlani , Raza 135 Sheikh, Abdul Latif 96, 215 Sultan, Binish A. 87
Shafi, Tahir 156 Sheikh, Adil 135, 136, 228 Sultana, Aisha 18, 19
Shafiq, Faraz 195(2) Sheikh, Aisha 45 Sumaira, 132
Shafiq, Yasir 127 Sheikh, Lumaan 45 Syed, Reema 184
Shafqat, Gulnaz 64, 65 Sheikh, Sana 131 Syed, Ehsan Ullah 102, 110
Shah, 129 Sheikh, Usman 207, 208 Syed, Sahr 119
Shah, Adil Aijaz 78 Shoaib, Rana 164, 65, 35, 142(2),
Shah, Amin 65, 66, 190(2) 150, 209 Tabassum, Ghurnata 151
Shah, Farida 82 Sial , Khurram Khan 119 Tabassum, Saadia 69, 79
Shah, Hasnain A. 51, 52(2), 53 Siddiqi, Hasan Salman 23 Tabassum, Shazia 213
Shah, Mansoor 98 Siddiqi, M. Naeem 110 Tabassum,Farhana 151
Shah, Sabeen 196 Siddiqi, Shaista Anwar 115 Tahir, M. Zubair 101, 106, 227
Shah, Sameena 140 Siddiqui, Fawad 132 Tahir, Saqiba 9
Shah, Shahjahan 77 Siddiqui, M. Shamim 23 Tajamual, Muhammad 65
Shah, Syed Amin 64(2),71(2), 73, 190 Siddiqui, 129 Tanveer, Mehnaz 82
Shahabuddin, Syed 22, 37 Siddiqui, Amna R. 117, 122 Taqui, Ather M. 184
Shahbaz, Sana 75, 132, 133, 134 Siddiqui, Anwar Ali 17(3), 18(2), Tariq , Naveen 104, 107
Shaheen, Razia 12 19(2), 85, 94(2), 98, 207, 217, Tariq, Jibran 17
Shahid, Muhammad 105, 133 222 Tariq, Muhammad 68, 70, 203
Shahid, Aniqa 78, 82, 117 Siddiqui, Effaza 106 Tariq, Zunera 11
Shahid, Fatima 30 Siddiqui, Farjad 10(2), 209 Tasneem, A.H. 142
Shahid, Muhammad 130(2), 131 Siddiqui, Imran 3, 135 Tauheed, Sanam 39
Shahid, Sadia 65, 66 Siddiqui, Khwaja A. 30, 57 Tauqir, Mohammad Zain 128

237
Authors Index

Tayyab, Muhammad 146 Zaidi, Masooma 50

Tharani, Ambreen 179 Zaidi, Nazneen 198
Thaver, Ali 83, 223 Zaidi, Shehla 45
Thebo, Umera Abdullah 154 Zaidi, Syed Faisal 50, 51(2), 56
Tough, Suzanne 155 Zaidi, Syed Muddabir 190(3)
Travas, Philip 199 Zaman, Mohammad 107
Tunio, Areeba A. 104, 107 Zaman, Riffat M. 113
Zeb, Amna 74, 157, 183
Uddin, Rehan 69 Zeeshan, Hameeda 217
Umar, Bina 139, 226 Zehra, Ale 77, 124
Umar, Jalal 228 Zehra, Tabassum 67, 69
Umer, Masood 1(2), 3, 4, 6 Zia , Hassaan Ashraf 128
uzzaman, Maseeh 43 Zia, Nukhba 97, 116, 121(2), 124,
133, 201
Vakani, Farhan 61(3), 66, 188(2), Zohra, S 175(2), 179 (177)
189 Zubairi, Ali 35
Valliani, Salimah 223(2), 224 Zubairi, Ali Bin Sarwar 29, 32, 34,
Vaqar, Seema 208 36
Vazir, Nilofar 202 Zuberi, Hina 74, 157, 183
Venketasubramanian, N. 109 Zuberi, Rukhsana W. 62, 74, 140
Veras, Nazle M.C. 81 Zulfiqar, A. 175(2), 177(3), 179
Vicky, Sohni 180, 181(2)
Waaseem, Hunniya 132
Waheed, Zeeshan 29, 33, 34, 68
Wasay, Hafiz Abdul 88, 185
Wasay, Mohammad 84, 109(2), 110,
227
Waseem, Hunniya 134
Wasim, Hira 228
Wassan, M. Yaqoob 119
Wood, Andrew R 212

Yakoob, Javed 53, 54(2), 55(2), 86

Yakoob, M Y 183
Yakub, Mohsin 123
Yameen, Anjum 152
Yaseen, Zohaib 94, 98, 222
Yasmeen, Anila 98, 222
Yazdani, Iffat 135
Yousafzai, Aisha K 151(2)
Yousafzai, M. Tahir 117
Yousuf, Aisha 111
Yousuf, Fatima Shireen 9
Yousuf, Muniza 27
Yousuf, Naureen 25
Yousuf, Naveed 62, 140

Zafar, Hasnain 141

Zafar, Abdul M. 22, 74
Zafar, Afia 223
Zafar, Hasnain 50(2), 83, 141, 149
Zafar, Syed Nabeel 11, 24, 43, 141(2),
209, 226
Zafar,Hasnain 209
Zaheer, Jaweria 1
Zahidie, Aysha 66, 78
Zaidi, Adnan Ali 6(2), 7
Zaidi, Anita K. M. 80, 87, 90, 99,
100, 131, 159, 186, 187, 224

238
Aga Khan University Bone and Joint Diseases/Orthopaedics
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

1.31 significantly associated with complications. On multi-variate

PREDICTORS OF LENGTH OF STAY AFTER TOTAL HIP analysis, perioperative transfusion (P value = 0.22) and hip
REPLACEMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF A deformity (P value = 0.005) remained statistically significant
DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A STEP TOWARD FAST-TRACK risk factors for complications.
SURGERY Conclusion: The results indicate that preoperative hip deformity
and perioperative blood transfusion significantly influence the
Kashif Abbas, Masood Umer, Irfan Qadir, Jaweria Zaheer, rates of complication after THR.
Haroon Rashid
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi Keywords: Total hip replacement, Complication, Risk factors

Objective: Much of the cost of total hip replacement (THR)

comprises the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and the reduction 1.52
in hospital stay is often seen as an indication of increased DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF RHEUMATOID FACTOR
efficiency. Given the increasing drive for cost-effective surgery, AND ANTI–CITRULLINATED PROTEIN ANTIBODY IN
we aimed to identify the most important variables affecting RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
length of stay after THR whilst controlling for potential
confounding factors. Lena Jafri, Aysha Habib Khan, Muhammad Ahraz Hussain,
Method: We reviewed 199 consecutive patients who underwent Saleha Ishaq
elective unilateral THR in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan Department of Pathology & Microbiology and Medicine,
between 1st January 2000 and 31st September 2010. Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Median length of stay was 9 days. Majority of patients
(63.8%) left hospital within 12 days, 28.2% within 3 weeks and Objective: Current management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
8% after 3 weeks. On multivariate analysis, age more than 65 shifting toward aggressive anti rheumatic therapy in an early
years (P = 0.003), female gender (P = 0.05) and ASA grades 3 phase of the disease; hence diagnostic tests with high specificity
and 4 (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with length of are desirable. Auto antibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF)
stay over 12 days. and anti–citrullinated protein antibody (Anti-CCP) can be detected
Conclusion: Prolonged stay after THR is largely predetermined in RA sera. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of RF and
by case mix and this should be taken into account when units Anti-CCP in diagnosis of RA.
are compared for performance. Method: A retrospective chart analysis of 98 patients whose
biochemical testing of rheumatoid factor and Anti-CCP was
Keywords: Total hip replacement, Length of Hospital Stay ordered. The biochemical data from January 2010 to May 2010
was retrieved and charts were reviewed from the medical records
department of Aga Khan University. Scoring and classification
1.32 of RA was done using the 2010 Rheumatoid Arthritis
PERIOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS OF TOTAL HIP Classification Criteria by American College of Rheumatology
REPLACEMENT: THE QUEST FOR RISK FACTORS (ACR).
Results: Out of the 98 charts reviewed 82.7% were females.
Kashif Abbas, Ghulam Murtaza, Masood Umer, Haroon Rashid, Mean age of the group was 46 ± 15 years. Scoring by ACR
Irfan Qadir criteria showed 54 cases with RA. Out of the total 58 had both
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi Anti-CCP and RF investigations available. Sensitivity and
specificity of RF in diagnosing RA were 62.5% and 88.5%
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of anti-CCP in diagnosing
frequency of complications of total hip replacement and identify RA was calculated to be 54.7 % and 95.5 % respectively. Whereas
associated risk factors. sensitivity and specificity of RF were 59.3% and 88.4 %
Method: During the study period 199 patients underwent elective respectively.
unilateral total hip replacement at the Aga Khan University Conclusion: Anti-CCP was found to be as sensitive as, and more
Hospital. Patients were divided into cases and controls on specific than RF in RA. The use of anti-CCP antibodies may
basis of post-operative complications within 30 days of allow the clinical rheumatologist to better predict the diagnosis
surgery. Significant risk factors at 5% significance level on and prognosis of individual patients with RA.
univariate analysis were further analyzed by multivariate logistic
regression. Keywords: Anti ccp, rheumatoid factor, rheumatoid arthritis
Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 39 patients
(19.6%); dislocation being most common in 13(6.5%) patients,
followed by wound infection in four (2%), all of these patients
required intervention. Other minor complications which were
managed conservatively included wound infection (2.5%),
urinary tract infection (2.5%), dislocation (1%), patients and
pleural effusion and pneumonia (2%), deep venous thrombosis
(0.5%) and myocardial infarction (0.5%). On Univariate analysis,
ASA III and IV, peri-operative blood transfusion, preoperative
hip deformity and post-operative bisphosphonate use were

1
Bone and Joint Diseases/Orthopaedics Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

1.77 also measured. Means for all observed parameters were calculated
HOUSING STRUCTURE AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY along with correlation between demographic and biochemical
IN PREMENOPAUSAL FEMALES RESIDING IN KARACHI- parameters.
PAKISTAN Results: Mean age, BMI and waist circumference was 32.08 ±
8.35 years, 25.75 ± 5.47 kg/m2 and 35.33 ± 5.76, respectively.
Romaina Iqbal, Ghazala Naureen, Aysha Habib Khan Most of the females were vitamin D deficient (91.50 %) with
Department of Community Health Sciences and Pathology & 8.99 ± 10.85 ng/dl mean vitamin D levels. PTH and NTx level
Microbiology were high in 39% and 16% females respectively. Mean vitamin
D, PTH and NTx levels were not significantly different according
Objective: To determine the association of vitamin D deficiency to age groups and BMI but vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent
with type of housing structure in community dwelling in young and underweight females. Negative association was
premenopausal females observed through correlation between vitamin D, PTH and NTx.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three, randomly Mean vitamin D, PTH and NTx levels were significantly different
selected communities of Karachi, Pakistan. Information including among females residing in Saddar and Gulshan town. High
type of residence, presence of verandah/sahan/lawn/terrace, frequency of vitamin D deficiency with hyperparathyroidism
extent of availability of sunlight, was collected through a was observed in females dwelling in Saddar town.
questionnaire. Association of vitamin D, iPTH and NTx with Conclusion: High frequency of Vitamin D deficiency is seen in
housing structure was determined by analysis of variance. females residing in Karachi, Pakistan with sHPTH and high
Results: Mean age and BMI of the 222 premenopausal females bone turnover. Measures to combat the issue of D deficiency
recruited was 32.4 ± 8.2 years and 25.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2, respectively. and its associated long latency effects are urgently needed.
Majority were living in apartments (42.3%) and town houses
(27%) where as 7.7% and 23 % were residing in quarters and Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, bone health
independent banglows. Eighty nine percent of the females were
vitamin D deficient (mean vitamin D levels were 9.6 ± 11 ng/ml).
Mean iPTH levels were 90.99 ± 69.8 pg/ml with secondary 1.85
hyperparathyroidism in 39.6% cases. Mean NTx levels were IONIZED CALCIUM MEASUREMENT AND ITS
15.01 ± 5.8 nMBCE/L with high bone turnover in 16% cases. CORRELATION WITH TOTAL CALCIUM, AND
Significant linear association was observed between type of CALCULATED IONIZED CALCIUM-A COMPARISON OF
housing structure and serum Vitamin D values. With individuals MEASURED AND CALCULATED PARAMETERS
residing in apartments and town houses having the lowest
while those residing in bunglows having the highest levels of Lena Jafri
vitamin D. Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency with sHPTH is highly prevalent Karachi
among premenopausal females in community in Karachi,
Pakistan. Housing structures like apartments and town houses Objective: To determine the concentration of ionized calcium
are the significantly associated with Vitamin D deficiency and (iCa) using optimal conditions in lithium heparin and in gel
sHPTH. tubes and to correlate the measured iCa with calculated iCa,
total calcium (CaT)and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD).
Keywords: Housing structure, Vitamin D deficiency, sHPTH Method: A study for optimization of methodology for iCa
determination following CLSI guidelines was undertaken at the
Section of Chemical Pathology, Aga Khan University from 1st
1.78 June to 1st July 2010. Samples of iCa were collected from forty
DETERMINATION OF BONE HEALTH STATUS IN healthy laboratory workers with no known comorbids and with
COMMUNITY DWELLING FEMALES IN KARACHI, no obvious disturbances of calcium homeostasis after verbal
PAKISTAN consent. Blood sampling was performed after overnight fast.
All subjects also had pH, total calcium, total protein and albumin.
Aysha Habib Khan, Ghazala Nauree, Feroza N. Ahmed, Farhan iCa was calculated using albumin and globulin values in a
Dar, Romaina Iqbal formula.
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Results: The mean comparison of pH from both lithium heparin
Karachi and gel tubes were statistically non significant (p value = 0.39).
Comoarison of mean iCa in both the evacuated tubes showed
Objective: To determine the association of vitamin D status with a statistically significant mean differencebias of 0.07 mmol/L.
bone turnover marker (NTx) in healthy premenopausal women (p value = 0.000). Calculated mean iCa levels were 1.16 ± 0.1
residing in Karachi, Pakistan. mmol/L statistically different from measured mean iCa levels
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly of 1.2 ± 0.03. (p value = 0.001). Poor correlation of measured
selected communities (Saddar and Gulshan Town) in Karachi, iCa with calculated iCa was observed (r=0.22, p value=0.16).
Pakistan. Information related to socio-demographics (age, Median value of 25OHD was 15.8 nmol/L (Range = 9.9 to 134.2
education and employment), sunlight exposure as well as dietary nmol/L). Ninety percent of the study participants were 25OHD
intake was collected. Calcium, phosphorous, albumin, alkaline deficient (25OHD <50 nmol/L) with mean levels 17.65 ± 9.77
phosphates, creatinine, SGPT, Vitamin D3, NTx and PTH were nmol/L. Poor correlation was observed in vitamin D deficient

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Aga Khan University Bone and Joint Diseases/Orthopaedics
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

individuals between iCa and 25OHD levels which was statistically Method: Medical records of subjects tested for Ca, iPTH and
non significant. (r = 0.117, p value = 0.49). 25OHD from october 2010 to mid January 2011 at clinical
Conclusion: When it is essential to evaluate the Ca status, direct laboratory of AKUH were reviewed. Cut offs used for Ca, iPTH
measurement of iCa must be done but iCa values cannot predict and 25OHD were, 8.4-10.2 mg/dl, 16-87 pg/ml and 30ng/ml
vitamin D status. Gel tubes are the preferred choice for iCa respectively. Patients were characterized into primary (calcium
estimation. =10.2 and iPTH =87) and secondary (Ca<8.4 or normal and
iPTH levels =87) hyperprathyroidism and primary (calcium
Keywords: calcium, vitamin D, gel tubes <8.4 and iPTH<16) and secondary hypoparathyroidism (calcium
=10.2 and iPTH<16).
Results: Forty seven subjects were included in the study. Mean
1.105 age was 49 (19) years; 53.19 % were females. Mean iPTH and
EFFECT OF TERIPARATIDE ON BONE REGENERATE 25OHD levels were 170.98 (269.62) pg/ml and 18.77(14.62)
AFTER DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS ng/ml respectively. Eighty percent had vitamin D levels below
30 ng/ml. Thirty six percent had normal iPTH (mean Ca 9.2 ±
Masood Umer, Sadia Habib, Rasham Rehman, Tashfeen Ahmad 0.67 mg/dl), 44.68% had high iPTH (mean Ca 8.5 ±1.0 mg/dl)
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi and 19.14% had low iPTH (10.0 ±2.1 mg/dl). Significant
difference was seen in mean Ca in the three PTH groups (p
Objective: The parathormone analogue teriparatide (PTH 1-34) value 0.008). Mean iPTH was inversely related with Ca and
has been used clinically to increase bone mass and reduce fracture 25OHD. Primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in one
risk in metabolic bone diseases and osteoporosis; there is case while 42.5% had secondary hyperparathyroidism (mean
increasing evidence that it may promote new bone formation Ca8.45±0.99 mg/dl). Mean 25OHD in patients with
during fracture healing.we intend to determine the effect of hyperparathyroidism was 15.39 (13.5) ng/ml.
teriparatide on new bone formation in a rat model of distraction Hypoparathyroidism was seen in 17%; 12.7% of the subjects
osteogenesis. had secondary hypoparathyroidism (mean Ca 11.26±0.87 mg/dl),
Method: 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight ~250 gm) were while 4% had primary hypoparathyroidism (mean Ca 6.7 mg/dl).
allocated to two treatment groups, teriparatide and saline, both Mean 25OHD in patients with hypoparathyroidism was
given subcutaneously for 3 weeks. Femoral distraction was done 19.6(11.06).
at a rate of 0.4mm/day for 3 weeks, followed by a further 4 Conclusion: The predominant parathyroid hormone disorder is
weeks for consolidation. New bone formation was assessed secondary hyperparathyroidism due to vitamin D deficiency
using X-ray, DEXA and histology. followed by secondary hypoparathyroidism. It is important to
Results: X-ray: In the control group there was early stage of screen for parathyroid disorders by testing with iPTH.
new bone formation, while in the teriparatide group all rats Assumptions about 25OHD status should not be made based on
showed late stage of new bone formation. Scoring according to iPTH and Ca values.
modified Lane and Sandhu system confirmed higher score in
the teriparatide group. DEXA: The area (size) of new bone Keywords: iPTH, calcium, 25OHD
formed adjacent to the margins of the osteotomy site as well as
the total bone mineral content of that new bone was significantly
higher (p<0.05) in the teriparatide group as compared to saline. 1.120
HISTOLOGY: The teriparatide group appeared to have larger HIP FRACTURE SURGERY: DOES TIME OF THE DAY
area of woven and trabecular new bone compared to controls, MATTER
though statistical significance was not reached.
Conclusion: Our results suggest a promising role of parathyroid Rizwan Haroon Rashid, Tashfeen Ahmed, Shahryar Noordin
analogue therapy in distraction osteogenesis for promoting Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
regenerate formation and consolidation
Objective: A prevailing perception regarding night time surgery
Keywords: Distraction Osteogenesis, teriparatide, Fracture is that the probability of complications may be higher due to
Healing decreased availability of support staff, doctor fatigue and other
logistical factors. However there is little data supporting this
notion in hip fracture surgery and we studied this in the context
1.106 of Intertrochanteric fractures fixed with dynamic hip screws
FREQUENCY OF PARATHYROID HORMONE DISORDERS (DHS).
IN PATIENTS PRESENTING IN MEDICAL CLINIC Method: All patients who underwent DHS fixation for inter-
PATIENTS trochanteric fracture from January 2005 to December 2010 were
included. Patients were divided into two groups. An after-hours
Syed Talha Naeem, Aysha Habib, Imran Siddiqui. Farooq Ghani group was defined as an operation done between 5:00 P.M.
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, to7:00 A.M. and a daytime group was defined as surgery done
Karachi between 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Data was analyzed using SPSS
version 19.
Objective: To determine the frequency of parathyroid hormone Results: During this period 194 patients underwent DHS fixation.
(PTH) disorders in medical clinic patients One hundred and fourteen patients were included in the daytime

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Bone and Joint Diseases/Orthopaedics Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

group and 80 patients in the after-hours group. Tip apex index

was found to be similar between the two groups. There was no
difference in the rates of wound infection, length of hospital
stay, post operative ambulation status, intra op blood loss, type
of anesthesia, and mortality between the two groups. Two patients
in the daytime surgery required revision surgery compared to
5 patients in the after-hours group, however this difference was
not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Results of the present study do not suggest adverse
outcome in patients operated for intertrochanteric hip fracture
in after-hour timings compared to day-timings

Keywords: DHS, After hours, intertrochanteric

1.121
ORTHOPAEDIC SSI: IS THERE ANY ASSOCIATION
WITH UT

Irfan Ashraf, Masood Umer, Tashfeen Ahmad

Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: To determine, is there any difference in SSI rate in

patients with UTI, who receive complete treatment versus those
who receive incomplete treatment.
Method: Retrospective chart review of female patients > 50
years of age who underwent orthopaedic surgery during last 1
year i.e. from 1st july 2009 to 30th june 2010. The presence of
any of the three features i.e. 5 or >5 leukocytes or nitrite positive
or urine C/S positive was taken as UTI. Files reviewed for
features of surgical site infection i.e. discharge from wound,
redness and delayed wound healing. Data was collected on
performa and analyzed on SPSS-17.
Results: Out of total 28 patients who receive incomplete treatment
for UTI,5 develop SSI while 20 patients who receive complete
treatment, only 2 of them developed SSI.By comparing the two
groups, the p- value came out to be insignificant(0.372)
Conclusion: There is a tendency of higher infection rate with
incomplete compared to complete antibiotic therapy for UTI
before orthopaedic implant surgery, but difference is not
statistically significant. Larger study is required to show statistical
significance.

Keywords: UT, SSI,

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.1 2.3
MANAGEMENT OF SINONASAL TUMORS: PROGNOSTIC INCIDENCE OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS AND
FACTORS AND OUTCOMES – A 10 YEAR EXPERIENCE PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN HEAD NECK CANCER
PATIENTS: A TERTIARY CARE EXPERIENCE IN
Maliha Kazi, Montasir Junaid, Sohail Awan PAKISTAN
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Naeem Sultan Ali, Shabbir Akhtar, Maliha Kazi, Mubasher
Objective: Sinonasal malignancies are said to be a highly Ikram, Asif Arain, Shaheryar Rajput
heterogeneous group of cancers, accounting for less than 1% of Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
all cancers and less than 3% of all upper aerodigestive tract
tumors. Originating from any histologic components of the Objective: Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is more
sinonasal cavity, the histopathology of these tumors is diverse. often seen with morbidity and mortality in various surgical
Accordingly, treatment options vary, surgery being the mainstay specialties, we aim to determine the incidence of VTE in head
in most of them. Recurrence rates differs with each histological and neck cancer surgery patients
type f tumor, dependent on various factors Method: 413 patients who underwent head neck surgery
Method: Retrospective chart review from 51 patients meeting procedures between 2000 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.
the inclusion criteria. Study period was about 10 years, from All patients with head neck surgery had received
2000-2010. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17 thromboprophylaxis (i.e., compression stockings
Results: Majority of the sinonasal tumors were squamous cell and subcutaneous heparin). Patient demographics, operating
carcinomas involving the maxillary sinus. Locoregional time, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. The incidence
recurrence was more frequent in patients with positive neck of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary
nodes embolism (PE) during the initial postoperative hospitalization
Conclusion: Sinonasal tumors have a loco-regional recurrence was assessed.
rate of 64%. Nodal and histological status of sinonasal Results: Twelve patients were identified who developed venous
malignancies have significant association with locoregional thromboembolism. Three patients developed DVT, nine
recurrence developed PE. The incidence of DVT and PE was 0.72% and
2.17% respectively. Interestingly, all of these patients had
Keywords: Tumor, molignancy undergone excision of extensive head and neck cancers
accompanied by a reconstructive procedure. Patients who
developed PE had a longer hospital stay as compared to those
2.2 who only had DVT. There were overall three mortalities from
RELATIONSHIP OF TUMOR THICKNESS WITH NECK nine patients who developed PE.
NODE METASTASIS IN BUCCAL SQUAMOUS CELL Conclusion: VTE, although has a low incidence, is a well known
CARCINOMA: AN EXPERIENCE AT AKUH. complication of extensive head and neck surgeries with life
threatening outcomes. We recommend early mobilization and
Sadaf Qadeer Khan, Montasir Junaid, Shazia Parveen, physiotherapy with the possible aid from appropriate mechanical
Sohail Awan, Shehzad Ghaffar and pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis.
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Venous thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis,
Objective: Oral cancer is the most frequent head & neck pulmonary embolism
malignancy and has local, regional and distant spread. Neck
nodal metastasis carries significant prognostic value. Different
parameters have been studied to look for occult metastasis in 2.4
neck nodes. One such parameter is tumor thickness which may TRENDS OF INFECTION IN FEBRILE NEUTROPENIC
indicate neck node metastasis. PATIENTS WITH HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES
Method: Retrospective chart review of 102 patients; at Aga AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.
Khan University hospital, Karachi, with biopsy proven squamous
cell carcinoma of oral cavity regardless of T staging but N0 Farheen Karim, Mohammad Khurshid, Salman Adil, Usman
necks were included in the study. Shaikh
Results: The risk of neck node metastasis in buccal squamous Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
cell carcinoma increases 35.5 times for tumor thickness of = Karachi
2mm, provided the confounding variables remain constant
Conclusion: Tumor thickness is significantly related with neck Objective: To assess the frequency and current pattern of infection
nodal metastasis in buccal squamous cell carcinoma, keeping along with outcome of febrile neutropenic patients with acute
in view of the age of patient and size of the tumor. leukemias with review and comparision of past studies in
Pakistan.
Keywords: Tumor, neck node Method: A retro-prospective analysis of adult patients with acute
leukemias who developed febrile neutropenia during the period
january 2009 to August 2010 was conducted. An in-house
questionnaire was filled to obtain information regarding
patient’s diagnosis, culture positivity, culture sensitivity and

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Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

outcome through chart review and laboratory system access. multi centre studies are needed to have a more comprehensive
Results: A total of n=99 febrile neutropenic episodes were understanding of this heterogeneous disease in our population
recorded in 48 patients among which n=19(39.6%) had ALL,
n=27(56.2%) had AML and n=2(4%) had Burkitt’s leukemia. Keywords: Sarcoma, Recurrence free survival, Amputation
There were n=31(64.6%) males and n=17(35.4%) females. The
median age was 32 years (range 16-65yrs). Positive cultures
were recorded in n=71 (70.5%) episodes of febrile neutropenia 2.6
with 47 blood, 10 line, 5 urine and 3 tracheal/BAL cultures. ELEVEN YEAR EXPERIENCE OF GESTATIONAL
Gram negative infections accounted for 69.9% and gram positive TROPHOBLASTIC NEOPLASIA AT A TERTIARY CARE
for 27.4%. Fungal culture was positive in 2.7%. E-coli was most CENTRE
common organism isolated in these patients. Coagulase negative
staphylococci were most common in the gram positive group. Tayyaba Zehra Ansari, Nehal Masood, Asra Parekh,
38.4% of the positive cultures were sensitive to the first line Hassaan Habib
antibiotics, whereas 61.6% sensitive to the second line antibiotics. Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
The overall mortality was n=16(15.8%) in which n=10(83% )
had positive cultures Background: Variable incidence and clinical course of Gestational
Conclusion: Gram negative bacteremia is prevalent in our setup Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) has been reported in few
which is comparable to the data reported from other centres in published studies from different parts of the Pakistan but none
Pakistan. Majority of the organisms are sensitive to second line has mentioned the magnitude of Persistent Trophoblastic Disease
antibiotics. Frequent review of infectious pattern in neutropenic (PTD).
patients is recommended to update the current trends of infectious Objective: To study the natural course, outcome and treatment
etiology in our setup. experience of GTN in a diverse cohort of patients referred to a
Tertiary Care Centre.
Keywords: Infection, febrile, leukemia Method: Data was collected from 1998 to 2009 for 54 patients
with gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD) presented to Aga
Khan University Hospital. It was analyzed for 48 patients for
2.5 different clinical variables and outcome using SPSS version
FOUR YEAR EXPERIENCE OF SARCOMA OF SOFT 16.0.
TISSUES AND BONES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL Results: The frequency of GTD was 1.3 in 1000 pregnancies
AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE while it was 62.5% for PTD. The mean age of patients was 29
years. The initial diagnosis was established on the basis of
Tayyaba Zehra Ansari, Nehal Masood, Asra Parekh, Rabab ultrasound and Beta subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophins
Zehra Jafri, Syed Najeeb Niamatullah, Adnan Ali Zaidi, (bhCG) levels. The uterine size had linear co-relation with the
Masood Umer level of the âhCG at presentation. The plateau in level of hCG
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi was statistically most significant variable for determination of
PTD in the multivariate analysis
Objective: Sarcoma encompasses an uncommon group of cancer Conclusion: In contrast to local data, our study showed an
and the data is insufficient from Pakistan. We report our four incidence of GTD comparable to western figures but with higher
year experience of Sarcoma of soft tissues and bones. frequency of persistent Trophoblastic disease. There was a trend
Method: This cross sectional study was carried out at Aga Khan towards use of multidrug regimen even in low risk PTD. Further
University Hospital from 2004 to 2008. The patients were divided studies with long term follow up are needed for exploring the
into two groups from the outset i.e. newly diagnosed and relapsed pattern of resistance to single agent chemotherapy and
group and separate sub group analysis was conducted rationalizing multidrug regimen for low risk PTD group
Results: Out of 93 newly diagnosed patients, 58 belonged to
bone sarcoma and 35 to soft tissue sarcoma group. While for Keywords: Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Human Chorionic
relapsed patients, 5 had soft tissue sarcoma and 9 had bone Gonadotrophins (bhCG), Chemotherapy
sarcoma. Mean age was 32.5 years. At presentation, approximately
two third patients had localised disease while remaining one
third had metastatic disease. The Kaplan Meier estimate of 2.7
median recurrence free survival was 25 months, 35 months, and FACTORS INFLUENCING THE OPINION OF INDIVIDUALS
44 months for Osteogenic sarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma and IN DETERMINING TUMOUR SPREAD AFTER BIOPSY
Chondrosarcoma respectively. For Leiomyosarcoma and
Synovial sarcoma, it was 20 and 19months respectively. The Tayyaba Zehra Ansari, Adnan Ali Zaidi, Asra Parekh, Owais
grade of the tumour (p=0.02) and surgical margin status (p=0.001) Iqbal Bhatti, Nehal Masood, Ahmed Mateen,Tehseen Fatima
were statistically significant for determination of relapse of the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
disease
Conclusion: The median recurrence free survival of patients Objective: People often have concerns regarding tumour spread
in our study was comparable to the reported literature but after biopsy which leads to a delay in seeking expert medical
with significant lost to follow rate. Further large-scale, advice. The data regarding this perception is scanty. Therefore,

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

we conducted this cross sectional study to explore the beliefs complex 5q in n=2 cases(4%), del 11q in n=1 case (2%), inversion
and perceptions of individuals regarding tumour spread after 9 in n=1case(2%), trisomy 19 in n=1 case(2%) and other
biopsy and the basis of those beliefs abnormalities in n=8 cases(16%).
Method: The survey was conducted in outpatient areas of two Conclusion: In contrast to del 5q which is the most reported
different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi namely Aga Khan cytogenetic abnormality in India, USA and European countries,
University Hospital Karachi (AKUH) and Karachi Institute of trisomy 8 is found to be most common in our study population
Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN). The sample size followed by the complex cytogenetics. Large prospective studies
of the study was 400. The responses were recorded through a are needed to report most common abnormality prevalent
questionnaire. There were 200 responders from Aga Khan’s according to classification of Myelodysplastic syndrome.
Consulting Clinic and 100 each from Aga Khan’s Oncology
Clinic and KIRAN. Keywords: Primary, Myelodysplastic syndrome, cytogenetics
Results: Only 21% of the respondents chose biopsy as the best
test for diagnosis of cancer. The level of education was statistically
significant in making this choice of answer (p=0.03) only in 2.10
univariate analysis. 149 respondents (37 %) had a firm belief END OF LIFE CARE IN CANCER PATIENTS AT A
that biopsy could lead to spread of tumour. They considered TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN
tumour disturbance after biopsy as a major factor leading to its’
spread. Yasmin Abdul Rashid, Tayyaba Ansari, Nehal Masood,
Conclusion: Our study revealed that awareness regarding cancer Adnan Zaidi
diagnosis and biopsy is lacking among general public and it Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
does not co-relate well with the level of formal education. These
misconception and taboos need to be addressed in public seminars Objective: Introduction/ Background: The diagnosis of end stage
and in the media in order to increase awareness which could incurable cancer can be devastating for the family in anticipation
facilitate prompt diagnosis. of losing their loved one in addition to the financial burden
associated with the hospital care. Aggressive measures in terms
Keywords: Biopsy, belief, tumour spread of investigations and treatment are not always justified in a
person approaching end of life. It is sometimes family’s perception
that doctors are facilitating death by not doing much. But
2.8 extensive investigations/ antibiotics/nutrition may not benefit
CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES IN PRIMARY a patient dying with incurable illness. By this study we explored
MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME PERFORMED BY our current practices, the factors leading to order or withhold
CONVENTIONAL CYTOGENETICS aggressive measures, and overall family’s perception about this.
Objectives: To explore the current oncology practices of different
Anila Rashid, Mohammad Khurshid, Mohammad Usman Shaikh, diagnostic/therapeutic procedures and aggressive measures at
Salman Adil the end of life and family’s perceptions about this.
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Method: Consecutively admitted terminally ill patients treated
Karachi in oncology service of AKUH in whom death seemed imminent
were included. Performa A was filled by the investigating person
Objective: To determine the frequency of cytogenetic by reviewing the charts of expired patients and Performa ‘B’
abnormalities in patients diagnosed as primary myelodysplastic required consent of the family or decision making person of the
syndrome using conventional karyotyping in Pakistani population family.
Method: Patients of all age and sex who fulfilled the WHO Results: Interim analysis of 25 patients receiving end of life
criteria for MDS were included. Cytogenetic analysis was cancer care revealed that the predominant reason for hospital
conducted at the time of diagnosis. Patients who had previously admission was pain management (28%). Cost of hospital stay
received chemo/radiotherapy, and those with MDS secondary varied from 1 to 6 lacs which was borne by the patient and
to a previous malignancy were excluded from analysis. family in 16 (64%), by company in 7(28%) and by welfare
Chromosome identification and karyotype description was done support in 2 (8%) cases. All decision makers were aware of the
according to the International System for Chromosome meaning of the term End of life care but still felt strongly the
Nomenclature (ISCN, 1995). need for continuing aggressive measures in the last few days of
Results: A total of n=112 patients were diagnosed as primary life. 16 responders (64%) felt the need to provide nutrition
myelodysplastic syndrome. N=50 patients had their karyotype through parenteral or nasogastric route. 13 responders (52%)
done at the time of diagnosis. Of the n=50 patients, n=33 were agreed with the option for providing end of life care at home if
males (66%) and n=17 were females (34%). The median age adequate and satisfactory home based palliative care could be
was 58 years (range 1- 75 years). Only one patient was under guaranteed.
15 years of age. Out of n=50, n=5 (10%) were classified as RA, Conclusion: General goals of care need to be established in a
n=2 (4%) as RARS, n=23 (46%) as RCMD, n=1(2%) as RCMD- dying cancer patient. Clinicians should discuss specific treatments
RS, n=9(18%) as RAEB-I and n=10(20%) as RAEB-II. Among with patient/families and consider their preference for a scenario-
the 50 patients, n= 29 (58%) showed normal karyotype and specific intervention.
n=21 (42%) showed clonal karyotypic abnormalities at diagnosis,
of which, n=7 (14%) had single, n=6 (12%) had double and n=9 Keywords: End of life care, Aggressive measures, Family's
(18%) has complex cytogenetics. The common abnormalities perception
found were, trisomy8 in n=3 cases(6%), complex trisomy8 in
n=1 case(2%), -7/del(7q) (1/1cases) 4%, -Y in n=2 cases (4%),

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Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.11 only 0.015% of all gastrointestinal lymphomas. Only nine cases

EXTRACUTANEOUS MELANOMA – A SINGLE CENTER have been reported previously, eight of them were males and
EXPERIENCE one female. Approximately 50-80% of adult patients with
Burkitt’s lymphoma can be cured with intensive chemotherapeutic
Yasmin Abdul Rashid, Munira Moosajee, Nehal Masood, regimens. We describe here the tenth case of an adult male with
Omair Shakil appendiceal Burkitt’s mimicking acute appendicitis.
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Case Report: A 27 years old gentleman, presented to emergency
room with severe right iliac fossa pain and vomiting. Clinical
Background: Extracutaneous malignant melanoma (EMM) is a diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made and appendicectomy
very rare presentation of malignant melanoma comprising of was performed. On gross examination, appendix appeared to be
4% -5% of cases. It has an atypical clinical presentation, therefore thickened and involved by a tumor. Lymphadenopathy was not
the diagnosis is difficult to establish. Prognosis is particularly identified. Microscopically, there was a characteristic starry sky
grim. Here we report a single center experience in diagnosis appearance. CD20 was strongly positive and Mib-1 was positive
and management of EMM Objective: To explore the patterns of in 100% of cells. Additionally, CD 10 was positive and Bcl-2
presentation and outcomes of patients with extracutaneous was negative. These markers were most consistent with a
malignant melanoma in Aga Khan University Hospital diagnosis of Burkitt cell lymphoma. Staging work up including
Method: We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis only revealed cecal
with EMM at Aga Khan University in the last 10 years. thickening and sub centimeter para-aortic lymph nodes. Bone
Results: There were eight patients with EMM. These patients marrow aspirate and trephine was essentially normal. The only
were analyzed with regard to the site of presentation, age, sex, laboratory abnormality was a raised serum LDH level. In view
presence of lymph node or distant metastasis, primary treatment of high risk disease (extranodal disease and elevated LDH), he
modality and outcome Male to female ratio was 1:1. The median was treated with protocol developed by Magrath et al (LY06)
age at diagnosis was 51 yrs (range 28-89 yrs). The most common with four cycles of CODOX-M alternating with IVAC in
site of presentation was the anal canal (3 patients). Other sites combination with Rituximab. He tolerated this aggressive regimen
included colon (1 patient), vaginal wall (1patient), eye (1 patient), quite well with post-treatment scans showing complete resolution
nasal cavity (1 patient) and thumb (1 patient). Two patients had of cecal thickening. Response was consolidated with IFRT
evidence of distant metastasis at the time of presentation. Five (involved field radiation) (3600Gy in 20 fractions). He is currently
patients had locally advanced disease with either evidence of in follow up with the most recent scans showing no evidence
local extension and/or lymph node metastasis. In the non- of disease at 6 months. Our case is unique in the sense that it
metastasic setting, surgical resection was the most common is the first case of appendiceal burkitt’s
choice as the initial treatment modality. All of the patients lymphoma reported in the south east asian region.
relapsed. The median time to progression 3.1 months (range: Conclusion: Although rare, appendiceal burkitt’s can mimic
2.3 months – 56months). The most common sites of recurrence acute appendicitis and treatment should be started promptly due
was local relapse and to the draining lymph nodes. Dacarbazine to rapid doubling time.
was the initial treatment of choice at the time of metastasis.
Most of the patients were lost to follow up. Follow up data Keywords: Burkitt's lymphoma, Acute appendicitis,
beyond first relapse was only available on 3 patients. CODOX-M
Two of these patients had a long disease free interval of greater
than 3 years. All three patients eventually succumbed to the
disease. 2.13
Conclusion: EMM is a very difficult disease to diagnose and AORTIC THROMBOSIS IN A 55-YEAR-OLD PATIENT WITH
treat. Majority of the patients present with advanced disease. COLORECTAL CARCINOMA AND LIVER METASTASES:
Due to lack of established guidelines for management there is A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE
no standard of care
Adil Ayub, Dr Om parkash, Wasim Jafri
Keywords: Extracutaneous malignant melanoma, Treatment Department of Medical College,Aga Khan University, Karachi
modality, Outcome
Introduction: Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) is the fourth most
common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in
2.12 women worldwide. The increased risk of thromboembolic events
PRIMARY BURKITT’S LYMPHOMA OF APPENDIX - A associated with invasive procedures, chemotherapy,
CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE immobilization and malignancy induced hypercoagulable state
are well documented in Literature. Venous thrombi are often
Yasmin Abdul Rashid, Nehal Masood, Muhammad Kamran, associated with CRC and have been reported in literature, but
Munira Moosajee aorta is usually not a common site of thrombus formation in the
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi setting of CRC. We report a case of a descending aorta thrombus
in a patient with CRC and liver metastases, which arised without
Introduction: Involvement of appendix in Burkitt’s lymphoma any surgical intervention or chemotherapy and has not been
is a rare occurrence. Primary appendiceal Burkitt accounts for reported previously in literature.

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Conclusion: Aortic thrombosis may have devastating to have chemo-preventive effects against cancer in vitro and in
complications like peripheral embolism and may cause angina vivo.(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the major
and ischemia, so it requires prompt recognition and treatment. polyphenol of green tea. Numerous investigations have shown
the role of EGCG against cancer. However, it has been
Keywords: Colorectal Carcinoma, Aortic, Thrombosis demonstrated that in rat model only 0.2% of the orally
administered EGCG was absorbed from the intestine and the
rest being absorbed after degradation by the intestinal microflora.
2.14 The physical properties and pharmacokinetics of the catechins
PAPILLARY LESIONS OF BREAST: A were improved by the addition of various fatty acids at the C-
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL AND 3 hydroxy group of(-)-epigallocatechin. The purpose of our
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY IN PAKISTANI study is to do screening and examine the molecular mechanism
POPULATION of apoptosis induce by the active catechin derivatives
Method: Apoptosis were examined by annexin V FITC/PI
Khurram Minhas, Naila Kayani staining and by DNA fragmentation assay, Flow cytometry was
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, performend for mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive
Karachi oxygen species generation and for caspase 3 activity, western
blotting was performed for proteins
Objective: To describe the clinicopathological features of different Results: We found that one of the catechin conjugated with
papillary breast lesions seen in our population and to analyze capric acid [catechin-C10] was most potent to induce apoptosis
expression for Anti-smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin 5/6 in U937 cells. C10 treatment resulted in a significant increase
immunostain in these lesions. in reactive oxygen species (ROS)formation, mitochondrial
Method: Clinicopathological data of 100 cases of papillary membrane potential(MMP)loss, cytochrome c release caspase-
neoplasm is studied along with results of immunohistochemical 9 and caspase-3 activation. In addition to this C10 also activated
stains (Anti-smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin 5/6). extrinsic pathway significantly as evident by time-dependent
Hematoxylin and eosin stained slides of all cases were reviewed increase in Fas expression and caspase-8 activity. C10 mediated
to see the morphological features of the cases. cleavage of Bid may be an important event for cross talk between
Results: Of the 100 cases studied 83 cases were Papillomas, 08 intrinsic and extrinsic signaling.Treatment of cells with pan-
cases were papillary carcinoma in-situ and 9 cases were of caspase inhibitor significantly inhibited apoptosis indicating
Invasive papillary carcinomas. All the patients were females. that caspases are playing key role.
Papillomas were mostly seen in fifth decade, presenting as nipple Conclusion: In short our results showed that the optimal fatty
discharge while papillary carcinoma in-situ and invasive papillary acid side chain length is required for the apoptosis inducing
carcinomas presented in sixth decade, as a breast lump. activity of catechin derivatives in U937 cells.
Morphological features seen in papillomas were different from
those seen in the papillary carcinomas. Expression of cytokeratin Keywords: Catechin, Reactive oxygen species, Apoptosis
5/6 (basal cytokeratin) and Anti-smooth muscle actin
immunostains was moderate to strong in cases of papillomas
while it was weak to absent in cases of papillary carcinomas in- 2.16
situ and invasive papillary carcinomas. DEALING WITH DIVERSE DEMOGRAPHICS AND
Conclusion: Papillary lesions mostly occurs in fifth and sixth PATTERNS OF FAILURE OF SQUAMOUS CELL
decades of life with benign lesions occurring in a slightly younger CARCINOMA OF ESOPHAGUS IN THE ERA OF
age group than their malignant counterpart. Our study validates CHANGING SPECTRUM OF DISEASE
that in addition to the morphological features, basal cytokeratins
(cytokeratin 5/6) and myoepithelial cell markers (Anti smooth Tayyaba Zehra Ansari, Nehal Masood, Tooba Ansar, Saqiba
muscle actin) are helpful in order to arrive at the correct diagnosis Tahir, Fatima Shireen Yousuf, Inam Pal, Saeed Hamid
in difficult cases as well as in cases of papillary lesions Departments of Medicine and Surgey, Aga Khan University,
encountered on core biopsies Karachi

Keywords: Papillary neoplasms, Myoepithelial markers Objective: The best combination of multimodality treatment for
esophageal cancer remained intangible especially for squamous
pathology in the era of changing spectrum of the disease. We
2.15 conducted this study to study the diverse demographics of our
ROLE OF FATTY ACID CHAIN LENGTH ON THE patients and to report difference in recurrence pattern and
INDUCTION OF APOPTOSIS BY NEWLY outcome between two different pathologies of esophageal cancer
Method: The charts for this cross sectional study were reviewed
Kanwal Ahmed, Takashi Kondo from 2003 to 2008. The univariate analysis was done for
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan categorical variables of histology, gender, stage of the disease,
University, Karachi and University of Toyama, Japan post-surgical margin status and treatment received followed by
Multivariate analysis. The progression free survival (PFS) and
Objective: Green tea, extracted from Camellia sinensis, is a Overall survival (OS) were obtained by Kaplan Meier survival
commonly consumed beverage worldwide second only to water. curves. A stepwise Cox regression procedure was done to assess
It contains multiple polyphenolic components, which are reported the relative influence of prognostic factors on OS and PFS

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Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Results: 117 patients were analysed and the squamous cell 2.20
carcinoma was the predominant histological subtype i.e. 97 CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF FAMILIAL BREAST CANCER
patients (82.9%) had squamous cell carcinoma while 20 (17.1%) PATIENTS
had adenocarcinoma. The mean age was 52.5 years. The disease
was operable at presentation in 64 patients (54.7%), locally Farjad Siddiqui, Muniba Aban, Shahid Pervez, Afshan Pervaiz,
advanced in 25 patients (21.4%) and metastatic in 28 patients Tariq Moatter
(24%). The median follow up was 16 months. There were 47 Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
patients who were lost to follow before 16 months and out of Karachi
remaining 37 patients 21 had a recurrence. The pattern of
recurrence, however, was not very different between local and Objective: Introduction: In Pakistan, breast cancer is one the
distant. The median progression free survival for squamous and most frequent malignancy in females exhibiting the highest age
adenocarcinoma was 24 months and 36 months respectively but standardized rate (60 per 10000) among Asian population.
was not statistically different (p = 0.99). The Cox-regression Objective: The objective of this study is to compare disease free
analysis of PFS and overall survival was also not statistically survival time of familial and non-familial breast cancer patients
significant between two pathologies and the histopathological feature.
Conclusion: This highlighted the diverse features and Method: Overall, 53 breast cancer were recruited; 23 did not
management issues of esophageal cancer at our institution and reported family history whereas 30 patients exhibited moderate
the necessity for recruiting our patients in international multicenter family history. Fisher exact and Chi square test were used.
clinical trials to define the best treatment for this deadly disease Disease free survival was calculated by Kaplan Meier method.
with consideration of our epigenetics factors Results: Disease free survival was compared by Kaplan Meier
survival analysis. The median follow up time was 11 years and
Keywords: Esophageal cancer, recurrence, survival disease free survival time at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 48%
respectively patients with strong family history versus 70% for
patients without family history. The analysis showed that initial
2.18 disease free survival time at 5 years for familial breast cancer
ASSOCIATION OF CYCLOOXYGENASE2 ENZYME OVER was 60% but decreased with time due to higher rate of relapse
EXPRESSION WITH HER2 GENE AMPLIFICATION IN (41.4%). In this study, IDC was most common tumor type and
BREAST CANCER equally distributed in both groups. Higher frequency of ER
negative (50%) and PR negative (50%) was reported in familial
Muniba Aban, Shahid Pervez, Afshan Pervaiz, Farjad Siddiqui, group.
Rizwan Bashir, Adil Akber, Tariq Moatter Conclusion: Death specific rate of familial breast cancer patients
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, is higher than non-familial breast cancer
Karachi
Keywords: Breast cancer, survival, familial
Introduction: Association of Cyclooxygenase2 Enzyme Over
Expression With HER2 Gene Amplification in Breast Cancer
Objective: To assess COX2 expression in HER2 positive breast 2.21
cancer patients. INVOLVEMENT OF THREE AND FOUR BREAKOINT
Method: For this study 100 formalin fixed paraffin embedded CHROMOSOMAL REARRANGEMENTS IN
tissue samples were collected from female breast cancer patients. PHILADELPHIA POSITIVE CML PATIENTS IN PAKISTANI
Sections of 4-5 µm were cut for immunohistochemistry. POPULATION
Immunostaining was performed using COX2 specific monoclonal
antibody (clone Cx-294). In addition, prognostic marker including Sarwat Maroof, Zahida Latif Khilji, Mohammad Khurshid,
ER, PR, and HER2 were immunostained using published Natasha Ali, Farzana Murad, Sarmad Ali, Samuel Sharif,
protocols. Mahesh Kumar
Results: Immunohistoreactivity of COX2 was evaluated in 100 Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
specimens. Mean age of the patients was 50 years ±12.57; of Karachi
the total samples, 56 % were negative for COX2 expression,
19% showed weak positivity; whereas 3% samples exhibited Objective: To study the involvement of three and four breakpoint
focal and 21% samples were strong positive for COX2 staining chromosomal rearrangments in Philadelphia positive CML
.Total immunoreactivity was observed in 43% tumors. COX2 patients and to find out the percentages of chromosomes that
staining was significantly associated with ductal tumor type. are involved to the greatest and least extent in complex variant
Elevated COX2 expression was more frequent (50%) in high translocations, and ratios in males and female patients.
grade tumors and ER negatives 69.2%. Method: Cytogenetic studies were performed on metaphase cells
Conclusion: HER2 positive patients with ductal tumor type can derieved from 24 hours unstimulated bone marrow aspirate or
benefit from COX2 inhibitors because of significantly higher peripheral blood cultures. Colcemid (0.1µg/ml) was added for
COX2 expression levels. 1 hour to cultures after 24hr incubation at 37°C and 5% CO2.
After incubation in hypotonic solution (0.07M KCl) for 10 min,
Keywords: HER2, COX2, immunohistochemistry cells were fixed with Corney’s fixative (3 part methanol to 1
part glacial acetic acid). Metaphase cells were G-banded and
karyotypes were interpreted according to 2009, ISCN.

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Results: In 6 month of our study; out of 105 Philadelphia positive 2.23

Pakistani patients, 20 patients were found to have three and four SURGERY FOR GASTRIC CANCER IN PAKISTAN: A
breakpont complex variant translocation involving chromosomes DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTATION, SURGICAL
1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 21. G-banding TREATMENT AND IN-HOSPITAL OUTCOMES.
showed a reciprocal three-way and four-way translocation
involving bands 1q25 and 1q35, 2p22, 4p16, 6p23, 7q11.2, Najiha Billal Farooqi, Sana Naeem, Nabeel Zafar,
8p11.2, 11q23, 12p11.2, 13q14, 14q32, 15q24 and 15q25, Rizwan Khan
16q11.2, 17q11.2, 19q13.3, 21q10 and 21q22 and Xq24. 4 Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
patients had hyperploidies alongwith t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) and
remaining had simple or mosaic t(9;22)(q34;q11.2)translocation. Objective: Surgery for gastric cancer is often curative. However,
In our study chromosome 4 has the greastest involvement with there is insufficient data from Pakistan depicting the presentation
13.63%, while chromosome 2,8,11,14 and X has the least and prognosis of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.
involvement with 4.54%. Males patients had the greater Method: We reviewed medical record of patients undergoing
involvement in such translocations than females while surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma from 1995 to 2010. A
hyperploidies were found in greater ratio in females than males. standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on
Conclusion: Chromosome 4 has the greatest involvement in demographics, presentation, risk factors, tumor characteristics,
complex variant Philadelphia positive patients. Males have management and post-operative outcomes. Descriptive analyses
greater involvement in such translocations than females in were performed.
Pakistani population. Results: We reviewed 86 records. The mean age was 51 years
(± 11.7), 80% were male and the mean BMI was 22(±5.5)
Keywords: CML, Complex variant translocations, 3-4 breakpoint Kg/m2. Common presenting complaints were abdominal
rearrangements discomfort (64%), persistent nausea and vomiting (65.1%), loss
of appetite (52.3%) and altered bowl habits (61.6%). Mean
duration of symptoms was 8(±16) months. 57% had significant
2.22 examination findings. Risk factors were present in 70% including
UTILITY OF CA15-3 AS A SERUM MARKER IN BREAST H Pylori infection (38%), type A blood group (51%) and smoking
CANCERS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL (37%). The tumor was mostly involved in the pylorus (61%)
and antrum (49%). Only 10% surgeries were palliative. Subtotal
Tahreem Aman Mir, Zunera Tariq, Ghazala Naureen, gastrectomy was the most common procedure (40%). 52% of
Naila Kayani, Nehal Masood Shaista Khan, Ayesha H. Khan tumors were poorly differentiated on histopathology and 71%
Aga Khan University, Karachi had a stage of 3 or more. Postoperative complications occurred
in 26% patients. Median length of hospital stay was 12 days
Objective: To assess the clinical utility of tumor marker CA15- and only 1 patient died during hospital stay.
3 in breast cancer at a tertiary care hospital. Conclusion: Patients with gastric cancer often present late and
Method: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of all after several months of symptoms. Most patients have significant
patients who were tested for CA15-3 at the clinical laboratory history and exam findings and regular screening maybe beneficial.
of The Aga Khan University Hospital was performed. Data was In-hospital outcomes after gastric cancer surgery are good;
collected using a predetermined questionnaire. Records were however a study on long term survival is warranted.
reviewed for symptoms at presentation, extent of disease using
various imaging techniques, final histological diagnosis with Keywords: gastric adenocarcinoma, gastrectomy
prognostic factors such as tumor size, 5Her2/Neu, 5ER and 5PR
status, clinical stage and grade. CA15-3 levels were determined
by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. A cutoff of 30 was used. 2.24
The data was analyzed using SPSS v. 19. VIRAL MARKER NEGATIVE AND VIRAL MARKER
Results: Ninety four patients were included in our study, with POSITIVE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: DOES THE
a mean age of 50.4 years. The mean CA15-3 level at diagnosis DIFFERENCE EXIST? EXPERIENCE OF LAST 10 YEARS
was 38.81, with elevated CA15-3 value in 16 patients. Mean AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN
post therapeutic level at remission was 30.34. CA 15-3 Levels
at diagnosis were significantly high among patients Her/2Nue Amna Subhan Butt, Ashfaq Ahmad, Maryam Ghufran, Ammar
Status +2 (p= 0.008). High CA 15-3 levels at diagnosis were Israr, Bilal Ahmad, Zaigham Abbas, Wasim Jafri, Tanveer-ul-
observed in patients at Clinical Stage IV (p< 0.001) and with Haq, Saeed Hamid
Tumor Grade III (p<0.05). CA 15-3 post therapeutic levels and Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
levels at remission were significantly different among patients
at clinical stage I - IV. Objective: HCC is the fifth most common cancer representing
Conclusion: Significant association of CA 15-3 Levels at almost 6% of all newly diagnosed cancers globally. This study
diagnosis was observed with clinical Stage and tumor grade. estimate the prevalence and trends of viral marker negative HCC
CA15-3 is an effective disease marker for assessing locally and to compare the clinico-pathological, radiological
advanced breast cancer and in remission. characteristics, stage of HCC, applicability of treatment at
diagnosis and prognostic factors among patients with viral
Keywords: Cancer, breast, CA15-3 marker negative and viral-HCC visiting The Aga Khan university
hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan.

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Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Method: This was a retrospective cross sectional study. females with a mean age of 61 ± 13.1 years (range from 27 to
Patients = 18 years, already diagnosed to have HCC visiting 87 years). Of 201 patients, 31 were excluded from the study
the Gastroenterology ward, clinics of AKUH during January because of inadequate follow up and missing data. The mean
1999 to December 2009 were identified from our data base by follow up was 5.7 years (range 6 months to 11 years).The overall
using ICD code 1550. The diagnosis of HCC was made by survival was 55% with disease specific survival being 66%.
combination of elevated alfa fetoprotein (AFP) (>20ng/ml) with Patients with pathological stage T0 at cystectomy have 87%
characteristic features of HCC on triple-phase computerized DSS compared to 60%, in patients with pT4 (p=0.705). The OS
tomography (CT) scan/ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or for node positive patients was 16%, compared to 60% for node
in the absence of elevated AFP when the concurrent results were negative patients (p<0.01). Pathological stage, number of nodes
found on CT scan/MRI, in the presence of background chronic removed and histopathological variance demonstrated differences
liver disease, with or without histological verification. Staging in DSS and OS.
and classification of HCC was done by lesion size, Okuda Conclusion: RC and PLND is a standard procedure for MIBC
classification and macroscopic types. Binary and multinomial and high grade bladder tumor. Pathological stage at RC and
logistic regression was used to analyze the data. lymph node involvement are predictors for DSS and OS.
Results: 700 patients with cirrhosis and HCC visited AKUH Histopathological variance is an independent risk factor
during 1999 and 2009. There were 546 (84.7%) viral-HCC and determining the outcome.
99(15.3%) viral marker negative HCC. Among viral-HCC group
the underlying etiology of cirrhosis was HCV in majority (67.9%) Keywords: MIBC, Radical cystectomy (RC), histopathological
of the cases followed by HBV in 119(21.8%). However, variant
concomitant HBV and HDV or HBV with HCV or HBV with
HCV and HDV were found in 56(10.3%) cases. The overall
mean child’s score and Okuda score at presentation were 9.29 2.27
± 2.31 (range 5-15). 424(65.7%) patients had AFP = 20 ng/ml CANCER AMONG ADULTS WITH SEVERELY MENTAL
and 266(41.2%) had AFP = 200 ng/ml. Majority (62.8%) patients DISORDER
had advanced HCC on presentation and right hepatic lobe was
involved in 60%. Larger tumor size (p <0.001), shorter duration Rahim Merchant, Shabnez Habib, Hina Ali, Razia Shaheen,
between diagnosis of cirrhosis and HCC (p 0.03), concomitant Zara Rafiq
DM (<0.001) were found significant factors associated with Nursing Services and School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan
viral arker negative HCC. University, Karachi
Conclusion: Viral marker negative HCC are not uncommon in
Pakistan. Patients with viral marker negative HCC tended not Introduction: Recently, the researchers have become increasingly
to be under surveillance as compared to viral-HCC and diagnosed interested in the physical health status of adults with serious
mostly when became symptomatic. mental illness. The relationship between cancer and associated
major psychological disturbances such as high prevalence of
Keywords: HCC, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C depression, low self-esteem, low mood, feeling of aggression
and anxiety is clearly established in the previous studies. However
these studies have failed to recognize the trend of cancer among
2.25 mentally ill patients; very less is known about cancer in mentally
IMPACT OF HISTOPATHOLOGICAL VARIANT ON THE ill population. purpose This paper highlights the risk factors,
OUTCOME OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADICAL determinants and challenges associated with mentally ill patients
CYSTECTOMY so that the need of this neglected group is addressed by health
care community.
Mehwash Nadeem, Hammad Ather Method: Systematic review of literature from 2006 to 2010.
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: According to Howard, L. M., Barley, E. A., Davies, E.,
etal, (2010) Women diagnosed with severe mental illness like
Objective: To assess the impact of different histopathological schizophrenia might be at greater risk for developing breast
variants of bladder cancer on morbidity and mortality of patients cancer due to the lower parity and fertility of women with
who underwent radical cystectomy. psychiatric disorders. Moreover there are other risk factors such
Method: Retrospective analysis of 201 patients was done, who as poor diet, too little exercise, drug abuse and other associated
underwent radical cystectomy (RC) and bilateral pelvic medical problems that increases risk of prostate cancer in men
lymphadenectomy (PLND) with urinary diversion for muscle with severely mental disturbance to Werneke,There are barriers
invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in past 23 years (1988 to 2010). to attendance in national screening program of Women with
Inclusion criteria: All patients above 14 years who underwent severe mental health problems such as breast screening which
RC for bladder cancer. Exclusion criteria: Patients with follow prevent in early diagnosis and prevention of cancer.
up < 6 months and those with missing data. Demographics as Conclusion: In brief, there is a diminished reporting of cancer
well as clinicopathological parameters including histopathological among mentally disturb population. Health care personal
variant, stage, number of nodes removed and margin status were have greater responsibility to plan effective intervention; to
reviewed. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate these promote the wellbeing of this vulnerable group of
parameters for disease specific survival (DSS) and overall population.
survival (OS).
Results: Out of 201 patients, 84% were males and 16% were Keywords: Cancer, mental health, young adults

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.28 were 36 (19%) cases of small cell carcinoma and 155 cases of
WHIPPLE PROCEDURE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER: non-small cell carcinoma (Squamous 43%, adenocarcinoma
‘PANCREATICOGASTROSTOMY VS 18%, large cell or undifferietiated 19%). ECOG functional status
PANCREATICOJEJUNOSTOMY’ A REVIEW ARTICLE was 2 and 3 in 72(38%) and 53(28%) cases respectively. 66(35%)
received chemotherapy, 36(19%) radiation therapy and 43(23%)
Sameer Ur Rehman, Fahad Shabbir Ahmed, Abid Jamal underwent surgery. Survival data were available in 83 cases.
Medical College, Aga Khan University, Medical College, Jinnah The overall median survival was 8 months (range 0.96- 84):
Medical and Dental College, Surgey, Patel Hospital, Karachi with 24 patients surviving =1 year, 10 =2 years and 1 patient
>5years.
Objective: Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes Conclusion: Mostly men who are either current or ex-smokers
of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The definite are affected. Distribution of cell type and location are similar
s u rg i c a l m a n a g e m e n t f o r p a n c r e a t i c c a n c e r i s in Pakistan to other developed countries. The overall median
pancreaticoduodenectomy with implantation of remnant of survival remains poor despite a significantly large proportion
pancreas in the stomach (Pancreaticogastrostomy) or the jejunum undergoing accepted standards of treatment.
(Pancreaticojejunostomy).
Method: An extensive search was done on studies comparing Keywords: Lung cancer, treatment, survival
the two operative approaches and their outcomes.
Results: Operative mortality following pancreatoduodenectomy
results essentially from a pancreatojejunal anastomosis leakage. 2.30
Pancreaticogastrostomy is an alternative method of restoring PARTICIPATION OF ONCOLOGY PATIENT IN CLINICAL
pancreatic-intestinal continuity which has been employed by a DECISION MAKING: A SYSTEMIC REVIEW
number of instituitions showing much reduced operative mortality.
The technique is not difficult and there seems to be less tendency Mahreen Peer Muhammad, Shaista Feroz Ali Boricha, Farah
for the anastomosis to leak. Naz Farid
Conclusion: Following Whipple resection, restoration of Medical College Ziauddin University, College of Nursing Aga
pancreatic-intestinal continuity has usually been done between Khan University, School of Nursing/midwifery, Aga Khan
the pancreas and upper jejunum. This stitch line has at times University
been unsuccessful, frequently as the result of postoperative
pancreatitis, causing hemorrhage, abscess, and fistula formation. Objective: Advancement in the cancer treatment has lengthened
On the other hand sutures between the pancreas and the stomach the survival rate. The trend in clinical decision making over a
(pancreaticogatrostomy) seem more secure than between the period of time has been changed from passive involvement to
pancreas and the jejunum since the stomach has a thicker wall collaborative approach. This transition has brought forth by the
and the anastomosis can be reinforced from within the lumen advancement in technology that has affected the patient’s
of the stomach. In conclusion, this method of restoration of readiness to participate in decision making. Therefore, it is the
pancreatic-intestinal continuity merits widespread utilization responsibility of health care providers to assess the patient’s
due to its simplicity and safety. preference regarding decision making.
Method: A comprehensive literature search was carried out to
Keywords: Pancreatic cancer, whipple surgery, operative explore available literature on patient’s involvement in decision
outcome making for oncology treatment. Online databases including
PubMed, Science Direct, and CINAHL were searched. In
addition, manual search was also done by accessing available
2.29 articles in periodical library.
1. SURVIVAL DATA AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS SEEN Results: The role of patient in decision making differs during
IN PAKISTANI PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER the course of treatment. It has been reported that at initial stage
of illness the preferred decision making role remain consistent
Ayesha Afzal, A S Haque, M Irfan, JA Khan with the actual role. However, discrepancies have been noted
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi in the later stage of illness. It has been identified that as patient
became more aware about their disease condition and available
Objective: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer- treatment options, they want to play an active role in decision
related deaths in Pakistan. There is dearth of local data on making.
survival and prognostic factors. Conclusion: Patient participation in clinical decision
Method: We did a retrospective review 189 cases making varied at a great level. In order to raise patient’s
(histopathologically confirmed) seen at the Aga Khan University satisfaction, health care providers should consider patient’s
Hospital, Karachi. perspective during decision making process of oncology
Results: Mean age +/- SD was 60.7 +/- 11 years. 156 (82%) treatment.
were men. 156 (83%) were current or ex-smokers. Commonest
comorbids were hypertension in 59 (31%) and Diabetes in 47 Keywords: Oncology, decision making, patient participation
(25%). Cough and weight loss were the most frequent symptoms
in 150 (79%) and 121(64%) cases respectively. Anemia in
49(26%) and cachexia in 13(7%) were the commonest detected
signs. CXR showed a central mass in 96 (51%) and a pleural
effusion in 70 (37%). 148(78%) underwent bronchoscopy. There

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Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.31 considered Mid-life PSA to have prognostic significance and

COMPARISON OF SURVIVAL AFTER SURGICAL AND 37 % each considered octant biopsy and 12 core biopsy to be
NONSURGICAL TREATMENT IN SEPTUAGENARIANS adequate for a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Vast majority of
WITH MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER responders (63%) considered rising PSA to be an indication for
repeat biopsy and similarly 70% were reluctant to do it in patients
Syed Johar Raza, Ghulam Murtaza, Rajab Ali Ghirano, on aspirin. Regarding practices of antibiotic prophylaxis, 44%
M Hammad Ather considered combination of Flouroquinolones and Metronidazole
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi to be an appropriate regimen. Twenty six percent of responders
did not consider any analgesia following prostate biopsy and
Objective: Radical Cystectomy (RC) is the gold standard 37% left it to the person performing the biopsy. Thirty percent
treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), and its of the responders correctly identified the risk of sepsis following
effectiveness has been proven in the elderly patients. However prostate biopsy.
the alternate treatment modalities like radiation therapy are Conclusion: Overall knowledge of urologist is variable between
usually offered or considered due to related co morbid conditions one area to another ranging from very poor to excellent. Most
or fear of operative morbidity. This study aims at determining of the practices were against the recommended guidelines. In
the overall survival of elderly patients who underwent RC, with view of these conclusions, more efforts are needed to direct a
those who had an alternate treatment. guideline based urological practice, offering improved standard
Method: We retrospectively reviewed the patients, more than of care for a third world population.
70 years of age, diagnosed with MIBC. Patients were divided
into 2 groups, surgical and non-surgical treatment. Overall Keywords: PSA, Prostate biopsy, KAP
survival was determined for both the groups, using appropriate
tests
Results: A total of 47 patients were analyzed, with 29 undergoing 2.33
RC and 18 having AT. Both groups were comparable in terms SURVIVAL DATA AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS SEEN
of mean age, gender distribution, mean Charlson’s Index and T IN PAKISTANI PATIENTS WITH LUNG CANCER
stage. There was a single mortality seen with in 30 day period,
with overall 30 day complication rate of 47% following RC. A Afzal, AS Haque, M Irfan
Overall only 1 patient was alive in the AT group while 10 patients Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi
were alive in RC group. The mean survival time was 48 months
in RC group in comparison with 21 months in AT group, which Objective: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-
was statistically significant. The 5 year overall survival was related death in Pakistan. There is dearth of local data on issues
60% and 20% in RC and AT groups respectively. related to lung cance Objectives To study the risk factors, clinical
Conclusion: RC improves the overall survival in elderly patients, characteristics, pathologic findings and outcome of patients with
with 60% overall 5 year survival. The complication and mortality lung cancer.
rates are comparable. Method: We did a retrospective review 189 cases
(histopathologically confirmed) seen at the Aga Khan University
Keywords: Radical cystectomy, survival, septugenarians Hospital, Karachi.
Results: 156 (82%) were men. Mean age +/- SD was 60.7 +/-
11 years. 156 (82%) were current or ex-smokers . Commonest
2.32 comorbids were hypertension in 59 (31%) and diabetes in 47
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING (25%). Cough and weight loss were the most frequent symptoms
PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) AND PROSTATE in 150 (79%) and 121 (64%) cases respectively. Anemia in 49
BIOPSY (26%) and cachexia in 13 (7%) were the commonest detected
signs. CXR showed a central mass in 96 (51%) and a pleural
Syed Muhammad Nazim, S J Raza, M Hammad Ather effusion in 70 (37%). 148 (78%) underwent bronchoscopy. There
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi were 36 (19%) cases of small cell carcinoma and 155 cases of
non-small cell carcinoma (Squamous 43%, adenocarcinoma
Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice 18%, large cell or undifferietiated 19%). ECOG functional status
of urology residents and consultants regarding prostate specific was 2 and 3 in 72 (38%) and 53 (28%) cases respectively. 66
antigen (PSA) and prostate biopsy. (35%) received chemotherapy, 36 (19%) radiation therapy and
Method: This study was conducted at the monthly meeting of 43 (23%) underwent surgery. Survival data were available in
PAUS in December 2010 held at AKUH. A verbal informed 86 cases. The overall median survival was 8 months (range 0.96-
consent was obtained from all participants and they were given 84): with 24 patients surviving =1year, 10 =2 years and 1 pat
a questionnaire regarding PSA and prostate biopsy. The responses ent >5years.
were grouped into excellent (>80%), good (60 to 79%), average Conclusion: Mostly men who are either current or ex-smokers
(40 to 59%), poor (20 to 39%) and very poor (<20%). are affected. Distribution of cell type and location are similar
Results: Total number of responders were 27, with 12 (45%) in Pakistan to other developed countries. The overall median
consultants and 15 (55%) residents. Only 11 % gave correct survival remains poor despite a significantly large proportion
answer with regard to the normal (median) value of PSA, while undergoing accepted standards of treatment.
only one third of the responders considered PSA velocity to be
the most important marker for prostate biopsy. Thirty percent Keywords: Lung, cancer, survival data

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Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.34 cancers i.e. T3 and T4 lesions was Laryngectomy or in some

IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTIONS ON 5HT3 selective cases conservative laryngeal surgery. Over a period of
ANTAGONIST PRESCRIBING AND OVERALL two decades the treatment strategies for laryngeal cancer have
MANAGEMENT OF CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED undergone a paradigm shift with usage of chemo-radiotherapy
NAUSEA AND VOMITING (CINV) with the intent of organ preservation. Organ preservation protocol
Include, RT where upto 70 gy radiation dose is given in 35
Nadia Ayoub, Salwa Ahsan, Aasma Hamid fractions, induction chemotherapy in which chemo is given
Department of Pharmacy Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi before definitive RT and Concurrent CRT in which radiotion
and chemotherapy is given simultaneously. Most publications
Background: Ondansetron utilization for (CINV) increased to do not report the rate of patients alive without a feeding tube or
70% in our institution. According to literature reports, tracheostomy dependency. Results are generally incomplete,
Ondansetron has demonstrated equal efficacy as that of other reporting survival and preservation rate only, but without data
5HT3 antagonists but has somewhat higher cost. In our formulary about quality of life.Objective: The primary objective of our
another 5 HT3 receptor antagonist is also available i.e. study was to see outcome organ preservation protocol in advanced
Granisetron. Dosing frequency of Ondansetron is 8mg q8h with laryngeal carcinomas in terms of organ preservation, complication
cost Rs 3291/day, while that of Granisetron is 3mg once daily and disease free survival.
having cost Rs 784/day, therefore we started restricting Method: Material & Method: Study Design is retrospective
Ondansetron use, and switched patients with CINV to Granisetron review ,at Aga Khan University Hospitaland Duration of study
wherever possible during multidisciplinary clinical rounds. Nov. 2006 – Nov. 2009 with the Sample size:25 Inclusion
OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate the impact Criteria: All patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma who
of pharmacist intervention on Ondansetron prescribing and underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy Exclusion Criteria:
associated cost saving. Whereas secondary objective was to Previous surgery,T1 & T2
evaluate overall antiemetic prescribing based on ASCO and Results: Result: Over all organ preservation is 80% .Functioning
NCCN guidelines organ preservation is 64%.
Method: Pharmacist reviews the profiles of patients admitted in Conclusion: Organ preservation protocol has favorable
oncology and evaluates 5HT3 antagonist prescribing, as well as outcome in stage III disease whereas its role in stage IV is
prior antiemetics. Prescribers are contacted when necessary and questionable.
orders are switched from Ondansetron to Granisetron where
possible. Interventions were logged in the computerized pharmacy Keywords: Advance laryngeal, carcinoma, radiotherapy
system. Data was collected from system and intervention
analyzed.
Results: Interventions data related to antiemetic prescribing 2.37
depicted a total of 103 Interventions between September 2010 IS RISK MALIGNANCY INDEX A USEFUL TOOL FOR
to August 2011. These are classified as follows: 1. duplication PREDICTING MALIGNANT OVARIAN MASSES IN
of same class 5HT3 receptors 22.3% 2. Addition of other DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?
antiemetic drugs like corticosteroids 19.4% 3. switch of
Ondansetron to Granisetron 24% 4. no need of antiemetic drugs Aliya B.Aziz, Nida Najmi
22% 5. wrong diluent 6.79% 6. IV to oral change 7.7% Overall Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aga Khan University,
cost saving during this period was approximately RS 59760. Karachi
Conclusion: Our result demonstrates that pharmacist intervention
has a favorable impact on 5HT3 receptor prescribing and leads Objective: Risk of malignancy index has been widely studied
to improved adherence to standards of care practice guidelines for prediction of malignant pelvic masses in western population,
in management of CINV. however, little is known regarding its implication in the developing
countries. The objective of this study is to determine how
accurately the RMI can predict the malignant pelvic masses.
2.35 Method: This was a retrospective review of charts conducted at
ADVANCED LARYNGEAL CANCER FOR ORGAN The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Those
FUNCTION PRESERVATION WITH CONCURRENT patients who came to the Gynecological clinic between January
CHEMO-RADIOTHERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS 2004 to December 2008 with adnexal masses were identified
FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL by means of IDC-9CM coding system. The files of these patients
were reviewed for collecting information related to demographic
Asif Ali Arain, Shabbir Akhtar, Nadeem.Abbasi, M Shaheryar characteristics, ultrasound findings, menopausal status, CA 125
A Rajput, Naeem Sultan Ali, Adeel.Kahn and histopathology. Patients with advanced stage disease were
Department of Surgery and Radiology, Aga Khan University, excluded. The RMI for each of these patients were calculated
Karachi based on the standard formula.
Results: A total of 283 women were included in the analysis.
Objective: Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head When analyzing the individual parameters of RMI, the best
& neck tumors in Pakistan and about 12000 new cases diagnosed predictor for malignancy was ultrasound with the sensitivity,
each year in USA. There is no controversy in the treatment of specificity and positive likelihood ratio of 78.3%, 81.5% and
early laryngeal Ca but on the other hand there is controversy in 4.2 respectively. The positive likelihood ratio of RMI at the
the management of the advance laryngeal Ca (stage III or stage standard cut off value of 250 was 8.1 while at the cut off of 200;
IV).Till the end of last century, the standard therapy for advanced it was 6.8 with comparable sensitivity and specificity.

15
Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Conclusion: RMI is a sensitive tool in predicting malignant disease; therefore, elective neck treatment should be considered.
adnexal masses. A cut off of 200 may be suitable in developing Considering the patterns of occult metastasis, we conclude that
countries for triaging and early referrals to tertiary care centers. level IV and V are at a relatively lower risk and therefore selective
neck dissection for level I, II and III should be recommended
Keywords: RMI, Ovarian Masses, mallignant for neck clearance.

Keywords: Occult Nodal Metastasis , oral cavity

2.38
FREQUENCY AND PATTERN OF OCCULT NODAL
METASTASIS IN ORAL CAVITY CANCERS 2.39
STUDIES ON PROSTASPHERE FORMING CELLS
Asif Ali Arain, Anwar Suhail, M Shaheryar A Rajput, FROM PROSTATE EPITHELIAL CELL LINES
Naeem Sultan Ali, Mohammad Adeel Khan
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Muhammad Kamran1, Sheerien Rajput1, Muhammad Khalid1,
Anwar Ali Siddiqui2, El-Nasir Lalani1
Objective: Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma is the most Department of 1Microbiology & Pathology and 2Biological &
common head and neck cancer and constitutes more then 90% Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
of all oral cavity cancers. In two studies from Pakistan oral
cavity cancer is stated to be the second most common tumor Background/Objective: Recent advances in cancer research have
(both in male and female). ,Tobacco, alcohol, pan and betel nut suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in
are the factors usually implicated in its development. Oral cavity initiation, disease progression, invasion, drug resistance and
cancer has well known potential to metastasize to the neck nodes. recurrence of several cancers including prostate cancer. These
The presence of cervical lymphadenopathy is an independent CSCs constitute a minor subpopulation (<1%) within a tumor
predictor of poor survival. So the management of cervical nodes and are resistant to conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy
metastasis is of paramount importance in the treatment of oral and hormonal-ablation therapy. The origin of these cancer-
cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Occult metastasis (micro initiating cells is still obscure. However, several lines of evidence
metastasis) is defined as histological involvement of cervical suggest that they arise by dedifferentiation of terminally-
lymph node without clinical or radiological evidence of disease differentiated cells or oncogenic transformation of normal
(N0). The incidence of micro metastases can be as high as 32% stem/early progenitor cells. The prostate early progenitor and
in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity. - To determine the stem cells have the ability to form prostaspheres. These
frequency of occult neck node metastasis in patients with oral multicellular spheres are formed in anchorage-independent
cavity squamous cell carcinoma 2-To Determine the frequency cultures. The CSC prostaspheres can be studied to unravel the
of micro metastasis involving from level I to level V in patients biology, biomarkers and therapeutic targets of CSCs. The
with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma objective of current study was to isolate and expand stem cells
Method: Total 50 patients included in the study. The mean age from immortalized and transformed prostate epithelial cells
was 47 (range 25 – 72). There were 38 (76%) males and 12 utilizing prostasphere cultures.
(24%) females. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria admitted Method: Three cell lines were used in this study: a. BPH-1 and
at Aga Khan University hospital informed consent was taken; PTN-1B - SV 40 immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell
all patients underwent level I to level V neck node clearance. lines and b. DAR 19 androgen-receptor transfected tumorigenic
Whole specimen was sectioned in each container by DU145 cell line. These cell lines were grown in complete media
histopathologist and was reported according to level of and subjected to Magnetic Assisted Cell Sorting (MACS) using
involvement. All data including age, sex ,tumor site, size and CD133 Microbead Kit (Miltenyi Biotech) according to
frequency of involvement of neck node from level I to level V manufacturer’s instructions. Sorted CD133+ and CD133- cells
was entered in proforma. Data was analyzed on SPSS 16 software. were cultured separately in serum-free DMEM at low seeding
Using descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages were density (1000 cells/ml) in non-adherent culture conditions for
calculated for lymph node involvement as well as level I to level prostasphere formation and cultured over 4 weeks. Cells were
V. Mean and standard deviation were computed for quantitative photographed at regular intervals.
variables like age. Frequencies and percentages were also Result: The proportion of CD133+ subpopulation in BPH-1,
computed for gender, site of tumor and TNM classification. PTN-1B and DAR19 was 6%, 12% and 1.7%, respectively.
Results were stratified by age, gender, site of tumor and TNM Prostasphere formation was observed in DAR 19 CD133+ cells
stage and size but not in CD133- cells. In contrast, no prostaspheres were
Results: Out of 50 patients 27 (54%) patients found positive on observed in BPH-1 and PTN-1B CD133+/- subpopulations.
final histopathology as shown in table VI. Then among positive Conclusion: These data indicate the presence of cancer stem-
patients we further looked at separate levels (table VI) to find like/progenitor cells in the androgen-responsive transformed
out pattern of nodal metastasis from level I to level IV. DAR19 cell line only.
Involvement At level I 44%, level II 32%, level III 14%, level
IV 4% and none of our patient had metastasis at level V. Keyword: Prostosphere, cell lines,
Conclusion: In conclusion, the risk for an occult neck metastasis
is high in patients with early oral cavity SCC as well as advanced

16
Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.40 in different hematopoietic cell lines and malignancies was

ENRICHMENT OF STEM CELL-LIKE CELLS FROM searched.
AKU-BC1: A BREAST CANCER LINE ESTABLISHED AT Results: Seventeen out of 1200 reviewed articles were found to
AKU address the expression of MUC1 in hematological disorders.
Only 1 commentary and 1 review, partly discussing the role of
Syed Zulfiqar Ali Naqvi1, Nazia Riaz1,3, Jibran Tariq1, Shaista MUC1 in hematopoietic cells was found. The total number of
Khan3, Anwar Ali Siddiqui2, El-Nasir Lalani1 completely characterized hematological cell lines is documented
Departments of 1Pathology & Microbiology, 2Biological & to be > 400. Thirty two cell lines were analyzed for the expression
Biomedical Sciences, 3Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi of MUC1 in which 15 were reported to be positive while 17
were negative.
Introduction: Cancer stem cell (CSC) pool is present in tumors Conclusion: Literature suggests that MUC1 stabilizes the
and in established cell lines, responsible for their continued expression of Bcr-Abl protein in chronic myeloid leukemia
growth; however, they have yet not been fully characterized. (CML) blasts and promotes pathogenesis by blocking apoptosis
CSCs exhibits resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and differentiation whereas favoring self-renewal. Multiple
resulting in disease recurrence. CSCs are known to form spheres myeloma (MM) cells are also reported to be dependent upon
and can be maintained in vitro using serum-deprived conditions. MUC1 for their growth and survival. Inhibiting MUC1 resulted
This study aims to enrich CSC population from AKU-BC1 using in tumor regression and reduced recurrence. Considering the
single cell cloning. importance of MUC1 in hematopoietic malignancies, its
Methodology: Single cell clones (SCC) were established in 96- expression in different cell lines and lineages could be exploited
well plates using complete medium. To isolate CSCs, SCCs for a better understanding for its potential as an oncogene and
were cultured in serum-deprived (SDM) and 2% serum containing a functional marker in hematopoietic cells.
medium (M2F) for six weeks. SCCs were assessed for their
growth and sphere forming ability. Further these clones were
characterized for the expression of AR, ER-b, PR, Her-2/neu, 2.42
MUC1, E-Cadherin, and RPLP0 by semi quantitative RT-PCR CD133+ SUBPOPULATION OF DU145 CELLS FORM
and results were compared with parental cell line. PROSTASPHERES EXPRESSING STEM- LIKE
Results: Five SCCs were established from AKU-BC1, namely PROPERTIES
A7, D8, D10, D11 and E7. Two clones formed spheres in SDM
and M2F, two clones did not survive while one grew only as Muhammad Khalid1, Sadia Habib1, Anwar Ali Siddiqui1 2,
monolayer. In complete medium, these spheres differentiated El-Nasir Lalani1
and grew as monolayer with differential expression levels of Departments of 1Pathology & Microbiology, 2Biological and
AR, ER-b, PR, MUC1, E-Cadherin, Her2-/neu and RPLP0. Biomedical Science, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: We report successful establishment of sub-clones
of AKU-BC1 exhibiting stem-like properties. These cell lines Background/Objective: Stem cells are self-renewing pluripotent
represent primary tumor model and can be used to unravel cells responsible for the maintenance of organs identity and
mechanisms of breast cancer recurrence attributed to CSCs. functions in the body. Like many other malignancies, prostate
cancer is reported to originate from prostate cancer stem cells.
The stem cells possess specific surface markers such as CD133,
2.41 CD44, CD117 which can be utilized for their identification and
MUC1: A PROTEIN TO BE UNVEILED IN isolation. Stem cells that differentiate into cancerous cells have
HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES the capability of forming prostaspheres in vitro. These
prostaspheres can be studied to investigate the biology, biomarkers
Sheerien Rajput1, Anwar Ali Siddiqui2 and El-Nasir Lalani1 and therapeutic targets of cancer stem cell. This study was
1
Departments of Pathology & Microbiology and 2Biological & conducted to isolate and propagate stem cells from prostate
Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi cancer epithelial DU145 cells in prostasphere cultures.
Methodology: DU145 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12
Background:Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a highly polymorphic, containing 10 % FBS. Following reaching confluence, Magnetic
transmembrane glycoprotein characterized by heavily Assisted Cell Sorting (MACS) using CD133 labeled Microbead
glycosylated Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs). kit (Miltenyi Biotech) as per manufacturer’s instructions. MACS
Initially believed to be restricted to epithelial lineages only, it was utilized to sort cells into CD133+ and CD133- subpopulations.
is now reported being aberrantly expressed in certain non These subpopulations were cultured separately for over 4 weeks
epithelial human cancers and surprisingly in hematological in serum free DMEM/F12 medium at a seeding density of 1000
malignancies. cells/ ml for sphere formation in 96 well plates. Spheres formation
Objective: This review aims to find out the functional research was recorded at weekly intervals by taking photographs under
reported about the aspects of MUC1 in hematological an inverted microscope.
malignancies. Primary spheres P0 were subcultured in Serum Free Medium
Methodology: An extensive literature search using PUBMED (SFM) to generate secondary spheres P1 and these were further
(NLM) was performed with keywords: “MUC1”, “EMA”, subcultured into secondary spheres P2. The prostaspheres were
“PEM”, “PUM”, “DF3”, “Hematological Malignancies”, “B collected and their smears were prepared on the glass slides.
Cells” “T-Cells”, “lymphoma”, “Leukemia”, “Myeloma” H&E staining and immunofluorescence (CD44-FITC) was
“hematopoietic cells”. Literature for the expression of MUC1 performed on these spheres.

17
Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Results: Prostaspheres were observed in DU145 CD133+ 2.45

subpopulation, but not in the CD133- subpopulation. Prostaspheres AKU CANCER TISSUE BANK: QUALITY ASSESSMENT
showed the “multicellular globular structure” with H&E staining OF STORED BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES
and were positive for stem cell marker CD44.
Conclusion: Prostaspheres were generated and propagated from Rizwana Bahar Nasim, Sana Naeem, Sana Ayaz, Sadia Habib,
DU145 cells which express CD44 indicating stem-like/ progenitor Mehreen Somani, Nida Haider, Muhammad Khalid, Zulfiqar
properties. Ali Naqvi, Anwar Ali Siddiqui , El-Nasir Lalani
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Biological &
Biomedical Sciences and Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
2.44
ANDROGEN DECREASES CELL PROLIFERATION IN Introduction: Cancer Tissue and Data Bank is an AKU-based
AKU-BC1 VIA FUNCTIONALLY ACTIVE AR core facility initiated with the intention to provide biological
material including tissues, DNA and RNA and data for cancer
Aisha Sultana1, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Naqvi1, Shaista Khan3, Anwar studies. The primary responsibility of this bank is to ensure
Ali Siddiqui2, El-Nasir Lalani1 confidentiality of patient’s information and maintain a repository
Departments of 1Pathology & Microbiology, 2Biological & of tissue quality for analytical studies. This project has now
Biomedical Sciences, 3Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi completed 10 years and maintains a sizeable number of biological
material stored at -70°C. This study aims to assess the quality
Introduction: Androgen receptor (AR) is a transcriptional factor of stored tissues and their extracted DNA and RNA and determine
which modulates the action of androgens. Androgens play their suitability for various prospective studies like mechanism
important role in development of breast; however its role on and trends of disease, identification of cellular components that
BCa is yet to be determined. AR gene on its exon 1 contains a may lead to the early detection or better prognosis of the disease.
series of CAG trinucleotide repeats which varies among Objective: To evaluate the quality of stored samples for their
individuals. It ranges from 11–31repeats and is believed to be usefulness in research aiming to study cellular and molecular
related to AR transcriptional activity. changes of various cancers.
This study investigated the functionality of AR in AKU-BC1 Method: • Data of archival cancer tissues (n=841) was screened
by (a) determining the number of CAG repeats on exon 1 of AR and categorized according to “The Canadian Tumour Repository
(b) studying promoter activity of androgen responsive genes Network (CTRNet) standards. • Rating of 20 samples comprising
and (c) effect of androgen on cell proliferation. of (a) DNA n=12 and (b) RNA n= 8 was done using scale of 1
Methodology: The following features/characteristics of AR were to 10 (where, 1 being low quality sample and 10 being good
studied: quality) on the basis of: 1. Purity using Nanodrop-1000. 2.
(a) Number of CAG repeats by DNA sequencing Integrity on 0.7% Agarose Gel electrophoresis and 3. PCR
(b) Detection of functionally active AR by luciferase amplifications of housekeeping genes i.e. b-globin for DNA and
reporter assay. b-acitn or GAPDH for RNA.
(c) Effect of Androgen (Dihydrotestosterone) on cell Results: • Status of screened tissues were categorized as follows
proliferation by MTT assay. : a. Golden ----- 56 (6.65%) b. Silver ----- 560 (66.5%) c. Bronze
Results: DNA Sequencing demonstrated that AKU-BC1 has 14 ----- 139 (16.5%) d. Test ----- 86 (10.2%) • Out of 20 samples,
CAG repeat. Luciferase activity indicated that AR regulates the 12 were of category = 9 and 7 were of 6 category. Only one
expression of androgen responsive genes (BARD1, NAT1, and sample was of low quality i.e. 4.
PRKCD), hence functionally active. Dihydrotestosterone (10-8 Conclusion: Samples in CTB are of good quality and suitable
M) treatment for three days significantly decreased (p< 0.01) to be used in cancer research.
cell proliferation by 24% in AKU-BC1 as compared to control.
Conclusion: AKU-BC1 AR gene, with only 14 CAG repeats Keywords: Cancer Research, Quality, Tissue Bank
showed an increase in luciferase activity rendering it to be
transcriptionally active. This suggests AR to be a likely candidate
for therapeutic target as revealed by cell proliferation assay.
AKU-BC1 offers a promising cell system to study the significance
of AR in BCa biology.

Keywords: Androgen receptor, cell proloferation

18
Aga Khan University Cancer
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.46 registration LMI’, ‘cancer, ‘[types], LMI’. 466 articles were

EXPRESSION OF ANDROGEN RECEPTOR IN A COHORT produced. While reviewing, a focus on the countries the Aga
OF PAKISTANI WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER: A Khan University is present in, (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uganda,
POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC OPTION FOR TRIPLE Tanzania, Syria, Egypt, Kenya), was decided. 10 review articles
NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER were selected covering cancer registries or lack there off, in the
relevant countries.
Aisha Sultana1, Zulfiqar Ali Naqvi1, Sadia Habib1, Shaista Khan2, Results: As LMI countries struggle with acute survival
Romana Idress2 Anwar Ali Siddiqui3, El-Nasir Lalani1 problems due to expansion of diseases, available health
Departments of 1Pathology & Microbiology, 2Surgery and oriented resources are unable to meet demands. Thus,
3
Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, developments of cancer registries are perceived as luxury and
Karachi classified as low priority.

Introduction: Androgen receptors (AR) are expressed in

approximately 70-90% of breast cancers (BCa) and have been Country Registries
involved in the pathogenesis of BCa. However, its importance
as an independent prognostic marker or a therapeutic target for Afghanistan No available cancer registries.
triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) remains unresolved.
Our aim was: Kenya Hospital based n=1. Pathology based
(a) To evaluate AR expression by immunohistochemistry n=1. No population based cancer
in invasive BCa and in a subset of TNBC. registry.
(b) To correlate AR expression with clinic-pathological
parameters i.e. age at diagnosis, pathological stage, Pakistan Sub-national cancer registry n=1.
grade and with estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone No population based cancer registry.
receptor (PR) and HER-2/neu status.
Methodology: AR (clone AR441, Dako, 1:50) expression was Uganda Hospital based n=1. Pathology lab
analyzed on paraffin embedded invasive BCa tissues (n=128) n=1. No population based cancer
retrieved from pathology department, AKUH. Expression was registry
quantified and a score 3 was considered positive. ² test was
applied to assess associations between categorical variables. Syria Hospital based n=6. Pathology lab
Results: AR expression was observed in 68 patients (53.2%).AR n=12. No population based cancer
was significantly associated with age >35 years (p<0.009), registry
higher positivity of estrogen and progesterone receptors (p<0.001)
Tanzania Hospital based n=6. No population
and moderately differentiated tumors (p<0.001). Majority (66.7%)
based cancer registry
of poorly differentiated cancers showed loss of AR expression
(P < 0.001). AR expression was observed in 31% cases of TNBC
Egypt Regional cancer registries n=1.
patients. No association of AR was found with tumor size and
Pathology lab n=4. No population
metastatic nodal involvement.
based cancer registry

2.48 Conclusion: Cancer registries’ primary functions involve the

CANCER CONTROL - THE IMPORTANCE OF CANCER registration of the type and frequency of disease in a population
REGISTRIES IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES or sub-populations. The quantification of the burden and survival
of cancer is a necessary step for the development, establishment
Anicha Nazim Ahmad, El-Nasir Lalani, Anwar Siddiqui and monitoring of cancer control programs. Lack of data in LMI
Office of the Dean of Research Graduate Studies, Aga Khan income countries highlights the need for the implementation of
University, Karachi, Pakistan population based cancer registries.

Background: The need for registries in low and middle income

(LMI) countries is crucial for the identification of prevalent
diseases and development of health systems catered to tackle
these. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, 62% of cancer
related deaths occur in LMI countries, with a projected increase
to 75% by the year 2020.
Objective: To identify the number and type of cancer registries
in LMI countries.
Method: A search was performed on: ScienceDirect, PubMed,
Wiley, without date limitations due to paucity of data. Key words
used: ‘cancer LMI’, ‘cancer prevalence LMI’, ‘cancer
underdeveloped countries’, ‘global cancer burden’, ‘cancer
burden LMI’, ‘cancer registries’, ‘cancer registries LMI’, ‘cancer

19
Cancer Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

2.49
POST NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY TUMOR
RESPONSE IN BREAST CONSERVATION - UTILITY OF
MAMMOGRAPH

Omema Saleem, Imrana Masroor, Lubna Mushtaque,

Shaista Khan
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Variable responses to Neoadjuvant chemotherapy

have been experienced by investigators. Regular evaluation of
tumor response during therapy is essential to determine effective
therapy and outcome in perusal of consideration of breast
conservation. Decision regarding the appropriate type and timing
of surgery and continuation or change in treatment regimen
depends on clinical and radiological assessment of tumor size
during therapy or before surgical planning. Evaluation of tumor
response is done by clinical examination, mammography,
ultrasonography and more recently MRI. Mammography in this
era is the most effective and useful investigation for assessment
of tumor response in patients who received neoadjuvant
chemotherapy. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the
utility of mammography in post neoadjuvant tumor response
assessment in breast conservation.
Method: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data
between years 2004 to 2011 at Aga Khan University Hospital
(AKUH) Pakistan was undertaken on total 37 patients selected
to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast conservation.
Biomorphological markers of tumors including type of breast
tumor, nuclear grade, DCIS component, tumor receptors (ER,
PR), HER 2NEU positivity, nodal disease, amount of fibrosis
in resected specimen. Tumor size was evaluated by physical
examination and mammography at the time of diagnosis and
before surgery. Predicted tumor response on clinical examination
and mammography, pathological response and tumor size was
analyzed. The utility of mammogram and physical exam in
predicting pathological residual tumor sized were analyzed. Any
correlation between tumor response, biomorphological features,
and systemic therapeutic agents were derived.
Results: The mean age in our study was 45.73 years. Post
neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor size assessed with the help
of mammogram showed significant correlation with pathological
size (P- value 0.005)
Conclusion: The mammography remains by far the most useful
and utilized imaging method in assessment of tumor response
in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Keywords: , neoadjuvant chemotherapy, , , tumor response, ,

breast conservation

20
Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

3.1 showed 30-40 % lesion in proximal left main stem, critical

ASPERGILLOMA: NINE YEARS EXPERIENCE AT AKUH disease in mid LAD and diagonal (bifurcation lesion), moderate
disease in mid right coronary artery (RCA) and normal left
Saulat Fatimi, Aamir Hameed ventricular systolic function. He underwent PCI to LAD and
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi diagonal. A 7 French EBU (Medtronic, Inc. Minneapolis, USA)
guide catheter was selected. Both LAD and diagonal were wired
Objective: To review the presentation, management and outcomes and predilated with a 2.0x15 mm Sequent balloon (B Braun,
of aspergilloma at AKUH over a period of 9 years Melsungen, Germany) and a 2.5x 33 Cypher Select plus stent
Method: A case series was conducted on 56 cases of aspergilloma (Cordis, Johnson and Johnson, USA) was deployed in proximal
at AKUH from July 2001 to July 2010. Information on to Mid LAD at 16 ATM. A bare metal stent 2.5x09 mm Clear
presentation, management and outcomes was collected on a flex (Clear Stream Technologies Ltd. Wexford, Ireland) was
structured questionnaire from the medical record. Data was deployed distal to the first stent to cover the remaining stenosis.
analyzed on SPSS 19 and presented as median, minimum, Finally diagonal branch was dilated across the stent struts. During
maximum, frequency and percentages. the procedure guide position was carefully watched. Six weeks
Results: Out of 56 cases, 80.4% were males having median age after the PCI, patient presented with progressively worsening
of 36.4 years. Most frequent location was found to be upper anginal symptoms over a period of two weeks. Anticipating
lobes (92.8%). All the patients were presented with hemoptysis restenosis angiogram was performed and the result was a total
and 87.5% had history of T.B. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT surprise. It showed very tight stenosis in ostial left main and
chest. Fifty three patients were surgically managed by lobectomy, patent stents. Urgent CABG was recommended but patient
2 had bilobectomies and 1 patient had pneumonectomy. Follow- refused to undergo surgery. Risks of PCI to left main were
up shows nearly 100% success in short term. 21.5% had some explained in detail. A 7 French JL 4 guide catheter was selected
complications which included atelectasis, prolonged air leaks, and guide wire was advanced into distal LAD. Left main lesion
bleeding and renal dysfunction was predilated with a 3.0x13 mm Nimbus Salvo balloon (Clear
Conclusion: Surgery remains as the standard treatment for Stream Technologies Ltd. Wexford, Ireland) and a 4.0x16 mm
Aspergilloma (BMS) Clear flex (Clear Stream Technologies Ltd. Wexford,
Ireland) was deployed in proximal left main at 18 ATM and post
Keywords: Aspergilloma, Lobectomy, Pneumonectomy dilated with a 4.5x18 mm Power Sail complaint balloon (Guidant,
corporation, Santa Clara USA). End result was good with TIMI
3 flow distally without complications. Patient remained fine
3.2 after wards. CASE 2 A 45-year-old male, smoker, dyslipidemic,
CATHETER INDUCED LEFT MAIN CORONARY underwent coronary angiogram at another hospital four months
ARTERY STENOSIS - A RARE COMPLICATION OF earlier for worsening angina. He had critical lesion in mid RCA
PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION. and left circumflex artery. Left main artery was normal. He
underwent PCI to RCA and LCX. A 7 Fr.-XB 3.0 guide (Launcher,
Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui, Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Medtronic, and Minneapolis, USA) was selected for intervention
Bashir Hanif on LCX and 3.0x24 mm and 3.5x12 mm TaxusTM Express
Tabba Heart Institute, Department of Biological & Biomedical stents (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, USA) were
Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi deployed in LCX and obtuse marginal branch. Patient remained
stable till he presented to our hospital with worsening anginal
Objective: With rapid advances in the field of interventional symptoms for one week. He underwent coronary angiogram
cardiology, PCI is being performed more and more frequently. which showed critical lesion in distal left main, instent restenosis
Although recent clinical experience indicates a high success with total occlusion in LCX stent and patent RCA stent. He
rate, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still associated underwent CABG and remained fine afterwards.
with serious complications which usually occur during or shortly Conclusion: The onset of stenosis of this type leads to the
after the procedure. Harper et al report 2 cases of subacute discussion of the possible role of a traumatic lesion of the wall
progression within months of left main stenosis following of the major trunk by the catheter-guide. Acceleration of the left
successful, uncomplicated left anterior descending (LAD) main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis was induced by guiding
coronary PCI. This rare complication of coronary intervention catheter which was used for coronary angioplasty of subtotal
is procedure-induced coronary stenosis resulting from endothelial lesion in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD).
injury by the guiding catheter and equipment. The LMCA had mild stenosis of 18% reduction of luminal
Method: We are reporting two cases of catheter induced left diameter which was unchanged during the course of PTCA. The
main coronary stenosis. One of these had PCI to left anterior guiding catheter was pushed repeatedly with considerable force
descending artery (LAD) and the other had PCI to left circumflex for introducing balloon catheter due to the rigid lesion in LAD.
artery (LCX); both had non-significant left main stem plaquing. Progression of the LMCA stenosis to a 64% was demonstrated
Both the patients returned within three months with anginal at 6 months in later angiographic restudy. It was considered that
symptoms and were found to have critical left main disease repetitive sliding of guiding catheter through the LMCA caused
likely mediated by guiding catheter. One patient underwent subangiographic intimal trauma and facilitate subsequent
aortocoronary bypass surgery and other had successful ostial progression of stenosis.
left main PCI.
Results: CASE 1 A 55-year-old diabetic and hypertensive male Keywords: Coronary artery stenosis, Iatrogenic vessel stenosis
presented with CCS 3 angina. His diagnostic coronary angiogram

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Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
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3.3 Framingham Risk Scores (FRS) in a population and incidence

PREVALENCE OF LOW ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX, of hard coronary heart disease (hCHD) events. Under current
ELEVATED PLASMA FIBRINOGEN AND CRP ACROSS Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, individuals with FRS that
FRAMINGHAM RISK CATEGORIES: DATA FROM THE indicate =20% 10-year risk of hCHD are recommended to receive
NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION intensive medical risk factor modification. We sought to assess
SURVEY (NHANES) 1999–2004 the performance of FRS as a predictive tool when used as in
current guidelines.
Rajoo Dhangana, Timothy P. Murphy, Michael J. Pencina, Method: A retrospective analysis of two prospective cohort
Abdul M. Zafar studies, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study,
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), including 11,436 and
Bridgeport Hospital-Yale University, Radiology, Brown 2569 participants, respectively, without known cardiovascular
University, Boston University, Brown University disease or diabetes at baseline, with available FRS variables
were analyzed. The FRS was computed according to standard
Objective: 60–80% of heart attacks or coronary-related deaths algorithm. The main outcome was hCHD event defined as MI
occur in individuals identified as non-high-risk per the or coronary death. Using Receiver Operating Characteristics
conventional risk assessment algorithms. Abnormal ankle- (ROC) curves, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and other test
brachial index (ABI), plasma fibrinogen and plasma C-reactive performance characteristics were determined at various 10-year
protein (CRP) have been shown to be associated with a higher risk thresholds. ROC curves were plotted.
risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, comparable Results: During 10-year follow-up, 822 hCHD events occurred.
data have not been reported for prevalence of abnormal ABI, FRS was significantly associated with hCHD with an AUC of
fibrinogen and CRP in non-high-risk population. 0.77 and 0.68 for ARIC and CHS, respectively (p-values <0.0001).
Method: We analyzed data from the 1999–2004 National Health However, at standard "high risk" cut-off (=20%), the sensitivity
and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally of FRS was only 13% and 25%, respectively and Youden's Index
representative cross-sectional survey of the U.S. population, for was only 0.10 and 0.15. Lowering the 10-year risk threshold to
6292 men and women, aged 40 and older, without known CVD >5% improved prediction sensitivity to 75% and 83%, with
or diabetes, with available data on standard CVD risk factors, specificity of 66% and 40%, respectively.
ABI, fibrinogen and CRP. The main objective was to identify Conclusion: When used dichotomously as in current guidelines,
proportions of individuals with abnormal ABI (ABI < 0.9 in sensitivity of the conventional 20% 10-year risk threshold for
either leg), elevated fibrinogen (=400 mg/dl), and elevated CRP subsequent hCHD events is quite low. Since the 20% 10-year
(>3 mg/l), with otherwise low or intermediate (<20%) 10-year risk threshold for intensive medical risk factor therapy is on the
Framingham risk score. steep part of the ROC curve, lowering the threshold results in
Results: Overall prevalence of abnormal ABI, fibrinogen, and substantial increases in sensitivity with much smaller losses in
CRP was 3.6% (95% CI 3.2–4.1%), 27.4% (95% CI 23.9–31.0%) specificity, even to a threshold as low as 5%.
and 38.3% (95% CI 36.5–40.0%) respectively. Among those
with ABI data, 91.4% were at <20% FRS, and of these only Keywords: Coronary heart disease, framingham risk score,
2.7% (95% CI 2.3–3.1%, p<0.0001) had an abnormal ABI. cardiovascular biomarkers
Among those with fibrinogen data, 90.8% were at <20% FRS,
and of these 23.6% (95% CI 20.4–26.8%, p<0.001) had elevated
plasma fibrinogen. Among those with CRP data, 91.1% were at 3.5
<20% FRS, and of these 34.3% (95% CI 32.7–36.0%, p=0.0012) RISK STRATIFICATION ANALYSIS OF OPERATIVE
had an elevated CRP. Overall, 45.0% (95% CI 42.2–47.8%; MORTALITY IN ISOLATED CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS
p<0.0001) had abnormal ABI, fibrinogen or CRP but low- GRAFT PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN: COMPARISON
intermediate risk. BETWEEN ADDITIVE AND LOGISTIC EUROSCORE
Conclusion: Abnormal ABI, elevate fibrinogen and CRP are MODELS
highly prevalent among individuals otherwise at low-intermediate
risk. If any or all of them are shown to improve predictive ability Irfan Qadir, Shazia Perveen, Shumaila Furnaz, Syed
of FRS for primary prevention, it would have a significant public Shahabuddin, Hasanat Sharif
health impact. Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Keywords: Coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, Objective: No risk stratification model for cardiac surgery has
cardiovascular biomarkers been developed or validated in Pakistan. Therefore the purpose
of this study was to investigate the risk profile and outcomes of
patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting;
3.4 and validate and compare the predictive performance of additive
PERFORMANCE OF CURRENT GUIDELINES FOR and logistic algorithms of EuroSCORE in Pakistani population.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE PREVENTION: OPTIMAL Method: Clinical data on 2004 patients undergoing isolated
USE OF THE FRAMINGHAM-BASED RISK ASSESSMENT coronary artery bypass grafting between 2006 and 2010 were
retrospectively collected and individual expected risks of death
Rajoo Dhangana, Timothy P. Murphy, Michael J. Pencina, Ralph was calculated by the additive and logistic EuroSCORE
B. D'Agostino algorithms. Both models were evaluated in terms of discrimination
Radiology, Bridgeport Hospital-Yale University, Radiology, and calibration by Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and
Brown University, Boston University, Boston University Hosmer–Lemeshow test respectively.
Results: The actual mortality (3.8%) was significantly different
Objective: There is a strong positive association between from the additive (4.35%) and the logistic estimates (6.41%).

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Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

On the basis of degree of risk, actual mortality was 0.6% in the 3.7
low risk (additive EuroSCORE 0–4), 4.2% in the medium risk PROCEDURE INDICATIONS AND OUTCOME OF
(EuroSCORE 5–9) and 19.1% in the high-risk groups PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTIONS IN A
(EuroSCORE 10-19). At the low risks both systems slightly TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.
over-estimated mortality, with the logistic EuroSCORE being
more accurate. At EuroSCOREs between 10–19, the additive Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui, Ayaz Hussain Shaikh, Bashir
EuroSCORE under-estimated and logistic EuroSCORE over- Hanif, Hammad Ali, Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Sahr
estimated mortality. Both models satisfactorily discriminated Sami, Mehreen Kisat
outcomes (ROC areas of 0.866 and 0.859 for the additive and Tabba Heart Institute, Department of Biological & Biomedical
the logistic model, respectively). The H-T test showed that Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
calibration was good for the additive model (P = 0.424) but
turned out being inadequate for the logistic model (P< 0.001). Objective: To determine clinical indications and one month
Conclusion: The additive EuroSCORE is more accurate model outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) in a
for risk assessment as compared to logistics model in Pakistani tertiary care centre.
population. Method: We prospectively conducted a descriptive study on 259
symptomatic coronary artery disease patients, who underwent
Keywords: EuroSCORE, Coronary artery bypass graft, Risk primary, rescue or elective PCI with stent deployment at the
stratification Tabba Heart Institute, from May 2005 to September 2006. The
primary objective of the study was to identify--stable angina,
unstable angina, Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
3.6 (NSTEMI), ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI),
MORTALITY FROM ISOLATED CORONARY BYPASS congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiogenic shock) and thirty
SURGERY: A COMPARISON OF THE SOCIETY OF days outcome of PCI in terms of mortality, peri-procedural
THORACIC SURGEONS AND THE EUROSCORE RISK myocardial infarction, re-infarction and stent thrombosis. This
PREDICTION ALGORITHMS was done according to the standard guidelines of Canadian
Cardiovascular Society and New York Heart Association
Irfan Qadir, Muhammad Musa Salick, Shazia Perveen, Hasanat classification. The patients were followed for one month and
[email protected] complications were noted.
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: The mean age of sample was 54.9 +/- 10.6 years. The
indications were stable angina (32.4%), unstable angina (13.9%),
Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate STS risk NSTEMI (18.9%), STEMI (35.1%), CHF (5.4%) and cardiogenic
algorithm in Pakistani patients and to compare its predictive shock (1.5%). The outcome was mortality (2.7%), peri-procedure
performance with additive and logistic EuroSCORE in terms of MI (0.4%), re-infarction (3.08%), cardiogenic shock (1.5%) and
discrimination and calibration. stent thrombosis (4.3%).
Method: Clinical data was retrospectively collected on 380 Conclusion: Our clinical indications and outcome are comparable
patients who underwent isolated CABG between August 2009 with international findings. Stable angina was a major indication
and July 2010. Performance of the models was also assessed by and stent thrombosis was the major complication observed,
comparing the observed and expected mortality in tertiles of particularly after primary percutaneous intervention for STEMI.
risk. The performance of the AES, LES and STS risk algorithms
were evaluated in terms of their discrimination and calibration Keywords: Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary, Coronary Artery
by receiver operating characteristic curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow Disease/diagnosis, Angina Pectoris/therapy
test.
Results: The actual mortality was 2.89%. Predicted mortality
was 4.36% ± 3.58% by AES, 5.96% ± 9.18% by LES and 2.30% 3.8
± 4.16% by STS. The specific predicted major morbidity rates PHARMACOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE MEDICINAL USE
included stroke (1.33% predicted v/s 0.3% actual), renal failure OF WRIGHTIA TINCTORIA IN HYPERTENSION.
(3.84% predicted v/s 2.1% actual), reoperation (6.81% predicted
v/s 2.4% actual), prolonged ventilation (13.26% predicted v/s Hasan Salman Siddiqi, Amara Majeed, Malik Hassan Mehmood,
15.8% actual), and sternal infection (0.24% predicted v/s 0.3% Najeeb-ur-Rehman, Anwarul Hassan Gilani
actual). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test gave a p Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
value of 0.801 for AES, 0.699 for LES and 0.981 for STS. The University, Karachi
area under the ROC curve was 0.866 for AES, 0.842 for LES
and 0.899 for STS. STS outperformed AES and LES both in Objective: Wrightia tinctoria Linn. locally known as “Inderjo
terms of calibration and discrimination. STS however Shirin” is commonly used in traditional system of medicine to
underestimated mortality in top 30% of patients having STS treat hypertension.The study aims to provide pharmacological
score greater than 2.88, thus overall STS estimates lower than basis to the medicinal use of Wrightia tinctoria in hypertension.
actual mortality. Method: In vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to evaluate
Conclusion: We conclude that STS is more accurate model for the effects of aqueous-methanolic extract of Wrightia tinctoria
risk assessment as compared to additive and logistic EuroSCORE (Wt.Cr) on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac and vascular
models in Pakistani population. contractions. Normotensive rats under anesthesia were used in
the in vivo experiments while in vitro studies were carried out
Keywords: EuroSCORE, STS, Risk stratification on guinea-pig atria and rat aortae.
Results: When tested in anesthesized rats, Wt.Cr (1, 3 and 10
mg/kg) caused a fall in MAP. In spontaneously contracting

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Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

guinea-pig atria, Wt.Cr exhibited a cardio-suppressant effect on predicting mortality have been studied and it has been found
the rate and force at 0.1 - 10 mg/mL. The extract (0.03-5.0 that in approximately 25 % of patients with heart failure; a low
mg/mL) caused relaxation in K+ (80 mM) and phenylephrine serum sodium is associated with a two to three fold increase in
(PE, 1 µM)-induced contractions in rat aortae showing its in-hospital and post discharge mortality. In our study, we have
vasodilatory effects possibly mediated through blockade of explored this relationship between hyponatremia and heart failure
voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca++ channels in patients coming to a tertiary care centre as there is a paucity
respectively similar to verapamil, a standard Ca++ antagonist. of data in Indo-Asians on outcomes of Heart Failure and factors
The Ca++ channel blocking activity was further confirmed when predicting mortality.Objectives: To compare, in patients admitted
pretreatment of tissue with Wt.Cr shifted Ca++ concentration- with heart failure, the rate of 30 day mortality in those with a
response curves to the right similar to the effect of verapamil. serum sodium concentration of less than 136 mmol/L, with those
Conclusion: These data indicate that Wrightia tinctoria has having sodium concentration of more than 136 mmol/L. To
antihypertensive, cardio-suppressant and vasodilatory effects, compare length of stay, rate of rehospitalization and functional
which are mediated possibly through a Ca++ channel blocking status (NYHA criteria) in these two groups of patients.
pathway, thus rationalizing the medicinal use of this plant in Method: : A prospective cohort study of 164 patients with heart
hypertension. failure was conducted. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria
were recruited from the emergency department of Aga Khan
Keywords: Wrightia tinctoria, Antihypertensive, Ca++ channel Univerity Hospital from 23rd December 2009 to 23rd June 2010
blocker and divided in two groups, those having a serum sodium
concentrations of < 136 mmol/L and with serum sodium level
of =136 mmol/L.) Patients were followed for death, length of
3.9 hospital stay, rehospitalization and functional status at 30 days
ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF ABDOMINAL in both groups which were the main outcome measures and all
HYSTERECTOMY IN PATIENT WITH CONGENITAL SINUS variables were documented on the proforma. Data was analyzed
NODE DYSFUNCTION: A CASE REPORT using SPSS version 13.0 and a P-value of <0.05 was considered
statistically significant.
Dileep Kumar, Faisal Shamim Results: Out of 164 patients, 92% had Hypertension, 88% had
Department of Anesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi Coronary Artery Disease, 62% had Diabetes Mellitus and 40%
had Chronic Kidney disease. Mortality was 4% in patients of
Objective: A 45 year-old women with dysfunctional uterine heart failure with serum sodium = 136mmol/l and 10% in patients
bleeding was scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy with with sodium < 136mmol/l. Multivariate analysis showed that
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy under general anesthesia. Patient the odds of having sodium < 136mmol/l among those who died
was evaluated for preoperative anesthesia assessment and was was 3.04 (95% CI 0.77-12.04) as compared to those who survived,
found to have junctional rhythm at rate of 44 beats min-1 with though this was not statistically significant (p=0.113). The odds
bigeminies, PVCs on her routine ECG evaluation. On further of having hyponatremia among those who were re-hospitalized
rhythm evaluation, she was diagnosed as congenital sinus node was 0.2 (CI 0.05-0.78) times that of those who were not re-
dysfunction on the basis of 24 hours Holter monitoring. She hospitalized (p=0.021) and the odds of having hyponatremia
was asymptomatic, no prior comorbids and functional class one. among those who had good NYHA functional class was 0.16
General anesthesia was planned and successfully managed by (CI 0.07-0.34) as compared to those with poor NYHA functional
vigilance, invasive monitoring, standby transcutaneous & class (p<0.001).
transvenous pacemakers and use of cardiostable and vagolytic Conclusion: In this study, serum sodium concentration
anesthetic agents like etomidate, atracurium and pethidine during <136mmol/l was associated with a tendency towards higher
procedure and for postoperative pain management. mortality but this was not statistically significant. Low serum
Transcutaneous external pacing pads were placed just after sodium was significantly associated with lower re-hospitalization
induction of anesthesia, their functional capability was confirmed rate and poor NYHA functional class. A study with larger sample
and was ready for use if needed. However, the transcutaneous size or longer follow up period may identify significance of low
and transvenous pacemakers were on backup and both were not serum sodium as a predictor of mortality, hence relevant
required. Patient was successfully managed and was discharged interventions can be targeted to improve outcome.
home on third postoperative day with uneventful hospital course.
The elective pacemaker implantation was therefore not Keywords: Heart Failure, Hyponatremia, New York Heart
required. Association functional class.

Keywords: Genaral anesthesia, Sino-atrial node, Pacemaker

3.11
VENOUS-THROMBO-EMBOLISM IN PAKISTAN – WHAT
3.10 WE KNOW AND WHAT WE SHOULD KNOW
SERUM SODIUM CONCENTRATION AND CLINICAL
OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE Abdul Ahad Khan, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Inam Pal
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Noreen Nasir, Bushra Jamil
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important
cause of in hospital mortality. We aimed to review the current
Objective: Heart failure is a chronic progressive clinical syndrome literature of VTE originating from Pakistan to determine gaps
with an adverse prognosis, the 1 year mortality rates estimated in knowledge in order to prioritize future research.
at 35 to 40 % in various population based studies. Factors Method: An electronic search was performed using Pakmedinet

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Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

and Pubmed to retrieve research articles on thrombosis, deep fungal infection.

vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism in Pakistan. Conclusion: We report a case of recurrent venous thrombi at
All original research articles presenting primary data from more than one site in a young man with Behcet’s disease despite
Pakistan were selected and their full text was reviewed and being on anticoagulants. Behcet's disease runs a chronic course
summarized in our review. with unpredictable exacerbations and remissions. Recurrent
Results: Sixty eight studies were found, out of which we were venous complications in a young man makes one realize that
able to retrieve and review 64 (94%) full texts encompassing a long-term follow-up in Behcet’s is mandatory.
total of 6,269 patients. Among the studies, we found 19 Case
Reports/Series, 1 Case-Control, 2 Cohort, 20 Cross Sectional, Keywords: Behcet's, thrombosis, ulcer
1 Quasi-Experimental Study, 2 randomized controlled trials, 4
Retrospective studies and 15 review articles. Most of these were
small studies with only 7 having a patient population above 100. 3.13
Ten studies presented incidence of DVT which ranged from 2.6 MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH IN SMOKING
to 50% depending on the population under study. 16 articles CESSATION
studied risk factors for DVT. 6 number of studies looked at
different treatment modalities, often comparing one modality Farida Datoo, Mehrunissa Kabani, Naureen Yousuf
to the other, while another 12 articles assessed diagnostic Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi
strategies. Preventive aspects of VTE were addressed by only
4 number of studies and all found the rates of thrombo-prophylaxis Objective: The social conditions, in which people live, powerfully
grossly inadequate. influence their chances to be healthy. In Pakistan, about 1200
Conclusion: There is a dearth of quality research on venous children take up smoking every day. 51% of the children do not
thromboembolism in Pakistan. We describe key areas of neglect have enough to eat. Each year, approximately 60,000 people die
and recommend prioritizing research on the epidemiological from tobacco-related diseases in Pakistan. Among youth, 1%
and preventive aspects. smoke cigarettes and 9.5 % use other tobacco products such as
paan, ghutka and naswar.Smoking cessation has been proven to
Keywords: VTE, Thromboembolism, Venous show immediate health benefits.Smoking cessation clinics offer
a range of interventions proven to be effective in facilitating
smoking cessation .In clinics combined efforts are developed
3.12 & activated jointly by nurses & doctors to discourage smoking
VENOUS THROMBOSIS AT MULTIPLE SITES IN habits in patients. Activities include distribution of educational
BEHCET’S DISEASE – A CASE REPORT FROM PAKISTAN material, health education sessions & public awareness programs.
Purposes •To highlights the social, cultural and economic factors
Lena Jafri, Nosheen Nasir, Aysha Almas that are the main determinants of health. •To make people aware
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, regarding promotion of health and reducing health related
Karachi complications. •To highlight on collaborative responsibility and
actions to improve the health status of the population.
Objective: Behcet’s disease is a multisystem inflammatory Method: Literature was searched through Google search and
vascular disorder with a chronic course characterized by recurrent CINHAL to identify the strategies for smoking cessation in
oral and genital ulcers, eye lesion, and arthritis and skin lesions. health care setting
We report an aggressive case of Behcet’s disease in a 39 year Conclusion: Health professionals can play key-role in the
old man diagnosed three years back based on cerebral venous development of comprehensive tobacco control programmes.
thrombosis and recurrent mouth ulcers. Health care workers need to be knowledgeable about smoking
Method: Case: A 39 year old Pakistani man presented to the cessation practices and integrate them into the patient care.
clinic with scarlet colored acne like rash on face, back, chest Nurses should be aware of resources that can be used to teach
and thigh for three days. He also complained of low grade patients about disease prevention and health promotion.
intermittent fever and swelling in his left leg since 4-5 days. He Multidisciplinary smoking cessation education in direct patient
also noticed mouth ulcers up to the throat which were extremely care will help to address the growing health problems. Support
painful. He was diagnosed to have Behcet’s disease three years by health team members, encouraged positive health behaviors
back based on cerebral venous thrombosis and recurrent mouth in smokers.
ulcers. He was treated with warfarin. In previous MRI and MRV
repeated few months after cerebral venous thrombosis features Keywords: Health professionals , knowledgeable, resources
were suggestive of partial recanalization of superior sagittal
sinus following thrombosis. No evidence of infarct or intracranial
hemorrhage was there. Behcet’s Disease was confirmed as per
International Study Group (ISG) Criteria 1990. There was
evidence of venous thrombosis at multiple sites (cerebral venous
thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis of left leg veins) along
with disease relapse. He also had oral ulcers with superimposed

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Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

3.14 Method: Thirty thalassemic patients and thirty age, sex matched
PREHOSPITAL DELAY AMONG ACUTE CORONARY controls underwent echocardiograpy at Civil hospitak karachi
SYNDROME PATIENTS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN from june 2005-january 2006. Ejection fraction (EF) and fractional
shortening (FS) with other cardiac parameters [left ventricular
Saleema Allana , Khurshid Khowaja ,Tazeen Saeed Ali , Debra internal diastolic dimension (LVIDD), left ventricular internal
Moser,. Aamir Hameed Khan systolic dimension (LVISD), interventricular septum dimension
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Department of Community (IVSD), posterior wall dimension (PWD), aorta dimension (AD),
Health Sciences, Aga Khan Univeristy, Karachi, Nursing and left atrium dimension (LAD)] were assessed. Serum ferritin
Quality at Alnoor Hospital Al-Ain, Dubai , IHCAR, Karolinska level (SFL) was measured in thalassemic patients and correlated
Institute, Sweden and University of California San Francisco, with ejection fraction and fractional shortening.
Center for Biobehavioral Research in Self-Management, Results: - left atrial, left ventricular dimension and left ventricular
Cardiopulmonary Diseases University of Kentucky, USA mass were significantly higher in patients than controls ( P value
< 0.05). Ejection fraction and fractional shortening were
Objective: Despite the known significance of early reperfusion significantly lower in patients than control (P value < 0.05). Left
in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), quite prolonged prehospital ventricular dysfunction ( EF <55% or FS < 30%) was observed
delay times (PDT) have been reported among ACS patients, in nine patients (30%), aged 6 to 12 years. Five patients (62.5%)
globally. The purpose of this study was to explore the PDT, and who had evidence of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD)
its components among ACS patients in Karachi Pakistan. aged more than 10 years. Among 9 patients 2 (22.2%)
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 ACS had ejection fraction < 55% while other 7 (77.7%) had
patients at the Aga Khan University Hospital and at the Karachi normal ejection fraction in the presence of fractional shortening
Institute of Heart Diseases, between February and April, 2011. < 30%. No statistical significant correlation was found
Data was collected through the modified ‘Response to Symptoms between serum ferritin level, ejection fraction and fractional
Questionnaire’, and it was analyzed using descriptive analysis. shortening.
Results: The median PDT of the study participants was found Conclusion: - It is concluded that left ventricular ejection fraction
to be 5 hours (IQR 1.25- 15.5 hours); around 45% of the patients and fractional shortening can be used as an easily available and
reached the hospital after the first six golden hours of myocardial effective tool for assessing cardiac function in patients with
salvage. It took a median time of 2 hours (IQR 0.5- 7.06 hours) thalassemia major. Serum ferritin level although not very well
for the participants to make the decision to seek medical care, correlated but can be used as a monitoring tool for measuring
and a median of 2.5 hours (IQR 1.25-7.75 hours) for them to body iron (Fe).
reach the general physician. The median ‘physician-to-hospital
delay’ was calculated to be 3 hours (IQR 1.38- 15.6 hours). Keywords: thalassemia , echocardiography, serum ferritin
Conclusion: This study concludes that ACS patients in Karachi
delayed substantially longer in reaching the hospital. Moreover,
they also had quite extended ‘decision delay’ and ‘physician- 3.16
to hospital delay’. The findings of this baseline study may COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES OF CORONARY
provide important insights for designing empirical and ANGIOPLASTY IN STEMI WITH EUROPEAN CENTERS
interventional studies so as to reduce the prehospital delay time
among ACS patients in Karachi, Pakistan. Sadia Arshad, Sajid Dhakam
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Prehospital delay time , decision delay , Acute
Coronary Syndrome Background: STEMI is the component of the acute coronary
syndrome with highest in hospital mortality. In the last few years
percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has played a pivotal
3.15 role in the management of STEMI . Objective: To compare
LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCION IN PATIENTS WITH clinical, angiographic factors and outcomes between patients
THALASSEMIA MAJOR AND ITS CORRELATION WITH presenting to AKUH with STEMI to those enrolled in the
SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL European registry for the same time period.
Method: Data on 594 patients with STEMI was prospectively
Jabeen Fayyaz, riaz ahmed qureshi collected from 1st January 2010, till 31st December 2010 .SPSS
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, version 19 was used for data analysis .Students T test was used
Karachi to compare means. Pearsons Chi square was used to compare
differences in categorical data between both groups. P values
Objective: Beta -thalassemia is a hereditary anemia that is most <0.05 were considered significant.
prevalent world wide. The life expectancy of patient with Results: A total of 296 patients with STEMI were enrolled from
thalassemia major (TM) has significantly increased in recent AKUH and 7485 from European centers for the year 2010.Mean
years; but heart disease is still responsible for more than half of age of the patients was 57.8 years (range 50.0-66.6). Most
the deaths. OBJECTIVE: - My aim was to determine the left patients to hospital presented with chest pain Risk factors
ventricular systolic function in thalassemic patients and its European registry AKUH P value Age >75 years % 19.6%
correlation with serum ferritin level (SFL). (1496/7485) 11.5%(34/296) p<0.005 Prior MI/angina

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Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
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29.4% (2185/7485) 42.6% (126/296) p<0.005 Diabetics 23.7% asymptomatic on medical therapy , and her pacemaker has been
(1759/7412) 34.4% (102/296) p<0.005 Reperfusion strategy programmed in a DDD mode using a single lead.
European registry AKUH P value Received thrombolytic 33.3% Results: This patient had been implanted a single chamber
(2493/7485) 4.7% (14/296) p<0.005 Primary PCI 52.3% pacemaker (VDD) 7 years prior to presentation and generator
(3408/6516) 88.4%(236/267) p<0.005 CABG 4.0% (299/7399) had reached its end of life. She was implanted with a Sigma
6.08% (18/296) P=0.08 Stents European registry AKUH P value SDR 303 , with unchanged ventricular lead . Challenges with
Bare metal stent 71.7 57.5 P<0.005 DES 25.9 42.5 single lead DDD pacing include the reliability of atrial capture
Angiographically , our patients had more complex , which was achieved and remained consistent on follow up.
lesions(p<0.005) , as well as a higher proportion of instent Mid and lower right atrium is the optimal postion for atrial
restenosis and bifurcation stenting. However survival at hospital electrode for most favorable contact.
discharge was also similar between both groups ,91.9% for the Conclusion: Dual chamber pacing with adequate output and
AKUH cohort vs 93.1% for European patients. Survival European threshold was achieved with single lead usage. This is usage of
registry AKUH P value Alive 93.1% 91.9% 0.4 a single lead to achieve dual chamber atrial and ventricular
Conclusion: Patient population at AKUH was older,more likely pacing which is more physiological and cost effective, especially
to be diabetic and had more previous coronary artery related for developing countries
events. They underwent revascularization with primary PCI
more often and usually for more complex lesions requiring Keywords: Diabetes mellitus , hypertension, pacemaker
greater use of DES. Survival at discharge was similar compared
to European Centers.
3.18
Keywords: ST elevation MI, Primary angioplasty, thrombolysis UNICUSPID AORTIC VALVE: A RARE DISEASE

Sadia Arshad, Sohail Abrar, Muniza yousuf

3.17 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
PACEMAKERS: TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
Objective: A 26 year old gentleman wish suspected bicuspid
Sadia Arshad, Aamir Hameed aortic valve disease with severe aortic stenosis was referred to
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi AKUH cardiopulmonary department for trans-esophageal
echocardiography to evaluate the valve morphology and degree
Objective: An 80 year old lady with a prior history of diabetes of aortic stenosis
mellitus and hypertension , underwent implantation of a Method: Transesophageal echo : The patient had a unicuspid
permanent pacemaker ,Intermedics Unity (VDD) in 2000 for aortic valve and severe aortic stenosis with peak gradients across
complete heart block. She was lost to follow up for the next the aortic valve of 110 mm Hg and mean gradient of 60mmHg.He
seven years, presenting to the Aga Khan University hospital in had a moderately dilated aortic root.
2007 with a preceding history of nausea , vomiting, Results: Unicuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital cardiac
dizziness,dyspnea and fatigue for the past three or four days. abnormality. In one study by Cleveland Clinic, the estimated
She denied a history of chest discomfort but had some dyspnea incidence in the referral population is 0.02%. Patients with
at rest the day of admission She was found to be in complete unicuspid aortic valve are more often male and usually present
heart block with a ventricular escape rhythm at the rate of 30 for surgery in the third decade of life. Aortic stenosis is the
beats per minute. There was sensing and output failure recorded predominant valvular lesion. A congenital unicuspid aortic valve
on ECG She also demonstrated a long ventricular pause on is defined by the presence of: an eccentric valvular orifice during
telemetry monitoring There was no response to infusion of systole , the presence of a single commissural zone of attachment
atropine and dopamine. A temporary pacemaker was planned or absence of a commissural attachment (acommissural valve)
during insertion of which she developed sudden onset and one aortic leaflet with or without visualization of raphe or
unresponsiveness and apnea during temporary pacemaker lead raphes during short-axis examination. In adults unicuspid aortic
adjustment. Her permanent pacemaker was found to be in backup valves are mainly unicommissural. In unicommissural unicuspid
mode on interrogation , and when reset to VDD mode , would aortic valve, the free edge of the aortic valve leaflet arises from
go back in VVI mode at the rate of 60 beats per minute This a single aortic attachment, continues to encircle the entire orifice,
was attributed to end of life behavior , and pacemaker generator and returns to the aortic wall near its original attachment. This
was changed to a Sigma SDR 303.The ventricular lead remained configuration results in a relatively larger effective orifice area
unchanged and was set in unipolar mode. Atrial and ventricular than its acommissural counterpart. As a result, some patients
thresholds at the time of generator change were 1.0 V at 0.4 may go into adulthood without manifesting significant valvular
msecs each. Pwave sensing was >2.8 mV .Polarity of the atrial obstruction. An important observation is the abundance of
lead was changed to bipolar. In August 2010 she came for a calcification found in almost all patients. This calcification
pacemaker check and on interrogation she was found to have may extend into the interventricular septum, increasing
a high atrial threshold (I.5 V at 0.6msec) whereas her ventricular the possibility of conduction system damage In adults it is
threshold was 0.5 V .Impedence of her atrial lead was high not known to be associated with other cardiac anomalies,
1507? and that of the ventricular lead was 435 ?. Atrial lead but variations regarding coronary dominance and anatomy
amplitude was increased to 3.0V and it was set in unipolar mode. are known. Both bicuspid and unicuspid aortic valve have
Three months later she was again seen in pacemaker clinic with been associated with an increased risk of dissection.
good atrial and ventricular thresholds. The patient is well, Unicuspid aortic valve may present in younger age – a less

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Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

aggressive form or in a younger age which is more aggressive in mean weight (SD) over six months was greater in the low fat
disease. low calorie diet vs. low carbohydrate diet, albeit the difference
Conclusion: Congenital unicuspid aortic valve disease is a very was not statistically significant, (-1.25±2.77 vs. -0.66±2.61 kgs)
rare echocardiographic finding finding . Our patient was a young (p=0.23). Our generalized linear model with moderate correlation
male with a unicuspid aortic valve and severe aortic stenosis. that explained about one third of the effect of weight change
He would be a candidate for aortic valve replacement, with over six months. Self reported adherence to the dietary regimen
possible aortic root replacement for more than 4 weeks (p=0.03) and increasing physical activity
at six months (p=0.04) were independently associated with
Keywords: Unicuspid, unicommisural, aortic valve increased weight loss. Post graduate educational level was
independently associated with a weight gain at six months
(p=0.04)
3.19 Conclusion: CONCLUSION The study revealed that the dietary
A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL TO COMPARE THE intervention using a low carbohydrate diet was not superior to
EFFECTIVENESS OF A LOW CARBOHYDRATE WITH A a low calorie diet. The factors independently associated with
LOW FAT ,LOW CALORIE DIET, TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT weight loss include self-reported adherence to the dietary regimen
LOSS OVER SIX MONTHS, IN OVERWEIGHT PAKISTANI for more than 4 weeks with more than 80% compliance (p=0.03)
ADULTS and increased physical activity at six month follow up (p=0.04).

Sadia Arshad, Fahim Jafary Keywords: low carbohydrate diet, overweight, obesity
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: The emergence of obesity as a significant global 3.20

health problem has been recognized the past couple of decades. PROPORTION OF ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND
This is a condition that affects almost one sixth of the world’s BODY MASS INDEX
population. Initially thought to be a significant health problem
exclusively of the higher income countries, it is now established Niloufer Sultan Ali, Ali Khan Khuwaja
that this “obesity pandemic” has become a major health problem Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
for developing countries as well. Morbidity and mortality risk,
especially cardiovascular risk is increased for overweight and Objective: Obesity and hypertension are the two main risk factors
obese people. Dietary interventional strategies have been an for CVD. We evaluated the proportion of elevated blood pressure
effective method for weight loss and elevated BMI amongst apparently healthy individuals and
Method: To study whether a low carbohydrate diet is more their association with age and gender.
effective than a low fat, low calorie diet in achieving weight Method: This study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Teaching
loss over a six month period in overweight (body mass index, Hospital, in Karachi, Pakistan. 207 participants were referred
= 23 kg/m2) adults. A secondary objective is to compare the for physical checkup which included general and physical
effect of both diets on the waist circumference, a marker of examination with height, weight, blood pressure, along with
abdominal obesity and mean arterial pressure. METHODS: This hemoglobin, ESR, urine report, Mantoux test and chest
was a randomized, controlled trial with double blinding held at radiograph.
the Aga Khan University Hospital. The participants were Results: Out of 207, 53.1% were less than or 25 years of age.
overweight adults meeting a body mass index (BMI) criteria of 43.0% were found to have elevated BMI and 61.4% had elevated
= 23 kg/m2 Interventions: The first regimen was a low BP. Almost equal proportions of males and females were included.
carbohydrate diet with carbohydrate restriction to <35 gms per Among the males, 53.9% had elevated BMI and 70.1% had
day. The second regimen was a low fat, low calorie diet with elevated BP. In logistic regression analysis, significant association
total daily calories restricted to 1000-1200 kCal/day. Separate was found between older age and elevated BMI (OR = 2.28, CI
instruction manuals were made with for both dietary regimens = 1.30 - 2.29). The odds of having elevated blood pressure was
and individual dietician counseling sessions were held at baseline higher among males with an adjusted odds ratio of 8.02 (CI =
and 3 months. 4.01 - 15.71). In the unadjusted regression model, older age
Results: A total of 120 participants were randomized with 58 group was associated with elevated BMI (unadjusted OR = 2.28,
enrolled in plan A (low carbohydrate diet), and 62 in plan B CI = 1.30 - 3.99)
(low fat low calorie diet). The mean age (±SD) of the participants Conclusion: Our results concluded that more males had elevated
was 35.65 ± 9.8 years, the majority of whom were female BP than females which put them at a higher risk for CVD. An
(67.3%). Mean daily caloric intake was similar between the two early detection can prove to be beneficial because the management
groups. The mean weight of the participants was 80.8(±15.8) of CVD is costly compared to its prevention.
kgs, with mean BMI 29.44 (±4.89) kg/m2. By the end of the
trial at 6 months , there was no statistically significant difference Keywords: Obesity, hypertension, BMI
between the randomized groups with respect to mean weight
which was 81.05±16.5 kg in the low carbohydrate arm and 78.70
±15.63 kg in the low fat low calorie arm (p=0.42). The change

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3.21 health care system and non availability of health insurances.

CLINICAL COURSE AND OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH The purpose of the study was to assess the degree of compliance
STATUS ASTHMATICUS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
IN PAKISTAN guidelines on ST elevation myocardial infarction and in-hospital
mortality.
Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi, Shahid Javed Husain, Mohammad Ali Method: Retrospective chart review of patients with ST elevation
Sadiq, Zeeshan Waheed myocardial infarction from June 2009-July 2010 was done. Only
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi patients who underwent primary angioplasty were included.Data
was collected using a tool designed to incorporate the components
Objective: Introduction Status asthmaticus is an acute of Acute STEMI guidelines.
exacerbation of asthma defined as “a progressively worsening Results: Out of 150 charts reviewed 95 were included in the
attack that is unresponsive to the usual standard treatments of study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. 72 patients
bronchodilators and corticosteroids leading to pulmonary (75.8%) were male. All patients received Aspirin on arrival. On
insufficiency” Objective To describe the clinical course and discharge 92% of patients received aspirin, 80% ACE/ARB’s,
outcome of patients admitted with status asthmaticus 87 % and 86% received statins. 2.8% received documented quit
Method: Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study Setting: smoking advice .Door to balloon time was 100 minutes (median).
Aga Khan University Data Collection: January 2000-December The ECG to catherization laboratory time was 60 minutes
2009 Exclusion criteria: Asthmatic patients younger than 16 (median).In hospital mortality occurred in 8% of patients.
years Patients admitted with asthma exacerbation but responded Conclusion: Our data shows compliance to guidelines for on
well to usual treatment Patients with smoking history of more arrival and discharge medications and comparable in hospital
than 10 pack years COPD mortality. Delay occurred in transfer to catheterization laboratory
Results: The mean age of the patients was 54+ 21 years. 87% was noted once the diagnosis was made. The reasons for the
of them were females. 21% of the patients had no prior comorbid delay were not documented which could be because of delay in
conditions. 34 (73.91%) patients required ventilatory support, decision by the family or financial issues. It is recommended
17(36.95%) of these required noninvasive ventilatory support that reasons for delay be investigated and also to implement a
and 17(36.95%) required invasive ventilatory support. The mean clinical pathway for optimal care.
duration of hospital stay was the following: 5.58±5.58 days for
patients with no ventilatory support, 7.59±4.38 days for patients Keywords: Myocardial infarction, compliance, guidelines
with non-invasive support and 10.71±7.33 days for patients with
invasive mechanical support. Mean APACHE II score was 9.58+
4.40. Complications included respiratory failure in 33(71.73%), 3.23
cardiac arrhythmias in 7(15.21 %), sepsis in 5(10.86%), and COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES: ACUTE ST-
pneumothorax in 1(2.17%) patient. 3(6.52%) patients died, 2 ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AT TERTIARY
due to sepsis and 1 due to respiratory failure. All the non- CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI PAKISTAN
survivors were females. Mean APACHE II score was
9.30±4.39 vs. 13.66±2.08, mean PaCO2 was 53.83±23.07 Fariha Sadiq Ali, Khurshid Khwaja
mmHg vs. 80.0±15.13 mmHg and mean arterial pH was Department of Medicine and Nursing Services, Aga Khan
7.33±0.11 vs. 7.21±0.09 among survivors and non survivors University, Karachi
respectively.
Conclusion: Our study showed that non survivors had higher Objective: ACC/AHA Guidelines for ST elevation myocardial
APACHE II scores, lower pH values and higher PaCO2 levels. infarction provides the evidence for the best available treatment
The duration of hospital stay was not found to have a significant to reduce mortality. In low socioeconomic country like Pakistan
correlation to mortality, however it was associated with the use adherence to the guidelines is a challenge, with compromised
of invasive ventilatory support. health care system and non availability of health insurances.
The purpose of the study was to assess the degree of compliance
Keywords: Status asthmaticus, APACHE the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association
guidelines on ST elevation myocardial infarction and in-hospital
mortality.
3.22 Method: Retrospective chart review of patients with ST elevation
COMPLIANCE WITH GUIDELINES: ACUTE ST- myocardial infarction from June 2009-July 2010 was done. Only
ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AT TERTIARY patients who underwent primary angioplasty were included.Data
CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI PAKISTAN was collected using a tool designed to incorporate the components
of Acute STEMI guidelines.
Fariha Sadiq Ali, Khurshid Khwaja Results: Out of 150 charts reviewed 95 were included in the
Department of Medicine and Nursing Services, Aga Khan study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. 72 patients
University, Karachi (75.8%) were male. All patients received Aspirin on arrival. On
discharge 92% of patients received aspirin, 80% ACE/ARB’s,
Objective: ACC/AHA Guidelines for ST elevation myocardial 87 % and 86% received statins. 2.8% received documented quit
infarction provides the evidence for the best available treatment smoking advice .Door to balloon time was 100 minutes (median).
to reduce mortality. In low socioeconomic country like Pakistan The ECG to catherization laboratory time was 60 minutes
adherence to the guidelines is a challenge, with compromised (median). In hospital mortality occurred in 8% of patients.

29
Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Conclusion: Our data shows compliance to guidelines for on 3.25

arrival and discharge medications and comparable in hospital PHARMACOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE MEDICINAL USE
mortality. Delay occurred in transfer to catheterization laboratory OF MENTHA ARVENSIS IN AIRWAYS DISORDERS
was noted once the diagnosis was made. The reasons for the
delay were not documented which could be because of delay in Malik Hassan Mehmood, Khwaja Ahmeruddin Siddiqui, Ali
decision by the family or financial issues. It is recommended Khawaja, Abdul-Rehman, Anwarul-Hassan Gilani
that reasons for delay be investigated and also to implement a Department of Biological Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
clinical pathway for optimal care. University, Karachi

Keywords: Myocardial infarction, compliance, guidelines Objective: This study explores possible mechnisms for medicinal
use of Mentha arvensis (Mint) in air ways disorders such as,
bronchitis and asthma.
3.24 Method: In-vivo experiments were performed in rats. Isolated
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE, HYPOLIPIDEMIC AND tissue experiments were performed in rabbit and guinea-pig
ENDOTHELIAL MODULATING EFFECTS OF HERBAL tracheal preparation.
FORMULATIONS; ZPTO AND ITS MODIFIED FORM ZTO Results: The crude extract of Mentha arvensis (Mint)leaves
(Ma.Cr) was tested positive for the presence of alkaloids,
Nauman Aziz, Malik Hassan Mehmood, Anwarul-Hassan Gilani tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins.
Department of Biological Biomedical Sciences, In anaesthetized rats, Mn.Cr caused a dose-dependent (3–10
Aga Khan University, Karachi mg/kg) suppression of carbachol (CCh, 1 mmol/kg)-induced
bronchoconstriction/increase in inspiratory pressure. In isolated
Objective: The study was designed to provide pharmacological guinea-pig tracheal preparations, Ma.Cr relaxed CCh and K+(80
basis of a herbal formulation (ZPTO) consisting of Zingiber mM)-induced contractions at 0.03-10 mg/mL in a pattern similar
officinalis (Z), Piper nigrum (P), Terminalia belerica (T) and to that of papaverine and dicyclomine. Preincubation of tissues
Orchis mascula (O) alongwith individual components in with the extract (0.01 and 0.03 mg/mL) shifted the isoprenaline-
cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). induced inhibitory concentration-response curves (CRCs) to the
Method: In-vivo assays were performed in rats. Biochemical left, similar to that caused by papaverine indicating
parameters were assessed usin kit methods. Isolated tissue phosphodiesterase enzyme(s) (PDE) inhibitory activity. When
experiments were carried out in rabbit jejunum preparation. tested for its interaction with muscarinic receptors, it was found
Results: In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the that preincubation of tissue with lower concentration (0.1 mg/mL)
formulation (ZPTO) markedly reduced blood pressure and of Mn.Cr produced a rightward parallel shift in CCh curves
revised endothelial dysfunction by augmenting the acetylcholine without suppression of the maximum, which indicated
(ACh)-induced relaxation. Administration of ZPTO to SHR antimuscarinic effect, while a non-parallel shift with the
decreased serum triglycerides (TG) levels. In high fat diet-fed suppression of maximum response was observed at it’s the
rats (HFDR), ZPTO decreased total cholesterol (TC), low density higher concentration (0.3 mg/mL) of the extract, suggesting
lipoproteins (LDL) and atherogic index (TC-HDL/HDL). Ca++ antagonist activity, similar to dicyclomine. When tested
However, ZPTO caused a mild acceleration of heart rate in SHR for its interaction with Ca++ channels, pretreatment of tissue
and had no effect on HDL and TG in HFDR. When ZTO, a with Ma.Cr shifted the CRCs of Ca++ to the right with
modified form of ZPTO, was administered to SHR and HFDR, suppression of the maximum response, similar to observed
it not only shared beneficial effects of its parent preparation but effects of nifedipine.
also presented additional benefits, like reduction in TG and Conclusion: These results indicate that bronchodilatory effect
glucose levels and substantial increase in HDL level in HFDR. of Mentha arvensis is mediated through a combination of PDE
ZTO was found devoid of cardiac stimulatory effect in SHR, inhibitory, anticholinergic and Ca++ antagonist pathways, which
which was seen with ZPTO. The parent preparation and and provides a sound mechanistic background for its medicinal use
ZTO had strong antioxidant activities in vitro. In isolated rabbit in airways disorders.
jejunum, the crude extracts of original formulation and ZTO
caused a concentration-dependent (0.1-10 mg/ml) inhibition of Keywords: Mentha arvensis, Mint, Bronchodilatation
spontaneous and high K+-induced contractions, and caused a
rightward shift in the Ca++ concentration response curves,
similar to verapamil. 3.26
Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings validate the medicinal ANTIPLATELET AGGREGATING ACTIVITY OF
use of ZPTO and shared additional benefits in the modified LAVENDER
formulation (excluding black papper) in hypertension and
dyslipidemia. Fatima Shahid, Anoosh Moin, Ahsana Dar, Shagufta Khan
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
Keywords: Herbal formulation (ZPTO), antihypertensive, University, Karachi, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry,
antidyslipidemic International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Dr
Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research,
University of Karachi, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Fatima Shahid1, Anoosh Moin1, Ahsana Dar2

Shagufta Khan1 1Department of Biological and Biomedical

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Sciences, Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Mean age of the patients was 54.85±9.7 years. Out of all, 14.7%
Pakistan 2HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International patients were females.Family history was present in 53%, 47.7%
Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Dr Panjwani were smokers. Conventional risk factors of overweight was
Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University 47.10%, obese was 14.7%,diabetes was 47.7%, hypertension
of Karachi, Pakistan Inflammatory reactions are one of the major was 69.50%, dyslipidemiawas 50.20%,renal failure was 9.2%
causes of cardiovascular diseases, viz myocardial infarction, and prior MI was 46.7%. Outcomes includeoperative mortality
and neurological disorders, e.g. stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. of 0.3% while14.8%, renal failure, 7% arrhythmias, 2.3%
The antiplatelet and antiinflammatory properties are linked, as reoperation and 3.1% prolonged ventilation as postoperative
the platelets interact with leukocytes and accelerate the complications.
inflammatory cascade leading to pathologies. The Lavandula Conclusion: There is a high prevalence among patients
stoechas belongs to family Labiatae and is used medicinally in undergoing elective CABG of coronary risk factors including
the treatment of a number of disorders such as inflammatory dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking.
diseases. Present study is conducted to investigate the antiplatelet
aggregating activity of Lavandula stoechas flower extract. Keywords: CABG, elective, risk factors
Method: Venous blood was taken from healthy human volunteers
reported to be free of medications for a minimum of one week
prior to sampling. Platelet aggregation was monitored using 3.28
Aggregometer. Different doses of Lavandula stoechas extract USE OF BICAVAL, DOUBLE LUMEN, SINGLE SITE
were evaluated for their antiplatelet aggregating activity in the AVALON ELITETM -CANNULA FOR VENO-VENOUS
presence of aggregating agents; arachidonic acid, epinephrine EXTRA-CORPOREAL MEMBRANOUS OXYGENATION
and adenosine-di-phosphate and compared with their respective FOR POST-PNEUMONECTOMY ADULT RESPIRATORY
control. Aspirin, clopidogrel and yohimbine were used as DISTRESS SYNDROME
reference drugs.
Results: Our results showed that Lavandula stoechas extract Sameer Ur Rehman, Marc Margolis, Farzad Najam
caused dose depended (0.5-08 mg/ml) inhibition of adenosine- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Aga Khan University,
di-phosphate and epinephrine induced platelet aggregation Karachi, Washington Institue of Thoracic and Cardiovascular
reaching to complete inhibition at 8 mg/ml dose. Whereas, Surgery, Washington DC, Division of Cardiac Surgery, The
arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation was completely George Washington University Medical Center, Washington DC
inhibited at 5 mg/ml dose of extract.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that methanol extract of Objective: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious
Lavandula stoechas flower possess antiplatelet aggregating complication after pneumonectomy and carries a high mortality.
activity that may be of clinical value. Amongst all the tested Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) is a highly
aggregating agents it was found to be most effective against useful method to reverse hypoxia in patients with acute respiratory
arachidonic acid. However, further studies are required to identify distress syndrome (ARDS). Traditionally, venovenous
its active compound(s) via bioassay guided-fractionation method. extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (V-V ECMO) has
required double site cannulation.
Keywords: Blood, Platelet aggregation, Lavandula stoechas Method: We report a case of a successful bed side insertion and
use of a single site, bicaval, double lumen Avalon EliteTM
cannula (Avalon Laboratories, Rancho Domiguez, CA, USA)
3.27 for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation therapy in a 59
PREVALENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS year old male patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome
AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE after a right sided total pneumonectomy for lung cancer.
CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY Results: The patient was successfully supported with V-V ECMO.
There was an immediate improvement in arterial pO2 and pCO
Shumaila Furnaz, Shazia Perveen, Hasanat Sharif 2. After the left lung improved with rest on V-V ECMO, the
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi patient was successfully weaned off extracorporeal support and
was then supported on conventional ventilatory settings.
Objective: Globally 80% cardiovascular disease deaths occurred Conclusion: V-V ECMO is a safe and an effective mode of
in low and middle income countries with almost equal proportion support for patients with acute respiratory failure that is not
inboth gender. Evidence shows that people in low and middle amenable to conventional methods. Previously, V-V ECMO has
income countries are more exposed to cardiovascular risk factors been routinely done with dual cannulation. This case report
while less exposed to preventivemeasures. It may lead to long highlights the feasibility of bedside insertion and use of a single
course of management by either/ both medical and surgical site, bi-caval, double lumen Avalon EliteTM cannula. This
techniques including coronary artery bypass surgery, increasing strategy can facilitate mobilizing and even extubating these
the economic burden.In order to find avenue for prevention, we patients early. Based on this clinical case, early use of single
aimed to measure the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors site, bi-caval, double lumen cannula V-V ECMO in patients
among patients undergoing elective CABG in Karachi, Pakistan. with ARDS after pneumonectomy not responding to conventional
Method: : Information was collected through structured ventilation can be a lifesaving intervention.
questionnaire and entered into Microsoft Access software. On
the basis of research hypotheses, specific data chunk was extracted Keywords: VV-ECMO, ARDS, single port cannulation
and analyzed in SPSS 19.
Results: In this retrospective chart review, 2073 patient undergoing
elective CABG between Jan 2006 to June 2011 were included.

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3.30 in the differential diagnosis of CP and e.g. restrictive

INCIDENT REPORTING IN PAEDIATRIC CARDIAC cardiomyopathy.
ANAESTHESIA Method: Databases we searched were MEDLINE (PubMed),
the Cochrane. Embase and Scopus. Key words used included
Mohammad Hamid, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Aftab Khatri, ‘constrictive pericarditis’, ‘restrictive cardiomyopathy’ , ‘
Muneerr amanullah pericardial calcification’ , ‘tuberculous pericarditis’ and ‘diastolic
Department of Anesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi dysfunction’.
Results: Due to the reduced diastolic filling the cardiac output
Objective: Incident reporting is a reliable quality assurance tool, of the patients with constrictive pericarditis is diminished and
frequently used in anaesthesia to identify errors. It was introduced the veins are engorged. The patients present with ascites, effusion,
in anaesthesia by Cooper in 1978 and since then several the ECG or an echocardiography may give first hints for the
departments have used voluntary incident reporting to find diagnosis. The chest X-ray examination might detect pericardial
adverse events and near misses. Incident reporting is probably calcifications , echocardiography and cardiac catheterization,
more important for prolong and technically complex procedures especially during breathing maneuvers, are diagnostic, as they
like paediatric cardiac surgery which require longer hospital demonstrate the diastolic filling disturbance, the equal increase
stay. We started incident reporting in paediatric congenital heart of left and right ventricular end-diastolic and mean atrial pressures,
disease (CHD) surgery patients with the aim of improving the and the strong dependency of ventricular filling from respiration.
quality of care. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging might
Method: All CHD patients who were scheduled for surgery reveal the thickened pericardial layer. The most important
included in this audit. Any event in preoperative area, induction differential diagnosis is restrictive cardiomyopathy, which has
room, operating room and during transfer to cardiac ICU was similar clinical and hemodynamic findings.
documented in a predesigned proforma. This proforma included Conclusion: A comprehensive diagnostic work-up is necessary,
information regarding demographics, the type and severity and as the constrictive pericarditis may be cured by a timely performed
responsible factors for the event. pericardial resection.
Results: Total 60 forms were completely filled during 18 months
period. 41 patients were males while 19 were females. Tetralogy Keywords: Constrictive pericarditis, restrictive cardiomyopathy,
of fallot 19 (31.7%) and VSD 17 (28.7%) were the commonly diastolic dysfunction
performed procedures. Cuffed ETT was used in 90% of patients.
55 incidents were reported in 22 patients. 29 (51.8%) incidents
were due to difficult intravenous and invasive line access. Four 3.33
patients had carotid puncture during central line insertion. There BILATERAL AIRWAY FOREIGN BODY ASPIRATION AS
were two incidents in each category of intubation related A CAUSE OF RECURRENT PNEUMONIA
problems, ETT and circuit disconnection, monitoring problems
and extravasation. While only one incident of bronchospasm, Sameer Ur Rehman, Nadia Sharif, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi
unanticipated difficult intubation, circuit disconnection and Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
cardiac arrest was reported. These incidents led to major
physiological impairment in only two patients while rest had no Objective: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) into the lower airway
or only minor physiological changes. requires a high index of suspicion. Identifi cation of the problem
Conclusion: Incident reporting is a reliable and feasible method can be diffi cult as it has a broad range of clinical presentation
of improving quality care in developing countries. It helps in and often mimics other medical conditions. A delay in diagnosis
identifying areas which needs improvement. It can also be used and management can result in serious complications.
to create awareness among hospital staff and development of Method: The authors report the case of a middle aged man with
guidelines to improve safety. bilateral airway FBA who had a history of six hospitalisations
over the previous 10 years with recurrent pneumonias.
Keywords: Incidents, paediatrics, congenital Results: A 50-year-old male gardener presented with a 1-week
history of fever and productive cough and a 1-day history of
spitting blood. The past medical history was signifi cant for
3.31 multiple hospitalisations over 10 years with recurrent pneumonia
CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS - A DIAGNOSTIC involving both lungs. The patient was treated with intravenous
CHALLENGE piperacillin/tazobactam after all the relevant clinical investigation
but showed no clinical improvment. He underwent fibre optic
Sameer Ur Rehman, Farzad Najam bronchoscopy which revealed betel nuts impacted in right upper
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi and lobe bronchus and left lower lobe bronchus. The left sided betel
George Washington University, U.K. nut was removed by fl exible bronchoscope, while right sided
foreign body removal required rigid bronchoscopy by a thoracic
Objective: Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by a fibrous, surgeon.
thickened pericardial layer which prevents the cardiac chambers Conclusion: Bilateral FBA is a rare entity which may remain
from regular filling. Today, this disease is often caused by undiagnosed for years despite recurrent infections. This
previous cardiac surgery or mediastinal radiotherapy, whereas emphasises the fact that healthy individuals may tolerate aspiration
tuberculosis as a cause is less important nowadays. The diagnosis of foreign bodies for a long time without life-threatening
of constrictive pericarditis (CP) continues to be a challenge in consequences.
the modern era. Understanding the pathology and intepreting
the results of invasive and non-invasive techniques are important Keywords: pneumonia, betel nut, aspiration

32
Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

3.35 cold extremities and bilateral polyphonic wheezes. Soon after

THE EFFICACY OF SPIROMETRY AS A SCREENING TOOL arrival to ER patient he went into pulse less electrical activity,
IN DETECTION OF AIR FLOW OBSTRUCTION was intubated and underwent CPR for 10 minutes. Arterial blood
gases showed severe respiratory & metabolic acidosis, other
A S Haque, Muhammad Irfan, Nabeel Manzar, Bushra Manzar labs including chest radiograph and EKG were unremarkable.
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Despite aggressive management of asthma with steroids and
bronchodilators and vasopressors and fluid for shock the patient
Objective: In developing countries, spirometry has not been stayed hypotensive. Due to persistent hypotension and severe
considered a part of routine medical check-up. The purpose of acidosis an echocardiography was done, which showed a dilated
the study was to establish the usefulness of spirometry as a and hypokinetic right ventricle with paradoxical interventricular
primary screening tool in detecting air flow obstruction (AFO) septal motion. The estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure
during routine medical check-up (RMC). was 60 mmHg. A spiral CT of the chest was performed, which
Method: This was a hospital based, retrospective, non-randomized showed extensive bilateral pulmonary thrombi identified in both
case series study of 3696 participants, who presented to hospital the right and left main pulmonary arteries extending into the
for routine medical check-up. All subjects were assisted at the lobar branches. The patient was given intravenous streptokinase
Pulmonary Medicine Department, from January 2003 till bolus followed by an infusion for 24 hours. Over the course of
December 2008 who, having met other inclusion criteria, the next day his shock improved and the wheezing disappeared.
underwent spirometry. Data were analyzed using proportion, Subsequently the patient made a complete recovery and was
group means, standard deviations and Pearson Chi Square test. discharged home on oral anticoagulation. A repeat Spiral CT
Results: The overall yield from spirometry in detecting AFO scan showed resolution of the main pulmonary artery thrombi.
was 211 patients (5.7%); 174 males (6.1%) and 37 females
(4.4%) (P=0.158, Pearson Chi Square test). Greater age at Conclusion: Acute Pulmonary embolism should be considered
presentation and BMI correlated significantly with AFO in the in the differential diagnosis of severe bronchospasm with
target group (P=<0.001; P=<0.005) respectively. Dyspnoea was hemodynamic compromise especially if the patient doesn’t
the most frequent symptomatology observed in those diagnosed respond to initial therapy.
with AFO.
Conclusion: These results suggest that spirometry during RMC Keywords:
for all persons can detect a significant number of patients with
AFO particularly among the middle and older age groups with
a low BMI. 3.37
POST INTUBATION TRACHEAL STENOSIS - A CASE
Keywords: Spirometry, airflow obstruction, Routine medical REPORT
check-up, early screening
Farooq Oighor, Ahmed Suleman Haque, Muhammad Irfan,
Javaid A Khan
3.36 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
ACUTE PULMONARY EMBOLISM PRESENTING AS
STATUS ASTHMATICUS: A CASE REPORT Objective: Tracheal stenosis, a well-known complication of
endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, is most
Farooq Oighor, Zeeshan Waheed, Javed Hussain, Javaid A Khan likely to occur in critically ill patients requiring prolonged
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi mechanical ventilation. Although a rare complication, and despite
technological improvements and better patient care in intensive
Objective: Acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common care units, tracheal stenosis still constitutes a serious clinical
and often fatal disease. Mortality from massive PE can be problem which can also develop after a short period of mechanical
reduced by early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Due to its ventilation. The area of the trachea that is affected is usually 2
non-specific presentation more than half of all PE remain cm long and involves the anterior and lateral walls. The posterior
undiagnosed. Untreated massive PE is associated with a with wall is relatively protected from stenosis
a very high mortality rate of over 50 percent. Typical presentation Method: 45 years old obese gentleman K/C Hypertention,
of massive PE is with sudden onset of chest pain with dyspnea Ischemic cardiomyopathy, Nephrotic syndrome, OSA presented
along with signs of severe hypoxia and hypotension. Below is to ER with four days history of shortness of breath, fever and
a case of massive pulmonary embolism presenting as status cough. He had history of liposuction in the recent past for which
asthmaticus and shock. he remained in ICU and was mechanically ventilated for about
Method: A 31 year old male with no past medical history a week time. At the time of presentation he had hypoxia,
presented with a 2 day history of flu like symptoms of cough, tachycardia and tachypnea. Possibility of acute pulmonary
rhinorrhea and progressive shortness of breath. He was seen at embolism was ruled out and the treatment for heart failure was
an outside hospital and managed as acute asthma with partial optimized but he did not respond clinically. Spirometry (figure
improvement. On the day of presentation he woke up with acute 1) was performed which showed fixed airway obstruction. Fibre
shortness of breath followed by unonciousness. On arrival to optic bronchoscopy (figure 2) confirmed the diagnosis of tracheal
ER he was diaphoretic and unresponsive. His blood pressure stenosis secondry to endotracheal intubation. The patient
was 50/20 mmHg, pulse 140/min, respiratory rate of 26/min. underwent tracheal reconstruction surgery and was discharged
His oxygen saturation on room air was 80 %. On exam he had home.

33
Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Conclusion: Possibility of post intubation tracheal stenosis is cardiopulmonary disease. Previous authors have published
high in mechanically ventilated patients particularly those with predictive equations for 6MWT distance (6MWD) among diverse
high endotracheal tube cuff pressure. Spirometry is the simple populations groups with varying results. However, regression
and easy test that can diagnose fixed upper airway obstruction equations have yet to be established for the Southeast Asian
even at bedside. population. We aimed to determine the 6MWD for healthy
Pakistanis, identify factors affecting 6MWD and derive an
equation.
3.38 Method: Methods: Subjects between 15 and 65yrs were
COMMUNITY BASED LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION FOR prospectively enrolled after screening. A standardized 6MWT
BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION IN CHILDREN AND was administered. SpO2, HR, BP and dyspnea scores were
YOUNG ADULTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRY: CLUSTER determined pre and post-test.
RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL Results: Results: 296 subjects [211 (71%) men and 85 (29%)
women] participated. Mean age was 373±12 yrs. The mean
Tazeen H Jafar, Muhammad Islam, Juanita Hatcher, Shiraz 6MWD for all participants was 469.88 ±101.24m (range 180m
Hashmi, Rasool Bux, Ayesha Khan, Neil Poulter, Salma - 756m) [ men 502.35 ± 92.21m ;women 389.28 ± 74.29m]. On
Badruddin, Nish Chaturvedi univariate analysis gender, weight, height and age showed a
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, significant relationship with the 6MWD. Sub analysis revealed
Karachi, Imperial College of London, UK a significant direct relationship between height (r=0.485, p=0.001)
and weight (r=0.212, p<0.001). Gender and age were identified
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a community based as independent factors in multiple regression analysis, and
lifestyle intervention on blood pressure in children and young together explained 33% of the variance. The regression equation
adults in a developing country setting predicting 6MWD is: y = b0 + b1X1 + b2X2 + b3X3 + e With
Method: Cluster randomised controlled trial. Twelve randomly an intercept term (b0), slope parameters (b1, b2, b3), one
selected geographical census based clusters in Karachi, Pakistan. dichotomized variable of gender (X1, X1= ‘0’ if the subject is
Participants 4023 people aged 5-39 years. Intervention Three female, and ‘1’ if male). The sex-specific prediction equations
monthly family based home health education delivered by lay are: 6MWD (m) for men = 164.08 + (78.06*1) - (1.90*age) +
health workers. Main outcome measure Change in blood pressure (1.95*height) 6MWD (m) for women = 164.08 - (1.90*age) +
from randomisation to end of follow-up at 2 years. (1.95*height) Comparison with published equations revealed a
Results: Analysed using the intention to treat principle, the moderate overestimation of the 6MWD in our population.
change in systolic blood pressure (adjusted for age, sex, and Conclusion: Conclusions: 6MWDs among Pakistanis are shorter
baseline blood pressure) was significant; it increased by 1.5 than predicted by reference equations in literature. The proposed
(95% confidence interval 1.1 to 1.9) mm Hg in the control group equation gives predicted (mean) 6MWDs for adult Pakistani
and by 0.1 (-0.3 to 0.5) mm Hg in the home health education naïve to the test when employing standardized protocol.
group (P for difference between groups=0.02). Findings for Prospective validation of this equation in future larger community
diastolic blood pressure weresimilar; the change was 1.5 mm based studies is warranted.
Hg greater in the control group than in the intervention group
(P=0.002). Keywords: 6 min walk, PFTs, Reference equation
Conclusion: Simple, family based home health education
delivered by trained lay health workers significantly ameliorated
the usual increase in blood pressure with age in children and 3.40
young adults in the general population of Pakistan, a low income ALL THAT WHEEZES IS NOT ASTHMA
developing country. This strategy is potentially feasible for up-
scaling within the existing healthcare systems of Indo-Asia. Zeeshan Waheed, Muhammad Irfan
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: lifestyle intervention , blood pressure reduction ,
randomised controlled trial Objective: "All that wheezes is not asthma" this adage accredited
to Chevalier Jackson emphasizes the importance of differentiating
asthma from its mimics, particularly if the patient is not
3.39 responding to usual therapy. We present a case of bronchospasm
ANALYSIS AND REFERENCE VALUE OF SIX-MINUTE which eventually found to have oesophageal achalasia.
WALKING DISTANCE IN HEALTHY PAKISTANI Method: Case Report 51 year old lady presented with complains
SUBJECTS of cough for 15 days, fever for 5 days and worsening shortness
of breath for the last 3 days. Her cough worsened after taking
Nisar A Rao, Muhammad Irfan, AS Haque, ABS Zubairi, meals and on lying down as well, her fever is associated with
Safia Awan chills and his high grade and her shortness of breath was
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi aggravated by lying down as well as on exertion. Prior to coming
to hospital she had been treated for his cough and shortness of
Objective: Background: Six-min walk test (6MWT) is useful in breath with the diagnosis of Asthma but she didn’t responded.
assessing functional exercise capacity of individuals with She had a history of recurrent cough for the last 1-2 month

34
Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

associated with shortness of breath. She had been diagnosed as Conclusion: In our population, there is a weak correlation
a case of hypertyroidism and was treated with Carbamizole for between standardized predicted parameters vs. observed
last three weeks, she also had been treated as GERD and H- parameters of both FEV1 and FVC. Both FEV1 and FVC are
pylori induced gastritis. At presentation she was in respiratory a function of gender, height and age. Our analysis highlights the
distress with respiratory rate of 28/ minute. Her chest examination need for a prospective study to evaluate and establish normal
revealed severe bilateral poly-phonic ronchii along with crackles FEV1 and FVC parameters for our population.
at bases. She was not hypoxic and his Chest X-ray was normal.
She was admitted with a working diagnosis of infective Keywords: Predicted FEV1, Predicted FVC, correlation analysis
exacerbation of Asthma and was initially started on intravenous
steroids, nebulizers and antibiotics. The next morning she was
better symptomatically and her chest auscultatory findings 3.42
improved but there was a stridor present after exertion.In view EXPERIENCE WITH A CHRONIC VENTILATION SERVICE
of high clinical suspicion her CT scan Neck and Chest was done
which revealed dilated cervical and thoracic oesophagus, causing Murtaza M Kazmi, Khursheed Haider, Ali Zubairi, Javed Hussain,
compression and anterior displacement of the trachea (Figure: Nawal Salahuddin
1) Her barium Swallow was done which confirmed the diagnosis Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
of Oesophageal Achalasia (Figure: 2) Endoscopic balloon
dilatation was preformed and she was then discharged home. Objective: In Pakistan increasing numbers of patients are
Conclusion: Conclusion: Physician should protract a high index surviving critical illness, but require long term ventilation.
of suspicion for diseases that mimic asthma, particularly when Prolonged ICU stay has limitations from scarcity of beds,
the patient fails to respond the therapy. rehabilitative efforts and financial costs. Home or facility based
ventilation has become accepted practice for such patients. We
Keywords: asthma, wheezes, hiatus hernia developed a home-based chronic ventilation service and present
data from the Chronic Vent Registry.
Method: All ventilator-dependent patients discharged home on
3.41 portable ventilators from January 2000 – December 2010 were
SPIROMETRIC STANDARDS FOR PREDICTED FEV1 AND contacted at 12 months post-discharge. Survivors were
FVC IN NORMAL PAKISTANI SUBJECTS. administered an Urdu translation of EuroQOL (EQ-5D) quality-
of-life questionnaire, evaluating mobility, self care, usual activities,
Murtaza M Kazmi, Nawal Salahuddin, Arsalan Rahatullah discomfort, anxiety and a single index value on visual analogue
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi scale. Primary caregiver administered the questionnaire to the
patient. SPSS 16 used to analyze data.
Objective: Spirometric evaluation of FEV1 and FVC are variable Results: 52 patients discharged home on portable ventilators on
dependants of ethnicity, gender, height and age. International either A/C or SIMV modes, vent settings adjusted to pre-discharge
standards of predicted FEV1 and FVC are derived from normal ABGs. Mean age was 49 years (range10-98 years). Ventilatory
caucasian individuals and extrapolated to different ethnic failure related to cervical spine trauma (36%), neurological
populations. Predicted normals vary with ethnicity, and established disease (27%), critical illness neuropathy (18%) and respiratory
practice is to use a 15% reduction in FEV1 and FVC to account failure (18%). One year survival rate was 72% (38 patients).
for these. Our objective was to determine whether such predicted 50% (26 patients) were successfully weaned, mean duration of
FEV1 and FVC apply to our population, and whether there was ventilation 9.45 months (95%CI 3.24, 15.67). 36% (19 patients)
any correlation in our observed data versus predicted standards. weaned off all ventilatory support and 13% (7 patients) required
Method: We accessed our PFT lab database to extract spirometric nocturnal support. Successful weaning associated with family
data for adult subjects (age > 16 years) over the last 5 years. member as the primary care giver compared to private nurse
Subjects who were asymptomatic and had normal spirometry alone; RR 2.8 (95% CI 0.5, 16.6). Survivors scored a mean score
by ATS criteria were included in the database. Predicted FEV1 of 48.2 ± 27.3 on the EQ-Visual Analogue Scale. Mean scores
and FVC obtained according to ATS recommendations. Data on EQ-5D were; Mobility 2 ± 0.82, Self-care 2 ± 0.82, Usual
was analyzed using SPSS 18. activities 1.86 ± 0.69, Pain 1.43 ± 0.79, Depression 1.29 ± 0.76.
Results: Data was analysed on 2453 subjects. 81% (n=1988) Conclusion: In selected patients, home ventilation is a
were male, 19% (n= 465) were female. Median age for males viable option with expectation of successful weaning. Patients
was 40 yrs, range (16-75) years, for females 44 yrs (range 16 on home ventilation report reasonable quality of life with
– 75) years. Median height for males was 170 cm, (range118 - problems related to independence compared to overall well
190) cm, and for females was 156 cm (range 116 - 175) cm. being.
Using a two tailed Pearson correlation model significant at
0.01level, a weak correlation was noted between Predicted Keywords: Critical illness, chronic respiratory failure, home
FEV1vs.Actual FEV1(r=0.105) and Predicted FVC vs. Actual ventilation
FVC (r=0.454). On univariate and multivariate models, age,
height and gender are independent predictors of FEV1 and FVC,
statistically significant at the 0.01 level.

35
Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

3.43 3.45
‘CLOT IN TRANSIT’ MIMICKING A RIGHT ATRIAL MASS: EVALUATING THE USE OF SILDENAFIL IN THE
A CASE PRESENTATION MANAGEMENT OF PPHN IN A TERTIARY CARE
TEACHING HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN
Hira Shahzad, Ali Bin Sarwar Zubairi
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Muhammad Hammad, Syed Rehan Ali, Maqbool Qadir
Department of Pharmacy Services and Paediatrics and Child
Objective: Introduction: Presentation of a cardiac mass is a rare Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
finding with an incidence of 0.001% to 0.28% reported in autopsy
reports. Differentials of such cardiac masses are commonly Objective: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
thrombi, primary cardiac tumors (most commonly atrial (PPHN) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in
myxomas), metastatic tumors and infective emboli. Acute neonatal intensive care. The incidence reported vary between
thromboembolytic disease has been increasingly associated with 0.43 - 6.8 of 1000 live births. Therapeutic options such as high-
cardiac thrombi with an estimated incidence of 7-11%. Due to frequency ventilation (HFV), surfactant, and inhaled nitric oxide
the high risk of potential pulmonary and systemic embolization, are prevalent to manage the patients conservatively and have
they require prompt therapeutic intervention. Case History: Ours varying degree of success rates. Despite the emergence of certain
is the case of a 50-year-old female with no co-morbids who treatment options, some studies reported the mortality remains
presented with a two-week history of exertional dyspnea and at 10 – 20 % in newborns with PPHN and about 30% of cases
syncope. An electrocardiogram revealed peaked p waves failing to respond. The inhaled nitrous oxide therapy is not
representative of cor pulmonale, and a transthoracic available in Pakistan leaving a limited range of therapeutic
echocardiogram showed moderately dilated right atrium (RA) options to be employed. From last two decades, attempts have
and ventricle (RV), severe tricuspid regurgitation, severely been made to discover an effective and selective pulmonary
reduced RV function, normal left ventricular systolic function vasodilator with little or no systemic adverse effects for the
(ejection fraction = 55%), pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) treatment of PPHN. Oral sildenafil, primarily approved for
of 90mmHg and a large, mobile multi-lobulated mass in RA erectile dysfunction and a potential such therapy, has not been
protruding into RV (Panel A). Spiral Computed Tomogram (CT) systematically evaluated in newborns with PPHN. Sildenafil
of the chest revealed a saddle embolus from main right and left citrate is an inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type-
PA with distal extension (Panel B). RA mass was not evident 5 (PDE5) in smooth muscle, where PDE5 is responsible for
on CT. A diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism with an degradation of cGMP. Sildenafil citrate increases cGMP within
atrial mass was made. Cardiothoracic Surgery consult deferred vascular smooth muscle cells resulting in relaxation and
surgical removal due to high mortality risk. Patient underwent vasodilation. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, this leads
thrombolytic therapy with tissue-plasminogen-activator (tPA) to vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed and, to a lesser
and anticoagulation with subcutaneous enoxaparin followed by degree, vasodilation in the systemic circulation. Based on some
warfarin. Transesophageal echocardiogram on third day of available evidences for the safety and efficacy of sildenafil, it
therapy depicted complete resolution of RA mass suggestive of was employed in the management of PPHN at AKUH.
a ‘clot in transit’ (Panel C). Work-up for hypercoagulable state Method: Sildenafil is becoming a potential therapeutic agent in
was negative. Doppler Ultrasound demonstrated partial the management of PPHN. In this study, we retrospectively
thrombosis of distal right superficial femoral vein. The patient evaluated the use of sildenafil in the NICU of Aga Khan
has been doing well since discharge eight months ago on oral University Hospital Karachi. The drug utilization data of previous
anticoagulation. 8 months was collected to evaluate the use according to the
Conclusion: Conclusion: The distinction between an original following variables; - Mean Dose/Frequency Used - Mean
atrial mass and a thrombus is not always easy. However, it is Duration of Therapy - Use of Concomitant Inotropic Support
crucial since treatment is based on diagnosis. The distinction - All-cause Mortality
between an original atrial mass and a thrombus is not always Results: Overall, sildenafil was used in 26 babies in the
easy. However, it is crucial since treatment is based on diagnosis. management of PPHN over the period of last 8 months. The
mean dose was 1.45 mg/kg/dose every 6 – 8 hours (SD: 0.57).
Keywords: right atrial mass, saddle embolus, pulmonary Mean duration of therapy was 8.16 days (SD: 4.77) and all cause
embolism mortality was 5 (out of 26 babies). 65% babies received the
concomitant support of one or more inotrope.
Conclusion: The drug seems to have promising results in the
management of PPHN. This warrants a more extensive study
on the use of the drug in neonates particularly focusing on the
safety profile.

Keywords: PPHN and use of Sildenafil

36
Aga Khan University Cardiovascular /Respiratory Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

3.46
EXCELLENCE IN CARDIAC SURGERY: A PAKISTANI
PERSPECTIVE

Aamir Saifuddin, Shazia Perveen, Syed Shahabuddin, Hasanat

Sharif
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, University
of Oxford, UK

Objective: It is essential to monitor outcomes in complex

procedures like coronary artery bypass graft operations (CABGs)
to ensure that improvements are constantly being made and that
patient care is optimised. Comparison with a large, internationally
recognised database will demonstrate how local practice matches
up with worldwide standards.
Method: From January 2006 to December 2010, information of
the 2,198 CABGs performed at Aga Khan University Hospital
(AKU) was collected prospectively. This included patient
characteristics and specific intra- and post-operative outcomes
and compared with findings from the American Society of
Thoracic Surgeons’ National Cardiac Database (STS-NCD).
Results: There were more male patients in the AKU cohort and
more diabetics. In AKU, more cases involved three or more
grafts (85% vs. 78%) and in both groups, an internal mammary
artery graft was used over 90% of the time. The overall 30-day
mortality was 2.7% at AKU, compared to 1.5% in the STS-NCD
data. AKU had a lower incidence of permanent stroke (0.5% vs.
1.2%), prolonged ventilation (10.5% vs.11.0%), deep sternal
wound infection (0.2% vs. 0.4%) and reoperation (4.0% vs.
4.7%). It had more cases of renal failure (5.4% vs. 3.6%).
Readmission rates within 30 days were also less in AKU (3.9%
vs. 9.1%).
Conclusion: The outcomes at AKU compare very favourably
with the American STS data. This demonstrates that world class
care can be achieved in Pakistan and should encourage other
similar centres in developing countries to strive for excellence.
We suggest the establishment of a Pakistani database for cardiac
surgery, to help advance national standards.

Keywords: cardiac surgery, database, Pakistan

37
Dentistry /Orthodontics /Dental Surgery Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

4.1 AKUH Dental Clinic for treatment o Informed consent •

PERCEPTION OF SMILE ATTRACTIVENESS IN YOUNG Exclusion Criteria: o Presence of craniofacial anomalies,
ADULTS-A PILOT STUDY syndromes ,facial asymmetries and neurological disturbances
o Patients presenting for continuation of orthodontic treatment
Kiran Rehman, Farhan Raza Khan, Munawar Rahman • Data Analysis: o SPSS for windows Version 19.0 o Spearman’s
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi correlation- to assess the relationship between the orthodontist
and patient IOTN- AC and IOTN- DHC. o Chi square- to assess
Objective: To assess the perception of dental, art and business the difference between the orthodontist and patient IOTN-AC
students on the importance of smile attractiveness. To assess the and IOTN-DHC o Kappa- Cohen’s- to assess the level of
understanding on effect of skin tone on tooth shade value as agreement between the orthodontist and patient IOTN-AC and
perceived by the 3 groups. IOTN-DHC o Intra examiner reliability was assessed using
Method: Cross sectional, analytical study conducted in Art, Spearman’s correlation o p- value <0.05 was considered
Business and Dental Schools. 90 students (3 groups of 30 each) significant
were selected by non probability, purposive sampling,. 24 pictures Results: • There is a statistically significant correlation of low
were run in front of the participants as power point presentations. magnitude of pretreatment aesthetic scores between the
The pictures were of two individual smiles, a male and a female, orthodontist and the patient (r = 0.388) • There is a statistically
with changes made to colour of teeth and skin, in Adobe significant correlation of acceptable magnitude between the
Photoshop. The participants were asked to grade each picture orthodontist perceived and pretreatment –DHC scores (r = 0.561)
on a rating scale. SPSS 17.0 was used for data analysis. Frequency Conclusion: • There is a poor correlation of pretreatment aesthetic
distribution of all variables was determined. Association of smile scores between the orthodontist and the patient • There is an
attractiveness with gender and profession was determined using acceptable correlation between the orthodontist perceived and
chi-square test. Mean ranks and score (of the 24 pictures) of pretreatment –DHC scores
smile attractiveness as perceived by the 3 groups were compared
using Kruskall-Wallis test. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Keywords: perception, aesthetics
Results: The sample size consisted of 34.1% males and 64.8%
females. For the dental group smile attractiveness was very
important as opposed to the business and art students. For 4.3
females, smile attractiveness was more important than their male NICKEL TITANIUM ROTARY INSTRUMENT FRACTURE
counterparts. Fair skin with moderately bright teeth rated as the DURING ROOT CANAL PREPARATION: A COMPARISON
most attractive smile. BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND HYBRID TECHNIQUES
Conclusion: There is a difference in perception of smile OF ROOT CANAL PREPARATION (AN IN VITRO
attractiveness between males and females. Art, business and STUDY).
dental students also have different perceptions of smile
attractiveness with respect to skin tones and tooth shade values. Huma Farid, Muhammad Farhan Raza Khan, Munawar Rahman
Department of Surgery,Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: smile , attractiveness, skin tone
Objective: Nickel Titanium instruments has revolutinized the
world of endodontics but unexpected instrument fracture is one
4.2 the biggest complication associated with them. The objectives
COMPARISON BETWEEN ORTHODONTIST’S AND of this study are: - To compare the frequency of Protaper Nickel-
PATIENTS PERCEPTION USING INDEX OF Titanium Rotary instruments fracture between conventional
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT NEED- A PILOT STUDY (Pure rotary) and hybrid (Rotary and hand files) canal preparation
techniques in extracted human molar teeth (first and second).
Tania Arshad Siddiqui, Attiya Shaikh, Mubassar Fida, • To compare the mean time required for canal preparation in
Rashna Aga both techniques
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Method: An ex vivo randomized controlled trial was conducted
in dental clinics of AKHU from June to August 2011 on 72
Objective: • To assess the correlation of the pretreatment aesthetic extracted human maxillary and mandibular first and second
scores between the orthodontist and the patient using IOTN-AC molars (216 canals). Teeth were randomly divided into two
• To determine the correlation of IOTN-AC of the orthodontist groups on the basis of preparation technique. Group A
and patient with IOTN- DHC (Conventional technique) and Group B (Hybrid technique).
Method: • Study design: Cross Sectional Analytical • Settings: SPSS 19.0 was used for data analysis. Chi square test/Fisher
Dental clinic, AKUH • Study duration: May –August 2011 • Exact test was used to find out an association between instrument
Sample size: 55 • Sampling technique: Non probability purposive fracture frequency and technique of preparation. Independent
• Data collection procedure: Patients presenting to the clinic t- test was used to measure mean time required for preparation.
were shown pretreatment monochrome intraoral frontal P value = 0.005 was taken as significant.
photographs and asked to score themselves against the IOTN Results: Of the 72 (216 canals) teeth divided into two groups
–AC chart. The orthodontist also repeats the same procedure. (Group A and Group B), each group received 10 maxillary and
IOTN- DHC is then assessed on dental models and the highest 26 mandibular molars. A total of 7 instruments fractured. All
reading obtained is recorded. • Inclusion Criteria: o Patients of instruments were fractured in group A (Protaper conventional
Pakistani origin o Age 16-25 years o Patients presenting in the technique) (P-value=0.014). The mean time taken for preparation

38
Aga Khan University Dentistry /Orthodontics /Dental Surgery
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

of the root canals was 104.04 sec (± 55.7sec) in Group A versus of this relationship, the association between head posture and
122.88 sec (± 41.67sec) in the Group B (p=0.007). the occurrence of malocclusion is of particular interest. Hence,
Conclusion: Hybrid technique, although more time consuming, the aim of this study was to compare head posture in different
is safer than conventional technique of root canal preparation malocclusions as well as to determine its correlation with different
in terms of instrument fracture. malocclusal traits.
Method: Head posture was assessed using craniovertical,
Keywords: Instrument fracture, Conventional technique, Hybrid craniocervical and cervicovertical postural variables recorded
technique from lateral cephalometric radiographs of 63 subjects, taken in
the natural head position (mirror position). Malocclusions were
categorized clinically into Angle’s dental malocclusions class
4.4 I, II and III whereas malocclusal traits including overjet, overbite
COMPARISON OF NASAL PROFILE IN SKELETAL CLASS and crossbites were also recorded. One way anova was used for
I AND II PATIENTS the comparison of head posture in different malocclusions.
Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the correlation of
Tania Arshad Sididqui, Attiya Shaikh, Mubassar Fida head posture and different malocclusions and malocclusal traits.
Department of Surgery,Aga Khan University, Karachi Statistical significance level was set at p=0 .05.
Results: Statistically significant differences were observed
Objective: • To compare the nasal profile between skeletal class between the different dental malocclusions for all the
I and class II malocclusion. • To find out the gender dimorphism, craniocervical angles (p<0.05) and the craniovertical angle
if any, in the nasal profile. NL/VER (p=0.032) as well as for the cervical curvature angle
Method: • Study Design: Cross Sectional Comparative study • OPT/CVT (p=0.025). A weak correlation of craniovertical angle
Setting: Orthodontic Clinic, AKUH • Duration of Study: August NL/VER (r=0.257, p=0.046) and cervical curvature angle
2010- September 2010 • Sample Size: 60 subjects divided into OPT/CVT (r=0.305, p=0.016) with Angle’s dental malocclusion
2 groups o Skeletal Class I- 31 subjects o Skeletal Class II- 29 and anterior crossbite (r=0.249, p=0.050) was observed. A weak
subjects • Sampling Technique: Non probability, purposive • correlation was also observed for the craniocervical angles and
Data Collection Procedure: All measurements were done on cervicohorizontal angles (r<0.40, p<0.05) with overjet as well
lateral cephalograms. Vertical and horizontal dimensions of as between craniocervical angles and overbite (r<0.40, p<0.05).
nasal hard and soft tissues were taken. For rest of the facial Conclusion: A weak correlation exists between head posture
skeleton, only horizontal dimensions of skeletal hard tissues and Angle’s dental malocclusion.
were taken. • Inclusion Criteria: Patients of Pakistani origin
Age 18-40 years at start of treatment Presenting in AKUH Keywords: head posture, dental malocclusions, correlation
Dental Clinic for treatment • Exclusion Criteria: Patients with
craniofacial anomalies, syndromes or facial asymmetries Patients
presenting for continuation of orthodontic treatment Data 4.6
Analysis: SPSS version 17.0 Independent sample t- test p- value THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SHADES, VOLTAGES AND
of < 0.05 was considered significant. INCREMENT THICKNESS ON THE CURING DEPTH OF
Results: Statistically significant differences were found between ESTHET X HD COMPOSITE.
Skeletal Class I and II for nasolabial angle, nasomental angle
and soft tissue facial convexity. Furthermore, statistically Muhammad Hassan, Farhan Raza Khan, Munawar Rahman
significant differences were also obtained between males and Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
females for nasal length, nasal depth, columella convexity and
nasal bone length Objective: 1.To determine the effect of variable voltage and
Conclusion: Skeletal Class I and II subjects have different nasal increasing thickness of material with different shades on depth
profiles. Moreover , nasal profiles are significantly different of cure of Esthet-X HD composite. 2.To evaluate the minimum
between males and females. It is recommended that further depth of cure of Esthet-X HD composite by using the ISO
research be done to establish norms in our population for nasal scraping method.
profile and its relationship with underlying skeletal patterns. Method: A total of 14 shades of Esthet X HD material were
tested for depth of cure. The variables were Voltages (180V &
Keywords: nasal profile, sagittal skeletal pattern, gender 220V), Material thickness (2, 4 & 6mm) & Shades (n=14). All
dimorphism the samples were tested using the ISO scrapping method. In this
technique, 50% of the cured length is taken as the value after
scraping away uncured portion. Each sample reading is taken
4.5 three times to determine the mean as the final value. Other
CORRELATION OF HEAD POSTURE AND DENTAL factors such as light intensity, curing time, distance of light
MALOCCLUSIONS guide were kept constant during the data collection.
Results: 1.There was a significant difference between the mean
Sanam Tauheed, Attiya Shaikh, Mubassar Fida curing depths of composite sample at 180 volts to 220volts. p-
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi value <0.002 2.At thickness of 2mm, all samples fully cured
but when thickness was increased to 4mm, the curing depth
Objective: It has been demonstrated earlier that the craniocervical became 1.86mm, while at 6mm, it was 1.96mm. p-value <0.001
posture is related to skeletal development of the face. In view 3.Lighter shades exhibited deeper DOC than the reference (A1).

39
Dentistry /Orthodontics /Dental Surgery Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

Whereas, darker shades showed shallower depth of cure. p- 4.8

value <0.001 COMPARISON OF POSTOPERATIVE SENSITIVITY IN
Conclusion: 1.The voltage, material thickness and different CONVENTIONAL VERSUS BONDED AMALGAM
shades contribute significantly to the Esthet-X HD material’s RESTORATIONS
Depth of Cure. 2.At optimal voltage of 220V, thirteen of the
fourteen (92.85%) shades met the ISO standard but when it was Ashar Jamelle,.Farhan Raza, Munawar Rahman
reduced to 180V, only eight out of fourteen (57.14%) shades Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
passed the ISO standard.
Objective: To evaluate the level of Post operative sensitivity
Keywords: Esthetx, voltage. with the use of bonded amalgam and conventional amalgam in
class I & II cavity preparations
Method: • Study design: A Clinical trial conducted at the Dental
4.7 clinics of the Aga Khan University, Karachi • Inclusion criteria:
NASOLABIAL ANGLE: A PERCEPTION OF TREATMENT All posterior teeth with class I or II cavities requiring amalgam
NEEDS restorations while non restorable, pulpally involved teeth,
presence of pre-operative sensitivity or teeth with excessive
Rashna Hoshang Sukhia, Hoshang Rumi Sukhia, Mubassar cavity width were excluded. • Sampling technique: Non-
Fida, Munizeh Khan probability purposive sampling was employed. • Sample size:
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi It was calculated with WHO software and turned out to be 60
in each group. • Study is approved from AKU- ERC Data
Objective: Nasolabial angle holds a very important position in Collection: Group A teeth were treated with conventional
the treatment planning process for an orthodontic case, especially amalgam restoration while Group B teeth were restored with
in today’s soft tissue paradigm. This study was therefore bonded amalgam Rely-x ARC. The outcome (post operative
conducted to compare the mean preference scores for orthodontic sensitivity) was measured by giving cold stimulus with use of
treatment need, considering the nasolabial angle, amongst compressed air and Endo ice applied on tooth for 10 seconds.
orthodontists, orthodontic patients and their parents. The response were recorded by a visual analogue scale pain as
Method: Male and female profile silhouettes were prepared by No pain (0) mild pain (4-7) and severe (8-10). These findings
changing the nasolabial angle using Adobe Photoshop 7. One were recorded on a proforma. Data Analysis: SPSS version 14-
silhouette was prepared with a nasolabial angle of 100 degrees, 0 was used. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Chi square test
chin position of 0mm and lip position of -3mm upper lip and - was applied to see the difference in proportion of post operative
2mm lower lip incorporating the normal values. Four other sensitivity in the 2 groups. Level of significance was taken at
silhouettes were prepared by changing the nasolabial angle on 0.05.
the above silhouette to 80, 90, 110 and 120 degrees using Adobe Results: Both genders were evenly distributed (61 male & 59
Photoshop 7. Rating of these male and female profile silhouettes females) Out of 120 teeth, 83 were class I and 37 were Class II
was done by the three groups of raters (orthodontists, orthodontic preparations. At base line both genders and both cavity types
patients and their parents – 36 in each group) on a scale of five were represented in the 2 study groups (conventional and bonded
with 1 being most attractive and 5 being least attractive. Two amalgam). There was no statistically significant difference in
Factors analysis of variance (ANOVA) with equal replications the level of post operative sensitivity in the 2 groups
was used to determine specific preferences for treatment need (p-value 0.357). However, the class II cavities were found to be
in the three individual groups of evaluators. P-value = 0.05 was associated with development of post operative sensitivity (p-
considered to be significant. value < 0.001).
Results: There were no statistically significant differences seen Conclusion: There was no difference in the level of post operative
amongst orthodontists, orthodontic patients and their parents sensitivity in the conventional and the bonded amalgam
for treatment need perception for both the male and female restorations in the Class I and Class II cavities
profile silhouettes.
Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences Keywords: Bonded , Conventional, Amalgam
for need of treatment perception regarding nasolabial angle
amongst orthodontists, orthodontic patients and their parents.
This reflects that all three groups were at the same wavelength 4.9
considering the eye for esthetic treatment needs for the nasolabial ASSESSMENT OF FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY IN
angle, and thus make it easier for an orthodontist to explain and PERMANENT DENTITION
carry out the orthodontic treatment plan keeping in mind the
soft tissue paradigm. Saima, Fida, Attiya
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Nasolabial angle, Perception, Treatment Need
Objective: To assess fluctuating asymmetry in maxillary
and manibular arch in: Faciolingual dimension Mesiodistal
dimension
Method: All measurements were done on study casts using digital
verneir caliper. Faciolingual and mesiodistal dimensions were
measured for maxillary and mandibular central incisors, canines

40
Aga Khan University Dentistry /Orthodontics /Dental Surgery
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

and first molars. Paired sample t -test was used to asses 4.11
fluctuating asymmetry DENTOALVEOLAR HEIGHTS IN VARIOUS VERTICAL
Results: Statistically significant fluctuating asymmetry is observed AND SAGITTAL FACIAL PATTERNS
between right and left sides in the mesiodistal widths of maxillary
canines and faciolingual widths of maxillary first molars in our Zafar Ul Islam, Attiya Shaikh, Mubassar Fida
study sample
Conclusion: There is a difference in presence of asymmetry in Objective: Dentoalveolar heights are established when the
different populations. It is suggested that assessment of asymmetry maxillary and mandibular teeth erupt in the oral cavity and
should be done for every patient before initiation of orthodontic occlude with each other. Thereafter, the contact between the
treatment for its input in treatment planning maxillary and mandibular teeth is maintained despite of
underlying skeletal changes. One important feature of the
Keywords: fluctuating asymmerty, permanent dentition, tooth dentoalveolar segment is its ability to adapt to the underlying
dimensions skeletal dysplasia. As a result of which the teeth move to abnormal
position in the dental arches in an attempt to achieve necessary
compensations. In this study we have evaluated dentoalveolar
4.10 heights in three vertical (Normodivergent, Hypodivergent and
AN IN-VTRO COMPARISION OF MARGINAL ACCURACY Hyperdivergent) and three sagittal (Class I, Class II and Class
OF TEMPORARY CROWNS MADE USING TWO AUTO- III) facial patterns, in order to find the degree of dentoalveolar
POLYMERIZING MATERIALS. compensations.
Objectives: To determine mean dentoalveolar heights in different
Samira Adnan, M. Farhan Raza Khan, Munawar Rahman vertical and sagittal facial patterns To compare the mean
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi dentoalveolar heights among different vertical and sagittal facial
patterns
Objective: To compare the marginal accuracy of temporary Method: It was a cross sectional study carried out at orthodontics
crowns in-vitro, using two interim auto-polymerizing materials clinic, AKUH from September to November 2010. A total sample
in a poly-siloxane impression. of 258 subjects aged 12-30 years having fully erupted first
Method: ‘Tempron’ and ‘Integrity’ were used to make 15 permanent molars and central incisors were included in the study
temporary crowns each, in sectional poly vinyl-siloxane from orthodontic record. The pretreatment cephalographs of
impressions of the left quadrant of a mandibular typo-dont arch. subjects were traced manually over an illuminator. The various
The crowns were made on a prepared mandibular first molar. parameters like angle ANB, angle SN-MP and dentoalveolar
The margins of the prepared tooth and crowns were marked. heights were measured and recorded on data collection form.
After fitting each crown on the prepared tooth, the tooth-crown The data was analyzed using SPSS for windows (version 17,
assembly was observed under microscope (4 x magnification). Chicago Inc ;). Means and standard deviations for the variables
Images of the buccal, lingual, mesial and distal surfaces were were generated. ANOVA was used to compare the means of
digitally captured. The distance between the margins was dentoalveolar heights in the three vertical and three sagittal face
measured in millimeters using computer software, at four types. Post Hoc Bonferroni test was applied to show difference
reference points. The values obtained were compared to determine among the groups. Intra and Inter examiners reliability was
the marginal accuracy of the crowns made using the two materials. measured using Pearson’s correlation. P value equal to or less
Independent samples t-test was applied to determine the difference than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
between the two groups. All procedures and measurements were Results: The total sample of 258 subjects comprised of 38.76%
performed by a single operator. males and 61.24% females. The total mean age of subjects in
Results: There were 15 crowns in both groups, making a total vertical group was 15.8 ±4.3 years and that of subjects in sagittal
of 30 crowns with 120 observations. The mean gap with Integrity group was 16.3 ±3.5 years. The results of ANOVA showed
was found to be 0.2mm and that with Tempron was found to be statistically significant difference (p value = 0.008) for upper
0.3mm (p<0.01). anterior dentoalveolar height (UADH) in the vertical group.
Conclusion: Within the limitation of our study, we found that Post Hoc Bonferroni test showed statistically significant difference
temporary crowns made with Integrity showed better marginal for UADH between hyperdivergent and normodivergent (p value
accuracy than crowns made with Tempron but the difference = 0.039) and hyperdivergent and hypodivergent (p value = 0.011)
was not clinically significant. facial patterns. Pearson’s correlation showed strong correlation
for intra and inter examiner reliability. The sagittal groups
Keywords: marginal accuracy, temporary crowns, auto- showed no statistically significant difference for dentoalveolar
polymerizing materials heights.
Conclusion: The mean values of the dentoalveolar heights were
determined for the vertical and sagittal facial patterns. The
UADH were greater and statistically significant in the
hyperdivergent group as compared to both the normodivergent
and hypodivergent groups. The sagittal groups showed no
statistically significant difference for dentoalveolar heights.

Keywords: dentoalveolar, vertical, sagittal

41
Dentistry /Orthodontics /Dental Surgery Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

4.12 4.13
EFFECTS OF INCISOR INCLINATION CHANGES ON CROWDING AND SPACING IN RELATION TO TOOTH
POINT A AND B IN ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS DIMENSION AND ARCH PERIMETER

Sohaib Hassan, Attiya Shaikh, Mubassar Fida Saman Faruqui, Mubassar Fida, Attiya Shaikh
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Introduction: Point A and point B are the cephalometric Objective: An ideal occlusion and alignment of teeth is a result
skeletal landmarks located on the maxilla and mandible of harmony between tooth dimensions and arch length. Any
respectively. These landmarks are used to analyze the sagittal disproportion between these elements predisposes to crowding
relationship of jaws. If the positions of point A and B are affected and spacing in the dental arch, which are the most common
by alveolar bone remodeling associated with orthodontic tooth forms of malocclusion. Therefore, the objective of this study is
movement of upper and lower incisors then it should be to compare the mesiodistal (MD) dimensions of all individual
considered in the diagnosis of antero-posterior skeletal teeth, the arch length, intercanine (IC) width, interpremolar (IP)
relationship. In this study, we have evaluated the magnitude of width, intermolar width (IM) and arch depth between normal,
change in positions of point A and B due to change in inclinations crowded and spaced dentitions.
of upper and lower incisors. This will help us to formulate the Method: A sample of 90 dental casts was collected and space
proper diagnosis and to evaluate the true efficacy of orthodontic analysis was performed by subtracting the sum of MD dimension
appliances on skeletal bases. Objective: To evaluate the change of all teeth (except the permanent molars) from the arch length.
in cephalometric positions of point A and B in sagittal and The sample was divided into three groups namely normal,
vertical dimension due to change in incisal inclinations caused crowded and spaced arches on the basis of tooth size-arch length
by orthodontic treatment. discrepancy. ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc were performed
Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga for the comparison between groups. A level of significance (p
Khan University Hospital Karachi from July to September 2011. = 0.05) was used for the statistical tests.
A total sample size of 31 subjects was taken. The inclusion Results: The MD dimensions of all individual teeth in crowded
criteria for the subjects to be recruited in the study were extraction arches were greater than the corresponding teeth in normal
in upper and lower arches, completion of growth and orthodontic arches. However, the difference was significant only for upper
treatment. Pre and post treatment lateral cephalograms were canines and first molars, lower central incisors and lower right
traced over an illuminator manually. By superimposition of these lateral incisor (p<0.05). The MD dimensions of all individual
pre and post treatment tracings, various linear (changes in teeth in spaced arches were smaller than the corresponding teeth
positions of point A and B in sagittal and vertical direction) and in normal arches. However, the difference was significant only
angular (angles ANB, UI-Max, IMPA etc) parameters were for upper central and lateral incisors, lower canines and premolars
measured and recorded on data collection form. The data was (p<0.05) A statistically significant difference was found in the
analyzed by using SPSS for windows (version 19.0 Chicago Inc arch lengths between the three groups (p<0.05) and interpremolar
;). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the widths, intermolar widths and arch depths of crowded and spaced
relationship between outcome and independent variables. P arches.
value equal to or less than 0.05 was taken as statistically Conclusion: Normal arches differ from crowded and spaced
significant. arches in tooth dimensions and arch perimeters.
Results: The total sample of 31 subjects comprised of 9.68%
males and 90.32% females. The regression analysis showed Keywords: Crowding, Spacing, Tooth dimension
marginally significant results for the change in position of point
B in sagittal and vertical direction. According to analysis, if we
increase incisor mandibular plane angle by 1o, point B will
move horizontally by .225mm in posterior direction and .210mm
in vertical direction. While change in position of point A showed
insignificant results in horizontal and vertical direction due to
change in upper incisor inclinations.
Conclusion: Lower incisor inclination is negatively related to
the position of point B. Upper incisor inclination is not
significantly related to change in position of point A.

Keywords: Incisor Inclination, Point A and B, Orthodontic

Patients

42
Aga Khan University Drug Trials
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

5.1 5.2
EFFECT OF ITOPRIDE ON GASTRIC FUNCTIONS IN LEVETIRACETAM VS PHENYTOIN FOR POST
PATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA: A DOUBLE NEUROSURGICAL SEIZURE PROPHYLAXIS –A META-
BLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED STUDY- NCT # 01226134 ANALYSIS.

Shahab Abid, Maseeh uzzaman, Rakhshinda Bilal, Safia Awan Abdul Ahad Khan, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Shahzad Shamim
, Wasim Jafri, Greger Lindberg Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University,Karachi,
Karolinska Institute Sweden Objective: Current therapy for seizure prophylaxis in Neuro-
surgical patients by Phenytoin (PHY) is being replaced by a
Objective: Functional dyspepsia is a common upper new
gastrointestinal functional disorder with significant impact on drug Levetiracetam (LEV). We aimed to compare the Efficacies
social and health care cost. Itopride is a benzamide derivative of these two drugs
that appeared to stimulate endogenous acetylcholine release by Method: We conducted a meta-analysis of published literature.
antagonizing dopamine-2 receptors. Little is known about the An electronic search was performed using Pubmed,
effects of Itopride on gastric function in patients with functional Embase and CENTRAL. All studies comparing PHY to LEV
dyspepsia. Aim: To evaluate the effects of itopride on gastric in patients with brain injury were selected. We included both
function in patients with functional dyspepsia. observational and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data
Method: Adult males or non-pregnant females patients who from eligible studies was extracted on to a standardized
were diagnosed as functional dyspepsia after normal laboratory abstraction sheet. The occurrence of early seizures and side
tests, upper abdomen ultrasound and gastroscopy were enrolled. effects were analyzed. We used a random effects model and
Patients were randomized either in active treatment group DerSimonian and Laird pooled odds ratios were subsequently
(Itopride; 50mg three /day) or placebo treatment group. Gastric calculated.
functions (gastric accommodation by Single photon emission Results: We reviewed 2,489 unique abstracts and selected 8
computer tomography, drinking capacity by satiety drinking studies (2 RCTs and 6 observational studies). Five studies
test, and solid meal gastric emptying by 13-C octanoic acid compared the effect of LEV and PHY on early seizures. A
breath test) and dyspepsia symptoms were assessed before random effects model demonstrated no superiority of either drug
randomization and four weeks after treatment. Liver function, with the pooled odds ratio to be 1.31 (95% CI =0.41, 4.21). Two
serum prolactin level and QTc were checked before and 4 weeks studies compared the occurrence of side effects amongst the
after intervention. two drugs. Our pooled estimate demonstrated patients using
Results: A total of 27, male 17(63%) were finally evaluated (37 PHY to be 8.7 times (95%CI 2.31, 32.99) more likely to have
enrolled, four excluded, five withdrawn and one lost to follow- an adverse drug effect as compared to patients on LEV. We did
up). Mean age of the cohort was 32.6+8 (range; 18-50) years. not find any heterogeneity amongst the studies, the I-squared
In the active treatment group no significant change in gastric value was <50% in both cases.
volume, drinking capacity and gastric emptying was noted after Conclusion: Our analysis suggests no superiority of LEV over
four weeks of treatment. However mean dyspepsia symptom PHY at decreasing post operative seizures. However patients
score improved from 21.5+5 vs.14.7+4 (p<0.001). Likewise in on LEV suffer fewer side effects. A large RCT is required to
the placebo treatment group no significant change in pre and provide conclusive evidence.
post intervention was observed in gastric volumes, drinking
capacity and gastric emptying time. Similar to active group, Keywords: Levetiracetam , Phenytoin, Prophylaxis
placebo treatment group also showed an improvement in
dyspepsia symptom score from mean 19.5+4 vs. 14+3.4
(p<0.001). Comparison between active and placebo treatment
groups demonstrated no significant change in the gastric functions.
Moreover dyspepsia symptoms improvement between the groups
after 4 weeks of treatment was also similar. No significant
differences were noted in liver enzymes, serum prolactin levels
and QTc interval on ECG in both the groups after treatment.
Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate any significant
effect of itopride on gastric accommodation, satiety drinking
test volumes and gastric emptying time in patients with functional
dyspepsia when compared with placebo.

Keywords: functional dyspepsia, gastric volumes, satiety drinking

test

43
Drug Trials Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

5.5
PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY
HYPERTENSION USING PGE1 AND VASOPRESSIN

Mansoor Khan , Muneer Amanulllah, Mehnaz Atiq,

Anwarul Haq
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University , Karachi

Objective: Managing Peri-operative Pulmonary Hypertension

in congenital heart disease patients
Method: literature review of the previous work done regarding
paharmacological and other methods used to control pulmonary
hypertension.
Results: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as the Pulmonary
artery pressure > 25 mmHg at rest and >30 mmHg during
exercise. Conditions associated with pulmonary hypertension
are not uncommon in congenital heart diseases. These conditions
if not corrected in early life lead to secondary changes in
pulmonary vasculature and with advancing age may become
irreversible and threat to life. Surgical correction in early life
period has been shown favorable outcome. The incidence of
congenital heart disease in Pakistan ranges between 3 – 5 per
1000 births. Pulmonary hypertension is a predictor of
perioperative morbidity therefore these patients are at increased
risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality during anaesthesia
and surgery and require special measures to control perioperative
and postoperative pulmonary hypertension including inhaled
Nitric oxide, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5), JET –
ventilation etc. The Aga Khan University hospital has started
its congenital heart surgery program since 2006 and is dealing
with complicated corrective congenital heart surgeries. Although
limited in resources as compared to advanced, countries this
program is running successfully with satisfactory results. We
successfully managed 5 cases of congenital heart disease with
severe pulmonary hypertension without inhaled Nitric oxide
and JET ventilation using prostaglandin infusion along with
vasopressin. These cases included CAVSD, VSD, TAPVD and
MS. We exploited the pulmonary vasodilator effect of PGE1
and explored the paradoxical pulmonary vasodilator and systemic
vasoconstrictor effect of Vasopressin in prevention of systemic
hypotension for peri and immediate postoperative control of
pulmonary hypertension. Sildenafil was used to control the
pulmonary hypertension in the later post operative period.
Conclusion: Perioperative pulmonary hypertension can be
managed by pharmacological means if exploited carefully using
PGE1 and Vasopressin when Inhaled Nitric Oxide is not
available.

Keywords: Pulmonary Hypertension , PGE1 , Vasopressin

44
Aga Khan University Endocrinology /Diabetes
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

6.1 the start of study. After two year of intervention OGTT would
CABERGOLINE THERAPY FOR MACROPROLACTINOMA be repeated to see an impact on diabetes prevention.
DURING PREGNANCY Results: Study grant has been taken from the International
Diabetes federation (IDF). In addition, the protocol has been
Hira Shahzad, Aisha Sheikh, Lumaan Sheikh submitted for approval by Ethical Review Committee of Aga
Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi Khan University. Estimated 35 percent of pre diabetic individuals
would be prevented from type 2 diabetes through lifestyle
Objective: We are reporting this case in order to contribute to intervention.
the relatively meager data available to advocate the safety of Conclusion: This study will provide evidence for larger scale
cabergoline therapy in pregnant hyperprolactinemic patients lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes. Also this study
Method: We report the case of a 31 year old lady who presented would used to make policy and public health recommendations,
to us with uncontrolled hyperprolactinemia. A pituitary for diabetes prevention efforts.
Macroadenoma was demonstrated by MRI. Due to intolerance
to Bromocriptine, Cabergoline was started. The patient improved Keywords: diabetes, lifestyle, intervention
and subsequently conceived. MRI in the second trimester
demonstrated further reduction in the tumor size. It was decided
to continue CAB throughout pregnancy to ensure further reduction 6.3
in tumor size until delivery and to hold CAB during postpartum PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH
period to allow for an adequate interval of breastfeeding. UNCONTROLLED GLYCEMIA LEVEL AMONG TYPE 2
Results: At 37 weeks of gestation, the patient delivered a healthy DIABETIC PATIENTS IN KARACHI
baby. her cabergoline was withheld after delivery to allow for
breast feeding. At one year post partum the patient and her baby Kashmira, Ambreen Pradhan
are doing fine. Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University and
Conclusion: CAB can be used safely and effectively if required Dow University of Health Scienes, Karachi
to treat macroprolactinoma during pregnancy. However it is
important to discuss with the parents about the limited data Objective: The total number of people with diabetes is projected
available on the use of CAB during pregnancy and associated to rise from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million in 2030. It is
potential adverse effects on the fetus. projected that if the situation persists, by the year 2030 Pakistan
will become 4th in burden of diabetes throughout world. The
Keywords: Macroprolactinoma, Cabergoline, Pregnancy aim of this study was to estimate prevalence and factors associated
with uncontrolled glycemia among type 2 diabetic patients in
Karachi.
6.2 Method: This cross sectional study was conducted among all
A TRANSLATION RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF Type 2 diabetic patients visiting selected GPs of Karachi. Written
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Pre-
FOR DIABETES PREVENTION IN PAKISTAN testing was done on 5% of the sample size. Data was analyzed
in SPSS version 19 and multivariate logistic regression was
Asma Ahmed, Mubashir Ahmed, Jawed Akhtar, Abdul Jabbar, applied to identify the associated factors.
Romaina Iqbal, Shehla Zaidi Results: Altogether 415 type 2 Diabetes patients were enrolled
Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Aga in the study. Prevalence of uncontrolled glycemic level among
Khan University, Karachi diabetics was 38%. Presence of > 2 co-morbid (OR: 2.32, 95%
CI: 1.92-3.33), abnormal glucose in past 6 months (OR: 4.2,
Objective: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic, non- 95% CI: 3.42-5.58) were risk factors for uncontrolled diabetes.
communicable global diseases. Pakistan ranks 6th among high However, factors such as taking herbal supplements (OR: 0.27,
burden countries. The aim of study is to implement diabetes 95%CI: 0.03-2.31), walking for at least 30 minutes thrice a week
prevention program through community based lifestyle (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06-0.97) are protective for diabetes.
intervention (improved diet, increase physical activity and weight Conclusion: The results of this study found that some factors
loss) into real life settings for two years. are potentially modifiable, thus interventions should be applied
Method: Would screen 5000 individuals, age 30-64 years, from to reduce them. While, some identified risk factors are non-
each selected communities for high risk of diabetes through modifiable like, non-communicable diseases etc.; factors like
diabetes risk score questionnaire including age, abdominal these should be used to identify a high risk group for primary
adiposity, family history of diabetes and physical activity. In prevention that decreases the chances of uncontrolled glycemic
second phase, high risk subjects (N=1480) would be tested for levels in patients.
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Pre-diabetic individuals
would be selected (N=580) and would be randomized into for Keywords: Uncontrolled, type 2 diabetes, Glycemia
either control or intervention arm. Intervention group would
receive dietary and physical activity advice frequently for two
years and control group would receive standard advice only at

45
Endocrinology /Diabetes Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

6.4 Results: In this study 30.3% (95%CI=27.3-33.2) study participants

ASSOCIATION OF PASSIVE SMOKING WITH METABOLIC had CVD. Majority of the patients were physically inactive
COMPONENTS AMONG PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 (65.2%) and had adverse psychosocial factors (71.4%). Forty
DIABETES: RESULTS OF A MULTI-CENTER STUDY. percent of the study participants were exposed to passive smoking
while 12.7% were current smokers. Only 8.8% of study subjects
Ambreen Pardhan, Ali Khan Khuwaja, Iqbal Azam had none of the studied lifestyle factor, 27.5% had one, while
Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health 63.7% had two or three factors. CVD were associated with
Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi physical inactivity (AOR=1.6; 95%CI=1.2-2.3), adverse
psychosocial factors (AOR=1.9; 95%CI=1.4-2.8), passive
Objective: : Diabetes mellitus is associated with poor metabolic smoking (AOR=1.7; 95%CI=1.3-2.3) and clustering of two or
outcomes and complications which lead to premature morbidities, three lifestyle factors (AOR=6.1; 95%CI=2.7-13.7). Physical
mortalities and excessive cost utilization. The objective of this inactivity was more prevalent among females (p<0.001) and
study was to assess the association of passive smoking with patients with no/less education (p<0.001). Proportion of adverse
individual metabolic components among people with diabetes. psychosocial factors were higher among females (p=0.02), elders
Method: A multi-centered cross-sectional study was conducted (p<0.001) and patients with no/less education (p=0.007). All
among 773 adults with type-2diabetes in four out-patient clinics the smokers were males while exposure to passive smoking was
in Karachi, Pakistan. Means and standard deviations were almost equally reported among each socio-demographic group.
calculated for descriptive presentation. Univariate and Clustering of these lifestyle factors was significantly higher
multivariable analysis was carried out to calculate crude and among females, elderly and no/less educated patients.
adjusted odds ratio respectively to assess statistical significance Conclusion: These results suggest the need of comprehensive
between passive smoking and metabolic outcomes among study and integrated interventions to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle
participants. factors and the increasing burden of CVD.
Results: Mean values of metabolic components were higher
among patients exposed to passive smoking compared to non- Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Lifestyle
exposed patients: body mass index (28.70±5.32 vs. 26.83±4.80), Factors
fasting blood glucose (219.20±82.91 vs. 189.97±75.03), fasting
triglycerides (225.48±88.58 vs. 192.53±76.47), systolic blood
pressure (140.84±19.85 vs. 129.41±14.50) and diastolic blood 6.6
pressure (86.62±11.44 vs. 81.74±10.73). In univariate analysis AN FTO VARIANT IS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2
passive smoking was associated with all the metabolic DIABETES IN SOUTH ASIAN POPULATIONS AFTER
components (p<0.001) while in multivariable analysis passive ACCOUNTING FOR BODY MASS INDEX AND WAIST
smoking was independently associated with triglycerides CIRCUMFERENCE
(AOR=1.005, 95% CI=1.003-1.007) and systolic blood pressure
(AOR=1.041, 95% CI=1.030-1.007). Simon D Rees, Muhammad Islam, Zafar Hydrie, Bushra
Conclusion: Passive smoking is associated with poor metabolic Chaudhry, Srikanth Bellary, Shiraz Hashmi, J.P.O'Hare, Sudhesh
outcomes among diabetes patients. Diabetic-passive smokers Kumar, Dharambir Sanghera, Tazeen H Jafar
need proper counseling and comprehensive care by the clinicians. University of Birmingham, UK, Department of Community
Health Sciences and Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Components, Passive Khan University, Karachi, Baqai Institute of Diabetology and
Smoking Endocrinology University, University of Warwick, Coventry,
UK, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA

6.5 Objective: A common variant, rs9939609, in the FTO (fat mass

PREVALENCE, CLUSTERING AND ASSOCIATED SOCIO- and obesity) gene is associated with adiposity in Europeans,
DEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS OF explaining its relationship with diabetes. However, data are
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RELATED LIFESTYLE inconsistent in South Asians. Our aim was to investigate the
FACTORS AMONG PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES association of the FTO rs9939609 variant with obesity, obesity-
related traits and Type 2 diabetes in South Asian individuals,
Ali Khan Khuwaja, Iqbal Azam and to use meta-analyses to attempt to clarify to what extent
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, BMI influences the association of FTO variants with diabetes
Aga Khan University, Karachi in South Asians. Method: We analysed rs9939609 in two studies
of Pakistani individuals: 1666 adults aged ‡ 40 years from the
Objective: We evaluated the prevalence and clustering pattern Karachi population-based Control of Blood Pressure and Risk
of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related lifestyle factors and Attenuation (COBRA) study and 2745 individuals of Punjabi
their association with CVD among patients with type 2 diabetes. ancestry who were part of a Type 2 diabetes case–control study
We also examined the association of these factors with various (UK Asian Diabetes Study / Diabetes Genetics in Pakistan;
socio-demographic characteristics. UKADS/ DGP). The main outcomes were BMI, waist
Method: A total of 1000 patients with type 2 diabetes were circumference and diabetes. Regression analyses were performed
interviewed in a cross-sectional, multi-center study in out-patient to determine associations between FTO alleles and outcomes.
clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. All the data was collected by trained Summary estimates were combined in a meta-analysis of 8091
medical graduates using a pre-tested and structured questionnaires. South Asian individuals (3919 patients with Type 2 diabetes and

46
Aga Khan University Endocrinology /Diabetes
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

4172 control subjects), including those from two previous studies. and the mean plasma bicarbonate level was found to be
Results: In the 4411 Pakistani individuals from this study, the 8.51(±3.76) mEq. Urinary ketones were positive in all 106patients
age-, sex- and diabetes-adjusted association of FTO variant (100%). Most common precipitating factor of DKA was found
rs9939609 with BMI was 0.45(95% CI 0.24–0.67) kg /m2 per to be non compliance (39%) followed by Acute kidney
A-allele (P = 3.0 • 10)5) and with waist circumference was 0.88 Injury(27%).The mean length of stay of our study participants
(95% CI 0.36–1.41) cm per A-allele (P = 0.001). The A-allele was 7.26(±8.587). The In hospital case fatality rate of Diabetic
(30%frequency) was also significantly associated with Type 2 ketoacidosis was recorded to be 4.71% in our study. In hospital
diabetes [per A-allele odds ratio (95% CI) 1.18 (1.07–1.30);P CFR was higher in age older age groups (>56 years), in females
= 0.0009]. A meta-analysis of four South Asian studies with and in patients with type II DM. It was observed that CFR was
8091 subjects showed that the FTO A-allele predisposes to Type higher during initial 10 days of hospital stay.
2 diabetes [1.22 (95% CI 1.14–1.31); P = 1.07 • 10)8] even after Conclusion: The In hospital case fatality rate of Diabetic
adjusting for BMI [1.18 (95% CI 1.10–1.27); P = 1.02 • 10)5] ketoacidosis was 4.71%in our study.
or waist circumference [1.18 (95% CI 1.10–1.27); P = 3.97 •
10)5]. Keywords: Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Non
Conclusion: The strong association between FTO genotype and compliance
BMI and waist circumference in South Asians is similar to that
observed in Europeans. In contrast, the strong association of
FTO genotype with diabetes is only partly accounted for by 6.8
BMI. FREQUENCY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN PATIENTS
SUFFERING FROM POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
Keywords: FTO variant, Type 2 diabetes , body mass index AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Samar Fatima, Madiha Ismail

6.7 Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
IN HOSPITAL CASE FATALITY RATE OF PATIENTS
ADMITTED WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS IN A Objective: INTRODUCTION One of the most common
TERTIARY CARE CENTRE endocrine disorders of premenopausal women is polycystic
ovarian syndrome. Its prevalence is around 10%. It is a
Madiha Ismail, Samar Fatima heterogeneous syndrome with multiple etiologies and a variable
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi clinical presentation. It is not only reproductive but also a
metabolic disorder affecting all ethnic groups, presenting as
Objective: INTRODUCTION Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a menstrual dysfunction, acne , hirsutism, infertility, obesity,
potentially fatal complication of Diabetes Mellitus and can have infertility, insulin resistance and polycystic ovaries by
significant mortality if misdiagnosed or mistreated. Internationally ultrasonography. One of the emerging issues regarding polycystic
overall In hospital case fatality rate is reposted between1-10 ovarian syndrome is type 2 diabetes. Approximately 25-30% of
percent (1, 2). DKA is a major neglected health issue of Pakistan the women will develop impaired glucose tolerance and type 2
and we believe that its incidence and subsequently its mortality diabetes will develop in 8% of affected women by age 30.
are rising in our country. But little is known about its case fatality Diabetes mellitus is a multi-system disorder and results in end-
rate and true burden of the disease. This study will help us in organ damage. The key abnormality that leads to later
determining the in hospital case fatality rate, hence also direct development of impaired glucose tolerance appears to be insulin
us in reforming protocols to improve patient care based on resistance. Although, to date, most attention of clinician has
clinical evidence. OBJECTIVES To determine the in hospital been paid to the management of specific symptoms linked to
case fatality rate of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in patients admitted PCO, it is becoming more and more obvious that due to the
to a tertiary care hospital (Aga Khan University Hospital) in complexity of this syndrome, a number of metabolic and other
Karachi. implications of women health will have to be confronted in the
Method: METHOD All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were near future. So there is great need for research into several issues
enrolled. Data were collected on pre designed Performa, and regarding the complexities of PCOS and their true negative late
analyzed using SPSS Version 17.0. Results were given for impact on women’s health, especially diabetes. There are several
continuous variables as means± Standard deviation. For studies done in European countries but so far there is no data
categorical variables, results were reported as frequencies with regarding the frequency of type 2 diabetes in PCOS in native
percentages. Stratification of in hospital case fatality rate was Asian Pakistani population so this study will help us in
done according to age, duration of diabetes and length of stay. determining the frequency and will also direct us in reforming
Results: Total of 106 patients with the diagnosis of DKA were strategies and protocols to improve patient care and morbidity
enrolled in the study. . The mean age of the study population based on clinical evidence. OBJECTIVE To study the frequency
was 43.22(±16.51) years. Out of 106 patients, 43(40.6%) were of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with diagnosed polycystic
males and 63 were females (59.4%).The mean duration of having ovarian syndrome at a tertiary care center (AKUH).
DM at the time of admission with DKA was 8(±7.69) years. Method: All female patients above fourteen years with polycystic
Out of 106 patients 46(43.4%) had type I DM while 60(56.6%) ovarian syndrome (fulfilling inclusion criteria) visiting the
had past history of type II DM. Random blood sugars were >250 medicine clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital during the
in all 106 patients with a mean RBS of 510(±160.18) mg/dl. study period were enrolled. Non-probability purposive sampling
Mean arterial PH was 7.22(±0.145) at the time of admission technique was used. All the information regarding demographics

47
Endocrinology /Diabetes Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

and labs were recorded on a predesigned Performa. Two fasting sequences to examine similarity, homology and variations in
blood sugar sample taken 48 hours apart were obtained from other organisms.
each subject. The normal fasting blood sugar was taken as less Method: Analysis was performed by using databases and tools
than or equal to 126mg/dl. Patient having blood sugar available at National Center for Biotechnology Information
concentration of more than 126 were labeled as diabetic. All (NCBI), European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) and
analyses was conducted by using the Statistical package for Ensembl. The largest TPO transcript was selected for further
social science SPSS (Release 19.0, standard version, copyright analysis. Sequence alignment, similarity, conserved domain
© SPSS; 1989-02). A descriptive analysis was done for search (BLAST) and multiple sequence alignments (ClustalW,
quantitative variables like age, blood glucose level (2 readings MUSCLE and T-Coffee) were performed. Ensembl was used
taken 48 hours apart at the time of evaluation), duration of PCO, for variation analysis.
weight, height, BMI, waist circumference and qualitative variable Results: Ensembl search displayed 18 TPO transcripts. The
like family history of diabetes and obesity. Quantitative variables largest TPO transcript shared maximum similarity with Gibbons
are presented as mean ± standard deviation while number (97%) followed by rat (79%), mouse (78%) and dog (78%)
(Percentage) is calculated for qualitative variables. Frequency while only 44% of the sequences were similar between human
for outcome variables of type 2 diabetes was calculated. and sea squirt (E value=0). Thyroid Peroxidase was the most
Stratification of age, weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, conserved domain however the amino acid position was 145-
blood glucose level, duration of PCOS, family history of 735 in Ensembl whereas it was 167-734 in NCBI. 117 variations
diabetes mellitus and obesity were done to control the effect (synonymous coding, non-synonymous coding, coding unknown,
modifiers. frameshift coding and stop gained) were reported in Ensembl.
Results: In this study, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was Conclusion: There are now 18 TPO transcripts identified
made on the basis of 2 separate fasting blood sugars level greater containing several variations. These variations may have the
than 126 mg/dl (taken 48 hours apart) and both these readings potential of translating into clinical pathologies. The novel
were recorded on a pre designed Performa. The mean age of the mutations that are being reported in TPO confirm existing data
study population was 30.96(range 19-56), While the mean age on the phenotypic variability of patients with TPO. mutations.
of diabetic patient with PCOS was 36.60± 9.4.Out of 75 patients,
10 were diabetics and 65 patients were non diabetics so that the Keywords: Thyroid Peroxidase, Bioinformatics, Variations
frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus in PCOS patient was
13.3%.The age, duration of polycystic ovarian syndrome, family
history of diabetes and obesity, weight, height, BMI and waist 6.10
circumference was more in diabetics with polycystic ovarian EFFICACY OF ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC MEDICATIONS
syndrome. IN A SUBSET OF PAKISTAN POPULATION.
Conclusion: The frequency of T2DM is 13.3% among patient
with PCOS in a medical OPD at a tertiary care hospital in Adeel Ahmed Shamim , Nayla Ahmed , Kausar Saboohi, Asifa
Karachi. It was also found that increasing age, duration of Alia, Bushra Chaudry
diagnosed PCOS, family history of diabetes, weight, waist Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and Obstetrics
circumference and BMI was found more in diabetics with & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Fatima Hospital,
polycystic ovarian syndrome than in non-diabetics. Sargodha

Keywords: polycystic ovarian syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Objective: Maintenance of normal blood glucose levels is
fasting blood sugar associated with a reduced risk of micro and macro-vascular
complications .This paper aims to provide an overview of anti
hyperglycemic drugs and investigate their use in Pakistani
6.9 population coupled with their efficacy in treatment of diabetes
THE CONSERVATION AND UNIQUENESS OF THYROID type2.
PEROXIDASE IN BASAL BIOINFORMATICS ANALYSIS Method: An extensive literature was conducted and identified
140 clinical trials and 26 observational studies that compared
Saira Ibrahim, Bushra Chaudhry mono or combination therapies. Further a retrospective review
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan of 518 patients which were undergoing treatment for type II
University, Karachi diabetes mellitus in outpatient department (OPD) of
endocrinology unit of Aga Khan University Hospital was done.
Objective: Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) is involved in the overall The data was analyzed for efficacy of the medications using
thyroid function. It liberates iodine for addition onto tyrosine SPSS.V16.
on thyroglobulin for the production of thyroxine or Results: The results showed weak evidence for long-term
triiodothyronine thyroid hormone. Previously, six TPO transcript outcomes of most therapies assessed. Insulin, Biguanides,
variants have been reported in the literature. TPO is a frequent Sulfonylureas, Thiazolidinediones and Alpha-glycosidase were
epitope of autoantibodies in autoimmune thyroid diseases. The preferred to use singly or in combination. Overall insulin usage
objective of the present study was to perform a comparative with other combination was in 56% of patients while overall
bioinformatics analysis of the human TPO gene and protein Biguanides and sulfonylureas usage was in 61% and 45% of

48
Aga Khan University Endocrinology /Diabetes
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

patients respectively. In response to therapy, the achieved FBS

level, below 110 mg/dl, was in 21% of patients, levels as >110
to <126 mg/dl were found in 13% of patients while 66% of
patients had >126 mg/dl. Insulin and Biguanides were efficacious
to bring the glycemic levels at normal limits in only 34 % of
selected population when employed more than other classes
either singly or in combination.
Conclusion: Poorly controlled glycemic levels in 66% of
population indicate co-morbidities and future complications of
diabetes. The results can aid doctors and patients in making
informed choices for better type 2 diabetes management.

Keywords: Population

6.11
COMMON INFLAMMATORY FACTORS IN OBESITY AND
DIABETES : ENROUTE HEALTH COMPLICATIONS

Faraz Khurshid , Numan siddiqui, Asifa Alia , Bushra Chaudhry

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
University, Karachi

Objective: Inflammation though a protective phenomenon could

become lethal in phase of chronicity, deregulated homeostasis.
The chronic inflammatory state of diabetes has found to be
afflicted with obesity and insulin resistance. The trio of conditions
is fastened to each other by a member of inflammatory
mediators/cytokine. The disproportionate elevation of
inflammatory markers such as TNF, CRP, IL6 and IL8 is seen
in case of obesity, diabetes and person with increased
predisposition to diabetes with a number of characteristic typical
of metabolic syndrome. These are also found to be increased in
pre-diabetic state such as insulin resistance, over weight situation
and in people afflicting with inflammatory disorders such as
arthritis and atherosclerosis. This review is focused to evaluate
the role of above mentioned inflammatory markers in the
pathogenesis of metabolically provoked state of diabetes.
Method: Information was collected from AKU library and online
published unpublished resources, through books, Journals and
continued medical education websites.
Results: Recent insights suggest that inflammatory signals
interact and interfere with insulin signaling pathway moreover
some anti inflammatory modalities may increase insulin
sensitivity.
Conclusion: Evidences have started to surface suggesting the
anti inflammatory role of the existing hypoglycemic therapies.
Inflammatory interventions in the diabetes are in its formative
era. It will certainly help the global community to overcome
this major health care challenge. It provides a perspective of
their scope as biomarker for anticipatory diagnosis of
complications associated with obesity and diabetes linked chronic
inflammation.

Keywords: Diabetes, inflammation, obesity

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GI /Liver Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

7.1 revealed a distended abdomen with sluggish gut sounds. A

EMERGENCY INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR: A DIFFICULT computerized tomography (CT) scan demonstrated gross
PROBLEM WAITING FOR A SOLUTION dilatation of the sigmoid colon (maximal diameter 14.3cm)
suggestive of sigmoid volvulus. During emergency laparotomy,
Hasnain Zafar, Masooma Zaidi, Irfan Qadir, Ayaz Ahmed Memon sigmoidectomy with a side-to-side colorectal anastomosis was
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi performed. Histopathology of the resected specimen showed
occasional ganglion cells and hypertrophied nerve bundles in
Objective: Emergency repair of obstructed incisional hernia in the muscle layers, suggesting hypoganglionosis. Colonoscopy
potentially or contaminated field is technically challenging due was performed, and multiple full-thickness biopsies were taken
to edematous, inflamed and friable tissues with occasional need that showed hypoganglionosis of the entire large bowel. Our
for concurrent bowel resection and carries high rates of post- patient underwent total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis.
operative infectious complications. The aim ofthis study was to Subsequently our patient reported a dramatic improvement in
retrospectively assess the wound related morbidity of use of her bowel function. Conclusions: Isolated hypoganglionosis is
permanent prosthetic mesh in emergency repair of obstructed a rare cause of intestinal dysganglionosis and cannot be
incisional hernias. We also describe a new technique of leaving differentiated from Hirschsprung’s disease based on clinical
the mesh exposed to heal by secondary intention with granulation presentation. A definitive diagnosis requires histopathological
tissue. analysis of full-thickness intestinal biopsies. Treatment should
Method: Between 2000 and 2010 a total of 60 patients underwent be tailored to the extent of hypoganglionosis.
emergency surgery for obstructed incisional hernia with placement
of permanent prosthetic mesh. The wound was closed after Keywords: Isolated Hypoganglionosis, Intestinal innervation
hernia repair in 55 patients while it was left open to granulate defects, Sigmoid volvulus
in 5 patients.
Results: In the group of patients with primary wound closure,
11 patients developed superficial surgical site infection, 5 7.4
developed deep wound infection and one patient had cellulitis. GASTROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF SELECTED
These patients were treated with wound debridement and PAKISTANI MEDICINAL PLANTS IN HELICOBACTER
antibiotics. Mesh explanation was required in one patient. There PYLORI-INFECTED GASTRIC EPITHELIAL CELLS
were no infections in the group of patients who had their surgical
wounds left open. One patient in this group died on the fifth Jibran Sualeh Muhammad, Saeeda Shahryar, Syed Hummad
postoperative day from septicemia. Kazmi, Nida Shahab Bham, Syed Faisal Zaidi
Conclusion: Use of permanent prosthetic mesh in emergency Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences,
repair of obstructed incisional hernia in contaminated field is Aga Khan University, Karachi
associated with high risk of wound infection.
Objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with high
Keywords: Obstructed hernia, Incisional Hernia, Emergency global prevalence of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer.
Hernia repair Due to emerging resistance problems with antibiotics, efforts
are now directed to identify alternative agents to treat and prevent
these associated disorders. In this study, we have evaluated the
7.2 effects of selected Pakistani medicinal plants on the expression
ISOLATED ADULT HYPOGANGLIONOSIS PRESENTING of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H.
AS SIGMOID VOLVULUS: A CASE REPORT pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells, to identify potential
gastroprotective candidates.
Irfan Qadir, Muhammad Musa Salick, Abrar Barakzai, Hasnain Method: Human gastric epithelial cells (AGS) and
Zafar clinically isolated H. pylori strain (193C) were employed for
Department of Pathology & Microbiology and Surgery, co-culture experiments. Aqueous ethanol (70%) extract of the
Aga Khan University, Karachi plants, traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, were
utilized and their anti-H. pylori activity and cytotoxic effects
Introduction: Isolated hypoganglionosis is a rare cause of were determined by serial dilution method and DNA
intestinal innervation defects. It is characterized by sparse and fragmentation assay respectively. ELISA and Flow Cytometry
small myenteric ganglia, absent or low acetylcholinesterase were performed to evaluate the effects on IL-8 secretion and
activity in the lamina propria and hypertrophy of the muscularis ROS generation.
mucosae, principally in the region of the colon and rectum. It Results: At 100 µg/ml of concentration, among the twenty four
accounts for 5% of all intestinal neuronal malformations. To the commercially available medicinally plants evaluated against IL-
best of our knowledge, only 92 cases of isolated hypoganglionosis 8 production, around half of them strongly inhibited the secretion
were reported from 1978 to 2009. Isolated hypoganglionosis of IL-8 and demonstrated significant suppression of ROS in H.
usually manifests as enterocolitis or poor bowel function, and pylori-infected cells. Cinnamomum cassia, being the most potent
is diagnosed in infancy or childhood. We report the first case of among these, was further evaluated in a concentration dependent
isolated hypoganglionosis presenting with sigmoid volvulus in manner and showed significant (p < 0.01) suppression of IL-8
a 34-year-old woman. Case presentation: A 34-year-old Asian up to 3.12 mg/ml in H. pylori-infected cells while there was no
woman had progressively increasing abdominal pain and had effect of Cinnamomum cassia in uninfected cells.
not passed stool or flatus for two days. A physical examination Conclusion: Our study has revealed the potential gastroprotective

50
Aga Khan University GI /Liver
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

effects of selected medicinal plants and may partially validate plants from Pakistan that are extensively utilized for the cure of
their traditional use in GI disorders particularly associated with gastrointestinal disorders
H. pylori. Furthermore, Cinnamomum cassia might serve as a Method: Seven clinical isolates and one standard of Helicobacter
future candidate of chemoprevention against peptic ulcer or pylori (ATCC 43504) were included for screening of plant
gastric cancer. extracts. Fifty medicinal herbs including 25 daily culinary spices
were evaluated against several Pakistani and Japanese clinical
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Pakistani medicinal herbs, isolates. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the
Cinnamomum cassia active plants was determined. Resistant strains were determined
on the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values
by E-test.
7.5 Results: More than 50% of the herbs inhibited the growth of
DOWN-REGULATION OF ACTIVATION-INDUCED eight strains at 500 g/ml. The 70% aqueous-ethanol extracts of
CYTIDINE DEAMINASE BY CURCUMIN: A NOVEL Curcuma amada, Mallotus phillipinesis, Myrisctica fragrans,
APPROACH TO PREVENT HELICOBACTER PYLORI- and Psoralea corylifolia demonstrated strong anti-H. pylori
ASSOCIATED GASTRIC CARCINOGENESIS activity with MBC value ranged from 15.6 to 62.5 g/ml. The
most potent bactericidal activity was exhibited by Mallotus
Syed Faisal Zaidi, Toshior Sugiyama phillipinesis which completely killed the bacteria at the
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan concentration of 15.6–31.2 g/ml. Among the isolated compounds
University,Karachi, Univeristy of Toyama, Japan from Mallotus phillipinesis, rottlerin exhibited most potent
bactericidal activity with MBC value of 3.12–6.25 g/ml which
Objective: Anomalous expression of activation-induced cytidine was comparable with positive controls.
deaminase (AID) in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells Conclusion: As H. pylori is widely accepted to be the causative
has recently been postulated as one of the key mechanisms in agent for numerous GI diseases including dyspepsia, the findings
the development of gastric cancer. Therefore, suppression of of our study may partially validate the use of these herbs in
AID might serve a novel strategy to prevent H. pylori-induced gastric diseases. Furthermore, these herbs might serve as a source
gastric carcinogenesis. Curcumin is known for its anti- for future anti-H. pylori candidates especially against antibiotic
inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive activity. Objective resistant strains.
of this study was to evaluate effects of curcumin in suppression
of AID in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Pakistani medicinal plants,
Method: MKN-28 or MKN-45 cells and H. pylori strain 193C Mallotus phillipinesis
were used for co-culture experiments. Cells were pre-treated
with or without non-bactericidal concentrations of curcumin.
Apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation assay. Real- 7.8
time PCR reaction was employed to evaluate the expression of PRESENTATION OF WILSON’S DISEASE IN PAKISTAN:
AID mRNA. Immunoblot assay was performed for the analysis IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF WORLD?
of AID, NF-B, IB, and IKK regulation with or without curcumin.
Results: Pretreatment of Curcumin at =10 M down-regulated Adil Ayub, Om Parkash, Wasim Jafri, Syed Hasnain Alishah,
mRNA and protein expression of AID provoked by H. pylori. Saeed Hamid
Similarly, expression of inflammatory cytokines such as Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
TNF-, IL-6 and IL-8 was also suppressed by curcumin. Moreover,
curcumin (=10 M) suppressed H. pylori-induced NF-B activation Objective: : Wilson’s disease(WD) is a rare autosomal recessive
via inhibition of IKK activation and IB degradation. disorder of copper metabolism, with an average worldwide
Conclusion: Non-bactericidal concentrations of curcumin prevalence of approximately 1 in 30,000 people. Data regarding
downregulated H. pylori-induced AID expression in gastric WD from Pakistan is not available hence we aim to determine
epithelial cells, probably via inhibiting NF-B pathway. Hence, the pattern of WD in Pakistan population and wanted to compare
curcumin can be considered as a potential chemopreventive with international literature
candidate against H. pylori related gastric carcinogenesis. Method: Cross sectional study from 1985-2010, conducted at
Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Activation-induced Cytidine Results: A Total of 47 patients were seen among them 32
Deaminase, Curcumin (68.1%)were male. The mean age(SD) of the patients was
26.6(9.97) years. The most common presentation in this group
of patients was hepatic; 22 (46.8%), second most common mode
7.7 of presentation was neurological; 17 (36.2%) and rest were
ANTI-HELICOBACTER PYLORI ACTIVITY OF presented with psychiatric symptoms which comprises of 8
MEDICINAL PLANTS/ SPICES FROM PAKISTAN, (17%) patients. The patients with psychiatric symptoms had
EMPLOYED FOR THE TREATMENT OF earlier onset of WD at the mean age of 18.8±3.3 years. Mean
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS ceruloplasmin levels were 0.17 (0.13) and was reduced (<0.25
g/dl) in 39 (86.6%). Serum Copper(Cu) was reduced in 32
Syed Faisal Zaidi, Usmanghani Khan (68.1%). 24 hr urinary Cu was raised in only 22(47.6%).Slit
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Lamp examination for Kayser-Fleischer (KF) rings was done
University, Karachi ,Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard on 15(31.9%) patients and only 9(60%) patients were found to
University, Karachi have KF rings. Out of these 9 patients with KF ring positive, 8
(88.8%) had neurologic disease. Mean Serum Aspartate
Objective: In the present study, we evaluated the anti-H. pylori Transaminase (AST)/Alanine Transaminases (ALT) ratio was
activity of 50 commonly used Unani (traditional) medicine 1.92 and median Alkaline Phosphatase/Total Bilirubin ratio was

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79.30 (IQR 35.05;166.50) Thirty one (65.4%) patients were On six weeks follow-up rebleeding was observed in 12 (17%),
given combination of D-Penicillamine and Zinc (Zn), 11(23.1%) ascites in10 (15%), PSE 5 (7%). All causes mortality was
patients were given only D-Penicillamine and only 5 (11.5%) observed in 6 (9%). ABRI value at <0.5 and <0.7 did not show
were on Zn alone. . Only one patient who presented with any significant relationship with any parameter of morbidity
decompensated liver disease underwent liver transplant and mortality.
Conclusion: Patients with WD present slightly later in adulthood Conclusion: ABRI values correlated well with heart rate in
in our population and hepatic presentation is the most common patients with variceal bleeding but not with hypotension, drop
.The disease presentation and biochemical parameters in Pakistan in hemoglobin and numbers of blood transfusion. Moreover
are not different from the rest of the world. WD should be relationship between ABRI and six weeks morbidity and mortality
suspected in patients who have unexplained abnormal liver in patients with variceal bleeding was not observed in this study.
function tests and had family history is positive for liver
disease.Earlier recognition of WD should be emphasized because Keywords: ABRI, variceal bleed, ascites
early treatment of WD will prevent long term complications
hence preventing premature morbidity and mortality. We can
also consider that WD is not a rare entity as it is being thought. 7.10
USEFULNESS OF CRITICAL FLICKER FREQUENCY TEST
Keywords: Wilson's disease, pakistan, Comparison (CFF) IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CIRRHOSIS,
WITHOUT EVIDENCE OF OVERT HEPATIC
ENCEPHALOPATHY (HE) IN A TERTIARY CARE
7.9 HOSPITAL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
USEFULNESS OF ADJUSTED BLOOD REQUIREMENT
INDEX AS AN INDICATOR OF FAILURE TO CONTROL Sajjad Jamil, Khalid Mumtaz, Shahab Abid, Hasnain Ali Shah,
BLEED IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE VARICEAL BLEEDING Shahid Ahmed, Ammar Asrar Javed, Kanza Aziz
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Shahab Abid, Abdullah Bin Khalid, Nabeel Siddiqui, Hameeda
Aishaqali , Safia Awan , Hasnain Ali Shah , Wasim Jafri , Saeed Objective: Hepatonorm TM Analyzer uses decreased visual
Hamid evoked potential responses as the basis for measuring the critical
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi flicker frequency (CFF), in order to grade the severity of HE.
It has been shown that the CFF decreases as the severity of HE
Objective: Introduction: Variceal Bleed is a serious and a increases.The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of
potentially life threatening complication of cirrhosis. Adjusted CFF as a tool in diagnosing HE in patients with Cirrhosis without
Blood Requirement Index (ABRI) has been suggested as an evidence of overt HE in a tertiary care hospital.
independent tool in predicting failure to control bleeding. Method: This Prospective cross sectional study was conducted
Objectives: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether ABRI in out-patient GI clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital from
had any value in predicting failure to control bleeding in patients June 2010 till June 2011. Cirrhosis was diagnosed on clinical
with variceal bleed. Also, we looked to assess whether there examination, laboratory tests including radiology and liver
was any correlation between ABRI and complications of variceal biopsy where possible. The grades of HE were assessed according
bleed such as rebleeding, ascites and PSE. to West Haven criteria at the beginning of evaluation in all
Method: Case records of all patients admitted with variceal cirrhotic patients (n=450) and 86 patients without overt HE were
bleed who were admitted in the bleeding control units, following enrolled depending on their eligibility for enrolment and an
a standardized pathway between June 2007 till June 2010 was equal number of age and gender matched healthy volunteers
reviewed. Patients who did not require blood transfusion during were also enrolled. Both groups were subjected to NCT A and
their admission were excluded. Each patient’s demographics, CFF measurements using standard NCT A chart and Hepatonorm
Child score, MELD score, serial hemoglobin and hemotocrit, TM Analyzer respectively.
number of packed cells transfused, endoscopic findings, outcome Results: Mean age of cirrhotic patients was 45.88 ± 13.75 years
at 5th day were also recorded. All patients were followed for and 45 (52.3%) were males. The mean NCT-A of cases was
six weeks for outcome or morbidity and mortality. 117.67 ± 59.55 seconds and the mean CFF value was 36.10 ±
Results: A total of 69 patients out of which 48 (69%) patients 4.27 Hz. The mean age of healthy individuals was 44.10±9.7
were males and 21 (31%) females. Hepatitis C was the underlying years and 49(57%) were males. The mean value of NCT A in
diagnosis in 53 (75.7%), Hepatitis B in 5 (7.1%) and non A and healthy individuals was 42.9±14.17 seconds and CFF value was
non B in 12 (17.1%) who had presented with active bleeding. 47.02±6.5 Hz. Both NCT A and CFF values were significantly
Following endoscopy and supportive management homeostasis different in the two groups (p<0.05).A linear regression analysis
was achieved in 62 (88.2%). The baseline heart-rate of patients of NCT A and CFF values in cirrhotics revealed a significant
was 95 ± 22 beats per minutes and blood pressure 121 ± 22 correlation (r= - 0.53, p=0.01) whereas no such correlation was
mmHg. The initial and final Hb was 8 ± 2 and 9 ± 1 respectively found in the healthy controls.
whereas the initial and final Hct was 24 ± 6 and 28± 3 respectively. Conclusion: CFF is significantly decreased in cirrhotics without
The ABRI score was 0.66 ± 0.89 while the median was 0.43. In overt HE compared to healthy volunteers. There is also a
42 (70%) of the patients endoscopy was done 12 hours after significant correlation between CFF and NCT A in cirrhotics
onset of symptoms. There was a significant association between without overt HE but not in healthy controls.
increased ABRI score and heart rate < 100 (ABRI >0.5 and
>0.75). However there was no significant association observed Keywords: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy, Critical flicker
between ABRI and initial Hct or number of packed cells frequency, Chronic Liver disease.
transfusion and clinical assessment of failure to control bleed.

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Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

7.11 7). In vitro Gall Bladder contractility was determined in tissue

DRUG INDUCED LIVER INJURY: OUR EXPERIENCE IN bath experiments and cumulative concentration response curves
THE PAST 20 YEARS AT AKUH. were constructed. Histological examination of resected gall
bladders and bile analysis were also carried out.
Tooba Ali, Kiran Khalid, Bilal Ahmed , Safia Awan , Saeed Results: The cumulative concentration response curves revealed
Hamid similar maximum contraction to Carbachol (expressed as
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi percentage of maximum contraction to K+) 43.13±21.94 vs
56.75±7.02 (p>0.05) in UDCA treated and untreated patients,
Objective: Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is among the leading respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity of contraction expressed
causes of acute liver failure and the most common reason for as pD2 values were also similar in the two groups, 1.37±0.19
pulling drugs off the market during post marketing surveillance. vs 0.73±0.22 (p>0.05). The inflammation scores comparing
The drugs include those prescribed by both allopathic and degree of fibrosis, muscle thickness, inflammatory cell infiltration
alternative medical practitioners. While allopathic medications were also similar in the two groups. Bile analysis revealed
have been implicated most commonly in the West, Asian literature similar total bile cholesterol concentration, 686.67±550.71 vs
reports non conventional medications to be a significant 732.09±180.19 mg/dl, triglyceride levels 46.00± 12.36 vs
contributor to DILI. We carried out a cross sectional study at 80.86±14.0 mg/dl, and total bile acid concentration 19.03±6.44
Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan to determine vs 42.36±15.14 mg/dl in the two groups, respectively (p>0.05).
drugs responsible for DILI, the pattern of liver injury and their Conclusion: UDCA therapy in a dose of 10mg/kg/day in
eventual outcome. Cholesterol Gall Stone patients do not alter in vitro Gall Bladder
Method: Patients diagnosed to have DILI during 1990-2010 contractility and is therefore unlikely to lead to bile stasis and
were identified using ICD code 9. Patient demographics, clinical consequent biliary sepsis. However, numbers in our study are
and laboratory features, detailed drug history for the past 3 small and more studies on a larger number of patients are
months, radiological investigations and biopsy results were required.
analyzed. We divided subjects into types of liver injury based
on the International Consensus Meeting criteria. Keywords: Ursodeoxycholic Acid , Gall Bladder motility ,
Results: A total of 295 patients were analyzed. The mean age Gallstone
was 49 years and 52.2% were males. Multiple drugs were found
to be the culprit. Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy was implicated in
58% cases, Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs in 7%, 7.13
Valproic acid in 6% and 4% was contributed to by hakeem/herbal PREVALENCE OF NON HELICOBACTER PYLORI
medications. Pattern of liver injury varied from hepatocellular SPECIES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH DYSPEPSIA
(43.1%), cholestatic (40.7%) and mixed (16.3%). After a 6
month follow up period, 46.1% patients recovered fully following Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Rustam Khan, Shagufta Naz,
removal of offending agent and treatment, 4.1% developed Zubair Ahmad, Safia Awan, Muhammad Islam, Wasim Jafri
chronic disease while 14.9% died. Department of Medicine, Pathology & Microbiology and
Conclusion: DILI is a significant contributor to morbidity in Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
our population, with hepatocellular injury being the most common
type (43.1%). ATT and NSAIDs are the agents causing most of Objective: Helicobacter species associated with human infection
the DILI. On withdrawal of offending agent most patients recover include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Helicobacter heilmannii
well (46.1%) but 14.9% expired despite treatment, the remaining (H. heilmannii) and Helicobacter felis (H. felis). In this study
4.1% developing chronicity we determined the prevalence of non-Helicobacter pylori
organisms e.g. H. felis and H. heilmannii in patients presenting
Keywords: DILI, drug induced liver injury with dyspepsia.
Method: Biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with
dyspepsia on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for rapid
7.12 urease test, histology and PCR examination for Helicobacter
EFFECT OF URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID (UDCA) genus specific 16S rDNA, H. pylori phosphoglucosamine mutase
THERAPY ON GALL BLADDER MOTILITY IN (glmM) and urease B (ure B) gene of H. heilmannii and H. felis.
CHOLESTEROL GALL STONE PATIENTS. Sequencing of PCR product of H. heilmannii and H. felis was
done.
Saf-ur-Rehman, Hasnain Ali Shah, Anwar ul Hassan Gilani, Results: Two hundred-fifty patients with dyspepsia were enrolled.
Shahid Perwaiz, Aysha Habib Khan The mean age was 39± 12 years with male 162(65%). Twenty-
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, six percent (66 out of 250) were exposed to cats or dogs. PCR
Aga Khan University, Karachi for Helicobacter genus specific 16S rDNA was positive in
167/250 (67%), H. pylori glmM in 142/250 (57%), H. heilmannii
Objective: Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) has been used as a in 17/250 (7%) and H. felis in 10/250 (4%), respectively. Patients
Gall Stone dissolving agent. However, its role in Gall Bladder with H. pylori infection were significantly in the 17- 39 years
motility in patients with Gall Stone disease has been studied age range, while H. felis and H. heilmannii did not show this
inadequately. distribution. The occurrence of coinfection of H. pylori and H.
Method: Gall Bladder specimens were obtained from Gall Stone heilmannii was 17(7%) and with H. felis was 10(4%), respectively.
patients treated with UDCA (n=3) and untreated patients (n= Only 6% (1 out of 66) exposed to pets were positive for H.

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Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

heilmannii (p=0.05). Sequencing of PCR amplified products metronidazole (MTZ), garlic, ginger, white cumin and black
were consistent with H. heilmannii and H. felis pepper.
Conclusion: The prevalence of H. heilmannii and H. felis was Method: Stool specimens were collected from 16 irritable bowel
low in our patients with dyspepsia in keeping with low exposure syndrome (IBS) and 10 controls between July-November 2010.
to pet. Most patients with H. heilmannii infection did not have Stool microscopy and culture for B. hominis was performed.
pet contact. There was no difference in the gastric histopathology Drug susceptibility assays was done using 0.01mg/ml and 0.1
finding associated with coinfection with these helicobacter mg/ml of metronidazole (MTZ), garlic, ginger, white cumin and
species. black pepper. Effect was assessed on B. hominis culture after
48 hours. Stool DNA was extracted using stool DNA extraction
Keywords: Dyspepsia, H. pylori, H. heilmannii kit (Qiagen) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) done using
subtype specific sequence-tagged-site primers.
Results: Blastocystis hominis genotype 3 and coinfection of 1
7.14 and 3 tended to grow well in culture compared to isolated type
THE VIRULENCE MARKERS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI 1 infection. Exposed to MTZ at a concentration of 0.01mg/ml,
IN PATIENTS WITH DIARRHEA DOMINANT IRRITABLE 38 % (6/16) B. hominis from IBS did not grow in culture
BOWEL SYNDROME compared to 100% (10/10) of B. hominis from control (p=0.001).
When they were exposed to MTZ at 0.1mg/ml, 56 % (9/16) B.
Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Shagufta Naz, Muhammad Islam, hominis from IBS did not grow in cultures compared to 100%
Wasim Jafri (10/10) from control (p=0.01). 44 % (7/16) B. hominis from
Department of Medicine and Community Health Sciences,Aga IBS did not grow in culture compared to 100% (10/10) B.
Khan University, Karachi hominis from control when exposed to garlic at a concentration
of 0.01mg/ml (p=0.003) and following exposure to garlic at
Objective: Recent studies suggest that Irritable bowel syndrome 0.1mg/ml, 38 % (6/16) B. hominis from IBS did not grow in
(IBS) is associated with low grade inflammation. We determined cultures compared to 100% (10/10) from control (p=0.001). B.
the distribution of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) cytotoxin hominis isolates from IBS had a cell count of 6625 at a MTZ
associated gene-A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin-A (vacA) concentration of 0.01mg/ml that reduced to 1250 as MTZ
alleles e.g. s1 and s2 in patients with diarrhea dominant IBS concentration was increased to 0.1mg/ ml (p=0.08). B. hominis
(IBS-D) as latter causes vacuolation in colonic epithelial cells from IBS with a mean cell count of 3x 105 at baseline decreased
in vitro. to 1x 104 when exposed to garlic at 0.01mg/ml (p<0.001) and
Method: One hundred and seventy patients meeting Rome III to 1x 103 (p<0.001) when garlic was 0.1mg/ml. B. hominis
criteria for IBS-D, mean age 40 ±15 years were enrolled. Gastric from IBS, cell count decreased to 1 x 105 when exposed to
biopsy were used for histology and DNA extraction for white cumin at 0.01mg/ml (p=0.01) and to 1 x 105 (p<0.001)
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for H. pylori genus 16S when white cumin was 0.1mg/ml. Exposed to black pepper at
ribosomal DNA (16SrDNA), cagA and vacA allele s1and s2. 0.1mg/ml, cell count of B. hominis from IBS decreased to 1 x
Results: H. pylori was positive in 204(62%). There was no age 105 (p=0.01). B. hominis from IBS decreased to 1.3 x 105
and gender related difference in H. pylori positivity in IBS-D exposed to ginger at 0.01mg/ml (p=0.001).
compared to control. H. pylori was positive in 116(68%) with Conclusion: Blastocystis hominis isolates from IBS mostly
IBS-D compared to 88(55%) (p=0.01) in control. CagA was genotype 1 demonstrated an increased sensitivity to garlic
positive in 73(63%) with IBS-D compared to 42(48%) (p=0.03) compared to MTZ. The sensitivity to MTZ increases as its
in control. The vacAs1 was positive in 61(53%) with IBS-D concentration is increased.
compared to 32(36%) (p=0.02) in control. The cagAs1 was
positive in 39(34%) with IBS-D compared to 13(15%) (p=0.002) Keywords: Blastocystis hominis, genotype, Garlic
in control.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection is common in IBS-D. The
infecting strains were predominantly cags1 positive in IBS-D. 7.16
PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON GUT MODULATORY
Keywords: IBS-D, H. pylori, cagA/vacA AND BRONCHODILATOR ACTIVITIES OF AMARANTHUS
SPINOSUS LINN.

7.15 Mueen Ahmad Chaudhary , Manzoor Imran, Samra Bashir,

IN VITRO SENSITIVITY OF BLASTOCYSTIS HOMINIS Malik Hassan Mehmood, Anwar H. Gilani
TO GARLIC, GINGER, WHITE CUMIN AND BLACK Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Department of
PEPPER USED IN DIET Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Mohammad Asim Beg, Shagufta
Naz, Saeed Hamid, Safia Awan, Wasim Jafri Objective: Amarasnthus spinosus Linn., (Family, Amaranthaceae)
Department of Medicine and Pathology & Microbiology, Aga was studied for laxative, spasmolytic and broncho-dilator activities
Khan University, Karachi to validate some of its medicinal uses.
Method: The study was conducted on aqueous-methanolic extract
Objective: To determine the growth pattern and in vitro of the whole plant (As.Cr) by using in-vitro and in-vivo
susceptibility of Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) to experiments.

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Results: As.Cr showed a concentration-dependent (0.01-10.0 positive in 43/234 (18%). Of these 25/119 (21%) had IBS-D
mg/ml) spasmogenic effect in spontaneously contracting rabbit and 18/115 (16%) with CNSD (p=0.29).
jejunum and guinea-pig ileum preparations. The spasmogenic Conclusion: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was seen in
effect was partially blocked in tissues pretreated with atropine a significant number of our patients with IBS-D. There was no
(0.1 µM). As.Cr completely relaxed K+ (80 mM)-induced significant age or gender difference in patients with or without
contraction in isolated rabbit jejunum, and shifted Ca++ SIBO.
concentration-response curves towards right, similar to diltiazem.
In the in vivo laxative study, As.Cr (100 and 300 mg/kg) increased Keywords: IBS-D, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, Lactose
fecal output in mice. In rabbit trachea, As.Cr completely relaxed intolerance
K+ (80 mM) and carbachol (1µM)-induced contractions at 1
mg/ml but in the presence of propranolol, the CCh-induced
contraction was relaxed at higher concentration (10 mg/ml). 7.18
As.Cr increased both force and rate of spontaneous contractions HELICOBACTER PYLORI CAGE GENE IS ASSOCIATED
in isolated guinea-pig atria up to 0.3 mg/ml followed by relaxation WITH SENSITIVITY TO PLANT EXTRACTS USED IN
at higher concentration (1.0-5.0 mg/ml). The cardio-stimulant POPULAR DIET
effect was diminished in the presence of propranolol. Activity-
directed fractionation revealed that the spasmolytic component Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Rustam Khan, Shagufta Naz,
(s) was separated in organic fraction whereas the spasmogenic Saeed Hamid, Safia Awan, Wasim Jafri
component was concentrated in aqueous fraction along with
week spasmolytic activity. Objective: There is an increase in the prevalence of antibiotic
Conclusion: These results, suggesting that As.Cr contains resistance to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) treatment. We
spasmogenic effect partially mediated through cholinergic and determined plant extracts as anti-Helicobacter pylori activity
spasmolytic effect through calcium antagonist pathways, while that are used in local cuisine.
broncho-dilator effect is mediated through a combination of b- Method: Extracts were prepared of garlic, white cumin and black
adrenergic agonistic and calcium channel blocking mechanisms, pepper. H. pylori strains were isolated from patients with dyspeptic
explain the medicinal uses of Amarasnthus spinosus in gut and symptoms. Extracts bactericidal activity was determined by a
airway disorders. viable colony count. Clarithromycin (CLR) and amoxicillin
(AMX) were used as control. Bacterial cell DNA was extracted.
Keywords: Amarasnthus spinosus , laxative, broncho-relaxant We determined DNA fingerprint by random amplified-
polymorphic-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and
virulence marker e.g., cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA), cag-
7.17 promoter (cagA P) and cagE gene.
SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH AND Results: H. pylori exhibited sensitivity to garlic which increased
LACTOSE INTOLERANCE CONTRIBUTE TO IRRITABLE as its concentration was increased. In the presence of cagE gene,
BOWEL SYNDROME SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN PAKISTAN H.pylori sensitivity increased to mixed herbs in both
concentrations 11(37%) vs. 3(11%) (p=0.02) and 18(60%) vs.
Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Rustam Khan, Saeed Hamid, 4(14%) (p<0.001), respectively. This effect may be related to
Safia Awan, Wasim Jafri presence of white cumin which was more effective in the presence
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi of cagE gene, 13(43%) vs. 5(18%) (p=0.04).
Conclusion: H. pylori strains exhibited sensitivity to herbs mix
Objective: The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome resemble and white cumin. This sensitivity was increased in the presence
to those of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The of H. pylori cagE gene.
aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SIBO and
lactose intolerance (LI) occurrence in patients with diarrhea Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, cagE, , garlic
predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) according to
Rome III criteria.
Method: In this retrospective case-control study, patients over 7.19
18 years of age with altered bowel habit, bloating and who had POPULATION- ATTRIBUTABLE RISK ESTIMATES FOR
lactose Hydrogen breath test (H2BT) done were included. The RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS B AND
“cases” were defined as patients who fulfill Rome III criteria C IN PAKISTAN, IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTION
for IBS-D while “controls” were those having chronic nonspecific POLICY AND PLANNING
diarrhea (CNSD) that did not fulfill Rome III criteria for IBS-
D. Demographic data, predominant bowel habit pattern and Bilal Ahmed, Saeed, Huma Qureshi
concurrent use of medications, etc were noted. Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Patients with IBS-D were 119(51%) with a mean age
of 35± 13 year while those with CNSD were 115(49%) and Objective: Re-use of contaminated syringes, greater frequency
mean age 36± 15 year. Patients in both IBS-D and CNSD were of injections, tattooing, and skin piercing have repeatedly been
comparable in gender with more often male 87(74%) vs 77(67%), shown to be an important and independent risk factors for
respectively. SIBO was documented by lactose H2BT in 32/234 hepatitis B and C. There have been few attempts, however, to
(14%). It was positive in 22/119(19%) with IBS-D while quantify the proportion of disease associated with these potentially
10/115(9%) had CNSD (p = 0.03). Lactose intolerance was modifiable factors.

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Method: We estimated the population attributable risks (PARs) gastric epithelial cells. However, preincubation of the cells with
of various risk factors of HBsAg and Anti HCV in our population 75 and 100 M of resveratrol significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01
using data from a nationally representative cross sectional survey respectively) inhibited the secretion of IL-8 from H. pylori-
conducted between July 2007 - May 2008 by Pakistan medical infected cells. In addition, resveratrol pretreatment at 1–100 M
and research council (PMRC). Estimation of population (PARs) suppressed H. pylori-induced ROS generation in a concentration
was obtained by using an approach based on unconditional dependent manner. Moreover, H. pylori-initiated morphological
logistic regression. changes were markedly blocked by resveratrol.
Results: Odds of HBsAg among those with greater than 10 IM Conclusion: Hence, resveratrol or red grapes might be considered
injections in the past one year are 4.5 times than those with as a potential candidate for preventing various H. pylori associated
none, yielding a PAR of 3.5%. Likewise, decreasing the practice disorder like peptic ulcer and gastric cancer.
of reuse of syringes will result in preventing 2.7% of hepatitis
B from our population. Another modifiable risk factor, reducing Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Resveratrol, Anti-inflammatory
the practice of shaving at barbers will avert 2.5% of new cases.
Similarly, odds of sharing of smokeless tobacco (cigarettes,
hokas, bidi) are 2.5 times more associated with the outcome, 7.21
giving a highest PARs of 4.4%. For anti HCV, by reducing the UNDERLYING MECHANISMS FOR THE LAXATIVE AND
frequency of IM injections will avert 11.3% new cases. Similarly, ANTIDIARRHOEAL EFFECTS OF INDIAN PSYLLIUM
decreasing the practice of reuse of syringes will result in obviating HUSK (ISPAGHULA) AND ITS COMPARISON WITH
2.7% of hepatitis C cases. Decreasing the practice of sharing of PAKISTANI VARIETY
smokeless tobacco (cigarettes, hokas, bidi) will preclude 8.1%
of this disease from our population. Odds of Anti-HCV among Malik Hassan Mehmood, Anwarul Hassan Gilani
those reporting tattooing are 8.3 times yielding a PAR of 3.5%. Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences,
Similarly, practice of ear/ nose piercing among females yields Aga Khan University, Karachi
PARs of 5.9%.
Conclusion: About one-third of the HBsAg and anti HCV cases Objective: This study was aimed at providing pharmacological
in this Pakistani population could be prevented by the intervention basis for the medicinal use of psyllium husk (Ispaghula) of
on a few selected and modifiable risk factors. Indian variety in gut motility disorders and its comparison with
Pakistani variety.
Keywords: PARs, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Method: Animal experiments were conducted in mice and isolated
tissue experiments were performed in rabbit jejunum and guinea-
pig ileum.
7.20 Results: In mice, the crude extract of Indian variety of Ispaghula
RESVERATROL FROM RED GRAPES AS (Poi.Cr) caused laxative effect at 100 and 300 mg/kg, which
CHEMOPREVENTIVE CANDIDATE AGAINST H. PYLORI- was partially sensitive to atropine or SB203186 (5-HT4
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS antagonist), while at at higher tested doses of 500 and 1000
mg/kg, it showed antisecretory and antidiarrheal activities. In
Syed Faisal Zaidi, Toshior Sugiyama guinea-pig ileum, Poi.Cr (1-10 mg/ml) caused spasmodic effect,
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan which was reduced in the presence of atropine or SB203186. In
University, Karachi, Univeristy of Toyama, Japan rabbit jejunum, extract exhibited a partially atropine-sensitive
contractile effect followed by relaxation at 10 mg/ml. The
Objective: Inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) and relaxation was inhibited in the presence of phentolamine.
reactive oxygen species (ROS) overexpressed in the gastric Similarly, the partial relaxant effect of Poi.Cr observed on K+
mucosa when exposed to Helicobacter pylori, defined as a class (80 mM)-induced contractions was significantly attenuated when
I carcinogen. Moreover, infection with H. pylori leads to restudied in tissue pretreated with phentolamine. Solvent-guided
morphological changes in co-cultured cells known as fractionation revealed that the gut modulatory constituents of
hummingbird phenomenon along with increased motility.In the Poi.Cr were distributed in aqueous and organic fractions.
present study, we evaluated the effect of resveratrol, a highly Conclusion: By comparing data, Poi.Cr showed a similar pattern
abundant polyphenol in red grapes, against H. pylori-linked of activity in its gut stimulatory effect (partially cholinergic and
interleukin-8 secretion, reactive oxygen species generation and serotonergic) as seen in Pakistani variety, while its antispasmodic
morphological changes in human gastric epithelial cells. effect was mediated through the activation of a-adrenergic
Method: MKN45 cells and clinically isolated H. pylori strain receptors instead of NO-cGMP pathways as observed in Pakistani
(193C) was employed for co-culture experiments. Anti-H. pylori variety. This data indicates that Indian variety of ispaghula is
activity and cytotoxic effects of the resveratrol were determined relatively more effective in constipation and Pakistani ispaghula
by serial dilution method and DNA fragmentation assay is more effective in diarrhea.
respectively. ELISA and Flow Cytometry were performed to
evaluate the effect on IL-8 secretion and ROS generation in H. Keywords: Indian variety of Plantago ovata , Pakistani variety
pylori-infected cells. of Plantago ovata , Ispaghula
Results: The non-toxic resveratrol (=100 M) treatment did not
demonstrate any inhibitory effect against H. pylori adhesion to

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7.22 of NAFLD and to determine the predicting factors associated

A MECHANISTIC STUDY ON THE MEDICINAL SE OF with NAFLD among native South Asian Pakistani patients with
MINT IN DIARRHEA Type 2 DM & Metabolic Syndrome.
Method: This was a prospective, Cross-sectional study, conducted
Malik Hassan Mehmood, Khwaja Ahmeruddin Siddiqui, Ali in outpatient clinics of the Aga Khan University hospital, Karachi,
Khawaja, Abdul-rehman, Anwarul-Hassan Gilani Pakistan during 2007 and 2010. Patients=18 years of age
Depaerment of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, diagnosed to have type 2 DM and MS were enrolled. Patients
Aga Khan University, Karachi who have liver disease due to HBV, HCV, autoimmune and
metabolic causes, taking hepatotoxic drugs or alcohol were
Objective: This study was tempted to provide underlying excluded. NCEP, ATP III Criteria for MS with the exception of
mechanism(s) for the medicinal use of Mentha arvensis (Mint) abdominal obesity (waist circumference >90 cm in men & 80
in gut hyperactive disorder cm in women for Asian population) was used to define MS.
Method: In-vivo assays were performed in mice and isolated Information was collected about demographics, BMI(KG/m2),
tissue experiments were conducted in rabbit jejunum and guinea- waist circumference, components of MS, duration of DM,
pig ileum. glycemic control and ALT. Ultrasound liver was performed by
Results: The crude methnolic extract of the leaves of Mentha an experienced sonologist to identify NAFLD. Patients with
arvensis (Ma.Cr) was tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, elevated ALT were evaluated for HBV, HCV infection and for
tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, sterols and coumarins as plant autoimmune and metabolic liver disease.
constituents. The crude extract (300-600 mg/kg) caused inhibition Results: Out of 180 patients 163 were eligible. Mean age was
of both castor oil-induced and magnesium sulphate-stimulated 54.3±11.1 years with 87(54%) males. Overall prevalence of
diarrhea in mice, similar to nifedipine and dicyclomine. In NAFLD was 72.4%. Moreover, the NAFLD prevalence was
spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum, Ma.Cr (0.1-3 mg/mL) higher among males as compared to females(51.3% vs.40.7%)
caused relaxation. When tested on carbachol (CCh) and K+ (80 and patients with HTN(73.6% vs. 53.6%), dyslipidemia(59.7%
mM)-induced contractions, Ma.Cr (0.3-10 mg/mL) caused a vs. 53.65%) and obesity(70% vs. 49.1%). Mean ALT was
complete relaxation of CCh, while partially inhibited K+ (80 27.0±15.9 IU/ml. ALT was higher above the normal limits in
mM) at the highest tested concentration (10 mg/mL) and the 15% cases and was associated with severe fatty changes in liver.
patteren of relaxation was found similar to that of dicyclomine. Older age(p 0.02), obesity(p 0.01), higher waist circumference(p
The preincubation of guinea-pig ileum with Ma.Cr (1 mg/mL), 0.03), longer duration of DM(p 0.01), dyslipidemia(0.04), poor
caused a rightward parallel shift in concentration-response curves glycemic control(p 0.03) were the factors significantly associated
(CRCs) of CCh without suppression of the maximum response. with NAFLD. Furthermore, prevalence of NAFLD was increased
At higher concentration of 3 mg/mL, it produced a non-parallel with increasing components of MS.
rightward shift with suppression of the maximum response, Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD was high in this cohort
similar to that of dicyclomine, suggesting the antispasmodic of South Asian Pakistani population with type 2 DM and
effect was mediated through dual blockade of muscarinic Metabolic Syndrome. Moreover, NAFLD was not only strongly
receptors and Ca++ channels. The Ca++ antagonist activity was associated with the MS, the increasing components of MS were
confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ma.Cr shifted also found to be associated with higher risk of NAFLD.
the CRCs of Ca++ to the right with suppression of the maximum
response, similar to nifedipine or dicyclomine Keywords: diabetes mellitus , diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic
Conclusion: These results indicate that Mint extract possesses syndrome, NAFLD,, NAFLD
antidiarrheal and spasmolytic activities mediated possibly through
dual blockade of muscarinic receptors and Ca++ channels, thus
explaining its medicinal use in diarrhea. 7.24
ETIOLOGY AND DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS OF
Keywords: Mentha arvensis, Antidiarrheal, Antispasmodic PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ON CHRONIC LIVER FAILURE
IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

7.23 Amna Subhan Butt, Saeed Hamid, Wasim Jafri

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF NAFLD AMONG Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
NATIVE SOUTH ASIAN PAKISTANI PATIENT WITH TYPE
2 DM Objective: Acute on Chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated
with high morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
Amna Subhan Butt, Saeed Hamid, Zishan Haider, Javed Akhter super-infection is common in patients with underlying chronic
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi liver disease (CLD) and can lead to ACLF. Scanty data is
available from Pakistan which is a hyper-endemic region for
Objective: Despite an increase in morbidity and mortality due HEV virus. The aim of present study was to investigate the
to diabetes(DM) and metabolic syndrome(MS) in South-Asia etiology and disease characteristics of patients presenting with
and establishment of their association with Non-alcoholic fatty Acute on Chronic Liver Failure.
liver disease(NAFLD) in other part of world, scanty data is Method: Consecutive patients=18 years of age admitted with
available regarding NAFLD from Pakistan. NAFLD is not only acute liver failure in Gastroenterology wards of The Aga Khan
a precursor of Cirrhosis & HCC but also associated with increased University hospital, Karachi, Pakistan during 2008-2009 were
morbidity & early mortality. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence evaluated. Those who were diagnosed to have ACLF were

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included. The diagnosis of ACLF was made if the patient has Duration of treatment was 6 months in 43 patients and 12 months
1) acute onset jaundice within last 4 weeks, 2)serum bilirubin= in 18. Two patients were unable to complete treatment due to
2 mg/dl, 3)coagulopathy(INR=1.5), 4)clinical/histological/ adverse events. Following re-treatment, the SVR was achieved
radiological or serological evidence of underlying chronic liver by 38(60.3%) patients. RVR and ETR was achieved in 44(72.1%)
disease, 5)Known compensated CLD and now presented with and 40(65.6%) cases respectively. Moreover, SVR was achieved
acute decompensation. in 31/43(72%) and 9/18(50%) patients who received 6 & 12
Results: Out of 200 patients 34 patients were diagnosed to have months treatment respectively. RVR(p 0.006),non-cirrhotic
ACLF. Mean age was 40.88±12.96 years and 25(73.5%) were status(p 0.007), relapse with initial treatment(p<0.05), re-
males. The etiology of underlying CLD was HBV(32.4%), treatment within one year(p<0.05) were predictors of SVR. The
HCV(17.6%) concomitant HBV, HDV with or without most frequent adverse events were fever(55%), fatigue(40%),
HCV(23.3%), alcohol(5.9%), Wilson’s disease(2.9%) and and anorexia(35%). Six patients were supported with G-CSF
cryptogenic cirrhosis(17.6%). The etiology for acute and 10 with erythropoietin for leucopenia and anemia respectively
decompensation was acute hepatitis E (44.1%), hepatitis A with modification in dosage of peg-IFN and ribavirin.
(2.9%), acute HBV(14.7%), HDV superinfection(5.9%), Conclusion: Re-treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
hepatotoxic drugs (2.9%) and unknown(29.4%). Common in non-responder HCV genotype 3 patients is effective. Rapid
presentations were fever(78%), jaundice (100%), ascites(58.8%) virological response, non-cirrhotic status, relapse with initial
and encephalopathy(61.8%). Mean CTP and MELD scores were treatment, re-treatment within one year were predictors of SVR
11.55±2.06 & 28.38±9.85 respectively. Laboratory parameters
at presentation were Hb 11.9±2.3mg/dl, Keywords: Chronic Hepatitis C, retreatment, HCV relapsers
creatinine1.8±1.2mg/dl,bilirubin 20.1±10.4 mg/dl, albumin
2.2±0.6mg/dl, ALT 539.2±396IU/ml, PT 24.4±12.4 seconds.
Overall in hospital mortality was 55.9%. On multivariate analysis, 7.26
ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, renal failure, GI bleeding, total MIRIZZI’S SYNDROME MASQUERADING AS
bilirubin and coagulopathy were the significant predictors of CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA : A CASE REPORT
mortality.
Conclusion: HEV was the most common cause of ACLF. ACLF Sameer Ur Rehman, Muhammad Rizwan Khan
is associated with significant in hospital mortality. Preventive Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
measures against HEV could prevent severe acute hepatic
decompensation and mortality. Objective: Mirizzi’s syndrome is a rarely observed condition
that presents with obstructive jaundice caused by a stone impacted
Keywords: ACLF, acute liver failure in the gallbladder neck or the cystic duct that impinges on the
common hepatic duct with or without a cholecystocholedochal
fistula. Preoperative diagnosis of Mirizzi’s syndrome could be
7.25 challenging as the clinical, biochemical and radiological
RETREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C, GENOTYPE presentation is similar to other conditions like choledocholithiasis,
3 PATIENTS WITH PEGYLATED INTERFERON AND cholangitis or cholangiocarcinoma.
RIBAVIRIN Method: We present a case of a 44year old male with mirizzi’s
syndrome who was initially diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma
Amna Subhan Butt, Saeed Hamid, Khalid Mumtaz, Wasim Jafri based on his clinical presentation, raised CA19-9 levels and
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi radiological findings.
Results: The patient was diagnosed with Mirizzi’s syndrome
Objective: Re-treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C intra-operatively. On surgical exploration a thick walled gall
virus(HCV), non-responders or relapser to interferon alfa and bladder was seen with a large stone impacted in the cystic duct
ribavirin is difficult. AIM: To evaluate the sustained virological causing external compression on the common hepatic duct
response(SVR) after re-treatment with pegylated Interferon and (Mirrizi’s syndrome). Intra operative cholangiogram also showed
Ribavirin in chronic HCV, non-responder (NR) or relaper patients a proximal filling defect in the common bile duct. Eventually
with genotype 3 infection. a cholecystectomy was done with common bile duct exploration
Method: This was a prospective observational study. All patients and T-tube placement for bile drainage. Tissue of the gallbladder
who were non-responders or relapsers to initial treatment with sent for histopathology came out to be negative for malignancy.
standard IFN and ribavirin and visiting our Gastroenterology The postoperative course was uneventful.
clinics from 2007 to 2009 were studied. All patients received Conclusion: The accurate diagnosis of Mirizzi’s syndrome is of
pegylated interferon alfa 2a(180 mcg/kg/week) with particular importance to surgeons as the condition may be
ribavirin(400mg TID). Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made by liver confused with choledocholithiasis, cholangitis or
biopsy and/or on biochemical and ultrasonological findings. cholangiocarcinoma on initial presentation and hence the surgical
Patients were given treatment for 6 or 12 months based on rapid treatment is associated with a significantly increased risk of bile
virological response(RVR). Primary end point was SVR. duct injury.
Predictors of SVR were also analyzed and adverse events were
recorded. Keywords: Mirrizi's Syndrome, Cholangiocarcinoma,
Results: A total of 63 patients were re-treated.There were 54.1% Cholecystectomy
males and 53(84%) were>35years of age. 35 patients had child's
Acirrhosis.There were 25(39.67%) NR and 38(60.3%) relapsers.

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7.27 of HCC were sanalyzed. The primary outcome measure was

LATE PRESENTATION OF SIGMOID VOLVULUS IN control of bleeding. Secondary outcome measures were in-
PREGNANCY- A SURGICAL AND OBSTETRIC hospital mortality, 30-days mortality & overall survival.
CATASTROPHE, A CASE REPORT Results: Out of 850 patients,12 patients were diagnosed with
spontaneously ruptured HCC. Mean age was 64.6±13.52years
Sameer Ur Rehman, Muhammad Rizwan Khan and 91.7% were males. The underlying cause of cirrhosis was
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi HCV and HBV in 10(83.3%) and 1(8.3%) cases respectively.
The mean Child-Pugh score was 10.17± 3.32 and MELD score
Objective: Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy is a rare but serious was 17.58± 5.97. Most of them presented with sudden abdominal
complication associated with a significant maternal and fetal pain(75%), abdominal distension with ascites(75%),
mortality1. The fundamental problem of sigmoid volvulus in hemoperitonium(58.3%), symptoms of acute anemia(83.3%)
pregnancy is that of delay in presentation and diagnosis leading and hypovolemic shock(41.7%). The mean tumor diameter was
to ischaemia of the colon, which requires bowel resection and 7.66±3.71cm (range 2.6-15cm). The lesion was solitary in
colostomy as seen in most of the reported cases. Timely surgical 2(10%), paucifocal in 1(8.3%),multifocal in 7(58.3) and
intervention is essential to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity massive/infiltrative in 2(16.7%). Furthermore, 9(75%) of patients
and mortality. had advanced HCC. PVT & extrahepatic spread was found in
Method: We report a case of a 30weeks pregnant lady with 5(41.7%) and 5(41.7%) cases respectively. A total of
sigmoid volvulus. Results: A 25 year old pregnant lady, gravid 4(33.3%),6(50%) and 2(16.7%) patients were treated
2, para 1 presented to the emergency room with complaints of c o n s e r v a t i v e l y, u n d e r w e n t t r a n s c a t h e t e r a r t e r i a l
lower abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bilious vomiting embolization(TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).
and constipation for 6 days. Plain radiographs of the chest and Success rate for control of bleeding via TAE/TACE was higher
abdomen showed pneumoperitoneum, a single fetus and a than conservative treatment(87.5%vs.25%).Overall median
distended gas filled transverse colon. U/S scan revealed a dead survival time was longer for patients treated with
intra-uterine fetus.. With the clinical suspicion of acute intestinal TAE/TACE(45days,range 2-240 vs.7.50days, range3-13) as
obstruction patient was taken up for emergency laparotomy. compared to those who were treated conservatively. In-hospital
Intra-operatively findings were a large sigmoid volvulus resulting mortality was significantly lower in TAE/TACE group(87.5%
in closed loop obstruction leading to distended large bowel vs.00%, p 0.01).Although the difference was not statistically
throughout the colon. The whole of the colon was friable, significant,30 days mortality was lower in patients treated with
gangrenous and necrotic. Colon was mobilized & resected and TAE/TACE (37.5%vs.100, p 0.07).
diverting illeostomy was performed. The patient developed Conclusion: Ruptured hematoma is a life threatening complication
sepsis post-operatively and eventually expired on the 8th post- requiring early diagnosis and treatment. Transcatheter arterial
operative day. embolization is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in the
Conclusion: Sigmoid volvulus complicating pregnancy is very management of hemoperitoneum associated with ruptured
rare condition with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and hepatocellular carcinoma.
mortality. Timely diagnosis mandates high index of clinical
suspicion in patients presenting with abdominal pain, distension Keywords: Ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma, Transarterial
and absolute constipation embolization, Pakistan

Keywords: Volvulus, Intestinal obstruction, pregnancy

7.29
ADJUSTED BLOOD REQUIREMENT INDEX (ABRI) AS
7.28 AN INDICATOR OF FAILURE TO CONTROL VARICEAL
IS TAE A VALUABLE FOR TREATMENT OF BLEED
SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF HEPATOCELLULAR
CARCINOMA: A SOUTH-ASIAN EXPERIENCE Nabeel Siddiqui, Shahab Abid, Abdullah bin Khalid
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Amna Subhan Butt, Nazish Butt, Saeed Hamid, Tanveer-ul-Haq,
S.M Wasim Jafri Objective: Acute variceal hemorrhage is common in patients
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi with chronic liver disease. This medical emergency has a five
day mortality worldwide. ABRI has been suggested as an
Objective: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma independent tool in predicting failure to control bleeding. The
(HCC) is a potentially life-threatening complication with variable aim of this study was to ascertain whether ABRI had any value
presentation. However, no data is available from Pakistan. in predicting failure to control variceal bleed. Also, we looked
Objectives To evaluate the Clinicopthalogical characteristics, to assess whether there was any correlation between ABRI and
treatment outcome and survival of patients presented with complications of variceal bleed.
spontaneously ruptured HCC treated with or without transarterial Method: CLD patients with acute variceal bleed presenting to
embolization (TAE). AKUH were selected and a self designed questionnaire was
Method: This was a retrospective cross sectional study. Patients= filled out. Patients were then followed up for complications.
18 years, already diagnosed to have HCC, admitted to Aga Khan Results: In the study, 48 (69%) patients were males and 21
University Hospital during 2006-2011 were identified by using (31%) females. 53 (75.7%) were diagnosed with hepatitis C, 5
ICD code 1550. Those who presented with spontaneous rupture (7.1%)hepatitis B and 12 (17.1%)non-B-non-C hepatitis. 63

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(90%) presented with active bleeding of which in 62 (88.2%)

patients hemostasis was successfully secured.ABRI score was
0.66 +/- 0.89 while median was 0.43. In 42 (70%) patients
endoscopy was done 12 hours after onset of symptoms. Patients
who had an ABRI score of < 0.5, 5 (45.5%) had rebleeding, 4
(36.4%) had ascites and 2 (18.2%) had PSE. Of those with score
>0.5, 7 (43.8%) had rebleeding, 6 (37.5%) had ascites and 3
(18.8%) had PSE. There was a significant association between
increased ABRI score and heart rate < 100 (ABRI >0.5 and
>0.75).
Conclusion: ABRI has no significant value in predicting failure
to control bleeding. There is no significant correlation between
ABRI and patient’s initial Hct or number of packed cells
transfused.

Keywords: Cirrhosis, varices, hepatitis

7.31
CYSTIC ARTERY PSEUDOANEURYSM AS A CAUSE OF
HEMOBILIA IN ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

Nadeem Siddiqui, Mehwash Nadeem, Tabish Chawla

Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Acute cholecystitis is a very common condition in

our day to day practice but underlying pseudoaneurysm may be
life threatening if not treated urgently. This report will help the
physician to have high index of suspicion in haemodynamically
unstable patients presenting as acute cholecystitis especially
with unusual radiological fi ndings. Haemobilia is a rare condition
1 and is defi ned as bleeding from biliary tree which may remain
asymptomatic or present as malena or hemetamesis. Most
common cause of haemobilia is liver trauma. 2 Other less
frequent causes may be post cholecystitis, postpancreatitis, 3
postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy, hepatic and biliary neoplasm
or bleeding problems (polyarteritis nodosa and haemophilia).
3 Cystic artery pseudo aneurysm is a very rare cause of haemobilia
and only 16 cases are reported in literature to date. Here we
present case of cystic artery pseudo aneurysm as a result of
acute cholecystitis.
Method: Case report
Results: Patient underwent angiography followed by angio
embolization of cystic artery aneurysm. He had interval
cholecystectomy. Postoperatively patient recovered well and
was doing well after 4 months of surgery (lost to follow-up for
3 months).
Conclusion: Interventional radiology has a promising role in
managing unstable patients. • For complete recovery, patient
must undergo interval cholecystectomy. • High index of suspicion
is one of the most important factors for good outcome in this
fatal condition.

Keywords: Cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, angioembolization,

hemobilia

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8.1 Method: The approach adopted within this discourse is focussing

MISCONCEPTIONS IN STUDENTS: HOW TO RESOLVE on the vision of the MCPS Health Professions Education (HPE)
THEM? course.
Results: This paper has made a successful attempt in describing
Farhan Vakani, Mughis Sheerani the overall strengths and weaknesses of the program.
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Conclusion: This unique diploma program offered by College
of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan aims at equipping
Objective: The objective of this paper is to define why participants with the intellectual means needed to provide basic
misconceptions usually occur in students and the stages to rectify. education to health care professionals in the area of medical
Method: This paper discusses how misconcepts originate in teaching, learning and educational leadership.Health Professions
students. Education program of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
Results: This paper projects how misconceptions in students are Pakistan is a novel concept in our part of the world, as the field
resolved in current circumstances through a more elucidated of health professions is evolving and expanding throughout the
and a better five-step process known as ECIRR (Elicit-Confront- world.
Identify-Resolve-Reinforce) model.
Conclusion: It is evident through this model that teacher Keywords: Novice,, CPSP, Health Professions Education
facilitation is definite in defining and resolving the misconceptions
in students, however, the strength of this model is truly impressive.
This paper provides the background that why students develop 8.4
misconcepts and how to resolve them in an increasingly complex ORIENTATION IMPECT ON THE PROFESSIONAL
world. GROWTH OF NOVICE FACULTIES

Keywords: Students, Misconcepts, Rectify Sumaira Feroz

Department of Nursing Service, Aga Khan University, Karachi

8.2 Objective: Faculty orientation program is alliance with

POSSIBILITY OF COMPETENCY-BASED FRAMEWORK institutional practices, philosophy and principles that endorse
IN PAKISTANI CONTEXT educational development and improve the quality of education
as in developing countries this has been a major concern for
Farhan Vakani, Amina Ahmad, Mughis Sheerani everyone. It provides “road map” to the novice faculty members
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi as they are not fully prepare for commencing this new role.
Formal orientation which is consistent and pertinent with the
Objective: The objective of this paper is twofold: Analysing the principle and norms of university helps to overcome the challenges
Competency-Based framework and to describe the possibility of transition and enhance faculty development.
of its application at post-graduate medical education in Pakistan. Method: This study was conducted to identify the need of formal,
Method: This paper rules out the feasibility of this competency comprehensive orientation program for newly hired faculty and
based model to be adapted in Pakistani context. its impact on their professional development. To know the
Results: This paper projects that competency-based training is findings that at which extent orientation enables faculties to
no doubt an evolutionary step imparting the concept of ‘learning grow professionally and its immediate need to provide orientation
to competence’ in a physician, and dispelling the notion that package at AKUSON level, in order to promote core competency
simply attending the academic training updates the physician. in their practices and to increase the productivity and effectiveness
This model of training leads to flexible training for individuals, of institution. This study was conducted at AKUSON. It follows
transparent standards and increased accountability to public. the quantitative paradigm and structured questionnaire was
Conclusion: This model of training may help and improve, or developed to collect the data. Focused group sampling method
at least verify, the quality of education and the function of our was done.
training programs. To facilitate the transition of competency- Results: The study suggests some important findings related to
based approach we should initiate with the pilot projects that role of orientation in the professional development of novice
can further be expanded and applied across the nation’s training faculty members. Formal and comprehensive orientation has
programs.The purpose of adopting this competency-based model been great support for enhancing their professional development
is not to actually reduce the years in residency, but primarily is and help to increase confidence in performance, and promotion
the proof of competency and secondly cost saving. perspective and reduction in stress level of faculty member.
Keywords: Competency-based framework , learner, Pakistan Conclusion: Structured orientation program assist faculty
members to become a successful educator and to promote job
satisfaction.
8.3
INSIGHT ON HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION Keywords: novice faculty, orientation, professional
PROGRAM growth

Farhan Vakani
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: This paper attempts to define the characteristics of

the Health Professions Education Program offered by CPSP.

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8.5 8.6
IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTENDANCE ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF CLINICAL SKILLS
IN LABORATORY SESSIONS AND STUDENT’S ASSESSMENT – THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY (AKU)
ACHIEVEMENT SCORES IN OSPE EXPERIENCE

S. Abdul Saeed, Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Iqbal Azam Naveed Yousuf, Rukhsana W. Zuberi
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Department for Educational Development, Aga Khan University,
University, Karachi Karachi

Objective: Aga Khan University adopted the hybrid Problem Objective: Clinical skills are commonly assessed through
Based Learning (PBL) curriculum in 2002. Students are given Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) or Work-
clinical scenarios to learn Basic Science objectives by following Based Assessments like Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-
‘strategically’ placed triggers in the cases. Teaching strategies CEX) and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS).
include PBL, large class format sessions, laboratory sessions These assessment methods use itemized instruments using a
and Anatomy tutorial sessions to reinforce learning through checklist or a rating scale usually with a global rating at the end.
main PBL mode of learning. Assessment of basic science Assessing the quality of these instruments is necessary to ensure
objectives is also multi-modal and student’s knowledge of the that the assessment is valid, reliable and fair. The objective of
basic sciences is tested through ‘Best Choice questions’, ‘Short this study is to evaluate and improve the quality of OSCE stations
Answer Questions’, ‘Objective Structured Practical Examinations’ at AKU.
and structured viva voce examination. There are no studies to Method: Fifteen stations, using a 7-point rating-scale with global-
show the correlation between student’s performance in the OSPE ratings, administered in MBBS Year 2 OSCE are studied. In
and their attendance in the Physiology laboratory sessions. Our addition to the reliability of the stations, inter-grade discrimination
hypothesis is that those students who attend Physiology laboratory and the coefficient of determination are calculated using the
sessions regularly perform better in OSPE compared with those station mean scores and global ratings to validate the items and
who are not so regular. In this study our objective is to relate global ratings.
the student’s attendance in physiology laboratory sessions with Results: The reliability of the stations ranged between 0.5 and
their achievement scores in the physiology OSPE. 0.9. The inter-grade discrimination ranged between 4.5 to 13.1%.
Method: A total of about 100 medical students, all from the The coefficient of determination ranged from 0.44 to 0.91.
same class, were followed for their attendance in their physiology Conclusion: Inter-grade discrimination is found to be in the
practical sessions and the scores in the end of the module OSPE acceptable range. Thirteen of the fifteen stations has coefficient
for one full calendar year in their years I and II of the Medical of determination in the acceptable range, i.e. 0.5 or above. The
College studies. Four modules of the Year I (Blood & two stations with lower coefficient of determination when studied
Inflammation, Gastrointestinal, Cardio-vascular/Respiration and in detail are found to require improvement in the items. Inter-
Renal) and two modules of the Year II (Musculo-skeletal and grade discrimination and coefficient of determination are found
Neurosciences) having Physiology practical sessions in them to be useful and can be used to ensure the quality of the
were included in this study. Data from all the 100 students could instruments for clinical skills assessment and identify gaps for
only be used for the analysis of 3 modules i.e. Blood & improvement.
Inflammation, Gastrointestinal and Cardio-vascular/Respiration.
In rest of the modules due to various reasons, 99 students took Keywords: OSCE, Psychometrics, Assessment
the exam, except in Neurosciences where 98 students sat in the
OSPE. Data entry and statistical analyses were performed using
SPSS program. Normality assumption was assessed for scores 8.7
and laboratory attendance for different modules. Spearman’s MEDICAL STUDENT ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS
rank correlation was used to assess the strength and direction REGARDING ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
of relationship between scores and laboratory attendance for
each module and overall. A p-value of less than 0.05 was treated Hamna Asim, Ghulam Rehmani Lakho, Kulsoom Ghias
as significant. Scatter plot between overall average score and Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences,
overall average attendance was also made. Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: There was a ‘very weak’ to ‘weak’ relationship between
scores of students in different modules and their respective Objective: Although, honesty and integrity are key attributes of
laboratory attendance. Module wise Spearman’s correlations an ethically competent physician, academic misconduct, which
and significance (p-value) were calculated, and a Scatter plot includes but is not limited to plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying
between average overall scores and attendance in the physiology documentation, is not uncommon in medical colleges across the
laboratory was also formed. world and in Pakistan. The purpose of this study is to assess
Conclusion: There is hardly any relationship between attendance prevailing attitudes and behaviours of medical students in
in different modules and their respective scores in the OSPE. Pakistan regarding academic misconduct.
Further more detailed scientific studies are required to observe Method: Following approval from the Ethical Review Committee
the assessment of OSPE and also the identification of factors and Office of the Registrar, Aga Khan University (AKU), and
that influence the scores of individuals. informed consent of the participants, medical students from all
years at AKU were asked to anonymously complete a brief
Keywords: Relationship Between Attendance and survey. The survey presented 15 statements followed by related
Achievement questions designed to query attitudes and behaviours regarding

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plagiarism, lying, cheating and falsifying documentation. Conclusion: Radiologists showed a positive attitude towards
Results: Preliminary results of the survey completed by 254 teaching radiology to medical students. However, residents were
students reveal that most students can identify what constitutes preferred for teaching purposes. Teaching methodologies differed
cheating and stealing, but not plagiarism. Importantly, ability significantly among private and public teaching hospitals. Due
to identify acts of academic misconduct does not deter students to a very low satisfaction among all respondents, efforts should
from engaging in the behaviour themselves. For example, while be made to provide satisfying teaching rewards.
87% of the students thought it was wrong to cheat in an
examination, 24% said they had cheated previously or would Keywords: Radiology, Medical Students, Teaching
consider doing the same. Only 53% of the students consider it
wrong to copy from a website without referencing it, while 26%
had done or would consider doing the same. 8.10
Conclusion: While many students identify and refrain from EFFECT OF A FORMAL INTERVENTION TO ENHANCE
academic misconduct, several others believe that strict policies THE EDUCATORS ABILITY FOR PROMOTING CRITICAL
force them to indulge in and accept academic misconduct. The THINKING IN THEIR CLASSROOM DISCOURSES
results of this study may be used to inform curriculm and policy
matters, to address academic misconduct within the medical Shehla Khan, Raisa gul, Shahnaz Cassum, Tanveer Saeed, Azra
school setting. Ahmed
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: bioethics, medical education, academic misconduct
Objective: Literature reveals that educators find it too challenging
foster critical thinking in their students if they have not learnt
8.9 how to use critical thinking in their educational system and
TEACHING DUTIES, METHODOLOGIES AND REWARDS training. This paper reports finding from a national research
IN RADIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL project that was undertaken to enhance the educator’s ability to
EDUCATION: A PERSPECTIVE FROM RADIOLOGICAL promote critical thinking in their teaching practices.
ACADEMIA OF PAKISTAN. Method: Using a randomized control trial design, 91 educators
from 14 schools of nursing in Pakistan consented to enroll in
Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja, Naila Nadeem, Madiha Beg, the study. Out of that 44 participants were randomly allocated
Mohammad Naeem, Zain Majid to the intervention group who were invited to participate in two
Medical College, Aga Khan University and Dow University of workshops on critical thinking. Data was collected, pre and post
Health Sciences, Karachi intervention, on the educators’ teaching practices through
classroom observations on a structured checklist, tape recording
Objective: Dedicated radiology teaching has shown improvement of teachers’ questioning, and field notes. The duration of the
in the medical students’ performance in image interpretation in observations was 45-60 minutes. Of the 44 participants, 39
the North American and British studies. No study has been educators attended the workshops; however, only 36 participants
conducted in Pakistan to demonstrate an academic framework were available for the post-intervention data. Descriptive statistics
of radiology medical education at an undergraduate level. We were computed for data obtained through the structured checklist
aimed to document and compare current level of teaching duties, and the teachers’ level of questioning on Bloom’s Taxonomy
teaching methodologies and teaching rewards among radiologists for cognitive thinking.
and residents in private and public teaching hospitals. Results: Compared with pre-intervention data, findings from
Method: A survey was conducted among all 121 radiologists the post intervention data revealed several positive changes in
and residents in two private and two public teaching hospitals the classroom discourses including an increase in the higher
in Karachi, Pakistan. Self-administered questionnaires were level questioning and decrease in the lower level questioning
collected from 95 participants. Questionnaire addressed by the teacher, facilitative teacher-student interaction and use
information regarding teaching duties, methods and rewards. of multiple teaching strategies. Although all the changes were
Results: The overall response-rate was 78.51% (95/121). All of Results: : Compared with pre-intervention data, findings from
the radiologists were involved in teaching residents and medical the post intervention data revealed several positive changes in
students; however, only 36% reported formal training for teaching the classroom discourses including an increase in the higher
skills. Although most of the respondents (76%) agreed that level questioning and decrease in the lower level questioning
medical students appeared enthusiastic in learning radiology, by the teacher, facilitative teacher-student interaction and use
the time spent on teaching medical students was less than 5 of multiple teaching strategies. Although all the changes were
hours/week (82%). The time spent on teaching material not found significant statistically, all of the noted changes are
preparation was less than 5 hours/week as well. Gender of the thought to promote critical thinking among students.
respondent was found to have a significant association for Conclusion: This study offers evidence to support that some
teaching residents (p-value= 0.001) but not undergraduate medical formal training to enhance the educators’ critical thinking skills
students (p-value= 0.484). Only 37% of all respondents preferred is help to promote critical thinking in their teaching practices.
dedicated clerkships over distributed clerkships (41%). The most
common overall teaching methodology was one-to-one Keywords: Critical thinking skills, Teacher education, classroom
interaction. Teaching via radiology films (86%) was the most questioning
frequent mode of instruction. Salary (59%) was the most common
teaching reward. Majority of the respondents (88%) were not
satisfied with their current level of teaching rewards.

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8.12 200 patients who presented with non-specific knee pain. All the
OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AMONGST RADIOGRAPHERS: patients had a standard radiographic examination of the knee
DOES WORKING IN PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT employing anteroposterior and lateral projections and then an
HOSPITALS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? MRI examination. The corresponding pair of reports was analyzed
and a comparison was made between the two.
Syed Amin Shah, Syed Asad Jaffari, Nida Hussain, Results: For the radiographic examination, abnormalities were
Wasim Akhtar reported in 30 (15%) cases. The remaining 170 (85%) cases
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi were reported as normal. For the corresponding MRI
examinations, abnormalities were reported in 87 (43.5%), out
Objective: Stress is a common prevalent mental condition. of the 170 patient’s they were mainly intra-capsular lesions of
Literature indicates that the prevalence and impact of stress various types. There was no incident when the radiographic
among radiographers is high. No study has been written that examination revealed an abnormality and the MRI examination
focuses on the factors causing stress in radiographers. For the did not.
first time in Pakistan we want to evaluate the stress among Conclusion: MRI is the most accurate diagnostic imaging method
radiographers. Our study encompasses the difference of stress in patients presenting with knee pain and suspected internal
levels in radiographer working in private and government hospital derangement. This study has demonstrated that patients with
setups. non-specific knee pain imaged with plain radiography will have
Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of two government a very high probability of a negative finding and an unnecessary
(JPMC & Civil) and two private (Aga Khan University & dose of radiation irrespective of any soft-tissue anatomical
Ziauddin University) hospitals’ radiology departments. 20 derangement present.
radiographers were randomly selected from each hospital. Results
were compiled from questionnaires. Keywords:
Results: Of 140 questionnaires that were sent out 106 (75.7%)
responded, 15(10.7%) did not responded and 19(13.5%) forms
received were not completed. Of the 80 participants in private 8.14
& government hospitals 70 (87.5%) were satisfied and 10 USES OF PINEAPPLE JUICE AS A NEGATIVE ORAL
(12.5%) were not satisfied with their work. In government, CONTRAST AGENT IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE
sector job satisfaction level was higher than in private sector. CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (MRCP)
The stress level was high in private sector and lower in
government sector. Workload, low salary scale and lack of staff Imran Ahmed, Abida Faisal, Rana Shoaib, Gulnaz Shafqat
were major factors associated with stress. Sports/exercise and Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
eating are the main factors to release stress.
Conclusion: We found more stress in private because of excess Objective: Uses of Pineapple juice as a negative oral contrast
workload, long working hours, and low salary scale and staff agent in magnetic Resonance cholangiopancreatography
shortage as causes of low satisfaction and high stress in Method: : It was a retrospective study. Total numbers of patients
participants. are 10.Patients are required to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the
examination, to permit gall bladder filling and promote gastric
Keywords: Insomnia, Fatigue emptying. Pre-contrast images (pineapple juice) and after 15
minutes post –contrast (pineapple juice) images were obtained
oral administration of 250 ml of commercially available pineapple
8.13 juice. All MRCP studies were performed with technique using
COMPARISON OF MRI KNEE WITH PLAIN FILMS OF a heavily T2 weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence is currently
PATIENTS WITH NON-SPECIFIC KNEE PAIN one of the most widely used multilane 3-d MR technique, having
a high spatial resolution and fast imaging capacity.
Syed Amin Shah, Tameem Akhtar, Zafar.Jamil, Imran Ahmed Results: : Images were evaluated by senior Radiologist. In seven
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi patient (70%) images were degraded by fluid in JI tract on post
contrast images clear anatomy, pathology and helpful for the
Objective: The role of imaging of knee is an important adjunct Radiologist.
to clinical examination. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, locking Conclusion: Pineapple juice is an affordable, cheap, available,
and mechanical stiffness are often reported by patients and can safe and efficient oral negative contrast agent for MRCP which
make an accurate diagnosis difficult by clinical examination in reduce the signal intensity of fluids in the gastrointestinal tract.
isolation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of There were marked improvements in contrast and image
MRI knee in comparison with plain film of patients presenting between pre and post images.
with non-specific knee pain
Method: This multicentre study was carried out between Jan Keywords:
2009 to Dec 2009 in two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi.
Retrospective comparison study of MRI knee with plain
radiography of the knee in patients with non-specific knee pain
was undertaken. Data were collected from RIS (Radiology
information system) Ziauddin university hospital, and Aga khan
University hospital. Karachi Pakistan. We randomly selected

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8.15 8.16
PROMOTION OF CLINICAL RADIOLOGY RESEARCH IN FACTORS INFLUENCING TRAINEE RADIOGRAPHERS’
OUR TEACHING HOSPITALS: VIEWPOINT FROM CHOICES IN CONSIDERING RURAL RADIOGRAPHY
PAKISTAN CAREER

Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja, Naila Nadeem, Madiha Beg Abida.Faisal, Amin.Shah, Sadia.Shahid, Gulnaz.Shafqat
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Today, evidence based medicine is the standard for Objective: The objective of our study is to identify the Factors
clinical practice in radiology. This evidence is retrieved from that should be instituted to attract and retain student radiographer
research studies and scientific medical literature – signifying in rural areas.
the importance of research in clinical radiology.We primarily Method: It was a cross sectional study conducted at The Aga
aimed to determine the current status of academic radiology in Khan University Hospital and Ziauddin University Hospital
Pakistan. A component of our project intended to determine the training period of 2008 to 2010. Total 37 trainee radiographer
current level of research promotion in clinical radiology in participated from both campus were included in this study. Out
Pakistan. of 37 trainee radiographer 65 % (24) were the Aga Khan
Method: Using self-administered questionnaires, we surveyed University and Hospital and 35% (13) were the Ziauddin
radiologists and residents of four major teaching hospitals in University Hospital. Majority of the student said to will to work
Karachi, Pakistan. We recruited all available radiologists and in rural areas. Data was collected through a questionnaire and
residents from two private and two public teaching hospitals recorded on preset Performa and was subsequently entered and
(n=95). analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Results: A high level of research promotion was observed among Results: The factor that are associated to retain student
all respondents (n=70/95, 74%). It was significantly higher for radiographer in rural areas includes, providing good environment,
radiologists than residents (97% vs. 57%). Private teaching Handsome salary ,best equipment , accommodation free transport
hospitals promote radiology research significantly as compared and medical facility.Earliar consideration for promotion and
to public teaching hospitals (80% vs. 62%). Fellows and residents provision of recreational facility. Out of 37 participated students
were the most preferred groups for research in private and public 51 %were female and 49 % were male. Interest of rural
teaching hospitals, respectively. This can be explained by lack radiography both campus Aga khan and Ziauddin Hospital 79
of enough fellowship positions in public institutes. An almost % strongly agree and 21% disagree.
equal number of radiologists in private and public teaching Conclusion: This Study has shown the student consider working
hospitals involve medical students in radiology research projects in rural areas provided the working conditions are improved
(42% vs. 38%). However, residents in private teaching hospitals upon. By this study we came to know if you provide hand some
are more likely to involve students in their research than their salary and good working environment to the radiographer who
colleagues in public teaching hospitals (50% vs 31%). Three trained in the well equipped department on tertiary care hospital
sub-groups of medical students were identified in our survey: will provide their services to rural area.
students rotating in radiology clerkships, volunteers, and elective
medical students. The latter group was least preferred by the Keywords:
respondents. This may be explained by a shorter duration of
contact with faculty and residents while students are on electives,
when compared to other two sub-groups. Although a low level 8.18
of radiology research production from Pakistan has been reported, USEFULNESS OF INITIAL MRI SCREENING FORM
we observed a high level of promotion of research activities in
our participating teaching hospitals. This may suggest a Imran Ahmed, Abida.Faisal, Rana.Shoaib, Muhammad. Tajamual
discrepancy in promotion of research, and production of results Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
from our research projects. Research was promoted significantly
higher in private institutes compared to public institutes. This Objective: To evaluate and determine the importance and benefits
is consistent with a previous study which assessed clinical of initial MRI Screening form.
radiology research in Pakistan. Method: A retrospective study was carried out at the MRI section
Conclusion: In conclusion, a high level of research promotion Aga Khan University Hospital from Jan 2010 to Jun 2010. 3870
in radiology has been observed in our teaching hospitals. Research examinations were performed during this time period. Pre-
was promoted significantly higher in private institutes. Fellows Screening forms were filled by all the patients.
and residents are significantly preferred than medical students Results: On the basis of MRI screening forms 16 out of 3870
for such purposes. (0.41%) patients were cancelled due to following reasons.
Cardiac pacemaker: 03 patients Cardiac stent 01, Metallic
Keywords: Radiology, Research, Pakistan fragments 03 patients, Bomb blast injury 02 patients Bullet
injury 03 patients, Metallic implant 04 patient
Conclusion: This Study has shown the efficacy of MRI pre-
screening form it’s very important before MRI procedure. It
prevents patients from hazards of magnetic field.

Keywords: MRI, screening

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8.19 Results: Over all anatomy results percentage of both hospitals

TEACHING OF THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF were 80%.Male students radiographer anatomy result percentage
HEALTH IN MEDICAL AND NURSING EDUCATION: were 66% and female result percentage were 76%.The result of
STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES A tertiary hospital is greater 85% than result of B tertiary hospital
was 75%.Female radiographer result was high than male
Farhan Vakani, Aysha Zahidie, Mughis Sheerani , Ambreen Kazi radiographer in both.
Department of Community Health Sciences and Medicine, Aga Conclusion: Through this study we observed that the result of
Khan University, Karachi A tertiary care hospital was high than result of B tertiary care
hospital. Because the education level was high in A university
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the growing students other than B university, A university ‘student admission
need to develop medical and nursing curriculum in a way that requirement is B.Sc (bachelor of Science) and B university
could enhance health personals’ understanding to the disease ‘student admission requirement is Intermediate. And attendance
etiology in a broader horizon of bio-psychosocial model making is more important factor because A university ‘student attendance
them able to realize the sensitivity of human health to the social level is high than B university ‘student.
environment and to the social determinants of health.
Method: The approach adopted within this discourse is to focus Keywords:
that the health-care sector has an important stewardship role in
efforts meant to bring health equity within a society. However
this role can be effectively played only if professionals and 8.21
policy-makers in the health-care sector could understand how STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE OF THE EMERGENCY
social determinants influence health and transform patterns of MEDICINE ROTATION AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN
mortality and morbidity in a community. PAKISTAN: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
Results: Challenges have been identified and the difficulties
faced by the students and medical faculty in appreciating relevance Syed Muhammad Baqir, Kiran Ejaz, Faiq Amin, Junaid A.
of social sciences to clinical practice have been addressed. Razzak, Amber Mehmood
Conclusion: Medical faculty should adopt an integrative approach Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
to the learning of biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences Karachi
using Engel's biopsychosocial model as a link between the social
sciences and the clinical practice. Unlike the biomedical model Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the emergency
of clinical reasoning, the biopsychosocial model accommodates medicine clerkship in the words of the final year students.
the observed associations between life events and morbidity and Method: The study took place at the Aga Khan University which
physicians' decision-making techniques and patients' health is a tertiary care hospital. Themes were extracted from open
outcomes. Identification of challenges and incorporation of ended questions in the evaluation form. A total population of
evidence based strategies in medical and nursing programs could 71 students was selected. All of the data was entered into the
be a way forward to give prevention and health promotion a program NVivo v.2.
more prominent place in health care delivery system. Results: Six nodes were included from the coding tree: Importance
of Acute Cardiac Life Support, Academic Sessions Rating,
Keywords: Social determinants , Engel's model, Medical Trainers Assessment, Duration of the Rotation, Areas of
Education Improvement and Overall Rating of the Rotation. The majority
of the students were satisfied with their Acute Cardiac Life
Support training. Most of the comments on trainers were positive.
8.20 Overall, everyone wanted a longer Emergency Medicine rotation
IMPRTANCE OF ANATOMY CLASSES FOR STUDENT with stress on the need for learning skills and procedures. We
RADIOGRAPHER noted a need for a better evaluation tool and a set of learning
objectives that could be practically tracked over the course of
Abida.Faisal, Amin.Shah, Sadia.Shahid, Waseem.Akhter the four weeks. Nevertheless, this rotation was almost
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi unanimously ranked as the best learning experience that the
students had in five years of medical college and that its overall
Objective: The anatomy is the key subject in the curriculum of structure was great.
student radiographer. The aim of this study is to evaluate and Conclusion: This study brings to light several important facts
analyze the importance and purpose of the anatomy classes that define students’ learning in Emergency Medicine at the Aga
among the student radiographer. Khan University. We need to increase Emergency Department
Method: It was a cross sectional descriptive study. This study exposure, introduce procedure logs, make smaller groups for
was conducted in Aga khan university hospital and Ziauddin academic sessions and create a robust student evaluation system.
hospital. This study recruited 39 students’ radiographers, out of We should also integrate emergency medicine training earlier
which 23 were female and 16 were male students who attended in the student years.
the radiography programs from July 2007 to 2009 and from July
2008 to 2010 batches. Out of 39 students, 15 students were Keywords: clerkship, emergency medicine, curriculum
selected randomly from each hospital.Data was collected from
examination department of both hospitals. Data was recorded,
entered and analyzed using SPSS version 17.

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8.22 8.23
DIFFERENCES IN CHARACTERISTICS OF CLINICAL INTRODFUCTION OF E LEARNING INTO THE POST RN
SUPERVISION (CS) BETWEEN CPSP MEMBERSHIP AND BSCN PROGRAM: A PILOT STUDY
FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS
Jacqueline Maria DIas, Basnama Ayaz, Khairulnisa. Ajani,
Tabassum Zehra Nasren Suleiman
Department for Educational Development, Aga Khan University, School of Nursing/Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Karachi
Objective: AKDN is developing an E learning strategy. In 2010
Objective: Clinical Supervision has a vital role in CPSP training as part of the annual Goals and Objectives exercise, AKUSON
programs. Supervision by the supervisor is a multifaceted role decided that Post RN program would be used as a pilot and
which occurs in a variety of settings with diverse functions and offered through blended blending; using both distance learning
modes of delivery. Literature review shows that this area has and face to face interaction in 2014. AKU-SON has found that
been the least investigated aspect of clinical education in medicine there are many Diploma Alumni who would like to pursue this
across the world1. Few multispecialty reviews do exist in BScN in light of USA Nursing Body regulations that a BScN
literature but no studies have queried the residents regarding the will be the entry-to-practice requirement from 2012 onwards.
nature and adequacy of their CS2. CPSP approved Supervisor Offering such a program will also assist our international students,
and the Postgraduate Trainee has a shared relationship. It is who can complete their coursework through blended learning
expected that the Trainee and the Supervisor will maintain a and complete their clinical requirements in their home-country
professional relationship at all times. It is further expected that (under guided supervision from an AKU faculty). Furthermore,
the Trainee and the Supervisor will be cognizant of, and abide at present there is no E-learning program at the national level
by, the standards and guidelines of the CPSP. The purpose of for a Post-RN Programme. Objectives: In order to bring this
this study was to assess the current status of clinical supervision mandate forward the NU444 Senior Elective was pilot tested
in CPSP training programs on a national level and to make a using a blended approach and a trio model consisting of student,
comparison of the attributes of clinical supervision between preceptor and faculty between May and July 2011.
Fellowship and Membership programmes. Method: NU 444 Senior Elective course was delivered through
Method: A cross sectional survey was done and a survey a blended delivery approach to test out e- learning strategy by
questionnaire was distributed after having informed, to all the using Moodle. The existing course was reviewed. Students’
postgraduate trainees in each clinical and basic science discipline feedback was elicited before, during and at the end of the course.
throughout the CPSP regional centres from August to October In addition, faculty development for moodle and use of e-
2010 to be filled by each trainee attending the scheduled portfolio was organized. Meetings were held with content and
workshops in respective regional centre. A total of n= 274 technical experts periodically. Final approval came from the
completed forms were received back. Data was analyzed on curriculum committee.
SPSS 11.0. Student t-test was applied to compare mean difference Results: The pilot study concluded that in order to carry this
of responses for satisfaction in different areas. Chi square test project forward the following is required: (1) Full-time IT
was applied comparing other parameters. personnel dedicated to this project; (2) Protected time for the
Results: The satisfaction level regarding supervision of trainees faculty to conduct the planning and implementation of this
in both the training programs was not significant with a standard program (includes a needs assessment and follow-up activities);
deviation of +1 in most of the areas except for a few. 25-36% and (3) close work with our partners (University of Alberta or
of MCPS and 24-38% FCPS trainees were satisfied with the McMaster University) who can assist with developing required
various settings of their clinical teaching sessions like theater, materials
grand rounds wards, clinics and including the frequency of Conclusion: The lesson learnt will then be utilized to plan for
various teaching sessions. The different roles that a supervisor the E learning program at the national level in Pakistan and
has to play ( in areas such as his /her availability, patient care, wherever AKU is located As a first step in developing the
career counseling, signing of log book regularly, support in capacity of faculty in E-learning, a training is being organized
writing synopsis etc) lead to satisfaction of 24-35% of FCPS from Sep 2011-May 1212 at AKU for which faculty have already
trainees and only 35-40% for MCPS trainees. been identified. A partnership with Open University (OU) is
Conclusion: The relationship between the supervisor and the being considered which can help AKU-SON further develop its
trainee plays an important role in promoting the trainees’ expertise in E-Learning by building the capacity of faculty. In
objectives. The satisfaction level of the trainees with the supervisor order to take this partnership further, potential areas of mutual
and their teaching has no significant effect regardless of the interest and collaboration need to be explored and discussed
training program. The quality of supervision provided maybe with Open University.
the most important factor for effective supervision. It is evident
from literature that CS plays a positive role in patient care 1. Keywords: e-learning, baccauleurate education, teaching
The gaps identified in CS shall serve to develop recommendations pedagogy
for strengthening the CS in CPSP training programs.

Keywords: clinical supervision, trainee, medical

education

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8.24 On average, the mean resident self-assessment scores were

ACQUIRING PROCEDURAL SKILLS IN INTERNAL significantly lower than those provided by faculty (p-value
MEDICINE: WHAT DO RESIDENTS EXPECT? 0.0003).
Conclusion: The 360 degree evaluation technique is effective
Muhammad Tariq, Nizar Bhulani, Asif Jafferani, Afaq Motiwala, for measuring the communication skills of trainees. Individuals
Saeed Hamid who interact with trainees on regular basis, at least in aggregate,
Department of Medicine and Biological & Biomedical Sciences, can provide meaningful judgments of ability.
Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: 360 degree evaluation, feedback, Residency
Objective: Procedural skills training forms an essential yet
difficult to assess component of an Internal Medicine Residency
Program. We, report the development of our own process of 8.26
documentation and assessment of procedural skills training. EFFECTIVENESS OF SMOKING CESSATION SKILLS
Method: A survey was conducted within the Department of BUILDING WORKSHOPS IN EDUCATING SMOKING
Internal Medicine at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi CESSATION TECHNIQUES TO PAKISTANI PHYSICIANS
in order to determine the optimal number of procedures needed
to be performed by residents at each year of residency. Muhammad Irfan, Zeeshan Waheed, Ahmed Suleman Haque,
Respondents included both faculty and residents in the Javaid A Khan
Department. Thereafter the responses were analyzed with the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
expert opinion of a focus group in cases of discordant responses.
Results: A total of 64 responses were obtained of which about Objective: Introduction: Physician advice to quit smoking is an
70% consisted of resident responses. Focus group’s assistance effective component of a smoking cessation strategy. Previously
was taken on a total of 8 procedures due to difference in responses published data clearly demonstrated that education smoking
of faculty and residents. cessation skills to physicians improves physicians’ smoking
Conclusion: Program guidelines were formulated and a logbook cessation practices and increases smoking cessation rates among
has been designed which will facilitate the assessment of the their patients Objective: To determine the effectiveness of
procedures performed at the facility by the residents. Since this smoking cessation skills building workshops in training of
is a novel step in our region of the world, these guidelines can smoking cessation techniques to Pakistani physicians
serve as a tool for other programs in the country and region for Method: Methods: Five full day smoking cessation skills building
the evaluation and assessment of procedural skills in Internal workshop have been arranged in different part of the country in
Medicine residency programs. which 113 physicians participated including General Practitioners
(GPs) Chest Physicians, Cardiologists, Residents, and House
Keywords: Procedural skills, Internal Medicine, Residency Officers. A validated questionnaire regarding the attitude and
knowledge about smoking is filled by the doctors at the
registration desk before the start of the workshop. After the
8.25 completion of the workshop same questionnaire was again filled
360-DEGREE EVALUATION OF RESIDENTS ON by the attending doctor to record the response.
COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS; INTER- Results: Results: Total of 113 doctors attended the workshops
RATER VARIATION IN JUDGMENT in which 90 were males and age ranged from 22 to 61 years
(mean age ±SD is 37±11). Out of these 113, 33 doctors were
Muhammad Tariq, John Boulet, Afaq Motiwala, GPs, 11 chest physicians, 11 cardiologists, 8 consultant physicians
Syeda Kauser Ali and 11 were house officers. After the workshop the physicians
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi felt very confident about their knowledge to treat nicotine
dependence 15.9% (pre-workshop) vs. 64.6% (post-workshop);
Objective: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are they (physicians) seemed very confident is discussing the smoking
key components for the optimal performance of any health care cessation issue with their patients 52.2% vs. 80.9% and also
professional. Developing these skills is an integral part of they themselves felt them very knowledgeable regarding
residency training. Residency programs are adopting various pharmacotherapy 9.7% vs. 49.1%. Regarding the technical
methods to assess how well their trainees can interact with knowledge of the subject response is also favorable e.g. the 5As
patients and coworkers. We conducted 360-degree evaluations approach answered correctly by 17.7% vs. 69.9% in pre and
of all our residents to assess their interpersonal and post workshop respectively; regarding Nicotine Replacement
communication skills. The measurement properties of the multi- Therapy correct answer given were 39.8% vs. 61.1% in pre and
source ratings were investigated. post workshop respectively; while regarding Bupropion adverse
Method: A cross-sectional survey of 49 of the residents currently effects 46.9% vs. 71.1% physician gave correct answer in pre
enrolled in our Internal Medicine residency program at Aga and post workshop questionnaire respectively.
Khan University Hospital was conducted. Using a 360 degree Conclusion: Conclusion: After attending one full day smoking
evaluation technique, every resident was evaluated by eight cessation skills building workshop physician felt more confident
other co-workers who they had interacted with in the past six in discussing the anti-smoking issue with their patient and their
months. A self evaluation was also completed. smoking cessation knowledge also increased significantly.
Results: We received a total of 367 completed forms for the 360
degree evaluations (response rate of 83.2%). Comparing mean Keywords: smoking, education, workshop
scores, we found a statistically significant difference between
the ratings given by the nurses and the faculty (p-value 0.0003).

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8.28 different clinical settings, and understanding new roles and

ERYTHEMA ANNULARE CENTRIFUGUM SIMULATING responsibilities 3, 6. Literature shows studies on student struggling
ERYTHEMA GYRATUM REPENS. in areas when they begin their early clinical training7, 8. The
areas that are mostly identified in literature are roles and
Sadia Masood, Saadia Tabassum, Rehan Uddin responsibilities, adjusting to culture of clinical environment,
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University and PNS Shifa performing clinical skills, learning the logistics of how things
Hospital, Karachi work in clinical settings, various clinical environments, frequent
change of rotations, frequent changes in staff, clinical knowledge
Objective: Introduction Numerous dermatoses produce annular and reasoning, methods of assessment and feedback, professional
lesions, many of which occur in conjunction with other lesional identity, self perception, self confidence, self directed and
morphology or lead to a specific diagnosis. However there are experiential learning, adjusting to culture of patient care, time
a group of chronic, annular and figurate eruptions that do not management and prioritizing 2, 7, 8, 9,10. . The five year Aga
easily lead to a specific diagnosis. We are presenting an interesting Khan University (AKU) Undergraduate Medical Curriculum is
case of annular erythema. Case report A 32 yr old male presented divided into two main components 1& 2 pre clerkship years and
in dermatology clinic with 9 month history of non itchy persistent 3-5 clinical clerkship years. The undergraduate medical
rash. It first appeared on his nose then spread to his trunk and curriculum at AKU underwent a major revision with the
extremities. They started as a small pink raised rash which introduction of problem-based learning in 2002. With this change
slowly enlarged and formed rings. The lesions were present on came the brief introduction of history taking and clinical skills
the chest, back, buttocks and legs. Skin biopsy revealed ‘sleeve formally in years one and two and early introduction to clinical
like’ lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, which is diagnostic. Discussion medicine and patient interaction by the end of year 2. Years 1
A broad range of associations have been described as causes of & 2 prepares with the required knowledge of starting clinical
erythema Annulare Centrifugum; some associations that have practice before they move on to Year 3. There are a total of 13
been described may be coincidental and some may be more modules in the Curriculum of years 1 & 2 which consists of, of
properly categorized as unusual presentation mimicking EAC. lectures, anatomy sessions, clinical skills sessions, communication
In large majority of cases the etiology remains obscure even skills sessions, seminars and problem-based learning. Basic
after prolonged observation and investigation. EAC lesions are sciences are integrated throughout the 5 year curriculum with
frequently confluent and show polycyclic or figurate appearance, more emphasis been made in Years 1 & 2. In addition assessment
they rarely show the whorled pattern seen in EGR. Although in clinical years is based on 15% component from basic sciences.
both EGR and EAC are classified as reactive figurate erythema, Clinical skills in Years I and II use mannequins to practice simple
the former has a much stronger association with internal procedures and examinations. Students have clinical exposure
malignancy. to Standardized Patients throughout Years 1 & 2 (up to 6 sessions
Conclusion: In conclusion, a rare case of EAC presenting EGR- in each module). Students have two hours of direct patient
like concentric features without accompanying any internal exposure by the end of Year II, once a week for eight weeks.
malignancy is presented in this report. Our case indicates that AKU spends so much time and money into areas like
EAC may simulate EGR suggesting a link between these two establishment of the clinical skills committee, use of standardized
figurate erythematous patients, communication skills workshops etc. However the
general perception among the clinical faculty and the expressed
Keywords: Annular, Erythema, Gyratum repens feelings of the students show that they are ill prepared for the
clerkship years, moreover, for their first clerkship. The purpose
of this study is to explore: 1) whether the perceptions are correct
8.29 or not, 2) the student expectations of the necessary skills and
STUDENTS PERCEPTION: TRANSITION FROM UGME their anxieties in order to develop recommendations for clinical
YEAR I & II TO CLINICAL CLERKSHIP YEARS: skills committee/curriculum committee to ease the transition.
READY OR NOT? Method: Methodology The study will be conducted at AKU.
Anonymous Cross section Survey will be conducted with Year
Tabassum Zehra, Sara Sajid, Syeda Kauser Ali, Najmul Islam, 2 Medical school students entering Year 3with their informed
Azam Afzal, Saeed Hamid consent
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: Expected Outcome The survey will provide an insight
of the student perceptions of the required attributes, skills and
Objective: Pre clerkship years prepare students for clinical their anxieties while moving from pre clerkship to clinical
education. Literature review shows that transition periods from clerkship years under two dimensions • Essential skills required
Years I and II to clinical years were the prime causes of stress • Additional skills training to ease transition The gaps will be
1, 2, 3, 4, 5. There is evidence across the world that medical identified in order to further develop recommendations for
students do not feel adequately prepared for clinical practice in Curriculum Committee/ Clinical Skills to ease the transition and
the clerkships with obvious changes of time table and therefore to develop a workshop based on the skills identified.
feel stressful 2, 3, 4, 5 The transition of medical students from Conclusion: Future Step The data available will serve as needs
Years I & II, which is relatively safe and secure classroom assessment to develop strategies to bridge the gaps identified
environment, to the unstructured settings of clinical years in and ease the transition phase.
medicine is not an easy one. Students often report several
challenging aspects of this transition, including the difficulties Keywords: UGME, clerkship
they encounter in applying clinical knowledge, adjusting to

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8.30 Pakistan has only 0.473 physicians/ 1000 population and is the
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF STRUCTURED VERBAL third leading source of IMGs in affluent countries (1). Various
FEEDBACK ON RESIDENTS’ PERFORMANCE: STEP I; variables including income, controllable lifestyle and personal
BASELINE DATA FOLLOWED BY FEEDBACK passion have been found to influence specialty preferences (2,
WORKSHOPS LEADING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF A 3, 4). Our objectives were to record current career preferences
SYSTEM OF FEEDBACK and investigate factors that might influence these decisions
among medical students in Pakistan, and to compare any
Muhammad Tariq, Jack Boulet, Syeda Kausar Ali, Afaq Motiwala differences between medical students in public and private
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi sectors.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering
Objective: Background: It has been noted that due to lack of a a self-filled questionnaire to 471 students from years 3, 4
formal system of verbal feedback, residents at our program are and 5 at one private and public Medical college in
unable to know their strengths and areas needing improvement Karachi.
in a timely manner. This problem was also noted in an external Results: The most popular specialties included general surgery
review conducted by international medical experts in 2008. (n=196), family medicine (n=161), pediatric (n=152), cardiology
Objectives: To strengthen the postgraduate program by improving (n=133) and dermatology (n=130). Personal Passion (n=380),
the assessment and feedback system. In order to implement such Income (n=355), Controllable Lifestyle (n=242), Availability
a system, it was initially necessary to a)gather specific information of Opportunities and Role Model (n=210) were the notable
on the how feedback is presently incorporated in the training influencing factors. Choices were significantly affected by gender
program, and b)develop a tool to gather baseline performance with women and men more likely to choose medical and surgical
data. fields respectively. Private college students were significantly
Method: The baseline (pre-intervention) performance of 49 more likely to practice abroad.
residents was assessed by 360-degree evaluation using a multi- Conclusion: In order to meet the demands for various specialties
domain questionnaire. Nine different raters, including nurses, there is a need to anticipate trends among medical student
faculty, peers, unit receptionists, service coordinators and self, preferences (5). Knowledge of the factors that impact students
evaluated the residents based on their communication and is integral to positively influence their career choices (5) and
interpersonal skills. During the same period, a satisfaction survey fill predicted gaps in demand and supply of physicians. There
was administered to collect information on the quality of the is a need to incentivize students from private colleges to practice
present feedback system. Subsequently, 5 faculty workshops in Pakistan, and to balance female and male physicians across
were conducted to improve the quality of feedback. different specialties. REFERENCES 1. Mullen F: The metrics
Results: The baseline satisfaction survey revealed that 45% of of the Physician Brain Drain NEJM 2005;353 1810-181 2. 20
the faculty had not provided formal verbal feedback to the Dorsey ER, Jarjoura D, Rutecki GW: Influence of controllable
residents in past 6 months. According to residents, 65% never lifestyle on recent trends in specialty choice by US Medical
received any formal feedback. Analysis of the 360-degree ratings Students. JAMA 2003;290(0):1173-1178. 3. 23 Tardiff K, Cella
indicated that there was a training level effect, indicating that D, Seiferth C, Perry S. Selection and change of specialties by
experience was related to overall performance. Interestingly, medical school graduates. J Med education 1986;61:790-796.
there was a negative relationship between the resident self ratings 4. 28 Gorenflo DW, Ruffin MT, Sheets KJ. A multivariate model
and the aggregate ratings provided by others. for specialty preference by medical students. J Fam. Practice
Conclusion: We observed that verbal feedback given by the 1994;39:570-576.
faculty to residents was significantly lacking. We also noted that
residents tend to significantly underestimate their skills and Keywords: medical students, career choices, factors
performance. The faculty themselves identified a number a
challenges to feedback, that need to be addressed for its effective
implementation. 8.32
RADIOLOGY ANGIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURE
Keywords: Residents, verbal feedback, internal Medicine KNOWLEDGE IN STUDENT NURSES OF AGA KHAN
UNIVERSITY-SCHOOL OF NURSING

8.31 Amin Rajani, Raza Sayani, Rozina Karmaliani

SELECTION OF CAREER SPECIALTY: PREFERENCES Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
AND FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE AMONG MEDICAL
STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN Objective: To assess the Angiography procedure knowledge in
student nurses, identify the areas of improvement and initiate
Muhammad Yahya Jan, Urooba Faheem, Rabeea Mirza, education sessions.
Muhammad Rizwan Khan Method: This survey was conducted by radiology department
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University Karachi and staff in collaboration with school of Nursing, Aga khan university
Dow University of Health Sciences, Hospital. A simple survey form was circulated amongst Student
Nurses. The forms were collected over a period of Two weeks.
Objective: The distribution of medical professionals in various Data was summarized and results were evaluated.
fields affects the healthcare system in a country. Currently Results: A total of 100 forms were received. Survey revealed

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that 99 % knew about angiography however only 67% were 8.37

aware of non cardiac angiography. 91% responded positively OBSERVATION OF RADIOGRAPHER’S
about the awareness of location where non cardiac and cardiac COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
angiography were performed but on specific inquiry regarding
the location only 7 were definite about all types of angiographies Shaheen Dhanani, Afsheen Mahmood
including cardiac, non cardiac (Radiology)and fluorescein Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
angiography(eye). 45 knew about cardiac and radiological
angiographies and 44 only knew about cardiac angiographies. Objective: Communication in medical imaging is a neglected
With respect to indications 47 had reasonable information and area of research, despite the necessity for good communication
38 had inadequate information. 55% knew about the preparation if optimum diagnostic images are to be achieved and the purpose
for angiography whereas 45 % were not well aware of it. 91 % is to improve sharing of information between patients and
were aware of post angiography procedure whereas 9% were radiographer to keep front-line staff and patients better informed.
not aware of them. Method: The present study has investigated the styles of
Conclusion: The results were indicative that generally student communication used in medical imaging, using an approach
nurses are not much aware of non cardiac angiographies and known as Transactional Analysis. This approach has been
procedure performed however because of extensive dealing with demonstrated by using observations and supporting questionnaire
cardiac angiographic patients the pre and post procedure care with inter-rater observations of radiographer–patient interactions.
of patients is generally satisfactory. Further rotations and lectures Results: We surveyed 20 patients in each hospital & the patients
may be helpful in increasing awareness and increasing patient remarks about the radiographer’s communication skills are as
care. follows,Communication skills 67%satisfied,33%notsatisfied
93%satisfied,7%notsatisfied
Keywords: Angiography Knowledge, Student Nurses, Conclusion: In our survey it was observed that radiographer’s
Radiology attitude, behavior & communication skills of private care hospitals
were noticed much better as compared to government hospitals.
There is lack of staff training & awareness regarding
8.35 communication skills, patient dealing, staff and patient interaction,
MRI ARTIFACTS: MECHANISM, CAUSE AND CONTROL radiographers’ areas of professional and personnel competence
& others factors in government hospitals; we can fill this gap
Syed Amin Shah, Imran Ahmed, Zafar.Jamil, Dr Amanullah Baig by arranging different sessions and short training courses
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi regarding communication skills & service excellence in every
health care organization.
Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used
in medical diagnosis for its various advantageous features, such Keywords:
as high-resolution capability and the ability to produce an
arbitrary anatomic cross-sectional images. The purpose of this
study is to show wide variety of artifacts routinely encountered 8.40
on MR images. This study presents the cause, appearance, INPATIENT CANNULATION IN CT – HOW MUCH
diagnostic effect, and available remedies for the artifacts that SCANNER TIME IS LOST?
are most frequently observed on MR images and are of greatest
clinical significance. Combined with routine preventive Syed Amin Shah, Zafar.Jamil, Wasim Memon, Aziz Ali
maintenance of imaging equipment, consistent quality control, Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
and appropriate selection of imaging parameters, awareness of
the manifestations of these artifacts will allow image quality Objective: Cannulation in the CT department for an inpatient
and diagnostic interpretation to be optimized. may be distressing and can reduce compliance with instructions
Method: The study was carried out between June 2009 to May during the scan. It is better performed by the clinical team caring
2010. This is a retrospective study and was conducted in MRI for the patient on the ward. If there is no CT preparation area
Suite radiology department Aga khan university Hospital. 1.5 for cannulation to be carried out it prolongs the time the patient
Tesla Avanto Siemens machine was used. Total numbers of 100 is on the scan table, which in a busy service may compromise
MRI examinations were randomly included and data was collected throughput with knock on effects on productivity and waiting
from Radiology Pacs information system AKUH. lists. This audit will allow quantification of the time lost when
Results: In this study a total number of 100 exams having inpatients are sent down from the wards without an appropriate
different type of artifact such as Chemical Shift Artifacts, Aliasing cannula in CT-Scan
Artifacts, Zipper, Phase-encoding, Motion Artifacts, Entry Slice Method: The study was carried over two months from July to
Phenomenon, Slice-overlap Artifacts, Moiré Fringes RF Overflow August 2011. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in CT
Artifacts, Susceptibility Artifacts ,Zero-fill Artifact (Zebra scan suite radiology department Aga khan university Hospital.
Artifact) Effects Wrap around and others artifacts were detected. All inpatients arriving for a CT with IV contrast should have an
Conclusion: Every artifact has a different cause and can distort appropriate cannula.Data were collected prospectively,record
clinical image. Clinically significant artifacts were detected in details of all inpatients requiring CT scans with contrast. Time
this study. taken to insert cannula if one was required.
Results: In this study, taken number of 200 patients they came
Keywords: knee artifacts from ward for CT with IV contrast. In there was 105(52.5%)

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patients were an appropriate cannula,95(47.5%) patients No 8.42

appropriate cannula includes: 55(27.5%) patients absent cannula, INTRODUCTION OF ELECTIVES INTO THE
18(09%) patients cannula present but not working, 09(4.5%) BACCALAUREATE NURSING CURRICULUM: FROM
patients looks infected,13(06.5%) patients too small not suitable CONCEPTUALIZATION TO OPERATIONALIZATION
for bolus contrast.Average time taken to insert and maintain
cannula in CT Suite 10 to 15 minutes. Jacqueline Maria Dias, Noureen Jiwani, Shirin Saleem,
Conclusion: Patients came from ward for CT Scan without or Saima Hirani, Fehmida Medhi, Mehrunisa Kabani
improper cannula then average (15 mins) was allocated to School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi
maintain the cannula. Its a wastage of time both department and
technologist and cause delay in services,prolong waiting time Objective: Design of a curriculum is a daunting but exciting
for others patients. If dedicated CT preparation room not present activity. Adding electives to a curriculum enhances the knowledge
this could create a more complicated service.Reminders to ward base of students. For the first time the baccalaureate nursing
staff need for a working cannula for inpatients having CT with curriculum offered the flexibility of offering two electives into
contrast,Prior to sending down to the department, consider a CT the curriculum. The faculty offered two courses one on Palliative
checklist completed by nursing staff which includes assessment Nursing and the other on Diagnostic test. Both courses
of the presence of a working cannula. complemented the baccalaureate curriculum
Method: This paper will describe the process from
Keywords: Cannula conceptualization of the elective to operationalization of the
Palliative nursing course. The course was delivered using a
hybrid approach which included e learning, face to face
8.41 component and hands on experience in a clinical setting
PRACTICES OF WRITTEN FEEDBACK IN NURSING Results: The course has proved to be beneficial for nursing
DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN KARACHI students, nursing faculty and nursing service employees. Several
positive outcomes were reported from student evaluation, course
Amina.khowaja, Raisa Gul, Arusa Lakhani, Nusrat Fatima briefings and meeting with Director of Nursing Services.
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi Conclusion: The lessons learnt from this course will go a long
way to add to the knowledge base for electives for the national
Objective: Background Good academic writing skills, is a key baccalaureate curriculum. In addition it will evaluation a new
to success for students. Without good academic writing skills teaching methodology of e learning.
students find it challenging to fulfill the requirements of their
studies in higher education. Written feedback is known to assess Keywords: baccauleurate nursing education, elearning,
and develop students’ academic writing skills. However, many electives
factors may affect the practices of written feedback and its
utilization. The study aimed at identifying students’ perceptions
about written feedback in the nursing degree programmes in 8.43
Karachi. EVALUATION OF ACUTE STROKE WITH MULTISECTION
Method: Methods A descriptive exploratory design was used in CT AND MR IMAGING: INFLUENCE OF IMAGING
this study. The sample consisted of 379 students from nine MODALITY AND POST PROCESSING
nursing institutions. The data was collected through a modified
Assessment Experience Questionnaire by Gibbs and Simpson. Syed Amin Shahr, Zafar.Jamil, Aziz Ali
The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics. Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Results Variations were found in the practices of written
assignments, provision of assessment criteria and provision of Objective: We prospectively evaluated the influence of different
written feedback. 80% of the students reported receiving written imaging techniques (time-of-flight MR angiography [TOF-
feedback, with or without oral feedback. However, 20 % of MRA],multisection CT angiography [CTA]) and postprocessing
them received only verbal feedback. Only 40% students reported methods (maximum intensity projection [MIP], multiplanar
receiving feedback on regular basis. Assignment guidelines were reformation [MPR]) on acute stroke. To determine the worth of
not always in a written form, were ambiguous and the feedback MR angiography of the circle of Willis as a supplement to routine
not reflective of the guidelines. MR in the examination of patients with symptoms of acute
Conclusion: Recommendations The findings have implications stroke in terms of its depiction of the number and distribution
for teachers, students and institutions similar to the context of of arterial stenoses or occlusions. We also sought to compare
this study. Teachers need to be aware of the role and impact of the accuracy of MR angiography with CT angiography.
written feedback on students’ learning and develop competence Method: Thirty patients (22 men, 08 women) with symptoms
for giving effective feedback. Finally, institutional commitment of acute stroke were examined with routine MR head with MR
& polices are needed to promote the practices of effective written angiography. CT angiography was also performed that 30
feedback. patients.. CT and MR angiograms for stenoses or occlusions
involving the vessels about the circle of Willis. MR and CT
angiograms were also evaluated for image quality, and the
corresponding routine CT and MR studies were evaluated for
the presence of arterial infarction. In MRI 3D-TOF technique
were applied for MRA and MIP was used for postprocessing

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and CT used intracranial arteries protocol with IV bolus contrast (continuous medical education),lack of trainings in staff were
injected. major factors associated in government sector. As comparison
Results: CT angiograms were rated good or excellent in 89% with both sector competence factor was high in private sector
of cases whereas MR angiograms were rated good or excellent and low in government sector
in 62% of cases. Arterial stenoses or occlusions were present Conclusion: There was more competence found in private sector
on 58% of CT angiograms, 42% of MR angiograms.Findings than government practices. However the participation response
were in agreement in 92% of the vessels analyzed by CT rate was higher in private as compare government practices .The
angiography and MR angiography. Similarly, there was overall rang of participants age was between 24-48 years. we found the
agreement of findings in 99% of vessels analyzed by CT more skills in private because of continuous CME and on job
angiography. None of the patients had any immediate adverse training.excess work load, lack of training, poor educational
reactions after administration of intravenous nonionic iodinated environment cause low compentence in government sector
contrast material
Conclusion: CT angiography is an accurate and safe method for Keywords: IV Contrast
evaluating arterial stenoses or occlusions in the vessels about
the circle of Willis. CT angiography should be used in patients
with symptoms of acute stroke for whom evaluation of the 8.45
intracranial vasculature is desirable MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR RADIOLOGY RESIDENTS
IN PAKISTAN: A NEW HORIZON TO BE EXPLORED!
Keywords: Stroke
Fahd Haroon, Naila Nadeem, Shayan Sirat, Zainab Hussain
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
8.44
RADIOGRAPHER COMPETENCE IN THE Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge
ADMINISTRATION OF IV CONTRAST FOR CT of radiology resident’s toward the subject of mentorship in order
EXAMINATIONS to formulate and inculcate an effective and successful mentorship
program.
Syed Amin Shah, Zafar.Jamil, muhammad abid Method: A questionnaire was developed and circulated among
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi present radiology residents of private and government teaching
hospitals. The survey assessed views on mentorship during
Objective: This audit is worth carrying out because when residency training and the potential role of mentorship in resident
delegating the injection of intravenous (IV) contrast agents to career development. Results of filled questionnaire were recorded
radiographic staff, there must be evidence that such delegation on SPSS19 and analyzed.
is proper and appropriate. There is a need to demonstrate that Results: Twenty six residents responded to the survey (100%).
all radiographers performing this task are competent at needle Majority were year one residents (yr1=9, yr2=7, yr3=5, yr4=3,
insertion and in the use of the injector pump. In addition, those yr5=2). Male residents were 18 and females were 8. Mean age
who carry out these tasks must possess an understanding of the was 29.9 (range 26-35).16 knew what a mentorship program
contra-indications to contrast administration, signs of contrast was (61.5%). Only 5 residents currently had a mentor (19.2%).
medium reactions and how such reactions should be managed. 14/26 had a specific person in mind to be their mentor (53.8%).
They all have must knowledge of needle stick injury. Assessment 15 residents preferred that a mentor should have a clinical
of radiographer skills and understanding of the administration background, 4 preferred a mentor with research background
of intravenous contrast whereas only 3 preferred a mentor with empathy. 4 residents
Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of two wanted a mentor with both clinical and research background.
governments (JPMC & Civil) and two private (Aga Khan 17 residents wanted a senior faculty as their mentor (65.3%).
University & Ziauddin University) hospitals’ radiology 57.7% residents prefer male mentors while 6 had no preference.
department CT Scan Suites. A sample was taken randomly 15 23 residents wanted mentorship program to commence in year
radiographers from each sector government & private. We used one of residency. 11 residents wanted 1 session per week with
a questionnaire that filled by self-report total 40 questionnaire majority opting for one hour per session. 23 residents believed
forms were distributed in both sectors , Our questionnaire based that mentoring should cover academics, followed by residency
on these points: different skills in that we asked from participants, related issues and future planning. Slight higher preference was
Hold a current certificate of competence in administration of given to informal mentorship program as opposed to formal
IV contrast, daily assessment of contrast medium injector pumps, mentorship program.
Should have CPR certificate, knowledge about contraindication Conclusion: Residents consider mentoring relationships to be
of contrast media Data was recorded, entered, and analyzed an important resource for their professional and personal
using SPSS version 17. development as well as play a potent role in increasing the
Results: Out of 40 participants in both sector (private & proportion of residents pursuing academic careers and positions
government).Certificate of competence in administration of IV of leadership.
contrast was in government sector (25%) and in private sector
(60%).CPR certificate (55%) in private sector and (10%) in Keywords: Mentorship, Mentor, Residents.
government sector. Knowledge regarding contra-indication of
contrast media (75%) in private sector and (60%) in government
sector. Lack of resources, Low level of education, no CME

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8.46 to facilitate care provision and discharge plan for patients

MEDICAL STUDENTS’ ASSESSMENT OF AN INCIPIENT identified for home ventilation. Daily checks were done to
CORE CLERKSHIP IN RADIOLOGY provide appropriate weaning, rehabilitation, nutritional support,
pain management and family briefings about plan of care. Staff
Abdul Mueed Zafar , Fahd Haroon, Naila Nadeem, Zanira members identifies care taker (family member), trained and
Faisal, Muhammad Nadeem Ahmad, Rukhsana Zuberi evaluated them for basic care concerns. Family partnership
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi , initiatives programs were conducted to promote best practice
Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA guidelines.
Results: Implementing family centered care practices; we were
Objective: To elicit medical students’ appraisal of an incipient able to discharge 16 patients from January 2010 to Sep 2011 in
core clerkship in radiology and to explore the trends of these a TCUH in Karachi, Pakistan. Staff compliance for defined
opinions during three of the initial years of institution. strategy was improved from 25% to 90%.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a self- Conclusion: Goal of family involvement in patients care processes
administered questionnaire. All medical students who had was achieved; sustaining family involvement in care provision
completed the clerkship were eligible for participation. The required a cultural change. Family focused initiatives has received
learners’ agreement with statements concerning different aspects attention, coordination and improvements in the care of ventilator-
of the clerkship was assessed using a 5-point scale (1=Strongly dependent patients
disagree, 5=Strongly agree). Their opinions regarding exposure
to radiology and length of an ideal radiology clerkship were Keywords: Family , Involvement , Care
also elicited. Mean (SD) scores for each statement was calculated.
Opinions across three batches of students were assessed with
ANOVA. P<0.05 was considered significant. 8.48
Results: A total of 140 students (Mean age 22 years, 40.7% REASONS OF REFUSAL AND DROP OUT IN A
female) returned the questionnaire; n=32 (22.9%) were in Year FOLLOW UP STUDY
V, n=42 (30.0%) in Year IV and n=66 (47.1%) in Year III. The
learners opined that the organization of the clerkship (mean Dileep Kumar Rohra, Hina Saeed Zubairi, Rahat Najam Qureshi,
score 3.8) as well as the volume (mean score 3.8) and diversity Syed Iqbal Azam, Rozina Sikandar, Neelofar Babar, Amna Zeb,
(mean score 3.7) of patients that they were exposed to, were Rimsha Hasan
satisfactory. The students found clerkship useful during other Al-Faisal University, Department of Biological & Biomedical
clerkships (mean score 4.0) and were satisfied with the overall Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
quality of the learning experience (mean score 3.7); trends of
improvement were observed in several areas. Majority (86.4%, Objective: To determine the reasons underlying the refusals to
n=121) opined that Radiology clerkship should be mandatory participate and drop outs from a follow up study involving
(p<0.001, c2-test). The average suggested duration of an ideal primigravidae
clerkship was three weeks. Method: Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Hospital for
Conclusion: A core clerkship in Radiology is a feasible instrument Women, Karachi, jointly initiated a nested case-control study
for improving integrated learning in medical school. on primigravidae for determining the predictability of
preeclampsia using various biochemical markers in blood. The
Keywords: Clerkship, Radiology, Medical Students protocol-eligible study subjects were counseled along with their
accompanying family members to participate in the study. All
women recruited in this study were followed up throughout their
8.47 pregnancy till delivery
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT: ENHANCING QUALITY OF Results: One thousand six hundred and sixty-five primigravidae
CARE FOR HOME VENTILATION PATIENTS were identified as the potential study subjects. Among them,
1,307 (78.5%) consented and 358 (21.5%) refused to participate.
Khairunnissa Hooda, Mehrunnissa Imran The most common reason underlying the refusal was inability
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi to get permission from the family members (n = 84; 34.4%)
followed by fear of prick (n = 51; 20.9%). For 114 refusals,
Objective: Nowadays increasing number of patients is requiring either the reason was not mentioned by the counseled women
long term ventilation management. Introducing home ventilation (n = 60) or the data was missing (n = 54). Out of 1,307 women
is a solution for patients who are ventilator dependent. Leading recruited in the research, only 611 (46.7%) women completed
such initiative in a Tertiary Care University Hospital (TCUH)in the study. Among the rest, 102 (7.8%) subsequently withdrew
Karachi, Pakistan facilitates patients’ quality of life, addresses from the research, 503 (38.5%) were dropped out, and 91 (7.0%)
the issues of ICU beds, and reduces financial burdens on patients were lost to follow up.
and families. Family involvement in care processes enhance the Conclusion: Refusal to participate and drop out from the research
quality of care and act as a first line of defense against clinical program are two significant factors hindering the smooth flow
or communication errors. The objective of this paper is to share of a study. In Pakistan, the major reason for the refusal by the
comprehensive rehabilitative care services extended to ventilator- protocol-eligible pregnant women for participating in a research
dependent patients with a reasonable expectation of weaning or program is the unwillingness of the family members.
discharge on home ventilation with family participation.
Method: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDSA) methodology was used Keywords: refusal to participate, lost to follow up, primigravidae
with process analysis instrument as a quality improvement tools

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8.49 with process analysis instrument as a quality improvement tools

TO ASSESS THE TREATMENT AND OUTCOME OF to do the capacity building of intensive care unit nurses in
PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY specialty based developments. With limited resource allocation
DEPARTMENT WITH HYPERKALEMIA for everyone to be trained and develop critical care competency
in such manner, Division of Nursing Services-critical care
Sana Shahbaz, Sara Kabir, Tahir Khan, Amber Mehmood management team in collaboration with Human Resources
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Division invited an experienced TKN Volunteer to do the needful
Results: The above initiative has proven to improve quality of
Objective: Severe hyperkalemia(K level > 6.5 mmol/L) can care to critically ill patients, enhanced clinical competencies,
cause serious arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation and and professional confidence; introduction of concepts like FAST
asystolic arrest. The objective is to assess the treatment and HUG for patient care as a vital few and its application at the
outcome of patients presenting to emergency department (ED) bed side was very beneficial .Practicing nurses was able to
with hyperkalemia. establish International networking
Method: This is a retrospective chart study that includes all Conclusion: Enhancing professional development provides
patients presenting to AKUH-ED with hyperkalemia. LAMA opportunity to strengthen organizational commitment and
or transferred patients were excluded. Data was collected from provides inspiration to staff during difficult times
January 2009- September 2010. Two hundred and forty-nine
cases were enrolled in the study. Information on major co- Keywords: Critical Care , Competency, Capacity Building
morbids of patient, laboratory investigations, treatment given
to patient and final outcome in terms of mortality and morbidity
were noted. The effectiveness of treatment in terms of lowering 8.51
of potassium levels was also evaluated. PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY
Results: Shortness of breath was the most common complaint HYPERTENSION USING PGE1 AND VASOPRESSIN
(36.1%). Most common comorbids were hypertension 200
(80.3%), diabetes 163 (65.5%) and chronic renal failure 153 Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Dr. Mohammad Hamid, Muneer
(61.4%). There were 147 (59 %) cases of severe hyperkalemia Amanullah, Mehnas Atiq
and 101(40.6%) cases of moderate hyperkalemia (K 5.5 – 6.5 Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
mmol/ L). Patients were given insulin 219(88%) , dextrose
233(93.6%) , calcium gluconate 234 (94 %) , kayexalate Objective: Summary: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as
187(75%) , salbutamol nebs 96(38.6%) as treatment. Dialysis the Pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mmHg at rest and >30
was done in 34(13%) cases. Potassium normalized in 75(30.1%) mmHg during exercise. Conditions associated with pulmonary
cases and 38(15.3%) were still severely hyperkalemic. Of all hypertension are not uncommon in congenital heart diseases.
the patients, 192 (77.1%) survived and only 3 (1.2%) expired. These conditions if not corrected in early life lead to secondary
Conclusion: Hyperkalemia is a commonly seen condition in the changes in pulmonary vasculature and with advancing age may
ED and most of the patients treated for severe hyperkalemia do become irreversible and threat to life. Surgical correction in
respond to treatment and can be managed in the ED. early life period has been shown favorable outcome. The incidence
of congenital heart disease in Pakistan ranges between 3 – 5 per
Keywords: hyperkalemia, treatment, outcomes 1000 births. Pulmonary hypertension is a predictor of
perioperative morbidity therefore these patients are at increased
risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality during anaesthesia
8.50 and surgery and require special measures to control perioperative
STRENGTHENING CRITICAL CARE COMPETENCY and postoperative pulmonary hypertension including inhaled
THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING OF NURSES AT AGA Nitric oxide, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5), JET –
KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (AKUH), KARACHI ventilation etc. The Aga Khan University hospital has started
its congenital heart surgery program since 2006 and is dealing
Khairunnissa Hooda, Mehrunnissa Imran, Khadija with complicated corrective congenital heart surgeries. Although
Pirmohammad limited in resources as compared to advanced, countries this
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi program is running successfully with satisfactory results. We
successfully managed 5 cases of congenital heart disease with
Objective: Intensive care nurses plays a vital role in total patient severe pulmonary hypertension without inhaled Nitric oxide
care management and are also required to be comfortable with and JET ventilation using prostaglandin infusion along with
a wide variety of technology and its uses in the critical care vasopressin. These cases included CAVSD, VSD, TAPVD and
setting. At present this training is provided through a MS. We exploited the pulmonary vasodilator effect of PGE1
comprehensive competency based orientation program in and explored the paradoxical pulmonary vasodilator and systemic
collaboration with biomedical in-services, manufacturer training, vasoconstrictor effect of Vasopressin in prevention of systemic
and many hours of education time with experienced operators. hypotension for peri and immediate postoperative control of
Annual continuing education is required to ensure that all skills pulmonary hypertension. Sildenafil was used to control the
are kept up to date. Many intensive care unit management teams pulmonary hypertension in the later post operative period.
send their nurses to conferences to ensure that the staff is kept Method: literature review of the previous work done regarding
up to the current state of this rapidly changing technology. paharmacological and other methods used to control pulmonary
Method: Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDSA) methodology was used hypertension.

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Results: Conclusion: Perioperative pulmonary hypertension 8.53

can be managed by pharmacological means if exploited carefully SCIENCE TEACHERS’ BELIEFS AND TEACHING
using PGE1 and Vasopressin when Inhaled Nitric Oxide is not PRACTICES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS OF NURSING,
available. KARACHI
Conclusion: Conclusion: Perioperative pulmonary hypertension
can be managed by pharmacological means if exploited carefully Syeda Naghma Rizvi, Nelofer Halai
using PGE1 and Vasopressin when Inhaled Nitric Oxide is not Department for Educational Development, Aga Khan University,
available. Karachi

Keywords: Pulmonary, hypertension Objective: Introduction: The study in progress proposes to

understand the pedagogical beliefs of science teachers teaching
science courses in professional nursing education. The academic
8.52 preparation of science teachers focuses more on teaching core
A PROCESS FOR IMPROVING EXAMS, TEACHING science and minimal on its application in nursing practice. This
AND WRITTEN OUTCOMES: POST-HOC ANALYSIS orientation develops a particular belief system about knowledge,
APPROACH teaching, learning, and thus creates a tension between science
teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and their practices in the nursing
Sheilla Pinjani, Tashfeen Ahmad school. Purpose: To understand the teaching/ learning beliefs of
Department for Educational Development, Aga Khan University, science teachers in professional nursing education. The study
Karachi also seeks to understand their personal, professional beliefs and
how these beliefs influence their practices.
Objective: At Aga Khan University, the four-week rotation in Method: Life-history will be used as a methodological lens for
Orthopaedics takes place in the 3rd year of the MBBS curriculum, in-depth exploration of participants’ lives. Life-history interviews
and is based on defined curricular objectives. By the end of the and classroom observations are key methods for data collection.
rotation the student is expected to have acquired basic orthopaedic With no baseline data available on science teachers, demographic
skills of an outgoing graduate. Although pre-hoc and post-hoc data was collected from 26 private, Pakistan Nursing Council
analysis have been in place, since there were no clearly written (PNC) registered schools of nursing.
outcomes previously, there were still gaps between teaching and Results: Demographic results reveal that 71% of the science
a valid and fair examination. We aimed to review the teaching teachers are subject specialists i.e. Physiologist, physicists
and examination process by the means of post-hoc examination chemists and microbiologists with masters’ degree in science.
analysis in order to ensure learning of the desired outcomes by Majority (64%) engaged in teaching all science courses are
3rd year medical students. either microbiologists or physiologists. The rest are doctors,
Method: To start with, a pilot was conducted on the orthopaedics engineers, pharmacists and nurses. Based on these findings I
rotation. Exam papers were analysed for difficulty and selected a sample of 4 subject specialist for life history interview.
discriminatory indices. Questions with low and high difficulty This selection represents the entire population of science teachers
i.e. <30% and >80% and with no discrimination, were reviewed in private nursing schools in Karachi. The experience of these
in depth to identify reasons of such performance. Moreover, science teachers ranges from 3-23 years. Male science teachers
questions in which students showed varied responses in light of have slight edge over females in numbers.
objectives and teaching methods were also reviewed. Suggestions Conclusion: Study findings will generate a data base of science
for improvement of questions and content delivery were noted teachers in private schools of nursing, Karachi.
down by coordinator for subsequent incorporation in questions,
to develop new questions and improving delivery of specific Keywords: Teachers beliefs, professional nursing education, life
concepts. history
Results: As a result of this post-hoc analysis, we have been able
to have a) clearly written outcomes, b) improved questions in
structure and cognitive level, and c) improved teaching. Also,
on the basis of this exercise and table of specifications we have
been able to put together an improved exam blue print.
Conclusion: Clearly written outcomes, explicitly understood by
faculty and students alongwith regular review and improvement
of the assessment and teaching is essential for students’ mastering
the outcomes.

Keywords: Education, Post-hoc analysis, Examination

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Aga Khan University Infectious Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

9.1 antimicrobial resistance against ciprofloxacin, 524 clinical

NUCLEIC ACID TESTING OF PAKISTANI BLOOD isolates of Escherichia coli (29.58%), Staphylococcus aureus
DONORS: IS IT NEEDED? (32.63%), Salmonella typhi (9.16%), Klebsiella pneumonia
(14.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%) were collected
Bushra Moiz, Usman Shaikh, Salman Adil, Naseem Shamsuddin, for the study between January 2008 and February 2009 from
Mohammad Khurshid, Tariq Moatter different pathological laboratories and hospitals in Karachi,
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Pakistan. These pathogens were isolated from specimens of both
Karachi in and outpatients departments. The in-vitro antimicrobial activity
of ciprofloxacin was carried out using the Disc Diffusion Method
Introduction: The frequency of viral hepatitis B and C is estimated (Kirby-Bauer test).
to be 3-4% in Pakistani blood donors while HIV is <1%. However Results: Results: Results showed that ciprofloxacin was 27.02%,
no data is available regarding blood donations that are made 21.95%, 16.66%, 72.22% and 44.44% resistant to Escherichia
during window period. Such donations though serologically coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella
negative are potentially infectious because of the substantial pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively.
viral load. The current study was done to estimate the extent of Conclusion: Conclusion: To concluded, it can be deduced that
such blood donations that were made during the gap before sero- these clinical isolates have began to develop resistance against
conversion. Objective: To determine the frequency of window ciprofloxacin due to its irrational and inappropriate use.
period blood donations for estimating NAT-yield in Pakistan Continuous surveillance is crucial to monitor the antimicrobial
Method: All donors were initially scanned verbally to assess resistance among pathogens.
their suitability for donation using an in house questionnaire.
We collected two 5ml blood in gel tube (BD vacutainer) from Keywords: resistance pattern, different pathogens, ciprofloxacin
each donor. Each donation was screened for HIV, Hepatitis B
and C [Vitros Johnson & Johnson, ortho- clinical and diagnostic
1996-2000], malaria [Now malaria® Binax incorporated] and 9.3
syphilis [VDRL Carbon antigen Plasmatec Laboratory products]. CCL2/MCP-1 GG GENOTYPE IS ASSOCIATED WITH
Serologically negative donors were evaluated further through DISEASE LOCALIZATION IN TUBERCULOSIS
nucleic acid testing [TaqScreen MPX Assay, Roche Diagnostics].
Results: During the 4-month study period [April 20 to August Ambreen Ansari, Ghaffar Dawood, Zahra Hasan, Rabia Hussain
19, 2011], 8486 blood donations were made. There were 8236 Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
males and 250 females with age raging from 18 to 50 years. 284 Karachi, Masoomeen Trust Hospital,
subjects were sero-positive for the following markers: HbsAg
[n=110], HCV [n=121], HIV [n=5], VDRL [n= 40] and ICT Objective: Among the known biomarkers, chemokines, secreted
malaria [n= 8]. 8202 serologically non reactive blood samples by activated macrophages and T cells, attract groups of immune
were tested for nucleic acid and a total of 9 cases were positive. cells to the site of infection and may determine the clinical
NAT yield was computed as 1:900 donations showing that one outcome. Association studies of CCL-2/MCP-1 -2518 A/G
of every 900 blood donations was made during the window functional SNP linked to high and low phenotypes with
period. Theoretically, 27 patients were saved from transfusion tuberculosis disease susceptibility have shown conflicting results
transmitted viral infections through this strategy. in tuberculosis. Some of these differences may be due to
Conclusion: Nucleic acid testing in Pakistani donors had yielded differences in latent infection as assessed by Tuberculin Skin
high positivity rate. For safe blood transfusion, we must continue Test (TST) or tuberculosis disease variability. The objective of
NAT and also urge other blood banks to utilize our services for the current study was to analyze CCL-2 SNP -2518 (A/G
the same. transition) in relation to TST status (presence or absence of
latent infection) as well as disease severity in tuberculosis across
Keywords: Blood donors, NAT, Pakistan the clinical spectrum.
Method: Study subjects included Healthy control groups
(TBNA=189; TBNA TST+=110; TST- =67) and compared them
9.2 with tuberculosis patients with active disease (TBA=185). TBA
RESISTANCE PATTERN OF CIPROFLOXACIN AGAINST was further divided into those with pulmonary disease (minimal
DIFFERENT PATHOGENS to moderate [P-md=71] or advanced [P-ad=33] lung involvement
or extrapulmonary with less severe (LTB=46) or severe (DTB=35)
Syeda Qadam Ali, Ale Zehra, Baquar Shyum Naqvi, Shahjahan disease.
Shah, Rabia Bushra Results: The only association observed was with GG genotype
Departments of Medicine and Pharmacy, Aga Khan University, in the P-md group (c2=3.95; p=0.047) when compared with
Karachi TBNA TST- group. No association was observed with either
PAD (p=0.978), LTB (p=0.328) or DTB (p=0.989). No
Objective: Objectives: Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum associations were observed when the groups were compared
antibiotic widely prescribed in clinical and hospital settings. with TBNA TST+ group. Although not significant, GG genotype
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance against effective was overrepresented in healthy donors with latent infection (GG
antibiotics is a global issue. The objective of this study is the 2.28-fold higher) compared to TST- healthy donors.
surveillance of ciprofloxacin against common pathogens. Conclusion: Conclusion: The main conclusion was that CCL2
Method: Methods: To investigate the present status of

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GG genotype, linked to high producer phenotype may play a 12 years of age presenting in the tertiary care hospitals of Karachi.
role in disease localization in tuberculosis. Vaccine effectiveness: Odds of developing measles among
vaccinated children Odds of developing measles among
Keywords: CCL2/MCP1, SNP, Tuberculosis unvaccinated children
Study design: Matched case control study. Ratio of 1:2 shall be
used for cases vs. controls. Matching shall be done on the basis
9.4 of age and gender. Setting: Children Hospitals of Karachi (NICH,
HIV TREATMENT IN PAKISTAN - SHOTS IN THE DARK? Pediatrics Dept. of CHK, Paediatrics Dept. of Abbasi Shaheed
Hospital Karachi). Sample size: Sample size is calculated using
Aniqa Shahid, Syed Hani Abidi, Adil Aijaz Shah, Muhammad prevalence of various risk factors for measles among cases and
Rafiq Khanani, Qamar Abbas, Azra Abro, Syed Ali general population from national and regional studies. Therefore,
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan 146 individuals are required as cases and 292 as controls, yielding
University, Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences, , a total sample size of 438.Sampling technique: Consecutive
Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Program, Pakistan, sampling of children presenting with measles and hospital
matched controls matched for age and gender. Variables:
Objective: The World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended Independent variables: Age, Gender, socioeconomic status,
first-line therapy for HIV patients is a cocktail of one non- ethnicity, mother’s education, exposure to health facility,
nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two vaccination status, frequency of measles vaccination, no. of
nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Under children in household, nutrition status (as per modified Gomez
selection pressures from ART, however, HIV can rapidly develop classification),interaction with the floating population. Outcome
ART resistance-conferring mutations – leading to therapy failure. variable: Measles risk factors Data collection tools: Interview
Method: Thirty-eight samples from HIV-1 positive drug-naïve based questionnaire + Serum IgM levels for measles Data
as well as first-line ART-receiving patients were used for this analysis procedure: Descriptive statistics (mean, std. deviation
study. The HIV-1 pol region (entire protease gene and partial or freq %) will be presented for comparison of cases with controls
reverse transcriptase gene) was sequenced and ART resistance using t-test & chi sq for continuous and categorical variables
mutations were analyzed using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance respectively. Conditional logistic regression analysis will be
Database. conducted to assess the crude association of each independent
Results: Of the 38 HIV-1 positive patients enrolled in the study, factor with measles. Final results will be expressed as odds ratio.
34 (89%) patients infected with HIV-1 subtype A, showed the Expected results: • Vaccine effectiveness among children
presence of one stable minor mutation, E138A. Phylogenetic presenting in hospitals of Karachi is less than 85% expected, so
analysis indicated that the stable E138A is most likely a primary need to develop stringent policies on vaccine cold chain and
HIV-1 subtype A-specific mutation. Furthermore, our analysis maintenance system. • Children with no or single dose of measles
revealed a higher degree of HIV sequence variability in drug- vaccine are more prone to develop measles. • Unvaccinated
treated compared to drug-naïve patients, possibly owing to children or recipient of single dose vaccine are more prone to
selection pressure from the ART. develop measles after recent hospitals visit. • Girls have higher
Conclusion: HIV-1 in the infected Pakistani patients is carrying chances of missed vaccination opportunities. • Children of
a stable mutation. A trend is apparent that overtime further HIV mothers with low education are developing measles in a greater
mutations may accumulate in the drug-treated patients. We proportion. • Certain ethnicities in Karachi may be at higher
recommend HIV-1 drug resistance profiling of infected population risk of developing measles and suffering with its
before and during ART regimen. This will help to optimize the complications.
antiretroviral drug treatment for HIV patients, and to control
further transmission of ART resistant stable HIV variants into
vulnerable populations. 9.6
BCG VACCINATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH
Keywords: HIV, Antiretroviral treatment , Resistance mutation TUBERCULOUS LYMPHADENITIS IN PAKISTANI
ADULTS

9.5 Zahra Hasan, Muhmmad Irfan, Javaid A Khan, Shehryar K.

VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS AND THE RISK FACTORS Jahangir, Muhammad Haris, Mussarat Ashraf, Naseem
ASSOCIATED WITH MEASLES AMONG CHILDREN Salahuddin, Bushra Jamil, Nisar A Rao
PRESENTING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR TERTIARY CARE Department of Pathology & Microbiology and Medicine, Aga
HOSPITALS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN Khan University, Karachi, DOW University of Health Sciences,
Indus Hospital , OJHA Institute for Chest Diseases, Karachi
Aysha Zahidie, Zafar Fatmi
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Objective: Pakistan ranks 6th amongst high tuberculosis (TB)
Karachi burden countries. Mycobacterium bovis bacille-Calmette Guerin
(BCG) vaccination is part of the Extended immunization Program
Objective: • To determine the risk factors associated with (EPI) and is administered within the first month after birth.
development of measles among children less than 12 years of However, both pulmonary (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
age presenting in the tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. • To find (ETB) remains common. The efficacy of BCG is found to be
out effectiveness of measles vaccine among children less than variable in adults although it is thought to be protective against

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Aga Khan University Infectious Diseases
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

severe disease in children. Our objective was to determine as 9.8

association between BCG vaccination and the occurrence of CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS WITH SECONDARY
PTB and ETB together with its correlation with severity of CUTANEOUS INVOLVEMENT IN AN
disease IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST
Method: This was a cross-sectional multi-center hospital based
study. Patients with PTB or ETB, with less severe (L-ETB) or Saadia Tabassum, Atiya Rahman, Naveen Faridi,. Fivzia
severe disseminated (D-ETB) disease were recruited and the Herekar, Sadia Masood
presence of a BCG vaccination scar was documented. Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Liaquat
Results: In L-ETB cases, vaccination was greater in lymphadenitis National Hospital and Medical College, Infectious Diseases
(LNTB) cases than pleural TB (p=0.004). Also, LNTB had more Indus Hospital, Medicine
vaccinees than PTB (p=0.001) and tuberculous meningitis
(p=0.027) groups. Objective: Cryptococcosis is a potentially fatal fungal disease
Conclusion: LNTB represents localised TB therefore our data caused by variants of Cryptococcus neoformans species. The
suggests that BCG protects against more severe forms of TB in respiratory tract is the usual portal of entry, with a peculiar
adults in Pakistan. predilection to invade the central nervous system. The skin can
be secondarily involved in disseminated infection or be
Keywords: TB lymphadenitis, BCG, extrapulmonary TB exceptionally involved as primary cutaneous infection by
inoculation. The disease is mostly seen in immunodeficiency
states. The diagnosis is frequently unsuspected in
9.7 immunocompetent patients.
M. TUBERCULOSIS SONICATE INDUCED IFN-GAMMA, Method: We report a case of disseminated cryptococcal meningitis
CXCL10 AND IL10 CAN DIFFERENTIATE SEVERITY IN in an immunocompetent young adult. The skin was secondarily
TUBERCULOSIS involved and exhibited firm molluscum- like papules and nodules
on the face and neck. The cutaneous eruption prompted the
Zahra Hasan, Nisar A. Rao, Naseem Salahuddin, Muniba Islam, accurate diagnosis.
Mussarat Ashraf, Martin E. Rottenberg, Rabia Hussain Results: The immunocompetent adult female had the characteristic
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan features of disseminated cryptococcal infection with secondary
University,Karachi, OJHA Institute for Chest Diseases, Indus cutaneous involvement. The patient had fever, cough, headache
Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and intractable vomiting for the past 2 months and was being
managed as a case of tuberculous meningitis. Two weeks after
Objective: Improved tools are required to study starting treatment she developed umbilicated papules and nodules
immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Mycobacterium on the head and neck region. Necessary laboratory workup
tuberculosis antigen-stimulated T cell based assays can detect identified C neoformans var. gattii on CSF and skin specimens.
TB but are less effective when responses are compromised such The titers of cryptococcal antigen were measured in CSF and
as in severe disease. serum for diagnostic and prognostic purpose. Anti-fungal
Method: We investigated responses to M. tuberculosis whole treatment has resulted in regression of cutaneous lesions and
sonicate (MTBs), recombinant antigens ESAT6 and CFP10 in resolution of systemic complaints.
whole blood cells of healthy endemic controls (EC, n=42) and Conclusion: The case validates a need for high degree of
patients with pulmonary (PTB, n=36) or extrapulmonary (ETB, suspicion, especially in healthy young adults, in the diagnosis
n=41) disease. Biomarkers of T cell activation (IFNgamma or and management of Cryptococcosis. The cutaneous eruptions
modulation (IL10) and chemokines, CXCL9, CXCL10 and can be the first manifestation or a diagnostic clue of enormous
CCL2 secretion were measured. significance.
Results: MTBs, ESAT6 and CFP10 all induced IFNgamma
responses in TB. ESAT6-induced IFNgamma was elevated in Keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans, immunocompetent, skin
TB as compared with EC. MTBs- stimulated the highest involvement
IFNgamma levels but did not differentiate between TB and EC.
However, MTBs induced -CXCL10 (p=0.004) was reduced
while; –IL10 (p<0.001) was raised in TB as compared with EC. 9.9
Between sites; MTBs induced -CCL2 (p=0.001) and - IL10 DETECTION OF VIRULENCE GENE (STEC) IN ATYPICAL
secretion was higher in PTB than ETB (p<0.001). In comparison (EAE+/BFPA-) EPEC STRAIN OF E.COLI BY MULTIPLEX
of disease severity; MTBs induced IFNgamma (p=0.014) and PCR
CXCL10 (p=0.022) levels were raised in moderate as compared
with far advanced PTB. In ETB; MTBs induced IL10 levels Fatima Aziz, Tayyab Un Nisa, Taj Mohammad,
were greater in less severe (L-ETB) than in severe disseminated Shahida M Qureshi
(D-ETB) cases, p=0.035. Within the L-ETB group, MTBs Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
induced IFNgamma was greater in patients with tuberculous Karachi
lymphadenitis than those with pleural TB (p=0.002).
Conclusion: As immune responses to MTBs were differentially Background: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and
activated in TB of different sites and severity, we propose the Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) are important human
utility of MTBs- induced IFN CXCL10 and IL10 as biomarkers enteropathogens. EPEC is further sub grouped into typical
in TB. (tEPEC) and atypical (aEPEC) EPEC. tEPEC strains are major
causative agents of acute diarrhea in infants in developing
Keywords: MTB sonicate, cytokines, disease severity countries .The main difference between tEPEC and aEPEC is

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the presence of the EPEC adherence factor (EAF) plasmid in with minimal seasonal variation. The G9 [P8], G9 [P6], and G2
tEPEC .This plasmid encodes the bundle-forming pilus (bfpA+) [P4] were the common viral strains associated with rotavirus
with additional factors that contribute to virulence including gastroenteritis.
intimin encoded by the eae gene. Formation of the attaching- Conclusion: Children in rural areas of Pakistan suffer high rates
and-effacing (AE) lesion is the major virulence mechanism of of rotavirus diarrhea and account for approximately one-third
EPEC and also virulence property of enterohemorrhagic E. coli of hospitalized diarrhea. This underscores the need for appropriate
(EHEC) strains. Typically, EHEC strains express with two groups vaccinations, and strengthens advocacy argument to introduce
of important virulence factors. This major virulence factors rotavirus vaccine for all children under national EPI in Pakistan
implicated in STEC infection are potent Shiga toxins, which are
classified into two groups, Stx1 and Stx2. In STEC the association Keywords: Rotavirus gastroenteritis
of efa1 (EHEC factor for adherence), sen, stx1and stx2 was
strongly correlated with virulence and disease severity. Objective:
To investigate the presence of virulence genes in atypical EPEC 9.11
by multiplex PCR. SEVERITY OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX IN KARACHI: A
Method: Total 228 eae+ bfpA- EPEC isolates from 76 stool CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
samples were selected from an ongoing Global Enteric
Multicentre Study (GEMS).This study is a case control study Amber Mehmood , Kiran Ejaz, Tauqeer Ahmed
carried on children <5years of age.DNA was extracted from Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
pooled colonies of 24 hr fresh growth of E.coli by boiling Karachi
method. Multiplex PCR was carried out using 5 different sets
of primers. Results were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Objective: Plasmodium vivax malaria affects billion people
Results: Out of 76 samples the frequency of eae + gene was annually. Due to frequent observation of complicated P.vivax
(100% 76/76), sen (75% 57/76), Efa-1(58%44/76), Stx- patients presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) we
1(1.31%1/76) and stx-2(2.63%2/76) conducted this study to note the presentations, complications
Conclusion: The multiplex PCR for the detection of various and identify the determinants of in-patient hospital care of
virulence factors will help to further investigate and clarify the P.vivax malaria patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in
role of diarrheogenic E.coli in diarrheal disease. Karachi, Pakistan. Severity of the shock was also assessed using
shock index.
Keywords: EPEC, Shiga toxin (STEC) , EHEC Method: This study was a descriptive cross sectional study
conducted at the Emergency Department of Aga Khan University
Hospital, Karachi. All adult patients with a positive P.vivax
9.10 peripheral film and / or Immunochromatography admitted
BURDEN OF ROTAVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS IN RURAL through ED were studied during 2009. Data was entered and
DISTRICT OF PAKISTAN analyzed using SPSS version 16. Keeping the length of stay at
a cut off of 48 hours after admission, Independent Student-t test
Asif Raza Khowaja, Tayyab Nisa, Shahida Qureshi, was applied. Level of significance was taken at 0.05.
Huma Khawar, Anita K. M. Zaidi Results: A total of 97 patients were included in the study. Fever
Department od Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan was the most common presentation. A significant number of
University, Karachi, GAVI-CSO UNICEF , patients had nonspecific complaints, but tachycardia, altered
mental status, and ARDS were important findings. Mean shock
Objective: Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe index was 1 (SD 0.26). Common reasons for admission were
gastroenteritis in young children resulting 440,000 deaths thrombocytopenia and dehydration. Some had to be admitted
annually, the vast majority in developing countries. Limited for more than 48 hours. Complications included pneumonia,
information on rotavirus epidemiology is available from rural ARDS and bleeding requiring platelet transfusion.
settings, where most of the children die in Pakistan. We aimed Conclusion: This study highlights the fact that debilitating impact
to assess burden of disease; and to identify viral strain types of P.vivax malaria, remains high. Although the effects of severe
causing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis among children aged < vivax malaria can be contained through aggressive resuscitation
5 years. and specific therapy, sensitivity and awareness of this complicated
Method: The prospective surveillance was established for all course needs to be highlighted among caregivers.
cause diarrhea at two public sector secondary hospitals in a rural
district of Sindh, Pakistan. Children with acute severe Keywords: Vivax malaria, severity, shock index
gastroenteritis were eligible; parental consent was obtained.
Stool specimens were tested on-site for Rotavirus antigen by
ELISA using WHO protocols. All test positive, and 10% test
negative specimens were re-tested on automated ELISA for
quality control; and PCR was performed to type viral strains.
Results: This is an interim report of surveillance from November
2009 – August 2011. Of 304 (14%) children with severe diarrhea
tested, 84 (28%) were positive for rotavirus in stool. Majority
of the rotavirus diarrhea cases (76%) were below 12 months of
age. Rotavirus was detected throughout the 12 months period

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9.12 intermixing between the IDU and MSM populations, suggesting

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS C IN a bridging of HIV infection from IDUs, via MSM, to the MSM
PAKISTAN spouses and children. Our analysis implicates M-IDU (MSM
practicing intravenous drug use)to be involved in bridging the
Sunil Sadruddin, Farah Naz Farid HIV transmission between IDUs and MSM, most likely through
School of Nursing & Midwifary, Aga Khan University, Karachi needle-sharing.
Conclusion: HIV epidemic in Pakistan is now spreading to the
Objective: Hepatitis C is a major health issue in many developing female spouses and offspring of bisexual MSM. HIV control
countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan has the second highest and awareness programs must be refocused to include IDUs,
rates of hepatitis C among other developing countries. However, MSM, as well as bisexual MSM, and their spouses and children.
the estimates of the prevalence and risk factors associated with
hepatitis C at national level are currently unknown. Keywords: HIV, MSM, Bridging
Method: A comprehensive literature search was carried out
manually as well as by using electronic databases including
PubMed and Science Direct. We reviewed 52 publications to 9.14
estimate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C in Pakistan. PLASMODIUM VIVAX MALARIA: A RETROSPECTIVE
Results: The methodological differences among studies made SURVEY
it unsuitable to conduct a formal meta-analysis to estimate
prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C in Pakistan. An average Yameena Tasneem Jawed, Anum Ali, Syed Faisal Mahmood
prevalence of hepatitis C in Pakistan ranges from 2.45% to Department of Medicine, Medical College, Aga Khan University,
25.7%. The major risk factors associated with prevalence of Karachi
hepatitis C in Pakistan include injection drug users, unsafe and
excessive use of needles in healthcare settings, recipients of Objective: Malaria remains a major public health problem
blood and blood products, shaving by barbers, and occupational causing mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical
risks. countries including Pakistan. Of the non-falciparum species, P.
Conclusion: Available review of literature suggested that there vivax has the greatest geographic range and burden of disease.
is a moderately higher prevalence of hepatitis C in Pakistan. It causes significant morbidity and inflicts a huge socio-economic
Action needs to be taken in order to address the risk factors that burden on endemic countries. This study aims to assess the
contribute towards increased incidences of hepatitis C infection. disease burden and severity of P.vivax malaria amongst adult
population.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Pakistan, Risk factors Method: A retrospective review of the records of inpatients
admitted at AKUH with a diagnosis of P.vivax malaria in the
last four years was done. The inclusion criteria included age of
9.13 more than 14 years and a peripheral blood smear or an ICT
THE SPREAD OF HIV IN PAKISTAN: BRIDGING OF positive for P.vivax malaria. Patients with mixed P.falciparum
THE EPIDEMIC BETWEEN POPULATIONS and vivax infections were excluded.
Results: Out of 260 patients, majority (98.8% n=257) reported
Muhammad R. Khanani, Mehreen Somani, Sadiq Saleem fever as a presenting complaint of which almost half also reported
Rehmani, Nazle M.C. Veras, Marco Salemi, Syed Ali at least one episode of accompanying vomiting usually without
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, abdominal pain. August and September showed increased rates
Karachi , Dow University of Health Sciences , Department of of patient admissions (41 and 74 patients respectively). Young
Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, adults (21-30 years) were more commonly affected with a mean
University of Florida College of Medicine and Emerging age being 40.2 years. 182 (70%) patients qualified as “Severe
Pathogens Institute. Malaria”, fulfilling at least one of the criteria set by WHO. Of
these, 25 (13.7%) required admission to the Special Care Unit.
Objective: In the last two decades, ‘concentrated epidemics’ of There was a total of three mortalities. However, only one could
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have established in several be attributable to P.vivax associated ARDS (mortality rate of
high-risk groups in Pakistan, including Injecting Drug Users 0.5%).
(IDUs) and among men who have sex with men (MSM). Conclusion: Our results show that P.vivax malaria rates
Communities of IDUs and MSM are known to interact through peak in August and September. While the mortality rate
overlapping risk behaviors (needlesharing, sexual contact, etc.), (0.5%) may be considered low, there is a high reported relapse
which may facilitate spillover of HIV infection from IDUs into rate of 20%, leading to increased disease burden in this endemic
MSM, or vice versa. We hypothesized that MSM may act as region
‘bridge’ for introducing the HIV infection into the general
population from the IDU community. Keywords: severe vivax malaria, relapse rate, risk factors
Method: To explore the transmission patterns of HIV infection
in these major high-risk groups of Pakistan, 76 HIV samples
were analyzed from MSM,their female spouses and children,
along with 26 samples from a previously studied cohort of IDUs.
Results: Phylogenetic analysis of HIV gag gene sequences
obtained from these samples indicated a substantial degree of

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9.15 deletions. Significance of these deletions is as yet unknown.

PATTERNS OF HIV INFECTION AMONG NATIVE AND Objective To compare CAS1 strains with RD149 and concurrent
REFUGEE AFGHANS RD149-RD152 deletions with CAS1 strains without deletions
and M. tuberculosis H37Rv for growth and for induction of
Amna Sadaf Ansari, Muhammad Rafiq Khanani, Syed Hani TNFa, IL6, CCL2 and IL10.
Abidi, Farida Shah, Aniqa Shahid, Syed Ali Method: The THP-1 human monocytic cell line was differentiated
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan with Phorbol Ester Myristate and recombinant human interferon
University, Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences, Nursing gamma for 24 hrs. Cell supernatants were collected at days 1
& Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Kabul, Afghanistan, and 3 for cytokine measurements. Cell lysates were plated for
CFUs at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection.
Objective: Transmigration of infected populations can result in Results: Growth of CAS1 strains with deletions was slower in
transmission of new HIV-1 variants into the host population. broth (RD149; p=0.024 and RD149-RD152; p=0.025) than that
Due to nearly 30 years of conflict in Afghanistan, many Afghans of strains without deletions. CAS1 strains with RD149 deletion
have been forced into migration, mostly to Pakistan and Iran. strains further showed reduced intracellular growth (p=0.013)
This transmigration has not only been responsible for high in THP-1 cells as compared with strains without deletions and
prevalence of HIV, but has also led to the emergence of novel also as compared with H37Rv (p=0.007) and with CAS1 RD149-
CRFs in the Afghan population.The current study was conducted RD152 deletion strains (p=0.029). In THP-1 cells, all CAS1
to explore the nature of the HIV epidemics among the Afghan strains induced higher levels of TNFa and IL10 secretion than
refugees in Pakistan and the native Afghans in Afghanistan. H37Rv. CAS1 strains with RD149 deletions induced more TNFa
Method: A total of 29 HIV-positive samples from the Afghan secretion than those without deletions (p=0.013). RD149 deletion
refugees in Pakistan, and 11 HIV-positive from native Afghans strains from extrapulmonary sources showed more rapid growth
in Kabul, Afghanistan, were included in this study. Furthermore, and induced lower levels of TNFa and IL6 secretion than isolates
in order to investigate the transmission patterns of HIV among from pulmonary sources.
Afghans and other high-risk groups, HIV gag sequences from Conclusion: This data suggests that RD149 deletion in CAS1
73 HIV-positive patients (male having sex with male [MSM] strains reduces growth and increases the induction of TNFa in
and intravenous drug users [IDU]) from Pakistan were also host cells. Differences observed for extrapulmonary strains may
included. The sequences were aligned using Clustal X and indicate potential for dissemination and tropism outside the lung
phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software. In
order to analyze the recombinant strains, National Center for Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Central Asian Strain
BiotechnologyInformation (NCBI) genotyping tool was utilized. 1, RD149 deletion
Results: Phylogenetic analysis of HIV gag gene from 40 samples
showed diverse HIV variants, originating from a number of
countries. Additionally, several overlapping clusters of MSM 9.17
and Afghan refugees were observed, indicating a transmission MALARIA PREVENTION THROUGH INTEGRATED
link between these two cohorts. A few of the native Afghan INSECTICIDE TREATED BED NETS DISTRIBUTION
samples also showed close phylogenetic association between
the HIV sequences from Afghan refugees and MSM. Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Conclusion: Our findings have revealed associations between Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan
our study populations of native and refugees Afghans and the University, Karachi
high-risk groups in Pakistan and Iran. Frequent travel, past
displacement and current repatriation of millions of Afghans Objective: History of Malaria dates back to over 4000 years and
has now put the Afghan population at risk of infection with still this disease is responsible for a million lives and morbidity
novel, possibly drug-resistant HIV viral strains. Divergence of in 250 million per year. Various measures have been taken in
such diverse subtypes and CRFs may prove challenging for the this regard, including indoor residual spraying, promoting use
development of effective vaccine and antiretroviral therapy of Insecticide treated bednets (ITN) and educating or creating
against HIV in the Aghan populations. awareness among masses. ITN being one such intervention has
the potential for hugely affecting the spread of this disease, its
Keywords: HIV-1, Afghan, CRFs use reduced mortality in children less than 5 years old by around
20%. The wide-scale implementation of ITNs is now one of the
main strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from malaria
9.16 (WHO 2003). Some of the large scale programs have Integrated
PRESENCE OF RD149 DELETIONS IN MYCOBACTERIUM ITN distribution with existing programs.
TUBERCULOSIS CENTRAL ASIAN STRAIN 1 (CAS1) Method: In this review, fifteen such integrated national and
ISOLATES AFFECT GROWTH AND TNFA INDUCTION IN district level programs were evaluated to assess the effectiveness
THP-1 MONOCYTES. of integrating these distribution strategies. Six non-integrated
programs were also evaluated for comparison. All the studies
Akbar Kanji, Zahra Hasan, Mehnaz Tanveer, Raunaq Mahboob, were pre-post designs except one that is quasi-experimental
Sana Jafri, Rumina Hasan* design. These selected programs integrated their distribution
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, strategy of ITNs with Measles, Immunization, Child health,
Karachi Mass drug administration or ANC programs. All studies were
from Sub Saharan Africa and these studies were evaluated on
Objective: Background CAS1 is the prevalent M. tuberculosis three outcome measures that are coverage, usage and equity.
genogroup in South Asia. CAS1 strains carry RD149 and RD152 Results: These programs were relatively not well integrated in

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terms of materials and finances. Effect size estimates show Mean plasma level of IL-6 in males was more than twice that
significant improvements for all three outcomes (coverage, usage in females (p=0.040). Notably, mean IL-6 plasma level was
and equity) for integrated ITN delivery strategy. Pooled estimates significantly (p<0.01) higher in patients who died vs. who
showed that the integrated programs were significantly better recovered. Distribution of cytokine gene polymorphism was
in achieving improvements in coverage and usage as compared similar across the genders.
to the non-integrated programs (p=0.02 and p=0.003 respectively). Conclusion: We have found that males with sepsis have a 70%
Significant improvement was achieved in coverage (RR= 6.56, greater mortality rate as compared to females. This higher
95% CI= 3.47-12.40) and usage (RR= 3.38, 95% CI= 2.56-4.47) mortality appears to be related to differences in respiratory tract
for the integrated programs as compared to the national statistics. infection rate and IL-6 plasma levels, between the genders.
The primary program coverage for Vitamin A and Immunization
improved significantly (p=<0.00001) while for Measles and Keywords: sepsis, gene polymorphism, cytokines
MDA improvements were insignificant.
Conclusion: Integrated ITN distribution strategy has shown to
be effective and an efficient means to achieve RBM goals without 9.19
hampering the primary program. LOCALISED FUNGAL INFECTION IN A PROSTHETIC
MESH TREATED CONSERVATIVELY
Keywords: Integration, ITN
Mehwash Nadeem, Shahrukh Effendi, Hasnain Zafar
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi
9.18
MORTALITY IN SEPSIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH Objective: Infection remains one of the most challenging
GENDER complications of mesh hernioplasty. The authors report a case
of a 28-year-old male with no known comorbidities who
Nosheen Nasir, Bushra Jamil, Shahla Siddiqui, Fauzia Khan, underwent reversal of ileostomy and prolene mesh hernioplasty.
Phillipe Frossard, Rabia Hussain His wound was left open for delayed primary closure, although
Departments of Medicine, Anaesthesia and Pathology & daily dressing started from second postoperative day. He
Microbiology, Aga Khan University,Karachi developed fungal infection of prolene mesh on fi fth postoperative
day which was successfully treated with irrigation and daily
Objective: Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death wound dressing with amphotericin B avoiding the complications
across the world despite major advances in therapeutics, with associated with mesh excision.
a reported mortality rate of 20–50%. Influence of gender on Method: Case report
survival of sepsis patients has not been established clearly. Results: He made an uneventful recovery and on last follow-up
According to data from U.S., women are less likely to suffer his wound was granulating well with no signs of infection.
from sepsis compared to men from all infectious sources except Conclusion: Conservative management of mesh infection is a
the genitourinary tract, and have a lower risk of mortality from safe alternative to complete excision of mesh in selected group
sepsis. These differences have been attributed to immune system, of patients. For fungal mesh infection local wound care along
sex hormones and gender–related gene polymorphisms. Data with antifungal irrigation may be used as fi rst-line therapy,
from our region on this subject is lacking.objective: To determine provided patient has no systemic signs of infection. Patient
the relationship between gender and mortality in sepsis. To should be kept on short interval follow-up until the wound heals
compare cytokine profiles of male and female patients completely.
Method: We conducted a prospective case-control study at Aga
Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between 2005 and 2006. A Keywords:
total of 100 patients admitted with sepsis as defined by SCCM
were included. Clinical and microbiological data was gathered,
blood samples were collected for cytokine (IL-10, IL-6 and 9.20
TNFa) levels and gene polymorphism analysis, and patients FIRST REPORT FROM SOUTHERN PAKISTAN ON
were followed up for clinical outcome. Data was analyzed on ALLELIC VARIANTS OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX
SPSS. Chi square or Fisher exact test was used for group CIRCUMSPOROZOITE PROTEIN AND MEROZOITE
comparisons of categorical variables and Mann Whitney test SURFACE PROTEIN1
for continuous variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered
significant. Afsheen Raza, M.Asim Beg, Najia Ghanchi, Ali Thaver
Results: Out of 100 patients with sepsis, 97 were included for Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
analysis, exclusions being due to incomplete information. 54% Karachi
were male and 46% female, with mean age 54±16 and 50±16
years respectively. Diabetes and hypertension were the leading Objective: Plasmodium vivax is the prevalent malarial specie
co-morbids, without significant gender difference. Respiratory accounting for 70% of malaria cases in Pakistan. However, basic
tract infection was the most common source of sepsis, and was data on P.vivax genotypes is lacking from Pakistan. Studies have
significantly more common (p=0.034) in females (60%) compared shown that for P.vivax, polymorphic genes coding for
to males (39%). Urinary tract infection was the next common circumsporozoite protein (pvcsp) and merozoite surface protein
source but no gender difference was observed. Gram negative 1( pvmsp1), can be used as reliable genetic markers for conducting
organisms accounted for about 60% of the infections in both molecular epidemiological studies. Pvmsp1 gene is a mosaic
genders. As for outcome, males had a significantly greater (p organization of several variable blocks and its genotyping is
value=0.040) mortality (46%) as compared to females (27%). based on detection of allelic variants in its three polymorphic

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fragments (F1 to F3).pvcsp genotyping is based on detection of representative samples (n=15) was done using ABI automated
either of the two types of nonapeptide repeat units in its central sequencer (Macrogen, Korea). Clustal X (1.83) programme was
domain; GDRA (A/D) GPQA, namely VK 210 type and ANGA used for alignment and determination of mutations in pvdhfr
(G/D) (N/D) QPG, namely VK 247 types. Objectives: To and pvdhps genes of study isolates against reference wild type
determine the prevalent allelic variants of pvcsp and pvmsp 1, strains, ARI/Pakistan X98123 and AY186730 respectively.
circulating within Southern Pakistan. Result: It was observed that in pvdhps gene, novel mutations of
Method: A descriptive study was done during 2008-2009, on L519F (6.6%) and A647K (33.3%) were detected while in pvdhfr
two-hundred and thirty blood samples collected from patients gene, double mutation was observed in most of the samples,
infected with P.vivax. Pvcsp and pvmsp1 genes were amplified with the most prevalent double mutation being S58R and S117N
by nested PCR using primers specific for csp and msp1.For (33.5%) respectively. These results show a rising trend of drug
genotyping of pvcsp, RFLP was performed while different allelic resistance against Sulphadoxine –Pyrimethamine (SP) in P.vivax
forms of Pvmsp1 were detected by analysis of fragment size clinical isolates from Southern Pakistan.
and sequencing. Conclusion: SP drug resistance analysis of P.vivax clinical
Results: For pvmsp1,it was found that in F1 fragment, 12 allelic isolates indicates that there is a need to monitor the prevalence
variants were observed (bp size variation350-550), in F2 fragment of drug resistance against SP from Southern Pakistan so that a
17 allelic variants were observed (950-1270 bp) and in F3 rational drug policy against P.vivax could be deployed.
fragment 8 allelic variants were observed (250-390 bp).Thus,
a total of 17 genotypes corresponding to pvmsp1 gene were
found circulating in Southern Pakistan. Pvcsp genotyping in 9.22
Pakistani isolates showed that VK210 variants were predominant CHARACTERISING M. TUBERCULOSIS ISOLATES FROM
(79%, 182/230) while percent positivity of VK 247 was 13%( KARACHI, PAKISTAN: DRUG RESISTANCE AND
29/230).Respective bp size variation were 600-870bp for VK GENOTYPES
210 and 650-820bp for VK 247.
Conclusion: We conclude that this is, to our knowledge, the first Afsheen Ayaz, Zahra Hasan, Sana Jafri, Raunaq Inayat, Rafique
study from Southern Pakistan on genetic diversity of Plasmodium Mandi, Abid Ali Channa, Faisal Riaz Malik, Asho Ali, Yasraba
vivax. Data from this study indicates that both pvcs and pvmsp1 Rafiq, Rumina Hasan
can be used as reliable markers for conducting P.vivax genotyping. Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
Thus, this study will serve as a baseline data for future research Karachi
on P.vivax genetic diversity from Pakistan.
Objective: To study prevalence, risk factors and genotypes of
Keywords: genetic diversity, plasmodium vivax, southern Pakistan drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Karachi
Method: : Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients were recruited
in a cross-sectional study (2006-2009). Drug susceptibility was
9.21 performed in culture-positive cases (n=1004). Factors associated
EMERGING TREND OF DRUG RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED with drug-resistance were evaluated using logistic-regression
MUTATIONS AGAINST SULPHADOXINE- analysis. Strains were typed using Spoligotyping and
PYRIMETHAMINE (SP) IN PLASMODIUM VIVAX Mycobacterial-interspersed-repetitive-units (MIRU)-Variable-
CLINICAL ISOLATES FROM SOUTHERN PAKISTAN number-tandem-repeat unit (VNTR). Genotype and drug
resistance association was explored using x2-test.
Afsheen Raza1, Najia Ghanchi1, Mohammad Wasay2 and Results: Resistance rates (new and previously treated) were as
Mohammad Asim Beg1 follows: multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB; 2.4% & 14%,
Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Medicine, rifampicin(RMP)-monoresistance; 0.1% & 0.6%, any
Aga Khan University, Karachi isoniazid(INH)- resistance; 8.9% & 28.5% and INH-
monoresistance; 3% & 6.3%. Prior TB treatment was a risk
Background: Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent factor for MDR-TB (AOR:6.7,95%CI:3.5-13.1) and INH-
malaria specie accounting for estimated 130–435 million annual monoresistance (AOR:2.4,95%CI:1.1-5.2). Additional risk factors
infections worldwide. In Pakistan, 70% of microscopically included low socio-economic status for INH-monoresistance
confirmed malaria cases are that of P.vivax while rest of the (AOR:3.2,95%CI:1.6-6.5), and belonging to Balouchi
cases is either mixed or of P.falciparum. Since, no vaccines are (AOR:9.1,95%CI:2.5-33.4), Sindhi (AOR:4.1,95%CI:1.2-13.5)
available; control strategy against malaria includes the use of or Pakhtun (AOR:3.4,95%CI:1-11.1) ethnicity for MDR-TB.
anti-malarial drugs, especially anti-folates such as Sulphadoxine- Although Central Asian Strain (55.6%) was the most prevalent
Pyrimethamine (SP).However, SP drug resistance in P.vivax is genotype, MDR-TB was significantly associated with Haarlem
consistently being reported worldwide. Yet, no such data is (H)-genogroup (P<0.001).
available from Southern Pakistan, indicating the need to detect Conclusion: MDR-TB rate of 2.4% is reported in new patients.
and map the emergence of SP resistance in P.vivax clinical Low RMP-monoresistance supports using RMP as a marker for
isolates from Southern Pakistan. MDR-TB in this population. Need for strengthening TB care in
Objectives: Determination of prevalence of mutations associated identified at risk groups and in patients with H-genogroup is
with SP drug resistance in P.vivax clinical isolates from Southern emphasized. Based on INH-resistance rates, a review of
Pakistan national treatment/prevention regimens relying on INH is
Methods: Blood samples (n=60) were collected during 2009- suggested.
2010, from microscopically confirmed vivax infection patients.
DNA was extracted and nested PCR was performed with primers Keywords: Drug resistant tuberculosis, Spoligotyping, MIRU
specific for pvdhps and pvdhfr gene (genes conferring point VNTR
mutations against SP drug resistance).Sequencing of

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9.23 Objective: To determine seroprevalence of HCMV infection in

REAL-TIME PCR FOR DETECTION OF ACTIVE subgroups of a population living in the Sindh province of
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) INFECTION IN Pakistan.
IMMUNOCOMPROMISED RECIPIENTS Materials & Methods: We are aiming for 1000 serum samples
and to date we have collected 259 samples of which 223 samples
Saher Razzak, Noman Ghufran, Tariq Moatter , Zahra Hasan were stratified into rural (n=188) and urban (n=35) groups. Our
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, study participants represent employees of Aga Khan University,
Karachi Karachi and residents of Jam Goth, Malir and Radho Jokhio
Goth, Gadap. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-
Objective: Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to demographic data. A commercial ELISA kit was used to detect
the family of herpes viruses. CMV is one of the most important HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies.
infections in transplant recipients. The seroprevalence of CMV Results: The overall prevalence of HCMV infection was 93.43%
in Pakistan is 82.7%. However, CMV may remain latent with in individuals = 18 years old. A marginally significant association
reactivation if the host become immune compromised. CMV between age and chronic HCMV infection was observed
can be transmitted by donors through blood or organ donation. (p=0.065). HCMV prevalence increased gradually with age,
Concurrent administration of immunosuppressive drugs to from 82.6% in 18 to 20 years old to 100% in > 60 years
prevent transplant rejection further increases the risk of disease. of age. HCMV prevalence differed significantly between rural
It is important to recognize active CMV infection due to the (95.7%) and urban (74.3%) groups (p=0.000). Males and
increased risk presented to the patient. Objective: We tested for females were found to be almost equally infected. The overall
CMV DNA using a rapid real time PCR method and determined HCMV-IgM seropositivity was 2.31% suggesting acute
its association with clinical disease. infection.
Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on samples Conclusion: This preliminary data of HCMV-IgG seroprevalence
received from June 2009-September 2011 and tested in the indicate that HCMV infection is very high in the local population.
Clinical Laboratories, AKUH. DNA was extracted from In the future, we intend to perform the immunological assays
blood and PCR was performed for CMV immediate early genes to study the impact of HCMV infection on general health of the
(IE) using the RoboGene Cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection local population.
Kit (Roboscreen, Germany) on a Rotorgene (Real-time PCR
system)
Results: Of the in-patient samples tested 103 were males (Median 9.25
age=33.9) while 49 were female (Median age=28.3). Of these SCREENING OF VIRAL NUCLEIC ACID IN BLOOD
20 were positive for CMV DNA by PCR. Patients with active DONATION USING COBAS S201 TAQ SCREEN MPX
CMV infections were; under treatment for leukemia (n=8), on SYSTEM VALIDATION,IMPLEMENTATION AND INITIAL
renal dialysis (n=3), were organ transplant recipients (n=6), EXPERIENCE.
were HIV positive (n=1), while 2 patients were aged greater
than 60 years and had diabetes mellitus (n=2). Sana Chundrigar, Taiq Moatter, Bushra Moiz
Conclusion: PCR based detection of CMV is a rapid method Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
for detection of active virus replication and identification of Karachi
increased risk of disease in immune compromised individuals.
Objective: Cobas s201/TaqScreen MPX assay is a fully automated
Keywords: multiplex nucleic acid test for blood screening for HBV, HCV,
HIV-1 and HIV-2. Recently, this test was implemented at the
AKUH blood transfusion services for donors’ screening. Objective
9.24 To examine overall performance and suitability of the system
EVALUATION OF HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS for screening blood donations aiming to improve transfusion
SEROPREVALENCE IN SUBGROUPS OF THE safety.
POPULATION IN SINDH, PAKISTAN Method: Cobas s201 platform consists of automated pooling of
blood donations, sample preparation, amplification and detection
Saira Ibrahim1, Paul Moss3, El-Nasir Lalani2 and Anwar Ali using cobas TaqMan analyzer. Samples were tested in pool of
Siddiqui1 six and resolution of positive pool was performed by single
1
Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, donation testing.
2
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan Results: For validation, 1000 serology negative blood samples
University, Karachi, 3Division of Cancer Sciences, University were collected from healthy donors. A set of samples were
of Birmingham, United Kingdom spiked with known amount of HBV, HCV or HIV, whereas
remaining samples were included as negative controls. Samples
Background: Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous were analyzed in duplicate. The LOD for HBV, HCV and HIV
pathogen. Prevalence in adults varies widely (40-100%) and is were comparable to published studies using the same platform.
dependent on the geography and the socioeconomic status of So far more than 11824 donations have been screened; out of
the population. An earlier reported study from Pakistan had those 383 were rejected on the basis of positive serology. NAT
limitations in terms of sample size and inadequate selection assay detected viral nucleic acid in 12 samples giving a yield
criteria. of 1 out of 953 samples.

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Conclusion: TaqScreen MPX is a sensitive and cost effective been studied previously. To estimate the frequency and identify
assay that proves to be suitable for high throughput screening. associated factors for latent tuberculosis infection among young
Initial results indicate a net safety benefit for blood donors. adults studying in medical and non-medical colleges of Karachi,
Pakistan.
Keywords: cobas s201, NAT, donor screening Method: This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted
in Karachi from June to October 2010. The study subjects after
consent were interviewed regarding demographic, household
9.26 information, vaccination status, acute and chronic health problems
ENTAMEBA SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC including previous Mantoux testing and chest radiography,
DIARRHEA IN PAKISTAN detailed history, general physical and chest examinations were
performed and disease status was tested using Tuberculin Skin
Javed Yakoob, Zaigham Abbas, Muhammad Asim Beg, Test.
Shagufta Naz, Wasim Jafri Results: Five hundred and thirty four medical and non-medical
Department of Medicine, Gastroenterolog and Pathology & students were tested. About 529(99%) were vaccinated. 6(1%)
Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi had been treated with anti-tuberculosis medication in the past.
Majority 214(40%) had size of the indurations between 5-9 mm.
Objective: The genus Entamoeba species including E. histolytica, Twelve (2%) cases had a positive skin test. The only statistically
Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba poleki, significant association was found between previous Bacille
Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni may colonize the Calmette-Guérin vaccination status and Latent Tuberculosis.
human intestinal lumen. E. histolytica is known to cause intestinal (p=0.004, Fisher's Exact Test; Contingency Coefficient: 0.24;
and extraintestinal disease while other species are regarded as p=0.0001)
commensal organisms that cause no intestinal disease. Fecal Conclusion: Frequency of Latent Tuberculosis among the healthy
carriage of E. dispar is more common than E. histolytica. Mixed young adults of Karachi was found to be low at 2%. Previous
infection with Entamoeba species has been reported. The vaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guérin was the only associated
demonstration of cysts or trophozoites in the stool suggests an factor identified. Latent Tuberculosis is more among medical
intestinal amoebic infection, but microscopy cannot differentiate students compared to non-medical students.
between E. histolytica and E. dispar or E. moshkovskii. We
determined the prevalence of Entameba histolytica (E. histolytica), Keywords: Latent Tuberculosis, Young Adult, Karachi
E. dispar and E. moshkovskii in patients with chronic diarrhea
associated with abdominal pain or discomfort mimicking irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS). 9.28
Method: • Methods: Stool samples were collected from 161 SCREENING FOR VIRAL NUCLEIC ACID IN BLOOD
patients having chronic diarrhea and compared with 157 healthy DONATIONS USING ROCHE COBAS S201 TAQSCREEN
controls. Stool microscopy with modified trichrome stain, culture MPX SYSTEM: VALIDATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND
and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Entamoeba species INITIAL EXPERIENCE
differentiation was done.
Results: Stool microscopy demonstrated Entamoeba cyst in 44% Sana Chundrigar, Tariq Moatter, Bushra Moiz
(57/129) with diarrhea compared to 29% (44/151) in control Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
(p=0.009). In patients with diarrhea, PCR for E. histolytica was Karachi
positive in 9% (11/129) (p=0.008), E. dispar in 19% (24/129)
(p=0.117) and E. moshkovskii in 19% (24/129) (p<0.001). Objective: Cobas s201/TaqScreen MPX assay is a fully automated
Conclusion: E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii were significantly multiplex nucleic acid test for blood screening for HBV, HCV,
associated with diarrhea while E. dispar was equally demonstrated HIV-1 and HIV-2. Recently, this test was implemented at the
in both groups. AKUH blood transfusion services for donors’ screening. Objective
To examine overall performance and suitability of the system
Keywords: Diarrhea, Entameba histolytica,, Entameba for screening blood donations aiming to improve transfusion
moshkovskii safety.
Method: Cobas s201 platform consists of automated pooling of
blood donations, sample preparation, amplification and detection
9.27 using cobas TaqMan analyzer. Samples were tested in pool of
A MULTI-CENTER STUDY ON LATENT TUBERCULOSIS six and resolution of positive pool was performed by single
FROM KARACHI PAKISTAN donation testing.
Results: For validation, 1000 serology negative blood
Kiran Ejaz, Nighat Nisar samples were collected from healthy donors. A set of
Department of Emergency Medicine and Community Health samples were spiked with known amount of HBV, HCV or HIV,
Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi Dow University of whereas remaining samples were included as negative
Health Sciences, Karachi controls. Samples were analyzed in duplicate. The LOD
for HBV, HCV and HIV were comparable to published studies
Objective: The true frequency of Latent Tuberculosis is unknown using the same platform. So far more than 11824 donations have
of the healthy young adults of Karachi. Similarly, factors been screened; out of those 383 were rejected on the basis
predisposing or protecting these healthy adults have also not of positive serology. NAT assay detected viral nucleic acid in

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12 samples giving a yield of 1 out of 953 samples. 9.31

Conclusion: TaqScreen MPX is a sensitive and cost effective INCREASED LEVELS OF CXCL-9 ARE ASSOCIATED WITH
assay that proves to be suitable for high throughput screening. SEVERE P.FALCIPARUM MALARIA.
Initial results indicate a net safety benefit for blood donors.
Najia K Ghanchi, Zahra Hasan, Muniba Islam, Mohammad
Keywords: NAT, taqscreen MPX, donor screening Asim Beg
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
9.30
EVALUATION OF MODIFIED HODGE TEST FOR THE Objective: In P.falciparum infections, the balance between pro
DETECTION OF NDM-1 CARBAPENEMASES IN and anti-inflammatory cytokines plays a major role in disease
CARBAPENEM RESISTANT ENTEROBACTERIACEAE severity. Clinical studies and murine model supports the role of
biomarkers in pathogenesis of severe malaria. We aimed to
Binish Arif Sultan, Seema Irfan, Erum Khan determine the baseline levels of cytokines and chemokines in
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, malaria patients and healthy controls.
Karachi Method: All patients included in the study attended AKUH with
complaints of fever. Study subjects were stratified in three
Objective: Carbapenem resistance in enterobacteriaceae is an categories: uncomplicated malaria (UM=12 ), severe malaria
emerging problem in developing South Asian countries like (SM=10) and healthy controls (HC= 8) with no recent history
Pakistan. NDM-1 carbapenemase is the leading mechanism of of malaria. The plasma concentration of cytokines (TNF-a, IL-
resistance in these carbapenem resistant gram negative bacteria. 6 & IFN-g) and chemokines (CXCL-9 & CXCL-10) were
Method: . In this study, we have analyzed the sensitivity and evaluated in malaria patients and healthy controls using enzyme
specificity of Modified Hodge test (MHT) as a phenotypic test linked immunosorbent assay.
for detection of NDM-1 carbapenemase using gene detection Results: Twenty two malaria patient with microscopy confirmed
by PCR as gold standard P.falciparum infection and eight healthy endemic controls were
Results: . On the basis of meropenem minimum inhibiting selected for analysis. Significantly lower levels of TNF-a in
concentration (MIC) 38% isolates were found to be susceptible, HC (28 pg/ml,) compared to UM (389 pg/ml, p = 0.020) and
27% intermediately susceptible and 35% resistant to this SM (771 pg/ml, p = 0.004) group were observed. CXCL-9 levels
antibiotic. Modified Hodge test was positive in 77/100 isolates were significantly raised in SM compared to UM group (p =
and sensitivity and specificity of MHT was fond to be 69.8% 0.012). Similarly, CXCL-10 levels were significantly lower in
42.8% respectively. When molecular methods were applied, HC group compaed to UM (550 pg/ml, p = 0.001) and SM (1480
NDM-1 gene was detected in 93/100 of the isolates with variable pg/ml, p = 0.01).
meropenem MIC ranges (0.06 - 32 µg/ml). Other metallo Conclusion: This is the first preliminary report on markers of
betalactamase (IMP, VIM) and KPC were not detected in any pathogenesis in P.falciparum from our region. Our study
of our study isolates. The MIC of meropenem was also compared demonstrated a specific pattern of cytokine chemokines levels
to MHT and it was found that irrespective of isolate type, MHT across the malaria severity spectrum. Increased levels of CXCL-
positivity rate increases with high MIC as 31/ 35 isolates with 9 and CXCL-10 may suggest their role in severe malaria
MIC = 16 were MHT positive as compare to 21/38 meropenem pathogenesis.
susceptible isolates
Conclusion: Conclusion: In view of the clinical and public health Keywords: malaria, pathogenesis, chemokines
impact concerned in the detection of a strain carrying
carbapenemase, screening and verification in clinical
microbiology laboratories should include competent and cost- 9.33
effective methods that cover the different needs of the local and DETECTION OF NOROVIRUS (NV) IN CHILDREN FROM
regional epidemiology. MHT fulfils the majority of these criteria, HOSPITALS ACROSS PAKISTAN
however, this confirmatory test, as known to date, should be
used with care because of the presence of false-positive and Amna Alam, Anita Zaidi, Sohail Qureshi, Romena Qazi
negative results, especially in those scenarios with high Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan
proportions of strains expressing NDM-1. Therefore future University, Karachi
studies should evaluate phenotypic methods like EDTA- synergy
test for the detection of NDM-1 so that easy and cost-effective Objective: Diarrhea is second most common cause of
method of detection of these highly resistant bacteria can be hospitalization in developed countries and third most common
implemented to limit the spread and infection control. cause of death in developing countries claiming 2,000,000 lives
annually. Among various etiological agents of diarrhea, Norovirus
Keywords: Hodge, test (NV) has emerged as a major cause of outbreaks and sporadic
cases of non-bacterial, acute viral gastroenteritis. In children <5
years NV is estimated for ~1.1 million hospitalizations and
218,000 deaths/year Objectives: To investigate the proportion
of hospitalization due to NV, identify the prevalent strains of
NV and determine the genetic diversity of circulating NV strains
in Pakistani children under age five.

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Method: Study Setting: Five different hospitals across Pakistan. EPEC, 37(2.4%)EAEC were obtained as diarhheagenic E.coli
Subjects: Children <5 years hospitalized with acute severe watery by PCR.
diarrhea requiring IV hydration. Methodology: Total 255 random Conclusion: Our finding supports the fact that flies are one of
samples were picked from five different sites, 50 samples from the most important carrier of enteric infections.
each site were undergone through RNA extraction. Detection
and simultaneous Genogrouping of NV in genogroup GI and Keywords: EPEC, , ETEC , EAEC
GII was done by using monoplex Real-time RTPCR. All real-
time RTPCR positive specimens were amplified using specific
primers for region C and sent for sequencing (Macrogen). 9.36
Phylogenetic analysis will be carried out to identify genetic CONTACT LENS-RELATED VISUAL LOSS IN KARACHI
clusters prevalent in our region.
Results: NV (GI and GII) prevalence was found to be 16.9% Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Sarah Sarfraz, Qazi Assad Khan,
among hospitalized children in all the study hospitals sites. NV Khabir Ahmad
GII and GI proportions was 12.6% and 4.3% respectively. Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: NV is found among hospitalized children with
severe diarrhea across Pakistan. Further work on the prevalent Objective: To examine the frequency of contact lens related
NV genetic cluster and strains in Pakistani children are under corneal ulcers and its visual consequences at a tertiary care
investigation. hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Method: All cases of corneal ulcers, presenting to the cornea
Keywords: Norovirus (NV), diarrhea, viral gastroenteritis specialist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi between
January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. Information
regarding the cause of ulcer, prior treatment, visual acuity and
9.34 socio-demographics was obtained from patients’ records. Contact-
DETECTION OF HOUSE ENTERIC PATHOGEN FROM lens specific information such as the type of lens and purpose
MUSCA DOMESTICA (HOUSE FLIES) BY PERFORMING of wear (cosmetic or refractive) and the duration of wear was
BACTERIOLOGICAL CULTURE AND E.COLI MULTIPLEX obtained from the participants by phone interviews.
PCR Results: A total of 67 eyes (of 59 individuals) presented with
corneal ulcers during the review period. 59 persons had a
Tayyab Un Nisa, Fatima Aziz, Taj.Mohammad, unilateral ulcer while 4 had bilateral disease. The mean (± SD)
Shahida Mumtaz Qureshi of the individuals was 27.79 (±14.51) while the median age was
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan 24 years (range: 6-76). Of these, 87 % had a visual acuity <
University, Karachi 3/60 at presentation. Even after rigorous treatment, the visual
acuity remained poor. 68.4 % of the 60 eyes, for which follow
Objective: Background: Houseflies frequently land on dung up data were available, had visual acuity of < 3/60 at their last
heaps and other fecal sources. They also visit decaying matter follow up visit. Contact lens accounted for the majority of
including dead animals. Contaminated material is often transferred ulcerative eyes among women while trauma was found to be
to the food when they land on food that is prepared for human the leading cause among men.
consumption. Houseflies like to associate with humans when Conclusion: Contact-lens related corneal infection is resulting
they prepare and eat food.When houseflies with fecal in serious visual disability. Targeted education is necessary to
contaminated legs and proboscis walk upon food or on utensils, address this avoidable cause of visual loss.
plates and cups, they contaminate the food or the eating utensils.
There is a wide range of diseases that can be transmitted by flies Keywords: Contact lens, corneal ulcer, visual loss
i.e. Typhoid fever, tuberculosis, dysentery, polio, anthrax,
diarrhea, yaws, cholera, conjunctivitis, trachoma, tapeworm,
hookworm, and pinworm.House flies have been implicated in 9.37
the spread of over 30 bacterial and protozoan diseases. It is CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME OF NOCARDIOSIS
suggested that bacteriological studies of flies may provide IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO A TERTIARY CARE CENTER
essential epidemiological information.Objective: To investigate IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
the presence of Enteric Pathogen on flies ,by performing
microbiological culture and E.coli multiplex PCR. Muhammad Irfan, Kauser Jabeen, Hafiz Abdul Wasay,
Method: The House enteric Pathogen project was conducted on S Hashmani, Ahmed Suleman Haque, Javaid A Khan
the five different sentinal site of GEMS on costal belt of Karachi. Department of Medicine and Pathology & Microbiology,
1530 Fly culture was performed for a period of a year during Aga Khan University, Karachi
Oct 2008-Dec2009. 1471 fly cultures were processed twice as
non homogenized and homogenized flies. Background: Nocardiosis has emerged as an important cause of
Results: A total of 102(6.6%)Aeromonas, 26(1.69%)Salmonella, mortality and morbidity in both immunocompetent and (more
59(3.85%)Vibrio and 4(0.26%)Campylobacter were isolated commonly) immunocompromised hosts globally. Data reporting
from Fly Culture. The isolation of 15(0.98%) ETEC, 17(1.1%) nocardiosis from Pakistan is limited. In this study, 10-year

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retrospective review of nocardiosis in patients admitted in Aga in Pakistan. Further researches particularly to explore
Khan University was performed, and risk factors, clinical features environmental, behavioral and social determinants of cholera
and outcomes were reported. are needed that could help in designing potential interventions
Method: Materials and Methods: Clinical records of all cases to reduce burden of cholera in Pakistan and other developing
diagnosed with nocardiosis during 2001-2010 were reviewed. countries.
During the study period identification of Nocardia species was
based on positive Gram stain and positive modified acid-fast Keywords: cholera, review, pakistan
stain results, colonial morphology, and conventional biochemical
reactions. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version
17. This research project was approved by the Aga Khan ethical 9.39
review committee. THE ROLE OF SRC KINASE IN THE BIOLOGICAL
Results: Fifty Five cases were identified during the study period. PROPERTIES OF ACANTHAMOEBA CASTELLANII
Fever, cough and dyspnea were the most common presentations.
Most of the patients had chronic steroid administration and an Junaid Iqbal, Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Naveed Ahmed Khan
underlying malignancy. Cure was possible in thirty six cases, Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
while nineteen patients died. Co-trimoxazole was the most University, Karachi, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences,
commonly used antibiotic. Most common complications observed Birkbeck, University of London, UK.
were respiratory failure and septicemia.
Conclusion: We report underlying malignancy and chronic Objective: Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of fatal
corticosteroid therapy as a risk factor for development of granulomatous encephalitis. Haematogenous spread is thought
nocardiosis in our patients. High mortality rate in this cohort to be a primary step followed by blood-brain barrier penetration
were observed. Clinicians should keep a high index of suspicion in the transmission of Acanthmaoeba into the central nervous
for early diagnosis and management of nocardiosis in high risk system but the associated molecular mechanisms remain
patients to decrease mortality. incompletely understood. Here, we evaluated the role of Src, a
non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase in the biology and
Keywords: : Nocardia, , Nocardiosis, Steroid administration pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba.
Method: Src kinase specific inhibitor, PP2 (4-amino-5-(4
chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine) and its
9.38 inactive analog, PP3 (4-amino-7-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d]
EPIDEMIOLOGY, DETERMINANTS AND DYNAMICS OF pyrimidine) were used to determine the effect of Src kinase
CHOLERA IN PAKISTAN: GAPS AND PROSPECTS FOR inhibition on Acanthamoeba growth and its biological properties
FUTURE RESEARCH like phagocytosis of non-invasive bacteria E. coli K12 and
invasion of amoeba by pathogenic E. coli K1. Zymography
Maliha Naseer, Sadaf Naqvi assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Src kinase inhibition
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, on protease secretion by Acanthamoeba. Moreover, we also
Karachi studied the role of Src kinase in the adhesion and cytotoxic
effects of Acanthamoeba onto primary human microvasculature
Objective: Cholera is a preventable disease yet it is responsible endothelial cells (HMECs).
for several outbreaks in Pakistan and remains a major cause of Results: Inhibition of Src kinase by PP2 but not PP3 had
morbidity and mortality particularly after natural disasters. detrimental effects on the growth of A. castellanii. Interestingly,
Despite infection is endemic in Pakistan, reporting of cholera Src kinase inhibition hampered the phagocytic ability of A.
cases is incomplete and not a single case of cholera reported to castellanii, as measured by decreased uptake of non-invasive
WHO during 1993-2005. Objectives of this review are to find bacteria. On the contrary, invasion of Acanthamoeba by the
out the epidemiology and determinants of cholera infection in pathogenic bacteria was enhanced. Zymographic assays revealed
Pakistan and to identify the gaps and prospects. reduced extracellular protease activities of A. castellanii upon
Method: The literature search was carried out by using the inhibition of Src kinases. However, Src kinase inhibition had
database of Medscape, Medline, PakMedinet and PubMed, no significant effect on A. castellanii adhesion and cytotoxicity
without any language restriction. Two selection criteria were on HBMEC cells.
used (1) those discussing the epidemiology and determinants of Conclusion: For the first time, our findings demonstrated that
cholera infection in Pakistan during 1995-2010; and (2) those Src kinase is involved in A. castellanii proliferation, protease
discussing the morbidity and mortality due to cholera infection secretions and phagocytic properties. Conversely, invasion of
during 1995-2010. Out of twenty-seven articles published Acanthamoeba by pathogenic bacteria was stimulated by Src
between1995-2010, eighteen articles were included in the review. kinase inhibition.
Results: Out of eighteen articles reviewed, nine articles were
published in index and nine in non indexed peer reviewed Keywords: Src kinase, Acanthamoeba, HBMEC
journals. Most of the researches are of poor quality hospital
based record of patients admitted in certain period of time
focusing on characteristics of Vibrio Cholera in terms of its
biotype and serotype lacking contribution of behavioral, social
and environmental determinants
Conclusion: There is scarcity of quality researches on cholera

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9.40 9.42
RARE FUNGAL SINUSITIS STATUS OF FREE LIVING AMOEBAE’S AND BACTERIAL
CONTAMINATION IN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN
Aisha Ilyas, Faisal Mahmood KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Farzana Abubakar, Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Shahida Qureshi, Anita
Objective: Basidiobolus sinusitis mimicking wegeners Zaidi, Naveed Ahmed Khan
granulomatosis. 25 years old girl presented to otolaryngeal clinic Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and Paediatrics
with facial cellulitis and sinusitis. Previous biopsies from sinuses and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
suggested the diagnosis of Wegeners granulomatosis. She
underwent debridement and ethimiodectomy. Repeat biopsy, Objective: The importance of Acanthamoeba in aquatic
showed granulomatous inflammation but fungal cultures grew environment has great impact on hygienic, medical and ecological
basidiobolus ranarum. relationship to man. Also microorganisms can enter the
Method: Case Report: distribution system via cross-connections between drinking
Results: Patient was started on oral Itraconazole 200mg TID for water and sewage lines, this serves as major sources of microbial
3 days the 200mg BID and also put on oral potassium iodide contamination and pollution. However, there are no previous
solution, but later due to difficulty in acquiring potassium iodide studies on the presence and distribution of Acanthamoeba,
soln was continued only on itraconazole. Patient is still on oral Naeglaria fowleri, Balamuthia mandilaris and microbial
itraonazole, its been more than six months of therapy and patient contamination in drinking water supply in Karachi, Pakistan.
is doing remarkably well with only surgical scarring left behind. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of these
Conclusion: Many infectious and non infectious etiologies have organisms, using both morphological and molecular tools such
similar clinical and histopathological findings, and in such cases as PCR, in water sources associated with human activities in
appropriate cultures rescue the situation. Karachi, Pakistan. In this study, a total of fifty two domestic tap
water samples were being collected from different areas of
Keywords: Basidiobolus Karachi, Pakistan between May to June 2011. Acanthamoeba
spp. 15(30%), Naeglaria fowleri 4(8%), were identified. Microbial
contamination was also being observed in these water samples.
9.41 There was a high prevalence of Bacillus species 33(86.84%)
ACANTHAMOEBA: A RESERVOIR FOR ENTEROBACTER followed by Corneybacterium 4(10.52%) and Acinetobacter
AEROGENES AND AEROMONAS HYDROPHILA species 1(2.63%), Pseudomonas species 4(57.14%), Citrobacter
BACTERIA WITH CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS species 1(14.28%) Serratia species and 1(14.28%) Enterobacter
species. The current findings disclose that Acanthamoeba species
Farzana Abubakar, Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Naveed Ahmed Khan and microbial contamination are a potential health hazard
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan associated with human activities in domestic water supplies in
University, Karachi Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: Acanthamoeba can interact with a wide range of Keywords: Free living amoeba, domestic tap water,
microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, algae, yeast and other Acanthamoeba
protists and may act as a vector in the transmission of bacterial
pathogens to the susceptible hosts. Here, we used Acanthamoeba
and studied its interactions with two bacterial pathogens including, 9.43
Enterobacter aerogenes and Aeromonas hydrophila. E. aerogenes COMPARISON OF EFFECT OF HONEY AND COMMONLY
demonstrated higher association with A. castellanii as compared USED COUGH SYRUPS ON COUGH ASSOCIATED WITH
to A. hydrophila strain. Next, the bacterial invasion and/or uptake UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN ADULTS:
by Acanthamoeba were determined using gentamicin-protection A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL
assays. A significantly higher number of intracellular A.
hydrophila was recovered as compared to E. aerogenes suggesting Safia Bano, Ali Khan Khuwja, Sadia Mahmud, khabir Ahmed
that A. hydrophila exhibited increased intracellular viability. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences,
Longer incubations of up to 24 h showed that both A. hydrophila Aga Khan University, Karachi
and E. aerogenes remained viable and propagated within
Acanthamoeba. The results of intracellular cyst assays showed Objective: Background Cough is a common but annoying
that both E. aerogenes and A. hydrophila exhibited the ability symptom of upper respiratory tract infection (URI). Despite its
to survive intracellularly of Acanthamoeba. Because cysts can common occurrence there is no standard therapy. Commonly
be airborne, these findings suggest that Acanthamoeba is a used options are cough syrups as well as several home remedies
potential vector in the transmission of bacterial pathogens to the which are thought to be equally effective in relieving cough
susceptible hosts associated with URI. Honey has been used for symptomatic
relief of cough associated with URI. So far, most studies have
Keywords: Acanthamoeba, Interactions, Encystment been done in pediaritic population emphasizing on its beneficial
role but its role still needs to be brought in line with the available
scientific evidence in adults. This study intends to compare the
effects of honey and cough syrups for the improvement of cough

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associated with URI in adult population. Objective To compare histopathology. His symptoms improved and he was discharged
the effects of honey with cough syrups containing home on Albendazole.
dextromethorphan on cough associated with URI in adults at Results: Discussion: Hydatid disease is caused by the tapeworm
community health center clinics (CHC) of Aga Khan University Echinococcus. Spinal involvement is rare and recurrence after
Hospital (AKUH) Karachi. therapy is common. Most patients present with acute cord
Method: A single center randomized trial was conducted at CHC compression and diagnosis is confirmed intra operatively which
in AKUH. Adult 18-65 years of age with cough associated with increases the chances of complications.
URI were recruited after taking informed consent. Patients with Conclusion: Hydatid disease should be considered as a differential
signs and symptoms of pneumonia, asthma or COPD diagnosis in patients presenting with paraparesis, especially
exacerbation, already using cough syrups, honey or antibiotics, patients being treated for TB who do not improve on therapy.
ACE inhibitors, history of diabetes mellitus or current use of
cigarettes and pregnancy were excluded. Computer generated Keywords: Hydatid disease, spine, tuberculosis
random numbers were used for allocation of intervention. One
group received honey (30 ml in three divided doses) and the
other cough syrup containing dextromethorphan and 9.45
pseudoephridine (30 ml in 3 divided doses). Outcome variables HIGH MIRU LOCI STABILITY AMONG
were cough frequency, severity, bothersome nature of cough, MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS CENTRAL ASIAN
night sleep disturbance and combine score by adding scores of STRAINS1 (CAS1) IN PAKISTAN
these variables , which were assessed on a 7 point likert scale
( 0 = none, 6 = extreme ). Patients ranked their cough symptoms Asho Ali, Zahra Hasan, Sana Jafri, Raunaq Mahboob, Rumina
on the Likert scale at enrolment in the study (day 0) and day 3 Hasan
of treatment. Difference of the score was calculated between Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
day 1 and day 3 to assess the improvement in cough symptoms. Karachi
Median was calculated to assess the improvement between the
two groups Mann Whitney U test. Objective: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Central Asian
Results: Total of 86 patients were enrolled in the study 43 were Strain1 (CAS1) is the predominant strain type circulating in the
randomized in to honey and cough syrup group. Patients with country. This study was aimed to evaluate the discriminatory
cough associated with viral URI receiving honey showed power of MIRU-VNTR 15 loci typing for analysis of MDR-TB
significant improvement in cough frequency (p-value 0.014) and XDR-TB CAS1 MTB strains.
and severity (p-value 0.025) than those receiving cough syrups. Method: Two hundred MTB isolates including 37.5% CAS1,
For bothersome nature (p-value 0.431) and night sleep quality 5% Beijing and 57.5% other non-CAS1 strains were subjected
(p-value 0.713) no significant difference was found in to standard PCR based MIRU-VNTR typing targeting 15 loci.
both groups. For combined score there was marginal significance Ninety-nine isolates were susceptible to all first and second line
for improvement in honey group than cough syrups (p-value antituberculous drugs, 41 were Multi Drug Resistant (MDR)
0.076) and 60 were Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR).
Conclusion: In a comparison of honey and cough syrups Results: MIRU-VNTR typing differentiated isolates into eleven
containing dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine for the clusters of two strains each and 178 unique profiles. Eight
treatment of cough associated with URI in adults honey was clusters consisted of drug susceptible strains; two clusters had
found to be more beneficial than cough syrups in reliving cough MDR strains while one cluster had one each of susceptible and
frequency and severity. XDR strains. There was no significant difference between MIRU-
VNTR profile of drug susceptible, MDR and XDR isolates.
Keywords: Honey, Cough, Upper respiratory tract infection Overall, allelic diversity of individual locus showed that eight
out of 15 loci (MIRU 10, 16, 26, 31, Mtub 04, ETRA, 4156,
and Qub 26) were highly discriminatory with Discriminatory
9.44 Index (DI) > 0.6. Separate analysis of MIRU typing for CAS1,
SPINAL HYDATID DISEASE: A RARE CAUSE OF Non-CAS1 and Beijing strains was also performed. Overall DIs
PARAPARESIS for CAS1, non-CAS1 and Beijing isolates was 0.469, 0.677 and
0.687 respectively.
Kiren Habib, M. Yaseen Rauf, Syed Faisal Mahmood Conclusion: Lower DI of CAS1 in comparison to non-CAS1
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Aga Khan University, and Beijing strains in Pakistan suggests CAS1 is less diverse.
Karachi This indicates that CAS1 MIRU-VNTRs may be more stable
over time and that they could be used to estimate phylogenetic
Objective: Objective: To report a case of spinal hydatid disease relatedness.
mimicking tuberculosis
Method: Case report: A 34 year old male presented in the ER Keywords: M. tuberculosis, CAS1, MIRU-VNTR
with a prolonged history of progressive paraparesis followed
by bladder dysfunction. He had earlier been treated for spinal
tuberculosis without any benefit. MRI revealed erosion of the
D3 vertebra along with an epidural collection extending into the
paraspinal muscles. Intra operatively he was found to have
multiple small cysts. Hydatid disease was confirmed on

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9.46 intimin encoded by the eae gene. Formation of the attaching-

RESPIRATORY VIRUSES ARE FREQUENTLY and-effacing (AE) lesion is the major virulence mechanism of
ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN EPEC and also virulence property of enterohemorrhagic E. coli
IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN (EHEC) strains. Typically, EHEC strains express with two groups
of important virulence factors. This major virulence factors
Asad Ali, Asif Raza Khowaja, Fatima Aziz implicated in STEC infection are potent Shiga toxins, which are
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Aga Khan University, classified into two groups, Stx1 and Stx2. In STEC the association
Karachi of efa1 (EHEC factor for adherence), sen, stx1and stx2 was
strongly correlated with virulence and disease severity. Objective:
Objective: Pneumonia remains the leading cause of child mortality To investigate the presence of virulence genes in atypical EPEC
in Pakistan. Most severe pneumonia cases are presumed to be by multiplex PCR.
of bacterial etiology, while the role of respiratory viruses in Method: Total 228 eae+ bfpA- EPEC isolates from 76 stool
causing severe pneumonia in Pakistan remains largely unknown. samples were selected from an ongoing Global Enteric
Our study aims to determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses Multicentre Study (GEMS).This study is a case control study
(Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza A virus and carried on children <5years of age.DNA was extracted from
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)) in children aged 2 – 23 pooled colonies of 24 hr fresh growth of E.coli by boiling
months who were hospitalized with severe pneumonia at a public method. Multiplex PCR was carried out using 5 different sets
sector hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. of primers. Results were analyzed by gel electrophoresis.
Method: Prospective surveillance was established during Results: Out of 76 samples the frequency of eae + gene was
November 2010 – September 2011 at Abbassi Shaheed Hospital (100% 76/76), sen (75% 57/76), Efa-1(58%44/76), Stx-
(ASH), a public tertiary care hospital in the metropolitan city 1(1.31%1/76) and stx-2(2.63%2/76)
of Karachi. Children admitted with tachypnea and chest indrawing Conclusion: The multiplex PCR for the detection of various
(WHO definition of severe pneumonia) were recruited and throat virulence factors will help to further investigate and clarify the
swabs were obtained to detect respiratory viruses using real time role of diarrheogenic E.coli in diarrheal disease.
RT-PCR. In addition, chest x-rays of all subjects were obtained
and independently interpreted by two radiologists to diagnose Keywords: EPEC, Shiga toxin (STEC) , EHEC
radiologic pneumonia.
Results: There were 204 children with severe pneumonia, and
throat swabs were collected from 171 (84%) children. RSV was 9.48
found in 31 (18%) subjects, HMPV in 24 (14%) subjects, and SCLEROSING MESENTERITIS AS A CAUSE OF
Influenza A in 9 (5.2%). Co-infection was found in two children ABDOMINAL MASS AND DISCOMFORT IN AN ELDERLY
with Influenza A and RSV. Out of the 32 radiological proven PATIENT: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.
pneumonia cases, 2 (6.3%) had influenza A, 2 (6.3%) had HMPV,
and 1 (3.1%) had RSV. Farzana Nawaz Ali Khuwaja, Sidra Ishaque, Dr Bushra Jamil
Conclusion: RSV, HMPV, Influenza A are common causes of Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
pneumonia in hospitalized children in Karachi during the winter
season. Knowledge of the viral etiology of pediatric pneumonia Objective: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare benign process that
can help in recommending appropriate preventive strategies like involves inflammation, fat necrosis, and fibrosis of the mesentery.
influenza vaccination. The disease poses great diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific
clinical and diagnostic findings.
Keywords: Respiratory viruses , Severe pneumonia Method: We report the case of a 75-year-old man who presented
with vague abdominal discomfort associated with an intra-
abdominal mass. Secondary to a strong suspicion of a bowel
9.47 carcinoid tumor on abdominal CT scan, he underwent a diagnostic
DETECTION OF VIRULENCE GENE (STEC) IN ATYPICAL laparoscopy and minilaparotomy. A diagnosis of sclerosing
(EAE+/BFPA-) EPEC STRAIN OF E.COLI BY MULTIPLEX mesenteritis was made on histopathology and the patient was
PCR started on an immunosuppressive regimen.
Results: With suspicion of a bowel carcinoid tumor on computed
Fatima Aziz, Tayyab Un Nisa, Taj Mohammad, tomography scans, the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy.
Shahida M Qureshi A diagnosis of sclerosing mesenteritis was made on histological
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, examination. The patient's symptoms responded to a combination
Aga Khan University, Karachi of immunosuppressive drugs, with no interval change in the size
of the mass on radiological examination after fifteen months.
Background: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Conclusion: Our case illustrates that the diagnosis of sclerosing
Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) are important human mesenteritis can be difficult preoperatively. Tissue diagnosis is
enteropathogens. EPEC is further sub grouped into typical absolutely essential to avoid misdiagnosing a malignancy as
(tEPEC) and atypical (aEPEC) EPEC. tEPEC strains are major sclerosing mesenteritis on radiological appearance. Judicious
causative agents of acute diarrhea in infants in developing use of immunosuppressive therapy can limit progression of the
countries .The main difference between tEPEC and aEPEC is condition, delaying the need for surgery.
the presence of the EPEC adherence factor (EAF) plasmid in
tEPEC .This plasmid encodes the bundle-forming pilus (bfpA+) Keywords: Sclerosing Mesenteritis
with additional factors that contribute to virulence including

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9.49 made 7 rounds to the ICU over a period of 3 weeks and and
TRANSMISSION OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG each time we took an average of 9 samples, giving us a total
HOUSEHOLD CASES FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN sample size of 60 pens/ spectacles.We did not take more than
one sample from the same paramedic. These swabs were sent
Sana Jafri, Zahra Hasan, Asho Ali, Raunaq Inayat, Faisal Riaz to AKU's Microbiology lab for culture analysis.
Malik, Yasraba Rafiq, Rafique Mangi, Abid Ali Channa, Results: Out of a total of 60 culture swabs, 55 were from pens
Rumina Hasan and 5 were from spectacles. Our cultures grew organisms on 3
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, pen samples (5.5%) and 1 spectacle sample(20%). 2 positive
Karachi pen cultures grew Acinetobacter, 1 grew Candida along with
Acinetobacter, while the spectacle culture grew vancomycin
Objective: Tuberculosis remains a serious threat to public health resistant Enterococcus Faecium (VRE).
worldwide specifically in the South Asian region including Conclusion: Fomites such as pens and spectacles are important
Pakistan. Molecular typing methods are powerful tools for the vectors for transmission and spread of nosocomial infections.
detection of the transmission pattern of M. tuberculosis strains. These results highlight the need to investigate the significance
This study aimed to characterize M. tuberculosis isolates from of such fomites in greater detail and at a greater scale. Practices
household contact tuberculosis patients using mycobacterial such as frequent hand washing and disinfection of such objects
interspersed repetitive unit (MIRU) - variable number of tandem need to be encouraged to a greater extent.
repeat (VNTR) typing.
Method: 107 TB cases were recruited from patients presenting Keywords: Infections, ICU, Fomites
to field clinics by Marie Adelaide Leprosy centre (MALC) in
Karachi during 2006-2009. These included individuals from 47
different households were identified as index cases. 9.51
M.tuberculosis strains isolated from all patients were genotyped KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING INFLUENZA
using 15-loci based MIRU-VNTR methods. Clustering was VACCINATION AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN
determined using the Bionumerics software program. A TEACHING HOSPITAL OF KARACHI”
Results: Of 107 M.tuberculosis cases, 26 (24%) isolates grouped
into 12 clusters of two (n= 10) and three isolates (n=2). Eleven Maheen Rahim , Niloufer Sultan Ali
isolates (10%) from 5 households had identical MIRU-VNTR Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
patterns for index and contact cases. 10 isolates from 3 households
exhibited similarity (7%) as well as dissimilarity (3%) among Objective: Influenza a contagious disease is a major public
the index and contact cases. A further 30 isolates (28%) showed health concern Influenza vaccination is main stay of efforts to
dissimilarity at 1-3 MIRU-VNTR loci (80-93% homology) reduce substantial health burden of seasonal influenza. Knowledge
indicating probable transmission in 14 households. and attitudes of health care workers plays vital role in acceptance
Conclusion: While effective antituberculous therapy remains a of influenza vaccination by public.To determine knowledge and
cornerstone of disease control. Our data suggesting transmission attitude regarding influenza vaccination among health care
of TB among the house hold contacts in 45% of cases supports providers in a teaching hospital of Karachi.
the need to introduce effective educational measures to limit Method: Study was conducted in Aga khan university hospital
disease spread in families. on health care providers which included attending physicians
,postgraduate trainee,interns,medical officers and nurses of
Keywords: Tuberculosis, MIRU-VNTR , households family medicine and medicine.sample size was 167.Study
conducted between 2010 to 2011.
Results: Out of 167 participants 57.5% had adequate knowledge
9.50 and 42.5% had inadequate knowledge while looking at the
NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN THE ICU: PENS AND attitude 86.8% had positive while 13.2% had negative attitude
SPECTACLES AS FOMITES. towards influenza vaccine. Variable showed significant results
with Gender (p=0.04) ,Job category (p=0.03) and Area of practice
K. M. Inam Pal, Haris Farooq Murad, Shahrukh Effandi, (p=0.05).
Bushra Jamil Conclusion: Our study shows adequate knowledge and positive
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi attitude towards influenza vaccination in majority of health care
providers in our setting. Further studies are needed in other set
Objective: Nosocomial infections remain a serious problem in up to assess knowledge and attitude and to compare results.
Intensive Care Units resulting in high morbidity, mortality and Health policy should include annual influenza vaccination of
healthcare cost. Significant research has been done on various health care providers. More over educational material should
modes of transmission of these infections, however contamination be developed for reinforcement in patients regarding influenza
of pens and spectacles has not yet been investigated satisfactorily. and its vaccine so that health care provider can use it as a teaching
We investigated the significance of these objects as potential material for patients.
carriers of pathogens.
Method: Our research included plastic pens and spectacles from Keywords: Influenza vaccine , health care provider , knowledge
medical personnel assigned to the ICU in AKU. We approached and attitude
these medical personnel and took a culture swab sample from
the surface of their writing pen and/ or daily use spectacles. We

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9.52 with HIV-1 infection.

EVALUATION OF HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS Method: HIV-1 gag nucleotide and protein sequences were
SEROPREVALENCE IN SUBGROUPS OF THE retrieved from NCBI. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic
POPULATION IN SINDH, PAKISTAN tree construction was done using Clustal, on EMBL- EBI-
website. Ensemble was used to explore variations in HLA Cw*04
Saira Ibrahim, Paul Moss, El-Nasir Lalani, Anwar Ali Siddiqui gene and their possible association with HIV-1 infection.
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Results: Our results reveled that HIV-1 subtype A was closely
University, Karachi, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom related to C (85% similarity) and G (86% similarity), while
subtype B was closely related to subtype D (91 % similarity).
Objective: Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous Further, subtypes have evolved differently from each other
pathogen. Prevalence in adults varies widely (40-100%) and is (distance in the range of 0.01- 0.03). Moreover, certain SNPs
dependent on the geography and the socioeconomic status of such as T/C, G/A, T/C/G, at p21.3 locus on chromosome 6 in
the population. An earlier reported study from Pakistan had HLA Cw*04 showed to have role in HIV infection either in
limitations in terms of sample size and inadequate selection causing progression or in control.
criteria. The objective of this study was to determine Conclusion: It is concluded that evolution might have favored
seroprevalence of HCMV infection in subgroups of a population certain subtypes in HIV-1 global epidemics. Further, HLA
living in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Cw*04 and its variants play vital role in HIV infection. This
Method: We are aiming for 1000 serum samples and to date we information will be helpful in exploring further insights into the
have collected 259 samples of which 223 samples were stratified important role of HLA-Cw*04 to manage HIV infection.
into rural (n=188) and urban (n=35) groups. Our study participants
represent employees of Aga Khan University, Karachi and Keywords: HIV-1, HLA Cw*04, SNP
residents of Jam Goth, Malir and Radho Jokhio Goth, Gadap.
A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. A
commercial ELISA kit was used to detect HCMV IgG and IgM 9.54
antibodies. ASSESSMENT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS AND HUMAN
Results: The overall prevalence of HCMV infection was 93.43% CYTOMEGALOVIRUS CO-INFECTION IN A RURAL
in individuals = 18 years old. A marginally significant association POPULATION OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN
between age and chronic HCMV infection was observed
(p=0.065). HCMV prevalence increased gradually with age, Saira Ibrahim, Sana Ayaz, Zohaib Yaseen, Paul Moss, El-Nasir
from 82.6% in 18 to 20 years old to 100% in > 60 years of age. Lalani, Anwar Ali Siddiqui
HCMV prevalence differed significantly between rural (95.7%) Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
and urban (74.3%) groups (p=0.000). Males and females were University, Karachi, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of
found to be almost equally infected. The overall HCMV-IgM Birmingham, United Kingdom
seropositivity was 2.31% suggesting acute infection.
Conclusion: This preliminary data of HCMV-IgG seroprevalence Objective: Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an
indicate that HCMV infection is very high in the local population. immunodominant pathogen. Its presence can have detrimental
In the future, we intend to perform the immunological assays effects on the host immunity. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
to study the impact of HCMV infection on general health of the is a major health problem in Pakistan with an average adult
local population. prevalence of 6%. Co-infection of HCMV and HCV may
deteriorate the prognosis of HCV infected patients. The objective
Keywords: Human Cytomegalovirus, Seroprevalence, Pakistan of the present study was to determine the prevalence of HCV
and HCMV co-infection in a rural population of Karachi, Pakistan.
Method: Blood samples (5ml each) from study participants
9.53 (n=182) between the age group 18-70 years were collected from
HIV-1 SUBTYPE DIVERSITY AND ASSOCIATION OF HIV villages of Gadap town, near Karachi, Pakistan. Total RNA was
INFECTION WITH HLA CW*04 extracted by Trizol method. HCV RNA was detected by nested
reverse transcription and real time PCR. HCMV IgG and IgM
Syed Hani Abidi, Bushra Chaudhry antobodies were detected by ELISA according to the manufacturer
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, instructions.
Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: An overall prevalence of HCV (18.7%) was detected.
A progressive increase with age was noted (p = 0.022). More
Objective: HIV-1, group M subtypes A, B and C are found to females (23.5%) than males (14.9%) were found to be infected
be predominant in global HIV epidemics. HIV-1 infection is with HCV. The HCMV IgG and IgM seroprevalence was 96.2%
mainly controlled by cytotoxic T cells that recognize HIV-1 and 2.7% respectively. All HCV infected women were found to
epitopes (protein fragment) in association with MHC-I or HLA- be HCMV-IgG seropositive compared to 86.7% co-infections
I proteins. The HLA class 1 is comprised of three main types in males. Among HCV negative individuals, IgG seroprevalence
called A, B and C. HLA-C, and its variant HLA Cw*04, has appears to be significantly high with increasing age (p = 0.024).
shown to play an important role in HIV infection. In this study, No striking trends for HCMV-IgM were observed in the studied
we have adopted a bioinformatics approach to investigate population.
diversity among different HIV-1 subtypes and have attempted Conclusion: The prevalence of HCV and HCMV infections is
to explore the association of HLA Cw*04, and its variations, high in the rural population studied. The presence of dual

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infection may affect the disease outcome in HCV positive treatment and the prolonged anti-tuberculous regimen required.
individuals and it may also give rise to immunosenescence in Response to treatment is monitored by clinically but these may
HCV negative individuals. be difficult to identify in some patients and additional biomarkers
of host recovery from infection are required. CXCL10 is a small
Keywords: Human Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis C virus, Co- chemotactic chemokine produced by T cells and macrophages.
infection It is induced by IFN-gamma and is found to be a marker of host
inflammatory responses.
Method: Untreated patients with smear positive pulmonary TB
9.55 (PTB, n= 237) were recruited through the OJHA Institute for
LINE PROBE ASSAY FOR DETECTION OF RIFAMPICIN Chest Diseases. Patients had minimal (min-PTB, n=69), moderate
AND ISONIAZID RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS IN (mod-PTB, n=85) or far advanced (adv-PTB, n=83) disease,by
PAKISTAN radiological assessment. Serum was collected from whole blood
of patients upon recruited and also at 12 weeks post-treatment.
Joveria Farooqi, Erum Khan, Syed M. Z. Alam, Asho Ali, CXCL10 levels were measured in serum patients at 0 and 12
Zahra Hasan, Rumina Hasan weeks.
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Results: Prior to treatment, serum levels of CXCL10 were
Karachi significantly raised in adv-PTB as compared with the min-PTB
(p=0.023) and mod-PTB (p=0.014) groups. Following 12 weeks
Objective: Early detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis is of treatment, serum CXCL10 levels decreased in patients
important for reducing transmission. Advanced rapid diagnostic belonging to the placebo (p<0.001) and the vitamin D treatment
tests are promising, but due to regional variation in (p<0.001) arms. After treatment, serum CXCL10 levels were
Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains that may affect performance comparable between min-PTB, mod-PTB and adv PTB groups.
these tests need reassessment in endemic areas. Conclusion: Our data suggests CXCL10 as a marker of infection
Method: Resistance to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) in which can be used to monitor response to treatment in TB
108 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis samples was detected patients.
using a line-probe assay [GenoType® MTBDRplus (Hain
Lifescience, GmbH, Nehren, Germany)]. Results were compared Keywords: tuberculosis, CXCL10, therapy
with susceptibilities performed using agar proportion.
Results: In comparison to the agar proportion method, the
detection rate (and specificity) of resistance using MTBDR plus 9.58
was 92.5% (98.2%) for RIF, and 76.3% (100%) for INH. SERUM CXCL10 LEVELS ARE RAISED IN PATIENTS
Mutations in codons 531 and 533 of rpoB gene (62%S531L) WITH DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION
were responsible for 67.9% of RIF resistance. S315T mutation
of katG gene was detected in 55.9% and inhA promoter mutation Zahra Hasan, Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Farhan, Mussarat
at positions -15 (C15T) in 11.9% of INH resistant isolates. Four Ashraf, Tariq Moatter
phenotypically RIF-resistant and 14 INH-resistant strains were Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
not detected by MTBDRplus. Sequencing these strains revealed Karachi
mutations in 4 strains; 2 in rpoB gene S531W, del518 and 2 in
katG genesW300L, S315N. Hence two phenotypic RIF-resistant Objective: Dengue virus (DV) is a RNA Flavivirus, transmitted
and 13 phenotypic INH-resistant strains were not detected by to humans via mosquito bite. DV are prevalent in tropical and
the commercial line probe assay. subtropical regions and infect 50-100 million people per year.
Conclusion: This study shows that MTBDRplus has a high In Pakistan, DV infections in 2011 are increasing particularly
detection rate for RIF resistance; however, additional probes in Punjab, causing morbidity and mortality. Pathogenesis of DV
need to be included in the assay to improve detection of INH- is associated with increasing proinflammatory cytokines such
resistant MTB strains from Pakistan. as TNF, IL6 and chemokine CXCL10. CXCL10 has been shown
to be predictive of infectious viral diseases. Here we investigated
Keywords: tuberculosis, MTBDRplus, Pakistan whether CXCL10 was correlated with DV infection as determined
by IgM positivity to the virus. To investigate serum CXCL10
levels in patients positive for DV IgM.
9.57 Method: Serum samples were tested for DV using the PANBio
SERUM CXCL10 LEVELS ARE CORRELATE WITH IgM ELISA assay, PANBio, USA. Randomly selected samples
DISEASE SEVERITY AND RESPONSES TO TREATMENT received in AKUH during September 2011 were studied. Serum
IN TUBERCULOSIS CXCL10 was tested by ELISA using recombinant standards and
antibodies, Pharmingen, USA. CXCL10 was tested in Dengue
Nawal Salahuddin, Faisal Mahmood, Nisar Rao, Farheen Ali, Virus IgM positive (n= 171); DV IgM borderline (BL, n=25);
Mussarat Ashraf, Muniba Islam, Zahra Hasan clinical samples DV IgM negative (n=20) and healthy endemic
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Ojha controls (EC, n=33).
Institute for Chest Diseases Results: Serum CXCL10 levels in DV IgM positive (p<0.001)
and IgM BL (p=0.001) samples was significantly raised as
Objective: Treatment of tuberculosis remains a challenge due compared with DV IgM negative controls. Similarly, CXCL10
to the intransigence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to antibiotic was raised IgM positive and BL groups as compared with EC

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(p<0.001, p<0.001). CXCL10 levels were positively correlated inactive analog, PP3 (4-amino-7-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-d]
with IgM concentrations in positive samples (rho =0.212, pyrimidine) were used to determine the effect of Src kinase
p=0.005) but not correlated in BL samples (rho=0.091, p=0.672). inhibition on Acanthamoeba growth and its biological properties
Conclusion: Our data indicates increasing CXCL10 levels with like phagocytosis of non-invasive bacteria E. coli K12 and
DV infection and suggest this as a biomarker of viral pathogenesis. invasion of amoeba by pathogenic E. coli K1. Zymography
assay was performed to evaluate the effect of Src kinase inhibition
Keywords: Dengue, CXCL10, infection on protease secretion by Acanthamoeba. Moreover, we also
studied the role of Src kinase in the adhesion and cytotoxic
effects of Acanthamoeba onto primary human microvasculature
9.59 endothelial cells (HMECs).
GAMETOCYTE CARRIAGE IN MALARIA PATIENTS Results: Inhibition of Src kinase by PP2 but not PP3 had
detrimental effects on the growth of A. castellanii. Interestingly,
Manesh K Gangwani, Maria Ahmed, Najia K Ghanchi, M A Src kinase inhibition hampered the phagocytic ability of A.
Beg castellanii, as measured by decreased uptake of non-invasive
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, bacteria. On the contrary, invasion of Acanthamoeba by the
Karachi pathogenic bacteria was enhanced. Zymographic assays revealed
reduced extracellular protease activities of A. castellanii upon
Objective: Gametocytes are sexual stages of Plasmodia and inhibition of Src kinases. However, Src kinase inhibition had
involved in transmission of disease to the vector and continue no significant effect on A. castellanii adhesion and cytotoxicity
the life cycle of the parasite. Malaria treatment aims primarily on HBMEC cells.
to eliminate the asexual blood stages that cause illness and Conclusion: For the first time, our findings demonstrated that
reducing carriage of gametocytes is critical for limiting malaria Src kinase is involved in A. castellanii proliferation, protease
transmission and the spread of resistance. We aim to look at the secretions and phagocytic properties. Conversely, invasion of
gametocyte carriage in malaria patients. Acanthamoeba by pathogenic bacteria was stimulated by Src
Method: Data was collected from Aga Khan University Hospital kinase inhibition.
clinical laboratory and its collection points during 2010-2011
from patient presenting with symptoms of malaria. Microscopic Keywords: Acanthamoeba, Src, PP2
examination of Leishmann stained blood films for malaria
parasite was done by an expert microscopist
Results: We observed a total of 310 Malaria patients from August 9.62
2010 to July 2011 and 70% (281) were infected with P.vivax IMPLEMENTING THE CARBAPENEM INTERCHANGE
and 30% (32/310) were P.falciparum positive. Gametocytemia GUIDELINES IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING
was 62% in P.falciparum infections compared to P.vivax 22%. HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN
Hemoglobin was low in patients with sexual stages of parasite.
Conclusion: Gametocytes play an important role in transmission Muhammad Hammad, Syed Shamim Raza, Abdul Latif Sheikh,
of disease and may spread resistant strains of Plasmodia. Salwa Ahsan, Amna Saleem Rao, Muhammad Zeeshan Islam
Department of Pharmacy Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: malaria, gemetocytes, transmission
Objective: Antibiotic interchange is a well known concept. It
is intended to decrease the prevalence of resistance, provision
of cost effective therapy and reduce the occurrence of adverse
9.60 drug reactions. Carbapenem is a group of antibiotics with broad
THE ROLE OF SRC KINASE IN THE BIOLOGICAL antibacterial coverage including multidrug resistant strains. Two
PROPERTIES OF ACANTHAMOEBA CASTELLANII antibiotics of this class, meropenem is usually given in dosing
of 1 g Q8H and imipenem/cilastatin in dosing of 500 mg Q6H.
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Junaid Iqbal, Marie-josée Maugueret, The cost of therapy with each of these is substantially different.
Naveed Ahmed Khan Therapy with meropenem and imipenem/ cilastatin costs around
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan US $ 70 and US $ 50/day respectively. Due to huge cost difference
University, Karachi, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, between the two, a cost effective therapeutic interchange is
Birkbeck, University of London possible. Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is a tertiary
care teaching hospital. The medication management system is
Objective: Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of fatal overseen by its Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee (P &TC).
granulomatous encephalitis. Haematogenous spread is thought Antibiotic subcommittee of the P & TC regulate the use of
to be a primary step followed by blood-brain barrier penetration antibiotics in the hospital and made certain guidelines for rational
in the transmission of Acanthmaoeba into the central nervous use of broad spectrum antibiotics.
system but the associated molecular mechanisms remain Method: Hospital P & TC and Antibiotic Subcommittee mandated
incompletely understood. Here, we evaluated the role of Src, a the pharmacy department to implement the automatic meropenem
non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase in the biology and to imipenem interchange except for a set of exclusion criteria.
pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba. For the implementation of interchange program, following steps
Method: Src kinase specific inhibitor, PP2 (4-amino-5-(4 were taken • Staff education and training via flyers and newsletters
chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazolo [3,4-d] pyrimidine) and its • Computer software upgrades • Efficacy and adverse events

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monitoring • Follow-up discussions with physicians • Changes mosquitoes, Ades aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Infection with
in hospital antibiogram (for antimicrobials) DV can result in wide disease spectrum from a mild fever to
Results: Over the period of 15 months, a total of 205 interventions life threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock
were made in order to switch the orders of meropenem to syndrome. Symptoms of classic dengue fever following 5-8
imipenem/cilastatin. This resulted in the patient cost savings of days incubation period include, rash, severe headache massive
US $12000. No any CNS related ADR was reported with vomiting, chills and malasia. Incidence of DV infection has
imipenem after the interchange. The overall compliance rate increased since 2006 in Pakistan. It has been occurring seasonally
was 95%. and this report describes its occurrence in 2011.
Conclusion: Carbapenem interchange was successfully Method: Serum samples were tested in Molecular Pathology
implemented in the hospital, resulting in great patient cost from January to December 2011. Dengue IgM was tested using
savings. Pan Bio Capture ELISA kit.
Results: Positivity of DV samples was found to increase from
Keywords: Antibiotic Interchange and Cost Effectiveness, 10% (Jan –July 2011) to 20% in August 2011, when sample size
Implementation of Carbapenem Interchange Program doubled to 396. In September 2011, 2166 samples were tested
of which 511 (23%) were DV positive, of those 269 (12%) were
from Punjab; 201 (9%) from Sindh; 37(2%) from KPK and 5
9.63 (0.2%) from Baluchistan. From Punjab 6 (22%) positive cases
THE TYPE III SECRETION SYSTEM IS INVOLVED IN were from Northern Punjab, 77 (46%) from Southern Punjab
ESCHERICHIA COLI K1 INTERACTIONS WITH and 186 (55%) from Central Punjab during September 2011.
ACANTHAMOEBA This trend of positivity is continuing during October and will
be described up to December 2011 in this study.
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Huma Malik, Mehwish Sagheer, Naveed Conclusion: This study describes a rapid increase in DV infection
Ahmed Khan mostly in Punjab post-monsoon flooding during August –
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan September 2011. Public health measures should be taken in
University, Karachi advance to avoid such seasonal epidemics.

Objective: The type III secretion system among Gram-negative Keywords: DV

bacteria is known to deliver effectors into host cell to interfere
with host cellular processes. The type III secretion system in
Yersina, Pseudomonas and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 9.65
have been well documented to be involved in the bacterial ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF ACANTHAMOEBA
pathogenicity. The existence of type III secretion system has AND BACTERIA IN VARIOUS SAMPLES COLLECTED
been demonstrated in neuropathogenic E. coli K1 strains. Here, FROM AKUH.
it is observed that the deletion mutant of type III secretion system
in E. coli strain EC10 exhibited defects in the invasion and Mehwish Sagheer, Dr. Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui, Naveed Ahmed Khan
intracellular survival in Acanthamoeba castellanii (a keratitis Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences,
isolate) compared to its parent strain. Next, it was determined Aga Khan University, Karachi
whether type III secretion system plays a role in E. coli K1
survival inside Acanthamoeba during the encystment process. Objective: Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan with a
Using encystment assays, our findings revealed that the type III worldwide distribution in a variety of natural and artificial
secretion system-deletion mutant exhibited significantly reduced habitats. Acanthamoeba spp. can cause infections such as
survival inside Acanthamoeba cysts compared with its parent granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis.
strain, EC10 (P<0.01). This is the first demonstration that the Objective: To evaluate the presence of bacteria and Acanthamoeba
type III secretion system plays an important role in E. coli spp. in the biofilms and dust in hospital environment.
interactions with Acanthamoeba. A complete understanding of Method: 30 samples were collected from different environments
how amoebae harbor bacterial pathogens will help design in AKUH hospital at Karachi. The samples collected were
strategies against E. coli transmission to the susceptible hosts. inoculated into 1.5% nutrient agar, to isolate bacteria; and into
1.5% non-nutrient agar with an overlaid Escherichia coli, to
Keywords: Acanthamoeba, E.coli, Type three secretion system isolate free-living amoeba. Of the 30 samples analyzed, (100%)
showed bacterial growth and thirteen (43%) isolates were
identified as morphologically belonging to the Acanthamoeba
9.64 genus. The amoeba were identified according to the morphological
DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION AS A RECURRING criteria of Page (A new key to fresh water and soil gymnamoebae,
SEASONAL EPIDEMIC IN PAKISTAN Freshwater Biology Association, Ambleside, UK, 1988) and
confirmed by PCR using Chelex: Biorad method. Bacterial
Nazneen Islam, Muhammad Ismail, Tariq Moatter, Zahra Hasan identification was done by biochemical methods i.e., catalase,
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, MSA, oxidase, starch hydrolysis and coagulase tests.
Karachi Results: All bacteria were identified as gram positive, in which
63% were Bacillus and 53% were Cornybacterium. IC bacteria
Objective: The Dengue virus (DV) is member of family were isolate and identified from two confirmed samples of
flavivirdae and is transmitted to the people through the bite of Acanthamoeba. (Khan. NA)

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Conclusion: Acanthamoeba found in extra hygiene environment by the whipworm Trichuris trichiura. The global burden of
of hospital and it also harbor some of gram positive bacteria. disease is 6.4 million DALY’s(disability adjusted life years) lost
for T.trichiura alone.
Keywords: Acanthamoeba, enviromental dust, hospital Method: Case: In 1999 a diabetic and asthmatic middle aged
woman was first brought to Aga Khan University Hospital
presenting with anorexia, continuous fever, and shortness of
9.66 breath. She was diagnosed to have a Neuro-endocrine tumour
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC ASSAYS FOR THE of the pancreas involving the body and tail; resection performed.
DETECTION OF CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC In 2005 recurrence of the Neuro-endocrine tumour occurred in
FEVER VIRUS the head of the pancreas which was then resected. In 2010 on
examination she presented with fever, diarrhea and productive
Azra Samreen, Roger Hewson, Barry Atkinson, Lamia Altaf, cough. TB was diagnosed, and ATT (anti tuberculosis therapy)
Tariq Moatter, Zahra Hasan treatment was initiated. In June 2011 due to deteriorating health
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga khan University, she was admitted with intermittent diarrhea. Initial tests showed
Karachi metabolic acidosis, no eggs of any parasite in stool, large no of
pus cells in stool and no melena. 7 stool exams done during the
Objective: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus year were negative for parasite eggs and ova. Physical
belongs to the genus Nairovirus of the Bunyaviridae family; it examination revealed drowsiness, and left hypochondrial pain.
is a RNA virus endemic to Middle-East and Pakistan. CCHF is Treatment was initiated for severe gastroenteritis. However on
a zoonotic disease maintained in nature by cycles between colonoscopy helminth worm attached to the mucosa of the
reservoirs of ticks and mammals. Severe disease occurs in caecum was seen and removed for diagnosis. Parasitological
humans, who usually acquire the virus through a tick bite or examination revealed a female worm of T.trichiura.
contact with infectious material. The viral incubation period is Results: This case highlights the use of colonoscopic examination
about 2-9 days with a general case fatality rate (CFR) of ~50%. in diagnosing helminth infections. Literature search puts light
However, increased CFR are reported, particularly in nosocomial on the fact that only 12 such cases have been previously reported.
circumstances where early diagnosis has been difficult. CCHF In patients who are immunocompromised or have unremitting
requires rapid diagnosis for case identification and isolation and diarrhea of unknown etiology, colonoscopy is advised.
containment.To compare nested PCR and real-time PCR assays
for diagnosis of CCHF virus. Keywords: Trichuris Trichiura, immunocompromised, multiple
Method: Samples received in the laboratory, AKUH (2006- comorbidities
2010) were tested. Viral RNA was extracted using Nucleospin
viral RNA kit. For nested PCR, a reverse transcriptase polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed employing primers to 9.68
the S segment of CCHF. Real-time PCR assay was performed ESTABLISHMENT AND ANALYSIS OF HEPATITIS C
directly on viral RNA using sequence specific primers and a VIRUS GENOTYPE 3A REPLICON SYSTEM
fluorescent probe on Light Cycler II system, Roche, USA.
Results: We determined the use of the real-time PCR probe Zohaib Yaseen, Sana Ayaz, Zulfiqar Naqvi, Anila Yasmeen,
based assay in 20 clinical specimens previously tested using the Saeed Hamid, El-Nasir Lalani, Anwar Ali siddiqui
nested PCR. Of these samples, 6 were positive and 14 were Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences,
negative using both methods for CCHF virus detection. Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: The real-time PCR assay allowed detection of
CCHF virus within 3 hours as compared with 10-12 hours for Objective: Hepatitis C Virus is a major public health concern
the nested PCR method. Therefore, this is a suitable rapid assay affecting 170 million people across the globe. In Pakistan, the
for detection of CCHF virus in suspected clinical specimens. HCV prevalence in adults is 6%, with Genotype 3 (GT3) reported
to be the most prevalent (75-90%), among which subtype 3a is
Keywords: CCHF, PCR, RNA being the most common. Chronic infection occurs in 50–80%
of GT3 cases, eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular
carcinoma. In the absence of a productive viral culture system,
9.67 the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular injury, viral
T.TRICHIURA INFECTION; AN UNUSUAL DIAGNOSIS replication and therapeutic targets are only partly understood.
VIA COLONOSCOPY OF A PATIENT WITH This obstacle has been partially overcome by the development
INTERMITTENT DIARRHEA AND MULTIPLE CO- of replicon systems; which are the only available tools allowing
MORBIDITIES: A CASE REPORT the study of HCV replication and development of anti-HCV
therapies. Even though efficient RNA replication systems have
Huzaifah Salat, Muhammad Sohail Salat, Mansoor shah, M been developed for genotype 1a, 1b and 2a, a replicon system
Asim Beg for subtype GT3a is much needed. Objective: To develop HCV
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan GT3a sub-genomic replicon system (spanning ~ 9.6Kb in size)
University, Karachi from serum samples of HCV GT3a patients.
Method: Total RNA was extracted using the Trizol reagent from
Objective: Introduction: Trichuriasis is a worldwide parasitic serum samples of 3 patients. cDNA synthesis was carried out
infection most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas caused using specific primers for conserved 5'UTR region followed by

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Nested PCR amplification. PCR products were visualized by 9.70

ethidium bromide 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. INCIDENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY
Results: The Nested PCR amplification resulted in 297bp PATTERN OF KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE NEONATAL
fragment for 5’UTR. SEPSIS IN A NEONATAL ICU OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
Conclusion: Future Perspective: PCR amplifications for HCV
non-structural (NS) genes (NS3, NS4 and NS5-3'UTR) is Ali Faisal Saleem, Hira Shahzad, Farah Qamar Naz, Maqbool
underway which will be followed by cloning into expression Qadir, Anita Zaidi
vector. GT3a subgenomic replicon will be transfected into Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan
Human Hepatoma cell line (Huh-7). Neomycin-resistant clones University, Karachi
will be isolated, expanded and analyzed for expression of viral
RNA, and proteins (NS3, NS4a/b and NS5a/b). Objective: Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is an important
nosocomial pathogen with increasing drug resistance associated
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Genotype 3a, subgenomic Replicon with high morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care
setting (NICU). We report the incidence and antibiotic
susceptibility pattern of Kp in our NICU over the last five years
9.69 (2006-2010).
DIFFERENTIAL IFN- RESPONSES TO ESAT6 AND M. Method: Medical records of all neonates with discharge diagnosis
TUBERCULOSIS ANTIGENS DUE TO THEIR of sepsis due to Kp from Jan 2006 till – Dec 2010 were retrieved
REGULATION OF SOCS1 GENE EXPRESSION and reviewed by using hospital information management system.
Demographic features, gestational age, date and year of admission
Kiran Iqbal Masood, Martin Rottenberg, Naseem Salahuddin, and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates were recorded. Kp
Nisar Rao, Berit Carow, Rabia Hussain, Dr. Zahra Hasan incidence per 1000 NICU admissions and incidence of early or
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, late onset Kp sepsis were calculated. The study was approved
Karachi, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden by the hospital ethics review committee of the Aga Khan
University
Objective: SOCS1 molecules downregulate protective host IFN- Results: Ninety-nine neonates out of 2355 developed Kp sepsis
responses. ESAT6-induced IFN-responses are thought to be during the five year period. The overall incidence of Kp sepsis
predictive of latent and or active TB but ESAT6-induced IFN- was 4.2% (42/1000 NICU admissions); highest was 63/1000 in
is less effective for diagnosis in endemic regions. Live M. the year 2010. Majority were males (64%) and premature
tuberculosis activates SOCS1 but little is known about the direct neonates (61%). Twenty-one developed early onset neonatal Kp
effect of its antigens. We compared ESAT6, M. tuberculosis sepsis. High level of antimicrobial resistance for ampicillin,
sonicate antigen (MTBs) and live M. tuberculosis –induced IFN- gentamicin, aztreonam and cephalosporins were noticed. Almost
and SOCS1 gene expression in TB patients and healthy controls. all isolates were extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL)
Method: PBMCs were stimulated with ESAT6, MTBs and live producing. Increasing trend of resistance was seen for amikacin,
M. tuberculosis. IFN-, CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNA expression fluoroquinolones, pipercillin / tazobactam and carbapenem. In
were determined in patients with pulmonary (PTB, n=33), 2010, 31% of the isolates were carbapenem resistant. No
extrapulmonary (ETB, n=66) tuberculosis and EC (n=30) via significant difference in antibiotic susceptibility was observed
RT-PCR. for early vs. late onset neonatal Kp sepsis.
Results: ESAT6-induced IFN- expression was greater in TB Conclusion: This study documents the rise in Kp incidence and
than ECs (p=0.034). In TB, live M. tuberculosis - induced IFN- carbapenemase resistant Kp at our NICU in the last five years.
mRNA titers were lower than in response to MTBs (p<0.001) There is a need for continuous surveillance to have timely
and ESAT6 (p<0.001). SOCS1 mRNA titres in live M. information on the antibiotic susceptibility of these organisms.
tuberculosis stimulated PBMCs were higher in TB than in EC
(p=0.049). In ECs, ESAT6-induced SOCS1 expression was Keywords: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Carbapenem resistance,
lower than by live M. tuberculosis (p<0.001) and in TB, ESAT6- incidence in NICU
induced SOCS1 mRNA levels were reduced compared with
MTBs stimulation (p=0.042). SOCS1 responses were compared
between patients classified with PTB, less severe ETB (L=ETB) 9.71
and severe ETB (D-ETB). ESAT6- and MTBs- induced SOCS1 SEASONAL TRENDS OF COMMON PEDIATRIC
mRNA titers did not differ between these TB groups. However, INFECTIOUS CAUSES LEADING TO HOSPITALIZATION
live M. tuberculosis-induced SOCS1 expression was higher in IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
PTB (p=0.0074) and D-ETB (p=0.032) as compared with L-
ETB. Ali Faisal Saleem, Hira Shahzad, Sehyr Imran, Navaira Atiq,
Conclusion: This data indicates that increased ESAT6-induced Riffat Rasheed, Syed Asad Ali
IFN- is concomitant with decreased SOCS1 expression in TB. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan
Variable IFN- responses may reflect differential SOCS1 University, Karachi
modulation and determine the inflammatory cytokine profiles
observed across the TB disease spectrum. Objective: Infectious diseases are the commonest cause of
pediatric illness all around globe. Industrialization, global
Keywords: SOCS1, M. tuberculosis, ESAT6 warming, greenhouse effect and ozone depletion impact on
environment. These environmental changes and increasing
multidrug resistant strain of microorganism mutually affect
humans. This study aims to observe the changes in seasonal

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variation of common pediatric infectious etiologies leading to infants in low income settlements of Karachi, Pakistan in a
hospitalization in Karachi, Pakistan from 2006-2010. cohort study.
Method: It is retrospective analysis of all children (15 year or Method: . From January to April 2011, 1028 pregnant women
less) who were discharged with the diagnosis of gastrointestinal were enrolled and blood was obtained for measuring 25-hydroxy
syndromes e.g., “acute gastroenteritis” “dysentery” “cholera” vitamin D in the last trimester of pregnancy. Newborns of
“typhoid and paratyphoid” “acute viral hepatitis A and E” ; enrolled mothers were followed from zero to fifty nine days of
respiratory syndromes e.g., “bronchiolitis” “pneumonia” life for development of clinical sepsis. Sepsis was diagnosed
“measles” “tuberculosis”; other infectious etiologies including using a modified checklist that has been validated by the WHO.
“malaria” “dengue” “meningitis”; and non-infectious etiologies Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive analysis and
“asthma” and “Kawasaki disease” during 2006-2010 from the Cox regression.
Aga Khan University hospital, Karachi Pakistan. Results: Overall, there was high prevalence of Vitamin D
Results: For the gastrointestinal infectious syndromes; 4597 deficiency (82%).Deficient mothers had a higher proportion that
children were discharged with diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis; was literate (37% versus 28%) and a higher prevalence of foul
two seasonal peaks May-August and Nov and Jan; highest smelling vaginal discharge (20% versus 14% ).Cox regression
number of hospitalization was in August. Dysentery was the showed gestational age (HR 6.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 14) and bacterial
discharge diagnosis of 265 patients; with maximum number of vaginosis (HR2.2; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.6) to increase the risk of sepsis.
patients in June-Sept and peak in September. Typhoid fever was Infant birth weight was found to be protective (HR 0.6; 95%
the discharge diagnosis of 1659 patients; with maximum number CI: 0.4, 0.9). However we were unable to see an association
during July-Nov and peak in September. Paratyphoid fever was between maternal Vitamin D and newborn sepsis (HR0.7; 95%
the discharge diagnosis of 75 patients; with maximum number CI: 0.4, 1.1).
during Dec-April and peak in July. Hepatitis A and E was the Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency does not appear to play a role
discharge diagnosis of 509; with maximum number in June- in development of newborn sepsis.
Nov and peak in September. For the respiratory infectious
syndrome; Bronchiolitis was the discharge diagnosis of 1252; Keywords: Vitamin D, sepsis, maternal
with maximum number in Aug-March and peak in September.
Pneumonia was the discharge diagnosis of 1974; two seasonal
peaks Dec-March and Aug-Oct; highest number of hospitalization 9.73
was in February. Tuberculosis was the discharge diagnosis of EVALUATION OF POSITIVE PREDICTIVE VALUE OF
268 patients; with maximum number during Feb-June and peak ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY AND
in March and April. For other infectious etiologies; Meningitis STOOL CULTURE USED FOR THE DETECTION OF
was the discharge diagnosis of 636 patients; with maximum CAMPYLOBACTER SPP FROM STOOL SAMPLE
number during May-Sept and peak in June. Dengue fever was
the discharge diagnosis of 509 patients; with maximum number Taj Muhammad, Asif Fida, Nazneen Ahmed, Furqan Kabir
during Sept-Nov and peak in October. Malaria was the discharge Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan
diagnosis of 266 patients; with maximum number during Sept- University, Karachi
Nov and peak in September. There was no seasonal variation
observed for Kawasaki disease however asthma peaks during Objective: Background Campylobacter is a gram negative,
Aug-Dec; maximum in October. microaerophilic bacterium and is one of the most common
Conclusion: August and September are the peak months for bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the world. Campylobacter
gastrointestinal diseases; October and November for the mosquito organisms can be found everywhere and are commonly found
borne diseases and for pneumonia peak month is February. There in the intestinal tracts of cats, dogs, poultry, cattle, swine, rodents,
is marked variation in seasonal pattern for bronchiolitis and monkeys, wild birds, and humans. Enzyme-linked
acute gastroenteritis. Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and stool culture techniques
used to detect Campylobacter Spp. Positive predictive value
Keywords: Seasonal trend, Pediatric infections, Respiratory and (PPV) is the proportion of subjects with positive test results who
gastrointestinal diseases are correctly diagnosed. It is a critical measure of the performance
of a diagnostic method, as it reflects the probability that a positive
test reflects the underlying condition being tested for. Its value
9.72 does however depend on the prevalence of the outcome of
MATERNAL 25-HYDROXY VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND interest, which may be unknown for a particular target population.
THE RISK OF CLINICAL SEPSIS AMONG NEWBORNS Objective To evaluate the positive predictive value of Enzyme-
AND YOUNG INFANTS IN LOW INCOME URBAN AND linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and stool culture used
PERI URBAN SETTLEMENTS OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN. for the detction of Campylobacter Spp. from stool culture.
Method: Methodology 50 stool samples were tested both for
Fyezah Jehan, Anita Zaidi, Omrana Pasha, Iqbal Azam ELISA and stool culture out of which 13 were positive by both
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan ELISA and Stool Culture 08 were positive by ELISA not by
University, Karachi Culture. PPV were applied to evaluate the techniques.
Results: Results The PPV is found to be 62%, whereas sensitivity
Objective: Neonatal sepsis is a major killer. Poor neonatal innate & specificity is found to be 93% and 78% respectively.
and adaptive immunity is implicated as a predisposing factor. Conclusion: Conclusions Results shown Stool Culture correctly
The role of vitamin D as an immune modulator agent has been identifies 62% of cases which were true positive for
suggested in the pathogenesis of various infectious diseases; Campylobacter Spp., while the Sensitivity of culture technique
deficiency has been linked to poor neonatal outcome in general. found to be 93%.
Its specific role in the outcome of neonatal sepsis has never been
studied. We sought to assess the role of maternal 25-hydroxy Keywords: PPV, ELISA
vitamin D deficiency on the risk of clinical sepsis among young

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10.3 10.4
VON – HIPPLE LINDAU DISEASE DEPICTING LESIONS CRANIO-CEREBRAL INJURIES IN WAR AGAINST
IN THE POSTERIOR FOSSA AND DORSAL SPINE AND A TERRORISM – A CONTEMPORARY SERIES FROM
STRONG FAMILIAL LINK: A CASE REPORT. PAKISTAN

Syed Shayaan Ali, Faizan Imran Bawany, Muhammad Emaduddin Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Muhammad Umair Bashir,
Saad, Syed Faizan Ali Ehsan Bari
Dow University of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University , Karachi
and Child Health, Aga Khan Unversity, Karachi
Objective: Terrorism-related bomb attacks on civilian populations
Objective: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare genetic have increased dramatically over the last decade. However,
disorder characterized by visceral cysts and benign tumors. The cranio-cerebral injuries secondary to improvised explosive
development of retinal and CNS hemangioblastomas, devices or IEDs have not been widely reported in literature in
pheochromocytomas, multiple cysts in the pancreas and kidneys the context of unarmored civilians.This series reports the spectrum
and an increased risk for malignant transformation of renal cysts of head injuries secondary to suicide and implanted bombs as
into carcinoma are clinical hallmarks of this disease. encountered at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan
Hemangioblastomas are usually found at multiple locations in (AKUH).
the body. However, our case takes its uniqueness in the fact that Method: The hospital database and clinical coding encompassing
the presence of two resembling lesions one in posterior cranial a 5 year period were examined for head injuries secondary to
fossa and the other dorsal spinal cord at the same time without terrorism-associated blasts.
involvement of any other organ system has not been reported Results: A total of 16 patients were included in the case series:
previously. 9 patients were victims of suicide blasts while 7 were exposed
Results: Case Presentation: We report a case of a 32-year old to implanted devices. In addition to patient demographics, data
female who presented with severe headache and lower extremity analysis for our series included initial GCS, presenting
pain and weakness. She had a family history of her mother and neurological complaints, associated non-neurological injuries,
two siblings expiring after a severe headache, though not management, discharge neurological status and the data related
confirmed by histopathology but they were suspected of having to complications. The management (conservative or operative)
VHL. Her neurological exam showed decreased bulk and with associated complications was also noted. A follow-up record
weakness in lower limbs. CT head revealed a space occupying was available for 12 of the 16 patients (mean follow-
lesion in the cerebellum, while MRI confirmed it as a right- up:7.8months), with most patients having no active complaints
sided lesion with enhancing nodule and non-enhancing cystic and otherwise improving.
ball. Spine MRI revealed a contrast enhancing tumor behind the Conclusion: The results of this series show that victims of
vertebral body of D7 to D9. Patient was diagnosed with Grade suicidal and improvised bombings present with a wide range of
I Hemangioblastomas, falling in the spectrum of VHL and the neurological symptoms and often require individualized care.
tumors were removed in subsequent procedures. Histopathology
confirmed the diagnosis. Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, improvised explosive devices,
Conclusion: This case report not only depicts a strong familial cranio-cerebral injuires
link but it also shows the possibility of two simultaneous CNS
lesions involving posterior fossa and spinal cord. Since the
prognosis may be improved by an earlier diagnosis, affected 10.5
individuals with VHL complexes should have a cranial and CSF RHINORRHEA: AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE
spinal MRI with an abdominal CT. Affected individuals in VHL FROM PAKISTAN
families directly benefit from screening by early diagnosis and
by genetic counseling in the childbearing years. In the future, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Muhammad Umair Basir, Muhammad
genetic screening will play a major role in identifying patients Babar Khan, Ehsan Bari, Shabbir Akhtar
with the VHL gene. It is advised that screening of the children Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
of patient and others in the family should be performed every
year from the time they reach 13 years of age. Objective: The management of CSF rhinorrhea has evolved over
the last two decades. We present here a review of our 11 year
Keywords: VHL, posterior fossa , dorsal spine data on CSF rhinorrhea and its management at a tertiary care
hospital in a developing country, with particular reference to
the diagnosis, surgical management and outcome of the disease.
Method: The medical charts of all patients with a diagnosis of
CSF rhinorrhea over an 11 year period were reviewed. The
etiology of CSF rhinorrhea was classified into 3 categories:
spontaneous, iatrogenic and traumatic. All the patients were
divided into 3 categories based on the type of management:
conservative, intracranial and transnasal endoscopic groups.
Results: A total of 43 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria and

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were included in the final analysis. 11 of the 43 patients were 10.7

managed conservatively while 22 underwent intracranial repairs; CONVERSION DISORDER IN CHILD, ADOLESCENTS
10 patients had transnasal endoscopic repairs. The primary AND YOUNG ADULTS: A 20 YEARS RETROSPECTIVE
success rate for the transnasal approach was 70 % compared to REVIEW
86 % for the intracranial repair. Blood loss, special Care unit
(SCU) stay and total cost were found to be significantly less in Faheem Khan, Mukesh Bhimani, Tayyab Arfeen, Afshan Channa,
the transnasal endoscopic group. CT cisternography was found Eshanullah Syed
to have the highest sensitivity and specificity. Further, no Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
complications were found in the transnasal endoscopic group,
while 5 patients from the intracranial group developed various Objective: Conversion disorder has been classified differently
complications. in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental diseases IV (DSM-
Conclusion: We conclude that the transnasal endoscopic approach IV) and International classification of diseases (ICD-10). Children
has comparable success rates with the intracranial approach and and young adults are the main age groups presenting with it. Its
significantly lower morbidity. presentation is peculiar with gender and geographical area. In
children and young adults pseudo seizures and gait abnormalities
Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, endoscopy, are the main presenting symptoms. Two studies from the same
Craniotomy institute (Aga Khan University Hospital) have reported 257
patients admitted with conversion disorder in all ages from 1989
to 2005 in total. There is a dearth of research on conversion
10.6 disorder from Pakistan in children and young adults. Our aim
PREVALENCE OF BENZODIAZEPINE USE IN MEDICAL was to give a descriptive account on conversion disorder in
INPATIENTS IN PAKISTAN children and young adults by studying records of admitted patient
in last 20 years at a tertiary care hospital of Karachi.
Syed Ahmer, Junaid Patel , Faheem Khan, Abdullah Qureshi, Method: This is a retrospective study conducted at the Aga Khan
Muhammad F Shehzad, Sania Muzaffar University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi Pakistan. Using a
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi computerized medical record system we retrieved total 437
records of patients with diagnosis of conversion disorder who
Objective: There is growing evidence that once started BDZs visited from January 1990 to December 2009 i.e. 20 years. Out
are taken for far longer than originally intended and that there of 437 records only 121 were available for review
use is associated with certain medical risks. The aim of our Results: There were 87 females and 34 males. Motor symptoms
study was to find out the prevalence of BDZ use in patients were seen in 34.7%, followed by pseudo seizures in 24.8% and
admitted under care of an internal medicine service in Pakistan unresponsiveness in 14% of the patients. Interestingly 40% did
and to explore any associated socio-demographic variables. not report any stressor during hospital stay, whereas relationship
Method: All subjects admitted to the internal medical service problems were reported by 17% and family related problems in
of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, over a period of 14%. Before admission to hospital 20% had received Anti
three months were interviewed with respect to their BDZ use depressant, 09% Benzodiazepine, 7% Anti epileptic and 6%
and socio-demographic, medical, and psychiatric history Antipsychotics, whereas 48 % were on no treatment. On discharge
Results: Of the 284 patients who participated in the study 36 28% (35) patients were prescribed Antidepressants, 8% (10)
(12.7 %) were taking a BDZ at the time of admission. In 87 % Benzodiazepines, 6% (07) Antipsychotics and 04 Anti epileptics.
of the cases the drug had been initially prescribed by a doctor, In rest 54% (65) no Pharmacotherapy was prescribed.
in 75 % of cases for the treatment of insomnia. About 78 % of Conclusion: Recent studies report significant prevalence in
the patients had been taking the drug for 4 weeks or longer, and developing countries. Child, adolescents and young adults are
68 % of these reported that it was their own decision to continue essential cohort to study as presentation in this age group is
the drug this long. The median Diazepam Equivalent Dose was common and different. Establishing diagnosis gives a challenge
5 mg per day. to physicians as prospectively around 30% of patients being
Conclusion: The present highlights the fact that quite a significant finally diagnosed as organic. The differences in presentation,
proportion of patients admitted to medical wards are taking a stressors and duration of illness in this study enunciated a call
BDZ for quite long durations, at the time of admission, which to explore these phenomena in prospective study design.
needs to be managed or replaced appropriately to prevent serious
withdrawal symptoms. The fact that it was patients who decided Keywords: conversion disorder, child and adolescents, dissociative
to continue the drug beyond the duration advised by the prescriber disorder
emphasizes the need for educating both doctors and patients
about the dependence potential of BDZs.

Keywords: Benzodiazepine use, Benzodiazepine in medicine,

Out Patient use of sedatives

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10.8 10.9
VIDEO-EEG: ITS ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LANDAU- KLEFFNER SYNDROME (LKS): A RARE
INTRACTABLE SEIZURES AND NON-EPILEPTIC SPELLS DISORDER BUT WORTH TO BE RECOGNIZED EARLY –
– A REVIEW AN UPDATED STUDY

Mustafa Khan, Mughees Ahmed Khan Sheerani, Bhojo Asumal Mustafa Khan,Mughees Ahmed Khan Sheerani,Bhojo Asumal
Khealani Khealani
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: VEEG is cornerstone in the management and treatment Objective: Objective: To see incidence of landau Kleffner
of intractable seizures and pseudoseizures. ‘Epilepsy Monitoring syndrome in patients presented at tertiary care hospital who
Units’ helps to characterize seizure type, identify and localize were misdiagnosed as focal epilepsy
seizure foci. This helps in evaluation for the Epilepsy Surgery Method: Methodology: All patients who referred to CNP lab
and distinguishes ‘epileptic’ from ‘non-epileptic’ seizures. Aga between the age 3-9 years for BAEP as a part of evaluation of
Khan University Hospital is providing the VEEG monitoring aphasia were interviewed and those who had history of seizures
facility for the last 18 months. Objective: The purpose of this in addition to the primary symptom underwent a complementary
study is to identify the role of Video-EEG (VEEG) monitoring EEG in addition to BAEP. Similarly all the patients who were
in the diagnosis and management of intractable ‘epileptic’ or referred to CNP lab for EEG as a part of evaluation of seizures
‘non-epileptic’ events. were interviewed and those who had history of aphasia in addition
Method: This is a prospective cross sectional study of 60 to the seizures under went complementary BAEP in addition to
consecutive patients referred to clinical Neurophysiology lab EEG. The patient who had normal BAEP and abnormal EEG
during the year 2009-20010. The indications were recognition from both the groups were then followed up. They were seen
of pseudoseizures, localization of seizure focus for surgery and by pediatric neurologists and had MRI brain to exclude structural
identifying the seizure type. The VEEGs were reviewed by lesions.
trained neurologist with experience in VEEG monitoring. Results: Results: A total 80 ( 62 male, 18 female) patients were
Results: Fifty nine percent patients were females. Mean age of selected. 58 ( 44 male, 14 female) out of 80 were initially came
patients was 18.5 (range1-60) years. Mean duration between for BAEP and 22( 18 male, 4 female) were initially came for
the diagnosis and VEEG was 9 (ranges 1-38) years. Two common EEG test. 8( all male) patients out of 58 were diagnosed as LKS
indications of VEEG were to ‘rule out’ psuedoseizures (46%) where as 4 ( 3 male, 1 female) out of 22 patients were diagnosed
and to localize epileptic focus for epilepsy surgery (36%). as LKS. EEG showed focal temporal epileptiform activity with
Clinically, 32% patient had generalized and 68% had partial Normal BERA. MRI of all diagnosed patients was Normal.
seizures. 65% had daily seizures. 56% patients were taken Conclusion: Conclusion: LKS is a rare disorder but it is important
multiple antiepileptics with poor seizure control. The mean to recognize as commonly used antiepileptic medications worsen
duration of VEEG recording time was 24 (range 10 - 48) hours. the seizures associated with this syndrome and its prognosis if
During VEEG recording, 1-6 clinical epileptic events were noted also different from other seizure disorders including temporal
in 82% cases, among those, 41% cases revealed abnormal lobe epilepsy Vigilant observation towards CNP procedures,
epileptic EEG activity during those events, while 59% patients history and neurological examination will help physician in
showed normal EEG recording. In 7 (41%) patients who were diagnosing syndromes like landau Kleffner, which are there but
referred with indication of pseudo seizures, 4 were epileptic as rarely picked up in Pakistani population.
well as psychiatric, and the final diagnosis of psuedoseizure was
confirmed in all of these cases, in next 41% (n = 7) who were Keywords: EEG, Syndrome, Seizure
referred for seizure focus for surgery, 5 (71%) of them were
diagnosed with focal onset seizure with temporal focality while
2 of them were finally diagnosed as primary generalized seizure. 10.10
The remaining 3 patients were referred for the diagnosis of type TRANSCRANIAL DOPPLER(TCD) TECHNIQUES AND
of seizure, 1 patient was diagnosed as generalized seizure while NORMATIVE DATA FOR PAKISTANI POPULATION: A
remaining 2 was reported as normal. REVIEW STUDY.
Conclusion: Video-EEG not only helps in the diagnosis of
epileptic seizures but also facilitates to rule out non-epileptic Mustafa Khan, Mughees Ahmed Khan Sheerani, Bhojo Asumal
spells. Our study, like previous western data, suggests that higher Khealani
number of these patients had ‘partial seizures’. These can Department of Neurophysiology and Medicine, Aga Khan
potentially become Epilepsy Surgery candidates, to manage and University, Karachi
treat their intractable seizures. As this is a new technology in
Pakistan, further larger trails will be necessary to evaluate the Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a noninvasive
importance and cost effectiveness of VEEG in this population. ultrasonic technique that measures local blood flow velocity
and direction in the proximal portions of large intracranial arteries
Keywords: EEG, Video EEG, Seizure and show even very small flow volumes (1 x 1 mm). Low
frequency (2-2.5 MHz) and very focused transducers are used
in transcranial color Doppler. It requires the use of some acoustic
windows like some thin portions of the skull bone or some
natural skull foramina.TCD is operator dependent and

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requires training and experience to perform and interpret results. ensuring their different specialties and varying levels of expertise.
TCD is performed by technologists, sonographers, and physicians Results: The results highlighted that physicians were aware of
and is interpreted by neurologists and other specialists. the risk factors with 250 and 244 recognizing advancing age
Objective: To collect the normative data for local population for and inheritance as the major ones. Poor understanding of all the
Transcranial Doppler technique and to describe the normal flow major symptoms was revealed except memory loss with merely
velocities of major arteries at the base of the brain for 4% of the respondents not opting for it. Conditions like paranoia,
Pakistani population; A hospital based review study. perceptual motor problems and recurrent infections are major
Method: The temporal, the orbital and the sub occipital are the observable traits of the sufferers but were unfamiliar to most
main acoustic windows used for transcranial color Doppler participants with 82%, 78% and 91% of them not realizing these,
studies. Equipment used was DWL – EZ – DOP 202. We use respectively. Alzheimer’s as an incurable disease was rightly
phased-array transducers (2MHz & 4MHz). We select 25 normal recognized by 77% but when asked if in rare cases recovery is
subjects of different age groups (18 – 60 years), Mean age was possible more than half (58%) responded positively. Although
35 years. All subjects were gone through preliminary medical drugs can slow down the progression of the disease as testified
evaluation for fitness for job at the Aga Khan university Hospital, by an overwhelming number, neither preventive drugs have
Karachi. All subjects were screened for HTN, IHD or any other been discovered nor mental exercise has scientifically proven
history for stroke etc. Patients were in supine position during to delay the onset but was incorrectly identified by 47% and
testing. Temporal, ophthalmic and sub-occipital windows were 59% respectively, to be possible.
used. Data collected for MCA, ACA, ICA, Ophthalmic, Vertebral Conclusion: Albeit prevention or remedy to this disease has yet
and Basilar arteries for its peak systolic velocities, mean velocities, not been found, it is possible to ease certain symptoms or to
PI, and depths. prolong the loss of certain vital functions of brain. For this it is
Results: Normative value At AKU: Segment Mean Velocity necessary that an early diagnosis is made however delays may
Peak. Systolic Velocity End Diastolic Velocity PI Depth MCA occur due to inadequate knowledge of the characteristics of the
45 - 68 60 - 107 31 - 56 0.69 – 1.11 33 - 60 ACA 28 - 65 60 - disease among clinicians. There is a lot of ambiguity in the
101 25- 52 0.81 – 1.93 63 - 80 ICA 30 - 60 57 - 75 28 - 51 0.60 knowledge and practices regarding this disease which necessitates
– 1.20 62 - 75 Vertebral 29 - 57 38 - 70 25 - 45 0.63 – 1.22 50 that protocols are devised at institutional levels and use of
- 65 Basilar 26 - 68 43 - 70 24 - 54 0.59 – 1.32 70 - 95 OA 16 medical conferences and journals are incorporated to increase
- 30 57 - 90 15 - 25 1.28 – 3.12 41 - 55 the familiarity among the doctors.
Conclusion: The normative data for Pakistani population is very
much comparable with the international normative data. In Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Health professional,
general, TCD is most useful when the clinical question pertains Dementia
to certain segments of large intracranial vessels. However, in
some settings, TCD can detect indirect effects such as abnormal
waveform characteristics suggestive of proximal hemodynamic 10.13
or distal obstructive lesions. It is portable, non invasive and less VITAMIN D STATUS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN
expensive but very useful investigation. KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A RETROSPECTIVE CHART
REVIEW
Keywords: EEG, TCD, Normative data
Mukesh M. Bhimani, Murad M. Khan, Muhammad Faheem A.
Khan, Tayyab Arfeen, Rashid A. Masud Khan
10.12 Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
HEALTH PROFESSIONAL’S KNOWLEDGE ABOUT
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND THEIR PRACTICES IN Objective: To study the serum levels of vitamin D in a group of
COPING WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE DISEASE. Pakistani psychiatric patients. To the best of our knowledge this
is first such study and will form a baseline for future research
Syed Shayan Ali, Areeba Altaf Tunio, Faizan Imran Bawany, in this area.
Naveen Tariq , Syed Faizan Ali Method: It is an observational study, conducted at Department
Medical College,Aga Khan University, Karachi , Dow University of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, from January 2009
of Health Sciences to December 2009. We reviewed medical records of 184
psychiatric patients (both inpatient and outpatients), whose
Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mainly affecting people vitamin D levels were carried out. Vitamin D levels were divided
in their sixth or later decades of life, has been identified as an in three categories: deficiency (<20ng/ml), insufficiency (21-
incurable, degenerative and terminal disease. It constitutes 29ng/ml) and sufficiency (30ng/ml and above). Data collection
approximately 70% of all dementia cases and is the seventh form included socio-demographic details, psychiatric diagnosis
leading cause of death. Since advancing age and genetic and co-morbid medical diagnosis. Chi square was applied to see
susceptibility are the most significant risk factors for AD, the the association between categorical variables i.e. vitamin D
problem this disease poses in terms of its financial and human levels and depression and odds ratio was calculated to determine
cost cannot be underestimated. Our study is designed to identify the strength of association.
the knowledge gaps pertaining to the major aspects of the disease. Results: : Of the 184 patients, majority (n=163; 88.6%) had low
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was undertaken levels of vitamin D (either deficiency or insufficiency). Depression
at two public sector hospitals of Karachi - Jinnah and Civil. was found to be the most common diagnosis in patients
Three hundred conveniently available clinicians were recruited with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (n=91, 49.4%; OR

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=7.51, 95% CI 1.69 -33.33) as compared to other psychiatric life. Other than the Department of Psychiatry, Departments of
disorders. Emergency Medicine and Medicine can play a significant role
Conclusion: There appears to be an association of low vitamin in managing these patients in a tertiary care facility.
D levels and depression in our study group. The findings of this
study are especially relevant as there is adequate Keywords: Psychiatric, Emergency, Profile
sunlight throughout the year in Pakistan. There is need for
larger cross sectional and prospective studies in this area in
Pakistan. 10.15
UNEMPLOYMENT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON
Keywords: Vitamin D, Depression, Psychiatry MEN

Amyn Deedar Ali Hajani, Azmina Abdul Sultan Artani

10.14 Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi
PROFILE OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS PRESENTING TO
A TERTIARY CARE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF Objective: Recently, dynamics of economy has changed
KARACHI unexpectedly and recession is been experienced globally. Since
recession and unemployment are co-related factors, it is likely
Muhammad Shahid, Kiran Ejaz, Haider Naqvi, Romaina Iqbal, that it may exert impact on the general population. Considering
Mehjabeen Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Murad Moosa Khan the situation in Pakistan, according to CIA World Fact book,
Department of Emergency Medicine, Community Health Sciences the rate of unemployment of Pakistan rose above 13% in 2010.
and Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi In context of our society, men are believed to be a high risk
population suffering from the effects of unemployment than
Objective: Mental health diseases are causing a huge burden on women because in our social system, men are expected to
the Emergency Department(ED). Globally 10% of emergency perform their role as a bread earner so as to fulfill the needs of
services are utilized by agitated patients. In Nepal and India, the family. Therefore, an attempt was made to understand the
most common problems in the ED for psychiatric illnesses psychological impact of unemployment upon men in order to
include behavioural problems, altered consciousness and somatic explore this phenomenon.
complaints. Mostly consultations in ED are sought for mood or Method: A thorough review of literature was done in this regard.
anxiety disorders along with substance abuse. Many emergency Results: Unemployment affects men psychologically in a number
physicians do not have formal training of emergency medicine. of ways. On becoming unemployed, men experience change in
Therefore they are not formally trained in dealing with psychiatric their role and social position. In contrast to employed people,
patients. We studied the presentation and management of unemployed men have poor mental health. In all communities
psychiatric patients presenting to a tertiary care facility of across Pakistan, unemployed men are liable to suffer from
Karachi, Pakistan. anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, lack of confidence,
Method: In September 2011, we conducted a comparative cross- hostility and paranoia, lack of motivation, learned helplessness
sectional study at Department of Emergency Medicine. The and poor cognitive performance with time. In addition, losing
psychiatry patients admitting through the ED to the psychiatry a job may be interpreted by the individual as a sign of personal
ward were compared to those admitted elsewhere in the hospital. inadequacy which may lead to self-blame. These factors
Categorical variables inquiring patients’ demographics, eventually lead to increased rate of suicidal attempts and suicide.
presentation pattern, old illness and management details were Moreover, usage of substance abuse also heightens, which in
inquired. Presentation and management of psychiatric patients turn, serves as poor coping mechanism, promotes dependency
is shown in percentages and proportions. Chi-square was used and increases economic burden.
to assess relation between variables. Conclusion: To conclude, unemployment is a factor which alters
Results: From the year 2006 to 2010, 5954 patients were admitted the mental health of men. Since unemployment seems inevitable
for inpatient care. We reviewed 1128 patients. Median age was at this point in time, certain interventions should be planned to
40 (SD 31) years. Equal gender distribution was observed. reduce the psychological effects of unemployment in best possible
Presentations varied from sleep related problems (18%), way. It is suggested that studies may be conducted to evaluate
aggressiveness (17%) irrelevant talk (15%) and mood swings the age group of men who are most affected and the impact of
(12%) among others. Medicine service (40%) was the most unemployment over a sustained period of time.
involved along with ED as 52% patients had medicine related
comorbidities. Sixty percent of 670 patients were known Keywords: Unemployment, Men, Psychological impact
psychiatric cases being admitted in the psychiatric ward. (p=0.05).
Sixty nine percent of 39 new psychiatric diagnosis were admitted
in wards other than psychiatry (p=0.0001). Median length of
stay in hospital was 3(SD 5) days.
Conclusion: We conclude that most psychiatric patients presenting
had signs and symptoms which one generally disregard but these
are minor indicators which lead to major events in a patient’s

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10.17 were in the irrigation group and 22 in no irrigation group.

CLINICAL OUTCOME AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF Recurrence rate was 17.64% in the irrigation group and 9.09%
TRACHEOSTOMY IN SEVERE HEAD INJURY PATIENTS in the no irrigation group. Systemic complications were
predominantly cardiac in the no irrigation group as compared
Usman Tarqi Siddiqui, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Muhammad to respiratory complications in the irrigation group. Irrigation
Shahzad Shamim, Syed Ather Enam group had a mortality rate of 5.88% compared to 4.54% in no
Department of Surgey, Aga Khan University, Karachi irrigation.
Conclusion: There was no statistically significant
Objective: Early tracheostomy (ET) has been shown to be difference between the two groups in terms of recurrence or
effective in reducing complications associated with prolong mortality.
mechanical ventilation. The present study was carried out to
evaluate the role of ET; in reducing the duration of mechanical Keywords: Chronic subdural hematoma, irrigation, bur hole
ventilation, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ICU
related morbidities, and its overall effect on outcome, in patients
with severe traumatic brain injury. 10.19
Method: This seven year review included 100 ICU patients with PREVALENCE OF BODY-FOCUSED REPETITIVE
severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring mechanical BEHAVIORS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF
ventilation. Early tracheostomy (ET) was defined as tracheostomy KARACHI: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
within 7 days of TBI, and prolonged endotracheal intubation
(EI) as endotracheal intubation exceeding 7 days of TBI. Of 100 Effaza Siddiqui, Saad Naeem, Hider Naqvi , Bilal Ahmed
patients 49 underwent early tracheostomy and 51 remained on Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, Aga Khan University,
prolong EI for ventilation. All patients were comparable in term Karachi
of age and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). We evaluated
groups regarding clinical outcome in terms of ventilator associated Objective: Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) that
pneumonia (VAP), ICU stay and Glasgow Outcome Score include skin picking (dermatillomania), hair pulling
(GOS). (trichotillomania) and nail biting (onychophagia), lead to harmful
Results: The frequency of VAP was higher in EI group relative physical and psychological sequelae. The objective was to
to ET group (63% vs. 45%, p-value 0.09). ET group showed determine the prevalence and the factors associated with BFRBs
significantly less ventilator days (10 days vs. 13 days, p-value among students attending medical colleges of Karachi. It is
0.031), ICU stay (11 days vs. 13 days, p-value 0.030), hypothesized that students engaging in BFRBs experience
complication rate (14% vs. 18%) and mortality (8.2% vs.17.6%). significantly higher levels of anxiety than those without BFRBs.
Clinical outcome assessed on the basis of GOS was also better Thus, it is imperative to come up with frequency along with
in the ET group. Total inpatient cost was also considerably less factors to design strategies to decrease the burden and adverse
(USD $8027) in the ET group compared to the EI group (USD effects associated with BFRBs among medical students.
$9961). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210
Conclusion: In patients with severe TBI, early tracheostomy students attending Aga Khan University, Dow and Sindh Medical
decreases total days of ventilation and ICU stay, and is associated College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, in equal
with a decrease in the frequency of VAP. Early tracheostomy proportion. Data was collected using a validated tool, “Habit
should be considered in severe head injury patients requiring Questionnaire”. Diagnosis were made on the criteria that a
prolong ventilatory support. student must be involved in an activity = 5 times per day for =
4 weeks. Convenience sampling was done to recruit the paticipants
Keywords: severe traumatic brain injury, early tracheostomy, aged 18 years and above aftr getting written informed consent.
prolonged endotracheal intubation Results: The overall prevalence of BFRBs was found to be 46
(22%), with females 29 (63%) and males 17 (37%). Among
these students, 19 (9.0%) were engaged in dermatillomania, 28
10.18 (13.3%) in trichotillomania and 13 (6.2%) in onychophaia. Stress
COMPARISON OF IRRIGATION VS NO IRRIGATION during examinations was one of the major factors found to be
DURING BUR HOLE EVACUATION OF CHRONIC SUB associated with BFRBs.
DURAL HEMATOMA. Conclusion: High proportions of BFRBs are reported among
medical students of Karachi with stress as a major contributing
Muzna Iftikhar, Usman Tariq Siddiqui, Mohammad Yaseen Rauf, factor. Key health messages and interventions to reduce stress
Ali Osama Malik, Gohar Javed and anxiety among students may help in curtailing the
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi burden of this disease which has serious adverse
consequences.
Objective: To compare the results of irrigation versus no irrigation
use during bur hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma Keywords: Medical students, behaviors
Method: This study was a retrospective chart review of those
patients who underwent bur hole evacuation of chronic sub dural
hematoma during a period of five years. Cases were divided
into two groups based upon the use of irrigation during surgery.
Results: The total sample size was 56, out of which 34 patients

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10.20 of homelessness on children and correlate it with contemporary

ECONOMIC BURDEN OF MENTAL HEALTH IN PAKISTAN literature.
DURING 2005-06 Method: Systemic review of literature from 10 research articles
from 1997-2010 was conducted through electronic medium by
Muhammad Ashar Malik, Murad Moosa Khan, Mohammad using Pediatrics, pubmed, and google search engines.
Zaman Results: The literature evidently highlights in many places that
Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, homelessness brings about greater stress and stress in itself is
Aga Khan University, Karachi one of the important risk factor preceding mental illnesses.
(Weinreb, Goldberg, Bassuk, & Perloff, 1998) also heighlights
Objective: Mental illnesses in Pakistan are on the rise. Decade that “physical punishment and inconsistent discipline, may
long terrorism, suicide bombings, natural catastrophes, political contribute to aggressive and antisocial behaviours in children”
uncertainty rising prices and economic downturn are some of and low income families are more prone towards greater physical
the key factors contributing to increasing burden of mental punishments, hence contributing to adverse behaviours. The
illnesses in the country. This study emphasizes the importance homeless kids not only have to face the adversity of being poor
of economic consequences of mental illness. It provides an but also of lacking residential instability
estimate on cost on mental health in Pakistan. Conclusion: More institutions should work for the betterment
Method: Aga Khan University hospital, Psychiatry department of the homeless children and UNO’s all applicable child rights’
data set on inpatients (N=727) and outpatients (N=1458) for the principles should be practiced. Moreover, teaching programs
year 2005-06 is classified into ICD-10. Costs are estimated should also be done with the homeless children since Freud very
drawing a stratified random sample for both inpatients and vividly highlighted the importance of the early childhood. More
outpatients. Direct costs include consultation fee, diagnostics, research and field work is required to decrease the pressure of
bed charges, laboratory charges and medication. Indirect costs homelessness among kids in order to provide them with a better
comprises travel expenses, caregiver time and productivity environment to grow in.
losses.
Results: Initial findings identify Schizophrenia (N=227) and Keywords: Homelessness, children, mental adversities
mood/depressive disorders (N=415) as major contributors to the
burden of mental health in inpatient and outpatient care (82%
and 75% respectively). Mean cost for all categories in inpatient 10.22
care is Pak Rupees: 21701 per treatment episode in a year. ARE OUR CLINICIANS EQUIPPED WITH SUFFICIENT
Anorexia is the most costly (Mean=Rs.71687) while dementia KNOWLEDGE TO DIAGNOSE AND MANAGE VASCULAR,
and other organic disorders are relatively less expensive to treat PARKINSON’S AND HUNTINGTON’S DEMENTIA - AN
(Mean=Pak Rs.1183). These estimates are significantly higher INTERVIEW BASED SURVEY.
than the estimated per capita out-of-pocket health expenditure
in 2004-05(Pak.Rs.597). Syed Shayan Ali, Naveen Tariq , Areeba Altaf Tunio,
Conclusion: Initial findings show that once the complete costs Faizan Imran Bawany, Syed Faizan Ali
envelop is extrapolated to the whole population, the economic Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi ,
burden of mental health will be alarmingly high. Majority of Dow University of Health Sciences
the population, especially transitory and chronic poor cannot
afford the cost of treatment of their mental illness. As such Objective: Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most common
further research is required to identify cost effective strategies cause of cognitive impairment and with dementia due to Parkinson
to treat mental illness in either in community setting and or (PD) and Huntington (HD) is responsible for a significant 60-
tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan. 65% of the cases. Recognizing the relevant risk factors and
managing them timely is imperative in the prevention of vascular
Keywords: Mental health, cost of illness, health economics and dementia. Early initiation and apposite treatment in the cases of
policy Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease can prevent the progression
of the disease and the deterioration of the cognitive functions.
The objective of this survey was to assess the knowledge of the
10.21 health professionals concerning these diseases.
HOMELESSNESS LEADING TO ADVERSE BEHAVIOR Method: With the help of a questionnaire devised by the
AND MENTAL ILLNESSESS AMONG HOMELESS researchers 300 clinicians were interviewed at the three
CHILDREN major tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants
at the centers were selected through convenience sampling.
Sadaf Nooruddin Huda, Anaiz Khowaja Results: Survey showed that 65% of the respondents correctly
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi identified vascular dementia to be more common in males. While
majority recognized that small multiple infarcts can lead to the
Objective: Introduction: It is mentioned in many places in the disease yet 41% thought transient ischemic attacks and 18%
literature that “adverse behavioral outcomes were more common thought that single large stroke can cause the disease as well.
in homeless children compared with housed” (Bassul, Weinreb, Thirteen percent incorrectly associated neurofibrillary tangles
Dawson, Perloff, & Buckner, 1997). According to the nation with vascular dementia. Focal neurological symptoms affecting
newspaper’s statistics dated may 5th 2009 states that around 1.2 motor system, continence and gait are more common in VD
million children are homeless throughout Pakistan and 30,000 which was opted by 60%, 27% and 35% of the interviewees.
homeless children are in Karachi. Purpose: To Explore the effect Seventeen percent of the clinicians failed to realize that for VD,

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treatment is more preventive than curative and anti-platelet drugs 10.24

(21%) can help. Dementia can result later in Parkinson or IMIPRAMINE LIKE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS FRACTION
Huntington which was correctly identified by majority of the OF NIGELLA SATIVA
respondents. Thirty seven percent said that dementia is more
common in early onset PD while 13% opted for normal onset Shagufta Khan, Atta-ur-Rahman, Ahsana Dar
and 49% late onset. For both PD and HD majority of the clinicians Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
responded that around 15-30% of the sufferers have cognitive University, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International
impairment during the course of the disease. Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Dr Panjwani
Conclusion: Results depicted lack of knowledge in certain Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University
important aspects pertaining to these diseases. With the help of of Karachi, Karachi
better course structure during medical training and CMEs on
mental health, morbidity and mortality associated with these Objective: Mental health has been a subject of men’s primary
disorders can be lessened. concern since ancient time. Depression is most popular among
the mental disorders and is one of the leading causes of disability
Keywords: Vascular dementia, parkinson, huntington and morbidity around the world. Nigella sativa has been used
in folk medicine for various illnesses including nervous disorders.
Our previous studies reported antidepressant properties of Nigella
10.23 sativa methanol extract.
NEUROPROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF STAR ANISE Method: In the present study aqueous fraction of Nigella sativa
extract was evaluated for its antidepressant properties using
Rabia Jamy, Shaheen Faizi, Ahsana Dar, Shagufta Khan animal models of depression; forced-swim, tail suspension,
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan yohimbine potentiation tests, in-vitro, in-vivo and monoamine
University, Karachi oxidase assays. Phenelzine, imipramine and fluoxetine were
used as reference drugs.
Objective: Rabia Jamy1, Shaheen Faizi2, Ahsana Dar2, Shagufta Results: Our results showed that aqueous fraction of Nigella
Khan1 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, sativa (10-400 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent reduction in the
Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan 2HEJ immobility time of rodents using forced-swim test (EC50 = 86
Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical 6.2 mg/kg rats) and tail suspension test (EC50 = 25 3.1 mg/kg
and Biological Sciences, Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular mice) indicating antidepressant property of aqueous fraction of
Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi, Pakistan Nigella sativa. Our data also showed that the pretreatment of
Reactive oxygen species, in particular free radicals such as animals with extract exhibited marked reduction in the immobility
hydroxyl have been recognized to be involved in several time which does not correlate with the spontaneous activity
pathological conditions. Increased neuronal cell death in recorded by locomotor test e.g. at the dose of 30 mg/kg 27%
neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s decrease was found in the locomotor counts of mice, thus further
diseases has been suggested to result from an increased confirming the present findings.
mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species. The chain Conclusion: In conclusion, the aqueous fraction of Nigella sativa
reaction of damage in the human body including neurons caused extract possesses better antidepressant activity (similar to tricyclic
by free radicals can be defended and/or interrupted by antioxidants antidepressants) as compared to its methanol extract. However,
therapy. Illicium verum (star anise) belongs to family Illiaceae further studies are required to investigate the active principle
and has been used in folk medicine for various ailments including responsible for the antidepressant property using bioassay directed
nervous disorders. fractionation method.
Method: In this study Illicium verum fruit extract was evaluated
for its neuroprotective properties using hydroxyl radical Keywords: Depression, Neurotransmitters, Reuptake inhibition
scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, superoxide anion
scavenging, lipid peroxidation and DNA degradation assays.
Vitamin E and C were used as standard drugs in this study. 10.25
Results: Data obtained from the present study showed that the INVESTIGATION OF EFFECTIVE ANALGESIC(S) VIA
Illicium verum extract possesses significant antioxidant activity STRUCTURE ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIP
in a dose dependent manner. In case of hydroxyl radical
scavenging assay it showed dose depended (6-200 µg/ml) effect, Shagufta Khan, Khalid Mohammed Khan, Ahsana Dar
reaching to maxim 90% antioxidant activity at 200 µg/ml dose. Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
Data obtained from different assays such as lipid peroxidation University, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International
(EC50=550 µg/ml) and DNA degradation assay (EC50=1.1 Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Dr Panjwani
mg/ml) was in support to our findings. Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University
Conclusion: Our experimental evidence suggests that the Illicium of Karachi, Karachi
verum possesses neuroprotective properties in rodents. However,
further studies are required to identify its active compound(s) Objective: Neuropathic pain is associated with a number of
via bioassay guided-fractionation method. pathological conditions such as neuro-inflammation. Nowadays
a number of analgesics are available in the market but due to
Keywords: Brain, reactive oxygen species, antioxidants their side effects new analgesics are needed. A diversity of

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biological effects is with 1,3,4-oxadiazine and its derivatives 10.27

and promising therapeutic potential this class of compounds TEMPORAL TRENDS IN RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOME
prompted us to synthesize the electron-rich-N-containing OF INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE OVER 18 YEARS
heterocycles, the variably 2-substituted 5,6-dihydro-5-oxo- 4H- AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI,
1,3,4-oxadiazine-4-propanenitriles and their intermediates and PAKISTAN
to evaluate their analgesic potential.
Method: Present study was undertaken to investigate better Mohammad Wasay, Ismail A. Khatri, Bhojo Khealani,
centrally acting analgesic(s) through structure activity relationship Mohammad Afaq
of various variants of 4H-1,3,4-oxidiazine-5(6H)-ones using Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Shifa
animal models of nociception; formalin, acetic acid induced College of Medicine & Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad
writhing, tail flick and paw edema tests. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and Department of Statistics, University of Karachi, Karachi
morphine and tramadol were used as reference drugs.
Results: Our results indicated that the intermediate hydrazide Objective: Purpose of this study was to analyze baseline
compound 11 showed dose dependent (10-400 mg/kg) inhibition characteristics and outcome of ICH patients at our center over
of licking time in the 1st phase of formalin induced nociception last 18 years.
similar to that caused by morphine. Results obtained from acetic Method: Patients with Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (first
acid induced writhing and tail flick tests were in support to those time) were identified from medical records using ICD-9 codes
obtained with formalin test. from 1988-2005. Patients were divided into two groups (having
Conclusion: Present findings suggest that the compound 11 a span of nine years each) based on year of admission; old group
exhibited most potent centrally acting analgesic activity among (admitted during 1988- 1996) and newer group (admitted during
all the test compounds. Whereas, compound 4 was found to be 1997-2005).
more effective peripherally acting analgesic similar to ibuprofen. Results: Out of 920 patients, number of admissions with ICH
increased from less than 40 per year (average) during 1988-
Keywords: Central nervous system, Nociception, Analgesics 1996 to more than 60 per year (average) during 1997-2005. The
findings indicate that male preponderance decreased from 72%
to 55% in the newer group as compared to older group while
10.26 female ICH admissions increased from 28% to 45%. Mean age
FREQUENCY OF ADMISSION HYPERGLYCEMIA IN of ICH onset for both men and women decreased about 5 years
ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENT PRESENTING TO but this difference was not statistically significant. Frequency
AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, KARACHI of diabetes (14% versus 30%), dyslipidemia (3% versus 18%)
and use of anti hypertensive medications (29% versus 69%) was
Liaquat Ali, Mohammad Wasay higher in newer group while frequency of lobar hemorrhage
Department of Medicine,Aga Khan Univeristy, Karachi was found to be reduced (40% versus 20%) in newer group.
Lower mortality (22% in the newer group versus 32% in the
Objective: Introduction: Admission Hyperglycemia in Acute older group) was noted. A decreased length of hospital stay than
Ischemic Stroke is common and modifiable risk factor, which the older group was recorded but this difference was not found
is associated with high risk of mortality and of poor functional to be statistically significant.
recovery as compared with normal glucose levels. Objective: Conclusion: Mean age of ICH onset for both men and women
To determine the Frequency of Admission Hyperglycemia in has decreased about five years in newer group. Men and women
Acute Ischemic Stroke. were equally affected in recent years as compared to male
Method: Data was prospectively collected from patients or predominance in older group.
patients’ family members after taking a verbal consent. Data
was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Keywords: Intracerebral hemorrhage , dyslipidemia, diabetes
Results: Total number of 129 patients with diagnosed cases of
ischemic stroke was enrolled in this study. Out of which 81
(62.8%) and 48 (37.2%) were male and female respectively. 10.28
The admission hyperglycemia was found in 35 (27.1%) patient PREDICTORS OF CEREBRAL VENOUS THROMBOSIS
in ischemic acute stroke and 33 (53.22%) patients with admission AND ARTERIAL ISCHEMIC STROKE IN YOUNG ASIAN
hyperglycemia in known diabetic patients with acute ischemic WOMEN
stroke.
Conclusion: The present study shows that the frequency of Mohammad Wasay, , Mohammad Saadatnia, Narayanaswamy
admission hyperglycemia in acute ischemic stroke is high in our Venketasubramanian, Subhash Kaul, , Bindu Menon, Padma
population especially in diabetic patients as comparable with Gunaratne, Shahzad Ahmed,, 1Safia Awan, MM Mehndiratta,
international data, so aggressive short-term and long-term Kauser Mehmood,
glycemic control would improve acute ischemic stroke outcome Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi , Isfahan
and reduced complications. University of Medical Science, National University of Singapore,
Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India , The
Keywords: Hyperglycemia, acute ischemic stroke. National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka , GB Pant
Hospital, New Delhi, India and Jinnah Post Graduate Medical
Center, Karachi

Objective: The management and outcome of cerebral venous

thrombosis (CVT) may be different from arterial ischemic stroke

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(AIS). Clinically differentiating the two diseases on clinical randomized by a computer program into control arm
grounds may be difficult. The main objective of this study was (antidepressant only) and treatment arm (antidepressants and
to identify predictors differentiating CVT from AIS in a large Injectable vitamin B12 supplementation). A decline in HAM-
cohort of young Asian women, based on risk factors and D score of 20% or more from baseline indicating an improvement
investigations in Depression was defined as a primary outcome.
Method: Twelve centers in eight Asian countries participated. Results: A total of 199 depressed patients were screened for
Women aged 15-45 years were included if they had a diagnosis B12 levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 44(22%)
of first ever symptomatic AIS or CVT confirmed by brain CT patients. Out of 73 patients with low normal B12 levels 34 (47
scan or MRI/MR Venogram. Patients with head trauma, cerebral %) were randomized in the treatment group while 39 (53 %)
contusions, intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid or subdural were randomized to control arm. Both groups were matched at
hemorrhage were excluded. Data was collected by retrospective the baseline except higher depression scores in the treatment
and then prospective chart review between January 2001 and group, three months follow up treatment group showed 48%
July 2008 on demographics, risk factors, neuroimaging, blood reduction in HAM-D scores as compared to baseline while
and cardiac investigations. Outcome was based on the Modified control group showed 26% reduction in HAM-D scores as
Rankin Scale (mRS) at admission, discharge and latest follow compared to the baseline. This difference was statistically
-up. The study was approved by respective ethics committees. significant (<0.001).
Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Conclusion: B12 deficiency and low normal B12 levels are
Social Science SPSSv16.0. common and may be associated with depression and a poor
Results: There were 958 patients (204 CVT and 754 AIS) that response to the antidepressant treatment in patients with
were included in the study. Age less than 36 years, anemia, depression. Vitamin B12 supplementation with antidepressants
pregnancy or post-partum state and presence of hemorrhagic has significantly improved depressive symptoms in our cohort.
infarcts on CT or MRI were significant predictors of CVT on
univariate analysis. Age more than 36 years, presence of diabetes, Keywords: depression, vitamin B12, antidepressants
hypertension, dyslipidemia, recent myocardial infarction, EKG
abnormalities and blood sugar more than 150 mg/dL were strong
predictors of AIS. On multivariate analysis, post-partum state 10.30
and hemorrhagic infarcts were strongest predictors of CVT IMPACT OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON WOMEN’S
(p<0.001). Mortality was comparable between the groups. MENTAL HEALTH
Prognosis of CVT was significantly better than AIS (mRS 0-2
74% vs 46%, p<0.001) . There was no difference in outcome Naureen Kamran
between patients with obstetric and non-obstetric CVT. School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: Predictors of CVT among young Asian women are
different from those for AIS. These findings could be useful in Introduction: All over the world, marriage is considered as an
early identification and diagnosis of patients with CVT. instant of celebration and a landmark. In other words, marriage
is a variance and a great effort in life. Getting married earlier
Keywords: CVT, women, AIS than the age of eighteen would be an enormous struggle for the
girl. During this type of wedding, girls face tremendous jeopardy
including the lack of education, emotional difficulty, and poor
10.29 social skills. As a result, mental and emotional stress in young
VITAMIN B12 SUPPLEMENTATION IN TREATING MAJOR brides are high because they are not old enough to cope with
DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: A RANDOMIZED maternal, marital or in-laws issues. Objectives: 1. To recognize
CONTROLLED TRIAL the circumstances which enforce women to get early marriages.
2. To identify the strategies to reduce incidences of early marriages
Ehsan Ullah Syed, Mohammad Wasay, Safia Awan, Mohammad to prevent from mental illness.
Naeem Siddiqi Method: Systematic review of the literature from 05 research
Department of Psychiatry, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical articles gathered through print and electronic media device
Center Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, published between the years 2002 to 2011.
Aga Khan University, Karachi Result: The emotional and social effects of early marriages are
wide-ranging. A girl's social status is extremely low as compared
Objective: Recent literature has identified links between vitamin to a male's social rank because girls never looked upon as
B12 deficiency and depression. High B12 levels in serum are something great. Girls always had to work harder and received
associated with good treatment response. This study has aimed less food than the males, the extended family system, role of
to compare the clinical response of SSRI-monotherapy with that in-laws in daily lives of women, represents major issues and
of the B12-augmentation in a sample of depressed patients with stressors for married females.
low normal B12 levels who responded inadequately to the first Conclusion/Recommendations: Several researches strongly
trial with the SSRIs. emphasis on the role of government and society to advance
Method: Patients were enrolled at Aga Khan University Hospital, knowledge or awareness related to early marriages leading
Karachi Pakistan during 2009- 2010. Depression was defined mental health problem. Despite the fact that the respective
as Patients scoring = 16 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale governments and societies are doing much to eliminate early or
for Depression-Urdu version (HAM-D). Low normal B12 level child marriage through campaigns, laws, policies and individual
was defined as B12 level ranging between 191pg and 300 pg/ml. support of people, it is still a distant-reaching dream for young
Patients with depression and low normal B12 levels were girls who are still repeatedly forced into such liaisons.

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10.31 other genes, neural differentiation is controlled by a group of

DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN RNA binding proteins known as neural ELAV proteins. The
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL POST GRADUATE TRAINEES mammalian family of ELAV (Hu) proteins are widely expressed
AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL: A CROSS SECTIONAL in both early post mitotic and mature neurons, with the exception
SURVEY FROM A DEVELOPING COUNTRY of the ubiquitously expressed HuA (HuR) protein (Akamatsu et
al., 2005).ELAV protein function to induce neuronal
Aisha Yousuf, Sidra Ishaque, Waris Qidwai differentiation by stabilizing labile mRNAs carrying AU rich
Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi instability elements present in putative genes such as p21, p27
and N-Myc (Akamatsu et al., 1999). Bioinformatic analysis
Objective: Depression is widespread globally affecting around carried out in the hosting laboratory showed upregulation of the
151.2 million of the population. It is among the third most neuronal ELAV (nELAV) proteins such as HuB, HuC and HuD
common cause of disability and is anticipated to form the top in 18 neuroblastoma cell lines. Despite the expression of ELAV
most cause worldwide by 2030. Objectives: To determine the proteins and their vital role in cell differentiation, the cells
frequency of depression among post graduate medical trainees displayed aberrant neuronal phenotype in neuroblastoma meant
in a teaching hospital of Pakistan and to explore the associated that the process of differentiation might be arrested at some
factors contributing to depression in them. downstream level. The expression of genes is equally influenced
Method: It\'s a cross-sectional study at the Aga Khan University by post translational modifications that confer functional diversity
Hospital, Karachi. It was done in June 2008 till August 2008. to protein. Arginine methylation has emerged as an instrumental
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was administered among regulator of protein function, manipulating a multitude of cellular
172 post graduate trainees. Self administered questionnaires processes such as RNA processing, transcriptional regulation,
were used to assess the associated demographic and work related signal transduction and DNA repair (Bedford, 2005). Arginine
risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic methylation is mediated by a group of enzymes known as the
regression. human protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). CARM1
Results: The survey response rate was 172(82.69%). Depression (coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase1) is one of
in the overall sample was 103(59.88%), of which 58(33.66%) the family member of PRMT. The biological activity of ELAV
were moderate to markedly depressed. Multiple logistic regression proteins, such as HuD and HuR is regulated by CARM1.
analysis revealed that working hours less than 76 hours (OR Furjiwara et al. (2006) demonstrated that methylation of HuD
3.71; CI=1.67, 8.23) and 76-90 hours (OR 3.15; CI= 1.42, 6.97) induced by CARM1 prevents their binding to mRNA coding
and none or occasional peer support (OR 2.05; CI=1.01, 4.18) for p21. As p21 is responsible for cell cycle arrest, a reduction
were independent predictors for depression among the post in its half life drives the cell cycle into autonomous proliferation;
graduate trainees. preventing cells to undergo differentiation .This could substantiate
Conclusion: More than half of our sample population was the hypothesis that ELAV induced differentiation of neuronal
depressed. Therefore, they should be encouraged to recognize cells is restrained by CARM1 mediated methylation of the same
and seek treatment. This study also indicates that less working proteins. The experiments carried out to verify this hypothesis
hours and lack of peer support cause depression. concluded that nELAV proteins follow closely in their level of
expression of CARM1 in all the neuroblastoma cell lines.
Keywords: Depression, Postgraduate trainee, Risk factors Neuroblastoma cell lines have been employed as in vitro models
for the purpose of differentiation studies using various agents
such as cis-retinoic acid (cRA), ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid)
10.32 and growth factors. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line
ROLE OF THE RNA BINDING PROTEINS ELAV IN THE which is a subclone of SK-N-SH cell line exhibited morphological
PATHOGENESIS OF NEUROBLASTOMA and biochemical differentiation upon exposure to phorbol esters.
Retnoids such as 13-cis retinoic acid (13-CRA) and 4-HPR(
Faraz Khurshid, Alessandro Quattrone, Sara Leo hydroxyphenyl) retinamide have the potential to bring about the
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan differentiation in neuroblastoma cell lines at very low doses
University, Karachi, Centre for Integrative Biology, University (Das et al., 2009). The sensitivity of neuroblastoma cell lines
of Trento, Italy to different retinoid can provide a promising rationale to improve
the prognosis in patient with neuroblastoma.
Objective: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a frequently observed Method: a) Establishing antibody specificity against ELAV
childhood tumor derived from neuroectodermal cells and (western blotting) b) Validation of microarray Data (Western
characterized by high grade of cell undifferentiation. The primitive blotting and RT-QPCR) c) Immunoprecipiation of methylated
embryonic cellular features of neuroblastoma results from proteins in CHP134 cell line d) Neuroblastoma cell lines
impaired ability of neuroblast cells to respond to transcriptional differentiation study (western blotting and immunocytochemistry)
control signals that function to induce differentiation (Grynfeld Results: The first group of experiments comprised of establishing
et al.,2000). Though transcription being the primary level of antibody specificity against different nELAV. However these
regulation, post transcriptional processing has an influential role experiments failed to establish the specificity of antibodies
to shape out the qualitative and quantitative aspects of protein. against ELAV protein. This may be considered due to fact that
It has been speculated that post transcriptional modifications there exists greater than 80% homology among the family
are pivotal for inducing changes in the level of proteins involved members of ELAV proteins. Therefore Hu PAN Antibody was
in cell differentiation as well as in the stabilizing the differentiated used for succeeding experiments as it has the potential to
phenotype in cells such as neurons (Pascale et al., 2005). Among recognize all the 3 neuronal ELAV proteins isoforms. The

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immunoblot performed on the 18 NB cell lines exhibited in neuroblastoma cell lines using retinoids. The neurite outgrowth
POSITIVE signal close to the predicted size of ELAV proteins and expression of differentiation markers was evaluated by
between 37-42 KDa reflecting the fact that all the tumor lines immunocytochemistry and western blotting. The study helped
expressed neuronal specific ELAV proteins. Eventually to verify to establish the dynamic role of a post translational modification
the expression of CARM1 protein in NB cell lines, affecting the function of nELAV proteins culminating in aberration
immunoblotting with polyclonal antibody to CARM1 (Imgenex) of cell growth and differentiation.
was carried out after stripping of PVDF membrane. It is observed
that there exist a correlation between the expression of ELAV Keywords: neuroblastoma , RNA binding protein , neural ELAV
proteins and CARM1, as concomitant expression of both the proteins
protein were observed all the cell lines. This could justify that
the paucity of the cell differentiation despite over expression of
ELAV protein might have resulted from CARM1 mediated 10.33
inactivation of ELAV protein consistent with the findings of ASSOCIATION OF MODFIABLE RISK FACTORS WITH
Fujiwara and fellows. Western blot was also employed to ISCHEMIC STROKE AMONG HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS:
semiquantify the expression of neuronal differentiation markers CASE CONTROL STUDY AT TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN
in control and cis-RA acid treated CHP134 cells after 96, 120 KARACHI
and 144 hours of exposure and 24h samples of control and 4-
HPR (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide) treated CHP134 cells. Dileep Kumar, Rukhsna W Zuberi
Bands were appreciated in all the lanes consistent with the size Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University , Karachi
of MAP2 which is 280 KDa. The high intensity bands in 120
and 144h cis-RA acid and 24h of 4-HPR (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) Objective: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the
retinamide) treated cells in contrast to their corresponding control second leading cause of death worldwide. In patients with
samples signified that considerable dendritic differentiation hypertension, the risk of stroke can be reduced by controlling
might have taken place during this period. The densitometric the modifiable risk factors through primary prevention strategies.
analysis showed an upward trend of MAP2 in cis-RA treated To determine the association of modifiable risk factors (smoking,
CHP134 cells from 96 to 144 hours. A similar pattern was obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, dyslipidemia, diabetes
appreciated in 24h, 4-HPR (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide) mellitus) with Ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients.
treated cells. This signified that CHP134 cell responded to Method: 144 cases and 144 controls were enrolled through non-
retinoid treatment by showing remarkable expression of MAP2 probability purposive sampling. After written informed consent,
which can be considered as a reliable marker of differentiation. all hypertensive patients’ =35 years with first ever ischemic
The other marker that was used to monitor the level of stroke and without stroke were enrolled and Proforma was filled.
differentiation in CHP134 cells was Nestin. Nestin is an Mean and standard deviation was calculated for continuous
intermediate filament that expressed in the neuronal progenitor variables and percentages for categorical variables. Univariate
cells during development of nervous system Semiquantitave analysis was used to determine the association of modifiable
analysis of nestin signals in 120 and 144 hours lysate of cis-RA risk factors with ischemic stroke and multivariate model was
treated CHP134 lysate showed low intensity signals as compared created for controlling the effects of confounding.
to their respective controls. Similarly, the 24h 4-HPR (N-(4- Results: Mean age was 61.2 years ± 12.9 SD. The odds of
hydroxyphenyl) retinamide) treated CHP134 sample demonstrated physically inactive among ischemic stroke cases were six times
a weaker signal in comparison to the untreated sample as shown (ORadj= 6.867, 95% CI: 3.102-15.204)lower HDL levels were
in the diagram. The immunoblot finding was also reinforced by three times as compared to non-stroke controls (ORadj= 3.740,
densitometric analysis, where expression of Nestin for 120 and 95% CI: 2.105-6.645). Cases were more likely obese (ORadj=
144 hours lysate of cis-RA and 24h lysate of 4-HRP (N-(4- 1.233), smoking cigarrete (ORadj= 2.574), diabetic
hydroxyphenyl) retinamide) treated CHP 134 cells showed a (ORadj=1.477) and dyslipidemic (ORadj=1.808) than controls.
decreasing trend as consistent with the normal pattern of neuronal Conclusion: We found that modifiable risk factors; lack of
growth and dendritic differentiation. This emphasized that the physical exercise, obesity, smoking, DM and low HDL levels
differentiation marker for neuronal progenitor cells Nestin began are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke among
to disappear as neurons underwent maturation. hypertensive patients. A similar study should be carried out in
Conclusion: The aim of this project was to evaluate how different setup to compare the outcomes of our study. Strategies
neuroblastoma is developmentally related with deregulation of should be planned out to prevent these modifiable risk factors
stem cell commitment. Differentiation is the natural fate in stem against ischemic stroke.
cell commitment which maintains cells in a viable state. The
research emphasized the key role of nELAV proteins as a group Keywords: Ischemic stroke, hypertension, risk factors
of RNA binding protein in neuronal differentiation. Moreover,
it also demonstrated the affiliation of nELAV proteins with
CARM1 which negatively influences its activity. The concomitant
overexpression of nELAV proteins with CARM1 in 18 NB cell
lines was analyzed by western blotting. In addition, the
differentiation study was conducted to tune up the differentiation

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10.34 to the rest of the medical curricula. This may improve students’
POPULATION ATTRIBUTABLE RISK FRACTION (PARF) interest and their future choice of psychiatry as an area of
IN SUICIDE IN PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR specialization
PREVENTION
Keywords: Psychiatry, clerkship, Pakistan
Murad M Khan and Martin Prince
Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, United Kingdom 10.36
SUICIDE IN PAKISTAN: EPIDEMIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS
Objective: The Population Attributable Risk Fraction (PARF) AND PREVENTION
signifies the proportion of incident cases in the population which
would be prevented if a causal exposure were removed, assuming Murad M Khan
an unconfounded causal association. The PARF gives an index Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
of potential for prevention at the population level, taking into
account both the presence of the exposure and associated relative Objective: In recent years suicide has become a major public
risk. health problem in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim country.
Method: PARFs were calculated for suicide in Karachi, Pakistan. Suicide is strongly condemned in Islam. Despite this, there has
Using data from a matched pair case-control psychological been a dramatic increase in incidences of suicides over the last
autopsy study, psychosocial and psychiatric risk factors were decade, from a few hundreds previously to current estimate of
identified. Odds ratios from the final adjusted models were used 5000-7000 annually. Although there are no official figures, data
to calculate PARFs for the associations between the hypothesized gathered from a variety of sources show that suicide cuts across
risk factors and suicide. These, in the absence of bias and all ethnic, provincial and cultural boundaries in Pakistan.
confounding, and assuming a causal relationship, represent the Method: A review of more than forty studies covering a period
proportion of suicide that could be prevented assuming that the of 25 years on suicide (no of subjects= 6032), deliberate self-
risk factor could be removed from the population. harm (DSH) (no of subjects = 3151) and acute intentional
Results: Given the substantial effect sizes and the relatively high poisoning (no of subjects = 2310)
prevalence of the exposure among the controls (an estimate of Results: suicidal behavior is reported from almost all majors
the prevalence of the exposure in the population), all of the risk cities and towns of the country. Crude rates for suicide vary
factors in the parsimonious model (life-events, social network, from 0.43/100,000 per year (av. 1991-2000) in Peshawar to
education, marital status and ethnicity), were linked to very high 3.11/100,000 in Haripur (in 2005), while rates for some other
PARFs ranging from 38% for education to 97% for life events. cities were as follows: Karachi, 2.1/100,000 (1995-2001); Lahore,
Based on the adjusted odds ratio estimates and a 3.0% prevalence 1.08/100,000 (1993-95); Faisalabad, 1.12/100,000 (1998-2001)
among the controls, the PARF for depression was 53.9%, and and Larkana, 2.6/100,000 (2003-2004). Highest gender-specific
that for schizophrenia, with a 2.0% exposure prevalence in the rates were 5.2/100,000 in Rawalpindi and Haripur for men and
controls was 1.3%. 16.7/100,000 in Ghizer District, Northern Areas for women.
Conclusion: These findings have important implications for Based on current estimates there may be more than 100,000
suicide prevention strategies at population level in Pakistan DSH acts in the country annually. Most suicides in Pakistan are
committed by young people, while the elderly appear to be
Keywords: Suicide, Pakistan, prevention protected against suicide. The most common methods are hanging,
ingestion of insecticides and use of firearms.
Conclusion: The widely held notion that suicide is a negligible
10.35 problem in Islamic countries is being challenged in countries
THE EFFECT OF CLINICAL CLERKSHIP ON STUDENTS' like Pakistan, where adverse social conditions appear to contribute
ATTITUDE TOWARD PSYCHIATRY IN KARACHI, to high levels of psychological distress and suicidal behavior.
PAKISTAN There is need to address suicide prevention not only from mental
health but also socio-cultural, religious and public health
Ayesha Sajid, Murad M Khan, Murtaza Shakir, Riffat perspectives in Pakistan.
Moazam-Zaman
Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi Keywords: Suicide, Pakistan, Islam

Objective: Attitudes of medical students toward a specialty is

strongly related to their future choice of specialty. In developing 10.37
countries like Pakistan, where there is a shortage of psychiatrists, LINK FROM KNOWLEDGE TO COMMUNITIES OF
there is a need to assess the effect of exposure to psychiatry on PRACTICE AND/OR PROTECTIVE FACTORS
medical students.
Method: The authors conducted a survey of fourth-year medical Murad M Khan
students at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan. Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Psychiatry clerkship had an overall positive attitude
toward psychiatric illness, patients, and psychiatrists, but no Objective: Complex problems require complex solutions. Suicide
effect on students’ choice of psychiatry as a career. is a complex phenomenon and its prevention requires a complex
Conclusion: Psychiatry teaching needs to be made more relevant framework that takes macro and micro-level, proximal and

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distal, biological, psychological, sociological and environmental those Islamic countries showing rising rates. Prevention should
factors into account. But despite all the research evidence be addressed from mental health as well as socio-cultural and
gathered over the last 50 years or so, global suicide rates have religious perspectives in these countries.
continued to grow with about a million people killing themselves
worldwide every year. This figure is projected to increase to Keywords: Suicide, Islam, Muslim cultures
1.53 million by the year 2020. Low and middle income (LAMI)
countries contribute almost 85% to the total global suicides.
Method: Review of relevant work in the area and to study the 10.39
community readiness model SUICIDE & 'SUICIDE' BOMBING IN PAKISTAN: DO THEY
Results: There is still a large gap between the research-based HAVE A COMMON PATHWAY?
knowledge and the practice of suicide prevention in communities,
particularly in LAMI countries. Murad M Khan
Conclusion: To foster and accelerate the adoption of scientific Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
knowledge into prevention practice, there is need to work to
overcome the gap between research and practice highlighted by Objective: In recent years both suicide and ‘suicide’ bombing
both researchers and practitioners. Bridging this gap and have shown a dramatic increase in Pakistan, a South Asian
transforming the knowledge derived from research into developing country with a majority Muslim population. Suicide
widespread practice is an enormous challenge for the suicide is strongly condemned in Islam and there are many legal and
prevention field and one that requires the active involvement of social sanctions against suicidal behavior. Similarly, ‘suicide’
all stakeholders including mental and public health practitioners, bombing was virtually unknown in Pakistan up until a few years
policy makers, voluntary and non-governmental organisations, ago. Since then there have been hundreds of such acts with
community leaders, the media as well as researchers. It also thousands of fatalities, of both military and civilian
requires innovative thinking, a problem-solving approach, and populations.The objectives of the study was to understand the
attention to the most effective means of dissemination of evidence- commonalities and differences in these two public health problems
based research findings. Only then can the seemingly impossible Method: Review of relevant literature.
challenge of suicide prevention be met. Results: Both suicide and ‘suicide’ bombing appear to be carried
out predominantly by young males from the lower socio-economic
Keywords: Suicide protective factors, suicide prevention, LAMI strata of the society. While both are distinct phenomena- suicide
countries is a personal act with the intent of self-harm, while the purpose
of ‘suicide’ bombing is to inflict injury and death on others (the
perpetrator’s death being incidental to the act)-there appear to
10.38 be many commonalities between the two, particularly as far as
SUICIDE IN MUSLIM CULTURES: CHALLENGE OF some of the underlying factors are concerned. Some of the
PREVENTION & LESSONS FOR OTHERS common distal factors include poverty, deprivation,
unemployment, lack of education and poor social support.
Murad M Khan However, the two differ distinctively in proximal factors, with
Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi mental disorders (especially depression) featuring prominently
in suicides while most ‘suicide’ bombers do not suffer from any
Objective: There are about 1.5 billion Muslims in the world, the psychopathology.
majority in Asia and Africa but sizeable and growing minorities Conclusion: Understanding the common pathway in both suicide
in Europe and North America. Suicide is forbidden in Islam as and ‘suicide’ bombing in the context of Pakistan is important
an unforgivable sin and this has acted as a strong deterrent for their prevention. Prevention programs need to focus on
against suicidal behavior. The objectives of the study is to review improving social conditions in the country, such as provision of
suicide in predominantly Muslim countries health, education, housing, employment and justice- the absence
Method: Review of the relevant literature of which breed frustration and anger in the youth. They contribute
Results: There appear to be significantly low rates in Islamic to a pool from which future suicides and potential ‘suicide’
countries as well as in Muslims living in non-Islamic countries. bombers are drawn. Only then can the seemingly impossible
The recorded low rates appear to be a naturalistic phenomenon challenge of prevention of suicide and ‘suicide’ bombing be
as there are virtually no suicide prevention programs in any of addressed.
the Muslim countries. At the same time some Islamic countries
like Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Bangladesh are recording an Keywords: Pakistan, suicide-bombing, suicide
increase in their suicide rates, challenging the traditional view
of low rates. From the available evidence it appears that Islam
may be losing some of its protective effect in these counties.
Various possible hypotheses for this are put forward
Conclusion: While the low rates in Islamic countries provide
valuable lessons for non-Islamic countries struggling with suicide
prevention, there is also need to address suicide prevention in

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10.40
RESTLESS SYNDROME IN TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS

Shaista Anwar Siddiqi, Anita Haroon, Javeria Rauf

Department of Medicine, Aga khan University, Karachi

Objective: RLS is a chronic sensorimotor disorder which is

associated with many other illnesses including type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus. However, there is paucity of local data in this regard;
therefore we sought to determine the frequency of RLS and its
associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Method: It was a single centered, case control study done with
non-probability convenient sampling. The study population
comprised of 174 subjects (120 diabetics as cases and 54 non-
diabetics as controls). Participants were recruited from the
Diabetes clinic of Jinnah Medical and Dental College Hospital.
The relevant clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained
by clinical history and chart review. Data was analyzed using
the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.
Results: Using the international RLS study group criteria, RLS
was identified in 67(55.8%) diabetic patients while none of the
controls fulfilled the given criteria. Mean age of subjects with
RLS was 56 years as compared to 46 years in the non-RLS
subjects. Male:female ratio was 3:2. Majority (26/67) of the
diabetic/RLS subjects had diabetes for more than 10 years.
Periodic limb movements during sleep were reported only in
diabetics. Of these, 31.3% had RLS. Sleep disturbances were
also more frequent among patients with RLS as compared to
non RLS (24% vs 4%). Glycemic indices were significantly
deranged in diabetic subjects with RLS. Almost no difference
was found in ferritin, creatinine and hemoglobin levels in RLS
and non RLS subjects. According to Semmes-Weinstein filament
test, 61% of diabetics and 67% of diabetic/RLS subjects had
peripheral neuropathy. Interestingly, none of our subjects who
were diagnosed as RLS were asked for symptoms or diagnosis
of RLS prior to the study.
Conclusion: RLS is a common problem among patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with concomitant
peripheral neuropathy, sleep disturbances and periodic limb
movement during sleep. Its diagnosis is often delayed because
of poor recognition by the physicians. Early diagnosis may result
in improved quality of life of these patients.

Keywords: Restless syndrome, diabetes mellitus, sleep

disturbances

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11.1 infectious diseases: Acute Respiratory Tract Infection, Eye

UNDERSTANDING UNINTENTIONAL CHILDHOOD Infection, Gastrointestinal Tract Infection, Ear Infection, Skin
HOME INJURIES: PILOT SURVEILLANCE DATA FROM and Soft tissue Infection, and suspected Malaria. Data was
KARACHI, PAKISTAN entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.0.
Results: The results showed that the distribution of infectious
Nukhba Zia, Uzma Rahim Khan, Junaid A. Razzak disease cases presented to relief camps were Gastrointestinal
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, cases (Acute Diarrhea)-30%, Skin and Soft Tissue Infection
Karachi (33%), Eye (Conjunctivitis)-07%, Ear, Nose and Throat Infection
(05%), Respiratory Tract Infection (21%), and Suspected Malaria
Objective: Childhood injuries, an important public health issue, (4%). Their mean age was 23.15 ± 17.53 years.
globally affects more than 95% of children living in low-and Conclusion: Our study concluded that there was a high frequency
middle-income countries. The objective of this study is to of infectious diseases. The morbidity and mortality resulting
describe the epidemiology of childhood unintentional injuries from infectious diseases can be minimized if public health
in Karachi, Pakistan with a specific focus on those occurring intervention efforts are implemented in a timely and coordinated
within the home environment. fashion.
Method: This was a secondary analysis of a childhood
unintentional injury surveillance database setup in the emergency Keywords: infection, flood affected
department of the Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan for
three months. The data was collected by interviewing caretakers
of children under 12 years of age presenting with an unintentional 11.3
injury to the emergency departments of the four major tertiary KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES
care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. CONCERNING CT SCAN AND ITS ASSOCIATED
Results: The surveillance included 566 injured children of which RADIATION EXPOSURE AMONGST PEDIATRICIANS
409 (72%) injuries had taken place at/around home. Of 409 IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
children, 66% were males and mostly between 5-11 years of
age. Injuries commonly occurred during play time (51%). Fall Syed Faizan Ali, Sumera Ali, Ambreen Padhan, Waseem Mirza
(59%), dog bites (11%) and burns (9%) were the commonest Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University and
mechanisms of injury. The majority of the children (78%) were Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
directly discharged from the emergency room with predicted
short term disability (42%). There were 2 deaths in the emergency Objective: Dramatic increased in the pediatric CT during the
department both due to falls. past decade has lead to the initiation of Image Gently campaign
Conclusion: Childhood injury surveillance system provides with the objective to educate physicians and radiologists to
valuable in-depth information on child injuries. The majority of minimize radiation exposure in children. The aim of our study
these unintentional childhood injuries occur at home; with falls, was to evaluate knowledge and attitude of pediatricians on the
dog bites and burns being the most common types of unintentional topic before essential steps are taken to implement radiation
childhood home injuries. Specific surveillance systems for child minimization.
injuries can provide new and valuable information for countries Method: A cross-sectional, interview based survey was carried
like Pakistan. out using a sample of 400 recruited through convenient sampling.
Two tertiary care centers in Karachi were chosen.
Keywords: Childhood injuires, unintentional injuries, Results: Of all the interviews conducted majority agreed that
Pakistan CT provides new and vital information (76%), it has influenced
patient management (78%) and patients’ medical outcomes
(72%). Most of the respondents underestimated the radiation
11.2 exposure (67%) and many weren’t aware of the amount of
FREQUENCY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AMONG radiation received during one CT (58%). Seventy eight percent
FLOOD AFFECTED PEOPLE AT DISTRICT RAJANPUR, were of the opinion that CT scan increases the risk of malignancy,
PAKISTAN most thought that contrast CT leads to greater radiation absorption
(57.5%), and that there is a difference in the amount of radiation
Zeeshan Ahmed, Adeel Ahmed Khan, Nighat Nisar absorbed during an adult CT as compared with pediatric CT
Dow University of Health ScienceS, Karachi, Department of (57%). Seventy four percent of the pediatricians do not inform
Community Health Sciences,Aga Khan University, Karachi their patients about the associated risks and most (47%) believe
that radiologist/radiographers should do so. Sixty one percent
Objective: To identify the frequency of infectious diseases among concurred that a lot of unnecessary scan are being ordered in
flood victims during and after disaster at district Rajanpur, current practice.
Punjab, Pakistan. Conclusion: The results of the study will guide us in launching
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from 15th to a focused approach to improve the knowledge and awareness
31st August 2010 at 17 flood affected places of District Rajanpur of the pediatricians in order to minimize the radiation exposure.
of Punjab Province, Pakistan. A total of 7814 affected people
were interviewed consecutively by using semi-structured Keywords: Image gently, CT, radiation
questionnaire visiting the relief camps during the study period.
Information was obtained after taking informed consent regarding

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11.4 11.5
SHARP INJURIES AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG DIVERSITY OF HLA-CLASS-I IN AFGHAN AND
HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT FIRS LEVEL CARE PAKISTANI POPULATIONS
FACILITIES IN RURAL SWABI, KHYBER
PUKHTONKHWA, PAKISTAN Aniqa Shahid, Laila Lakhani, Syed Hani Abidi,
Muhammad R. Khanani, Syed Ali
Muhammad Tahir Yousafzai, Amna Rehana Siddiqui, Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
Shafquat Rozi, Naveed Zafar Janjua University and Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University
and Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic
diversity and phylogenetic relationship of the Human Leukocyte
Objective: A large number of injections are being administered Antigen (HLA) class I gene in two Asian populations, Afghanistan
in first level care facilities (FLCF) in Pakistan. Studies have and Pakistan.
shown strong association between sharp injuries (SI) and Method: HLA class I was studied in a total of 50 individuals
transmission of blood borne pathogens (BBP). Data is scarce from both the populations. Two-digit and 4-digit HLA typing
on SIs and its predictors at FLCFs, while Knowledge, attitude was performed, based on DNA sequences of exons 2 and 3 in
& practices of HCWs regarding SIs at FLCFs may be different HLA-A, -B, and -C. In addition, phylogenetic trees were
from those working in hospitals. The study assessed the incidence constructed with these sequences to study the clustering patterns
and determinants of sharp injuries among health care workers of HLA-A, -B and - C sequences in both populations.
at FLCF in rural area of Swabi, Northern Province of Khyber Results: In Afghan samples, the two most frequent alleles found
Pukhtonkhwa, Pakistan. to occur for each of the three loci were A*02, A*11, B*15, B*40
Method: A survey of HCWs working at FLCF in Tehsil Swabi, and Cw*04 and Cw*07. In case of Pakistani population, most
Khyber pukhtonkhwa (KPK) Pakistan. A random sample of 370 frequent alleles found to occur for each of the HLA-A,-B and
clinics, stratified on type of clinic; i) Government based Public -C were A* 24, A*68, B *51, B*52 and Cw*15, Cw*04. When
clinic (PC), Privately owned ii) Licensed Practitioners’ clinic four-digit HLA typing was performed, A*1101, A*0201, B*1501,
(LPC) and iii) Non-licensed practitioners’ clinic (NLPC) were B*4002, Cw*0401 and Cw*0702 were repeatedly observed in
selected. A pre-tested questionnaire; based on constructs of Afghan population. Whereas, A*6801, A*2402, B*5101, B*5201,
health belief model (HBM) was used to collect data by trained Cw*1502 and Cw*0401 were observed in Pakistani population.
data collectors through face to face interviews. Predictors were Upon comparison of the HLA allele frequencies, HLA-Cw*04
identified through negative binomial regression. and its subtype Cw*0401 were found to occur commonly in
Results: From 365 clinics, 485 HCWs were interviewed; 7.9% both populations. In the phylogenetic analysis, HLA-A locus
facilities were PC, 15.9% were LPC, and 76.2% were NLPC; was found to be polymorphic in comparison to HLA-B and -C
and 75% were prescribers and 25% were assistants. Among loci, in both populations.
HCWs, 18% were licensed prescribers, 57% non-licensed Conclusion: Pakistan and Afghanistan populations are genetically
prescribers and 16% were qualified Assistants while 9% were diverse with respect to HLA alleles.
un-qualified Assistants. Mean age of HCWs was 38 (SD10.4)
years, with median work experience of 10 (range <1-42) years. Keywords: HLA, Afghan, Pakistan
Knowledge, work experience, job category, barriers to safe
practice, and Compliance with universal precautions (UP) are
significant predictors of SIs. Incidence of SI decreases with 11.6
increase in knowledge (RR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98) and WAITING TIME IN A CONSULTATION AND FACTORS
increase with barriers to compliance with UP (RR=1.06, 95% ASSOCIATED WITH IT IN PATIENTS VISITING PRIMARY
CI: 1.03-1.09). In Model without constructs of HBM, along with CARE CLINICS
knowledge, compliance with UP significantly decreases the
incidence of SI (RR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97). Samina Hoosein and Waris Qidwai
Conclusion: HCWs at FLCFs sustain large number of SIs. Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Knowledge regarding modes of transmission of BBPs, compliance Karachi
with UP needs to be improved and barriers to follow standard
precautions such as unavailability of personal protective Introduction: Delays are expensive not only in terms of the
equipments (PPE) should be avoided to reduce sharp injuries direct costs they incur, but also in terms of the potential costs
and risk of blood borne infections. of decreased patient satisfaction and adverse clinical outcomes.
Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the actual time
Keywords: Sharp Injuries, Blood borne infections, First level patient spends in waiting in a single consultation and the factors
care facilities related to this delay.
Method: Cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of
100 patients visiting the Community Health Centre (CHC) clinics
of the Aga Khan University & Hospital. The survey included
self-reported information on waiting time, its reasons and

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recommendations to avoid this problem. The data was entered Conclusion: This study highlights the need to spread awareness
and analyzed using spss version 19. about responsible self medication. We have identified ways by
Results: The total mean waiting time found in this study is 66 which rising self medication can be curtailed, made
(+ 33) minutes in a single consultation. About 48.6% patients recommendations and shown areas of further research and
reported that doctor’s busy with other patients as one of the intervention.
major reasons for longer waiting time. Moreover, approximately
20% patients responded that one of the reasons for delays is due Keywords: Self-medication, over the counter drugs, socio-
to the non-presence of doctors in their specific rooms. Another demographics
reason for delay about 12% was the files not being bought on
time. Seventy percent patients were satisfied with the time spent
in usual care and 15% recommended that doctors should limit 11.8
time on each patient. THIRTY DAY OUTCOME OF SEVERE INJURIES IN
Conclusion: The study results suggest that doctors should PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY
prioritize and limit their time according to the patient’s condition DEPARTMENTS OF TWO PUBLIC TERTIARY CARE
and time management sessions can be arranged for the health HOSPITALS IN SINDH, PAKISTAN
care personnel. On the basis of the results further studies should
be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies Muhammad Shafi Rehman , Juniad Razzak , Rozina Nuruddin,
implemented to reduce the waiting time in consultations. Amber Mehmood, Shafquat Rozi
Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Emergency Medicine
Keywords: waiting time, factors, general practice and Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Post traumatic mortality and morbidity (PTM&M)

11.7 is different between different designated hospitals so studies
PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION PRACTICE IN should be done to assess the difference in PTM&M between
POPULATION OF KARACHI – A CAUSE FOR CONCERN? similar designated hospitals. To assess the difference in the rate
of death & disability at 30-days among patients aged =>14-80
Karim Abdur Rehman, Quratulain Merchant, Asaad Nafees years with history of severe injuries presenting at ER of two
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, public tertiary care hospitals in Sindh Pakistan To identify risk
Karachi factors for death and disability due to severe injuries among
patients aged =>14-80 year presenting to the ER of two public
Objective: Our study aims to assess prevalence of self medication tertiary care hospitals in Sindh Pakistan.
practice and analyze socio-demographic factors that affect it. It Method: Study design: longitudinal cohort Sample size: 390
also aims at identifying knowledge and attitude towards self eligible participants Study follow-up: 30 days Study site: civil
medication. hospital Karachi and Hyderabad Data collection tools: Baseline
Method: This cross sectional study was conducted between Questionnaire and SF 36 for disability Statistical analysis: Rate
November and December 2010. A convenience sample was ratio, rate difference and logistic regression
obtained from patient attendants at a tertiary care hospital in Results: By taking Hyderabad as reference, there was no
Karachi using a self reported questionnaire. Logistic regression significant difference in incidence rate of mortality [rate ratio
analysis was used to determine the association of self 1.12 (95% C.I: 0.77, 1.63) [rate difference 14 (-33, 61)], incidence
medication with the following covariates: age, gender, rate of physical disability [rate ratio 1.01 (95% C.I:0.67, 1.51)]
income, level of education, marital status, occupation and the [rate difference 0.88 (-44, 46)] and incidence rate of mental
tendency of a person to prescribe medicines to others, disability [rate ratio 0.69 (95% C.I: 0.40, 1.21)] [rate difference
without medical consultation. Data analysis was done using -220 (95% C.I: -556, 115)].injury severity, patients attended by
SPSS v 17. paramedics in the ER and delay to receive general management
Results: Out of 417 participants, 297(71.2%) practiced self were associated with mortality. Lower extremity injury and
medication. The major reasons for self medication were ‘prior higher hospital stay were associated with worse disability
knowledge of required medicine’(50.5%) and ‘lesser severity Conclusion: Incidence rates of mortality and disability were not
of illness’ (25.7%). NSAIDs (68.5%), antibiotics (24.5%), and different between two tertiary care settings but overall incidence
anti-allergics (28.5%) were the commonly used drugs. Self rate of death and disability was higher in severely injured patients.
medication was mostly practiced for headache, fever and allergies. Hospitals factors were associated with PTM&M so further
After adjusting for covariates listed above, female gender (OR: studies should done to evaluate the hospital care
1.80 CI: 1.05-3.08), middle income range (OR:0.97, CI: 0.18-
0.98), undergraduate (OR:4.104, CI:1.10-15.25) and postgraduate Keywords: Mortality, disability, Pakistan
education (OR:4.47, CI: 1.01-18.22) and the tendency of a
participant to prescribe medicines to others (OR:3.84, CI: 2.26-
6.53) independently predicted self medication practice. With
increasing age, people were 3% less likely to self medicate.
(OR:0.97, CI:0.95-0.99).

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11.10 was a need to learn more about the interactions between allopathic
PATIENT BARRIERS TO REVEALING USE OF and non-allopathic medicines. The majority of respondents said
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICATION that they had no knowledge of harmful interactions between
TO PHYSICIANS AND THEIR AWARENESS OF ITS CAM and allopathic medicines (64.1%) or awareness about the
POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH ALLOPATHIC ingredients in their CAM.(76.1%).
MEDICATION. Conclusion: Our research clearly revealed that many patients
in Pakistan are withholding information regarding their use of
Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Usman Salahuddin, Alefiyah CAM from their physicians. The reasons behind this phenomenon
Rajab Ali, Syed Shad Mahmood, Sahr Syed, Syed Muhammad and the barriers to communication about CAM use were
Saad Hussain quantified and also prioritized on whether they could be attributed
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan to the doctor or patient. Although this was achieved specifically
University, Karachi in the local setting, we strongly feel that this could have regional
and perhaps global significance owing to the ever-increasing
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the reasons and use of CAM. Such a perspective will also help guide future
barriers to disclosure of CAM use by patients and their attendants research and intervention strategies aiming to facilitate gaps in
presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Their knowledge patient-physician communications in both the developing and
about the possible interactions between allopathic medicine and developed world. We believe our research will be of use to
complementary and alternative medicine was also assessed. medical associations and researchers in our country, and indeed
Across the world, there has been an increase in the popularity any one else regionally or globally, interested in understanding
of complementary and alternative medicine use. It has also been and addressing short-comings in patient-physician
recognized that many patients use CAM in conjunction with communication.
or/as alternatives to conventional medicine. However it has been
noticed that many patients do not reveal their use of such Keywords: Complementary and alternative medication,
medications to their physicians. Knowledge about the possible Doctor-Patient Relationship Barriers
deleterious effects that the concomitant use of conventional and
CAM medications can have is also rare. Thus patient-physician
communication with regards to this is of utmost priority since 11.11
it allows the physician to gain a holistic view of the patients ESTABLISHING LINK BETWEEN LADY HEALTH
they are treating. WORKERS AND TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS TO
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on the population IMPROVE NEONATAL SURVIVAL
presenting to the out-patient departments of a tertiary care
hospital in Pakistan. A specific number of subjects were selected Muhammad Yaqoob Wassan, Khurram Khan Sial , Qamarudin
through convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria for Junejo, Shah Muhammad Sahito, Sajid Bashir Soofi
participation being above 18 years of age and a past history of Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
CAM use at least once in the past 10 years. A self reported Karachi
survey was conducted to collect data and through assurances of
confidentiality to the individual responses and opinions, optimum Objective: Trial of Improved Practices, a pilot study of main
participation was encouraged. To achieve this, a well structured RCT “Naushahro Feroze Neonatal Survival Project” aimed to
questionnaire was formulated on the basis of thorough literature pretest and records Lady Health Workers and Traditional Birth
and peer review. All of the funding that was required was borne Attendants (LHWs-TBAs) linkage processes; to ensure LHWs
by the Department of Community of Health Sciences of the Aga presence at home births for the domiciliary management of Birth
Khan University Hospital. Asphyxia, Sepsis and Low birth Weight to improve neonatal
Results: A total of 512 patients meeting the inclusion criteria survival.
attending the Out-patient departments (the Community Health Method: Study was conducted between July and August, 2009
Centre, the Consulting Clinics, the clinics at the Nazar-Ali Walji in catchment area of 11 LHWs covering 17007 populations in
Building and the Executive Clinics) from 21\01\08 to 1\02\08, district Naushahro Feroze, Sindh. All fourteen TBAs were also
who had consented to the survey were sampled. Due to limitations selected from the same area. LHWs were trained and provided
in approaching the subjects while they waited for their own or with Ambo-bags and Amoxil-drops, whereas TBAs also trained
their relatives’ appointments in the out-patient departments, and were given clean delivery kits for ensuring safe deliveries.
convenience sampling was used to draw the sample. The A male motivator from each LHW’s family was selected to
minimum size for a representative sample was calculated and escort her attend night-time deliveries. For demand creation of
found to be 423 based on the probability of subjects having LHWs presence at home-births; LHWs and male motivators
disclosed their non-allopathic medication use at 50% with a=0.05 conducted 29 female and 13 male health education sessions
and 1-b=0.2. When asked whether they inform their physicians respectively. Mix-method approach was used to document the
about their CAM use, 68.9% of respondents replied that they processes and outcomes of the study.
informed their doctors about their use of CAM. 53% of Results: Findings show that 9 (50%) home-deliveries were
respondents used CAM and Allopathic medicines concomitantly. attended by LHWs with TBAs out of 18 reported home deliveries.
Majority of respondents stated that their doctor’s response to Four birth asphyxia cases (two from LHWs attended and 2 from
their use of CAM was negative. Majority of the respondents TBA conducted) were reported and all were successfully
believed it was important to disclose this information to their managed, respectively with Ambo-bags and mouth-to-mouth
allopathic physician. Most respondents also identified that there resuscitation. No death was recorded. Major barriers those

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hampered LHWs presence at home-births were; distance to 11.13

mothers’ home, transport availability and night deliveries. DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN APPROVAL OF
Conclusion: Study concludes that LHWs acceptance by TBAs PUNITIVE DISCIPLINE BY MOTHERS IN AN URBAN
and families at home births; paved a way forward for such cost SETTING IN PAKISTAN
effective future intervention to improve neonatal survival.
Asif Jafferani, Anum Ali, Farzeen Khalid Hashmi, Abaseen Khan
Keywords: Lady health workers, traditional birth attendants, Afghan, Aamir Malik, Anum Malik, Amin Ali, Nashmia Riaz,
neonatal survival Zahir Hussain, Syed Farid-ul-Hasnain
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
11.12
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF TAXI DRIVERS Objective: To assess approval of punitive disciplinary practices
REGARDING TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS IN by mothers in an urban setting of Pakistan, and the demographic
KARACHI, PAKISTAN factors associated with the approval of such practices.
Method: A total of 389 mothers of children aged 2-18 years,
Abdul Rehman, Sehyr Imran, Muhammad Hassan, Faheemullah visiting the a tertiary care hospital in Karachi in June 2010, were
Beg, Hassan Khalid, Anam Akhlaq, Sara Iqbal, Faisal Sajjad interviewed according to a set questionnaire, which included
Qadir, Haris Murad, Sarah Saleem questions on demographic data, form E of the Dimensions of
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Discipline Inventory (DDI) which appraises 26 discipline
Karachi behaviors, along with perceptions of the socio-economic and
cultural contexts in which they occur. The appraisal scores were
Objective: Globally, more than 1.2 million lives are lost due to used to generate approval scales of discipline behaviors, and a
road traffic accidents (RTAs). In Pakistan, the incidence of RTAs ratio of approval of punitive to non-punitive forms of discipline.
was reported as 15.1 per 1000 in a national survey in 1997. Most Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate significant
common striking vehicle was found to be commercial vehicles. association of demographic factors to the approval ratio for
Despite this fact, no study from Pakistan has assessed the punitive disciplinary practices.
knowledge and attitude of taxi-drivers towards traffic rules, Results: The mean approval ratio of punitive to non-punitive
which we aimed to determine in our study. forms of discipline for our population was 45.81%. Multiple
Method: A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was regression analysis showed education, marital stability, household
performed on 205 taxi drivers recruited from the major taxi income and disciplining responsibility taken by fathers were all
stands of Karachi. The questions pertained to demographics, factors that demonstrated a significant association with higher
taxi characteristics, drivers’ knowledge about traffic rules, their approval ratios for punitive discipline (all p-values <.05).
attitude towards those rules, the factors affected by such Conclusion: Families with factors such as marital discord and
knowledge and attitude and their recommendations for improving a lower level of parental education are associated with higher
road safety. approval of punitive disciplinary practices, and thus need to be
Results: One-third (32.5%) of the taxi drivers had no formal focused on through intervention and education programs which
education, while, another 30.5% were driving illegally. Better could raise awareness about the detrimental effect of harsh
knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated with disciplinary practices upon the psyche of children, and educate
regular seatbelt use, while, a negative correlation was seen about the effectiveness of non-punitive disciplinary methods.
between attitude score and the number of tickets issued by the
police. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that poor Keywords: Child discipline, corporal punishment, developing
attitude was significantly associated with involvement in world
accidents, while, educational status and year of make of taxi
before 1984 were predictors of poor knowledge.
Conclusion: The findings of our study revealed many 11.14
shortcomings not only in the knowledge and attitude of taxi SERUM NITRIC OXIDE, TNF-a AND INTERLEUKIN-2
drivers, but also, in the enforcement of traffic rules and LEVELS AMONG WOMEN USING BIOMASS AND
regulations, which pose a serious threat to road safety. In light NATURAL GAS COOKING FUEL
of the above results, effective measures to improve road safety
should be undertaken. Ambreen Kazi, Zahra Hasan, Zafar Fatmi, Asma.Rahman, Fujio
Kayama, Amin Pethani, Maqboola Dojki
Keywords: Taxi drivers, traffic rules, accidents Departments of Community Health Sciences and Pathology &
Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum levels

of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-2
among women using biomass or natural gas and to determine
the PM2.5 and CO levels in their respective kitchens.

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Method: A total of 93 women between 15-45 years of age were many husbands helped their wives in taking care of children at
taken; 43 women from Gadap town using biomass as primary home, 4) Some commonly identified home injury hazards were
fuel (biomass users), 40 women from Gadap town using natural presence of stoves, knives/scissors and stairs without gate.
gas as primary fuel at least for last 5 years (current gas users), Presence of water in buckets/tubs accessible to child, electrical
10 healthy women from Aga Khan University using natural gas switches near the floor, hot iron placed on floor, pedestal fans
for cooking throughout their lives (healthy controls). PM2.5 and were also related as cause of home injury, 5) Some of the barriers
CO was measured using an aerosol monitor Sidepak and Monoxor in reducing home injury risks were financial constraints, pressure
II, respectively. Blood samples were taken to determine serum from living in joint-family system, living in rented house.
levels of NO and TNF-a and IL-2. Serum NO was measured Conclusion: Despite awareness of childhood home injury hazards,
through Griess reaction technique and cytokines through ELISA no practical steps to reduce them are being taken by parents due
kit. Analysis was done using Kruskall Wallis for comparing the to various reasons.
median NO levels among the three groups. Correlation coefficient
“r” was calculated between PM2.5 and CO and serum NO levels, Keywords: Childhood home injury, perception
TNF-a and IL-2.
Results: Significant difference was found between CO and PM
2.5 levels among biomass [CO: 20.22 (±12.2), PM 2.5:4.46 11.16
(±3.6)] and natural gas users [CO: 1.22 (± 1.22), PM2.5:0.05 HOME INJURY RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL: A PILOT
(± 0.02)] respectively. Serum NO levels (p<0.001) were STUDY FROM LOW-INCOME URBAN COMMUNITIES IN
significantly raised among the biomass users as compared to KARACHI, PAKISTAN
gas users. Significant positive correlation found between exposure
(CO and PM 2.5) and serum NO levels (p = 0.01 and 0.007 Uzma Rahim Khan, Aruna Chandran, Nukhba Zia, Cheng-Ming
respectively). Huang, Sarah Stewart de Ramirez, Junaid Razzak, Adnan A.
Conclusion: Increased NO levels reflect enhanced inflammatory Hyder
status due to biomass pollution among women. Further research Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
studies are required to understand the association between Karachi and Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of
biomass and serum NO levels. Public Health, UK

Keywords: Biomass , women, inflammatory marker Objective: Globally, non-fatal childhood unintentional injuries
commonly occur at home. Studies from developed countries
have identified major home injury risks for children less than
11.15 five-years of age. The aim was to identify household injury
UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEPTIONS OF CHILDHOOD hazards in low-income urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan.
HOME INJURY RISK: A COMMUNITY-BASED Method: This was prospective community-based study conducted
QUALITATIVE STUDY FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN from June – July 2010 in urban low-income setting in Karachi,
Pakistan. The inclusion criterion was a household with at least
Uzma Rahim Khan, Sarah Stewart de Ramirez, Aruna Chandran, one child between ages of 12-59 months. Consent was taken
Nukhba Zia, Cheng-Ming Huang, Junaid Razzak, Adnan A. from caretakers. The Home Hazard Assessment Tool was
Hyder developed from existing tools and experts’ consultation.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, Results: Out of 752 households eligible for the study, 503
Karachi, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public consented to participate in the study. The main caretakers were
Health, UK mothers (n=404, 80%). Of the 503 children, 93 (18%) had
suffered from an injury in last three months. Some major home
Objective: Home is the most common location of injuries in injury risks identified were water motor in courtyard accessible
children under 5-years. The aim was to understand perception to child (70.4%), stove within reach of child (55.5%),
of caretakers of children aged 12 – 59 months about childhood match/lighters within reach (43.9%) and cleaning supplies within
home injury risk in low-income urban setting in Karachi, Pakistan. reach (56.1%). Around 47.7% had open buckets of water in
Method: The study was done from September – October 2010. bathroom. About 50.3% of the households had stairs within the
Two low-income government housing communities in Karachi, house of which 50.6% did not have a gate or barrier. Medicines
Pakistan were identified. Thirty in-depth interviews (IDIs) and were accessible to a child in 15.3% households.
ten focused group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Each Conclusion: Considerable home injury risks have been found
FGD had on average 6–7 participants. The IDIs and FGDs were in low-income urban communities in Karachi, Pakistan. Further
conducted in houses within the community after taking written work is needed to develop and pilot test tools on home injury
informed consent from the participants. prevention for its feasibility and acceptability as a means of
Results: Common themes identified were: 1) Many caretakers disseminating home safety information for use in low income
were of the opinion that injury incidents occur due to will of urban dwelling.
God, 2) Almost all caretakers were aware of home injury hazards,
3) Majority of the respondents said that their husbands encourage Keywords: Childhood home injury, home injury hazard tool,
them to give priority to children over housework, although not Karachi, Pakistan

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11.17 Method: 243 participants were selected by purposive sampling

AUDIT OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DEATHS TO from HCPs working in critical care areas of two hospitals in
DETERMINE THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION Karachi and asked to fill a pre-tested questionnaire assessing
TO RESUSCITATE their knowledge and attitude towards COT. Associations were
tested by Pearson’s chi square test, Mann-Whitney test and
Amber Mehmood , Jabeen Fayyaz, Shahab Shaukat Spearman’s rho.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, Results: 58.8% of the HCPs were physicians and 41.2% were
Karachi nurses. 91.4% correctly identified brain death. 51.5% were
supportive of COT. Majority had concerns regarding a religious
Objective: Emergency Department (ED) is the gateway of our ruling against cadaveric donation and ability of the government
health system. ED outcomes such as mortality reflect the severity to run the system fairly (56.8% and 67.5% respectively). 56.4%
of presenting illness, underlying disorders as well as quality of respondents were willing to consent to receive an organ while
the care that has been provided. There is limited knowledge of only 35.3% were willing to donate after their own death.
factors influencing the code decision of the patients who die in Willingness to approach patients and families for consent for
the ED. The study is conducted to provide an insight about the donation was 42.7% and 37% respectively. More than 80% were
characteristics of the patients expired in ED and to determine unwilling to ask for consent on the grounds that the patient could
the factors affecting the decision to resuscitate and/or code status. refuse, would get upset and aggressive, and/or would lose trust
Method: This was a retrospective study based on audit of in the doctor/nurse. 60.5% of the study participants had an
Morbidity and Mortality log of the Department of Emergency overall positive attitude towards COT, while 2.9% had an overall
Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital from June 09 -June negative attitude. There were no significant differences in the
2011. All patients who died in the ED or brought dead knowledge and attitude scores across gender, hospital, profession
were included. Details about demographics, co-morbidities, and level of experience.
primary and associated diagnoses, presence of shock and ED Conclusion: Before implementation of the COT system, HCPs
length of stay was recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS must be subjected to a training program that addresses their
version 16. A multiple logistic regression model was used to concerns. This will increase their motivation in approaching
determine the strength of association between code status and patients/patients’ families for consent, increasing cadaveric organ
other variables. donation rates.
Results: Total ED visits were 95,693 with 1201 deaths during
study period. There were 47.1% dead on arrival and 53% were Keywords: Cadaveric organ donation, Brain death, Consent
those who expired in ED. Of those who expired, 91% were training
adults and 60% were males. Mean age for this group was 52.7
years. About 46% patients were full code and presence of shock
as well as acute coronary syndrome had a protective effect. Age, 11.19
comorbidities, severe head injuries were positively associated POPULATION ATTRIBUTABLE RISK OF
with a DNR status whereas sex and ED length of stay had no UNINTENTIONAL CHILDHOOD POISONING IN KARACHI
effect on code status. PAKISTAN
Conclusion: Age, chronic conditions and severity of the present
illness has significant impact in deciding the code status of Bilal Ahmed, Zafar Fatmi, Amna R Siddiqui
patients who die in the ED. Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences,
Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Emergency Department, mortality, code status
Objective: The percentage of unintentional childhood poisoning
cases in a given population attributable to specific risk factors
11.18 (i.e., the population attributable risk) can be calculated;
CADAVERIC ORGAN DONATION: KNOWLEDGE AND determination of such risk factors associated with potentially
ATTITUDES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS modifiable risk factors, are necessary to focus prevention
MANAGING CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN KARACHI strategies.
Method: We calculated PARs, using 120 cases with unintentional
Osama Tariq Siddiqui, Sobia Nizami, Emmon Raza, Mohammad poisoning and 360 controls in a hospital based matched case
Usman Ali, Marvi Bikak, Saad Siddiqui, Sania Hanif Khan, control study. The risk factors were accessibility to hazardous
Mohsin Ali Mustafa, Sahoor Khan, Zafar Fatmi chemicals and medicines due to unsafe storage, child behavior
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, reported as hyperactive, storage of kerosene and petroleum in
Karachi soft drink bottles, low socioeconomic class, less mother education
and history of previous poisoning.
Objective: Cadaveric organ transplantation (COT) is a common Results: The following attributable risks for the indicated risk
procedure worldwide. Better knowledge and attitude of health factors were observed: 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] =
care professionals (HCP) towards COT is associated with higher 8% - 16%) for both chemicals and medicines stored unsafe,
consent rates from potential donors. With recent legislation on 19% ( 15% - 23%) for child reported as hyperactive, 40% (38%
cadaver organ transplantation in Pakistan, the baseline level of - 42%) for storage of kerosene and petroleum in soft drink
knowledge and attitude of HCPs in critical care areas towards bottles, 48% (42% - 54%) for low socioeconomic status, 38%
the issue needs to be assessed. (32% - 42%) for no formal mothers education and 5.8% ( 2%

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-10%) for history of previous poisoning. 48% of cases of overall 11.21

study population could be attributed to at least one of the six DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN APPROVAL OF
risk factors. Among girls, this proportion was 23 percent and PUNITIVE DISCIPLINE BY MOTHERS IN AN URBAN
43 percent among boys. About half of the unintentional childhood SETTING IN PAKISTAN
poisoning cases in this Pakistani population could be avoided.
Conclusion: Exposure to potentially modifiable risk indicators Asif Jafferani, Anum Ali, Farzeen Khalid Hashmi, Abaseen Khan
explained about half of the cases of unintentional poisoning Afghan, Aamir Malik, Anum Malik, Amin Ali, Nashmia Riaz,
among children under five years of age in this Pakistani Zahir Hussain, Syed Farid-ul-Hasnain
population, indicating the theoretical scope for prevention of Department of Community Health Sciences, Medical College,
the disease. Aga Khan University, Karachi

Keywords: PARs, poisoning Objective: To assess approval of punitive disciplinary practices

by mothers in an urban setting of Pakistan, and the demographic
factors associated with the approval of such practices.
11.20 Method: A total of 389 mothers of children aged 2-18 years,
ILLUMINATING THE DARK SIDE - VITAMIN D STATUS visiting the a tertiary care hospital in Karachi in June 2010, were
IN TEN DIFFERENT LOCALITIES OF KARACHI, interviewed according to a set questionnaire, which included
PAKISTAN. questions on demographic data, form E of the Dimensions of
Discipline Inventory (DDI) which appraises 26 discipline
Lena Jafri, Romaina Iqbal, Ali Haroon, Aysha Habib Khan behaviors, along with perceptions of the socio-economic and
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, cultural contexts in which they occur. The appraisal scores were
Karachi used to generate approval scales of discipline behaviors, and a
ratio of approval of punitive to non-punitive forms of discipline.
Objective: Numerous south Asians residing in their native Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate significant
countries are vitamin D deficient (VDD). Low intake of vitamin association of demographic factors to the approval ratio for
D fortified foods and less exposure to sunlight due to poor punitive disciplinary practices.
housing structures or geographical factors like air pollutants Results: The mean approval ratio of punitive to non-punitive
obstructing the UVB rays contribute to VDD. forms of discipline for our population was 45.81%. Multiple
Method: We reviewed medical records of individuals who had regression analysis showed education, marital stability, household
25-hydroxy D (25[OH]D) assessed (n= 4788) at the Aga Khan income and disciplining responsibility taken by fathers were all
University Hospital (AKU) between 2007-2008 to obtain factors that demonstrated a significant association with higher
addresses of individuals. The addresses were grouped into 10 approval ratios for punitive discipline (all p-values <.05).
neighborhoods with distinct housing structure attributes and Conclusion: Families with factors such as marital discord and
localities. One way ANOVA assessed differences in mean log a lower level of parental education are associated with higher
serum 25[OH]D values between residents of different approval of punitive disciplinary practices, and thus need to be
neighborhoods, genders and ages. focused on through intervention and education programs which
Results: High prevalence of VDD (74%) is observed in residents could raise awareness about the detrimental effect of harsh
of all the ten neighborhoods of Karachi; while overall disciplinary practices upon the psyche of children, and educate
insufficiency state was observed in 13.3 % of the participants. about the effectiveness of non-punitive disciplinary methods.
Only 12.7 % were identified to have sufficient levels. When
ANOVA was applied statistically significant difference between Keywords: Corporal punishment, child discipline, developing
mean log serum 25OHD values of participants residing in world
different neighborhoods of Karachi was observed (p value <
0.01). Post Hoc test results reflected that lowest 25OHD levels
were observed in residents of Landhi, Malir and Korangi. 11.22
Whereas residents of Clifton, Defence and PIB colony showed ASSOCIATION OF HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA WITH
highest 25OHD levels as compared to other residential localities FOLATE, VITAMIN B12 AND VITAMIN B6 DEFICIENCIES
Conclusion: We document a high frequency of VDD in all the IN AN URBAN POPULATION IN KARACHI,
studied localities of an urban city. Our findings warrant dietary PAKISTAN
vitamin D supplementation.
Naseema Mehboobali, Mohsin Yakub, Perwaiz Iqbal, Ghazala
Keywords: Residents, vitamin D, localities Rafique , Yousuf Memon, Iqbal Azam, Ghulam Nabi Kakepoto,
Siddiqa Parveen, Ghulam Haider
Departments of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and
Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: To find out the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia,

and deficiencies of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 in an
urban population in Karachi, Pakistan.

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Method: In a pre and post experimental study, eight hundred pouchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea,
and seventy-two apparently healthy adults (aged 18-60 years; immune function and infection, helicobacter pylori, inflammation,
355 males and 517 females) were recruited from a low-income inhibiting pathogenic bacterial growth, colitis, Lactose intolerance,
urban locality in East of Karachi from February 2006 to March Colon cancer, reduction in cholesterol and blood pressure and
2007. Fasting venous blood was obtained. Serum was analyzed to some extent to reduced anxiety and depression. Anaerobic
for folate and vitamin B12. Plasma was analyzed for pyridoxal infections which seem to respond well to probiotics are infections
phosphate (PLP, coenzymic form of B6) and total homocysteine. which involve the disruption of normal microbial flora while
A group of vitamin-deficient individuals (n=194) was given 3- prevention of postoperative bacterial translocation, irritable
week supplementation with folic acid (5mg/day), methycobalamin bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease continues to
(0.5mg/day) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6, 50 emerge.
mg/day). After supplementation, serum/plasma levels of folate, Conclusion: As probiotics seem to be a promising agent in era
vitamin B12, PLP and homocysteine were again determined. of pathogenic resistance to drug so there is need to give more
Results: Prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15µmol/l) was attention on this gleaming agent.
32%. Similarly percent values of folate deficiency (<3.5ng/ml),
vitamin B6 deficiency (PLP<20 nmol/l) and vitamin B12 Keywords: probitics, pathogenic resistant
deficiency (<200pg/ml) in the study population were 27.5%,
33.7% and 9.74%, respectively. Hyperhomocysteinemia was
associated with male sex, folate deficiency, vitamin B12 11.24
deficiency [OR(95%CI), 8.3(5.7-12.1); 2.5(1.76-3.58); 2.6(1.5- INJURY – A HIDDEN CAUSE OF MORTALITY AMONG
4.5), respectively]. A 3-week supplementation with folic acid, PAKISTANI WOMEN OF 12 – 49 YEARS OF AGE: RESULTS
methycobalamin and pyridoxine hydrochloride in vitamin- OF PAKISTAN DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY
deficient subjects decreased plasma homocysteine levels by 2006-07
37%.
Conclusion: High prevalence estimates of folate, vitamin B12, Uzma Rahim Khan, Nukhba Zia, Asra Hashmi, Junaid Bhatti,
and vitamin B6 deficiencies appear to be the major determinants Junaid A. Razzak
of hyperhomocysteinemia in a low income general population Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
in Karachi. Karachi

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases, hyperhomocysteinemia, Objective: Women health is beyond pregnancy and its
Folate, vitamin B12, Vitamin 6, deficiencies complication. Other mortality causes like injury prevention need
to be recognize. The objective here is to look at the causes of
injury-mortality amongst Pakistani women between ages of 12-
11.23 49 years.
PROBIOTICS; DOES IT BECOME AN ALTERNATIVE IN Method: Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) was
ERA OF PATHOGENIC RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTIC? conducted from September 2006 - February 2007. It was a two-
stage, stratified, random sample design. From 95,000 households
Ale-Zehra surveyed, a total of 1,125 female deaths (12-49 years) were
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi identified since January 2003. The cause of death as told by the
respondents is reported in this analysis.
Objective: Global using of vaccines and other agents to prevent Results: Of the 1,125 female deaths, Verbal Autopsy was
from diseases now become advanced. Among all these, at the completed for 1,062 females (response rate 94%). Out of 1,062
start of 20th centaury pharmaceutical probiotics, a live microbial deaths, 6.4% were due to injuries thus ranking among top five
food supplement or component of bacteria, have been also used causes of women deaths. Of these 102 self reported injury deaths,
as alternative treatments or preventative therapies due to inhibition 22 (21.2%) died due to road traffic injuries (RTIs), 19 (18.4%)
of pathogen and toxin. The gorge of antibiotics lead to emergence from falls and 15(14.9%) due to severe burns. These injuries
of multiple-antibiotic resistant pathogens day by day has refocused were more common in younger women 12-29 years (67%) than
clinical attention on the field of probiotics.The main objective older 30-49 of age (33%). The injury mortality rates for rural
of this review based articles research is to find the effective ness and urban areas are 19 per 100,000 and 11 per 100,000,
of probiotic in different pathogenic field and try to find it as respectively. Most women with injury-mortality were married
either an alternative treatment in antibiotic resistant era. (63%) and 74% were not working for wages. More than half of
Method: Current enhance efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action the women who had died due to injury were not educated (n=68,
and clinical indication of following assorted probiotics are 66.1%).
reviewed: Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus casei GG, Conclusion: PDHS 2006-07 reported injury among the top five
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, causes of death in Pakistani women and is more common in
Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus and young women between 12 to 29 years of age.
Enterococcus faecium. It is a review articles based research
done by ScienceFinder, NCBI, ScienceDirect websites. Almost Keywords: Women injuries, , Pakistan, road traffic injuires
100 articles were reviewed as shown in given references.
Results: Current study shows a good evidence for the therapeutic
use of probiotics in infectious diarrhea in children, recurrent
Clostridium difficile induced infections and postoperative

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11.26 Results: Over 80% of adolescents had unhealthy diet and 54%
PROPORTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF were physically inactive. Majority of adolescents were exposed
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUG USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS to passive smoking while 14% were also current smokers. Over
IN KARACHI one-third of study participants were chewing betel nut and one-
fourth were using oral tobacco. More girls were physically
Ambreen Pardhan, Ali Khan Khuwaja inactive (OR=4.07; 95%CI=2.69-6.17), whereas greater
Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi proportion of boys were current smokers (OR=2.17; 95%CI=1.19-
3.91), exposed to passive smoking (OR=2.57; 95%CI=1.72-
Objective: An excessive or improper use of drugs through self- 3.83), and using betel nut (OR=2.03; 95%CI=1.34-3.06). Use
administration for non-medical purposes results in its abuse. of unhealthy diet and smokeless tobacco were equally prevalent
Worldwide, young people are believed to be most vulnerable to among boys and girls. Only 3.1% of the participants were without
this abuse. This study aimed to assess the proportion of the use any preventable lifestyle risk factor for NCDs while over 80%
of psychoactive drugs and related characteristics and also to of them had co-existence of = 2 factors. Co-existence of risk
identify the factors associated with psychoactive drug use among factors was independently associated with fathers being blue
young adult males. collar workers (AOR=3.57; 95%CI=1.07-11.92) and whose
Method: A multi-centered cross-sectional survey was conducted parents were not treating their child fairly (AOR=5.05;
in six primary care/ family medicine clinics affiliated with a 95%CI=1.29-19.78).
tertiary care teaching hospital in Karachi. We interviewed 489 Conclusion: In this study most adolescents had preventable
young male adults who visited the studied clinics for any reason factors for NCDs. These results warrant comprehensive and
during the study period. integrated interventions to prevent lifestyle risk factors, with
Results: Results: The overall prevalence of psychoactive drug parents being front-line stake-holders.
use was 12.3% whereas only 2.5% were diagnosed for any
psychiatric illness. Around 46.7% of the psychoactive drug users Keywords: Non-communicable Disease, Adolescents,
were taking it for more than 6 months, 100% use it to relax and Pakistan
sleep while 40% does it to hang on. By univariate analysis, the
factors associated were nuclear family system (OR=2.97, 95%
CI: 1.71-5.17) as compared to joint family system, having 11.28
chewing habit (OR= 4.31, 95% CI: 2.33-7.98) as compared to IMPROVING CROSS BORDER HEALTHCARE IN GORNO-
without this habit, being smoker (OR=3.61, 95% CI: 2.07-6.29) BADAKHSHAN AUTONOMOUS OBLAST TAJIKISTAN)
as compared to non-smokers, having family member(s) using AND AFGHAN BADAKHSHAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF
psychoactive drugs (OR=4.00, 95% CI: 2.29-6.99) as compared AFGHANISTAN) THROUGH eHEALTH
to not having any family member using psychoactive drugs,
education for 0-12 years (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.12-3.74) compared Shariq Khoja, Hammad Durrani, Aziz Jiwani, Abdul Muqeet
to those with an education of >12 years. Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan
Conclusion: Psychoactive drug use is a major problem among University,Karachi
young adult males which can be suppressed through interventional
policies. Objective: The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
eHealth Resource Centre (eHRC) is assisting cross-border Health
Keywords: Psychoactive drugs, young adults, Karachi program to strengthen health systems in central Asia and to
address inequities in health care, by creating linkages between
the communities in the mountainous areas of the Gorno-
11.27 Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) in Tajikistan and
ASSOCIATION OF GENDER AND PARENTAL FACTORS Badakhshan province of Afghanistan using eHealth.
WITH PREVENTABLE LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS FOR Method: To evaluate the potential of using eHealth for the overall
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE PAKISTAN growth of GBAO and Afghan Badakshan regions, a rapid
ADOLESCENTS SCHOOLS STUDY 1 (PASS-1) assessment was conducted from April – June 2011 with the local
stake holders of the two Badakshans to identify priority health
Ali Khan Khuwaja and Iqbal Azam issues; defining the support required to implement eHealth; and
Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health identify potential resources within and outside the country to
Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi support eHealth activities
Results: The assessment identified following issues needing
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the proportion improvement in Tajik and Afghan Badakshans: • Limited access
and co-existence pattern of preventable lifestyle risk factors for to referral care • Poor quality of health care due to lack of
NCDs among adolescents. We also evaluated the association of experienced staff and diagnostic equipment (GBAO);
these preventable factors by gender and parental characteristics. and lack of continuing professional development
Method: In a school-based study, pre-tested and structured programmes (Afghnaistan) • Problems in compiling
questionnaires were filled by 414 adolescents (14 to 17 years) Hospital/Management Information Systems(H/MIS) data on a
studying in six schools of three major cities of Pakistan. Chi- regular basis.
square test and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence Conclusion: Specific recommendations are made by the
interval (CI) were calculated in multinomial logistic regression stakeholders for developing infrastructure, human, financial
analysis. and policy support for an eHealth program. The other

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recommendations involved: • To establish an eHealth support providers, serving at different healthcare levels.
system in both the Badakshans linking all levels of health Conclusion: The model has shown great success with high rates
facilities. Also cross-border consultations are possible at the of satisfaction among healthcare providers and patients.
level of the district or provincial hospitals. • An eLearning
programme could support the training needs of healthcare Keywords: eHealth, Telehealth, eLearning
providers in both the regions. The University of Central Asia
(UCA) could be approached to offer English and Information
Technology courses using eLearning. • A small scale 11.31
implementation of H/MIS would help timely management of BROADENING HORIZONS OF CARE: FEMALE ADULT
data. A proposal has been designed to improve access and quality LITERACY PROJECT CARRIED OUT BY NURSING
of health services in the cross-border region of GBAO and STUDENTS IN SINDHABAD – A TEMPORARILY SET
Afghan Badakshan using eHealth solutions. The aim is to COMMUNITY FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
strengthen health systems and address inequities in health. (IDPS) IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Keywords: eHealth, need assessment, telehealth Saba Akbar Dossani

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

11.29 Objective: The purpose of this project was to identify educational

STRENGTHENING HEALTHCARE AND PROFESSIONAL status, knowledge, attitudes and practices of people of Sindhabad
EDUCATION IN AFGHANISTAN THROUGH EHEALTH about female literacy and to develop and implement nursing
care plan for the enhancement of literacy status of adult females
Shariq Khoja, Hammad Durrani, Saira Nigar, Aziz Jan of the community.
Department of Community Health Sciences, Method: A convenient sample (n=200) was taken with an
Aga Khan University,Karachi inclusion criteria of Sindhi or Urdu speaking females of 15 –
50 years of age. An adult literacy assessment tool containing
Background: Afghanistan presents a society that is struggling relevant questions was developed and run among the participants.
with long-standing conflict and post-conflict development. Some Extensive literature review was done and data from the tool was
development is seen in health, education and telecommunication analyzed using statistical software (SPSS).
sectors opening doors for innovative solutions, such as eHealth. Results: Data analysis showed that 86.5% of the participants
The Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, Pakistan, established were unable to write their names, 89.6 % have received no
a telehealth link with French Medical Institute for Children formal education and 34.2% of them felt guilty of being illiterate.
(FMIC), Kabul in 2007 to support teleradiology activities. The Moreover, 94.3% believed that females have right to educated
initiative is currently extended to Bamyan and Faizabad Provincial themselves, 66.5% thought that their families will allow them
Hospitals, connecting sites for teleconsultation and continuing to study and 93.3% acknowledged the fact that education helps
professional development of the staff. This abstract focuses on in improving quality of life. In addition to this, 43% verbalized
establishing eHealth connection in Bamyan. presence of cultural hindrance towards getting education, 66.3%
Objective: The main objective of this study was to establish a wanted a free of cost access to education and 58.5% wanted it
model for Telehealth and eLearning activities between Bamyan to be an only-females education system.
Provincial Hospital and the French Medical Institute for Children Conclusion: An adult literacy centre was established as part of
(FMIC), Kabul; and evaluate its feasibility. the implementation process. This project was an application of
Method: This study used a mixed method design involving both nursing students’ learning about the advance concepts in
qualitative (case study) and quantitative (mainly pre and post community health nursing.
intervention) techniques to test the feasibility and evaluate the
services. Live consultations were provided through video Keywords: IDPs, adult literacy, community health nursing
conferencing from FMIC to Bamyan in the required specialties
mutually identified. Store-and-forward consultation was carried
out using open source software, called iPath for pathology and 11.33
shared folder for radiology cases, where FMIC experts respond SOCIAL PHOBIA; A HIDDEN DISASTER IN THE
to cases requested by remote physicians. OUTSKIRTS
Results: To date (September 2010 to 2011), a total of 854
consultations have taken places. Live consultations have been Sadaf Nooruddin Huda, Anaiz Khowaja
requested in seven specialties i.e. Paediatrics 52(10%); Cardiology School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
43(8%); OBG 11(2%); ENT 11(2%), Orthopaedics 16(3%);
Dermatology 399 (75%) and 1 Pain Management case. 194 Introduction: In the collectivist nature of suburbs of Pakistan,
radiology cases were requested and 127 pathology cases were Social phobia can be an extremely disruptive disorder, which
uploaded on iPath; 72% were responded within 24 hours while usually causes great distress in the sufferer and sometimes for
rest were answered within maximum of 48 hours time. The those close to them. (Neal & Edelmann, 2003). It is the third
average time saved was 5 days or even more, and cost saved largest mental health delinquent in the world with its chronic
per case was US $200 including both travel and consultation nature and poor quality of life; and therefore should be determined
charges. A total of 20 eLearning sessions were delivered from early in childhood and timely treatment should be given.
FMIC to Bamyan for building capacity of 280 health care Objective: This literature review is an endeavor to discover the

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policy support for an eHealth program. The other use. Cigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor and future
concept of social phobia in sociocultural context. work should focus on prevention strategies for all types of
Method: Systemic review of literature from 16 research articles tobacco use.
from 1998-2010 was conducted through electronic medium by
using Elsevier and SAGE. Keywords: Smokeless tobacco, Pakistan, prevalence
Results: Literature clearly highlights that social phobia is more
persistent in the countries which are collectivist. It was found
that neurobiological factors, genetics, gender, and socio culture 11.36
plays an important role and are major determinants of social POLICY DIMENSIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF ESSENTIAL
phobia. In the socio cultural context, collectivist societies are MEDICINES FOR CHILDREN UNDER-5 AT PHC- A
more prone towards getting social phobia and the rural COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE OF SQUATTER
communities in Pakistan tend to have a collectivist orientation; SETTLEMENT OF KARACHI.
thus the kids there are at high risk and so it should be identified
from the beginning, since the age of onset varies widely from Yasir Shafiq, Babar T Shaikh
5 years to 9 years of age in children. The treatment therapies Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
vary widely such as exposure therapy, social skills therapy, and Karachi
applied relaxation.
Conclusion: Much more researches and field work is required Objective: Child health outcomes in the poor communities are
in reducing social phobia especially in the young girls of suburbs affected by the non-availability of essential medicines. The study
of Pakistan in order to prepare the future generation for developing was done i) to authenticate the shelf-availability of essential
a healthy family and thus a healthy country. medicines for children under-5 year of age at primary health
care facilities and ii) to explore the policy dimension from
Keywords: Social phobia, collectivist countries, therapies viewpoints of community and local health care provider on the
issue of availability and affordability of essential medicines.
Method: We examined the shelf-availability of medicines for
11.34 children under-5 years of age at a primary healthcare center at
PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS SMOKELESS Rehri Goth by observation, conducted focus group discussions
TOBACCO USE IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF with the mothers and interviewed health care providers of the
KARACHI area to study the phenomenon.
Results: We found that 61% of the essential medicines for
Karim Abdur Rehman, Humna Abid, Ramsha Malik, selected childhood illnesses were not in the stock at PHC. ‘Need
Javaid Khan assessment for availability based on the disease trends’, ‘good
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi managerial controls over supplies at government level’, ‘equitable
access of essential medicines’ and public-private partnership to
Objective: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) accounts for approximately improve the access’ are the main area which were found to
a third of all tobacco use in South Asian countries and is associated improve the access to essential medicines.
with high mortality and morbidity. However, current literature Conclusion: Improving supply systems based on pattern of
does not focus on this subset of the population. The objective illnesses in the communities need to be known before
of this study was to assess the prevalence of smokeless tobacco improvements can be made and public sector needs to be
and to identify socio-demographic factors that may be associated responsive in this regard. Public-private partnership can be tested
with its use. in the communities where private sector is actively involved in
Method: A multi-institutional cross-sectional study was conducted the service provision. Progress towards MDGs will not occur
from December 2010 and February 2011 in Karachi, Pakistan. without a major effort to improve access to medicines for
All adult patients were included. Through convenience sampling, children.
461 participants were interviewed with a structured questionnaire.
SLT practice was identified as ‘daily’, ‘occassional’, and ‘former’ Keywords: Policy, PHC, squatter sattlement
users . Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine
associations of smokeless tobacco use while adjusting for the
following covariates: age, gender, income, level of education, 11.37
marital status, occupation and current cigarette use. A REMARKABLY FAST HEALING OF CORNEA
Results: Out of 461 participants, 149(32.3%) used smokeless ASSOCIATED WITH DRAMATIC VISUAL RECOVERY
tobacco. Of these, 105(70%) used it daily, 34(22.7%) occasionally AFTER ELECTRIC BURN IN A YOUNG ADULT
and 10(6.7%) formally. Paan(40.3%) was the most widely used
form of SLT followed by Ghutka(23.5%) and Chalia(21.1%). Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Farheen Shaikh, Khabir Ahmad
Male gender (OR: 1.80,CI: 1.16-2.80) and current cigarette Department of Surgery,Aga Khan University, Karachi
smoking (OR: 1.85,CI: 1.03-3.33) were independently associated
with SLT use. Undergraduate and postgraduate level of education Objective: Ocular/orbital electrical burns are uncommon events.
were associated with decreased odds of SLT use (OR: 0.48,CI: A 20-year-old man presented to us with a history of electric
0.26-0.90). burn he had received an hour and a half before presentation.
Conclusion: Approximately one in three people use smokeless Method: He reported having intense burning of eye and blurring
tobacco. Male gender and cigarette use significantly predict its of vision, watering and pain in both eyes. The left eye was

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severely affected. He had a poor visual acuity (CF in LE) and visual phenomenon experienced during the surgery.
a good one (20/25) in the right. He had difficulty in opening his Conclusion: Our study reveals that almost half of the
LE which had a deeply-congested conjunctiva and a diffuse ophthalmologists are not aware of the visual phenomenon
corneal epithelial burn with areas of epithelial loss. The right experienced by patients during cataract surgery.
eye was less affected with marked conjunctival congestion and
multiple corneal punctate epithelial staining. There was marked Keywords: Perceptions, visual experiences, cataract surgery
AC reaction in the LE. Superficial epithelial layer of patient’s
left eye was debrided followed by use of topical antibiotic
(polyfax eye ointment and moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) and 11.39
dilating eye drops (mydriacyl 1%). The eye was padded for the ETIOLOGY OF RETINAL DETACHMENT IN PATIENTS
next 48 hours. For the right eye, moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops, PRESENTING AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN KARACHI,
mydriacyl 1% eye drops and prednisolone 1 % eye drops were PAKISTAN.
prescribed.
Results: On day 3, the LE pad was removed. A remarkable Azam Ali, Maria Choudhary, Moaz Choudhary, Khabir Ahmad
improvement in VA— from CF to 20/25— was noticed in the Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
left eye. Both the corneas had healed dramatically. Ten days
after the injury, the patient had a good visual acuity of 20/20 in Objective: To find out the etiology of retinal detachment among
the right eye and 20/25 (best-corrected) in the left one. The patients presenting with complex retinal detachment at a tertiary
cornea on both sides was found to be clear. hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of early Method: This was a retrospective file review of 173 consecutive
intervention in case of electric burn. cases that underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil
tamponade for complex retinal detachment and subsequent
Keywords: Electric burn, cornea, visual loss removal of silicone oil (ROSO) at a tertiary care hospital in
Pakistan. Data were extracted from medical records. Clinical
information obtained included age, sex, etiology of the
11.38 detachment, pre and post-op visual acuity. Data were analyzed
KNOWLEDGE OF PATIENTS’ VISUAL EXPERIENCE using the SPSS for Windows statistical package
DURING CATARACT SURGERY: A SURVEY OF Results: Retinal detachment in a fifth of eyes resulted from
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS IN KARACHI proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) while in the remaining
eyes the etiology was proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)---
Mohammad Zain Tauqir, Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Rhegmatogenous (45.1%), Spontaneous (12.1%), high myopia
Khabir Ahmad (10.4%), trauma w/o IOFB( 4.6%), trauma with IOFB (0.6%),
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi post-cataract extraction (3.5%) and post-endophthalmitis (2.8%).
Conclusion: A significant proportion of the causes of retinal
Objective: We assessed the knowledge of ophthalmologists in detachment are preventable and can be addressed through targeted
Karachi regarding visual experiences of patients during cataract public health interventions.
surgery.
Method: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the Keywords: Retinal detachment , etiology, pars plana vitrectomy
Ophthalmology Society of Pakistan Annual Conference 2011,
in Karachi. Ophthalmologists were asked what they thought
patients could visually experience during a cataract surgery. A 11.40
self-administered questionnaire, developed on information PREVALENCE OF INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER
derived from previous studies, was used. Data were entered and (IAD) AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: RESULTS
analyzed using SPSS. ACROSS VARIOUS DISCIPLINES IN KARACHI,
Results: 150 ophthalmologists, residents, medical officers were PAKISTAN
contacted. Of these, 68 (45.3 %) responded. Survey participants
who operated under regional anesthesia and topical were asked Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja, Marium Hussain , Hashim Hussnain
what proportion of individuals undergoing cataract surgery Ahmed , Hira Shahzad , Hina Aaqil , Babar Ahmad Khan ,
retained any form of vision during surgery. Those who operated Hassaan Ashraf Zia , Muzna Iftikhar , Mohammad Bilal Ahmed,
under regional anesthesia replied that 38.8 % patients are able Ali-Osama Malik , Sher Ali Khan, Syed Farid-ul-Hasnain
to see at least something during the surgery. Those who operated Department of Community Health Sciences, Medical College,
under topical anesthesia said 64 % patients are able to see. The Aga Khan University,Karachi
majority of participants (39/68 or 57.4 %) did not think that
retained vision was a source of fear or anxiety for patients during Objective: Despite increasing global concern over the potential
cataract surgery under regional anesthesia. While most of the adverse effects of excessive or maladaptive internet usage, there
surgeons (54/68 or 79.4%) thought that preoperative counseling is a lack of evidence to establish the prevalence of this proposed
can reduce patients’ anxiety, only a third (22/68 or 32.4%) mental disorder in Pakistan.To examine the prevalence of internet
reported that they regularly counseled their patients for possible addiction amongst university students in Karachi, Pakistan; to

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compare this prevalence among various disciplines; and to well). The data was collected via face to face interviews. We
examine the relationship of prevalence with determinants in a used a convenience sampling, in which we interviewed cigarette
representative sample of university students. retailors all over Karachi and people within 50 meters of the
Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in retailor. EpiData v3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS v17 for
four major universities of Karachi, Pakistan from April to June analysis.
2011, comprising of five professional disciplines at the Results: The prevalence of smoking and passive smoking in our
undergraduate level; Medicine, Nursing, Arts, Engineering and study were found to be 27.4% and 41.9% respectively. Of the
Business. A written structured questionnaire was filled out by 339 people we interviewed, 192 (56.6%) were aware of the fact
the subjects, which included a modified version of structured that smoking is prohibited on public transport. 202 (59.6%)
Young’s Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) for internet addiction. people were aware that smoking is prohibited at public places
SPSS was used for data analysis. and 231 (68.1%) people knew that smoking is prohibited at
Results: A total of 604 participants [males=304 (50.3%); work places. 250 (73.7%) people were aware of the fact that
females=300 (49.7%)] were included in our study with a mean sales of cigarettes to minors (under the age of 18) is prohibited.
age of 21.05 (SD ±2.48) years. There were 133 medical students, 139 (41.0%) were aware that the sale of cigarettes within 50
125 nursing students, 109 business students, 120 engineering meters of an educational institute is prohibited. 193 (56.9%)
students and 114 students studying arts. Overall prevalence of people were aware of the fact that cigarette advertisements
IAD as per the YDQ was found to be 19.9% (n=120). Internet without warnings are prohibited. Of the 53 cigarette retailors
addiction was strongly dependent on gender with highest that participated in our study, 32 (60.4%) retailors knew that
prevalence among males (male: female = 1.72:1, 95% CI=1.28- sales of cigarettes to minors is prohibited, yet 48 (90.6%) of
2.92). Multiple logistic regression showed that male gender, them admitted that they have never asked anyone who they
duration of time spent actively browsing online and whether or thought was underage for proof of identification before selling
not the individual remained connected to the internet when not them a cigarette. 20 (37.7%) retailors were aware that the sale
actively browsing were factors positively associated with IAD. of cigarettes within 50 meters of an educational institute is
Conclusion: The present study suggests that Internet addiction prohibited. 18 (34.0%) retailors were located within 50 meters
is not a rare entity among Pakistani university students. No of an educational institution.
association was found between study disciplines in universities Conclusion: Based on the results of our study there is a need to
and the level of internet addiction. In addition, students with increase awareness regarding the existing anti-smoking laws
internet addiction possess different psychological features when among the public, and to ensure the proper implementation of
compared to those who do not use Internet that frequently. these laws. As per public opinion, cracking down on the underage
sales of cigarettes, increasing the tariff of cigarettes and
Keywords: Internet addiction disorder, university students, involvement of the media in advertising the adverse effects of
Pakistan cigarettes may help reduce the prevalence of smoking in Pakistan.

Keywords: Smoking, laws, awareness

11.41
SMOKING BAN INITIATIVES: PUBLIC AWARENESS &
IMPACT IN PAKISTAN. 11.43
INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE ADHERENCE TO
Zain Feroze Cawasji, Barkat Ali Changezi, Moaz Maqbool TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT AMONG PATIENTS
Choudhary, Noor Anjum Choudhary, Imtiaz Jehan, Fatima ATTENDING BASIC MEDICAL UNIT OF TALUKA
Khurram, Adil Aijaz Shah, Irfan Ahmed Siddiqui GAMBAT, PAKISTAN: A PRE-POST INTERVENTION
Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi STUDY.

Objective: In 2002, the government of Pakistan, in an effort to Maliha Naseer, Shiraz Shaikh, Nisar Shaikh, Madani Shaikh
reduce cigarette smoking, passed new laws entitled “Prohibition Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance Karachi, Gambat Institute of Meidcal Sciences, Chandka
2002” which restricted the places one can smoke, the sale of Medical College
cigarettes to minors and advertisement of cigarettes without a
warning. Although the legislation has been passed for almost a Objective: Tuberculosis remains a major public health issue in
decade, its awareness and subsequent success remains developing countries. Non-adherence to tuberculosis medicine
questionable and undocumented. It is for this reason that we set has been found to be responsible for increase default and decrease
out to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among in the cure from disease and emergence of multidrug resistance
members of the general populace regarding the existing anti- tuberculosis. We endeavor to identify the impact of interventions
smoking laws and identification of strategies to curtail cigarette on the adherence to tuberculosis medicine among patient attending
consumption. basic medical unit of Taluka Gambat Sindh
Method: Our study was a cross-sectional survey conducted from Method: A pre-post intervention study was conducted between
March 7th to April 14th 2011 including 339 individuals selected 2004-07. All the patients diagnosed as having tuberculosis by
as per inclusion criteria (of which 53 were cigarette retailors as sputum smear and chest x-ray attending Basic Medical Unit in

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Taluka Gambat hospital were enrolled in the study. Interventions He now also has a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 with -
such as education, and counseling of patient and family members, 1.50 D Sph/-2.0D Cyl @ 75°.
default tracer, regular follow-ups were implemented successively Conclusion: Polycarbonate lenses are more impact-resistant
over the years along with DOTS. Data was collected on standard than regular plastic or glass lenses. and should be a good choice
proformas and registers (TB01 & TB03). Analysis was done in for people who regularly participate in sporting activities. This
SPSS v.16 and outcomes (Treatment success rate, cure rate and should be supplemented by wearing safety helmets in some of
default rate) were compared using Cox proportional regression the sports, such as cricket. There measures if taken can prevent
model a significant proportion of eye injuries.
Results: Total 1280 tuberculosis patient were included in the
analysis. Treatment success rate and cure rate showed increase Keywords: sports, eye trauma, eye glasses
of 34% and 56% respectively from baseline. Similarly the default
rate declined from 38% to 0% during 2004-07. Hazard of getting
cured from disease increased from 1.78 (CI: 1.24-2.54) to 2.62 11.46
(CI: 1.84-3.73) to 3.12 (CI: 2.21-4.41) after successive VALIDATION OF SHORT AND LONG INTERNATIONAL
implementation of interventions along with DOTS over the three PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUESTIONNAIRES AMONG
years period. There is 88% reduction in the risk of being default URBAN, ADULT PAKISTANI POPULATION
in year 2007 in comparison to 44% risk reduction only after
education and counseling interventions along with DOTS Muhammad Imran Nisar, Iqbal Azam , Muhammad Shahid,
Conclusion: Interventions such as education and counseling of Zafar Fatmi, Romaina Iqbal
patient and family members, patient tracers, regular follow ups, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
and improving patient satisfaction with the health care providers Karachi
and system have found to be effective and have an impact on
improving treatment outcomes with tuberculosis if implemented Objective: Given the association between physical activity and
with DOTS and can be helpful to reduce the burden of multidrug non-communicable diseases it is important to measure physical
resistant tuberculosis in rural area of Pakistan activity in free living population accurately. The objective of
this study was to translate, adapt and validate Short and long
Keywords: Tuberculosis, pre post intervention, treatment International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) among
adherence urban, adult Pakistanis.
Method: This study was conducted at one of the urban sites of
Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE), the Karachi
11.44 Port Trust (KPT) staff colony. The participants were administered
EYE TRAUMA: IS WEARING GLASSES A GOOD IDEA the questionnaires and given a GT3X accelerometer to wear for
WHILE BATTING? next seven days. The accelerometers were collected back on
day 8 and IPAQs were administered again. MET minutes per
Shaukat Ali Chhipa, Saajan Kukreja, Arsalan Rajput, week were calculated for IPAQs and counts / minute for
Khabir Ahmad accelerometer. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi estimated for criterion validity, test retest reliability and concurrent
validity.
Objective: A significant proportion of eye injuries are related Results: 301 subjects participated in the study, 150 were males
to sports and recreation. Two cases of severe eye trauma are and 151 were females. Mean age was 44.5 years. There was
reported, with a view to advocate for preventive measures. weak to moderate correlation between IPAQ and accelerometer,
Method: A 15-year-old right-handed boy had his glasses smashed r=0.23 for IPAQ short and r=0.32 for IPAQ long. There was
after being hit in the face by a bouncing cricket ball while batting. moderate correlation for test retest reliability of IPAQ short and
The impact was on the left side and resulted in left ocular trauma. long, r= 0.56 and 0.50 respectively .There was moderate
He was immediately brought to the emergency room by his correlation between IPAQ short and long administered together,
friends. Initial assessment showed a visual acuity of perception r=0.55.
of light (PL) in the left eye. There was a corneal tear on the Conclusion: Long and short forms of International Physical
temporal side accompanied by an iris prolapse and ruptured Activity Questionnaire have acceptable validity and reliability
anterior capsule with cataract formation. A corneal repair and and can be used to measure group level physical activity in
lens aspiration were performed. An intraocular lens was implanted urban adult Pakistani population.
after it was ascertained that the posterior capsule was intact and
the fundal glow was positive. Six months later, he has a best- Keywords: Validation, IPAQ, physical activity
corrected visual acuity of 20/30 with -2.50D Sph/-3.0D Cyl
@105°. Within few months of this case, another cricketer, this
time a 24-year-old male, who got hit in his glasses by a bouncer,
was brought to us. On examination he could detect only hand
movement. There was a corneal tear on the nasal side which
was associated with an iris prolapse. The cornea was repaired.

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11.47 donors who have given blood when required by a family or

LOW LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HIGH community member to become unpaid donors and to
LEVELS OF OBESITY IN URBAN, ADULT PAKISTANI communicate importance of blood donation as when a person
POPULATION donates blood, his/her bone marrow is stimulated to produce
new red cells. This will make our blood forming organs to
Muhammad Imran Nisar, Iqbal Azam, Muhammad Shahid, function more effective and active cells.
Zafar Fatmi, Romaina Iqbal Method: The authors develop two level “A” & “B”. Level “A”
Department of Community Health Sciences and Emergency is for health care workers and level “B” is for general public.
Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Prospectively both groups are evaluated with a simple
questionnaire which includes the information amongst health
Objective: Low physical activity is responsible for 6% of global care workers and general public regarding their blood group
deaths and is estimated to be the cause of 30% of the ischemic and blood donation. Total 50 no. of general public & 50 no. of
heart disease (IHD), 27% of the diabetes and 21 % of the breast health care workers are evaluated. In level “A” 26 were males
and colon cancer burden. We assessed physical activity levels & 24 were females. In level “B” 22 were males & 28 were
in urban adult Pakistanis (n=301) using International Physical females, 27 were below 40 years & 23 were above 40 years age.
Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: for level “A” health care workers: awareness of blood
Method: Participants were administered validated Urdu translation group: 72% of them were aware about their blood group & 28%
of short and long IPAQ by trained data collectors. Physical were not. 24% of staff presented reason “not needed ever to
measurements were taken. Participants were classified into obese aware”, while 4% of them not commented on reason. for level
and non obese using the cutoffs recommended for south Asians. “B” general public:awareness of blood group: 62% of them were
Participants were classified into low (physically inactive), aware about their blood group & 38% were not. 28% of staff
moderate (minimum WHO recommended physical activity) and presented reason “not needed ever to aware”, while 10% of
high physical activity category using the scoring algorithm for them not commented on reason.
IPAQs. Data from the IPAQ long was used to assess the proportion Conclusion: Our survey showed that majority of the health care
of physical activity in occupational, transport, domestic and workers have awareness of their blood group as compared to
leisure domain. general public, as well as the ratio of blood donation was recorded
Results: There were 150 males and 150 females. Mean age of high in health care workers as compared to general public.
the participant was 44.5 years.209 participants (69.4%) were
classified as obese. The prevalence of obesity was 63 % percent Keywords: Bloodgroup, ER
in males 76 % in females. 134 participants (44.5%) did not meet
the minimum physical activity requirements for healthy life.
The prevalence of physical activity was 57.6 % males and 31.3 11.50
% in females. 41.5 % of the physical activity took place in the COVERAGE ASSESSMENT OF MASS MEASLES VACCINE
household domain, 26.7 % in the work place domain, 19.1% in DRIVE-2011: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY IN THE
the transport domain and only 12.6% in the leisure domain. METROPOLITAN CITY OF PAKISTAN
Conclusion: Prevalence of two major risk factors for non
communicable diseases, obesity and physical inactivity, was Asif Raza Khowaja, Sana Sheikh, Ali Saleem, Anita K.M. Zaidi
very high in urban adult Pakistanis. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Obstetrics &
Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Physical Activity, obesity, prevalence
Objective: Measles vaccination has remarkably reduced mortality
worldwide. Despite the free-of-cost availability of measles
11.48 vaccine in EPI, we have not been able to slash the burden of
LEVEL OF AWARENESS; AMONGST HEALTH CARE measles because of low routine vaccination coverage in Pakistan.
WORKERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC REGARDING THEIR Supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) were initiated in
BLOOD GROUP IN CASE OF RESPONDING TO 2007 to bridge this coverage gap. However, their quality and
EMERGENCY SITUATION BE IT FOR THEIR FAMILY AND reach have been challenged given large number of cases reported
FRIEND OR ANY DISASTER SITUATION IN PAKISTAN from Karachi alone in 2010. Therefore, this study aimed to
assess coverage of recent mass measles vaccination held at
Shaheen Dhanani, Afsheen Mahmood Karachi in February 2011.
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi Method: A cross sectional survey was carried out on a socio-
demographically representative population of all 18 towns of
Objective: To assess the level of Awareness; amongst health Karachi 4 months after the February 2011 campaign. Parents of
care workers and general public regarding their blood group in children <5 years were administered a structured questionnaire
case of responding to emergency situation be it for their family about knowledge and participation in recent mass measles
and friend or any Disaster situation in Pakistan. BACK vaccine drive.
GROUND: Life in today’s world is unpredictable, you never Results: Of 1,020 eligible households, only 275 (27%) parents
know when you, your beloved family member or citizen of your knew about measles SIA mainly from public announcements
nation could come across any unfortunate life threatening (42%) and visit of vaccinator at their house (38%). Of these,
condition, which could be because of Road Traffic Accident, 186 (67%) children received measles vaccine whereas 87 (32%)
Bomb Blasts or any Natural Calamity, like flood or earth quake. parents refused measles vaccine. Overall, only 18% children
It’s vitally important in this time of crisis that help should be received measles vaccine during the recent SIA. None of the
provided to victims in shortest possible time. Encourage healthy selected clusters had >50% coverage, whereas, marked coverage

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inequalities were observed between clusters ranging 10-27%. Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted on 493
Conclusion: Measles vaccine coverage in Karachi remains adults presenting to the three primary care clinics affiliated with
low and sporadic outbreaks of measles every two to three a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. We conducted face
years are expected unless population coverage can be rapidly to face interviews to gather data on a pre-coded questionnaire.
increased. The questionnaire included detail on demographics, presence
of comorbid conditions, and questions regarding weight
Keywords: Measles SIA, Measles survey, Mass Measles Vaccine assessment. We measured height and weight of the participants
Coverage and calculated the BMI. , The BMI was categorized into normal
weight, overweight and obese based on the revised definitions
for Asian populations. Feelings about weight were determined
11.51 by asking the study participants the following question: Do
ROLE OF SCHOOL HEALTH NURSE IN PROMOTING you consider yourself to be a) thin b) just right c) overweight
IMMUNIZATION d) obese. We compared the responses with the categorized
BMI. To identify factors associated with underestimation of
Sumaira, Farida Datoo, Fahmida Mehdi weight, we used simple and multiple logistic regression to
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi calculate crude odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted Odds Ratios
(AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals.
Objective: The review was to seek evidence of significant role Results: Overall 45.8% (n= 226) of the study participants were
of school health nurses in promotion of immunization of “vaccine- obese and 18% (n= 89) were overweight. There was poor
preventable diseases”in Pakistan. The results of the review were agreement between self perception and actual BMI (Kappa=
limited from Pakistani literature but world wide the role has 0.24, SE= 0.027, p < 0.001). Among obese participants a large
been supported strongly. proportion (73%) did not perceive themselves as obese, although
Method: This paper describes findings from a systematic review half (n=102) of them thought they may be overweight. Among
of the literature on the significant role of school health nurses; the overweight participants, half (n=41) of them didn’t recognize
for promotion of immunization in school children. The review themselves as overweight. Factors associated with misperception
was done of 12 articles from year 2000 to 2008. Databases of weight in overweight and obese participants were age > 40
examined for the review included MEDLINE, CINAHL, and years (AOR= 3.4; 95% CI: 1.8-6.4), male gender (AOR= 2.97;
Blackwell Synergy. 95% CI: 1.6-5.5), being happy with ones’ weight (AOR= 6.4;
Results: Role of school health nurse is supported internationally 95% CI: 3.4-12.1), and not knowing one’s ideal weight (AOR
especially promotion of immunization at school level, but there 2.45, 95% CI: 1.10-5.47).
is limited literature available and nothing much done regarding Conclusion: In this cross sectional survey, we observed marked
strengthening the role of school health nurses in Pakistan discordance between the actual and perceived weight.
Conclusion: There is a significant role of school health nurse Underestimation of individual weight was more common in
in promoting immunization and preventing disease at school, older participants (¬> 40 years), men, participants happy with
thus contribute in prevention of morbidity and mortality their weight and participants not aware of their ideal weight.
country wide. Recommendation: In Pakistan, through Accurate perception of one’s actual weight is critical for
development of a focused health promotion and disease individuals to be receptive to public health messages about
prevention plan, steps can be taken to promote role of school weight maintenance or weight loss goals. Therefore educating
health nurses. The implications of this paper’s findings should people about their correct weight , healthy weights and prevention
be considered for research based studies and policy making in of weight gain are important steps towards addressing the issue
Pakistan. of obesity in Pakistan.

Keywords: Immunication, teaching Keywords: Obesity, self perception

11.53 11.54
UNDERESTIMATION OF WEIGHT AND ITS ASSOCIATED THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF
FACTORS AMONG OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE EDUCATED FEMALE PILLION RIDERS OF LAHORE,
ADULTS IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY PAKISTAN

Seema Bhanji, Ali Khan Khuwaja, Fawad Siddiqui, Iqbal azam, Sana Shahbaz, Hunniya Waaseem, Uzma Khan, Umber Mehmood
Khawar Kazmi Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Karachi
Aga Khan University, Karachi
Objective: Introduction: Motorcycle helmets are effective in
Objective: Weight loss is known to decrease the health risks reducing head injury after a crash among both drivers and pillion
associated with being overweight and obese. Awareness of riders. According to Pakistan Motor Vehicle Ordinance Law
overweight status is an important determinant of weight loss 1965, no person male or female shall drive or ride pillion seat
attempts and may have more of an impact on one’s decision to without wearing a helmet, however this law is not followed by
lose weight than objective weight status. We therefore investigated most pillion riders in Pakistan. This survey was conducted to
the perception of weight among adults attending primary care find out the reasons for wearing and not wearing helmets among
clinics in Karachi, Pakistan, and compared it to their weight women pillion riders in urban population of Pakistan.
categories based on BMI (Body Mass Index), focusing on the Method: Convenient sampling was done, 200 questionnaires
underestimation of weight in overweight andobese individuals. were administered among female students, from two different
We also explored the factors associated with underestimation universities of Lahore, Pakistan. It was a self-administered
of weight in these individuals. questionnaire and the students were approached in recreational

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areas of the facility like cafeterias, sports complexes. The data and widely used tool for measuring physical activity in
was collected on knowledge of the law, reasons for not wearing epidemiological studies. Being a subjective tool, questionnaires
a helmet. have a considerable degree of measurement error associated
Results: The results showed that only 4% of pillion riders wore with them. This study explores the differential reporting of
helmets. About 11.5% of the females were not aware of helmet Physical activity by gender.
safety while 50% lacked knowledge about pillion passenger Method: This study was conducted at one of the urban sites of
helmet law in Pakistan. Most of reasons for not wearing a helmet Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE), the Karachi
were; cultural restraints (34%), 34.5% thought they would be Port Trust (KPT) staff colony. The participants were administered
made fun of, while 31% found it non-feasible with a scarf/dupatta. the IPAQ short and long questionnaires and given a GT3X
Around 18% of the respondents thought of it as unfashionable accelerometer to wear for next seven days. Those who had at
and 16% thought that climate is too hot to wear a helmet. least three valid accelerometer wear days were include in the
Conclusion: Laws need to be implemented and reinforced to analysis. Bland Altman plots were used to assess the agreement
ensure safety of women pillion riders. Awareness and receptive between the physical activities measured using IPAQs and the
environment is needed to ensure that these road-users observe accelerometers. Gender differences were explored for the
safety measures. objectively measured physical activity and self reported physical
activity.
Keywords: helmets, women, pillion riders Results: Out of 261 eligible participants 139 were males. Mean
age of the participants was 44.5 years (SD =7.6) Accelerometer
measured moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA)
11.55 minutes per week were much higher in males (Mean = 326) as
PERCEPTION OF PAKISTANI WOMEN PILLION RIDERS compared to females (Mean =125). IPAQs grossly overestimated
ABOUT HELMET USE – A QUALITATIVE STUDY the MVPA minutes by 340 minutes/week in females and
underestimated them by 262 minutes in males. One explanation
Uzma Rahim Khan, Nukhba Zia, Sayeeda A. Hassan, Afshan R. for this might be that the difference between the accelerometer
Khan, Safia Awan, Sana Shahbaz, Junaid A. Razzak measured MVPA minutes and IPAQ measured MVPA minutes
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, was positively correlated with the accelerometer measured
Karachi MVPA minutes. Females who had low levels of physical activity
over reported their physical activity in order to give a socially
Objective: Despite the importance of helmet in prevention of desirable response.
head injuries among motorcyclists, there is limited use of helmet Conclusion: IPAQs overestimate MVPA minutes in females and
both by riders and pillion passengers. The objective of the study underestimate it in males as compared to objectively measure
is to explore the perception of women pillion riders regarding PA in an urban, adult community.
the motorcycle helmet use.
Method: Data was collected from five focus group discussions Keywords: IPAQ, Gender, Physical Activity
(FGDs) held with women pillion riders working at the Aga Khan
University. The study participants were recruited voluntarily.
Written informed consent was taken from each participant before 11.59
beginning of each discussion. HOMICIDE BOMBERS: LIFE AS A WEAPON
Results: Some major themes emerged from the data analyses,
which included (1) motorcycle is a risky transport yet economical Murad M Khan, Robert Goldney, Riaz Hassan
mode of transportation; (2) all participants never wore a helmet Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University Karachi,
and never thought about wearing it before; (3) none of the University of Adelaide, Flinders University
participants were aware about the helmet law for pillion
rider but knew about the helmet law for the motorcycle driver; Objective: In the last three decades, the media, the general public
(4) the most important benefit of helmet use expressed was and the scientific community have used the words ‘suicide
“safety” especially protection from head injury in case of an bomber’ to describe the deaths of those who kill others while
incident. at the same time dying themselves.
Conclusion: Publicizing and enforcement of the law should be Method: Review of relevant literature
the first step towards initiating helmet use among women pillion Results: The act of 'suicide' bombing is, in fact, not suicide, but
riders in Pakistan. the deliberate death of others, the death of the perpetrator being
incidental to the act, rather than suicidal.
Keywords: Women, pillion rider, helmet perception Conclusion: We believe that better words to describe such acts
are ‘homicide bombing/bombers.’ By the use of ‘homicide
bomber,’ a gradual change in the worldwide interpretation and
11.58 acceptability of these acts may occur. We offer this
DIFFERENTIAL REPORTING OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY conceptualisation for further discussion and debate.
BY GENDER COMPARED TO OBJECTIVELY MEASURED
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AN URBAN, ADULT Keywords: suicide, homicide, bombing
COMMUNITY

Muhammad Imran Nisar, Iqbal Azam, Muhammad Shahid, Zafar

Fatmi, Romaina Iqbal
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Karachi

Objective: Physical activity has important benefits for health.

Self reported physical activity questionnaires are an inexpensive

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11.60 expiry management of drugs remotely and through periodic

THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF camp site visits was carried out. All the potential drug donations
EDUCATED FEMALE PILLION RIDERS OF LAHORE, were routed through pharmacy to evaluate the quality/stability,
PAKISTAN need and possible consumption of donated drugs. Pharmacy
also played important role in phase II of the flood relief operations
Sana Shahbaz, Hunniya Waseem, Uzma Rahim Khan, Amber i.e. nutritional state screening and replacement. In this regards
Mehmood iron/vitamin supplements and anthelminthic were supplied to
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, all camp sites through close coordination with maternal and
Karachi child health department of the hospital.
Results: Till date, hospital has provided healthcare to approx
Objective: Motorcycle helmets are effective in reducing head 567,350 flood affectees in 16 districts of four provinces of
injury after a crash among both drivers and pillion riders. Pakistan. Pharmacy being the backbone of these massive relief
According to Pakistan Motor Vehicle Ordinance Law 1965, no efforts ensured the timely delivery of quality medicines to the
person male or female shall drive or ride pillion seat without disaster victims.
wearing a helmet, however this law is not followed by most Conclusion: Till date, hospital has provided healthcare to approx
pillion riders in Pakistan. This survey was conducted to find out 567,350 flood affectees in 16 districts of four provinces of
the reasons for wearing and not wearing helmets among women Pakistan. Pharmacy being the backbone of these massive relief
pillion riders in urban population of Pakistan. efforts ensured the timely delivery of quality medicines to the
Method: Convenient sampling was done, 200 questionnaires disaster victims.
were administered among female students, from two different
universities of Lahore, Pakistan. It was a self-administered Keywords: Pharmacy, flood relief, medicine supply
questionnaire and the students were approached in recreational
areas of the facility like cafeterias, sports complexes. The data
was collected on knowledge of the law, reasons for not wearing 11.62
a helmet. ASSESSMENT OF SOCIETAL HEALTH CARE ISSUES: A
Results: The results showed that only 4% of pillion riders wore FACTUAL UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS IMPLICATION
helmets. About 11.5% of the females were not aware of helmet
safety while 50% lacked knowledge about pillion passenger Perwez Hashmi, Asim Nasar, Naeemul Haque Ansari, Tauseef
helmet law in Pakistan. Most of reasons for not wearing a helmet Ahmed
were; cultural restraints (34%), 34.5% thought they would be Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
made fun of, while 31% found it non-feasible with a scarf/dupatta.
Around 18% of the respondents thought of it as unfashionable Objective: The factual findings indicate that resource allocation
and 16% thought that climate is too hot to wear a helmet. to communities (upper, middle, lower class people) depends on
Conclusion: Laws need to be implemented and reinforced to referential bond among the funding bodies to needy person.
ensure safety of women pillion riders. Awareness and receptive Inappropriate information create the hurdles for serving the
environment is needed to ensure that these road-users observe nation in an efficient manner.The rational principal is to provide
safety measures. the cognitive support and construct the health care policies at
micro level in developing countries.The core objective is to
Keywords: women, helmets, pillion riders address polices and strategic action via rigorous assessment at
macro level, which generate the positive results for building the
life of nation on equalities bases.
11.61 Method: The study has been based on qualitative research
ROLE OF HOSPITAL PHARMACY IN MASSIVE FLOOD required primary source of data collection. We used all three
RELIEF OPERATIONS IN PAKISTAN method of primary data collection that is questionnaire,interviews
of the selected population and also discussion with the focus
Salwa Ahsan, Kashif Shamim, Tahseen Raza group. Analysing the data using SPSS and results were then
Department of Pharmacy , Aga Khan University, Karachi interpreted in more technically.
Results: This study also proposed a model which is relevant to
Objective: Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods etc demographic trends in modern diversification of population by
claim several lives and greatly affect infrastructure and economy. focusing norms, values and cultural bonds in Pakistan. The study
While many government organizations/NGOs carry out crisis restrain towards panoramic and meta-analysis of known and
management, pharmacists can also contribute to a great deal for unknown variables which comprehensibly highlight the
ensuring that the disaster victims have timely accessibility to significance of socio-economic policies, by having intentions
medicinal supply. of government and non-government organization.
Method: When Pakistan history’s worst flood struck in year Conclusion: This study indicate the significance of public health
2010, the hospital responded to the emergency through care on equalities bases, in order to attain the objectives of socio-
implementation of disaster plan. This mainly involved the economic justice via distributing the funds to deserve people at
deployment of medical teams for responding to urgent medical right time. Statistical results provide the need assessment of
needs of flood affectees and endemics like diarrhea and cholera. people health in comparison with financial resources for imminent
Pharmacy since inception had assumed a central role in period.
developing standard medicine list for disaster management; in
selection, procurement, storage and dispatching of medicines Keywords: Socio-economic determinants, Health care issues,
to the remote flood relief camp sites. Moreover inventory and Policies.

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12.1 CG were 57.1 (±35.9), 57.8 (±33.6) and 68.7 (±41.5) ml/min
OUTCOME OF RADIOLOGICAL GUIDED PERMCATH- respectively. Deming regression analysis generated MDRD =
AN INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW 5.23 + 0.92 (CrCl) and CG = 0.23 + 1.2 (CrCl) for comparison
of CrCl results with those of MDRD and CG respectively.
Raza Sayani, Tanveer Ul Haq, Rana Shoaib, Mohammed Ali Comparing MDRD and CrCl, Bland Altman revealed acceptable
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi agreement with a minimal bias of 0.65.
Conclusion: We suggest that reflex reporting of eGFR using
Objective: Arteriovenous fistula is the gold standard vascular MDRD can be implemented in clinical laboratories when serum
access used to access the blood for hemodialysis treatment. Cr is reported
Tunneled catheters are widely used as an alternate mean in
patients requiring dialysis. These are routinely placed in patients Keywords: eGFR, creatinine, Cockcroft Gault
awaiting fistula maturation or creation and in those who are not
suitable for its creation. The study is performed to review the
outcome of Permcath placed in Radiology Department of Aga 12.4
Khan University Hospital. OPTIMAL MANAGEMENT OF SOLITARY LOWER POLE
Method: The outcomes were retrospectively analyzed of 75 RENAL CALCULI 15-20 MM
hemodialysis catheters placed in 74 patients from June 2010
through May 2011. Insertion related complications, patency rate Syed Muhammad Nazim, Naveed Haroon, M Hammad Ather
and freedom from infection were analyzed Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Seventy-five Permcaths were placed in 74 patients.
Immediate technical success was 100% (75 of 75 catheters). Objective: Optimal management of lower calyceal stones
The procedural complication rate was 6.6% (5 catheters). 11 continues to be a significant problem. Shockwave lithotripsy
patients were lost to follow up. 7 expired during the study period (SWL) is regarded as the first choice for stones < 15mm.
due to other co-morbid conditions. One developed septicemia Percutaneous surgery (PCNL)is considered for stones >20mm.
secondary to Permcath infection and later expired. Of the 15-20 mm is still considered a grey zone. OBJECTIVE: To
remaining 56 patients, 33(62.5%) predominantly had uneventful compare the stone clearance rate, efficiency quotient (EQ) and
course during the desired period. 2 developed infection however early complications of SWL and PCNL for solitary lower pole
were treated with antibiotic and retained till their fistula started renal stones measuring 15-20 mm.
working. Infection occurred in 8 patients (14.2%) resulting in Method: This is a retrospective matched pair analysis of patients
removal of catheters. 13 catheters (23.2%) failed due to ( 78 in SWL and 64 in PCNL group). Preoperative imaging (CT
mechanical problems, of these 10 had to be removed within 10 KUB/IVU/X ray/ Ultrasound) were used to assess the largest
days. Amongst these in 3 patients the Internal jugular veins were dimension of stone. The stone free rates were assessed with
blocked due to thrombosis. plain x ray and ultrasound in follow up after 4 weeks. Data was
Conclusion: Radiologically placed Permcath in our Institution analyzed on spss 16.
shows comparable rates of success and complications and are Results: The demographic profiles (Age, BMI , size of stone )
a reasonable means of vascular access for dialysis patients. were comparable. The mean stone size was 17.4 +/-2.12 in
PCNL group vs 17.67 +/- 2.04 in SWL group (p = 0.45 ). At 4
Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula , Permcath, hemodialysis, weeks, 83 % of patients undergoing PCNL were stone free
compared to 51% in SWL group (P <0.001). The EQ for PCNL
was 76% as compare to 44% for SWL (p<0.001). 9% of patients
12.3 in PCNL modality needed ancillary procedures in comparison
IS REFLEX REPORTING OF ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR to 15 % of ESWL patients. The PCNL complication rate was 8
FILTRATION RATE (EGFR) PREMATURE? % versus 15 % in SWL patients.
Conclusion: Stone clearance from lower pole solitary stone
Lena Jafri, Aysha Habib Khan, Ather Hussain, sized 15-20 mm in greatest diameter following shockwaves
Farooq Ghani, Imran Siddiqui lithotripsy is poor. These calculi can be better managed with
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, percutaneous surgery due to its high degree of efficacy and
Karachi acceptably low morbidity.

Objective: To facilitate early detection of chronic kidney disease, Keywords: PCNL, ESWL, Lower pole stone
many organizations now recommend reflex reporting of estimated
glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) whenever serum creatinine
(Cr) is measured. We compared two widespread eGFR equations 12.5
with creatinine clearance (CrCl) calculated through a timed urine SONOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF RENAL
collection. DIMENSIONS AND ITS ASSOCIATIONS IN ADULT
Method: Laboratory data of subjects’ = 18 years tested for CrCl POPULATION OF KARACHI
from October 2010 to December 2010 was retrieved from
laboratory information system of Aga Khan University Hospital. Syed Ather Hussain, Zeb Ijaz Saeed, Adil Sheikh, Ali Danial
Statistical comparison of eGFR using Cockcroft Gault (CG) and Jaffry, Waseem Mirza , Raza Sehlani , Iffat Yazdani, Safia Awan
4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Departments of Medicine and Radiology, Aga Khan University,
formulae with CrCl was performed. Karachi
Results: Six hundred and seventy subjects with CrCl were
studied. Mean age of the group was 51 ±15 years, 55.7 % being Objective: This study aimed to determine renal biometric
males. Mean glomerular filtration rate using CrCl, MDRD and dimensions in adult healthy individuals in Karachi, Pakistan and

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Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

correlate these with sex, age, and anthropometric measurements. pressure. Chronic kidney disease co-morbidity was reported by
We also sought for possible associations with elevated blood 2.3% of the sample however 45 (26%)out of 188 having vitamin
pressures and decreased GFR. D deficiency had GFRs corresponding to stage 2 and stage 3
Method: Ultrasound was conducted and blood samples taken CKD. There was no significant association between levels of
from 251 healthy individuals from the community. vitamin D and eGFR (p-value=0.11). Amongst the factors
Results: Mean kidney lengths were 9.85 ± 0.82 cm (range 7.90 significantly affecting serum vitamin D levels were the use of
– 12.90 cm) on right side and 10.00 ± 0.93 cm (range 7.30-12.80 multivitamin supplements(p-value=0.025).
cm) on left side. The mean width was 4.60±0.60 cm and cortical Conclusion: We observed a high proportion of the asymptomatic
thickness 1.46 ±0.20 cm making estimated average kidney size general population having low levels of vitamin D. The possible
and volume to be67.6± 18.3 cm3 and 35.4 ±9.59 cm3. Males causes of low levels of serum 25OH vitamin D seem to be
had larger kidney sizes and volumes then females; age however multiple and need to be investigated in further detail in order to
was only associated with a decrease in renal length after ages address this public health concern.
70 and above. Renal length best correlated with total body area
(correlation coefficient 0.573) and renal size (coefficient 0.556) Keywords: vitamin D, calcium homeostasis, epidimeology
with weight. Spot blood pressures taken showed that average
kidney size and parenchymal thickness was greater with in
individuals with pressures = 140 systolic and/or =90 diastolic 12.7
as compared to normal individuals( p = 0.043). Kidney length, RATIONALE USE OF UNENHANCED MULTI-DETECTOR
parenchymal thickness and renal volume; all were significantly CT (CT KUB)
decreased (p<0.001) with renal size being 54.8 ± 14.6 cm3 in
the 59 individuals with an eGFR of = 90. Mehwash Nadeem and Hammad Ather
Conclusion: This study tried to establish the normal values of Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University
renal dimensions in our adult population. Variations were
observed with sex, height, weight, baseline blood pressure levels Objective: CT KUB is slowly replacing IVU as primary imaging
and creatinine clearance. Our study signifies the potential of modality in evaluation of suspected renal colic. It is not only
ultrasound as a useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up of ordered by Urology dept but also other specialties. With its
kidney–associated diseases. countless advantages it also carries risk of high radiation dose
so risks versus benefits should be taken in consideration before
Keywords: Ultrasound, Renal dimensions, epidemiology ordering CT Objective: To assess the yield of CT KUB across
the specialties and need of developing an algorithm to order CT
KUB.
12.6 Method: It was a retrospective analysis of 240 CT KUBs done
FREQUENCY OF VITAMIN-D DEFICIENCY IN GENERAL as primary imaging modality to evaluate suspected renal colic.
ADULT POPULATION OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN All patients who underwent CT KUB within the duration of 6
months study period (Jan 2009 to June 2009) were included in
Syed Ather Hussain, Adil Sheikh, Zeb Ijaz Saeed, Syed Ali Danial our study. Patients with any positive urological imaging in past
Jafri 6 months or those who were diagnosed to have urolithiasis in
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi last 6 months were excluded. CT referrals by outside physician
were also excluded along with those who had missing data.
Objective: It is well established that low levels of 25-hydroxy Results: There were total of 529 CT KUBs ordered during the
Vitamin D (<30ng/dl) are a common finding world over, affecting study period. Of which 240 met the inclusion criteria. The overall
over a billion of the global population. Our main aim was to positive yield for urolithiasis was 62%, negative rate was 19%
determine frequency of low levels of vitamin D in the general and rate of incidental findings was 19%. Urology dept has the
adult population of Karachi, Pakistan and to find out demographic highest positive yield of 67% followed by Emergency dept (ED);
and co-morbidity predictors of serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D p< 0.022. Rate of incidental finding was highest in CT ordered
levels. by other specialties (42%). Patients with flank pain had more
Method: A cross-sectional population survey was conducted at than 65% chance of having a positive CT scan for Urolithiasis
two spaced out densely populated areas of the city. Serum levels and those with flank tenderness had more than 70% chance of
of 25OH Vitamin D were measured and renal GFR was calculated having a positive CT for urolithiasis, in comparison to patients
by 4 variable MDRD formula. with normal examination (50%).
Results: Our sample of 300 had a mean age of 48.1±12.7 years. Conclusion: There is statistically significant difference of yield
The mean level of serum vitamin D was 20.12±9.9 ng/dl (5.23- across specialties. Tool of good history taking and physical
56.32 ng/dL). A total of 253 (84.1%) respondents had low examination along with urinalysis has proved to be essential
(<30ng/dL) levels of 25OH vitamin D. 86% of the total males steps in algorithm of ordering CT KUB.
and 82% of the females were found to have vitamin D levels
less than the 30ng/dl cut off for vitamin D sufficiency. The mean Keywords: Renal, CT KUB
PTH in those with vitamin D sufficiency was 42pg/ml compared
with 47pg/ml in those with deficiency (p-value=0.1).The mean
serum calcium level in the sample was 9.44±0.42 mg/dl. Serum
phosphate levels of lower than 2.5mg/dl were seen in 41(13.6%)
respondents. A high spot blood pressure was seen in 50(16.6%)
individuals, whereas 79(26.2%) had been diagnosed with
hypertension. Low serum levels of vitamin D were not associated
with hypertension (p-value=0.10) or with an elevated spot blood

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12.8 performance of the equations is presented in table

MANAGEMENT OF SEPTIC SHOCK PATIENTS IN Metrics (95% CI) CKD-EPI Equation MDRD Study
HOSPITAL Equation
Bias, ml/min/1.73 m2 -6.8 (-9.4, -6.0) -8.5 (-9.8, -6.5)
Lal Khan and Awal Khan IQR, ml/min/1.73 m2 22.9 (20.3, 25.5) 28.7 (26.2, 32.1)
Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi P30 % 76.1 (72.2, 79.0) 68.0 (63.6, 71.5)
RMSE 0.265 (0.240, 0.291) 0.295 (0.268,
Background Septic shock is the major reason of mortality in 0.322)
intensive care units. Researchers have highlighted that early Conclusion: The CKD-EPI has significantly greater accuracy
warning signs for septic shock are not picked up in ICU by (P30) and precision (IQR) than the MDRD Study equation in
nurses and physicians. As a result, goal directed therapy is not this largely unselected South Asian population in Karachi. The
found useful and patient results in death. There is a need for overall fit of the equations is similar to reports in the US and
teaching how to identify early warning European populations, however both equations over-estimate
signs and respond accordingly as a rapid response team measured GFR at the high levels observed in this Pakistani
management. population. The difference in bias between the Pakistani and
Method: Search Strategy A comprehensive search was undertaken US and European populations may be secondary to differences
to identify septic shock and patients, causes and its treatment in GFR measurement methods, calibration of the creatinine
modalities. The literature search utilizes several digital data assay, or non GFR determinants of serum creatinine. Possibly
bases that include Sage, Pubmed and Mosby Nursing Consult. GFR estimation may be improved by modification of existing
A total of 23 articles were used for critical analysis. All the equations, development of new equations, or use of other
articles discussed about the causes of septic shock and early endogenous filtration markers.
goal directed therapy within six hours.
Conclusion: Conclusion In Pakistan, Dr Shah (2010) highlighted Keywords: GFR, ethnicity, clinical epidemiology
the need of prompt management for patients found in severe
sepsis. Literature highlighted the need to train paramedics and
doctors to identify early signs of severe sepsis and prevent 12.10
patient to go to septic shock stage. It is recommend that mock LEVEL AND DETERMINANTS OF KIDNEY FUNCTION
drill strategies should be used to prepare staff to identify early IN A SOUTH ASIAN POPULATION IN PAKISTAN
warning signs. Moreover, there is a need to identify the factors
that hinder the early management of severe sepsis patients. Tazeen H Jafar, Muhammad Islam, Saleem Jessani, Rasool Bux,
Lesley A. Inker, Christophe Mariat, Andrew S. Levey
Keywords: Septic shock, management, hospital Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Karachi, University de Saint-Etienne, France, Tufts Medical
Center, Boston, USA
12.9
PERFORMANCE OF GFR ESTIMATION EQUATIONS IN Objective: People of South Asian origin are at high risk of
A SOUTH ASIAN POPULATION chronic kidney disease. Some have suggested that the usual
level of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in South Asians may
Saleem Jessani, Andrew S. Levey, Lesley Stevens Inker, Rasool be lower than in populations of European origin. However,
Bux, Christopher R. Mariat, Christopher H Schmid, Tazeen H. measured GFR in a general adult population of South Asian
Jafar origin has not been studied.
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Method: Cross-sectional observational study. 530 patients 40
Karachi, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston USA, years or older randomly selected from communities in Karachi,
Pakistan, using multistage cluster sampling. Patients with both
Objective: Ethnic differences in the performance of glomerular diabetes and hypertension were excluded.
filtration rate (GFR) estimation equations have been observed, Results: Mean age of participants was 49.7 ± 9.5 (standard
perhaps in part from non GFR determinants of serum creatinine. deviation [SD]) years, 51% were men, 34.9% had hypertension,
However, the existing equations have not been evaluated in and 30.5% had diabetes. Mean measured GFR was 94.1 ± 28.6
people of South Asian descent. mL/min/1.73 m2. GFR was lower by 0.79 ± 0.11 mL/min/1.73
Method: We measured GFR (mGFR) using the gold standard m2 for each 1-year older age. The 5-year age- and sex-specific
of urinary clearance of inulin in 581 South Asian men and mean GFR of the study population generally was within 1 SD
women in the communities of Karachi, Pakistan, including 40 of the mean of previously reported values for US adults. Factors
patients from renal clinics. Standardized creatinine assay was independently associated with GFR were younger age (b
used. The performance of the MDRD Study and CKD-EPI coefficient, -3.84 [95% CI, - 5.46 to - 2.21] mL/min/1.73 m2
equations was assessed as bias (median difference between per 5 years older), higher serum albumin level (4.58 [95% CI,
measured and estimated GFR), precision (interquartile range of 0.74-8.42] mL/min/1.73 m2 per 0.5-g/dL increase), higher fasting
the differences, IQR), accuracy (percent of estimated GFR values plasma glucose level (0.81 [95% CI, 0.44-1.18] mL/min/1.73
that are within 30% of measured values, P30), and the root mean m2 per 10-mg/dL increase), high versus low meat intake (7.81
square error (RSME) on the log scale. 95% CI were computed [95% CI, 1.14-14.48] mL/min/1.73 m2 for >_ 11 vs <_
via the bootstrap method using 1000 replications. 5servings/wk), and higher estimated protein intake (1.46 [95%
Results: The mean (SD) age of subjects was 51 (10) years. CI, 0.41-2.51] mL/min/1.73 m2 per 1.0-g/d increase) from urine
The mean (SD) mGFR was 90 (33) ml/min/1.73 m2. The urea nitrogen.

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Conclusion: Mean measured GFR in South Asian adults from & failed trial off catheter, and length of hospital stay between
the general population in Karachi, Pakistan, is only modestly early and late removal of catheter after TURP.
lower than in European-origin counterparts, with similar age Method: This randomized study was conducted after ethical
association. This may reflect lower dietary protein intake in review committee approval from January to June 2011 on patients
South Asians. undergoing transurethral resection of prostate. Hundred patients
were randomized preoperatively by lottery method into two
Keywords: Kidney function, South Asian groups. Group-I included patients whose catheter removed on
2nd post op day (<48 hours) and group-II included those patients
whose catheter removed on 3rd post operative day (standard).
12.11 Patients were observed for hematuria and urinary retention
PREDICTING SUCCESS OF PERCUTANEOUS postoperatively. Multivariable analysis with Cox regression was
NEPHROLITHOTOMY: APPLICATION OF A applied to calculate Relative Risk adjusted for confounders.
NEPHROLITHOMETERY SCORING SYSTEM IN A STONE Results: Basic demographics, preoperative and operative
PREVALENT POPULATION characteristics were comparable in both groups. Overall incidence
of complications in Group-I was similar to group-II (4% in each
Syed Johar Raza, Syed Mohammad Nazim, Munira Aziz, M group, p-value: 1). Duration of catheter placement and hospital
Memon, M Hammad Ather stay was significantly lower in early removal group (p-
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi values=0.000). On multivariable regression, the relative risk of
developing complications in group-I was equal to group-II with
Objective: Predicting the outcome of percutaneous RR of 1 (95%CI:0.5-1.9) adjusted for comorbids.
nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is difficult. Currrently used parameters Conclusion: Removal of catheter on 2nd post operative day after
like stone volume, stone site are often insufficient in predicting transuretheral resection of prostate seems to be feasible and safe
stone clearance. The need for such tool is particulalrly important without increasing significant morbidity.
in a stone prevalent population Recently a nephrolithometery
scoring system is reported, which has been validated to predict Keywords: Transuretheral resection of prostate, trial without
the outcome following PCNL, based upon CT determined catheter, BPE
preoperative variables. The nephrolithometery score is determined
using stone volume, stone density, skin to stone distance, presence
of hydronephrosis and involvement of calyces. The objectives 12.13
of the current work is to determine the applicability of the PAPILLARY CELL CARCINOMA IN POST TRANSPLANT
nephrolithometry in a cohort of patients undergoing PCNL. DIALYSIS DEPENDENT PATIENT..PRESENTING AS
Method: This is a retrospective matched pair analysis from a SPONTANEOUSLY RUPTURED RENAL TUMOR
prospectively maintained data base of patients under going
PCNL. Post PCNL patients with residual stones, requiring Mehwash Nadeem, Hammad Ather, Nasir Suleman
ancillary proceudre like shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) were Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
identified. These patients were compared with randomly selected
similar number of stone free patients, and the scoring system Objective: RCC in dialysis dependant CKD is about 100 times
was applied for both the groups. The higher the score more is more than the general population. Histopathological type and
the probability to have residual stones. The mean score was features are distinct with a clear relation to the duration in which
compared in both the groups. patient remained HD dependent. Clear cell Ca being the most
Results: Twenty two patients had residual stones, who were common in general population as well as in patients with ESRD,
compared with similar no of stone free patients. The mean age papillary cell carcinoma represents a small fraction and has not
of the patients was 38.5 years, with mostly male patients (61%). been reported in literature yet to present as hemorrhage.
The mean BMI was 25.56 +/- 5.1. The combined mean Method: Case report
nephrolithometery score was 7.64+/- 2.08 (4-12). When the Results: He underwent Laparotomy, found to have huge
mean score of the two groups were compared, we found that reteroperitoneal hematoma extending on Right side.
the mean score was less in stone free group (7.36) than in other Approximately 2 litres clot evacuated. Graft Kidney was small,
group (7.91), with statistical significance (p 0.00). shrunken with a pelvic stone in it while left kidney had lower
Conclusion: : The nephrolithometery scoring system can be pole mass. Bilateral native and graft nephrectomy done. Patient
applied in our population; however its further validation should had uneventful post operative course. Patient was discharged
be done using a prospective model, with a larger sample size, home on 6th post operative day with advice on alternate day
looking at its predictive values HD. His histopathology came out to be papillary renal cell
carcinoma in right kidney, foci of similar tumor seen in left
Keywords: Percutaneous nephrdi thotomy kidney as well. Extensive infarct in left kidney was seen. Graft
kidney and ureteric margins of both kidneys were tumor free.
Since the disease was organ confined so no further treatment
12.12 was given to the patient.
EARLY TRIAL OFF CATHETER FOLLOWING TURP. IS IT Conclusion: Patients with ESRD on HD have 100 times greater
SAFE? risk of RCC than age-matched healthy controls. RCC arising in
native kidneys of ESRD patients seems to exhibit many favourable
Rajab Ali, Ghulam Murtaza, Syed Johar Raza, M H Ather clinical, pathologic, and outcome features compared with
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University , Karachi those diagnosed in patients from the general population.
There should be high index of suspicion to diagnose these tumors
Objective: Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is a common and more specifically identifying these tumors as cause of
condition in aging males, requiring surgical intervention in hemorrhage
complicated cases. TURP is the gold standard, requiring
indwelling catheterization in post operative period. This study Keywords: ESRD, papillary cell Ca, spontaneously ruptured
aims to compare the incidence of complications i.e. hematuria renal tumor

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13.1 (G1) over xiphoid process and reference electrode (G2) over
TOLUIDINE BLUE; ITS ABILITY TO DETECT TUMOR the 8th intercostal space at the costochondral junction. Technique
INVOLVED MARGINS AFTER EXCISION OF ORAL 3: G1 at the eighth intercostals space reference along the anterior
CAVITY SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS axillary line, and G2 3-5 cm medially and inferior to G1. The
nerve conduction studies were done according to standard
Montasir Junaid, Anwar Suhail, Mubasher Ikram, Mumtaz protocol of neurophysiology lab. Any CMAP amplitude associated
Jamshed, Ahmed Nawaz, Bina Umar with clinical twitch of the arm (co-stimulation of Brachial Plexus)
Department of Surgery and Pathology & Microbiology, was rejected.
Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: Mean age of subjects was 27 years. Mean CMAP
amplitude with Technique 1 was 710 µV± SD0170µV (500µV-
Objective: Oral cancer is an important health issue. The best 1000µV) on right side and 730 µV±SD200µV (400µV-1000µV)
chance of surgical cure in oral cancer is complete removal of on left side. With technique two mean amplitude was 550 µV±
all malignant cells. In order to identify the microscopic extent SD150µV (400µV-800µV) on right and 550µV±SD160µV
of tumor invasion, surgeons use intra-operative frozen section (range 300µV-900µV) on left side. The amplitude with technique
to get tumor free margins. Unfortunately this facility is not 3 was 840 µV±SD270µV (500µV-1300µV) on right side and
readily available at all tertiary care centers. Intra-operatively 940 µV±SD240µV (500µV-1400µV) on left side. Mean latency
other method to identify tumor free margins is Toluidine blue of right phrenic nerve was 5.76msec, 5.79msec and 6.28msec
application over resected area of oral squamous cell cancer with technique 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The Mean latency of left
Method: 56 patients + 2(pilot study) ; at Aga Khan University phrenic nerve was 5.56msec, 5.58msec and 5.82msec with
hospital, Karachi, with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma technique 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
of oral cavity regardless of grade and stage of tumor were Conclusion: Techniques 3 is better than technique 1 and 2 to
included in the study. Intra-operatively toluidine blue was used record CMAP amplitudes of phrenic nerves.
on the resected tumor margins and staining patterns were assessed.
Staining results were compared with the final histopathology Keywords: Phrenic nerve, Nerve conduction studies, CMAP
report (gold standard) amplitudes
Results: There were 42 males and 14 females in. Average age
was 50.07 yrs 11 margins were positive for toluidine blue staining
out of which 8 margins were false positives. Sensitivity and 13.4
specificity was found to be 100% and 84.9% respectively with MANAGEMENT OF ISOLATED SPLENIC ABSCESS IN
diagnostic accuracy of( 85.17%. CHILDREN, ROLE OF SPLEEN PRESERVATION
Conclusion: In our opinion, toluidine blue stain could be a useful
tool for identifying tumor free margins intra-operatively. It is Ahmad Vaqas Faruque, Saqib Hamid Qazi, Nosheen aqeel,
easy to perform and interpret while being safe and cost effective Muhammad Arshad
at the same time. Departments of Surgery and Pediatric, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
Keywords: Tomour, toluidine
Objective: Splenic abscess is rare clinical entity. It is life
threatening if remained untreated. Diagnosis is difficult for its
13.2 non-specified clinical presentation. It is generally diagnosed
DETERMINATION OF BEST ELECTRODE PLACEMENT during postmortem examination.It has a high mortality rate even
FOR THE RECORDING OF PHRENIC NERVE COMPOUND in antibiotic era. Its timely diagnosis and appropriate management
MUSCLE ACTION POTENTIALS (CMAP) can decreased the mortality rate from 100% to 10%. Objectives:
To determine the role of spleen preservation in management of
Nasir Khan, Mustafa Khan , Mubashira Hashmi, Soniya Riaz isolated spleenic abscess, and to compare different treatment
Departmet of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi modalities in the management of isolated spleenic abscess.
Method: A retrospective study of 20 Years from (Jan 1990 –
Objective: Phrenic nerve dysfunction is seen in various December 2010) conducted .We have included all children
neuromuscular disorders and traumatic injuries. Phrenic nerve presenting with the principal diagnosis of “Splenic abscess” of
stimulation is subject to technical difficulties due to co-stimulation age < 14 years. We have excluded all splenic abscesses occurring
of Brachial Plexus (BP) and poorly modulated reproducible after penetrating abdominal injury.
CMAP (compound muscle action potential) amplitudes. Several Results: Most of our patients were older than 10 year of age.
electrode positions are in use to record the phrenic nerve CMAP Majority of patients there is a significantly delayed presentation.
amplitudes. It has been noted that CMAP amplitude varies with Fever, abdominal pain and vomiting were the main mode of
different electrodes positions. Objective: The aim of the study presentation. Splenomegaly in abdominal examination was
was to determine best electrode placement for recording of present in 12 patients. Delay in diagnosis of splenic abscess in
phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential (CMAP). children can lead to life threatening condition. Intravenous
Method: : Ten healthy males of age 18 years and above, with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage is safe management
a normal neurological examination were prospectively enrolled. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is needed to reduce delay
Phrenic nerve was stimulated at the posterior border of SCM in diagnosis. Early percutaneous drainage can preserve spleen
muscle and reference and active electrodes placed accordingly: to continue immune function.
Technique 1: G1 (recording) 5 cm superior to the tip of the
xiphoid process (XP), and G2 (reference) 16 cm along the costal Keywords: Splenic Abscess, early percutaneous drainage, enteric
margin from G1. Technique 2: Active surface recording electrode Fever

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13.5 functionality, process of implementation and results of data

LOGBOOK: EFFECTIVENESS OF EPITOMISE analysis.
FRAMEWORK IN THE LEARNING PROCESS Method: KTR was pilot tested from November 2010 to January
2011. All patients who presented through the emergency
Shazia Sadaf, Naveed Yousuf, Rahila Mohsin, Sameena Shah, department with a diagnosis of injury as defined in ICD-9 CM
Firdous Jahan, Rashida Ahmad, Rukhsana W Zuberi were included with the exception of isolated hip fracture and
Departments of Surgery, Educational Development, Obstetrics dead on arrival. Basic demographics, injury details, event detail,
& Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Pathology & Microbiology, injury severity and outcome were recorded. Data was entered
Aga Khan University, Karachi in the electronic form of registry and standard reports were
generated.
Background: The new logbooks piloted in 2010 have been Results: Total 542 patients’ were included. Their mean age was
specially designed adapting the EPITOMISE framework to help 27 years and 72.5 % were males. 87% of patients had sustained
maintain a record of problems seen by the students during the blunt injury while 13% had penetrating injuries. Falls and motor
clerkship; identify gaps in learning opportunities and facilitate vehicle crashes were the most common mechanism of injury.
planning of corrective measures to fulfill the learning needs Head, face and upper extremities were the most frequently
identified by the students relating to the clinical presentations injured anatomical regions. Mean injury severity score was 4.99.
in the curriculum. Objectives: To review the effectiveness of There were 8 deaths during the study period. The most common
the new logbooks in helping the students achieve the desired missing variables were ethnicity, injury modifiers and mode of
learning outcomes during their Third (3rd) Year Surgery Clerkship arrival. Average time taken to review each chart was 14.5 minutes
in the MBBS Program at the Aga Khan University (AKU). and 15 minutes for data entry. The registry was able to generate
Method: By the end of 6 rotations, a total of 45 logbooks were quality indicators such as length of stay in ED, injury to hospital
reviewed. The purpose of this review was to compare with the arrival delay, injury severity and survival probability.
list of common clinical presentations and their objectives in Conclusion: KTR was successfully used for assessment of injury
order to evaluate if, according to the students’ documentation, severity and survival probability of trauma patients.
the learning objectives and the number of clinical presentations
to be seen were being met across the EPITOMISE framework. Keywords: Trauma registry, pilot testing, low income countries
Quantitative analysis of data was done using SPSS 17, to identify
the total number and types of clinical presentations seen by
every student during the four weeks of the rotation. 13.8
Results: Adaptation of the EPITOMISE framework provided a AN ASSESSMENT OF CAREGIVER KNOWLEDGE AND
standardized format for documentation of clinical presentations PRACTICES AFTER ONE YEAR ECD PARENTING
and procedure/ intervention observed or performed facilitating PROGRAMME IN TANDOJAM, SINDH
monitoring of student’s performance through the clerkships.
Analysis of the completed summary sheets highlighted the Sanober Nadeem, Ghazala Rafique, Irum Fatima
“essential” but “rarely” seen clinical presentations in each of Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
the clerkships, serving as a valuable feedback for the curriculum karachi
planners for incorporating additional learning experiences in
the core curriculum. Introduction: Early childhood period is crucial period for learning
Conclusion: Every completed entry in the Logbook through the and brain development. Factors that play important role in this
“EPITOMISE” framework illustrates the degree of involvement period are nutrition, stimulation and parenting practices. The
of a student in a specific clinical encounter, identifies gaps in role of parents and their knowledge and practices related to child
students clinical experience and facilitates monitoring of the development in this critical period is well documented. Human
learning during the clerkships. Development Programme (HDP) through a home based parenting
programme aims to enhance mother’s knowledge and practices
Keywords: Logbook, EPITOMISE, Monitoring related to child development. The propose of this study was to
evaluate the knowledge and practices of mothers after
receiving one year of intervention related to early childhood
13.7 development.
PILOT TESTING OF A LOCALLY DEVELOPED TRAUMA Method: A cohort of 239 mothers of children less than three
REGISTRY LESSONS LEARNT IN A LOW-INCOME years old were interviewed during baseline survey from April
COUNTRY to June 2005 to assess their knowledge and practices regarding
ECD. Parenting programme involved home visitation and
Amber Mehmood , Sarah Kabir, Junaid A Razzak education on health, hygiene, nutrition, safety, sensory
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, stimulation and child development by trained Early
Karachi Child Development Workers (ECDWs). A post intervention
survey on knowledge and practice was conducted one
Introduction: Trauma registries play an important role in the year later.
assessment of trauma care, however they are still uncommon in Results: Univariate analysis showed significant change in
developing countries. We present the pilot testing of a locally practices on exclusive breast feeding (p-value < 0.001), swaddling
developed electronic “Karachi Trauma Registry” (KTR) the child (p-value < 0.001) and application of surma in eyes (p-
conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan to describe its value < 0.001). Purified drinking water, age appropriate

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immunization, have immunization card and child birth registration 13.11

practices were also proportionally high as compared to baseline DAMAGE CONTROL SURGERY: USE AND APPLICATION
however the change was not significant. Analysis also indicates IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRY
that there is no gap between knowledge and practices related to
these factors: massaging (p-value < 0.001), application of surma Mehreen Kisat, Nabeel Zafar, Amyn Pardhan, Tahreem Aman
(p-value < .000) swaddling (p-value < .000), head contouring Mir, Adil Haider, Hasnain Zafar, Asad Moosa
(p-value <.016) and child immunization. (P-value <.000). Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: Conclusion: Enhancing mother knowledge and
empowering women can lead change in practices and improving Objective: Damage control surgery (DCS) is an established
thereby early child development. option for managing severely injured trauma patients.
However, its role in the management of similar patients in the
Keywords: Parenting programe, child development, Pakistan developing world is debatable. The purpose of this study is to
describe characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing
DCS.
13.9 Method: All trauma patients requiring laparotomies from 1996-
TRENDS AND DISEASE PATTERNS IN PATIENTS 2011 were reviewed. DCS was defined in a patient who underwent
ADMITTED IN CLINICAL DECISION UNIT AT A TERTIARY a laparotomy where the fascia was primarily left open. Information
CARE HOSPITAL was collected by reviewing the medical records. The primary
outcome was hospital survival. Descriptive analyses
Irum Qamar Khan, Munawar Khursheed, Kiran Ejaz were performed. Associations were sought using the Fischer’s
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, exact test.
Karachi Results: Of 258 patients, 51 patients underwent DCS. Mean age
was 33 years and 91% patients were male. 40% patients were
Objective: Clinical decision unit (CDU) is recognized globally transferred from other hospitals. The time between injury and
as a unit within Emergency Department(ED) that provides operation was 152 minutes (IQR: 90-330). In terms of injury
diagnostic and treatment options to the patients with observation characteristics on arrival to ED: 68% had a penetrating injury,
in an efficient, safe and comfortable environment. The 83% had tachycardia, 32% were hypotensive and 70% had a
development of CDU helps emergency physicians to deals with GCS score of 13-15. Intra-operative laboratory parameters
dilemma of either admit or discharge, as now they have third revealed a pH of 7.16 (IQR: 7.10-7.27), median temperature of
option of observing patients for 24 hours in designated area in 34.7 (IQR: 34.0-35.4) and median PT of 15.9 (IQR: 12.4-21.2).
ED. We observed the trend and disease pattern with which the 55% patients survived to discharge from hospital. Of those who
patient is admitted in CDU between January to December, 2010 died, 86% died in the ICU before the first take back operation.
Method: Adapting a cross sectional study design we collected Conclusion: Damage control surgery is feasible in developing
data of1518 patients who were admitted at CDU of Department countries, with more than 50% survival reported at one hospital.
of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital. The Delays in definitive care is an additional indication for DCS.
data collection tool elicited information on demographic factors, Use of DCS in lesser developed countries is recommended if
date of admission, presenting complaint at triage, diagnosis at resources are available.
CDU admission, final disposition from ED and bounce back of
patients. Final disposition were also be noted. Data was entered Keywords: Damage control surgery, trauma patients
and analyzed using Microsoft Excel Office Version 2007.
Percentage and proportions will be calculated.
Results: Data of 1515 patients was analyzed. Age ranged from 13.12
new born to 93 years old. Male encompassed 824(54%) of the IMPROVING HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH
sample. Maximum admissions (12%) in the year were in July TELEHEALTH IN GILGIT BALTISTAN
and August. Most, 904(60%) had presented to the triage counter
as P3 category. Acute gastroenteritis was the most common Shariq Khoja, Abdul Muqeet, Saira Nigar, Saleema Gulzar
protocol used. Majority 1311(87%) were sent home from CDU. Department of Community Health Sciences and School of Nursing
Conclusion: Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan & Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Hospital had a productive initial year after the launch of CDU.
It reminded as busy as the remaining sections of the emergency Introduction: Gilgit Baltistan region in northern Pakistan faces
and acute gastroenteritis was the most common of the already greatest barriers due to long distances and tough geographical
established protocols in use, but data shows that other protocols conditions, resulting in limited access to specialized and quality
should also be developed to address our local needs. health services. To overcome these problems telehealth solutions
were introduced to support diagnosis, enhance capacity and
Keywords: CDU, Emergency, protocols manage information in Gilgit Baltistan.
Objective: The main objective of the study was to develop a
Telehealth link between different levels of health centers for
patient management, triage and referral of patients; to test the
feasibility of this solution; and evaluate the experience of health
providers, patients and other stake-holders with eHealth.

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Method: This study involved a mixed method design involving samples; furthermore in four samples 80-90% donor chimerism
both quantitative and qualitative (focus groups discussion and was noted.
interviews) techniques. The project utilized iPath for store and Conclusion: Conclusion STR based typing is sensitive and
forward teleconsultation through mobile connectivity convenient method for bone marrow engraftment monitoring.
(GPRS/EDGE) for most peripheral health facilities; whereas The engraftment must be monitored especially in first 90 days
higher bandwidth, i.e. DSL was used to connect secondary care after transplant.
center with tertiary centers, conducting live consultation via
OOVOO. Keywords: STR, Chimerism, monitoring
Results: In nearly eighteen months of duration 309 cases were
reported on iPath. The male/female ratio was 1:3, seeking advice
on 45 different types of ailments. Nearly 70% of these cases 13.14
were reported within 24hrs, while 100% of the cases were ASSESSMENT OF ERRORS IN PLACEMENT OF
reported within 72 hours. Study also showed that nearly 68% RADIOLOGICAL MARKERS ON X RAY FILMS
of patient avoided traveling through this system, 70% of these
saved 4 days of travel. The cost saving of per patient was Amin Rajani, Rana Shoaib, A. H Tasneem
calculated at approximately Rs1000-Rs5000 (USD 12- 55) and Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
average teleconsultation cost saved was 1.7 USD. Twenty Five
live consultations were carried out between secondary care Objective: To assess the rate of errors in placement of radiological
center in the areas of psychiatry, surgery, pediatrics and maternal markers on X ray films.
care. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis at Radiology
Conclusion: The pilot study has not only proved that using low Department of Aga Khan University to determine the current
cost technologies can provide access to specialized care to the practice of placement of radiological markers on X ray films
community but also has helped built the capacity of healthcare and to assess the errors in marker placement and identify factors
providers at the remote sites. which may lead to wrong marker placement.
Results: X ray examinations of 100 patients (age range 8 months
Keywords: telehealth, ICT, teleconsultation to 71 years) were examined for marker placement, which were
performed at the radiology department from 12 May 2010 to 15
July 2010. The films were assessed for marker presence or
13.13 absence and position of marker. Data was recorded on performa
STR BASED MONITORING OF DONOR CHIMERISM IN and analyzed on SPSS. In this study we identified the numbers
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT PATIENTS of labeling errors in 100 consecutive plain radiographs. Our
error rates of 1.0% are comparable to international literature.
Sheeba Parveen, Maheen Hassan, Muniba Aban, Tariq Moatter Conclusion: Our results indicate that although markers were
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, placed on 99% films correctly but significant number of markers
Karachi were out of collimation which requires to be minimized.

Introduction: Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are used for Keywords: Radiography, x ray film, markers
monitoring engraftment of donor cells after stem cell transplant.
Following transplant, analysis of STR pattern of the recipient
show three different states: full chimerism, in which only the 13.15
donor allele detected in recipient; mixed chimerism, in which FILM REJECT ANALYSIS PRE AND POST COMPUTED
mixture of donor and recipient alleles are detected and graft RADIOGRAPHY & PACS
failure, in which only recipient alleles are detected.
Objective: To assess usefulness of a multiplex STR based Amin Rajani, Mansoor Naqvi, Zafar Sajjad, Rana Shoaib
amplification assay combined with capillary electrophoresis for Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
monitoring of bone marrow chimerism.
Method: Genomic DNA was extracted and diluted to optimal Objective: To assess the film rejection / retake rate before and
a working concentration which was amplified using Human after installation of CR and PACS
STR kit. Following PCR amplification, amplicons of 12 STRS Method: We performed a retrospective analysis at radiology
(THO1, D18S51, AMEL, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, PENTA department of Aga Khan University to determine the pre & post
E, D3S1358, D8S1179, TPOX, CSFIPO and PENTA D) were PACS Film – Rejection / Retake rate. Data was reviewed from
separated on CEQ 8000 genetic analysis system. The Amelogenin 2000 to 1st quarter 2008. Entered on performa and analyzed on
locus was used to discriminate X and Y chromosomes. SPSS.
Results: Results The ratio of donor to recipient cells was Results: Internationally the acceptable rejection rate quoted is
determined by calculating the proportion of the peak area of 10% or less, where as initially the calculated rejection rate at
informative donor and recipient alleles. Out of 47 patients tested our department was 12%, which was brought down to 5 – 7%
three showed graft rejection, whereas two samples revealed after the careful study and implementation of several measures,
mixed chimerism (34%). Full chimerism was observed in 38 staff education and training and improved practices, which thus

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resulted in facilitating with health care professionals the 13.17

development and maintenance of an optimum level of practice CORNEAL SWAPPING IN A BOMB BLAST VICTIM
in radiology services in the department. After incorporation of
CR, which is the first step towards ultimate aim of PACS, the Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Tahreem Aman, Farheen Shaikh,
film rejection rate has further brought down to (2–3) %. Khabir Ahmad
Conclusion: Our results indicate that installation of CR and Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
PACS resulted in significantly reduced film rejection resulting
in reduced film loss for the department and increased radiation Objective: Standard penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) involves
protection for patients replacement of a scarred, diseased or damaged cornea with clear
donor corneal tissue. The purpose of this report is to document
Keywords: x-ray Film , Rejection Rate, Comuted Radiography a corneal autograft where a completely opaque cornea of patient
was swapped with the clear cornea from the opposite eye. The
patient was a 40-year-old-man who presented to our clinic with
13.16 bilateral blindness as a consequence of bomb blast injuries.
CALPAIN 10 STRUCTURE-FUNCTION DYNAMICS: Method: He had a completely opaque cornea, partially damaged
NAVIGATION THROUGH BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS posterior segment and perception of light in the right eye, while
a clear cornea, totally damaged posterior segment and no light
Kausar Saboohi, Bushra Chaudhy perception in the fellow eye.
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Results: His corneas were successfully swapped which gave
University, Karachi him navigational vision.
Conclusion: Corneal autografts can be an option in injuries/
Objective: Calpain 10, a member of cysteine protinase family, situations where cornea in one eye is opaque with intact posterior
is present in eight different isoforms (a-h) and plays a vital role segment while the cornea in the fellow eye is clear with severely
in insulin secretion, action and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. damaged posterior segment.
The exact mechanism through which it influences the insulin
secretion and action is not known yet. To envisage its mechanism Keywords: PKP, cornea, autograft
of action and possible involvement in diseases, a general
bioinformatics approach was taken into consideration.
Method: NCBI Blast was used for nucleotide and protein 13.18
alignments of the calpain10 isoforms (a, c and g) with the CATARACT SURGERY AND YAG CAPSULOTOMY IN
humans, rat and mouse. Conserved domains were also searched KIDS UNDER TOPICAL ANESTHESIA ALONE
using NCBI conserved domain tool and Conversed Domain
Architectural Tools (CDART) for other species. Azam Ali, Amarah Shakoor, Anaum Maqsood, Khabir Ahmad
Results: There was 100% identity among isoforms of homo Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
sapiens calpain 10 c & g with calpain 10 a. Results of blast
query coverage showed 82% identity of cal c and 17% of cal10g Objective: To describe cataract surgery and YAG capsulotomy
with calpain 10 a(e-value=0).Conserved domain analyses with in kids done under topical anesthesia alone that, to the best of
peptide sequences indicated that domains IIa and IIb have our knowledge, are the first reported cases of its kind.
significant homology with the catalytic domain of the cysteine Method: A boy, 10, with bilateral PSC was scheduled for surgery
protease super family in all three isoforms (e=1.30e-77 ,1.00e- under GA. However, on the day of surgery the surgeon found
20). The domain III and IV of isoform a and domain III of the child was co-operative enough to undergo surgery under
isoform c were found to homologous (Avg. e=1.94e-37) with topical anesthesia alone. The parents were adequately counseled,
calpain 3. and surgery performed under topical anesthesia alone-- it lasted
Conclusion: It is predicted from above study that calpain 10 a 3 minutes during which the child remained emotionally stable
and c isoforms may have a role in developing limb-girdle and cooperated well.
muscular dystrophy and cataract like calpain 3 because of their Results: The other eye was also operated in a similar manner a
domain III and IV similarity. Whereas isoform g, the shortest week later and its VA also became 20/30. During the same time
protein, is predicted to exhibit protease activity like other isoforms period, a 3-and-a-half-year old girl with bilateral PCO successfully
having papain-like domain only. underwent Yag capsulotomy under topical anesthesia alone.
Conclusion: Our case reports open a new avenue to explore in
Keywords: Calpain 10 isoforms, homology analysis, structure- the quest for making these procedures even safer.
function
Keywords: Topical anesthesia , children, Yag

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13.19 13.21
EFFICACY OF THE INTRACAPSULAR TENSION RING IN OUTCOME OF DCR SURGERY IN A TERTIARY CARE
PROVIDING CAPSULAR SUPPORT DURING AND/OR HOSPITAL IN KARACHI
AFTER CATARACT EXTRACTION.
Rashid Baig, Qazi Asad Khan, Khabir Ahmad
Azam Ali, Omer Hassan, Khabir Ahmad Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Objective: Dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR surgery is performed
Objective: To assess the efficacy of the intracapsular tension in to connect the lacrimal sac directly to the nasal cavity when
providing capsular support during and/or after cataract extraction there is obstruction in the nasolacrimal drainage system. The
in cases of a weak or compromised ciliary zonule success rate of DCR can vary from 63% to 99%. We are currently
Method: This was a retrospective case series. All individuals reviewing the outcome of conventional DCR surgery at the
implanted with intracapsular tension ring were included. Data AKUH.
were extracted from medical records by one of us. Clinical Method: We conducted telephone interviews with all those who
information obtained included age, sex, pre and post-op visual underwent conventional DCR surgery at the AKUH during 2001
acuity. Data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows statistical to 2011. Each patient was asked if they had symptoms such as
package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) watering, discharge after the DCR surgery and if yes when did
Results: A total of 24 CTRs were implanted in 24 eyes between the problem begin.
Aug 2009 and June 2011. Males comprised 58.3 % of the study Results: A total of 289 people are eligible to participate in the
participants. The mean (± SD) of the subjects was 23.21 (14.83) study. To date, 40 persons have been contacted. Of these 30
years whereas the median age was 18.5 (range: 7 to 61). The could not be reached for a phone interview because they could
preoperative ocular indication for CTR use were mainly not be traced A total of 11 cases were studied. The success rate
pseudoexfoliation syndrome, trauma and Marfan’s syndrome of DCR surgery was 81.9%.
Conclusion: The data are being analyzed and will assist in Conclusion: The success rate of study was high but missing
determining efficacy of intracapsular tension rings in providing information on the majority of surgeries limits the generalizability
implantation in our setting. of the findings.

Keywords: Intracapsular tension ring, efficacy, cataract surgery Keywords: DCR surgery, watering, sussess

13.22
13.20 PERIOCULAR INFANTILE HEMANGIOMA
FFA-RELATED ADVERSE EVENTS IN TERTIARY CARE
HOSPITAL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Mustafa Kamal, Khabir Ahmad
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Irfan Nake Akhtar, Azam Ali, Khabir Ahmad
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Objective: Periocular hemangioma commonly appears during
the first year of life, but tend to decrease in size over the following
Objective: To examine the risk of adverse events patients 2 years. Propranolol is a new and effective addition to its
undergoing fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) treatment which is urgently indicated if the condition is found
Method: This was a prospective study. All individuals scheduled to impair the development of vision.
to undergo FFA from February 22, 2010 to March 20, 2010 were Method: A two and a half month old girl was brought to the eye
included in the study. The primary outcome was the risk of at clinic of AKUH, Karachi with a history of having developed a
least one adverse event related to FFA. All adverse events red colored lesion around the left upper eye lid at one week of
occurring within 30 minister of administration of FFA dye— age. By the age of one and a half month, the lesion had grown
both self-reported or those observed by the primary investigator in all dimensions to cover the entire upper eyelid, resulting in
were listed and summarized by frequency of occurrence. Data closure of the eye. Crying increased the prominence of the mass.
entry and analysis were done using SPSS version 19. We found a large left periocular swelling covering the entire
Results: A total of 106 individuals were enrolled. Of these, 19 upper eyelid, but she was able to open her left eye enough to
(17.9%) developed at least one adverse event. The most common reveal her pupil and the red reflex. The swelling was purple in
adverse event was nausea (n=9), followed by vomiting (4), color, with smooth compressible surface. Valsalva maneuver
itching (4), vertigo (4), severe cough (1), palpitation (1) and resulted in enlargement of the swelling. The other eye and its
cold extremities (1). periocular area were normal. The baby was following light and
Conclusion: The risk of FFA-specific adverse events, particularly fixating on objects, with normally reacting pupils. She was kept
nausea, in our study is significantly higher than that reported by under observation, but by the age of 4 and half months, the
previous studies and need further evaluation. swelling had increased enough to cover her visual axis and
completely occlude her left eye.
Keywords: FFA, adverse event, risk Results: She was admitted to the hospital and oral propranolol
therapy initiated with a daily dosage of 1 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion: Response to therapy was excellent (>70% reduction
in size).

Keywords: infantile hemangioma, Periocular , propranolol

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13.23 Results: All of the cases were operated with clear margins and
OUTCOME OF DCR SURGERY IN A TERTIARY CARE appropriate lymph node dissection. Only one of the five cases
HOSPITAL IN KARACHI had a post-operative anastomotic leak which self-resolved on
total parenteral nutrition. The operative time ranged from 6.5
Rashid Baig, Qazi Asad Khan, Khabir Ahmad hrs to 11hrs and the mean hospital stay was 14.2 days. All the
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi patients had uneventful post-operative recovery and are disease
free at a follow-up ranging from 4 months to 1 year.
Objective: Dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR surgery is performed Conclusion: Open esophageal resection has a high morbidity
to connect the lacrimal sac directly to the nasal cavity when and mortality. In addition, it involves long Intensive Care Unit
there is obstruction in the nasolacrimal drainage system. The stay, in hospital stay and long recovery period. Minimally
success rate of DCR can vary from 63% to 99%. We are currently Invasive Esophagectomy seems to have the potential to improve
reviewing the outcome of conventional DCR surgery at the this, if employed frequently in the management of esophageal
AKUH. cancers in Pakistan. Based on our initial experience of minimally
Method: We conducted telephone interviews with all those who invasive esophagectomy in Pakistan, videoscopic esophagectomy
underwent conventional DCR surgery at the AKUH during 2001 appears to be as safe as conventional open esophagectomy with
to 2011. Each patient was asked if they had symptoms such as the potential to achieve better post-operative results.
watering, discharge after the DCR surgery and if yes when did
the problem begin. Keywords: Esophagectomy, Surgery, Cancer
Results: A total of 289 people are eligible to participate in the
study. To date, 40 persons have been contacted. Of these 30
could not be reached for a phone interview because they could 13.31
not be traced A total of 11 cases were studied. The success rate MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY: A
of DCR surgery was 81.9%. TREATMENT MODALITY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS
Conclusion: The success rate of study was high but missing IN PAKISTAN - A CASE SERIES
information on the majority of surgeries limits the generalizability
of the findings. Sameer Ur Rehman and Abid Jamal
Keywords: Outcome , dcr, surgery Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University and Patel
Results: Of the total 351, 130(37%) were paediatric and 221(63%) Hospital, Karachi
were adult patients. There were 187(53%) males. More the 6
hours delay was noted in 94(27%) patients. Average delay was Objective: There is an increase in incidence of esophageal
27 hours and two patients had to wait for 72 hours. Twenty cancers in Pakistan; particularly squamous cell cancer, due to
four(25%) were front patients while 22(23%) were recess patients a rise in tobacco use in different forms. Possibly, the only
who suffered delay. There was no mortality, 75(80%) were therapeutic option to date is the use of neoadjuvant therapy
discharged home and 4(4%) of the delayed patients were admitted. followed by surgical esophageal resection.
Delay in laboratory reporting was the main factor observed. Method: We report fives cases of esophageal cancers in Pakistan
Conclusion: Significant numbers of emergency patients are where minimally invasive esophagectomy was adopted as a
suffering preventable delays in final disposition. Our critical yet treatment modality.
delayed patients did not suffer any grave outcome. Results: All of the cases were operated with clear margins and
appropriate lymph node dissection. Only one of the five cases
Keywords: Delay factors, emergency patients, final disposition had a post-operative anastomotic leak which self-resolved on
total parenteral nutrition. The operative time ranged from 6.5
hrs to 11hrs and the mean hospital stay was 14.2 days. All the
13.30 patients had uneventful post-operative recovery and are disease
MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY: A free at a follow-up ranging from 4 months to 1 year.
TREATMENT MODALITY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCERS Conclusion: Open esophageal resection has a high morbidity
IN PAKISTAN - A CASE SERIES and mortality. In addition, it involves long Intensive Care Unit
stay, in hospital stay and long recovery period. Minimally
Sameer Ur Rehman, Abid Jamal Invasive Esophagectomy seems to have the potential to improve
Department of Surger, Aga Khan University, Karachi this, if employed frequently in the management of esophageal
cancers in Pakistan. Based on our initial experience of minimally
Objective: There is an increase in incidence of esophageal invasive esophagectomy in Pakistan, videoscopic esophagectomy
cancers in Pakistan; particularly squamous cell cancer, due to appears to be as safe as conventional open esophagectomy with
a rise in tobacco use in different forms. Possibly, the only the potential to achieve better post-operative results.
therapeutic option to date is the use of neoadjuvant therapy
followed by surgical esophageal resection. Keywords: Esophagectomy, Surgery, Cancer
Method: We report fives cases of esophageal cancers in Pakistan
where minimally invasive esophagectomy was adopted as a
treatment modality.

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13.32 were of level 3 and 4 evidence, though in leading U.S. general

INTRODUCTION OF ELECTIVES INTO THE medical journals majority (73%) were level 1 and 2 (p<0.001).
BACCAULEURATE CURRICULUM: FROM CONCEPTION Within Pakistani journals articles originated from 23 countries,
TO OPERATIONALIZATION but there were no level-1 or -2 articles from U.S. or Canada.
The number of articles from various regions of Pakistan did not
Jacqueline Maria Dias, Noureen Jiwani, Shirin Saleem, correspond to their population or number of medical
Saima Hirani, Fehmida Medhi, Mehrunisa Kabani colleges/universities, mainly due to the skewing effect of one
School of Nursing/Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi institution from Karachi in Sind province which contributed
38% of all level-1 and -2 articles.
Objective: Design of a curriculum is a daunting but exciting Conclusion: Level of evidence analysis can be used as one of
activity. Adding electives to a curriculum enhances the knowledge the tools to estimate probable research impact across different
base of students. For the first time the baccalaureate nursing institutions and regions in a country and between countries.
curriculum offered the flexibility of offering two electives into Such information may be useful for journals, institutions,
the curriculum. The faculty offered two courses one on Palliative policy makers and health research planners for priority
Nursing and the other on Diagnostic test. Both courses setting.
complemented the baccalaureate curriculum.
Method: This paper will describe the process from Keywords: Evidence-based medicine, Research output, Levels
conceptualization of the elective to operationalization of the of Evidence
Palliative nursing course. The course was delivered using a
hybrid approach which included e learning, face to face
component and hands on experience in a clinical setting. 13.34
Results: The course has proved to be beneficial for nursing TRANSRADIAL PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY
students, nursing faculty and nursing service employees. INTERVENTION (PPCI) –EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY
Several positive outcomes were reported from student CARE CARDIAC CENTRE
evaluation, course briefings and meeting with Director of
Nursing Services Ayaz Hussain Shaikh, Bashir Hanif, Asad Pathan, Khursheed
Conclusion: The lessons learnt from this course will go a long Hassan, Shahrukh Hashmani, Mohsin Raza, Syed Muhammad
way to add to the knowledge base for electives for the national Faisal Hussain, Syed Muhammad Saad Hussain, Sumaira Nasir
baccalaureate curriculum. Tabba Heart Institute, Karachi , Department of Biological &
Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: e learning, baccauleurate education, electives
Objective: To determine the outcomes of primary percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI) via transradial approach in a tertiary
13.33 care cardiac centre.
ASSESSING IMPACT OF RESEARCH BY LEVELS OF Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of
EVIDENCE: A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE 160 consecutive patients presented to our hospital between
January 2009 to January 2011 with acute ST elevation myocardial
Tashfeen Ahmad, Muhammad Amin Chinoy, Muhammad Tayyab infarction (STEMI) and treated with primary PCI via transradial
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University and approach. The primary end points were in hospital mortality
Department of Orthopaedics, Indus Hospital, Karachi, and procedural success. Secondary end points were access site
bleeding complication and 30 day outcomes (mortality,
Objective: Impact of medical institutions on clinical decision- myocardial infarction and congestive cardiac failure).
making globally may be estimated by the level of evidence of Results: The procedural success was 98%. Three (1.8%) patients
their research articles. We aimed to compare the potential impact died during hospitalization. Forearm hematoma (> 5cm) was
of research from Pakistan, Nigeria, Japan and United States observed in three (1.8%) patients. No mortality was observed
through analysis of level of evidence of their articles and to in 30 day follow up from discharge while myocardial infarction
illustrate utility of such analysis for cross–regional and and congestive cardiac failure were 1.4% and 4% respectively.
–institutional comparison. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high procedural success
Method: PUBMED search was performed for studies on levels and favorable clinical outcomes matching the international data
of evidence in journal articles. Relevant articles were selected, can be achieved in our patients undergoing primary PCI via
containing analysis of leading Nigerian, Japanese and United transradial approach.
States (U.S.) journals. Pakistani articles were analyzed and
categorized by the authors, and results collated with those from Keywords: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Myocardial
the other countries. Guidelines of the Center for Evidence Based infarction, Reperfusion
Medicine in Oxford, UK, were used to grade evidence on a scale
of 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest).
Results: Majority (66-95%) of articles in the leading Japanese,
Nigerian and Pakistani as well as a U.S. sub-specialty journal

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13.36 gene on chromosome 7q31 with 27 exons. About 70% of

STENT THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS RECEIVING SINGLE- mutations are due to 3 base deletions in exon 10, with a loss of
DOSE AND DOUBLE-DOSE DUAL ANTIPLATELET phenylalanine at position 508 in CFTR protein; delta F508.
THERAPY FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY Objective: To determine the prevalence of delta 508 mutation
INTERVENTION AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN (CFTR) in patients suspected with CF.
KARACHI-A COMPARATIVE STUDY Method: 100 whole blood samples received for CF diagnosis
from January- 2010 - September-2011 were studied. DNA was
Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui, Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, extracted and delta 508 mutation was detected by using
Mehreen Kisat, Sahr Sami, Bashir Hanif (amplification refractory mutation system) ARMS PCR. Sweat
Tabba Heart Institute,Karachi, Department of Biological & chloride (SWCL) analysis on patients was performed (in
Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi Biochemistry) using a Wescor iontophoretic system.
Results: Of the 100 samples tested, 17 samples were delta F508
Objective: To compare the outcome of stent thrombosis in positive. Fifty eight cases tested for SWCL and 10 samples
patients receiving 75-150 mg/day aspirin plus 75 mg/day of showed SWCL abnormality. Six patients were positive for both
clopidogrel versus those receiving 300 mg/day aspirin and 150 SWCL and delta F508; while 4 patients were SWCL positive
mg/day clopidogrel for at least initial 6 weeks post PCI. but delta F508 negative. In 23 patients, the SWCL test had to
Method: This study is an ex-post (retrospective) quasi-experiment be cancelled due to technical difficulties.
because it wasn’t possible to randomly assign patients to different Conclusion: We observed that 60% of clinically diagnosed CF
dosages of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT). The sample consisted patients had mutation at delta F508. Therefore, additional CFTR
of two groups, one having patients who received single-dose gene mutations need to be considered for improved molecular
DAT after undergoing PCI, and the other having those who diagnosis of CF.
received double-dose DAT after undergoing PCI at THI. The
progress of the patients in both the groups was assessed through Keywords: Cystic fibrosis, delta 508, sweat chloride
the medical charts for a follow-up duration of up to 1 year, and
patients who didn’t have any episode of stent thrombosis during
this time period were deemed complication free. In order to 13.38
reduce the confounding factors, effort was made to include INTRODUCING PREFILLED METHOTREXATE SYRINGES
consecutive patients undergoing PCI, so that the time period in FOR IMPROVING PATIENT SAFETY AND COST
which the patients received that treatment was as short as possible. EFFECTIVENESS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
Furthermore, during this period, only one operator performed PATIENTS:
angioplasties, therefore, the procedural risk factors were kept
constant, thus reducing the confounding factors. Nadia Ayoub, Salwa Ahsan, Shamim.Raza
Results: A total of 256 patients were included in the final analysis, Department of Pharmacy Services, Aga Khan University,
out of which 11 patient suffered from stent arterial thrombosis Karachi
(SAT). 126 patients belonged to the group having patients who
received single-dose DAT after undergoing PCI, and 10 of them Background: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is an ISO
developed SAT (8%), with 4 of them dying due to it. The other certified and JCIA accredited tertiary care teaching hospital that
group that had patients who received double-dose DAT after has a well established pharmacy services. Oncology pharmacy
undergoing PCI had 130 patients, and only 1 patient in that section of AKUH is also well equipped with modern facilities,
group developed SAT (1%). where specialty trained oncology pharmacists are engaged in
Conclusion: Stent thrombosis is the most feared complication all aspects of chemo patient care activities, maintaining safe
of percutaneous coronary interventiontion, with a pretty high handling and disposal of hazardous drugs and standards of
mortality rate. As seen from the results, giving patients double- clinical practice in Oncology Pharmacy.
dose dual antiplatelet therapy, as opposed to single-dose Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the treatment of
dual antiplatelet therapy, following percutaneous coronary choice for RA patients. The doses of MTX for RA treatment are
intervention significantly reduced the incidence of stent very low ranging from 7.5 mg to 40 mg. Most commonly
thrombosis. effective doses are in range of 7.5 to 12.5 mg. As MTX is a
cytotoxic drug and direct withdrawing of drug from vial increases
Keywords: Stent Arterial Thrombosis, Percutaneous Coronary the risk of cytotoxic exposure, spillage and environmental
Interventiontion, Myocardial infarction contamination, so to avert this, oncology pharmacy initiated
preparation of MTX prefilled syringes as per the individual dose
requirements of RA patients. The primary aim is to improve
13.37 patient safety in both aspects; from hazardous drug
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS exposure plus under/supra-therapeutic dose administration.
The secondary aim was to achieve the cost saving by using
Afsheen Ibrahim, Samina Ghani, Zahra Hasan, Tariq Moatter same vial to draw maximum possible doses under aseptic
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, techniques.
Karachi Method: We started pre-filled MTX syringes through our
oncology pharmacy, as commercially MTX syringes are not
Objective: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive available and vials available are for single use only (as are
trait and effects 1/2000 births in North Europeans but is less preservative free). Therefore the issue was discussed in our
frequent in Asians. CF is caused by a mutation in a 189362 base Quality Improvement Committee meeting. Team members
pair cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) included our safety coordinator, manager and pharmacists

147
Techniques /Innovations Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

involved in handling and dispensing of MTX. References for arise from a sub-ancestral node. Use of multiple tools to study
syringe stability of MTX were checked and based on authentic gene analysis gives better chance for authentic and reliable
information the prefilled syringe drawing and packaging process results.
was developed.
Results: The entire process is carried under aseptic technique Keywords: Alpha defenisn, homology, DEFA1
and safe handling environment by using Biological Safety
Cabinet. Many problems were overcome after the initiation of
MTX syringes e.g. proper labeling, sterile dose for each 13.40
administration that is accurately measured to avoid residues/ COMAPARISON OF HARMONIC WITH DIATHERMY IN
disposal of unused amount, drawing and expiry date along with MODIFIED RADICAL MASTECTOMY: A RANDOMIZED
the complete dosing and administration instructions. This also CONTROLLED TRIAL
resulted in approx. cost saving of Rs 500 per patient.
Conclusion: Prefilled syringe preparation of MTX for RA patients Salma Khan, Shaista Khan, Ghulam Murtaza
helps in improving patient safety and curtailing patient harm Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
from cytotoxic exposure and significantly reduces patient cost
as well. Such types of initiatives are needed from pharmacy as Objective: To compare outcomes between harmonic and
our local industry scenario does not support availability of such Electrocautry dissection in female adult patients who underwent
dosage forms and knowledge level of general patient population modified radical mastectomy (MRM).
warrants minimum manipulation of hazardous drugs by the Method: After Ethical Review Committee approval (1519-SUR-
patient him/herself. Last but not the least cost effectiveness that ERC-2010) and informed consent, adult females who underwent
is necessary as majority of patients bare the expenses from own MRM during period were randomized to receive either
pocket without any third party payment coverage. intervention A (harmonic scalpel, n=75) or B (electrocautery,
n=75) by computer generated randomization sequence. The
Keywords: Patient safety, methotraxate, rheumatoid arthritis procedure was standardized except rising of the flaps & breast
(RA) that was performed as per randomization. Two drains were
placed i.e. one in axilla and other in flap. Patients were followed
up in clinic for four weeks. The outcomes were estimated blood
13.39 loss (EBL), operating time, drain Volume and drain days, seroma
HOMOLOGY UNIFICATION OF HUMAN NEUTROPHIL formation, surgical site infection and postoperative pain.
DEFENSIN 1 USING MULTIDIMENSIONAL Comparison of groups was done with T-test for continuous and
BIOINFORMATICS TOOL. chi-square for categorical variables.
Results: Both the groups were comparable for baseline variables
Amber Aamir, Bushra Chaudhry with age of 48.5±14.5 and 50.5±12.2 years, respectively.
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Harmonic dissection yielded better outcomes as compared to
Aga Khan University, Karachi electrocautry with lower EBL (182±92 vs. 100±62, p-value:
0.00), operative time (187±36 vs. 191±44, p-value: o.49),
Objective: Defensins (DEFA) are 2-6 kDa, cationic, microbicidal drain volume (1035±413 vs.631±275, p-value: 0.00), drain days
peptides also active against fungi, and enveloped viruses. We (17±4 vs. 12±3 p-value: 0.00), seroma formation (21.3% vs.
aimed to investigate homology for all six types of alpha defensins 33.3%, p-value: 0.071), surgical site infection (5.3% vs. 23%,
(DEFA1-6) within humans using multi-dimensional p-value: 0.006) and postoperative pain ( 3.4±1 vs. 1.8±0.6, p-
bioinformatics approaches. value: 0.00).
Method: The DEFA1 transcript was selected from NCBI. Conclusion: Although the harmonic didn’t reduce the operative
ClustalW2, Muscle, T-coffee and Ensembl tools were used for time, however, it significantly reduced post-operative discomfort
this study. Multiple alignments of nucleotides and protein and morbidity to the patient. Based on the results of our trial
sequences was performed and phylograms were constructed. we recommend harmonic dissection in MRM.
Results: Results indicated that DEFA1 had maximum homology
(100%; e = 0.0) with DEFA1b, 98%, with DEFA3 (e= 0.0), and Keywords: Harmonic, diathermy, modified radical mastectomy
homology with DEFA4, 5 and 6 was 69%, 68% (1e- 36) & 66%
respectively. DEFA1 protein sequences were 100% similar with
DEFA1b, 98% with DEFA3, but only 46% with DEFA4 and 13.41
48% and 48% with DEFA5 and 6 respectively. DEFA1 showed TREATMENT OF COMPLEX FISTULA IN ANO WITH
maximum homology 39.48% with Muscle, 31.5% by clustalW2, CABLE TIE SETON: A PROSPECTIVE CASE SERIES
and 37.8% by T-Coffee. Protein homology by using all tools
was similar (51%). Phylogram showed that DEFA1b and DEFA1 Ayaz Ahmed Memon, Ghulam Murtaza, Rizwan Azami,
evolved from same ancestor in same time while DEFA3 had Tabish Chawla, hasnain Zafar, Altaf Ali Laghari
also evolved much closer. DEFA6, DEFA5 and DEFA4 stand Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
on lot of distance from DEFA1 suggesting less structural and
functional similarity. Ensembl’s gene tree was similar to that of Objective: To determine the fecal incontinence and recurrence
clustalW2. rate in patients with complex fistula in ano managed with cable
Conclusion: Slight nucleotide homology difference represented tie seton at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
synonymous changes at protein level. However in phylogram Method: This is a prospective case series of patients with complex
DEFA1 lies close to DEFA1b, 3 and 4. While DEFA5 and 6 anal fistula i.e. recurrent fistula or encircling >30% of external

148
Aga Khan University Techniques /Innovations
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anal sphincter, managed with cable tie seton from March 2003 updated high risk diagnosis along with the enabled interaction
to March 2009. Patients were seen in the clinic after 72 hours alerts thus curtailing several unsafe drug entries. CPOE
of seton insertion under anesthesia and then every other week. enhancement for developing the clinical decision support system
Each time the cable-tie was tightened if found loose without for scrutinizing drug-disease interactions is a very useful tool
anesthesia and incontinence was inquired according to wexner’s to enhance patient safety.
score.
Results: Seventy nine patients were treated during the study Keywords: Drug interactions, CPOE, high risk diagnosis
period with the age (mean± standard deviation) of 41±10.6 years
and. The seton was tightened with a median of six times (3-15
times range). Complete healing was achieved in 11.2±5.7 weeks. 13.43
All the patients were followed for a minimum period of one POSTOPERATIVE PORT-SITE PAIN AFTER GALL
year and none of the patients had any incontinence. Recurrence BLADDER RETRIEVAL FROM EPIGASTRIC VS.
was found in 4 (5%) patients UMBILICAL PORT IN LAPAROSCOPIC
Conclusion: The cable tie seton is safe, cost effective and low CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED
morbidity option for the treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano. TRIAL
It can, therefore, be recommended as the standard of treatment
for complex fistulae-in-ano requiring the placement of a seton. Nadeem Siddiqui, Ghulam Murtaza, Rizwan Azami
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Fistula in ano, cable tie, seton
Objective: to compare the mean postoperative pain score at port
site after retrieval of GB from epigastric or umbilical port in
13.42 adult patients who underwent elective laparoscopic
DEVELOPING DRUG-DISEASE INTERACTION MODULE cholecystectomy at a tertiary care hospital
IN COMPUTERIZED PHYSICIAN ORDER ENTRY Method: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on
(CPOE) SYSTEM; EXPERIENCE FROM A TEACHING adult patients who underwent elective laparoscopic
HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN cholecystectomy at our institute for six months in 2010. The
selected patients were randomized through lottery method to
Salwa Ahsan and Shahana Mobin either group A (n=60, GB retrieval through epigastric port) or
Department of Pharmacy, Aga Khan University, Karachi group B (n=60, GB retrieval through umbilical port). VAS for
pain was assessed by a registered nurse at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36
Objective: When International data related to sentinel events hours after surgery.
were reviewed, it trailed back to the evidence that certain Results: The VAS for pain at umbilical port was less than
contraindicated drugs were administered to the patients causing epigastric port at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 hours after surgery (5.9±1.1
the patient harm. Use of contraindicated medications is a vs. 4.1±1.5, 4.6±0.94 vs. 3.5±1.05, 3.9±0.85 vs. 2.4±0.79,
preventable medication error and awareness to the certain 3.05±0.87 vs. 2.15±0.87, respectively) and the difference was
conditions of the patient can arrest the occurrences of such statistically significant. Multiple linear regression was done for
incidences. pain at 24 hours and the VAS at umblical port was 0.9 cm less
Method: Our hospital based CPOE system lacked the functionality than epigastric port after adjusting for age, sex, duration of
to record and retain the High Risk Diagnosis (HRD) like Diabetes, surgery and additional analgesia use (r2 =0.253, p-value=o.oo).
G6PD deficiency, Porphyria, CKD, CLD and Myasthenia Gravis Conclusion: Gall bladder retrieval from umbilical port is
etc. Pharmacy along with IT, Nursing and Physician support associated with lower pain than epigastric port in patients
devised a system change to reduce the possibility of administering undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We
a contraindicated drug to a patient. This change was approved recommend umbilical port for gall bladder retrieval.
by Pharmacy &Therapeutic Committee (P & TC). System
modifications included permanently storing HRD on the patients’ Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Port site, post
record, accessible in both inpatient and outpatient visits. List of operative pain
interacting drugs were defined in CPOE system to cross match
against HRD upon order entry. Also, to avert the missing
information on profile drug-disease management interface was 13.44
also created that facilitates the entry of HRD in case drug in DOES PRIMARY CLOSURE INCREASE RISK OF
indicated in its management is prescribed (e.g. Pyridostigmine SURGICAL SITE INFECTION COMPARED TO OPEN
for Myasthenia Gravis). Laboratory interface was also developed WOUNDS? RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
to provide the relevant lab tests pertaining to HRD to facilitate
decision making. Ghulam Murtaza, Rozina Nuruddin, Ayaz Ahmed Memon, Tabish
Results: After the approval from P & TC the system based Chawla, Iqbal Azam, Yasir Mukhtar
implementation was done in CPOE. Post implementation survey Department of Surgery and Community Health Sciences,
revealed the recording of HRDs on 78% patients’ profile and Aga Khan University , Karachi
associated pharmacist interventions in prescribing the
contraindicated drugs. Objective: to compare the incidence proportion of surgical site
Conclusion: Our CPOE system initially did not have functionality infection (SSI) at stoma reversal site between primary closure
to record HRD other than admitting diagnosis. Moreover the and open surgical sites in adult patients undergoing reversal of
drug-disease interactions alerts were also lacking. By intestinal stoma at a tertiary care hospital.
implementing this feature approx. 80% of profiles now carry Method: Adult patients, who underwent elective loop & double

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barreled intestinal stoma reversal through perio-stomal incision aneurysms were wide necked. Most common aneurysm site was
between Jan’ 2005 to May 2011, were identified by ICD code anterior communicating artery. Technical success rate for
46.51 & 46.52. Selected patients were classified into two groups endovascular intracranial aneurysm coiling was 95.3 % (n =
i.e. exposed (closed stoma closure sites) and unexposed (open 41). Major complication rate was 11.6 % (n = 5). Mortality rate
surgical sites) after reviewing operative notes. Patients with was 2.3% (n = 1). 78 % patients showed good clinical outcome
missing records, post operative anastamosis leak, other after coiling including 4 patients with un ruptured aneurysms
simultaneous procedures, perioperative steroids, conversion to (n = 32).
laparotomy and lost to follow up were excluded. Files were Conclusion: wide variety of aneurysms based on their size,
reviewed independently by two reviewers for main exposure & morphology and locations were observed in our study and were
outcome variable i.e. SSI based on CDC criteria. Sample size successfully treated using endovascular technique.
of 71 in each group was calculated. Analysis was done on SPSS-
17. Chi square test was used to compare SSI between the groups. Keywords: Aneurysm, coiling, interventional radiology
Multivariable analysis with Cox regression was applied to
calculate Relative Risk adjusted for confounders.
Results: The mean±SD for age was 41±15 vs. 36±15 years in 13.46
open vs. closed surgical sites, respectively, with male UNNECESSARY RADIATION TO NON-THORACIC
preponderance in both the groups. The incidence proportion of STRUCTUREON NICU AND PEDIATRIC CHEST
surgical site infection in closed wounds was 12.9% higher than RADIOGRAPH
open wounds (16.9% vs. 4%, p-value= 0.013) with RR of 5.8
(95% CI: 1.50-22.54) adjusted for gender, BMI, site of stoma, Amin Rajani, Afsheen Mehmood, Naila Nadeem
malignancy and chemo radiotherapy. Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: The risk of SSI in closed wounds is greater than
open wounds after controlling for gender, BMI, site of stoma, Objective: To evaluate the unnecessary or additional radiation
malignancy and chemo radiotherapy. We recommend that the exposure to non-thoracic structure during neonate intensive care
wounds should not be closed. unit, pediatric wards and out sided pediatric referral.
Method: A clinical audit of 150 chest radiographs was performed
Keywords: Stoma closure, Surgical Site infection, Cohort study at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi. Chest radiographs
were from neonatal intensive care unit, admitted patients in
wards and patients referred from other hospitals. 50 radiographs
13.45 from each section were analyzed for extent of radiation field to
PICTORIAL PRESENTATION OF MANAGEMENT OF non-thoracic regions, visualization of adult fingers & number
INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSM WITH DETACHABLE COIL of retake x-rays. Guidelines from Soboleski 3 were taken. This
was accomplished by delineating the most superior and inferior
Amin Rajani, Raza Sayani, Rana Shoaib portions of the body included within the boundaries of collimation
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi on each chest radiograph. The distance between the superior
and inferior aspect of the lung was measured and compared with
Objective: purpose of this poster presentation is to highlight the the long –axis of the radiation field on radiographs. This ratio
various types of aneurysms that were identified during measures the efficiency of the use of radiation field. Radiographic
angiography and successful endovascular coiling was performed reports were reviewed to determine whether valuable data were
on these variety of aneurysms that proves the technical success obtained or not.
achieved safely Results: In (89 x-rays) 59% of chest radiograph unnecessary
Method: data of 6 year reveals that 43 patients underwent non-thoracic structures were included, resulting in radiation
aneurysm coiling who have mean age of 46.67+- 11.57 years, exposure to these sites. In (49 x-rays) 32% radiographs adult
which includes 23males and 20 female patients. In all these fingers were exposed. (9 x-rays) 6% radiographs were repeated
patients detachable coils were deployed. Out 43 patients 4 were for multiple reasons. (2 X-rays) 1% for positioning error, (2 x-
diagnosed with un-ruptured aneurysms while 39 had ruptured rays) 1% due to motion blurring, 4% due to over collimation.
aneurysms causing subarachnoid hemorrhage, grading of which Conclusion: Our audit show that our present positioning
was done according to Hunt and Hess grading system. Distribution techniques in neonatal & pediatric chest radiography result in
of grading includes 11 patients with Grade I and 11 with Grade unnecessary radiation exposure to non-thoracic structures. We
II, while 8 patients had Grade III and 9 had Grade IV. These need to adapt new landmarks for collimation to reduce this
cases were diagnosed either with Plain CT, CT Angiography or problem. Better restraining techniques are to be used to avoid
digital subtraction angiography. All endovascular coiling were unnecessary exposure of adult fingers.
performed under general anesthesia through femoral artery
approach and all were packed densely with Detachable platinum Keywords: Radiation dose, pediatric, radiographs
coils. A retrospective approach was adopted and all patients files
and radiology reports were reviewed and analyzed. To determine
clinical outcome Modified Ranking Score was used. Score 0-
2 represented good outcome, score 3-5: dependency (Cannot
attend own bodily needs and carry out daily activities without
assistance) and score 6: death.
Results: Aneurysm size ranged from 3mm - 22mm (mean size
8 mm ± 4). 74.4% aneurysms had narrow necks while 25.6%

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14.1 CDI for use in rural Sindh for use with children at 24 months
A CASE CONTROL STUDY TO DETERMINE RISK of age and to test reliability of the adapted tool.
FACTORS FOR BIRTH ASPHYXIA IN MATIARI, SINDH Method: In phase 1, the original word list (for children aged 16-
30months) comprising 182 words was reviewed in a focus group
Farhana Tabassum, Arjumand Rizvi, Sajid Bashir Soofi, discussion to identify whether words were suitable in the local
Zulfiqar Bhuta context. The modified list was tested on a sample of 100 mothers
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, with children in the target age range. In phase 2, results were
Karachi reviewed and a representative set of 100 words were selected
comprising easy, moderate and difficult words. In phase 3, the
Background: Birth asphyxia is a serious clinical problem adapted list of 100 words was piloted on 50 mothers with children
worldwide. Each year approximately 4 million babies are born and inter-rater reliability and test-retest were carried out.
asphyxiated which results in 2 million neonatal deaths and Results: Key results shows increase comprehension and
intrapartum stillbirths. Objectives To identify socio demographic expression improved with increasing age as expected. Inter-rater
and clinical factors related to BA reliability for comprehension (n10, r0.81) and expression (n10,
Method: A matched case control study was conducted in Matiari r0.85) was good Test-retest for comprehension (n30, r-0.5) was
with 246 cases and 492 controls. Cases were those who have reasonable and for expression (n30, r1.0) was good.
died due to BA and controls were those who were born alive at Conclusion: The instrument can be used in rural Sindh as part
same time period and resided in same area. of battery of assessments to assess language development at 24
Results: In univariate analysis significant risk factors are maternal months of age.
age, education, poor dietary intake, history of miscarriages, still
births, neonatal and child deaths, birth interval, maternal Keywords: Language development, Pakistan, McArthurs CDI
complications during pregnancy and labour such as bleeding,
and excessive discharge from vagina, anemia, high BP, prolong
labour, fetus stopped movement and breech delivery ,newborn 14.3
conditions at birth i.e. size(small or large) , didn’t cry immediately, MATERNAL PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND
blue color, difficulty in breathing and chest in drawing. In IMPLICATIONS FOR EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT: A
multivariate analysis maternal age above 30 years OR: 1.8(1.1- STUDY IN NAUSHERO FEROZE, SINDH
3.1), history of neonatal deaths OR: 19.7(11.2-34.8),extra work
load OR: 2.8(1.2-6.5), excessive vaginal discharge during Muneera Rasheed, Arjumand Rizvi, Rabia Mazari,
pregnancy OR: 3.4(1.3-9.0), excessive bleeding during labor Aisha Yousafzai
OR: 7.5(2.2-26.1),prolong labor OR :7.8(2.8-21.8) size of baby Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
small OR: 0.48(0.18-1.3) or large OR: 5.3(1.5-18.6) at birth Karachi
,baby didn’t breathe and cry immediately after birth OR:
60.3(21.5-168.9) Objective: Pakistan is one of the Asian countries with the highest
Conclusion: The key risk factors found from this study are prevalence rates of maternal psychological distress. Maternal
maternal age, history of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, excess psychological distress can affect child rearing practices and is
workload during pregnancy ,maternal complications i.e. excessive associated with impaired growth, health and development. As
vaginal discharge during pregnancy, excessive bleeding during a sub-study in an early child development trial, we examined
labor, prolonged labor, birth weight and newborn do not breathe prevalence of maternal psychological distress and associated
and cry. risk factors that may have implications on early child outcomes.
Method: The study was conducted in Naushero Feroze, Sindh.
Keywords: Birth asphyxia, prolong labor, antenatal care A total of 1490 mothers were assessed for stress at post-partum
using the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) 20. The SRQ 20
comprises twenty items and is validated for use in Pakistan. A
14.2 relative risk analysis of factors associated with psychological
ADAPTATION AND RELIABILITY TESTING OF distress in mothers was conducted.
MACARTHUR’S COMMUNICATIVE DEVELOPMENT Results: The cut-off score used for SRQ 20 in Pakistani
INVENTORY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AGED 24 MONTHS populations is 9 indicating risk of psychological distress. The
IN RURAL SINDH mean score of the population was 6.6 (sd3.9). Twenty eight
percent (28.3%) of the population scored equal to or above the
Ghurnata Tabassum, Farrukh Raza , Aisha K Yousafzai cut-off indicating risk for psychological distress. The relative
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, risk analysis showed that mothers with psychological distress
Karachi were 1.50 times more likely to be from low income community
(CI 1.23, 1. 98), 1.86 times more likely to be illiterate (CI 1.00
Background: Early language development is a useful proxy and 3.45)and 1.46 more times to use physical punishment with
indicator for future academic achievement and cognitive a young child less than 2 years of age (CI 1.12, 1.90).
functioning. MacArthur’s Communicative Development Conclusion: The results are consistent with previous findings.
Inventory (CDI) is a widely used tool to assess vocabulary It is necessary to consider a component of supporting mothers
comprehension and expression. MacArthurs CDI has been in ECD interventions. The association between maternal
adapted for a wide range of settings. It is a useful tool to assess psychological distress and ECD are being studied.
language development for early intervention studies.
Objective: The study objectives were to adapt the MacArthur’s Keywords: Depression, mothers, Pakistan

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14.4 was collected from a cohort of 1097 children by using Infant

CHILDREN LIVING IN POOR HYGIENE AND SANITATION Toddler-HOME (IT-HOME) scale further distributed over six
CONDITIONS: WHY DOES IT MATTER? subscales. Frequency distributions of all the responses, mean
and standard deviation (SD) for all subscales were calculated.
Sanober Nadeem, Bilal Iqbal Avan Results: Mean±SD age of study children were 16.6 ±12.1 months.
Human Development Programme, Aga Khan Univerity, Karachi, Overall, mean score on HOME scale was 31.6±7.1 and 29.7±6.9
University of Aberdeen, UK in Hyderabad and Mastung respectively. On a subscale level
about half the families in Hyderabad and three quarters in
Background: It is estimated that at least 200 million children, Mastung scored in the lowest fourth category on Learning
mostly from developing countries, suffer from developmental Material subscale whereas, 41% of families in Mastung and
delays. Poor hygiene and sanitation conditions are known to 18% of families in Hyderabad were in lowest fourth on
influence growth faltering and increased risk of morbidity and Organization subscale. On remaining scales at least 50% of
mortality, yet little is know about role of these conditions on families have scored in upper fourth category in at least three
child growth and development. The study aims to contribute to subscales.
an understanding of the relationship between family hygiene, Conclusion: Considerable evidence is available that poor home
sanitary conditions and psychomotor development in the first environment retards intellectual growth. The HOME inventory
three years of life identified up to 23% of young children in the lowest fourth
Method: A cross sectional household survey was conducted in category who are potentially at risk. There is a need to develop
urban and rural Sindh, Pakistan, by trained personnel. Children culturally acceptable, evidence based parenting interventions to
aged less than 3 (n=1,244) were assessed at home visits using improve the home environment.
1) Bayley's Infant Developmental Scale for psychomotor
development; 2) anthropometric status, and 3) socio-economic, Keywords: Home Environment, child Development
hygiene and sanitation conditions via maternal interview.
Socioeconomic, hygiene and sanitation indices are created using
principal component analyses. 14.6
Results: Rural areas are highly correlated with hygiene index A CASE REPORT ON COLLODION BABY
(HI) and sanitation index (SI), as compared to their urban
counterparts. Age and sex adjusted SI is highly correlated with Mumtaz Malik
socioeconomic index (SEI). Multilevel modelling analysis Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
showed that SI is significantly associated with child's delayed
development, stunting and being underweight; while HI is Objective: A Case Report of a “Collodion Baby” born in “The
associated with underweight and stunting status of children, Aga Khan Hospital for Women & Children, Kharadar”, who
independent of SEI and rural-urban neighbourhood. was diagnosed on the basis of clinical features and was provided
Conclusion: Due to a strong association between hygiene and “Good Environmental and Symptomatic Management” but
sanitation conditions and development, recognition should be unfortunately baby boy expired on the 3rd day of his life
given to the growth and developmental needs of children living (Neonatal Death of Child).
in such conditions. Method: Case Report
Results: Patient Mrs. Shazia Azmat Ali, 24 years of age, Pathan,
Keywords: Child development, Sanitation index, Hygiene Index resident of Kemari -Karachi, cousin marriage, Para 4 + 1, 02
alive female children with normal body and skin (O/E), had two
diagnosed Collodion Male Children, this condition being
14.5 transmitted as autosomal recessive trait. The infant with the
ASSESSING HOME ENVIRONMENT IN EARLY CHILD condition presents covered with a yellow-brown, glistening
DEVELOPMENT IN TWO COMMUNITIES OF PAKISTAN ,film-like membrane resembling Collodion, often resulting in
ectropion of the eyelids (with absent eye balls) and eversion of
Sanober Nadeem, Ghazala Rafique, Liaquat Khowaja, oral mucosa. Within hours this membrane dries and cracks to
Anjum Yameen form fissures and it peels off within one or two days but may
Human Devlopment Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi reform several times. The Collodion baby is at risk because of
increased insensible water loss through the skin, which may
Background: Family environment plays very important role in result in acute renal failure and / or permanent brain damage if
Early Child Development (ECD) and availability of stimulating fluid replacement is neglected. Pulmonary infections and
material in early years of child’s life is crucial. The Home septicemia may also occur. Patient had six antenatal visits in
Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) our unit with normal routine laboratory investigations and she
inventory is one of the most widely used measures that assess had two antenatal ultrasound scans at 28 and 35 weeks of
the quality and quantity of support and stimulation provided for gestation, which showed normal structural anatomy and optimal
children at home. This study aims to measure the prevailing growth rate of fetus. Any relative investigations were not
situation of home environment for ECD in two communities of considered though patient had two collodion children in the
Pakistan. past. After delivery (Emergency LSCS) baby was shifted to
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two field nursery for stabilizing management and nursing care. Baby
sites; Tando Jam (Sindh) and Mastung (Baluchistan). All mothers expired on 3rd day of life (neonatal death).
with children birth to age 3 during December 2009 and May
2010 were recruited for the study. Data on home environment Keywords: Collodion baby

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14.8 and strengthening linkages with the local health systems. Some
EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF ZINC ON of the recent community-based studies of interventions targeting
DURATION OF DIARRHEA AMONG CHILDREN 6-18 women of reproductive age have shown variable impacts on
MONTHS OF AGE: A NESTED, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE maternal outcomes and hence it is uncertain if these strategies
BLIND, PLACEBO CONTROL TRIAL IN A COMMUNITY have consistent benefit across the continuum of maternal and
SETTING IN PAKISTAN newborn care.
Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of community-based
Tauseefullah Akhund, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta intervention packages in reducing maternal and neonatal
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, morbidity and mortality; and improving neonatal outcomes.
Karachi Method: We searched The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth
Group’s Trials Register (January 2010), World Bank’s JOLIS
Objective: Studies have shown the therapeutic benefits of zinc (12 January 2010), BLDS at IDS and IDEAS database of
supplementation during a diarrhea episode. WHO and UNICEF unpublished working papers (12 January 2010), Google and
have recently recommended the therapeutic use of zinc for 10- Google Scholar (12 January 2010). All prospective randomized
14 days at a dose of 10mg daily in infants less than 6 months and quasi-experimental trials evaluating the effectiveness of
old and 20mg daily in older children whereas Boranet et al has community-based intervention packages in reducing maternal
shown that 15-30mg of zinc provided to children of ages 6-59 and neonatal mortality and morbidities; and improving neonatal
months did not show any effect on reduction of diarrhea incidence, outcomes. Two review authors independently assessed trial
its duration or severity. Patel and colleagues have also reported quality and extracted the data.
similar results. More data are needed to reach consensus on Results: The review included 18 cluster-randomized/quasi-
appropriate dosage, therefore we propose to evaluate the dose randomized trials, covering a wide range of interventional
related effect of zinc in reducing the duration of acute diarrhea packages, including two subsets from one trial. We incorporated
in Pakistani children of 6-18 months of age. data from these trials using generic inverse variance method in
Method: This is a double blinded, randomized, placebo controlled which logarithms of risk ratio estimates were used along with
trial in children designed to measure the impact and effectiveness the standard error of the logarithms of risk ratio estimates. Our
of daily zinc administration for 10 days in acute cases of diarrhea. review did not show any reduction in maternal mortality (risk
There are 3 groups in this study receiving zinc dosages of ratio (RR) 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.02,
0mg/day, 10mg/day and 20mg/day respectively. Zinc is provided random-effects (10 studies, n = 144,956), I² 39%, P value 0.10.
in the form of dispersible tablets. This study is part of larger However, significant reduction was observed in maternal
trial and cases of acute diarrhea will be identified through routine morbidity (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.92, random-effects (four
visits from the intervention groups receiving micronutrient studies, n = 138,290), I² 28%; neonatal mortality (RR 0.76; 95%
sprinkles in the larger trial. CI 0.68 to 0.84, random-effects (12 studies, n = 136,425), I²
Results: Presently 210 cases have been recruited from a target 69%, P value < 0.001), stillbirths (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.74 to
of 630.Follow ups are in progress. 0.97, random-effects (11studies, n = 113,821), I² 66%, P value
Conclusion: The study will be completed by the end of March 0.001) and perinatal mortality (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.91,
2012 and we shall be able to determine the dosage of Zinc random-effects (10 studies, n = 110,291), I² 82%, P value <
effective for treatment in acute diarrhea. 0.001) as a consequence of implementation of community-based
interventional care packages. It also increased the referrals to
Keywords: Zinc Placebo health facility for pregnancy related complication by 40% (RR
1.40; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.65, fixed-effect (two studies, n = 22,800),
I² 0%, P value 0.76), and improved the rates of early breastfeeding
14.9 by 94% (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.42, random-effects (six
COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION PACKAGES FOR studies, n = 20,627), I² 97%, P value < 0.001). We assessed our
REDUCING MATERNAL AND NEONATAL MORBIDITY primary outcomes for publication bias, but observed no such
AND MORTALITY AND IMPROVING NEONATAL asymmetry on the funnel plot.
OUTCOMES Conclusion: Our review offers encouraging evidence of the
value of integrating maternal and newborn care in community
Zohra S Lassi, Batool A Haider , Zulfiqar A Bhutta settings through a range of interventions which can be packaged
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, effectively for delivery through a range of community health
Karachi workers and health promotion groups. While the importance of
skilled delivery and facility-based services for maternal and
Objective: While it is recognized that almost half of the newborn newborn care cannot be denied, there is sufficient evidence to
deaths can be prevented by scaling up evidence-based available scale up community-based care through packages which can be
interventions such as tetanus toxoid immunization to mothers; delivered by a range of community-based workers.
clean and skilled care at delivery; newborn resuscitation; exclusive
breastfeeding; clean umbilical cord care; management of Keywords: community based intervention package, maternal
infections in newborns, many require facility based and outreach mortality, neonatal mortality
services. It has also been stated that a significant proportion of
these mortalities and morbidities could also be potentially
addressed by developing community-based packages
interventions which should also be supplemented by developing

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14.11 neonatal health. The abstracts of the initial list of identified

MANAGEMENT OF ANORECTAL MALFORMATION AND references were then reviewed to identify a list of articles for
ASSOCIATED ANOMALIES ACCORDING TO further review. The articles were then read and relevant material
KRICKENBECK CLASSIFICATION, 10 YEARS OUTCOME extracted. Review strategy Articles were selected for review if
FROM SINGLE CENTER. they dealt with the following criteria: Inclusion Criteria
Epidemiological studies. Studies of causes of neonatal mortality
Ahmad Vaqas Faruque, Saqib Hamid Qazi, Arif Mateen Khan such as infection, low birth weight, and birth asphyxia.
Departments of Surgery and Pediatric & Child Health, Interventional studies on neonatal health. Exclusion criteria
Aga Khan University, Karachi Publications without an available abstract in the search packages
Conclusion: Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that despite
Objective: The study aim to see management and outcomes of a plethora of newly validated interventions, the millennium
anorectal malformations their associated anomalies, their development goals to reduce maternal mortality by three quarters
management and long term outcome in tertiary care hospital. and child mortality by two thirds are unlikely to be achieved.
Method: Anorectal anomalies were classified according to One of the reasons for this is that current safer motherhood and
krickenbeck classification.Cases included were, all those children newborn care programs emphasize interventions that do not
with imperforate anus, managed during the last 10 years. We reach the poor households. Community based interventions have
have excluded all those cases born with a primary diagnosis of been neglected and undervalued. Large scale community
common cloaca and children that were shifted out from hospital. effectiveness trials are both necessary and feasible if we are to
Results: There were 49 children in study group 33 males and make further progress with reducing maternal and child mortality
16 females. Most common associated anomaly was cardiac and morbidity. A woman's right to health includes her right to
(10/26), followed by urological anomalies (9/26). 22% and 21% a healthy childbirth and newborn, and the baby possesses his or
children had high and low anomaly respectively. Fistula was her own right to life as well. While overall child mortality has
present in 35/49 (71%) cases. The most common fistula was declined, 4 million newborns still die each year, primarily in the
recto urethral (26%) followed by rectovaginal (20%). Other first days of life. Most could be prevented through existing,
fistulas are rectovesicular (12%), rectovestibular (8%) and cost-effective interventions. Field trials and programs show that
rectocutaneousfistula (2%). There were 14 children had no low-cost, home- or community-based neonatal care can quickly
associated fistula. Children were managed initially by making lead to dramatic decline in neonatal mortality. Newborn health
descending colostomy. 35/49 (71%) of them were later on should be integrated with maternal and child health; and these
managed by PSARP, while 9/49 (49%) had offered limited programs should be strengthened and expanded-in order to
PSARP. Most common complication is anal stenosis i.e. 44%. achieve both the child and maternal survival Millennium
Conclusion: Outcome of anorectal malformation is directly Development Goals. Policies and programs should include
related to the severity of disease. There should be uniform participatory household and community-based care, with links
approach regarding the management of this disease. Long term to the formal health system. Despite recent attention to newborn
follow up should be taken with regular counseling regarding the health, much remains to be done to achieve sustained, high
complication related to surgical management. coverage of effective interventions, especially in poor
communities where most newborns are born and die, mostly in
Keywords: Neonates, anorectal malformation, long term follow the first week of life. Recommendations Our review shows
up ample evidence of neonatal and perinatal mortality and morbidity
especially in South Asia. We suggest the following
recommendations to improve this situation in developing
14.12 countries: 1. Interventions are more beneficial if they are targeted
IMPROVING NEWBORN HEALTH IN SOUTH ASIA – at the causes. Identification of risks specific to the areas should
LESSONS FROM THE PAST AND FUTURE CHALLENGES be done and interventions that conform to both socioeconomic
and cultural norms should be implemented accordingly. 2.
Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Umera Abdullah Thebo, Umair Availability and accessibility to health care facilities should be
Khalid, Nida Sajjad improved with particular emphasis on maternal and neonatal
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan health care facilities. 3. As the health of the newborn infant is
University, Karachi inexorably tied to the health of the mother, strategies to improve
the health and care of women in low-resource communities and
Objective: The purpose of this review is to focus on the current countries can improve both pregnancy and neonatal health
health status of the neonates, and a global analysis with an outcomes. 4. To combat the maternal factors, there should be
emphasis on the South Asian region. It also proposes regular antenatal visits, provision and education regarding the
recommendations and interventions, at the policy, program and importance of dietary supplements, such as folic acid and iron
community level. and counseling about family planning with emphasis on
Method: Search strategy Studies included in this review were adequately spacing out children. 5. In developing countries a
first identified by a computerized search without any time limit large number of deliveries are conducted at home by unskilled
related to perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Medline, traditional birth attendants, leading to infections. Awareness
Cochrane Library, Highwire and Popline computerized databases programs about the importance and necessity of hygiene should
were searched using the following keywords: perinatal morbidity be implemented. 6. There is a need for improvement of neonatal
and mortality, neonatal morbidity and mortality, risk factors for intensive care unit facilities. 7. There is a need for AIDS and
neonatal deaths, predisposing factors, and interventions on GBS prophylaxis. 8. Mothers should also be taught how to take

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proper care of the umbilical cord, as umbilical infections are the asthma in 2005. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in low
most frequently infections seen infection in neonates. Moreover and lower-middle income countries. the objective is to
the mothers should be counseled about the danger signs of evaluate what duration of rapid acting bronchodilator is
neonatal sepsis and educated about taking timely action. effective to relieve bronchoconstriction in children aged
This can prevent deaths due to a delay in health care 2-59 months.
provision. Method: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), Pubmed, Science
Keywords: Neonatal health, neonatal mortality Direct, Lilac, JOLIS, and Google Scholar on April 20, 2010.
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and
extracted the data.
14.13 Results: We did not find any study that compared different
DOSE OF PARENTERAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR durations of rapid acting bronchodilators for treatment of
SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN bronchoconstriction in children aged 2-59 months.
CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 59 MONTHS Conclusion: There is a need of RCTs to answer the review
question. However, according to WHO IMCI guideline, children
Zohra S Lassi, Mehnaz Jabeen, Zulfiqar A Bhutta with acute bronchocostriction should be given up to three cycles
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, of nebulizers consisting of 0.5 ml of salbutamol diluted in 2.0ml
Karachi of sterile water.

Objective: Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in children Keywords: Bronchodilator, bronchoconstriction, children
under five years of age. Treatment of pneumonia requires an
effective antibiotic used in adequate doses for an appropriate
duration. To evaluate the dose of parenteral antibiotic therapy 14.17
for severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESS, DEPRESSION,
aged 2 to 59 months. CORTISOL AND PRETERM BIRTH IN WOMEN RESIDING
Method: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library) which contains the
Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group’s Specialized Kiran Shaikh, Shahirose Premji, Marianne Sarah Rose,
Register and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Suzanne Tough, Ambreen Kazi, Shaneela Khowaja
MEDLINE (OVID) and LILACS. All randomized controlled Department of Community Health Sciences and School of
trials (RCTs) evaluating the dose of parenteral antibiotic therapy Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi and University of
for severe CAP in children. Two review authors independently Calgary, Alberta Health Service, Canada
assessed trial quality and extracted the data.
Results: No study was found which matched our objective of Objective: Pakistan has a high prevalence of antenatal depression
comparing different dosages of same antibiotics for the treatment and preterm birth. Stress and depression have been associated
of severe pneumonia in children aged 2-59 months. with preterm birth. Cortisol is a biological marker of stress and
Conclusion: The evidence of this review suggests that further depression and may help to verify the relationship. We therefore
trials are required to answer this questions. However according studied the relationship between maternal stress, depression,
to IMCI 2006 guidelines of WHO, injectable ampicillin plus cortisol level, and preterm birth in pregnant women in Karachi,
gentamicin is a better choice than injectable chloramphenicol Pakistan.
for very severe pneumonia in children 2-59 months of age. They Method: In a prospective cohort study pregnant women between
further recommend that a pre-referral dose of 7.5 mg/kg 28 to 30 weeks of gestation from the Aga Khan Hospital for
intramuscular injection gentamicin and 50 mg/kg injection Women and Children completed a A-Z Stress Scale and Centre
ampicillin can be used. for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale to assess stress and
depression respectively, had a blood cortisol level drawn and
Keywords: Severe pnuemonia , children, parenteral antibiotic followed up at delivery. Correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon
rank sum was used to assess relationship between the variables.
Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors
14.16 predictive of preterm birth.
EFFECTIVE DURATION OF RAPID ACTING Results: 187 women were assessed for eligibility of whom 125
BRONCHODILATOR TO RELIEVE pregnant women had both questionnaire and cortisol level data
BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2-59 and an additional seven had questionnaire data only. 19•7%
MONTHS IN LOW RESOURCE COUNTRIES (95% CI 13•3-27•5) of the pregnant women experienced a high
level of stress and 40•9% (95% CI 32•4-49•8%) experienced
Zohra S Lassi, Mariam Shakir, Zulfiqar A Bhutta depressive symptoms. The median of cortisol level was 27•40
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, ug/dl (IQR 22•5-34•2). The frequency of preterm birth was
Karachi 11•4% (95% CI 6.5-18). A significant positive relationship was
identified only between maternal depression and stress. If the
Objective: Approximately 300 million people currently husband’s schooling was intermediate or higher the baby was
suffer from asthma and as many as 255,000 people died of less likely to be preterm. The probability of preterm birth was

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higher if this was not the first pregnancy and if the mother At the age of 8 years, the child presented with fever and severe
already had a male child at home. Insufficient numbers of preterm respiratory distress requiring intubation and ventilation. On
births were available to warrant the development of a Chest X-ray was found bilateral white out and CT scan lung
multivariable logistic regression model. showed diffuse alveolar involvement. Lung biopsy confirmed
Conclusion: The rate of stress and depression in pregnant haemosiderin-laden macrophages. Child was put on steroids
women suggests that pregnant women’s psychological health is and despite severe anemia (Hb 3.2 g/dl), he showed improvement
an important consideration. Further research needs to be and survived. To our knowledge, this is the first case of idiopathic
undertaken to better understand the psychobiological basis of pulmonary haemosiderosis reported from Pakistan. Idiopathic
preterm birth. pulmonary haemosidrosis although a rare entity, should be
considered in patients with long term iron deficiency anemia
Keywords: Stress, Cortisol, Preterm and multiple transfusions without any obvious cause. It will
prevent unnecessary laboratory analysis and blood transfusion
and improve patient’s outcome in a timely manner
14.18
URINARY TRACT INFECTION PRESENTING AS Keywords: Idiopathic pulmonary hemosidrosis, anemia,
JAUNDICE IN NEONATES Hemoptysis

Noureen Afzal, Maqbool Qadir, sonia Qureshi, Rehan Ali

Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, 14.20
Karachi NON- COMMUNICATING BENIGN ESOPHAGEAL CYST
IN RIGHT PLEURAL CAVITY
Objective: Neonatal Hyperbilirubenemia is common finding
during the first postnatal week. Physiological jaundice occurs Noureen Afzal, Syeda Ezz-e-Rukhshan Adil, Ammara Mushtaq,
in first week of life in 60% of term and 80% of premature Arshalooz Rehman, Muneer Amanullah
neonates. Non physiologic or pathologic jaundice occur in 5- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
10% of newborn which require intervention. According to AAP Karachi
guidelines laboratory investigation for jaundice include total
serum bilirubin, blood Type and coombs test and if the baby Background: Duplications of the alimentary tract include a
have an elevation of direct reacting or conjugated bilirubin variety of cysts, diverticula, and tubular malformation, all
should have a urine analysis and urine culture. Here we are believed to have a similar embryologic origin.Oesophageal
presenting 5 cases that developed indirect hyperbilirubinemia duplication is a rare presentation and has a reported incidence
and routine workup done according to AAP guidelines came of 1 in every 8000 live births.The cysts are most commonly
out to be normal. On extensive investigation all cases found to found in children and in the majority of patients, the diagnosis
have urinary tract infection despite of having indirect bilirubin is made in infancy.
and they needed course of antibiotics according to sensitivities Report: We report here a case of a 2 ½ year old child presenting
and follow up ultrasound. From our experience we suggest with complains of hematemasis. CT angiogram revealed soft
that UTI should be considered as a cause of neonatal tissue density lesion on to the right at the level of T6. Right
jaundice especially when indirect bilirubin peak after one week thoracotomy revealed a gastrointestinal duplication cyst and on
of life. the basis of histopathology report, the diagnosis of oesophageal
duplication cyst was made. This child rapid recovered after
Keywords: Hyperbilirubenemia, Urinary tract infection , Urine surgical excision of the cyst.
culture
Keywords: Cysts, diverticula, hemoptysis

14.19
IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY HAEMOSIDEROSIS 14.21
PRESENTING AS SEVERE IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA- REVIEW OF CLEFT PALATE AND CLEFT LIP REPAIR
A CASE FROM PAKISTAN. AT THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.

Noureen Afzal, Ammara Mushtaq, Arshalooz Rehman, Sonia Mohammad Raheel N. Jajja, Alina Ghani, Sehyr Imran,
Qureshi Muhammad Shahjahan Khan, Zain F. Cawasji,
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Salila S. Hashmi, Tahir Shafi
Karachi Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis is an uncommon Objective: Oral clefts, comprising of cleft lip (CL) and cleft
disorder, which is characterized by iron deficiency, recurrent palate (CP), are the second most common entity amongst
haemoptysis and diffuse parenchymal infiltration on chest craniofacial anomalies. Epidemiological studies have revealed
radiograph. We report an 8 year old child who had past history that Asian populations have the highest frequency (1 in 500),
of multiple blood transfusions with diagnosis of iron deficiency with Pakistan having a documented incidence of 1 in 700. By
anemia and recurrent chest infection since the age of 21/2 year. doing this study, we aimed to identify the presence of known

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associated risk factors, the frequency of different types of cleft compared to the acquired group (32.3% vs. 12.9%). Frequency
lips and palates, median follow-up time, and outcomes of the of preterm birth was slightly higher in the acquired group (8.4%
surgery in patients who had surgical correction at AKUH. vs. 6.5%). A greater proportion of women in the congenital
Method: A retrospective study of 329 patients presenting with group required admission to cardiac intensive care(9.7% vs
oral clefts to Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), between 4.7%). Women with a congenital defect had a higher frequency
1992 and 2010, was conducted by searching medical records. of growth restricted fetuses compared to the acquired group
292 with complete data were included in our study. A (25.8% vs 18).
questionnaire, divided into three parts, was used to collect data Conclusion: Higher proportion of fetomaternal complications
which included age at presentation, gender, type of cleft, risk were seen in women with congenial cardiac diseases compared
factors, surgical details, and follow-up visits at AKUH. to the acquired heart defect group.
Results: There was a male predominance in both the cleft lip
and palate groups. The most common risk factor was Keywords: Cardiac disease, pregnancy
consanguineous marriage of parents. Most common type of oral
cleft was midline incomplete CP (47 cases) followed by left
sided complete CL (39 cases). Median age of primary lip repair 14.23
came out to be 4 months and for primary palate repair, 11.5 RISK FACTORS AND MATERNAL OUTCOMES OF
months. 50% patients presented for first week follow up after HYPERTENSIVE DISEASES IN
CL repair and 20% came for second week follow up. Similarly, PRIMIGRAVIDAATSECONDARY AND TERTIARY CARE
65% of the CP repair patients presented for first week follow HOSPITAL SETTINGSOF KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
up, 16% at 2.5 years and 4% at 5 years. There were 36 cases
with post-op complications including breathing problems, Rahat N. Qureshi, Dileep K. Rohra, Neelofur Babar, Iqbal Azam,
bleeding, fever and infection. Rozina Sikandar, Amna Zeb, Hina Zuberi, Syed Muhammad
Conclusion: Our review revealed abysmally low follow-up rates Faisal Hussain
and consultation by orthodontist and speech therapist. This Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Biological &
depicts lack of awareness, healthcare facilities and uniform Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
management protocol in our country. Programs to increase the
awareness of general population will contribute towards the Objective: The objective for this study was to assess the risk
reduction of oral clefts and their associated problems. factors and outcomes associated with hypertensive disorders in
pregnancy (HDP) in primigravidain Aga Khan University Hospital
Keywords: Cleft lip, Cleft palate, Orofacial cleft repair (AKUH) and Aga Khan Hospital Karimabad (AKHK), Karachi,
Pakistan.
Method: Data was collected prospectively from November 2006
14.22 to March 2008 as part of a larger study of primigravida delivering
FETOMATERNAL OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH at the two hospitals. Data was collected through a questionnaire
CARDIAC DISEASE IN PREGNANCY at initial visit and later from the hospital records.Regression
techniques were used to calculate odds ratio and risk ratio for
Tahera Naru and Ayesha Malik the factors associated with HDP and adverse maternal outcomes.
Deparment of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, Results: Out of the 1616 women included in theanalysis72.6%
Karachi were from AKUH and 27.4% were from AKHK of which 186
(11.5%) had HDP.Women aged 25-29, 30-34 and above 35 years
Objective: Cardiac disease complicates 0.2% to 3% of pregnancies were 1.59 (CI; 1.09-2.31), 2.66 (CI; 1.64-4.32), and 3.25 (CI;
and is responsible for 10 to 25 %of all maternal deaths. The 1.44-7.37) times more Likely to have HDP than their younger
objective of the study was to assess the fetomaternal outcomes counterparts (<20years), and women with co-morbidities were
in pregnant women with congenital and acquired cardiac disease. 2.56 (CI; 1.76-3.71) times more at risk of developing
Method: This retrospective study was carried out at Aga Khan HDP.Primigravida with HDP had 29% (RR: 1.29 CI; 1.09-1.54)
University hospital from Jan 1999- 2006. greater risk of adverse outcomes, similarly women with family
Results: Our study population comprised a total of 138 pregnant history of HDP were 1.29 (CI; 1.09-1.54) times more likely to
cardiac patients. Majority of them had acquired cardiac have adverse outcomes than normotensive women. Each one
disease(77.5%) (n=107)while 22.5% (n=37) of patients had day increase in hospital stay increased 2% (RR: 1.02 CI; 1.01-
congenital cardiac defect. A higher frequency of women were 1.03)risk of developing adverse outcomes.
diagnosed with cardiac disease prior to pregnancy in the Conclusion: Our study indicates that HDP develop more often
congenital than the acquired group,96.8% vs 90.6%.Similarly in older age women. Presence of HDP and family history of
a greater percentage of women in the congenital group had hypertension increases both, the hospital stay, and the risk of
cardiac lesion corrected prior to pregnancy than the acquired having adverse maternal outcomes.
group, 41.9% vs. 32.7%. Our study showed similarity in the
proportion of women undergoing Caesarean section in both the Keywords: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Gestational
groups,32.3% vs. 30.7%. However a greater percentage of hypertension, Preeclampsia-Eclampsia
women in the congenital group underwent instrumental delivery

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14.24 its prevalence and associated poor outcomes, little information

PRETERM BIRTH: A FACTOR OF POSTPARTUM is available from the literature especially from developing
DEPRESSION AMONGMOTHERS RESIDING IN KARACHI, countries. This study determines the common etiological features
PAKISTAN of non-traumatic coma in children and evaluate possible predictors
of morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Salima Sulaiman, Shahirose Premji, Zeenatkhanu Kanji, Method: A cross sectional study was carried out at the Paediatric
Syed Iqbal Azam Department of Civil Hospital Karachi from February 2008 to
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, February 2009. In total 100 children, up to 14 years of age
Karachi having history of non-traumatic coma were included. At the
time of enrolment demographic data, clinical features, laboratory
Objective: To determine whether there is a: (a) difference in the parameters and radiological workup were recorded. Data was
rate of PPD between mothers of term and preterm infants, and entered and analyzed with SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics
(b) relationship between parental stress and mother-infant were generated for all variables. Relationships between categorical
interaction and PPD among mothers of preterm infants. variables were evaluated by examining cross-tabulations, X2
Method: A cohort study design in which purposive sampling test and Fisher's exact tests. P-values < 0.05 were considered
was used to recruit 170 mothers of term infants and 34 mothers statistically significant.
of preterm infants, from The Aga Khan Hospital for Women Results: Mean age of the patients in months were 45 months.
and Children Garden and Karimabad. The data were collect Male female ratio was 1.45:1. Among 65 survivors 38 (58%)
using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Parental Stress showed no disability and 27 (41%) showed disability. Infections
Scale, Parental Bonding Questionnaire, and a General emerged as major cause of mortality (n=23, 79%). Clinical
Questionnaire. A Chi square test was used to determine the features that showed association with mortality included
differences in the rate of PPD between mothers of term and hypothermia (P=0.032), hypotension (P=0.002), altered breathing
preterm infants. A Fisher exact test was used to determine pattern (P=0.0001), non reactive pupils (P=0.001), low Glasgow
whether there was a relationship between parental stress and coma scale (GCS) (P= 0.038), hypotonia (P=0.002), hyporeflexia
PPD among mothers of preterm infants. (P =0.0001) and muscle power score of two (P=0.043).
Results: The rate of PPD was significantly higher in mothers of Conclusion: Infections were the leading cause of non-traumatic
preterm infants (p= 0.014). Mothers’ age, number of children, coma as well as the leading cause of mortality in our study.
reasons of frequent awakening of infant and birth weight of the Hypothermia, hypotension, altered breathing pattern, non reactive
infants may account for these differences. Significantly more pupils, low GCS, hypotonia, hyporeflexia and low muscle power
depressed mothers of preterm infants indicated that they did not score were significantly associated with mortality in children
receive some level of support from their husband (p=0.03), had presenting with non-traumatic coma.
some level of difficulty feeding their preterm infant (p=0.03) or
had difficulty identifying the amount to feed their infant (p=0.02). Keywords: Non-traumatic coma, child, mortality
No relationship was observed between parental stress and PPD
and the relationship between mother-infant interaction and PPD
was not tested. 14.26
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that mothers of preterm NEED TO RAISE BREAST CANCER AND SELF-BREAST
infants may be at higher risk for PPD than mothers of term EXAMINATION AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE
infants; therefore, early intervention could be planned in the OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN
form of group teaching sessions which will mothers develop a
friendship network to support with the challenges of caring for Zainab Akber, Amna Akber, Kiran Ejaz
her preterm infant. No inferences can be made about the Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
relationship between parenting stress and mother-infant interaction Civil Hospital Karachi and Sindh Medical College, Karachi
and PPD among mothers of preterm infants.
Objective: Unfortunately Pakistan is among one of the Asian
Keywords: Postpartum depression, mother infant interaction, countries which reports death rates up to 40,000 per year due
preterm to breast cancer. More over one out of every 9th Pakistani women
is suffering from this disease. This is alarming situation which
needs to be monitored, prevented and treated early. We conducted
14.25 this study to assess the understanding and practices of self-breast
NON-TRAUMATIC COMA IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS: examination, breast cancer and its risk factors according to the
ETIOLOGY AND PREDICTORS OF OUTCOME educational background of adolescent female students of Karachi,
Pakistan.
Saba Ahmed, Kiran Ejaz, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Method: In 2010 trained researchers interviewed 380 young
Maimoona Azhar Salim, Muhammad Umer Rais Khan females at a public and a private institute. Data regarding
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Emergency information on breast cancer and its causative factors along with
Medicine, Aga Khan University and Indus Hospital, Karachi self-breast examination was collected. Sources of information
and fears behind not having proper assessment were also inquired.
Objective: Non traumatic coma in children is a common cause SPSSv.19 was used for data management and Chi-square was
of admission in paediatric emergency department and is reported calculated to assess association with educational background.
to carry a high morbidity and mortality. Outcomes of coma is Results: Most 184(48%) of the participants were between 19-
also difficult to predict early in the course of illness and despite 20 years of age. Almost half, 178(47%) were science students

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and 202(53%) from arts or commerce sections. Most, 131(74%) 14.28

of science and 133(66%) of non-science students had information THE EFFECT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATIONAL
regarding breast cancer. Of the sample, 82(58%) science and INTERVENTIONS ON NEWBORN SURVIVAL IN
60(42%) none-science students subjectively knew of self-breast DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
examination. Age (p=0.004), academic grade (p=0.001),
knowledge of self-breast examination (p=0.003), awareness of Zohra S Lassi, Nadia Mansoor, Aamer Imdad, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
mammography (p=0.0001), family history (p=0.05) had Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
significant relation to educational background. It also influenced Karachi
their knowledge of causative factors such as tight clothing
(p=0.04), hard blow to the breast (p=0.0001), late motherhood Objective: In the developing world, health services is underutilized
(p=0.02), mothers in late 20s and early 30s (p=0.008) and and several studies have reported improvements in neonatal
influence of evil eye (p=0.0001) outcomes following health education imparted to mothers, either
Conclusion: We found that both science and non-science students in homes, at health units or in hospitals. However, the evaluation
have misinformation about breast cancer. Level of cognizance of any health educational strategy, such as one-to-one counselling
can still improve. Self-breast examination needs to be promoted. or group counselling via peer or support groups, through the
Magazines and non-course books were the main source of organization of men or women's groups, or delivered by health
information. professionals, requires rigorous assessment of methodological
design and quality, as well as an assessment of cost-effectiveness,
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Self examination affordability, sustainability and reproducibility in diverse health
systems.
Method: Community-based (home, Basic Health Unit (BHU)
14.27 or first level health facility) randomized controlled, cluster-
SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNODEFICIENCY IN randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials.Data collection
PAKISTAN: A CASE SERIES OF THIRTEEN INFANTS and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trial
quality and extracted the data.
Ranish Deedar Ali, Ali Faisal Saleem, Abdul Sattar Sheikh, Syed Results: We found twenty five (eighteen original) eligible studies
Asad Ali, Anita K Zaidi for this review. Our analysis showed that community health
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, education interventions had a significant impact on reducing
Karachi overall neonatal mortality by 28% (RR 0.72; 95% CI:0.64-0.82,
random-effects (12 studies, n=119,143), I² 70%, p value <0.001),
Objective: Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is a early neonatal deaths by 30% (RR 0.70; 95% CI:0.61-0.80,
rare genetic disorder of the immune system. It is universally random-effects (7 studies, n=92,405), I² 75%, p value 0.0.0002)
fatal if left untreated but is curable if treated early with and late neonatal mortality by 22% (RR 0.78; 95% CI:0.67-0.9,
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), especially fixed-effects (7 studies, n=92,405), I² 0%, p value 0.55). It also
before 4 months of life. showed a significant impact on reducing perinatal mortality by
Method: We are reporting 13 infants who were discharged during 25% (RR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.66-0.85, random-effects (6 studies,
July 2006 – July 2011 with diagnosis of SCID at our tertiary n=89,655, I² 90%, p value <0.001). Moreover, community health
care center. educational interventions increased utilization of any antenatal
Results: Median age of diagnosis was five months; five infants care during pregnancy by 21% (RR 1.21; 95% CI:1.12-1.30,
presented within 3 months of life. Three fourth (77%) were random-effects (7 studies, n=65,543), I² 60%, p value 0.01);
males. Most of the infants were severely malnourished (85%) utilization of clean delivery kits by 2 folds (RR 2.62; 95%
at the time of presentation. More than two third (69%) infants’ CI:1.42-4.84, random-effects (4 studies, n=58,913), I² 92%, p
parent had consanguineous marriage. All subject had severe value <0.001); and initiation of breastfeeding by 87% (RR 1.87;
lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) ranging between 95% CI:1.50-2.31, random-effects (6 studies, n=22,329), I² 99%,
170 – 2280) and low T and B lymphocyte counts. HIV status p value <0.001). On the other hand, it had a non-significant
was found negative among those who were checked. No patient impact on the use of modern contraceptives (RR 0.98; 95%
received HSCT. CI:0.82-1.17, fixed-effects (1 study, n=856), I² 0%, p value
Conclusion: SCID is not an uncommon condition in Pakistan. 0.42); presence of skilled birth attendance at birth (RR 1.20;
Early diagnosis could save lives. Low ALC (<2500 /mm3), 95% CI: 0.93-1.53, random-effects (5 studies, n=63,786), I²
which can be easily calculated through routine blood count, is 68%, p value 0.008); health care seeking for neonatal morbidity
a sensitive and specific screening test for SCID. Physicians (RR 1.04; 95% CI:0.78-1.39, random-effects (10 studies,
should consider the possibility of SCID in infants presenting n=62,591), I² 83%, p value <0.001). On subgroup analysis, we
with severe and recurrent infection. If identified, these infants found that education intervention provided to women during
should be promptly referred to a facility where stem cell transplant both antenatal and postnatal period had an impact on reducing
can be done. neonatal mortality by 34% (RR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.56-0.77, random-
effects (8 studies, n=77,189), I² 75%, p value <0.001). Similarly,
Keywords: Severe combined deficiency, absolute lymphocyte when strategy involved imparting education through both one-
to-one and group sessions reduced overall mortality by 41%
(RR 0.59; 95% CI:0.46-0.76, random-effects (8 studies,
n=42,432), I² 83%, p value <0.001), early neonatal mortality by
33% (RR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.56-0.81, random-effects (4 studies,

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n=38,284), I² 79%, p value 0.0008), and perinatal mortality by Objectives: To evaluate the dose of oral antibiotic therapy for
29% (RR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.0.64-0.78, random-effects (4 studies, severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children aged
n=39,928, I² 67%, p value 0.02). This also increased skilled 2 to 59 months.
birth attendance at birth by 27% (RR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.06-1.51, Method: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
random-effects (2 studies, n=4,369), I² 0%, p value 0.80), and Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library) which contains the
initiation of early breastfeeding by 145% (RR 2.45; 95% CI: Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group’s Specialized
1.81-3.31, random-effects (3 studies, n=9,568), I² 98%, p value Register and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects,
<0.001). MEDLINE (OVID) and LILACS.All randomized controlled
Conclusion: We believe that our review offers encouraging trials (RCTs) evaluating the dose of oral antibiotic therapy for
evidence of the value of integrating educational interventions severe CAP in children.Two review authors independently
in community settings for improved neonatal survival through assessed trial quality and extracted the data.
a range of community workers. Results: We found one study from Pakistan by Straus et al,
which included children with severe pneumonia and compared
Keywords: Newborn survival, community interventions, health oral co-trimoxazole with amoxicillin. The results showed that
education treatment failure was significantly higher (79%) in co-trimoxazole
group compared to amoxicillin therefore suggesting amoxicillin
as a better alternative to co-trimoxazole for severe pneumonia.
14.29 Conclusion: The evidence of this review suggests that oral
EFFECTIVE MECHANISM OF RAPID ACTING amoxicillin therapy is favorable choice for children with severe
BRONCHODILATOR TO RELIEVE pneumonia. However, further trials are required to answer this
BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2-59 question.
MONTHS IN LOW RESOURCE COUNTRIES
Keywords: community acquired pneumonia, antibiotic therapy,
Zohra S Lassi, Mariam A Shakir, Zulfiqar A Bhutta children
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
14.31
Objective: Background: Approximately 300 million people FETOMATERNAL OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH
currently suffer from asthma and as many as 255,000 people CARDIAC DISEASE IN PREGNANCY
died of asthma in 2005. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in
low and lower-middle income countries. Objectives: To evaluate Tahera Naru, Ayesha Malik, Rozilla Saadia Khan
what is the effectiveness mechanism of delivering rapid acting Departemnt of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University,
bronchodilator to relieve bronchoconstriction in children aged Karachi
2-59 months.
Method: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Objective: Introduction Cardiac disease complicates 0.2% to
Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), Pubmed, Science 3% of pregnancies and is responsible for 10 to 25 %of all
Direct, Lilac, JOLIS, and Google Scholar on April 20, 2010.All maternal deaths. The objective of the study was to assess the
randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Two review authors fetomaternal outcomes in pregnant women with congenital and
independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. acquired cardiac disease.
Results: We found seven studies that attempted to find the Method: Methodology This retrospective study was carried out
effective mechanism of delivery of inhaled bronchodilator. Five at Aga Khan University hospital from Jan 1999- 2006.
studies found that two modes of delivery were equally effective Results: Results Our study population comprised a total of 138
in terms of improvement in symptom scores. However, two pregnant cardiac patients. Majority of them had acquired cardiac
trials favored MDI delivered salbutamol with spacer compared disease(77.5%) (n=107)while 22.5% (n=37) of patients had
to nebulizer. congenital cardiac defect. A higher frequency of women were
Conclusion: Two studies favored delivering salbutamol with diagnosed with cardiac disease prior to pregnancy in the
MDI and spacer over nebulizer. However, more studies are congenital than the acquired group,96.8% vs 90.6%.Similarly
required to test the mechanism a greater percentage of women in the congenital group had
cardiac lesion corrected prior to pregnancy than the acquired
Keywords: Bronchodilator, children, asthma group, 41.9% vs. 32.7%. Our study showed similarity in the
proportion of women undergoing Caesarean section in both the
groups,32.3% vs. 30.7%. However a greater percentage of
14.30 women in the congenital group underwent instrumental delivery
EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR compared to the acquired group (32.3% vs. 12.9%). Frequency
SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN of preterm birth was slightly higher in the acquired group (8.4%
CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 59 MONTHS vs. 6.5%). A greater proportion of women in the congenital
group required admission to cardiac intensive care(9.7% vs
Zohra S Lassi, Mehnaz Jabeen, Zulfiqar A Bhutta 4.7%). Women with a congenital defect had a higher frequency
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, of growth restricted fetuses compared to the acquired group
Karachi (25.8% vs 18).
Conclusion: Conclusion : Higher proportion of fetomaternal
Objective: Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in children complications were seen in women with congenial cardiac
under five years of age. Treatment of pneumonia requires an diseases compared to the acquired heart defect group.
effective antibiotic used in adequate doses for an appropriate
duration. Keywords: Pregnancy, cardiac disease

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14.34 in The Cochrane Library (2011, Issue 2); MEDLINE (1966 to

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR MATERNAL AND February 2011); EMBASE (1974 to February 2011); and LILACS
NEWBORN HEALTH (1982 to February 2011). We also searched the metaRegister of
Controlled Trials (mRCT) in February 2011. Selection criteria:
Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta Randomised controlled trials examining fluoroquinolone
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, antibiotics, in people with blood, stool or bone marrow culture-
Karachi confirmed enteric fever. Data collection and analysis: Two
authors independently assessed the trial's methodological quality
Objective: Several large-scale trials in south Asia have evaluated and extracted data. We calculated risk rations (RR) for
the role of community support and advocacy groups. Objectives: dichotomous data and mean difference for continuous data with
To assess the effectiveness of community support and advocacy 95% confidence intervals (CI). Comparative effectiveness has
groups in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. been interpreted in the context of; length of treatment, dose,
Method: Search strategy: We searched The Cochrane Pregnancy year of study, known levels of antibiotic resistance, or proxy
and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (January 2010), World measures of resistance such as the failure rate in the comparator
Bank’s JOLIS (12 January 2010), BLDS at IDS and IDEAS arm.
database of unpublished working papers (12 January 2010), Results: Twenty-six studies, involving 3033 patients, are included
Google and Google Scholar (12 January 2010). Selection criteria: in this review. Fluoroquinolones versus older antibiotics
All prospective randomized and quasi-experimental trials (chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, amoxicillin and ampicillin).
evaluating the effectiveness of community support and advocacy In one study from Pakistan in 2003/04, high clinical failure rates
groups in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. were seen with both chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole,
Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently although resistance was not confirmed microbiologically. A
assessed trial quality and extracted the data. seven day course of either ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin were found
Results: The review included 6 cluster-randomized/quasi- to be superior. Older studies of these comparisons failed to show
randomized trials. We incorporated data from these trials using a difference (6 trials, 361participants). In small studies conducted
generic inverse variance method in which logarithms of risk almost two decades ago, the fluoroquinolones were demonstrated
ratio estimates were used along with the standard error of the to have fewer clinical failures than ampicillin and amoxicillin
logarithms of risk ratio estimates. None of the recent studies of (2 trials, 90 participants, RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.57).
community strategies were powered for maternal mortality Fluoroquinolones versus current second-line options (ceftriaxone,
outcomes. However, significant reduction was observed in cefalexin, and azithromycin) The two studies comparing a seven
neonatal mortality (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81, random- day course of oral fluoroquinolones with three days of intravenous
effects (6 studies), I² 47%, P value 0.009). It also increased ceftriaxone were too small to detect important differences
health care seeking for neonatal morbidity (RR 1.62; 95% CI between antibiotics should they exist (2 trials, 89 participants).
0.96 to 2.73, random-effect (four studies), I² 91%, P value In Pakistan in 2003/04, no clinical or microbiological failures
<0.001) and improved the rates of early breastfeeding (RR 2.06; were seen with seven days of either ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin or
95% CI 1.15 to 3.69, random-effects (five studies), I² 96%, P cefixime (1 trial, 139 participants). In Nepal in 2005, gatifloxacin
value < 0.001). reduced clinical failure and relapse compared to cefixime, despite
Conclusion: These evidence based greatly add to the global a high prevalence of NaR in the study population (1 trial, 158
evidence base of intervention and delivery strategies that might participants, RR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.31). Compared to a
improve maternal and newborn outcomes seven day course of azithromycin, a seven day course of ofloxacin
had a higher rate of clinical failures in populations with both
Keywords: empwerment , community, maternal child health MDR and NaR enteric fever in Vietnam in 1998-2002 (2 trials,
213 participants, RR 2.20, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.94). However, a
more recent study from Vietnam in 2004/05, detected no
14.35 difference between gatifloxacin and azithromycin with both
FLUOROQUINOLONES FOR TREATING TYPHOID AND drugs performing well (1 trial, 287 participants).
PARATYPHOID FEVER (ENTERIC FEVER) Conclusion: There is currently insufficient data to draw any
firm general conclusions on the comparative effectiveness of
Emmanuel E Effa, Zohra S Lassi, Julia A Critchley, Paul Garner, fluoroquinolones and other non fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
David Sinclair, Piero L Olliaro, Zulfiqar A Bhutta Policy makers and clinicians need to consider local resistance
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, patterns in choosing a fluoroquinolone. There is some evidence
Karachi that the newest fluoroquinolone, gatifloxacin, remains effective
in some regions where resistance to older fluoroquinolones has
Objective: Typhoid and Paratyphoid are febrile illnesses, due developed. However the different fluoroquinolones have not
to a bacterial infection, which remain common in many low and been compared directly in trials in these settings.
middle income countries. WHO currently recommends the
fluoroquinolones in areas with known resistance to the older Keywords: Typhoid, enteric fever
first-line antibiotics. Objective: To evaluatefluoroquinolone
antibiotics for treating children and adults with enteric fever.
Method: Search methods: We searched The Cochrane Infectious
Disease Group Specialized Register (February 2011); Cochrane
Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published

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14.36 Method: Women were selected from rural population Pakistan

FOLATE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING PREGNANCY in a multistage random sampling study. A structured questionnaire
on medical background with urinary, fecal and utro-vaginal
Zohra S Lassi, Rehana A Salam , Batool A Haider, Zulfiqar A prolapse signs and symptoms was administered to a sample of
Bhutta 5064 women aged 15 and above years by conducting interviews
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, to collect data. Identified cases with positive signs and symptoms
Karachi were followed and verified by physical examination conducted
be female medical doctors.
Objective: During pregnancy, fetal growth causes an increase Results: With 95.8 % response rate: the prevalence of UI was
in the total number of rapidly dividing cells, which leads to found 11.5% (95% CI, 10.60-12.35), incontinent for fecal was
increased requirements for folate. Inadequate folate intake leads 0.7% (95% CI, 0.43-0.87) and utero-vaginal prolapse was 12.1%
to a decrease in serum folate concentration, resulting in a decrease (95% CI, 11.20-13.00). Women having UI and UP were 3%
in erythrocyte folate concentration, a rise in homocysteine (95% CI, 2.51-3.45), cases having UI and FI were 0.21% (95%
concentration, and megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow CI, 0.90-0.34) and cases with UI, FI and UP were 0.07% (95%
and other tissues with rapidly dividing cells Objective: To assess CI, 0.001-0.15).
the effectiveness of oral folate supplementation during pregnancy Conclusion: Urinary incontinence and utro-vaginal prolapse are
on hematological and biochemical parameters during pregnancy common in women in this population. Appropriate measures
and on pregnancy outcomes. are required to prevent and treat these disabling conditions
Method: Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy meeting the health care needs of women.
and Childbirth Group's trials register (June 2011). Selection
criteria: All randomized Controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Keywords: Urinary Incontinence, Fecal Incontinence , Utero-
supplementation of folate in pregnancy. Data collection and vaginal Prolapse
analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality
and extracted the data.
Results: Thirty seven trials are included in this review. This 14.38
review found that folate supplementation has no impact on PREVALENCE OF URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN,
pregnancy outcomes, as well as, on biochemical /hematological ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND IMPACT ON THEIR
parameters. However, it showed an improvement in reducing QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL PAKISTAN: THE
the incidence of megaloblastic anemia (RR=0.21, 95%CI: 0.11- COMPREHENSIVE UFIUVP SURVEY
0.38, 4 studies, fixed effects, n=3839) and improving the mean
pre-delivery serum folate levels (SMD= 2.03, 95% CI: 0.8-3.27, A Hakeem Jokhio, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Christine MacArthur,
8 studies, random effect, n = 1250). Javed Rizvi
Conclusion: We found no conclusive evidence of benefit of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University,
folate supplementation during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes Karachi
from time of booking onwards.
Objective: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major worldwide
Keywords: folate, pregnancy public health problem affecting young and as well as older
women across different cultures and races. Less is known about
UI and the impact on quality of women’s life in general population
14.37 in developing countries including Pakistan. Objectives: ascertain
PREVALENCE OF URINARY, FECAL INCONTINENCE the prevalence and types of UI and associated factors in women
AND UTERO-VAGINAL PROLAPSED IN WOMEN IN in rural Pakistan and assess their impact on women’s quality of
RURAL PAKISTAN: THE COMPREHENSIVE UFIUVP life.
SURVEY. Method: In a cross-sectional multistage random sampling study
an interview based structured questionnaire was used to collect
A Hakeem Jokhio, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Christine MacArthur, data, followed and verified by physical examination. Subjects
Javed Rizvi were women aged 15 and above years living in the rural areas.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, The UI was classified as “urge,” “stress,” “mixed,” “overflow,”
Karachi and “frank or total”. Variables affecting life such as leakage
bothers; leakage interferes in life and doctor consulting also
Objective: Urinary Incontinence (UI) is common in women but assessed.
how common incontinence occurs has been rarely investigated Results: The prevalence of UI was found 11.5% (95% CI 10.60-
in developing countries including Pakistan. None of the studies 12.35), highest (52.2%) type was urge incontinence and 30%
on prevalence of Fecal Incontinence (FI) is seen and the was mixed type incontinence. The majority of cases 22.0% were
epidemiology of Utro-vaginal Prolapse (UP) unknown. This found in women of the age between 36-40 years and the highest
first time population based study conducted on women aged 15 cases (70.0%) were with Para 4-6 or above. Cases 45% of
years and above describes the prevalence of urinary and fecal women their quality of life affected moderately or greatly due
incontinence and the prevalence of utro-vaginal prolapse verified to UI, 27.2% had the condition more than 5 years and overall
by physical examination. Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence 84.3% never bothered to get check-up by a doctor.
of UI, FI and UP individually or collectively in women in rural Conclusion: UI is prevalent in women across their adult life
Pakistan. span and its severity increases with age and parity. Appropriate

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measures are required to prevent and treat disabling condition This is a public health problem and occurs due to an injury to
meeting the health needs of women. the pelvic organs when a women experiences long and obstructed
labour. The incidence or prevalence in developing countries is
Keywords: Urinary Incontinence, Prevalence, Epidemiology not known and most of the estimates are from facility based
data. Prevalence of fistula is needed population based methods
of collection of data to plan adequately for provision of appropriate
14.39 services and to monitor progress. Objective: estimate the
PREVALENCE OF UTERO-VAGINAL PROLAPSE IN prevalence of obstetric fistula and associated factors in rural
WOMEN, ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND IMPACT ON Pakistan.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL PAKISTAN: THE Method: A community based cross-sectional survey was
COMPREHENSIVE UFIUVP SURVEY conducted in rural Pakistan recruiting 5064 women aged 15 and
above years using a multistage random sampling strategy.
A H Jokhio, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Christine MacArthur, Interview based structured questionnaire was used to collect
Javed Rizvi data, followed and verified by physical examination to identify
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, fistula cases.
Karachi Results: The prevalence of obstetric urinary fistula was 5 per
1000 women (95% CI 0.27-0.64). The majority of cases 30.0%
Objective: Prevalence studies of utero-vaginal prolapse in general were found in women of the age between 15-20 years and the
population are rare particularly in developing countries and highest cases (37.5%) were with Para 1-3. Cases 83.3% of
never in Pakistan. Objectives of this study were to determine women were belong to low socio-economic class. Cases 20.8%
prevalence of utero-vaginal prolapse and associated factors with had the condition for 5-10 years, 16.7% had 10-20 years. Overall
impact on women’s quality of life. 80% of cases never bothered to get check-up by a doctor for
Method: Through cross-sectional approach three-level multistage repair.
random sample of 5064 non pregnant women aged 15 years and Conclusion: Obstetric fistula remains a major problem in rural
above living in rural area selected over a period of one year. Pakistan. Increased awareness of the condition, improvement
Interview based structured questionnaire was used to collect of maternal care services, and increase in skilled personnel to
data by female health workers, followed and verified by pelvic perform fistula repair needed to reduce burden of this condition.
examination. Outcome measures were uterine prolapse, levels
of prolapse and associated variables such as age and parity. Keywords: Obstetric fistula, Prevalence, Pakistan
Results: Prevalence of utero-vaginal prolapse was 12.1% (95%
CI 11.2-13.00). 42.5% of cases had 1st stage, 30.7% had 2nd
stage and 26.8% had 3rd degree prolapse. The highest rate 14.41
(23.2%) of prolapse was found in the age between 36-40 years, GLOBAL EXPERIENCE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
30% were found among women below 30 up to 15 years of age WORKERS FOR DELIVERY OF HEALTH RELATED
and the highest rate (40.8%) found in women with Para 4-6 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS: A SYSTEMATIC
children. Cases 48% of women their quality of life affected REVIEW, COUNTRY CASE STUDIES, AND
moderately or greatly, 44.1% had the condition more than 5 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTEGRATION INTO
years and overall 80% never bothered to get check-up by a NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
doctor.
Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of utero-vaginal prolapse Zulfiqar A Bhutta , Zohra S Lassi, George Pariyo, Luis Huicho
in women of adult age having given birth to Para 1 to 3 and up Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan Univeristy,
to 6 children. There are needs for further investigations Karachi
with special focus on early age and women having less
number of children along with appropriate measures for early Objective: Human resources for health crisis is one of the factors
treatment. underlying the poor performance of health systems to deliver
effective, evidence-based interventions for priority health
Keywords: Utro-vaginal prolapse, Prevalence, Epidemiology problems, and this crisis is more critical in developing countries.
Participation of community health workers (CHWs) in the
provision of primary health care has been experienced all over
14.40 the world for several decades, and there is an amount of evidence
PREVALENCE OF OBSTETRIC URINARY FISTULA IN showing that they can add significantly to the efforts of improving
RURAL PAKISTAN: THE COMPREHENSIVE UFIUVP the health of the population, particularly in those settings with
SURVEY the highest shortage of motivated and capable health professionals.
Method: For the systematic review, a comprehensive search of
A Hakeem Jokhio, Raheela Mohsin Rizvi, Christine MacArthur, studies was performed in several data sources, without language
Javed Rizvi restrictions, focusing on studies performed in developing
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, countries. Eligible stu¬dies included randomized, quasi-
Karachi randomized and before/after trials which had relied upon CHWs
in community settings. Studies were included if (a) they detailed
Objective: Over 2 million women worldwide have an obstetric the role of CHWs and (b) if the out¬comes considered are those
fistula with majority of cases occurring in low-income countries. related to reaching the health and nutrition MDGs like child

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morta¬lity, maternal mortality, combating HIV/AIDS, TB, 14.42

malaria, among other target health problems. The main ANESTHETIC MANAGEMENT OF UNCONTROLLED
comparison was between CHW inter¬ventions compared to no HYPERTHYROID PARTURANT UNDERGOING LSCS.
intervention or routine care; or one form of CHW intervention
compared with another form. For country case studies, a review Saima Rashid and Sobia Khan
of published and unpublished reports was conducted on spe- Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
cific country experiences with CHWs, and also a direct contact
with key personnel overseeing the program was made through Objective: 21-year-old patient, who was a known case of
electronic corres¬pondence and country visits. Following the hyperthyroidism, was scheduled for LSCS at 34 weeks due to
assembly of information from multiple sources, a USAID IUGR.
supported CHW Program Functionality Assessment Tool (CHW- Method: Anesthetic management: The case was conducted in
PFA) was utilized to assess the functionality of the CHW epidural anesthesia with invasive arterial pressure monitoring,
programs across these countries. The CHW-PFA proposes twelve and the procedure remained uneventful.
programmatic components for a CHW program to be effective. Conclusion: She was shifted to the recovery room for observation.
Results: The review of CHWs across the globe provided us an She was initially hypertensive but was settled with Propanolol.
interesting and diverse picture of the cur-rent scenario in outreach She was kept under observation for the next 24 hours though
services of health care workers. There is a wide range of services the course of recovery remained smooth and the symptoms of
offered by the CHWs to the community, ranging from provision thyroid storm did not develop. She was shifted to I/V analgesia
of safe delivery, counseling on breast-feeding, management of after 24 hours.
uncomplicated child¬hood illnesses, from preventive health
education on malaria, TB, HIV/AIDs, STDs and NCDs to their Keywords: Hyperthyroidism, Epidural Anesthesia., Elective
treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from common LSCS for IUGR
mental health problems. The services offered by CHWs have
helped in the decline of maternal and child mortality rates and
have also assisted in decreasing the burden and costs of TB and 14.45
malaria. However, the cove¬rage by such programs and the SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON HUMAN RESOURCES FOR
overall progress towards achieving the MDG targets is very HEALTH INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE MATERNAL
slow. The growing consensus regarding this current pace of HEALTH OUTCOMES: EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING
progress, especially in the low-income countries, is that it relates COUNTRIES
to fragile health and economic systems. Country case studies
identified a wide range of CHW programs with different mix Zohra S Lassi, Nadia Mansoor, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
of CHW typo-logy. For example, Uganda Village Health Teams Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
program has short duration of training with pre¬ventive and Karachi
basic curative tasks for CHWs, with a relatively strong supervision
system, and within a weak health system, while, on the other Objective: There is a broad consensus and evidence which shows
hand, Pakistan’s Lady Health Workers (LHW) Program has long that qualified, accessible and responsive human resources for
duration training programs, with pro¬motional, preventive and health make a difference in the health of populations. At the
basic curative tasks for CHWs, with a relatively strong supervision same time there is recognition that there are widespread HRH
sys¬tem, and within a relatively weak health system. These crises particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which
country case studies demonstrate the participation of the respective impedes the achievement of health goals and targets. The impact
governments and the NGOs in financing and implementa¬tion of this crisis is even more explicit when discussing achievement
of their policies for the CHW programs. Results confirm that of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 and 5, where MDG
CHWs provide a critical link between their communities and 5 considers the availability of skilled birth attendants as a
the health and social services system. Communities across all precondition to the reduction of maternal mortality.The objective
the countries that we studied recognized the value of CHWs as of this review was to review the evidence base on the impact
a member of the health delivery team and therefore have supported derived from studies and implementation experiences of HRH
the utilization and skill development of CHWs. These case interventions to health personnel only, defined as SBAs (nurses,
studies further speak out the achie¬vements of their CHW midwives, doctors or health personnel with midwifery skills)
programs in relation to their modeling and level of commitment for better maternal outcomes and based on the review, the
from their human resource. The region lagging far behind the identification of lessons learned, gaps and recommendation for
MDG targets is Africa especially the Sub-Saharan Africa. Various HRH development for improved maternal outcomes.
factors have been identified to be responsible. These include Method: This literature review focused on interventions delivered
ina¬dequate human resource especially work force who are by SBAs and did not include interventions provided by Traditional
dying with HIV/AIDS and poor remune¬ration for their work Birth Attendants (TBAs) or Community Health Workers (CHWs).
leading to high drop outs, lack of supervision, and equipment The evidence was derived from experimental designs and
and drug supplies needed to provide essential maternal, child evaluations of SBAs at national, provincial, district and
and reproductive health services and those required to control community level (home, community or referral facility
and treat potentially preventable infectious diseases. interventions) settings. We thus identified and reviewed
Conclusion: Based on the review and the gaps identified in the randomized, quasi-randomized and before/after trials which had
existing CHW programs and the services rendered, various relied upon SBAs in low- and middle-income countries. Studies
recommendations are made regarding their recruitment criteria, were included if (a) any HRH interventions in management
training content, certification process, ongoing and system e.g. policy, finance, education, partnership and leadership
refresher training, supervision, incentives and professional was implemented; (b) these were related to skilled birth attendants;
advancement. and (c) the studies were conducted in developing countries; and
(d) studies were in English. Studies were excluded if TBAs
Keywords: Integration, community health workers and/or CHWs were trained.

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Results: Our review embarked to explore how HRH interventions 14.46

lead to improved maternal health outcomes. Our findings, UNFOLDING NEWBORN HEALTH INTERVENTIONS: THE
although mostly from training interventions, showed that HRM ROLE OF INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY-BASED
interventions can contribute positively to health worker’s STRATEGIES
performance and improved maternal outcome. The review of
83 studies revealed certain reasons why maternal mortality is Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
still high in developing countries despite the efforts and policies Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
implemented throughout these years. It is observed that in many Karachi
developing countries some components of the HRH management
intervention are applied with positive effects on the maternal Objective: Globally, an estimated 3.6 million newborns and
mortality and health care delivery to the rural areas. Increasing 360,000 mothers die every year. Of these, maternal health
the availability of skilled health care professionals in these areas complications contribute to 1.5 million of neonatal deaths in the
has decreased case fatality rate significantly. Some countries first week of life and 1.4 million stillbirths, suggesting a major
have also started training surgical technicians and assistant gap of intervention subsists around childbirth and in the early
medical officers to deal with the human force crisis and have postnatal period, a time when mothers and babies are most at
managed to retain them in the rural areas where there is shortage risk. The main direct causes of neonatal death include asphyxia,
of health workers. Efforts have also been made to provide drugs, preterm birth and severe infections including sepsis, pneumonia,
equipments and other supplies to the health facilities to improve diarrhea, and tetanus. Low birth weight according to World
the emergency obstetric care in rural areas. We observed that Health Organization estimates of 2009, sub-Saharan Africa and
the implementation of these components at all levels improved south Asia bear the greatest burden with 80 percent of all neonatal
maternal health and decreased maternal mortality in all the deaths occurring in these two regions alone. Global progress in
countries. We also observed that combining the various reducing neonatal mortality has been slow and the burden is
components of HRH management system significantly decreases particularly marked in poor, rural communities that are the most
CFR. Thus we see that increasing the number of skilled health difficult to reach and among the disadvantaged with the lowest
workers, training and educating them with proper supervision access to and utilization of facility based services for childbirth
management and retention by providing them with facilities and and newborn care.
incentives and improving the infrastructure with supply of Method: To analyze the evidence of the impact of community-
equipments is what needs to be done in all the developing based interventions on newborn health outcomes. We searched
countries to achieve the MDG 5. The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register,
Conclusion: This review suggested an urgent and immediate Popline, IDEAS database of unpublished working papers, Google
need for formative evidence based research on effective HR and Google Scholar (March 2011). All prospective randomized
interventions for improved maternal health in low and middle and quasi-experimental trials meeting the objective were selected.
income countries. The studies showed that all the HRH Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and
interventions which were implemented individually or in extracted the data.
combination had a positive impact on the maternal mortality Results: The review included 19 cluster-randomized/quasi-
and significant decrease in crude fatality rate was observed in randomized trials. We incorporated data from these trials using
many countries. We also found that strategy implementation generic inverse variance method in which logarithms of risk
alone is not enough to bring about this change, other steps like ratio estimates were used along with the standard error of the
educating and empowering women, alleviating poverty, logarithms of risk ratio estimates. These strategies are associated
establishing gender equality and providing infrastructure, with significant reduction (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.81,
equipments drugs and supplies, are all integral parts working random-effects (17 studies), I² 73%, P value <0.001) in neonatal
towards the achievement of MDG 5 and reducing maternal mortality particularly when community mobilization was
mortality. Time, efforts and money can be invested towards supplemented with home visitation by CHWs for delivering
training of assistant medical officers to do emergency obstetric preventive, promotive as well as therapeutic care interventions
surgeries and fill the human resources gap in most of the (32%). Early neonatal resuscitation, management of neonatal
developing countries as the implementation of this intervention sepsis, and usage of a clean delivery kit by a traditional birth
has clearly shown to affect the health system positively in the attendant during the intrapartum period was also associated with
areas of Tanzania and Mozambique. All the leaders from clinical, significant reduction (19%) in neonatal deaths. Analysis from
political and social areas are required to work together as a team these trials showed that these strategies are also responsible for
to construct new models of health care which would suit to the a range of benefits on newborn care practices such as early
needs of the countries individually. initiation of breastfeeding (in an hour) and health care seeking
for neonatal illness.
Keywords: health interventions, maternal health Conclusion: This evidence based greatly adds to the global
evidence base of intervention and delivery strategies that might
improve newborn outcomes. A daunting challenge to improving
global neonatal health is the need for the right packages of care
delivered in appropriate circumstances using a range of
contextually relevant approaches.

Keywords: newborn health, community based strategies

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Women and Child Health Aga Khan University
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14.47 14.48
INTEGRATED COMMUNITY-BASED MATERNAL, INTEGRATED NUTRITION PROGRAMS
NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH (MNCH) PROGRAMS
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Karachi
Objective: Maternal and child under nutrition remains the most
Objective: The organizations, governments and non-government insidious issue for the developing world. It’s the underlying
agencies around the world are currently concerned with the cause of 3.5 million deaths worldwide, 35% of the burden in
health of mothers, newborns and children. The last decade has children younger than five years of age and 11% of the total
seen a major focus on the persisting burden of maternal, child global DALYs. This issue has been a topic of discussion in
and newborn mortality globally. The issues pertaining to the several recent publications, the most important of which is the
epidemiology, burden and the evidence base for interventions Lancet Series on Maternal and Child Under nutrition. While
have been the subject of several recent publications, the most interventions to improve the nutritional status of women and
notable of which have been the Lancet series on Child Survival children are a fundamental component of maternal and child
in 2003, Newborn Health in 2005 and Maternal Health 2006. health services, these need to be complemented by the programs
Despite this plethora of work, many of the people working on like food security, access to basic health facilities, employment
the ground are dismayed by the lack of uniformity in terms of that would provide direct support to the sustainably, strengthening
messages for maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and livelihoods and improving food and nutrition security. Several
varying degrees of emphases on the balance between community, such large scale nutrition programs integrated with other health
outreach and facility based strategies. This systemic review services have been implemented. This review attempts to explore
takes up the analysis of community based interventions the factors associated with the effectiveness of the existing
implemented in the developing world, to improve maternal, evidences and to identify the potential inadequacies to build
newborn and child health. directions for the future research and program planning.
Method: Twenty two studies evaluating the impact of integrated Method: Studies and programs involving integrated delivery of
maternal and child health were analyzed. Nineteen of these were nutrition education for children were included for this review.
randomized or quasi experimental designs while three were pre- Eighteen efficacy trials (RCTs or prospective time series) with
post study designs. All these studies were from the developing integrated nutrition interventions were evaluated. Twenty nine
regions including South Asia, South America and Africa. Studies national level nutrition programs were also reviewed including
in our review tested the implications of training the Traditional programs that integrated nutrition components with MNCH
Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Community Health Workers services, health education, micronutrient supplementation and
(CHWs) and its impact on various maternal and child outcomes, income generation. Studies and programs were evaluated on the
thus delivering MNCH through primary health care. The studies outcomes like exposure to education, information recall, practice
were evaluated on outcomes like antenatal care (ANC) coverage, and anthropometric measures (stunting, wasting and underweight).
tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization coverage, iron/folate Results: These programs were not very well integrated in terms
supplementation, institutional deliveries, breast feeding and of materials and finances. Effect size estimates showed significant
mortalities (stillbirth, perinatal, neonatal, infant and maternal). improvements in coverage (p=0.0009) and practice (p=0.02).
Results: These programs showed a high level of integration at Overall pooled estimates showed significant improvements in
all the measures of input and execution. Three outcomes which all outcomes except stunting and wasting. Subgroup analysis
showed significant improvements through effect size estimation showed that efficacy trials were able to achieve significant
were iron/folate supplementation (p=0.03), initiation of breast improvements in short term outcomes like coverage, recall and
feeding within one hour (p=0.04) and neonatal mortality rates practice, however did not have any significant impact on
(p=0.02). Overall pooled analysis showed significant anthropometric measures. Large scale programs significantly
improvements in ANC, TT immunization, breast feeding, improved information recall and underweight. Significant
iron/folate, neonatal mortality and perinatal mortality. ANC, TT improvement was seen in stunting (RR=0.30, 95% CI= 0.12-
vaccination and breast feeding initiation were significantly better 0.77) and wasting (RR=0.83, 95% CI= 0.72-0.95) for integrated
when delivered through CHW’s as compared to TBA, while programs when compared to the national statistics.
tetanus coverage was better in the TBA group. Maternal, perinatal Conclusion: Integrated nutrition programs have shown to be
and infant mortality also reduced significantly in CHW group effective in achieving program related outcomes, however,
as compared to TBA. evidences for effectiveness in reducing malnutrition is
Conclusion: Integrated community based maternal, newborn inconclusive and requires long term program implementation
and child health services have shown be effective in improving and follow-up.
almost all maternal and neonatal outcomes. Delivering these
interventions as a package, at community-level is more cost- Keywords: Integration, Nutrition
effective than implementing single interventions hence neonatal
and child health should be integrated with maternal health to
serve the community better.

Keywords: Integration, maternal child health

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14.49 four weeks of life. There is widespread recognition that the

INTEGRATED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROGRAMS health of a mother and her newborn are closely linked: most
maternal and newborn deaths are caused by the poor health of
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta the mother before or during pregnancy, or by the quality of care
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, she and her newborn receive during and immediately after
Karachi childbirth. Strategies for improving maternal and newborn health
and survival are therefore closely related, and must be provided
Objective: The idea of integrating family planning and health through a continuum of care approach. When linked together
activities has occupied a pivotal role in the population field ever and included as integrated programs, these interventions can
since the World Population Conference in Bucharest in 1974, lower costs, promote greater efficiencies, and reduce duplication
and even earlier, since the beginning of public sector involvement of resources. Objective: This systematic review studied
in the provision of contraceptive service. The linkage of maternal interconnections between maternal and neonatal/infant health
and child health and family planning services is mutually parameters in order to reduce the respective mortalities and
beneficial. Greater spacing of children and reasonable limits to morbidities; described interconnections between MNCH health
family size are important for improving the health of mothers care strategies and interventions; estimated additive or synergistic
and existing children. The notion of integrated FP and MCH effects of interventions on composite maternal and neonatal/infant
delivery would result improving access to capture the target outcomes; and updated and complimented existing literature,
population thus leading to fewer missed opportunities and greater and identify key gaps in knowledge and priority areas for research
continuity of care. This review attempted to analyze the in integrated management of maternal, newborn, and child health.
effectiveness of integrated FP/MCH delivery versus non- Method: Using the WHO recommended interventions for
integrated delivery strategy. reducing maternal and newborn deaths and disability, a total of
Method: Seventeen studies and large scale national programs 154 MNH interventions were assessed in the review (insert
were included in the analysis. Eight of these had delivery strategy reference). Relevant reviews and studies for each intervention
integrated with the MCH services while nine were non-integrated. were identified from the Cochrane library and the Lancet series.
The studies included for the evaluation are randomized trials, If no Cochrane review was identified, a search of Pub Med was
quasi-experimental or pre-post designs. Few large scale programs conducted using targeted search terms. Data was also extracted
were not included for quantitative analysis due to unavailability from agency reports, including those from WHO, UNFPA,
of relevant data. The outcomes considered for evaluation included UNICEF, and the World Bank. A further search was conducted
contraceptive prevalence, knowledge and fertility rate. of references from identified studies. The principal focus was
Comparisons were made for the selected outcomes for integrated on collecting randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized
programs vs. non-integrated programs trials; where such studies were missing, observational or pre-
Results: Materials and finances were relatively not well integrated. post studies were also included. Each of the interventions was
Effect estimates did not show any significant improvement for assessed using the WHO’s Grading of Recommendations,
any of the outcomes. Both integrated (RR=3.09, 95% CI=1.94- Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria.
4.92) and non-integrated programs improved contraceptive Following the grading, the interventions were further analyzed
prevalence significantly (RR=1.6, 95% CI=1.15-2.21). Subgroup to assess their synergistic effect on maternal, newborn, and child
analysis showed that the integrated programs were able to achieve health outcomes. Those having significant impact high level of
significant decline in fertility (RR=0.82, 95% CI=0.80-0.84), evidence (generated from RCTs and further research is very
results should be interpreted with caution due to limited evidences. unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect) for
Contraceptive knowledge remained inconclusive for both both mother/fetus, mother/newborn, or mother/child were
integrated and non-integrated programs evaluated. assigned an Interconnections grade of A and those with
Conclusion: Overall no conclusive evidence was found in the moderate/low level of evidence (generated from low quality
favor of integration as both the programs have shown to randomized trials or observational studies; and further research
significantly improve the outcomes for coverage and fertility is likely/very likely to have an important impact on our confidence
rate. in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate) for both
mother/fetus, mother/newborn, or mother/child were assigned
Keywords: Integration, reproductive health an Interconnections grade of B, while those only benefiting the
mother or the newborn, were assigned a group of C. A total of
23 Group A interventions were identified from this analysis.
14.50 Group A interventions were further analyzed for composite
INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN MATERNAL & outcomes (need to explain in lay terms) on maternal, fetal, and
NEWBORN HEALTH neonatal mortality and morbidity. This aimed to identify additive
or synergistic effects of the intervention on composite outcomes
Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta of maternal, neonatal, and infant health parameters.
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Results: Two interventions during the reproductive period were
Karachi found to have a synergistic effect on maternal and newborn
health. These include: Folic acid supplementation (through folic
Objective: Poor maternal and newborn health remains a significant acid tablets or fortification of food); family planning/birth
contributor to the burden of disease in developing countries: spacing. The antenatal period provides unique opportunities to
worldwide 350,000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth safeguard and protect the health of the woman and her
every year, and an estimated four million babies die in the first fetus/newborn. The greatest number of interventions (13 in total)

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were found during the pregnancy period were found to have a outcomes; public health implications of these linkages and
synergistic effect on improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. implementation strategies; and evidence gaps for scaling up
Moreover, there were 3 interventions which had clear beneficial such strategies.
impact on maternal/fetal/infant outcomes and are delivered in Method: Approximately 1000 studies (up to June 15, 2010) were
care packages. These include: Smoking cessation programs reviewed that have addressed an impact of reproductive and
during pregnancy; focused ante-natal care; iron and iron-folic maternal health interventions on perinatal and neonatal outcomes.
acid supplementation; prevention and management of syphilis; These include systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and stand-
treating STDs before and during pregnancy; prevention and alone experimental and observational studies. Evidences were
management of HIV in pregnancy; detection and management also drawn from recent work undertaken by the Child Health
of maternal diabetes; calcium supplementation during pregnancy; Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG), the interconnections
a range of community support strategies (e.g. emergency transport between maternal and newborn health reviews identified by the
funds, promotion of healthy behaviors, supportive care during Global Alliance for Prevention of Prematurity and Stillbirth
childbirth); preventing malaria during pregnancy; Insecticide- (GAPPS), as well as relevant work by the Partnership for
treated nets for preventing malaria; use of anti-hypertensive Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
agents, anti-platelet agents and magnesium sulphate to treat mild Results: Our review amply demonstrates that opportunities for
to moderate hypertension in pregnancy; Influenza vaccination assessing outcomes for both mothers and newborns have been
to mothers during pregnancy; balanced protein energy poorly realized and documented. Most of the interventions
supplementation; multiple micronutrient supplementation in reviewed will require more greater-quality evidence before solid
pregnancy is associated with significant reductions in early programmatic recommendations can be made. However, on the
infant mortality and small-for-gestational age births; reducing basis of our review, birth spacing, prevention of indoor air
intimate partner violence. During intrapartum, skilled birth pollution, prevention of intimate partner violence before and
attendance; induction of labor; antibiotic treatment of preterm, during pregnancy, antenatal care during pregnancy, Doppler
premature rupture of the membranes in pregnancy; training ultrasound monitoring during pregnancy, insecticide-treated
traditional birth attendants; usage of clean delivery kits; and C- mosquito nets, birth and newborn care preparedness via
sections improves MNCH outcomes. During postnatal/neonatal community-based intervention packages, emergency obstetrical
period, postnatal visits within the first 24 hours, exclusive care, elective induction for post term delivery, Cesarean delivery
breastfeeding during the first six months of life; perinatal audit; for breech presentation, and prophylactic corticosteroids in
Kangaroo mother care; and recognition and treatment of mild preterm labor reduce perinatal mortality; and early initiation of
depression in mothers significantly reduces the risk of neonatal breastfeeding and birth and newborn care preparedness through
mortality and severe neonatal morbidity community-based intervention packages reduce neonatal
Conclusion: Maternal, fetal, and newborn health is mortality.
strongly interconnected, and review found that a number of Conclusion: This review demonstrates that RHMNH are
interventions during the reproductive, pregnancy, delivery, and inextricably linked, and that, therefore, health policies and
postnatal periods have a positive, synergistic effect on the programs should link them together. Such potential integration
health and survival of both women and their newborns. of strategies would not only help improve outcomes for millions
Therefore, it is therefore vital to interconnect care for women of mothers and newborns but would also save scant resources.
and their newborn children– to promote greater efficiency, lower This would also allow for greater efficiency in training,
costs, reduce duplication of resources, and to achieve high- monitoring, and supervision of health care workers and would
impact. also help families and communities to access and use services
easily.
Keywords: Interconnections, maternal health, newborn
health Keywords: Linkages, maternal child health

14.51 14.52
LINKAGES AMONG REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RAPID ACTING BRONCHODILATOR TO RELIEVE
MATERNAL HEALTH, AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2-59
MONTHS IN LOW RESOURCE COUNTRIES
Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Zohra S Lassi, Ann Blanc, France Donnay
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Zohra S Lassi, Mariam A Shakir, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Karachi Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
Objective: Some interventions in women before and during
pregnancy may reduce perinatal and neonatal deaths, and recent Objective: Approximately 300 million people currently suffer
research has established linkages of reproductive health with from asthma and as many as 255,000 people died of asthma in
maternal, perinatal, and early neonatal health outcomes. In this 2005. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle
review, we attempted to analyze the impact of biological, clinical, income countries. Objectives: To evaluate which drug is most
and epidemiologic aspects of reproductive and maternal health suitable for providing rapid acting bronchodilator therapy in
interventions on perinatal and neonatal outcomes through an developing country situation to relieve bronchoconstriction in
elucidation of a biological framework for linking reproductive, children aged 2-59 months.
maternal and newborn health (RHMNH); care strategies and Method: Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central
interventions for improved perinatal and neonatal health Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane

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Library), Pubmed, Science Direct, Lilac, JOLIS, and Google 0.88, fixed-effect, four studies, n = 4591) but had no effect on
Scholar on April 20, 2010. Selection criteria: All randomized lower specificity pneumonia case definition (i.e. age specific
controlled trials (RCTs). Data collection and analysis: Two fast breathing with or without lower chest indrawing) (RR 0.95;
review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06, fixed-effect, four studies, n = 3259).
the data. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation in children is associated with
Results: We could not find any trial from developing country; a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of pneumonia, the
however, studies were identified from developed countries that leading cause of death in children.
included children of 2-59 months of age specifically or as part
of a larger age group. We found seven trials on children less Keywords: Zinc Supplementation, Pneumonia
than 5 years of age in which the effectiveness of salbutamol was
observed over placebo for relieving wheeze and
bronchoconstriction. Almost all of these studies showed 14.54
superiority of salbutamol over placebo and the children given ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION AS AN ADJUNCT TO
salbutamol showed early recovery, early discharge from hospital, ANTIBIOTICS IN THE TREATMENT OF PNEUMONIA IN
and greater improvement in clinical status (respiratory rates, CHILDREN 2 TO 59 MONTHS OF AGE
degree of wheezing and use of accessory muscle).
Conclusion: The evidence of this review suggests that salbutamol Batool A Haider, Zohra S Lassi, Amina Ahmed, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
is an effective drug for children between 2-59 months of age to Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
relive bronchoconstriction/wheeze. However, there is a need for Karachi
more well-designed RCTs to support our review findings.
Background: Diarrheal disorders and acute respiratory infections
Keywords: Asthma, children (ARI), especially pneumonia, are the most common causes of
death in low-income countries. Studies evaluating the impact
of zinc supplementation as an adjunct in the management of
14.53 pneumonia are limited and have shown variable results.
ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF Objectives: To evaluate zinc supplementation, as an adjunct to
PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 59 antibiotics, in the treatment of pneumonia in children aged two
MONTHS to 59 months.
Method: Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central
Zohra S Lassi, Batool A Haider, Zulfiqar A Bhutta Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL Issue 1, 2011) , which
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI)
Karachi Group's and the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group's Specialized
Registers, MEDLINE (1950 to March week 2, 2011), EMBASE
Background: Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and (1974 to March 2011), CINAHL (1981 to March 2011), LILACS
mortality in children younger than five years of age. Most deaths (1985 to March 2011), AMED (1985 to March 2011) CAB
occur during infancy and in low-income countries. Daily regimens Abstracts (1910 to March 2011) and Web of Science (2000 to
of zinc have been reported to prevent acute lower respiratory March 2011). Selection criteria: Randomized control trials
tract infection and reduce child mortality. Objectives: To evaluate (RCTs) evaluating supplementation of zinc as an adjunct to
the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in the prevention of antibiotics for pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months.
pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently
Method: Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central assessed trial eligibility and screened all available titles and
Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane abstracts for inclusion. If the relevance could not be ascertained
Library 2010, Issue 2), which contains the Acute Respiratory by screening the title and abstract, the full text of the article was
Infections Group’s Specialized Register, MEDLINE retrieved and reviewed.
(1966 to January Week 2, 2010), EMBASE (1974 to Results: Zinc supplementation in addition to standard antibiotic
January 2010) and LILACS (1985 to January 2010). Selection therapy in children with severe and non-severe pneumonia did
criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating not show any statistically significant effect on the clinical
supplementation of zinc for the prevention of pneumonia in recovery. In children with severe pneumonia, zinc
children aged 2 to 59 months of age. Data collection and analysis: supplementation as an adjunct to standard antibiotic therapy
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and failed to show a statistically significant effect on clinical recovery
extracted data. measured in terms of resolution of tachypnea (respiratory rate
Results: We included six trials and 7850 participants in the meta- > 50 per minute) as compared to the control group (risk ratio
analysis. Analysis showed that zinc supplementation reduced (RR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.06). Similarly,
the incidence of pneumonia by 13% (risk ratio (RR) 0.87; 95% zinc supplementation failed to show a significant effect in
confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 0.94, fixed-effect, six studies) children with non-severe pneumonia as compared to control
and prevalence of pneumonia by 41% (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.35 (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.04). The effect of adjuvant zinc
to 0.99, random-effects, one study). On subgroup analysis, we supplementation on clinical recovery measured as cessation of
found that zinc reduced the incidence of pneumonia defined by chest indrawing was not statistically significant as compared to
specific clinical criteria by 21% (i.e. confirmation by chest control (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.70 to 1.04). Bansal 2011 presented
examination or chest radiograph) (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.0.71 to results in median and interquartile range and found non-significant

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effect of zinc on time to resolution of tachypnea (P value 0.89) limited. Our systematic review revealed a very small number
and hospital stay (P value 0.63). of articles that explicitly mentioned tactile stimulation or
Conclusion: Evidence provided in this review is insufficient to equivalent procedures as a part of the “ABC’s of basic neonatal
recommend use of zinc as an adjunct to standard antibiotic resuscitation”; none of which covered the objectives set for this
therapy for pneumonia in children aged two to 59 months. review in their entirety

Keywords: Zinc Supplementation, Pneumonia Keywords: Tactile Stimulation, Birth Asphyxia

14.55 14.56
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON TACTILE STIMULATION SHORT-COURSE VERSUS LONG-COURSE ANTIBIOTIC
FOR BIRTH ASPHYXIA FOR IMPROVING VENTILATION THERAPY FOR NON SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED
AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 59
MONTHS
Ayesha M Imam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Zohra S Lassi, Batool A Haider, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Karachi Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
Background: Despite global decline in under-five and infant
mortality in recent years, neonatal mortality has remained Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in
relatively unchanged. Mortality during the first 28 days of life children under five years of age. Treatment of pneumonia requires
now accounts for 41% of all under five mortality. The Child an effective antibiotic used in adequate doses for an appropriate
Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) estimates that duration. Recommended duration of treatment ranges between
globally between 0.6 million to 1 million newborns suffered 7 and 14 days, but this is not based on any empirical evidence.
birth asphyxia in 2008. They also estimated that 9% of all under- Shorter duration of therapy, if found to be effective, could be
five mortality and 23% of all neonatal deaths worldwide were particularly important in resource poor settings where there is
related to birth asphyxia. Objective: This systematic review a high risk of death, poor access to medicines and health care
attempted to collate, synthesize and evaluate the effectiveness and limited budgets for medicines. Objectives: To evaluate the
of tactile stimulation for birth asphyxia after thorough drying efficacy of short-course versus long-course therapy with the
on improving ventilation and neonatal outcomes. same antibiotic for non-severe community-acquired pneumonia
Method: This review considered all available published and (CAP) in children aged 2 to 59 months.
unpublished papers/reports on the impact of tactile stimulation Method: Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central
(flicking the soles of the feet, rubbing the back etc) for a baby Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library
who does not breathe after birth and after thorough drying. Our 2010, Issue 3) which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory
priority was to derive information from experimental designs; Infections Group’s Specialized Register and the Database of
however we did not find any randomized or non-randomized Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, MEDLINE (OVID) (January
trial on the subject. On the other hand, we identified few 1966 to August Week 4, 2010), EMBASE (Embase.com) (1974
before/after trials which had employed neonatal resuscitation to August 2010) and LILACS (1982 to August 2010). Selection
as an intervention and found limited information on the role of criteria: All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the
tactile stimulation for improving ventilation. We therefore efficacy of short-course versus long-course therapy using the
targeted other less rigorous study designs like observational same antibiotic for non-severe CAP in children. Data collection
(cohort and case-control) and descriptive studies, but the and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed trial
information was not sufficient among these as well. quality and extracted the data.
Results: Keeping the gravity of the situation in mind a lot of Results: Four studies (6177 children) were included. Analysis
research has been done to assess the effect of on-time basic of three days versus five days of treatment with the same antibiotic
resuscitation on neonatal outcomes in such cases. These have for non severe CAP in children showed non-significant differences
included observational studies as well as trials and they have in rates of clinical cure at the end of treatment (risk ratio (RR)
been able to deduce that basic resuscitation would significantly 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97 to 1.01), treatment
lower intrapartum-related neonatal mortality. However the role failure at the end of treatment (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.25),
of tactile stimulation alone, which is one of the steps in the basic and relapse rate after seven days of clinical cure (RR 1.09; 95%
resuscitation, has not been widely researched. While many basic CI 0.84 to 1.42), and we found no heterogeneity in the results.
newborn resuscitation guidelines mention it as part of the Subgroup analysis evaluating the impact of different antibiotics
sequence and further go on to specify the duration for which it showed non-significant differences for these outcomes with
should be used, others believe that it may only be of use in different durations of therapy.
infants who are only mildly depressed. Still others believe that Conclusion: The evidence of this review suggests that a short
continued use of tactile stimulation in an apneic newborn is course (three days) of antibiotic therapy is as effective as a
wastage of time. In practice, however, it’s a step no one would longer treatment (five days) for non-severe CAP in children
choose to ignore. under-five years of age. However, there is a need for more well-
Conclusion: While a lot of work has been done to assess the designed RCTs to support our review findings.
effects of resuscitation on neonatal outcomes and the evidence
base of what works is reasonably strong, information on Keywords: Antibiotic Therapy, Pneumonia
disaggregated components of resuscitation and aftercare is

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14.57 Scholar on April 20, 2010. Selection criteria: All randomized

ROUTE OF ORAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR NON controlled trials (RCTs). Data collection and analysis: Two
SEVERE COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted
CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 59 MONTHS the data.
Results: We found one multi-center study from Pakistan which
Zohra S Lassi, Rubina A Sajwani, Zulfiqar A Bhutta randomized children with non-severe or severe pneumonia and
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, wheeze to standard dosages of either oral or inhaled salbutamol.
Karachi Treatment failure on day 5 was non-significant and the evidence
on GRADE assessment scored very low.
Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in Conclusion: There is a need of RCTs to answer the review
children under five years of age. Treatment of pneumonia requires question. However, the 2nd WHO expert committee on selection
an effective antibiotic used in adequate doses for an appropriate and use of essential medication suggested the superiority of
duration. Objectives: To evaluate the dose of oral antibiotic inhaled salbutamol over oral salbutamol for the management
therapy for non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) of asthma.
in children aged 2 to 59 months.
Method: Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central Keywords: bronchodilator, children
Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane
Library) which contains the Cochrane Acute Respiratory
Infections Group’s Specialized Register and the Database of 14.59
Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, MEDLINE (OVID) and FOOD FORTIFICATION WITH ZINC TO IMPROVE
LILACS. Selection criteria: All randomized controlled trials MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES
(RCTs) evaluating the dose of oral antibiotic therapy for non-
severe CAP in children. Data collection and analysis: Two review Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Jai K Das Sohni V Dean Rehana A Salam,
authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted the Rehana A Salam
data.
Results: Two studies were found that employed and compared Objective: One third of the world population live in countries
different routes (parenteral versus oral) of antibiotic administration with a high prevalence of zinc deficiency. The population most
for the treatment of non-severe community acquired pneumonia. vulnerable are infants, young children, pregnant and lactating
In one study oral co-trimoxazole was compared with women because of their higher zinc requirements at critical
intramuscular procaine penicillin and in another study oral stages of growth and physiological needs.Despite the documented
amoxicillin was compared with intramuscular penicillin-G. No evidence of benefits of zinc supplementation, few large scale
differences were found in the cure and failure rates when oral programs have been initiated in this regard possibly due to the
co-trimoxazole was compared with IM procaine penicillin. scarcity of data on the success of fortification programs. We
Similarly, treatment failure among oral amoxicillin and IV evaluated the impacts of zinc fortification programs on maternal
penicillin were comparable. and child health outcomes.
Conclusion: The evidence of this review suggests that oral Method: Our search strategy, including manual search, identified
antibiotic is a safe and cost-effective alternative to injectable 12 studies, 8 of which were on infants, where infant formula
antibiotic. feeds or milk were fortified, while four were on school children
where porridge, bread or ORS were fortified. Nine of the studies
Keywords: Antibiotic Therapy, Pneumonia were randomized controlled trials while three were quasi
experimental designs.
Results: There was a significant impact of zinc fortification on
14.58 serum zinc concentration,which showed individual impacts
EFFECTIVE ROUTE OF RAPID ACTING ranging from 0.14(-0.52, 0.81) to 5.47(388, 7.06) and the
BRONCHODILATOR TO RELIEVE combined standard mean difference of1.94 , 95% confidence
BRONCHOCONSTRICTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2-59 interval 1.02 to, 2.85. Significant improvements (weighted mean
MONTHS IN LOW RESOURCE COUNTRIES difference (WMD) 0.63(0.17, 1.69) was seen in height velocity
after zinc fortification.The impact on Hemoglobin and serum
Zohra S Lassi, Mariam A Shakir, Zulfiqar A Bhutta phosphatase levels was insignificant.
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Conclusion: Although these initial results highlight that zinc
Karachi fortification is associated with increased serum concentrations
but overall evidence of the effectiveness of this approach is
Background: Approximately 300 million people currently suffer limited. This could be attributable to multiple factors including
from asthma and as many as 255,000 people the relatively few studies, the small size of the trials, the age
died of asthma in 2005. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in group identified, zinc levels at the baseline, zinc compound
low and lower-middle income countries. Objectives: To evaluate fortified and the food vehicles used.
what route of rapid acting bronchodilator is effective to relieve
bronchoconstriction in children aged 2-59 months. Keywords: Fortification, Zinc
Method: Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Central
Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane
Library), Pubmed, Science Direct, Lilac, JOLIS, and Google

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14.60 risk of Vitamin D deficiency are breastfed infants, geriatric

IMPACT OF VITAMIN FORTIFICATION ON MATERNAL population and people exposed to less sunlight. Studies have
NEWBORN HEALTH OUTCOMES shown that human milk is not enough to meet the Vitamin D
requirements as all the cases of rickets had been breast fed.Oder
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar A Bhutta people are more prone to this deficiency as they spend most of
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, the time indoors, have low intakes and problems synthesizing
Karachi Vitamin D. We attempted to analyze the impact of Vitamin D
and Calcium supplementation on maternal and child health
Objective: An estimated 190 million children, or approximately outcomes
33% of all children under 5 years of age in low-income countries, Method: Of the twenty four studies included in this review,
are vitamin A deficient,with the prevalence being highest among foods were either fortified with Vitamin D, Calcium or both.
children in Southern Asia (50%) and sub-Saharan Africa (44%) Twenty one of the included studies were RCTs and 3 were pre-
and lower in the region of the Americas (16%). The main cause post study deigns. Nineteen of the studies had chosen milk as
of vitamin A deficiency is the insufficient dietary intake while the food vehicle, while others used ice cream, bread, cheese,
intestinal parasites and other infections have also played a role. biscuits, yogurt and fruit juices. We divided the analysis in three
WHO considers a 23% reduction in mortality in children with subgroups according to the age and reproductive cycle. The
marginal deficiency, if it is taken care of. we attempted to three subgroups are pre pubertal, women of reproductive age
evaluate the impact of food fortification with Vitamin A on group and post- menopausal. This was done as Vitamin D and
maternal and child health outcomes. calcium requirements and roles are different for the different
Method: A comprehensive search was done and eight studies age brackets.
which met our inclusion criteria were reviewed in detail for this Results: The findings of this systematic analysis show that
systematic review. Four of these studies were before after designs, fortification of food with vitamin D was associated with
three were RCTs and one was a Quasi experimental. All of these significant changes in plasma 25 (OH) D3 (0.82 CI=0.18,
studies were on children of different age brackets. Various foods 1.45)and serum Parathyroid hormone concentration (-0.77 CI=-
including sugar, flour, monosodium glutamate and biscuits were 1.21,-0.33)in pre pubertal and post-menopausal age groups,
fortified. while these were not significant in women of reproductive ages.
Results: This systematic review shows that Vitamin A fortification Conclusion: It is evident that vitamin D sufficiency is required
was associated with significant increase in the serum Vitamin for optimal health; however most people living outside the
A concentration with a combined standard mean difference of tropical regions do not have serum 25(OH) D levels high enough
0.61of (0.54, 0.69) and additional hematological benefits with for optimal health. Future research should focus on devising
an increase in serum hemoglobin concentrations (combined effective strategy to make this available to all the strata of the
standard mean difference 0.48 (0.07, 0.89)). populations and possibly fortification seems to be the best
Conclusion: Unquestionably, the major challenge remains the available option.
design and implementation of effective population based
intervention programs as Vitamin A deficiency affects the poorest Keywords: Fortification, Calcium, Vitamin D
sections of the population with limited access to health services.
Although the Vitamin A supplementation programs have
mushroomed in the past couple of decades but still the poorest 14.62
population still remains susceptible; fortification perhaps could FOOD FORTIFICATION WITH FOLIC ACID TO
cater to this. IMPROVE MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES

Keywords: Vitamin A, Fortification Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar A Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
14.61
IMPACT OF CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D FORTIFICATION Objective: Folic acid deficiency occurs when either the intake
ON MATERNAL CHILD HELATH OUTCOMES is low, losses are high or when needs do not match intake.
Pregnancy and lactation are states when the requirements of
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar A Bhutta folic acid increase. And deficiency at this stage could lead to
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, harmful consequences including abortion, low birth weight and
Karachi neural tube defects. Folic acid fortification has been mandatory
in many developed countries now. USA started compulsory
Objective: Vitamin D is an essential requirement of the body at fortification of grain products in 1998. The goal of fortification
every age. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium. Without was to increase folate uptake by 30% to 70% in the women of
enough vitamin D, the body can’t produce enough of the hormone reproductive age without posing adverse effects to the general
Calcitriol which in turn leads to insufficient calcium absorption population.As many developed countries have mandatory folic
from the diet and hence lower body calcium status. To maintain acid fortification programs which have been evaluated at various
calcium levels the body depletes calcium from its stores in the levels, we attempt to do a systemic analysis of all these and
bones, with potential long term consequences. Vitamin D can conclude a consolidated effect of folic acid fortification on
be acquired through three main channels: through the skin, from women and child health.
the diet, and from supplements.Population who are at greater Method: After an extensive search on the search strategy defined,

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we identified 33 studies which met our inclusion criteria. Most 14.65

of these studies are from the developed world as expected and MULTIPLE MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION AND ITS
all were pre post study designs as they were the analysis of large IMPACT ON MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES
nationwide programs. Flour and other cereal grain products were
the food vehicles most commonly used . Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Results: This systematic analysis shows significant impacts of Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
folate fortification on raising serum (4.34 CI=3.10, 5.58)and Karachi
RBC concentrations of folate (207.27 CI=12.24, 402.31), hence
reducing the serum folate deficiency. This review also showed Objective: Micronutrient deficiency is present globally in children
significant decline in the incidence of spina bifida (0.64 CI=0.57, affecting their normal physical and mental development and
0.71), anencephaly (0.76 CI=0.68, 0.85) and neural tube defects growth. Often multiple micronutrients are deficient at the same
(0.57 CI=0.45, 0.73). Folate fortification however, did not show time. The main reason is the poor dietary habits and these are
any significant effect on the rate of multiple births. especially prevalent in the developing countries. Malnutrition
Conclusion: Our review suggests that the folate fortification and parasitic infections are also a major cause of it. These
had beneficial effect on the health outcomes of children and parasitic and recurrent infections often lead to mal-absorption
women. Large scale programs should be executed at national thus leading to limited absorption even if the diet is adequate.
levels to avoid the grave consequences of congenital People in the developing countries often have limited financial
abnormalities. capability to get access to a healthy diet, while in the developed
world eating habits are not healthy: as the consumption of junk
Keywords: Folate, fortification food and soft drinks is higher as compared to homemade
food.While fortification is a recognized and effective strategy,
question arises that whether these should be given individually
14.64 or in combination. There have been studies where dual
FOOD FORTIFICATION WITH IODINE TO IMPROVE micronutrient are fortified like zinc combined with iron, while
MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES others have fortified more than two and up to fifteen
micronutrients. This analysis was carried out to evaluate the
Jai K Das, Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar A Bhutta effects of multiple micronutrient fortification on the biochemical
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, and health outcomes of children and women.
Karachi Method: Out of the eleven studies identified, six had fortified
a combination of iodine with iron, two were iron with zinc and
Objective: Worldwide one third of the population lives in areas one each for iron with ascorbic acid, riboflavin and vitamin A.
at a higher risk of iodine deficiency. The population most Results: The meta-analysis done for different outcome parameters
susceptible to iodine deficiency are pregnant women and young showed MMN fortification to be a highly effective strategy. It
children. Iodine deficiency can lead to many disorders like significantly increased serum concentration of different
mental retardation and delayed intellectual development in micronutrients: Zinc (0.18, CI=0.03, 0.30)& Ferritin(0.46,
children. It also causes goiter, cretinism, and reproductive failure. CI=0.30, 0.63), hemoglobin concentration (0.69 CI=0.42, 0.95),
Higher iodine intake also can lead to endemic goiter and elevated also reducing anemia prevalence (0.65, CI= 0.50, 0.85) and
TSH levels. A meta-analysis reported a 13.5 point reduction in affecting anthropometric measures (HAZ & WAZ). While this
IQ among iodine deficient children.Several food vehicles could review shows that fortification had no significant effect on
be used for fortification with iodine like bread, milk and sugar. morbidity including fever, respiratory or diarrheal illness and
But salt has been a widely acceptable vehicle and has been UTIs.
successful to a greater extent over the past eight decades. We Conclusion: These encouraging results show the effectiveness
attempted to analyze the impacts of Iodine fortification on of food fortification and the potential it has to alleviate a number
maternal and child health outcomes. of issues through a single scalable intervention and reach larger
Method: We found 24 studies through the search strategy populations. All that is required is identification of most
developed that had evaluated the impact of iodine fortification susceptible groups and major micronutrients required and a
on the health of women and children, as these studies were central policy to implement an effective program.
evaluations of large national level programs, all of them followed
a before after study design. Most of studies found were evaluations Keywords: Micronutrient, Fortification
from the developed world. The food vehicle used salt in almost
all programs except Denmark and Australia where bread has
also been used for this purpose.
Results: The meta-analysis shows that iodine fortification had
an insignificant impact on the serum thyroxine levels and urinary
iodine concentration.
Conclusion: Salt iodization is a proven cost effective strategy,
measures such as increasing awareness, easy access, increased
compliance and effective monitoring are all the tools required
to make a lasting impact on the health of the public at large.

Keywords: Fortification, Iodine

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14.66 our sample. Multiple Regression model will be applied to

DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN determine the relation of VDBP polymorphisms with vitamin
(VDBP) VARIANTS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND D deficiency as outcome.
NEONATES IN PAKISTAN
Keywords: Vitamin D, binding protein, pregnant women
Shaheena Anwar, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Perwaiz Iqbal
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Biological &
Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi . 14.67
IMPACT OF IRON FORTIFICATION ON MATERNAL AND
Introduction: Hypovitaminosis D or vitamin D deficiency is a CHILD HEALTH OUTCOMES
worldwide epidemic. Hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy is
associated with various adverse outcomes namely schizophrenia, Sohni Dean, Jai K Das, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
asthma, type1 diabetes, skeletal problems and impaired growth. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Vitamin D and its metabolites are transported to the liver, kidneys Karachi
and other organs by a binding protein known as vitamin D
binding protein (VDBP). It is also known as group-specific Objective: Iron deficiency is the most rampant nutritional
component of serum (Gc-globulin). 88% of 25(OH) D is bound deficiency, affecting nearly half of all pregnant women and
to VDBP in plasma. VDBP protein also functions as an actin being one of the foremost indirect causes of maternal mortality.
scavenger, macrophage activating factor, chemotactic factor Adolescent women in developing countries are particularly
during injury and fatty acid transporter. It is associated with affected, with iron deficiency accounting for over 7 million
adverse outcomes such as Graves’ disease, diabetes, obesity, global adolescent DALYs and the prevalence of anemia in young
pulmonary disease, liver disease rheumatic fever. VDBP is Indian girls reaching a staggering 56%. Anemia due to iron
synthesized in the liver where vitamin D is also synthesized deficiency may be the product of intergenerational effects,
.The Gc gene is present on chromosome 4 and is a part of a poverty and hunger, and special losses in women during
superfamily which also includes albumin and a-fetoprotein menstruation and multiple pregnancies. Over 25% of children
genes. It is 42.5 kb long and contains 13 exons. Its protein has are also estimated to suffer from iron deficiency anemia. In
458 amino acids. There are three major forms due to variations practice, fortification has emerged as the most deliverable,
at codons 416 and 420 in exon 11 which result in Gc1 fast sustainable and cost-effective solution for reducing the global
(Gc1F), Gc1 slow (Gc1S) and Gc2. Gc1F has aspartic acid (Asp) burden of iron deficiency. However, food fortification with iron
at codon 416. A T-G substitution replaces Asp with glutamic requires a compromise between bioavailability, sensory
acid resulting in Gc1S. Codon 420 has threonine and a C-G acceptability and excessive accumulation in iron-replete
substitution replaces threonine with lysine resulting in Gc2 individuals. We attempted to evaluate the impact of food
These polymorphic forms have different affinity for vitamin D fortification with iron on maternal child health outcomes.
metabolites. For example, Gc1-1 has higher, Gc1-2 has Method: The search strategy yielded 38 articles which met our
intermediate and Gc2-2 has lower affinity for 25(OH) D and inclusion criteria. 11 studies employed fortification of staple
1,25 (OH)2 D. Differences in amino acid sequence and attached foods including rice, wheat- and corn- flour, bread and beans,
polysaccharides result in six major polymorphic forms known as well as biscuits made from fortified flour. 11 studies targeted
as Gc1F/Gc1F, Gc1F/Gc1S, Gc1S/Gc1S, Gc1F/Gc2, Gc1S/Gc2, infants and very young children, fortifying formula milk, cow’s
Gc2/Gc2 . Context: There is little knowledge about the milk and complementary baby
epidemiology of VDBP variants considering the wide spread Results: According to our pooled analysis, iron-fortified foods
occurrences of various health problems especially women and for women and children successfully increase hemoglobin
children. concentrations (6.07, CI=3.97, 8.17)and serum ferritin (7.93
Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D binding CI=5.48,10.37)and reduce the prevalence of anemia (0.63 I=0.57,
protein variants in pregnant women and neonates in rural and 0.69). However, the evidence for effect is not uniform, and at
urban areas of Pakistan. Design settings: This study is partially present is strongest for improving iron stores in infants and
based on a cross sectional study in urban setting in JPMC, young children.
Karachi and a randomized control trial in a cohort of pregnant Conclusion: As fortification is gaining importance as a nutrition
women in Jhelum Sample size: 200 mother baby pairs from strategy, it is important to know that it mimics physiologic intake
JPMC and 200 mother baby pairs from Pind Daden Khan, more closely than supplementation, and therefore causes fewer
Jhelum( n=800). individual adverse effects. As fortification methods improve,
Methods: VDBP polymorphisms will be studied by PCR-RFLP. local diets, as well baseline physiologic and iron status of the
DNA from white blood cells will be extracted using the salting target population (particularly women of reproductive age and
out method. Purified DNA will be subjected to amplification by children) will need to be considered in deciding upon the vehicle
PCR. Amplified DNA sample will be subjected to and compound for fortification. Further scrutiny will also be
digestion with Hae III and StyI restriction endonucleases necessary to monitor possible adverse effects and interactions
for 6 hours. Digested products will be visualized by gel with other micronutrients.
electrophoresis.
Statistical methods: Hardy Weinberg equilibrium analysis will Keywords: Iron, Fortification
be used to determine the frequencies of genotype and alleles in

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14.68 14.69
EFFECT OF TOPICAL EMOLLIENT THERAPY ON THE PRECONCEPTION CARE- PREVENTING
CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PRETERM NEONATES IN A COMPLICATIONS FROM CHRONIC DISEASES
HOSPITAL SETUP – A CLINICAL TRIAL
Imam, Ayesha M, Sohni V, Lassi, Zohra S, Bhutta, Zulfiqar A
Rehana A Salam, Zulfiqar Bhutta Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Karachi
Objective: Worldwide, 70 million women of reproductive age
Objective: Almost all of the neonatal deaths occur in lower and suffer from diabetes. Infants of women with pre-existent diabetes
middle income countries. As most of the deaths in preterm mellitus have a ten-fold greater risk of a congenital malformation
neonates are attributable to their vulnerability to infection, a and a five-fold greater risk of being stillborn. Preconception
potential low cost intervention like topical emollient therapy care would allow women to optimize glycemic control before
can be effectively directed to reduce infection related mortality the critical period of fetal organogenesis. Unfortunately, less
and morbidity in the developing countries. Topical emollient than a third of women with pre-existing diabetes receive
therapy reduces the rate of infection by enhancing the skin preconception care.
barrier function, thus reducing trans-epidermal water loss Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort, case-
consequently conserving heat and energy to promote growth. control and randomized controlled trials was undertaken that
This study primarily aimed to compare the incidence proportion assessed maternal and newborn outcomes in relation to
of hospital acquired infection among hospitalized preterm preconception glycemic control. Preconception care was defined
neonates who received topical emollient therapy with coconut as any intervention provided before pregnancy, including diet
oil versus routine skin care. The secondary objective was to and exercise, counseling and family planning, to reduce diabetic-
compare the weight gain, skin condition and mortality at 28th related pregnancy complications.
day of life in the two groups of neonates. Results: Preconception care for diabetic women leads to 70%
Method: It was a randomized controlled clinical trial. All the reduction in the two most noted adverse fetal outcomes of
neonates born before 37 weeks of gestation at the Aga Khan diabetic pregnancies, congenital malformations and perinatal
University, Karachi, who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were mortality. This drastic reduction is due to the significant decrease
randomly assigned to coconut oil massage group (n=128) or in HbA1c during the first trimester for women who receive
routine skin care group (n=130) with the consent of a preconception care. Preconception care also lowered the rate of
parent/guardian. The neonates assigned to the intervention group preterm births and Caesarean delivery.
received coconut oil application twice a day while the neonates Conclusion: Preconception care for women with diabetes provides
in the control group received routine skin care. The relative risk an advantage over prenatal care to optimize glycemic control
of infection and the weight gain at 28th day of life were then and prevent maternal and neonatal complications. Thus, it is
compared among the two groups of neonates. imperative that every health visit for women with diabetes be
Results: Neonates receiving emollient therapy with coconut oil regarded as an opportunity to provide preconception care.
were 71% less likely to get hospital acquired infection as
compared to ones receiving the routine skin care after adjusting Keywords: Preconception care, diabetes, congenital malformations
for gestational age, birth weight, duration of intubation and
duration of hospitalization (adjusted RR= 0.285, 95% CI 0.104-
0.781). The mean weight gain in the intervention group was 14.70
11.34 gm/day higher (p=0.000) than the control group. Skin PRECONCEPTION CARE- MENTAL HEALTH AND
condition in the intervention group was significantly better than INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
the control group (p=0.000). The risk of mortality did not reach
statistical significance after adjusting for gestational age, birth Imam, Ayesha M, Sohni V, Lassi, Zohra S, Bhutta, Zulfiqar A
weight, duration of intubation and duration of hospitalization Department of Paediatrics & Child Health,Aga Khan University,
(adjusted RR= 0.540, 95% CI 0.157-1.859). No adverse effects Karachi
were observed amongst the neonates receiving emollient therapy
throughout the trial. Objective: Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from
Conclusion: Topical emollient therapy is a potentially effective mental health disorders, especially depression. 73 million women
traditional practice, feasible for low and middle income countries globally, are estimated to suffer from a major depressive episode
to adopt and improve child survival. However, its effectiveness each year. Mental health problems in women are significantly
in community based set ups needs to be explored. interconnected with other risks, such as gender based roles, and
intimate partner violence. A WHO multi-country study estimates
Keywords: Emollient, Neonatal Sepsis that 15-71% of women experience intimate partner violence at
some point in their lives.
Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and
case-control studies. The review was carried out to determine
the magnitude of risk that poor mental health and intimate partner
violence in the preconception period poses to women, and how
this impacts pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Results: Adolescent depression may increase the risk of

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miscarriage by more than two folds and the risk of IPV by more 14.72
than three-folds. Women suffering from IPV are twice as likely SCALING UP MATERNAL TETANUS TOXOID
to have an unplanned pregnancy; and 50% more likely to VACCINATION AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS TO
experience fetal loss and gynecologic morbidity. Further, they REDUCE NEONATAL MORTALITY FROM NEONATAL
are twice as likely to suffer from impaired physical health and TETANUS IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES
mental health. Interventions such as group or couple’s behavioral
therapy have shown significant reductions in post-intervention Adeel Ahmed Khan
aggression. Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Conclusion: Providers should screen and identify women at risk Karachi
for mental health disorders and those subject to intimate partner
violence. Where possible, they should provide support, refer to Objective: Neonatal tetanus has been a major cause of neonatal
specialized counseling or prescribe anti-depressants if necessary. mortality in both developed and developing world. Although
Health systems research is urgently needed to deliver solutions developed world has coped up with this but the developing
that prevent and respond to women’s psychological health countries are still trying ways to prevent neonatal death from
problems. neonatal tetanus. To find out the effective interventions needed
to reduce neonatal mortality due to neonatal tetanus in low and
Keywords: Preconception care, mental health/depression, partner middle income countries.
violence Method: We systemically reviewed the published literature to
identify studies regarding interventions for reducing neonatal
mortality. Pubmed and Pubget was used as our data base. We
14.71 included the articles those published 1st January 2006 till 1st
MATERNAL GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND TERM June 2011. After going through all the articles 10 studies were
INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION: A HOSPITAL sort out after checking out eligibility criteria. A standardized
BASED PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY data extraction form was also used. Out of selected 7 studies,
2 were systemic reviews, 4 were cross sectional studies and 1
Wajiha Javed, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Iqbal Azam, Imtiaz Jehan was review paper.
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Results: Interventions that will reduce neonatal mortality were
Karachi identified as vaccination of women of child bearing age with
tetanus toxoids, community based care interventions, antenatal
Objective: IUGR is a public health problem faced in developing checkups, supplementary immunization activities (SIA’s), iron
countries where the burden is very high and associated with & folic acid supplementation and safer delivery practices.
many short and long term consequences. Maternal nutritional Conclusion: The key intervention to reduce neonatal mortality
factors especially gestational weight gain (GWG) has been from neonatal tetanus found out to be vaccination of pregnant
thought to play a key role in IUGR in our setting. Objectives is women with tetanus toxoid. In the resource poor countries, this
to assess if low maternal gestational weight gain is a risk factor single intervention will have huge impact on health indicator of
for an IUGR baby and to assess the relative proportion of term the country.
IUGR that is attributable to maternal malnutrition.
Method: The study is a multi-center hospital based prospective Keywords: Vaccination
cohort that was carried out in 3 hospitals of Karachi. Exposure
variable was total maternal GWG. The outcome was term IUGR
which was diagnosed at the time of birth. Descriptives were 14.73
computed followed by simple and multiple Cox Regression FACTORS RELATED WITH HYPOGLYCEMIA IN
model. Levine’s formula was used to calculate the Population NEONATES OF DIABETIC MOTHER - A CROSS
Attributable Risks of IUGR. SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER.
Results: Overall 358 mother-newborn dyads were obtained. The
overall incidence of IUGR was 25.4 %.Effect modification is Muhammad Sohail Salat, Bilal Ahmed, Anila Haroon, Abdul
present between pre-pregnant BMI and gestational weight gain, Jabbar
at a lower BMI (<18.5) less weight gain has more risk of an Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Medicine, Aga
IUGR baby (HR=1.43) whereas at a higher BMI(>30) less Khan University,Karachi
weight gain is actually protective of IUGR(HR=0.81).71% of
risk factors attributing to IUGR were explained by the study out Objective: Hypoglycemia is common in neonates, particularly
of which 43% were maternal nutritional factors and 29% were on the first day of life. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased
non nutritional factors,28% were unexplained. in neonates born to diabetic mother, hyperinsulinaemia neonates,
Conclusion: There is an association between GWG and IUGR preterm as well as small for gestational age (SGA) neonates.
at low pre-pregnancy BMI, but no significant causal association Method: A retrospective cross sectional analytical study enrolling
between IUGR and GWG among women with a high pre- involving 873 neonates born to diabetic mothers between January
pregnancy BMI . 2005 and December 2009
Results: Hypoglycemia developed in 72 (8.2%) Neonates born
Keywords: IUGR, GWG to diabetic mother, including 47.8% preterm and 52.2% full
term neonates. 20.2% were low birth weight whereas 74.2%
were appropriate for age. 89.6% of the mothers had antenatal

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care with at least 2 visits. 57.4% of neonates were delivered by sexual and reproductive health (access to contraception
cesarean section. Significant hypoglycemia was found in 46% and safe abortion) and empowering adolescent girls with
of neonates with weight less than 2500 grams and 11% in the skills they require to negotiate their safety can prevent
neonates greater than 4000 grams respectively. Similarly 62% gender-based violence, STDs and HIV, and prevent early
of neonates were born before 37 weeks (p value less than <0.005). pregnancy.
51.4% of the neonates born by cesarean section developed
significant hypoglycemia Polyhydramnios, hyperbilirubinemia Keywords: Adolescents, sexual/reproductive health,
and hypocalcaemia were significantly more common in neonates Women/girls
with hypoglycemia. Neonates with birth weight less 2.5 kg and
> 4 kg were independently associated with neonatal hypoglycemia
[OR 2.3, 95% CI (1.3-4.0)] and [OR 2.6, 95% CI (1.1-6.5)] 14.75
respectively. Similarly having sepsis and hypocalcaemia were PRECONCEPTION CARE- BIRTH SPACING
identified as another strongest risk factor associated with the
hypoglycemia at multivariable analysis respectively [OR 15.5, V Sohni, Ayesha M Imam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
95% CI (6.0-40.2)], [OR 1.7, 95% CI (1.1- 3.1)]. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Conclusion: Since hypoglycemia has been linked with poor Karachi
neurodevelopment outcome, therefore all neonates born to
diabetic mothers with weight less than 2500gram and born before Objective: Provision of effective contraception for the 201
37 weeks of gestational age should be screened and especially million women who have none would prevent 23 million
septic neonates should be managed aggressively to decrease the unplanned births, 22 million induced abortions and 14 000
morbidity and mortality associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. pregnancy-related deaths every year. Family planning has a
Key words: Hypoglycemia, neonates of diabetic mother, risk significant role to play in preconception care. Women who are
factors able to decide how many children they wish to have, and use a
method to space their pregnancies, are more physically and
Keywords: Neonatal, hypoglycemia emotionally healthy when they become mothers, and have
healthier children
Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and
14.74 case-control studies was undertaken to assess the impact of
PRECONCEPTION CARE- PREVENTING ADOLESCENT duration of inter-pregnancy interval on maternal and neonatal
PREGNANCIES outcomes
Results: Women who have very closely-spaced pregnancies
V Sohni, Ayesha M Imam, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta (less than 6 months) are nutritionally depleted, and at higher
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, risk of maternal death (66%) and stillbirths (40%). Conversely,
Karachi women with long inter-pregnancy intervals (exceeding 5 years)
are in much greater danger of pre-eclampsia (60-80%), fetal
Objective: Each year, 16 million births are to adolescent girls death and third-trimester hemorrhage. After a live birth, women
age 15-19. Teenage women are more likely to have multiple should space their pregnancies with at least 18-24 months before
risk factors such as poverty, nutritional anemia, coerced sex, the next conception. Women should not wait longer than 5 years
and lack of access to care, and therefore face greater intra-partum between pregnancies as this may increase the risk of preeclampsia,
complications. Adolescent girls are 2-5 times more likely to die and maternal and neonatal mortality.
of pregnancy-related complications than women above age Conclusion: All women and couples of reproductive age should
twenty. In developing countries, adolescent pregnancy is often be encouraged to have a reproductive life plan that includes age
a consequence of early marriages. Beyond health risks, adolescent at first conception; number and spacing between children;
mothers also have social disadvantages, often raising children exclusive breastfeeding and consistent use of modern family
without partners or family support, and usually unable to complete planning methods. Preconception care must include family
their own education. planning, so that pregnancies are intended, and women are
Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted healthy before the next time they wish to conceive.
to evaluate the efficacy of programs to prevent first and repeat
pregnancies in adolescent girls. Keywords: Birth spacing, inter-pregnancy intervals,
Results: Although sexual-education programs and contraceptive contraception
provision have been promoted to prevent risky sexual behavior
among adolescents, the meta-analysis demonstrated that these
programs did not significantly lower risk. Rather, programs that 14.76
broaden adolescents’ life options by addressing their educational, PRECONCEPTION CARE- NUTRITION
social, economic, nutritional, psychological, and medical needs
are more effective in preventing adolescent pregnancy. Programs Ayesha M Imam, V Sohni, Zohra S Lassi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta
focusing on personal development are particularly effective in Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
preventing first pregnancies, and those that teach parenting skills Karachi
to adolescent mothers are more likely to reduce repeat
pregnancies. Objective: What women eat determines more than just their own
Conclusion: All adults, especially healthcare providers, have health, it is also vital to healthy pregnancies and newborns, and
the opportunity to prevent adolescent pregnancy. research now shows that nutritional status in early childhood
In schools, community centers and health centers, promoting affects health throughout life. Many women are still unaware

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of how much their nutritional status impacts their pregnancy common perpetrators of physical abuse. In univariate analysis,
outcomes. In low-income countries, 40% of pregnant women there was a significant difference between alcoholic husbands
are anemic, and in developed countries less than half of all and verbal (p=0.005), emotional abuse (p=0.009), and substance
women use folic acid supplements before pregnancy. Improving abuse and physical abuse (p=0.015).
women’s eating behaviors should therefore begin much before Conclusion: Domestic violence is considered an inhuman act
pregnancy. but it is deeply rooted in the Pakistani culture. Socio-demographic
Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational factors were identified as one of the causative factors and the
and experimental trials was carried out to determine the effect most prominent and persistent one was verbal abuse. Legal
of micronutrient supplementation and fortification on pregnancy action against domestic violence should be taken and strictly
outcomes implemented not only for housewives but also for professional
Results: Folic acid supplementation or fortification protects women.
against occurrent (RR 0.47) and recurrent neural tube defects
(RR0.31). Multivitamin supplementation significantly reduces Keywords: Domestic violence, prevalence, Pakistan
the risk of limb defects, congenital urinary tract defects, pre-
eclampsia, and multiple congenital anomalies. Some studies
support supplementation with B-complex vitamins to prevent 14.78
early pregnancy loss and preterm birth. Trials concerning other TESTING PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF AN
micronutrients including iron, iodine and calcium were largely INSTRUMENT DESIGNED TO MEASURE PAKISTANI
conducted during pregnancy, and were too limited in number to URBAN WORKING MOTHERS' PERCEPTIONS ABOUT
perform a meta-analysis. Although vitamin A deficiency results BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
in adverse outcomes, supplementation may be harmful since
excess vitamin A is teratogenic. Shela Akbar Ali Hirani, Rozina Karmaliani
Conclusion: Health systems research is necessary to scale up School of Nursing, Aga Khan Unviersity, Karachi
use of folic acid/multivitamin supplements in women of
reproductive age. Meanwhile, daily consumption of a Objective: Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition
multivitamin supplement containing 400 µg of folic acid, plus among young children; however, in Pakistan a gradual decline
Calcium and Vitamin D, Iron, and Iodine could significantly in prevalence of breastfeeding, especially among urban working
improve the health of women before, during and after pregnancy. mothers, has been reported. Previously conducted qualitative
studies among Pakistani breastfeeding urban working mothers
Keywords: nutrition, micronutrient supplementation, folic acid revealed that assuring exclusivity and continuation of
breastfeeding is challenging for employed mothers if social and
/or workplace environmental support is minimal or absent. The
14.77 identified problem indicated a crucial need to assess availability
PREVALENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG of breastfeeding support for Pakistani urban working mothers
MARRIED FEMALE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN by using a comprehensive, context specific, reliable, and validated
TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN tool in their national language (Urdu). In Pakistan, where no
instrument is available for gauging the perceptions of
Azmat J. Khan, Rozina Karmaliani, Tazeen Ali Saeed, breastfeeding urban working mothers about breastfeeding support,
Nargis Asad a need was felt to develop an instrument (in Urdu) and to test
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi its psychometric properties. This study aimed at testing the
psychometric properties of an instrument designed to measure
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of verbal, physical, Pakistani urban working mothers’ perceptions about breastfeeding
emotional/psychological, and sexual abuse among married female support.
health care providers in tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Method: This methodological research was undertaken in five
Pakistan. different phases. During phase I a preliminary draft of the
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study used among 350 instrument named Perceived Breastfeeding Support Assessment
married female nurses and doctors, recruited from three tertiary Tool (PBSAT) was developed by using the Socio-ecological
care hospitals (one public and two private). Used the self model as a theoretical framework, reviewing literature, and
administered WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health referring to two United States based tools i.e. “Workplace
and Life Experiences (2005) tool, after some modifications. Breastfeeding Support Scale” (WBSS) and “Employee
Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed to arrive at Perceptions of Breastfeeding Support Questionnaire” (EPBS-
results. Q). In Phase II the instrument was evaluated by seven different
Results: Descriptive statistic showed that 97.7% (n= 342) of the experts, and in Phase III the instrument was revised, translated,
study participants reported one or more forms of violence at and back translated. In Phase IV, the tool was pilot tested among
some point in their married life, and verbal abuse was the most 20 participants and then modified on the basis of statistical
common (n=332, 97.1%) and 94.6% physical abuse. 72.2% of analysis and participants’ feedback. In Phase V, the refined
the participants who were living in extended families and 50% instrument was tested on 200 breastfeeding working mothers
undergraduates experienced sexual abuse by in-laws. 46.7% recruited through purposive sampling from the government and
diploma holders were more prone to emotional abuse. Nurses, private health care settings, including Jinnah Postgraduate
as compared to doctors, experienced more emotional and sexual Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, the Aga Khan University
abuse by in-laws. Participants’ husbands who had completed Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, and three setups of the Aga Khan
their high school (39.9%) and graduation (39.4%) were more Hospital for Women in Karachi, Pakistan. The study was

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undertaken after receiving approvals from the hospital heads support, maternal characteristics and her family support is equally
and the Ethical Review Committees of the Aga Khan University, essential to enable lactating working mothers to continue
Karachi, and the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, breastfeeding with employment. The findings further revealed
Pakistan. that inadequate social and workplace support leads towards
Results: A construct validity assessment through Exploratory adverse outcomes for the breastfeeding working mothers and
Factor Analysis (EFA) supported that the PBSAT has two their babies.
dimensions, which include “workplace environmental support” Conclusion: This study suggested need to extend workplace and
(Factor I with 12 items) and “social environmental support” social support for working mothers to promote their breastfeeding
(Factor II with 17 items). Reliability assessment revealed that practices.
the tool has an acceptable inter-rater reliability of 0.95, and an
internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.85. The two sub- Keywords: Breastfeeding, Experiences, Working Mothers
scales of PBSAT revealed acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.86
and 0.77 for Factor I and Factor II, respectively. An analysis of
mean scores for both the factors, with demographic variables 14.81
of 200 study participants, revealed that the PBSAT is a useful SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK PLACE: ARE YOU
tool and it could be administered among diverse groups of SAFE?
breastfeeding urban working mothers in Pakistan.
Conclusion: The study was able to develop a 29-item based two Anila Naveed, Ambreen Tharani, Nasreen Alwani
dimensional tool (in Urdu) that has acceptable psychometric School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi
properties. The PBSAT is context specific, comprehensive and
user-friendly, so it can be administered by health care workers, Objective: Shifting paradigm of globalization and liberalization
employers, policy makers, and researchers to improve the quality has increased the women’s participation in the realm of work
of services to breastfeeding urban working mothers in Pakistan. force to contribute to family income and beat the burden of
Further studies are required to evaluate the utility of this tool growing inflation. In this journey, women are often endangered
among semi-urban and rural Pakistani working mothers. In to face various obstacles; like sexual harassment. The focus of
future, researchers can also identify the effect of presence/absence this paper is to identify the impact of sexual harassment at work
of support over continuation and exclusivity of breastfeeding place. Furthermore, it will propose to address the issue of sexual
among Pakistani urban working mothers. harassment at work place through proper education and training
programs at organizational and at government level.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Working Mothers, Instrument Method: A systematic search of the literature was performed to
analyze the case study for the period of January 2000 to December
2010; using Science Direct, Pub med & Medline.
14.80 Results: Most of the literature revealed that sexual harassment
EXPERIENCES OF LACTATING WORKING MOTHERS AT at work place is prevalent in every society. Sexual harassment
A PRIVATE TERTIARY CARE SETTING OF KARACHI, is considered as a traumatic event and the victim may end up
PAKISTAN in having physical and mental sufferings that hinders a person
to work effectively. At an organizational level this may result
Shela Akbar Ali Hirani, Rozina Karmaliani in decrease work effectiveness and low staff morale. There is
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Aga Khan Unviersity, Karachi a desperate need for the organizations to address this matter.
Training programs might be best utilized as a catalyst and
Objective: Pakistan has the second highest child mortality rates intervention in removing harassment from the workplace.
in South Asia, and in this region gradual decline in breastfeeding Conclusion: In conclusion, sexual harassment can be eradicated
prevalence has been reported especially among urban and most effectively if these training programs are promoted in every
working mothers. In Pakistan, very little attention has been paid organization and in every work place of Pakistan. It will improve
towards offering workplace support to breastfeeding working the working environment; which ultimately lead to the overall
mothers. Review of published literature confirmed that previously productivity of the work. Thus it will definitely affect the growth
no such research has been conducted to unveil the experiences and development of the country.
of lactating working mothers in Pakistan. This study aims at
describing the experiences of lactating working mothers and to Keywords: work place , harassment , trainingprograms
gain insight about the facilitators and barriers of breastfeeding
among these mother; as well as to seek recommendations from
the lactating working mothers to improve their breastfeeding 14.82
practices. PRECONCEPTION CARE- HEALTHY BEGINNINGS FOR
Method: While utilizing the qualitative descriptive design, nine WOMEN AND CHILDREN
full time lactating working mothers who met the inclusion criteria
were selected via purposive sampling. Researcher collected data Sohni V, Imam, Ayesha M, Lassi, Zohra S, Bhutta, Zulfiqar A
till the saturation met. Study participants were recruited from Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
nine sub-units of a private tertiary care setting of Karachi, Karachi
Pakistan. A semi-structure interview guide was utilized to collect
data from the participants. Objective: 190 million women become pregnant every year.
Results: Most of the study participants verbalized that it Despite advances in medical care, 3.1 million newborns and
challenging to combine breastfeeding with employment. Analysis 300,000 women die of pregnancy-related causes annually, and
of data indicated that along with workplace environmental 2.6 million babies are stillborn. A substantial proportion of

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mothers and newborns could be saved from death and severe and child health. With scarce resources we need to identify the
morbidity if women received simple interventions before effective and efficient financing mechanisms for MNCH.
pregnancy. Prenatal care is sought after the critical period of Commitment, transparency and sectorial development are the
fetal development, and therefore a shift is needed towards pre-requisites for implementing and gaining improvements these
“Preconception Care” to ensure that adolescent girls, women, financing mechanisms.
and their children are healthy from the beginning. Preconception
Care includes any preventive, promotive or curative healthcare Keywords: MNCH, financing mechanisms, maternal and neonatal
intervention provided to women of reproductive age, before the mortality reduction
first pregnancy and between pregnancies, to improve their health
and the health of their newborns.
Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational 14.84
and experimental studies, comparing women who had PRECONCEPTION CARE - SUBSTANCE ABUSE
preconception risk factors or received preconception care with PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES
those who did not.
Results: Women who receive preconception care are more likely Ayesha Mallick Imam, Sohni Vicky Dean, Zohra K. Lassi,
to adopt healthy behaviors, reduce their risk factors and have Z.A. Bhutta
improved pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. For instance, they Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
have a 24% lower risk of neonatal mortality, and are twice as Karachi
likely to use safe delivery practices. Preconception care is
effective when it is holistic, involves women and their partners, Objective: A shocking number of women in their reproductive
and is provided in health centers or community settings. years continue to consume caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or illicit
Conclusion: At any health visit, women of reproductive age drugs. For example, more than half of all pregnant women in
should be asked whether they wish to become pregnant or are the United States report alcohol use during pregnancy, and
actively preventing pregnancy, as a way to initiate Preconception 40,000 babies are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
care and the continuum of healthy women, mothers and children. Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and
case-control studies. The review was carried out to determine
Keywords: Preconception Care, girls/women, newborn/child the magnitude of risk that substance abuse in the
health pre/periconception period poses to women, and how this impacts
pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Results: Pre/periconception alcohol exposure is non-significantly
14.83 associated with a 30% increase in spontaneous abortion, 24%
INNOVATIVE FINANCING MECHANISMS FOR increase in NTDs and 20% increase in gastrointestinal anomalies.
MATERNAL NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH AT Interventions focused on Preconception counselling greatly
DISTRICT LEVEL IN LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME reduce alcohol intake during the 1st trimester. Another
COUNTRIES IN SOUTH ASIA preconception motivational intervention, consisting of counseling
sessions and contraception consultation, significantly reduced
Unaib Rabbani the risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. We found no significant
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, association between paternal or maternal periconception use of
Karachi recreational drugs and NTDs but a strong positive relation
between maternal periconception substance abuse and the risk
Objective: Each year 358000 women die of pregnancy and of gastroschisis. Our analysis showed that more than 300mg/d
pregnancy related disorders and 9 million children die before of periconception caffeine use is associated with a 31% increase
their 5th birth day. More than 95% of these deaths occur in in the risk of subsequent fetal loss. Preconception smoking
lower and middle income countries. Risk of dying is highest in increases the risk of preterm births by more than 2 folds.
the neonatal period. Financial barriers are the major cause of Preconception couseling leads to an almost 3 fold increase in
this high maternal and children mortality. Objective of this paper women quitting smoking before pregnancy.
is "To find out the innovative financial mechanism to improve Conclusion: Providers should screen and identify women at risk
health care seeking and reduce maternal and child mortality". for substance abuse. Preconception counselling has been proved
Method: using Pubmed and Google Scholar database all published to be effrective in improving practices among women pertaining
literature after 2005 related to financing mechanisms foe maternal to their smoking habits. Both preconception counselling and
and child mortality reduction was reviewed systematically. Of behavioural interventions have led to a significant improvement
212 links 17 were put in the data extraction form and 5 articles in drinking behaviour and thus pregnancies affected by alcohol.
were included in the review. What is needed now is to use this important information to
Results: Various innovative financing mechanisms which upgrade these interventions to have stronger, longer-lasting and
improved MNCH include innovative cash transfer, medical more widespread effects in terms of preventing the abuse of
insurance, voucher schemes, user fee removal, transport costs, substances and thereby its sequelae, in this important set of the
revenue from taxes, center to state financing of health and population.
contracting out are among the mechanisms being used for
improvements in maternal and child health. There is considerable Keywords: Preconception, substance abuse, counseling/
evidence about the effectiveness of medical insurance, user fee interventions
removal and center-state financing while there is moderate to
limited evidence regarding the other mechanisms.
Conclusion: there is need to increase the finances for the maternal

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14.85 Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and

PRECONCEPTION CARE - AMELIORATING case-control studies. The review was carried out to determine
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES the effect of genetic counselling/screening in the preconception
period in reducing adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Ayesha Mallick Imam, Sohni Vicky Dean, Zohra K. Lassi, Z.A. Results: Despite an extensive search we did not find studies
Bhutta relevant to the outcome of interest. Premarital screening service
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, for thalessemia provided in Iran, was the only valuable evidence
Karachi showing a 70% reduction in thalassemia-affected birth post-
screening. There is otherwise a lack of literature on the provision
Objective: An increasing body of scientific research provides of comprehensive genetic counseling to couples planning a
disconcerting verification of the potential impact of environmental pregnancy and also on the effectiveness of preconception genetic
toxins (chemicals, occupational and non-occupational radiation) screening. However, review of literature for cystic fibrosis
that greatly affect human reproductive health and human showed that majority of couples welcome the idea of a pre-
development. pregnancy screening test.
Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort Conclusion: We found limited evidence identifying the
and case-control studies. The review was carried out to effectiveness of any genetic screening and counseling, provided
determine the magnitude of risk that environmental exposures, in the preconception period, in dealing with outcomes in affected
including radiation and chemicals (whether occupational or pregnancies. however, the success of Iran's thalassemia screening
non-occupational), in the preconception period poses to program as well as a general receptiveness amongst couples of
women, and how this impacts pregnancy and neonatal such services, needs to be utilized by health policy makers in
outcomes. devising comprehensive genetic counseling to all couples planning
Results: Occupational radiation exposure in women before a pregnancy and genetic screening services to women, keeping
conception leads to a significant 30% increase in 1st trimester in mind the regional prevalence of genetic disorders.
miscarriages and a significant 29% increase in overall childhood
cancers. Paternal X-ray exposure leads to significantly increased Keywords: Preconception, genetic screening, genetic
rates of fetal growth restriction and decreased birth weights. counselling
Data pertaining to the effect of environmental exposures on
MNCH outcomes is at best limited. it shows a 27% increase in
spontaneous abortions in those exposed to pesticides in the 14.87
preconception period (p < 0.0001), especially spontaneous PRECONCEPTION CARE: CHRONIC DISEASES AND
abortions in <12 weeks of gestation. Data also links living in a MEDICATION USE
lead-polluted area to a 3-fold increase in congenital heart defects.
Data points to a 10% increase in the risk of ALL in offsprings Ayesha Mallick Imam, Sohni Vicky Dean, Zohra K. Lassi, Z.A.
of fathers exposed to various chemicals (paints, thinners, solvents Bhutta
etc) in the preconception period as compared to 44% when the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
mother was exposed. Karachi
Conclusion: An absolute deficiency of data exists to assess the
possible relation between environmental exposures before Objective: Most women are unaware of how their pre-pregnancy
conception and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. This clearly health status affects their pregnancy outcomes, and many enter
delineates the work for future research as countless environmental pregnancy with risks that are preventable, such as chronic
agents still need to be studied for their effects MNCH outcomes. medical conditions. Medication usage among pregnant women
Only then will comprehensive interventions to reduce exposure and women of reproductive age is common. Systemic Lupus
be designed and evaluated for a final formation of a sound policy Erythematosus was taken as the prime example of autoimmune
dealing with this topic. disorders. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly
affects women in the childbearing age group, and thus the effect
Keywords: preconception, environment, radiation of pregnancy on the disease and vice versa is an important
consideration in the management of these patients. Increasing
numbers of treated individuals with inherited metabolic diseases
14.86 are surviving childhood and henceforth considering their
PRECONCEPTION CARE - GENETIC COUNSELLING reproductive options. more women with phenylketonuria are
becoming pregnant and need appropriate management as poor
Ayesha Mallick Imam, Sohni Vicky Dean, Zohra K. Lassi, Z.A. disease control is associated with a multitude of fetal
Bhutta consequences. It has been estimates that more than 80% of
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health,Aga Khan University, pregnant women take OTC or prescription drugs during
Karachi pregnancy.
Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and
Objective: Genetic diseases comprise an important set of diseases case-control studies. The review was carried out to determine
affecting children. Couples who delay childbearing or in a the magnitude of risk that chronic medical conditions and
consanguineous marriage are at higher risk, but all parents medication use, in the preconception period, poses to women,
potentially risk having a child with a birth defect or hereditary and how this impacts pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
abnormality. Results: Active SLE at conception was associated with

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hypertension and pre-eclampsia, and active nephritis per say, for GDM .The mean birth weight was similar in both the groups;
was associated with maternal hypertension and premature birth. that is, 2.9 kg in the metformin group and 2.88 kg in the insulin
No relevant literature addressing interventions for reducing group. Frequency of SGA was comparable; 5.7% in the metformin
SLE-related pregnancy outcomes were found. Strict dietary group and 9.3% in the insulin group (p value=0.71). A higher
control before conception in women with PKU, leads to an percentage of women in the insulin group developed gestational
improved mean PHe level in the 1st trimester, the period of hypertension, 22.2% vs 13.7%, though, it did not reach statistical
organogenesis and has a strong association with improved growth significance (p value=0.31).One neonate in the metformin group
parameters (birth weight, head circumference). Current evidence developed respiratory distress syndrome versus none in the
for effectiveness of preconception care for women with epilepsy insulin group. 7.8% of neonate in the metformin group and 3.6%
is encouraging but inconclusive. Amongst chronic medication in the insulin group were shifted to NICU (p value=0.42).
usage extending into the periconception period: use of Conclusion: Metformin is as effective as insulin in treatment of
bronchodilators leads to a significant doubling of the rate of diabetes in pregnancy.
gastroschisis, especially the use of bronchodilators; use of any
weight loss drug was significantly associated with an increased Keywords: Metformin, pregnancy
incidence of congenital anomalies in the fetus, especially heart
defects; use of oral contraceptives led to no significant increase
in spontaneous abortions or any fetal outcomes; use of vasoactive 14.90
substances was linked to limb defects in the fetus. Current MATERNAL FACTORS INFLUENCING CHILD
literature says attainment of a euthyroid status during the 1st DEVELOPMENT – A THOUGHT FROM A DEVELOPING
trimester is essential for reducing thyroid related morbidity. Data COUNTRY
for the effect of other medical conditions was limited to exposure
during pregnancy and not specifically in the period under study. Sameer Ur Rehman, Hassaan Hasan Bashir
Conclusion: • Research into better preconception care plans for Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi
women with chronic medical conditions and more effective
implementation of these plans is needed. medication use in the Objective: Children in developing countries are exposed to
preconception period should aim to balance the maternal risk multiple risk factors for poor development. Among these, the
of uncontrolled disease and the fetal risk of possible teratogenic maternal factors seem to play the most important role in the
effects. early development of the child.
Method: We focused on maternal risk factors to which children
Keywords: Preconception, chronic diseases, medication use are exposed to from birth (possibly in utero) up to 5 years of
age and that affect large numbers of young children in developing
countries. These factors were divided into biological and social
14.89 risks. Databases we searched were MEDLINE (PubMed), the
EFFECTIVENESS OF METFORMIN VERSUS INSULIN Cochrane Review and the World Health Organization.
FOR TREATING DIABETES IN PREGNANCY – A Results: The maternal factors can be divided into biological and
RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY TO COMPARE social factors. The biological factors are maternal age, nutritional
MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES status, stress and depression where as the social factors include
poverty, education, parenting behavior and un-stimulating
Farzeen Khalid Hashmi, Ayesha Malik, Lumaan Sheikh, environments for the child development.
Humera Ismail Conclusion: Children in developing countries are exposed to
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga Khan University, multiple risk factors for poor development. However, there is
Karachi very little national data available. The maternal risks described
in this paper are all modifiable and hence can prevent millions
Objective: Metformin is increasingly being used to treat of children from poor development early on in their life. This
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in our population either grave problem will remain unless we take a stand and intervene.
alone or in combination with insulin. The numbers of studies Countries like Pakistan can make a sound investment in the
reporting on metformin use in GDM are still few and most are future by committing to early mother education and child
from the western world. This study was undertaken to compare development; reaching all young, disadvantaged children through
the use of metformin with insulin for treating GDM in an urban high-quality and comprehensive programs. This is no easy task
Pakistani population. and will require the development of sustainable financing and
Method: A retrospective cohort study was performed among policy generation to counteract the high cost of poor child
women with singleton pregnancies diagnosed as GDM who development in terms of the economy and individual
were booked at the AKUH from January 2009 to June 2010. well-being.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes and complications were assessed
for women being treated with metformin and those being treated Keywords:
with insulin
Results: In our study of 110 patients, 53 had received metformin
and 56 patients received insulin as the first line drug of treatment

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14.91 for the reduction of maternal mortality. Background:One in

EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTIONS TO SCREEN AND every 89 Pakistani women dies due to causes related to childbirth
MANAGE INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY ON Midwives are recognized as the most effective health workforce
MANAGING STILLBIRTHS: A REVIEW in reduction of maternal mortality worldwide, especially in
resource poor areas. Difficulties of recruitment and retention of
Sidra Ishaque, M Y Yakoob, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Aamir Imdad midwives especially in rural areas makes management of
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, maternity care difficult in Pakistan
Karachi Method: Electronic databases (Pubmed and Pubget) were searched
using review period January 2005 to March 2011. Search term
Objective: Infection is a well acknowledged cause of stillbirths used was “Midwives and Maternal Health Challenges”. 46/101
and may account for about half of all perinatal deaths today, articles were selected after review of abstracts. Only 9 studies
especially in developing countries. This review presents the conducted in low income countries were finally entered on a
impact of interventions targeting various important infections standardized data extraction form
during pregnancy on stillbirth or perinatal mortality. Results: Studies conducted in Nigeria, Liberia, Zambia, Morocco
Method: We undertook a systematic review including all relevant and Pakistan helped to identify the common barriers faced by
literature on interventions dealing with infections during midwives and include lack of professional competency,
pregnancy for assessment of effects on stillbirths or perinatal insufficient incentives and lack of recognition of midwives role
mortality. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the in safe motherhood by health care system and society at large.
adapted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development Conclusion: Change in health policies, quality midwifery training,
and Evaluation (GRADE) approach by Child Health increase in work incentives and recognition of midwives` vital
Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG). For the outcome of role in society and in health care system are the most needed
interest, namely stillbirth, we applied the rules developed by actions. Removal of existing barriers to midwives in provision
CHERG to recommend a final estimate for reduction in stillbirth of safe motherhood and utilizing midwives to the best possible
for input to the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model. extent, especially in resource poor settings is a low cost strategy
Results: A total of 25 studies were included in the review. A to achieve MDG-5.
random-effects meta-analysis of observational studies of detection
and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy showed a significant Keywords: Midwives, safemotherhood, low cost strategy
80% reduction in stillbirths [Relative risk (RR) = 0.20; 95%
confidence interval (CI): 0.12 - 0.34) that is recommended for
inclusion in the LiST model. Our meta-analysis showed the 14.93
malaria prevention interventions i.e. intermittent preventive RISK FACTORS FOR HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS IN
treatment (IPTp) and insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) PRIMIGRAVID HOSPITAL POPULATION
can reduce stillbirths by 22%, however results were not
statistically significant (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.59 - 1.03). For Rahat N. Qureshi, Rozina Sikandar, Dileep K. Rohra, Neelofur
human immunodeficiency virus infection, a pooled analysis of Babar, Iqbal Azam, Amna Zeb, Hina Zuberi, Ayesha Malik, Syed
6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to show a statistically Muhammad Faisal Hussain
significant reduction in stillbirth with the use of antiretroviral Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Biological &
in pregnancy compared to placebo (RR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.45 - Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
1.92). Similarly, pooled analysis combining four studies for the
treatment of bacterial vaginosis (3 for oral and 1 for vaginal Objective: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are one of the
antibiotic) failed to yield a significant impact on perinatal most significant causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and
mortality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.50 - 1.55). morbidity. As preeclampsia poses serious threat to maternal and
Conclusion: The clearest evidence of impact in stillbirth reduction fetal well being, it is imperative to identify factors that can
was found for adequate prevention and treatment of syphilis predict it. However, the etiology of preeclampsia is still uncertain
infection and possibly malaria. At present, large gaps exist in despite extensive investigation in this area. This study was
the growing list of stillbirth risk factors, especially those that conducted to determine factors associated with gestational
are infection related. Potential causes of stillbirths including hypertension in nulliparous women.
HIV and TORCH infections need to be investigated further to Method: Data was collected prospectively from 221
help establish the role of prevention/treatment and its subsequent pregnant women with hypertension and 1640 control group
impact on stillbirth reduction. for November 2006 to March 2008 as part of a larger study
of primigravida delivering at the two hospitals. Baseline
Keywords: Infections, pregnancy, stillbirth information was collected through a questionnaire at initial visit
and remaining data was retrieved from the hospital records.
Regression techniques were used to calculate odds ratio and risk
14.92 ratio for the factors associated with HDP and adverse maternal
IDENTIFYING BARRIERS IN PROVISION OF SAFE outcomes.
MOTHERHOOD: DO MIDWIVES OFFER A LOW COST Results: Women with a family history of hypertension had 38%
ALTERNATIVE? greater risk of developing preeclampsia. Patients developing
hypertensive disorders had a 65% greater chance of having
Sana Ahmed, Fauziah Rabbani, Shagufta Perveen complication like abruption or pulmonary edema. Parturient
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, with a co existing morbidity like diabetes, or autoimmune
Karachi disorders were 2.34 times more likely to have hypertensive
disorders than women with no preexisting medical condition.
Objective: Objective: To identify strategies needed to remove Women with multiple gestations were 1.83 times more likely to
the barriers faced by midwives in provision of safe motherhood develop preeclampsia Likewise, primi-gravida with preeclampsia

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had 83% greater risk of instrumental delivery Similarly 14.95

preeclamptic women were two times more likely to undergo FEASIBILITY, EQUIRMENT AND EFFECTS OF WORLD
emergency Caesarean section. It was observed that hypertensive HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) GUIDELINES FOR LOW
women were 1.85 times more likely to have low birth weight BIRTH WEIGHTS INFANTS FEEDING IN PAKISTAN
babies and two fold more likely to deliver before 32 weeks than
normotensive women. Muhammad Sohail Salat , Kamran Sadiq, Zamir Suhag,
Conclusion: Our study indicates that advanced maternal age, Sajid Soofi , Zulfiqar A Bhutta
nulliparity, multiple pregnancy and existing co morbid, like Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
renal disease and diabetes, are significant risk factors for Karachi
developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. Women with preeclampsia
are more likely to undergo Caesarean section, have low birth Objective: Birth weight is an important determinant of infant
babies and more likely to deliver before 32 weeks, as compared survival in developing countries. Babies weighing less than
to normotensive women. 2500g are at high risk of developing feeding problems.
Interventions to improve feeding are likely to improve the
Keywords: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Gestational immediate and longer-term wellbeing of infant and to have a
hypertension, Preeclampsia significant impact on neonatal and infant mortality. The aim
of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the
guidelines on the knowledge and skills of mothers and health
14.94 care providers
RISK OF RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY IN Method: Before and after design study, at a district and a sub
NEWBORNS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN district level hospital in Hyderabad.120 babies were enrolled.
KARACHI 20 babies each in the weight category of 1000-1500, 1500-2000
and 2000 -2500grams respectively. 105 health care providers
Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Qazi Assad Khan, Abdul Ahad, were also enrolled in the study. Initial baseline assessment
Muhammad Sohail Salat, Ather M Taqui, Reema Syed, Khabir includes: health care providers and mother’s knowledge and
Ahmad skills of newborn feeding. Intervention phase involves training
Department of Surgery and Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga of health care providers and mothers and final end study
Khan University, Karachi evaluation phase testing the impact of training
Results: The mean gestational age was 35 weeks; mean birth
Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of weight were 1.7 and 1.8 in two groups respectively. Skills and
premature infants. The worldwide incidence of ROP has been knowledge of health providers were also evaluated by pre and
increasing steadily because of advances in neonatal care, post test assessment of the candidates. Improvement was seen
especially in urban areas of developing countries. We assessed in the knowledge and all components of the skills stations with
the risk of ROP and investigated its risk factors in a tertiary care p value <.001. However there was no significant difference in
hospital in Karachi the knowledge and skill of the mother before and after the
Method: We enrolled neonates (weighing =?2000 grams or intervention
having a gestational age of =?34 weeks) born or hospitalized in Conclusion: Implementing the WHO feeding guidelines can
Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi between February 2010 improve knowledge and skills of mothers and health care
and August 2011. Data were collected by a research medical providers. Further operational research with larger sample sizes
officer on demographic variables (gestational age, gender) as is needed to provide more robust estimates.
well as clinical variables (supplemental oxygen, sepsis and
respiratory distress syndrome, blood transfusion, phototherapy, Keywords: Low birth weight, feeding guidelines, WHO
severity of disease). An ophthalmologist carried out fundus
examinations for all the subjects to ascertain the presence of
ROP. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 19.0 14.96
Results: Between February 2010 and August 2011, a total of ROLE OF DIAZOXIDE IN MANAGING NEONATAL
122 infants were recruited in this ongoing study. The risk of HYPOGLYCEMIA – A CASE SERIES
ROP, assessed 4-6 week post birth, was 9.8%. All 12 infants
who had ROP had a birth weight =?1300 grams or with a Muhammad Sohail Salat , Bilal Ahmed , Anila Haroon , Ayesha
gestational age of =?29 weeks). Ejaz Ahmed, Usman Barlass , Huzaifah Salat , Jamal Raza ,
Conclusion: This preliminary analysis reveals that almost all Abdul Jabbar
cases of ROP in our setting were occurring among infants Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
weighting =?1300 grams at birth or who had a gestational age Karachi
of =?29 weeks.
Objective: Neonatal hypoglycemia is common in newborns,
Keywords: ROP , risk, neonates particularly on the first day of life. It is one of the most common
problems seen in nursery and neonatal intensive care units,
accounting to 3% to 29% of pregnancies. Our previous study
identified 8% of neonatal hypoglycemia in AKU born babies
therefore the aim of the study was to evaluate the role of

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Diazoxide in the management of neonatal hypoglycemia. 14.98

Method: We retrospective reviewed twelve (12) neonatal cases CONGENITAL CYSTIC ADENOMATOID MALFORMATION
treated with Diazoxide with definitive diagnosis of hypoglycemia OF LUNG
in neonatal ICU of Aga Khan University hospital. Intravenous
fluids along with hydrocortisone were started for hypoglycemia. Qurratulain Haider, Samina Kehnani, Ali Haider Naqvi
Diazoxide 10mg/ kg orally was started for persistent Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University and
hypoglycemia given until symptoms were resolved. Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Results: Out of twelve babies, 9 were with term gestation , 6
were appropriate for gestational age, 4 intra uterine growth Objective: CCAM,congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
retarded and two large for gestational age babies. 83% required is rare disease.three types depending on size of the cyst.Sometimes
NICU care with sign and symptoms of sepsis. The hypoglycemic spontaneously regrss 15-66%,if not post natal resection is the
spell extended up to 30 days, mean insulin level was 10.45 and answer.Earl detection on anomaly scan and if not regrsee on
the mean duration of Diazoxide requirement was 23 days. follow up scan at 32 weeks,then postnatal confirmation by
Conclusion: The use of Diazoxide in our neonatal population CT.CHEST,so early diagnosis,parents councelling and prompt
is found to be helpful in managing neonatal hypoglycemia and surgical resection to avoid lethal comlications.
to avoid long term complications. Further studies are warranted Method: Patint came to Radiology department for anomay scan
to assess its efficacy amongst neonates. as outside referral. Scan on TOSHIBA,MODEL XARIO,with
3.5mhz convex probe.
Keywords: Case series , neonatal hypoglycemia Results: Multiple cysts in right lung of >2 cm,did not regress
on followup at 31 weeks, BABY delivered SVD in private
hospital,shifted to NICU with respirartory distess,post natal x-
14.97 ray chest and CT CHEST confirmed the diagnisis of CCAM,upper
TRANSIENT HYPERINSULINEMIA OF INFANCY and middle lob rt.lobectomy done.H/PATH.confirmed CCAM
with Muconium Aspiration.
Afaq Motiwala, Muhammad Sohail Salat, Nida Sajjad, Sarah Conclusion: Early detection of a congenital anomaly,follow up
Mansoor, Hafiz Abdul Wase, Abdul Jabbar and parent councelling and early postnatal mangment avoids
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, complications and helps a lot in women and child health
Karachi worldwide.

Objective: Hypoglycemia is a very common problem seen in Keywords: CCAM, ANOMALY SCAN, POSTNATAL CT
the neonatal period, however hyperinsulinism (HI) is the most CHEST
common cause of persistent hypoglycemia. We describe a case
which represents the transient form of hyperinsulinemia in
infancy. 14.99
Method: A male intrauterine growth retarded neonate was born RISK FACTORS FOR ADVERSE OUTCOME IN LATE
near term. After initial stabilization, the patient appeared jittery PRETERM BABIES
with low blood glucose levels, which was managed with
intravenous dextrose infusions. Hypoglycemia persisted and Anila Haroon, Sagheer Ahmed, Sohail Salat
intravenous hydrocortisone was started. Insulin level was 14.6. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Endocrine consult was generated and Diazoxide 10 mg/kg/day Karachi
BID was started, after which hypoglycemia resolved and baby
was subsequently discharged home on diazoxide. Objective: Preterm delivery is one of the most important
Results: The exact mechanism of transient HI in various etiologies determinants of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing
is not entirely understood. HI should be suspected in any infant countries. A broad range of neonatal complications have been
with hypoglycemia who requires a glucose infusion of more documented in the growing literature related to late preterm
than 8 mg/kg/min. Initial interventions for HI are conservative, infants. This study aimed to determine the adverse outcomes
and the first line of therapy is administration of adequate among late preterm infants, and to evaluate if the preterm infants
intravenous glucose. Diazoxide is drug of first choice followed are more prone to development of postnatal complications in
by Octreotide. Partial or complete Pancreatectomy is considered relation to term newborn babies.
as the final treatment option if medical therapy fails. Method: Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted
Conclusion: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia can produce long- at the Pediatric Unit, AKUH during 1st June 2008 to 31st May,
term central nervous system damage. Therefore all neonates 2009. Method: The study included 100 late pre-term babies and
with persistent hypoglycemia need an insulin level, and its 50 term-babies delivered during the study period. Data was
appropriate management in order to decrease morbidity and collected on predesigned Performa and included gestational age,
mortality associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. birth weight, sex, and any complications/risk factors developed
in the form of feeding difficulties, hypoglycemia, transient
Keywords: Hyperinsulinemia , neonatal hypoglycemia tachypnea, respiratory distress syndrome, temperature instability,
presumed or confirmed sepsis, apnea, hypoglycemia, jaundince,
and ventilator requirement. Patients’ information was registered
on that proforma, during the hospital stay as well as after 6
weeks. The data was sorted and analyzed on SPSS v. 16.

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Results: Out of the 100 late pre-term babies, 97% survived 14.101
during the first hospital admission, while 100% of the term BURDEN OF STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIA AND
babies survived. Hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy H.INFLUENZA IN PNEUMONIA AND MENINGITIS
remained the most common complication among the late preterm AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE
infants, being present in 48% and 14% in term infants. All cases
of Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) (n=23), Respiratory Nabeel Siddiqui, Maaman Bashir, Zulfiqar Bhutta
Distress Syndrome (n=16), and Presumed Sepsis (n=41) belonged
to late pre-term infants. Feeding difficulties were reported in 18 Objective: Pneumonia and meningitis are major causes of death
%of late pre-termers , while it was present in only 2% of term in children. H.influenza and strep pneumonia are two of the
babies. most common pathogens causing these diseases. We aimed to
Conclusion: The obstetric and neonatal care at the late preterm assess whether there was a change in the prevalence of these
gestation presents many challenges to the health care team. The infections over the last decade.
pediatrician has the task of caring for late preterm infant who Method: Data was gathered from various journals, indices and
may be seemingly healthy but is at higher risks than term infants dissertations covering infections in the most densely populated
for several neonatal morbidities, higher rates for readmissions, cities in the country. This was then incorporated into tables and
and higher neonatal and postnatal mortality rates. Thus, if compared to previous data.
properly identified, the risks can be handled more carefully, and Results: In a study done in Karachi in 2006, 274 samples out
complications can be prevented. of 791 children with LRTI’s were found to be positive. 52 of
these were found to be H.infleunzae isolates whereas 29 were
Keywords: late preterm, neonates, complications Streptococcus pneumonia. In another study , 84 samples out of
100 were positive.H. influenza was isolated from 12 and strep
pneumonia from 67 samples. In a study done in Bahawalpur,
14.100 there were 300 cases of meningitis out of which 65 were positive
PEDIATRIC ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA AT cultures.21 samples were found to be strep pneumonia, whereas
THREE HOSPITALS IN KARACHI- A PROSPECTIVE 26 were H.influenzae. In another study in Sindh, in 2006, out
COHORT of 412 cases, 83 were positive out of which 32 were strep
pneumonia and 48 were H.infleunzae.
Zehra Fadoo, Muhammad Imran Nisar, Shamvil Asharf, Uzam Conclusion: The results on the burden of pneomonia and
Imam, Ahmed Naqvi, Asim Belgaumi meningitis infections caused by H.inflenza and S.pneumonia
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, are similar to the data from the previous decade. More work
Karachi, Children Cancer Hospital, National Institute of Child needs to be done on the prevention and cure of these potentially
Health fatal infections.

Objective: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) accounts for Keywords: Pneumonia, meningitis, children
nearly a third of cancer diagnosed among children = 15 years.
The overall cure rate is around 80%, but theprogosis is poorer
in developing countries. This study aims to recruit and follow 14.102
over the period of five years incident cases of childhood ALL IMPACT OF MATERNAL EDUCATION ON
at three hospitals of Karachi. COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING ON INFANT NUTRITIONAL
Method: This study is being carried out at Aga Khan University OUTCOMES IN LOW MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.
Hospital, Children’s Cancer Hospital and National Institute of A COMMUNITY BASED RANDOMIZED
Child Health in Karachi. Patient recruitment started in September INTERVENTIONAL STUDY IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
2009.Baseline socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data
was collected using a structured questionnaire. The patients Ali Faisal Saleem, Sadia Mahmud, Naila Baig-Ansari,
were then followed through different phases of chemotherapy Anita Zaidi
for development of toxicity, infections and other outcomes. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Community
Results: So far 370 children with ALL have been enrolled. Mean Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
age was 7. 2 years. 30% were = 1 or =10 years. Two third were
males. Nearly 50% were from Karachi. Fever and pallor was Objective: Malnutrition is a major preventable risk factor
the major presenting sign (90% of cases). Hepatomegaly and for disability and premature mortality in developing
splenomegaly was present in 70% of the patients. Mediastinal countries. Objective To evaluate the impact of maternal
mass was present in nearly 12 % and CNS infiltration in 7 % educational strategies (teaching sessions by trained lady
of the patients. Mean WBC count was 48.3 *109/ liter. 29% had health workers, verbal, pictorial and demonstrative) regarding
WBC count > 50*109/ liter .Upon immunophenotyping 83% appropriate complementary foods for infants on nutritional
were Pre-B ALL. Currently only 50 % of these children are status of infants after 7½ months (30 weeks) of educational
alive and being followed. intervention
Conclusion: Although the demographics and clinical Method: The study was conducted at Bhainse colony (BC) -
characteristics of children with ALL are similar to those reported peri-urban setting of Karachi during Oct 2008 – Oct 2009. BC
elsewhere but the outcome even at this early phase appears was divided into 10 geographically distinct regions; out of these
suboptimal. ten areas intervention was randomly assigned to five areas.
Study participants were the mothers who had an infant 2 ½ - 5
Keywords: Childhood cancers, ALL, Leukemia months old, and had not started complementary food or had

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started within 7 days of enrolment. Mothers in the intervention out consequences of tobacco use in pregnancy. Sindhi speaking
group received three education modules teaching on women, those with lesser education, and higher parity
complementary food at baseline, second and third visit. Outcome require special focus.
(weight, length and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of
infants) was measured at four time points; baseline, second, Keywords:
third and fourth visit (visits were 10 weeks apart).
Results: At the end of the study the mean weight of the infants
was 350 grams more in the intervention group as compared to 14.104
the control. Infants in the intervention group were 0.66 cm taller ETIOLOGY OF SEPSIS IN YOUNG INFANTS IN LOW-
and their MUAC was 0.46 cm more as compared to the controls INCOME COMMUNITIES OF KARACHI
at the end of the study. There was a 5% reduction in the proportion
of underweight and 10% less stunting in the interventional group Fatima Aziz, Aneeta Hotwani, Sana Muslim, Sanober Jafer
as compared to the control group at the end of last follow up. Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
However there was no difference in wasting between the groups Karachi
at the end of the study.
Conclusion: For food secure population educational intervention Background: Systemic infection in the newborn is the
on complementary foods to the mothers has a direct positive commonest cause of neonatal mortality. Sepsis is responsible
impact on linear growth of infants as they were heavier, taller for about 30-50% of the total neonatal deaths in developing
and healthier as compared to infants of mothers who did not countries. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that
receive the special education modules on complementary foods. globally, approximately 10% of all child deaths are attributable
to neonatal sepsis or pneumonia. Neonatal sepsis is a high-risk
Keywords: Complementary feeding, education intervention, disease and related mortality can largely be preventable by
linear growth rational antimicrobial therapy. Blood culture is the gold standard
for the identification of sepsis. Collection of blood cultures prior
to antibiotic administration offers the best hope for identifying
14.103 the organism that causes severe sepsis in neonates.
SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS FOR TOBACCO USE Objective: To determine the etiology of sepsis in young infants
DURING PREGNANCY IN PERI-URBAN KARACHI, in low-income communities with high proportion of home births.
PAKISTAN. Study Design: Blood cultures were aseptically collected from
babies with possible serious bacterial infection who were seen
Fyezah Jehan and Anita Zaidi in our community study clinics in Karachi. Collected blood was
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University, injected into the Peds Plus bottle, and transported to the Paediatric
Karachi Infectious Disease Research Lab under controlled temperature
and monitored transportation conditions. Bottles received were
Objective: Tobacco use of any kind is associated with adverse incubated in the continuous monitoring BACTEC 9050 system
maternal and neonatal outcomes and is an important modifiable within 2 hours of collection for 7 days. In order to determine
risk factor. There is no data on tobacco use during pregnancy. the exact volume of blood obtained each bottle was weighed
Method: This study sought to assess the prevalence of tobacco before inoculation and after inoculation in the laboratory using
use among pregnant women in five low income peri urban a well-calibrated and sensitive scale. Bottles with no growth
settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. From January 2011 to April after seven days were regarded as negative. Positive blood
2011 1209 pregnant women were enrolled in the last trimester culture bottles were processed for Gram staining and sub cultured
of pregnancy. Responses were obtained related to use of tobacco on appropriate microbiological media. Identification of bacteria
anytime during pregnancy and socio demographic characteristics done by biochemical and serological methods. Antimicrobial
such as age of woman , woman and spousal education, ethnicity, susceptibility of all isolates is determined by Kirby Bauer disk
parity, household characteristics and toilet use. Socio demographic diffusion method according to Clinical Laboratory Standard
factors associated with tobacco use were identified through Institute guidelines (CLSI).
logistic regression analysis. Results: 850 blood culture samples were received, and 57
Results: The overall response rate was 91.1% (1209).The overall (6.7%) grew an organism considered a pathogen. Among
prevalence of tobacco use was 18.4%.Among those only 13 (5.8 57, there were 10 Pseudomonas, 9 Acinetobacter, 6
%) gave a history of smoking tobacco while 216 women (96.9%) Campylobacter species, 4 Escherichia. coli, 4 Streptococcus
reported chewing tobacco anytime during pregnancy. Sindhi pneumoniae, 3 beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A, 3
ethnicity was the strongest risk factor for any kind of tobacco Enterococcus species 1 Streptococcus group D ,.3 Staphylococcus
use (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.3-25.9). Women with increasing education aureus, 3Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 Salmonella species and 1
were less likely to use tobacco (OR 0.89 per 1 year increase in Clostridium perfringens .
education; 95%CI 0.85, 0.95). Moreover a small but significant Conclusion: Young infants in communities with a predominance
association was seen with increasing parity (OR 1.1; 95%CI of home births have an unusual spectrum of pathogens. Rapid
1.05, 1.2). transport is key to enhancing yield.
Conclusion: There is a considerable burden of tobacco
consumption during pregnancy. Smokeless tobacco use is Keywords: Possible Severe Bacterial Infection, Blood
more prevalent. Further attention is required to find Culture

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15.2 based on their competence, performance, patient care processes

PHYSICIAN SATISFACTION SURVEY ON CONTINUING and management on a five point Likert scale. Respondents’
MEDICAL EDUCATION responses in terms of type, committed time, usefulness,
sponsorships and settings were also analyzed.
Farhan Vakani , Wasim Jafri , Nizar Bhulani , Mughis Sheerani Results: A total of 194 health physicians completed the
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi questionnaire (response rate = 100%), 56% of the responses
were from female physicians. A majority of the respondents in
Objective: This study aimed to assess physician satisfaction for their replies ranked local large-group lectures, symposiums and
continuing medical education (CME) events at Aga Khan workshops higher than journal clubs, conferences and on-line
University, Pakistan over three months. CMEs. More than half of the respondents rated the impact of
Method: A survey to assess the quality of CME events was CMEs on a five point Likert scale as good or very good. This
offered using a questionnaire based on the Multi-item Likert was in relevance to increase in their competence, performance,
scale. The post-event feedback form was distributed to n=900 patient care processes and change in management style.
participants attending various CME activities. Descriptive Conclusion: The data generated through the survey is subject
statistics were performed on the responses obtained. A rating of to desirability bias and may over-represent the responses. The
3 or more points was defined as satisfactory; rating lower than other limitation was the single university setting. The methodology
3 was defined as unsatisfactory. can thus be adaptable by CME planners within the region to
Results: From a total of 800 forms received, 728 were completely assess the impact of the current CME activities in improving
filled; these 81% were included in the study. More than 90% of physicians’ competence and professionalism, and in designing
the participants rated the CME activity as “satisfactory” (= 3 effective academic activities for future. There is no study
points) for appropriateness of the stated objectives of the session; that demonstrates the impact of the types of CME on physicians
content fitting the objectives; presentation at the level of in the Pakistani medical profession and hence is of high interest.
understanding; facilitator-learner interaction; acquisition of new
knowledge; time management; responses to queries, and Keywords: Continuing medical education, physicians, Pakistan
administrative measures. Approximately 10% of the participants
rated the CME activity as “unsatisfactory” (< 3 points) for the
aforementioned variables. 15.8
Conclusion: Though, level-1of Kirkpatrick’s model does not CONTENT AUDIT OF DRUG ADVERTISEMENTS IN
guarantee learning and hence exhibits unclear picture of the PAKISTAN
effectiveness of CME. However, it was applied to assess physician
satisfaction in this study as evaluation through other levels was Farhan Vakani, Kashif Naqvi, Almas Amin
quite challenging and is influenced by a large number of other Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Karachi
factors. Moreover, this study was limited to a single university
setting. This study would help CME providers plan improvements Objective: There is evidence that irrational pharmacotherapy is
for future continuing medical education activities. This evaluation increasingly encountered in developing countries due to unethical
model would be a source of motivation for other professional pharmaceutical promotion (1, 2). Anecdotal evidence suggests
bodies within the region to adopt it as a tool to assess physicians’ that information provided to physicians in drug advertisements
satisfaction with CME events. is inaccurate. It is important to study the contents of drug
advertisements as they influence healthcare providers’ prescribing
Keywords: Continuing Medical Education, Physician, Survey behaviour
Method: A sample of 120 drug advertisements was drawn by
non-probability convenience sampling from among the stalls of
15.3 50 pharmaceutical companies participating in an exhibition in
CME THAT IMPACTS MOST PHYSICIANS: A SURVEY Karachi, Pakistan. 23 belonging to the NSAID drug group were
selected and evaluated on whether they met guidelines for ethical
Farhan Vakani, Fatima Jafri, Sara Rahman, Muhammad Saleem, advertisements as laid down in the Drugs Act, 1976.
Safia Awan, Mughis Sheerani,Wasim Jafri Results: Only 5 out of the 23 advertisements met at least 14 out
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi ,Cornell of 16 criteria for ethical advertisements as given in the Drugs
University, Ithaca, New York, USA and Liaquat University of Act, 1976.
Health Sciences, Hyderabad Conclusion: Pharmaceutical advertisements subtly influence the
prescribing behaviour of health providers and therefore affect
Objective: The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the end user of these drugs, the patient. Prescription of irrational
the best type of CME activity that made the most impact on the and/or harmful drugs is both unethical and dangerous. The
physicians’ behavior in changing their practices and to derive competent authorities must actively monitor advertisements to
future needs for planning effective continuing medical education ensure that they comply with the law, and impose penalties in
(CME) activities. cases of non-compliance. It is also important to teach our
Method: This paper presents a survey. A questionnaire was physicians how to analyse the contents of advertisements to
designed, pilot-tested and administered in a CME session to all enable them to meet their moral and professional obligations to
the health physicians of a private medical university in Sind their patients.
province of Pakistan. The questionnaire incorporated seven core
items that assessed the impact of different types of CME activities Keywords: Drugs, Pakistan, Audit
on the physicians. The respondents rated the impact of CME

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15.10 increased scrutiny, for which Pakistan is in dire need of National

HOW SELF-EFFICACY AFFECTS THE PERFORMANCE commercial support policy for defining the collaboration and
OF LEARNER? transparency in the interactions. Proper compliance between the
CME provider and the pharmaceutical industry would gain more
Farhan Vakani, Mughis Sheerani , Azam Afzal, Almas Amin respect and distinction between the two, and would lead to
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Karachi healthier and more honest relationships.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to discuss the types of Keywords:

attribution that causes learners to make judgement (i.e. self
efficacy) about academic success or failure or about a specific
task. 15.13
Method: This paper discusses how self-efficacy fluctuates in PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN OF
different situations that learner encounters and how it can be LESS THAN 5 YEARS OF AGE IN A KACHI ABADI IN THE
enhanced and controlled. REHRI GOTH IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
Results: This paper projects how learners should engage
themselves in the strategic, step-by-step learning and should Usman Younis Panni, M. Yousuf Memon
attribute their academic success or failure with the presence or Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
absence of strategic approaches. Karachi
Conclusion: All types of attribution based on which learners
make their judgement (i.e. self efficacy), about academic success Objective: Background: Prevalence of stunting and wasting is
or failure will affect their capabilities to deal with different 32.50% and 16.5% respectively in rural areas of Pakistan which
realities. This judgement influences learners to choose what to is higher in comparison to the urban areas.5 In Pakistan
do, how much effort to be invested in the activity, how long to malnutrition is not simply a health hazard but also a serious
carry the phase of disappointment, and whether to approach the impediment to national development.There is no scientific data
task anxiously or with assurance.This paper provides the available on prevalence of malnutrition among children under
background of the influence of locus of control on the five years of age in rural area of Rehri Goth, Karachi. The
performance and efficiency of the learner in this competitive present study was designed to assess the prevalence of
community. malnutrition and to identify the risk factor/factors specific to
this particular community.Objective:The objective of this study
Keywords: self-efficacy, learners, attribution is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children of less
than 5 years of age in Rehri Goth through a 30-day cross sectional
survey
15.11 Method: The 30- day cross sectional survey was undertaken in
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND the month of January,2011 at t a local child health centre of Aga
PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY Khan University in Rehri Goth ,Karachi . Various anthropometric
measures, clinical and dietary information using a standardized
Farhan Vakani, Wasim Jafri, Almas Amin, Mughis Sheerani questionnaire provided by the Department of Community Health
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Karachi Sciences,AKUH were collected. The responses were given by
mothers of the children.
Objective: The objective of this paper is to discuss the relationship Results: Results: Out of 70,24.3% were at/or below 5th
between the continuing medical education providers (academia) centile,12.9% were at 10th centile,25.7% were on 25th centile
and industries. and remaining 14.3%,11.4%,5.7% and 5.7% were on 50th, 75th,
Method: This paper examines the importance of funding support 90th and 95th centiles respectively.The average age for weaning
by the industry for CME activities. was about 9-10 months, and the first solid food was banana in
Results: The importance and provision of the funds from the children followed by biscuit , rice and ready-made cereals
pharmaceutical industry for CME promotion in our part of world .average age at which children started walking was 13-15
is determined and not to be neglected. However, we submit this months.69.2% of the children had history of recurrent diarrhea
fact that the future of all continuing medical education depends and 70% of them had respiratory tract infections including
on pharmaceutical support and the providers are heavily seasonal allergic reactions
dependent on the pharmaceutical industry to remain in action. Conclusion: Conclusion: Proper health and nutritional guidelines
Conclusion: Medical education and profession is regarded as a should be introduced into the community in order to maintain
moral of enterprise based on a blind faith between the physician high levels of nutrition in the pediatric age group. Early
and the patient. The funding support by the industry should not intervention and education of the community by a dietitian is
bind or influence physician’s prescription for any reason. To be advised for the community.
trusted, medicine must be free of all such dependency; it should
be accountable only to the society it serves and to its own Keywords: Prevalence, malnutrition, children
professional standards.The relationship between the
pharmaceutical industry and the academia is coming under

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15.14 General Radiography, Portable radiography, Mammography and

AWARENESS OF THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETER ultra sonography. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
(TLD) IN RADIATION WORKERS & AVAILABILITY OF impact of radiographer’s personality on patients and also measure
RADIATION PROTECTION DEVICES IN DIFFERENT the level of patients’ satisfaction with radiological services
ORGANIZATIONS Method: The study was conducted in Radiology department of
Aga Khan University hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Radiographers’
Zafar Jamil, Syed Muddabir Zaidi, Amin Shah, Masood Ahmed personality profiles and level of patients’ satisfaction with
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi radiological services were collected by using questionnaire that
were filled by patients or attendants accompanying them for the
Objective: Increasing awareness of the risk of ionizing radiation radiological procedure. Questionnaire were filled just after
exposure to health workers has led to numerous changes in completed the exams.
practices, radiation doses of occupational personnel exposure Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were sent out of which
from diagnostic x rays, therapeutic installations, and patients 200 (80%) responded, 168 (84%) of them agreed on the impact
were measured using thermo luminescent dosimeters and the of personality of radiographers, 149(74.5 %) responders showed
awareness of TLD should be adequate in radiation workers their satisfaction on radiological services. The remaining 51
because of biological effects of ionizing radiation. A thermo (25.5%) were unsatisfied due to lack of communication and
luminescent dosimeter, or TLD, is a type of radiation dosimeter. patients' waiting time, radiographers attitude and their attire.
A TLD measures ionizing radiation exposure by measuring the Conclusion: we found that patients not only focus on the technical
amount of visible light emitted from a crystal in the detector skills but also personality of radiographer. The appearance,
when the crystal is heated. The amount of light emitted is responsiveness an communication do have an impact on the
dependent upon the radiation exposure. On the other hand our patients and increase their satisfaction level. We should focus
survey also demonstrated the availability of radiation protection on appearance communication and responsiveness because they
devices (shielding) in different organizations, because these can increase their satisfaction level
devices are one of the basic requirement of the radiation workers.
Method: The authors develop questionnaire regarding basic Keywords: Radiographers, services
knowledge of TLD & check list of the radiation protection
devices which are available in their organization. Prospectively,
radiation workers of different tertiary care hospitals (AKUH, 15.16
Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, and JPMC and CIVIL Hospital) are INTRAVENOUS CONTRAST EXTRAVASATION;
evaluated. FREQUENCY AND OUTCOME OF CONTRAST
Results: Out of 120 questionnaires that were sent out in two EXTRAVASATION INJECTED THROUGH POWER
groups 100 (83.3%) filled out. The awareness level of TLD INJECTOR DURING C.T SCANS EXAMINATION
among radiation workers in group A was found to be 77% and
52 % in group B. The availability of radiation monitoring device Syed Muddabir Zaidi, Zafar Jamil, Syed Amin Shah,
was 95 % in both groups and the availability of radiation Waseem Memon
protection devices in Groups A were 83.5% and in Group B Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
were 36 %.
Conclusion: The Lead aprons were available in both groups but Objective: Extravasation is leakage of fluids, drugs, or solutions
rest of devices varies in private and government hospitals. Need from a vein into the surrounding tissue during intravenous
to increase the awareness of TLD/film badge and the role of administration. It can occur during hand or power injection.
ALARA and LMP among the radiation workers. Awareness and Extravasations can produce mild symptoms such as pain and
training options are better for private than government hospitals. swelling and can result in severe symptoms such as limitations
in extremity movement and even surgical intervention can be
Keywords: Radiation done. Faster flow rates protocols, e.g. cardiac CT work, biphasic
scans can be a cause of contrast extravasations and these
extravasations are causing increased morbidity.
15.15 Method: This retrospective study was carried out for examinations
IMPACT OF RADIOGRAPHER’S PERSONALITY TRAITS between 1st June 2008 to 30th may 2010, conducted in CT scan
ON PATIENTS AND THEIR LEVELS OF SATISFACTION suite Radiology Department Aga khan University Hospital. The
WITH THE RADIOLOGICAL SERVICES data was collected through extravasation data form and radiology
information system (RIS) Aga khan hospital Karachi.
Syed Muddabr Zaidi, Amin Shah, Zafar Jamil, Asad Jafri Results: Total number of contrast studies was 10920. The total
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi patients suffered extravasations of contrast were 66, which
consisted 0.6% of the total sample. Out of these 66 patients 30
Objective: Radiographers have much patient interaction, so they (45.5%) were male and 34 (51.5%) were female. Children below
must possess excellent communication skills, a dependable 15 years consisted of 2 (3%) in numbers. the amount of
personality with mature and caring nature. Radiologic services extravasations were of 20- 30 ml in 80% of the patient. the
are offered in various settings such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, reason behind the contrast extravasation was improper I.V

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canulation and most of the patients had undergone chemotherapy. 15.18

Conclusion: International reference benchmark of contrast A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF NEONATAL
extravasation department of radiology university of Michigan HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA: G6PD MEDITERRANEAN
health system1 were 0.7%. Extravasations of nonionic iodinated VARIANT VS. G6PD REPLETE NEWBORNS
contrast medium results only rarely in moderate or severe adverse
effects, and these usually occur only when large volumes of Bushra Moiz, Amna Nasir, Salima Amin Kherani , Sarosh Ahmed
contrast medium are injected through power injector. Good Khan, Maqbool Qadir
canulation and monitoring of patient during injection can result Department of Pathology & Microbiology and Paediatrics &
in reduced number of contrast extravasations. Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Keywords: IV, CT scan, power injection Objective: There is a strong correlation between G6PD deficiency
and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with a rare but potential threat
15.17 to devastating acute bilirubin encephalopathy. G6PD deficiency
A CLINICAL AUDIT OF THE HEALTH CARE was observed in 4-14% of hospitalized icteric neonates in
PERSONNEL’S COMPLIANCE FOR COMPLETING Pakistan and G6PD 563C-T is the most frequently reported
TRANSFUSION REACTION FORMS. variant in this population. The current study aimed at observing
the hospital course of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia secondary
Shabneez Malik, Muhammad Khurshid, Bushra Moiz, Fatima to G6PD 563C-T mutation and comparing the same with G6PD
Azra Ausat replete babies.
Department of Radiology and Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Method: We reviewed medical records of 227 icterus babies [33
Khan University, Karachi G6PD deficient and 194 G6PD normal] for clinical spectra and
laboratory course during their hospital stay.G6PD variants were
Objective: The reporting of adverse transfusions reactions is an analysed in deficient babies through RFLP-PCR.
essential component of hemovigilance and allows a rapid and Results: G6PD 563C-T and 131 C-G were respectively observed
thorough investigation leading to a corrective action. If a blood in 21 (62%) and three (8%) babies. DNA of 10 (30%) newborns
transfusion reaction has occurred, a completely filled form along remained uncharacterized. In sharp contrast to G6PD normal
with EDTA blood sample and a sample of urine should be sent neonates, babies with 563C-T variant had significantly lower
to the blood bank within 1 hour. This audit was conducted to enzyme activity (mean ±1SD; 0.3±0.2 U/gHb vs. 13.9±4.4
assess the compliance of health personnel for sending completely U/gHb, p-value 0.000) reaching higher peak values of mean
filled blood transfusion reaction forms accompanied by the total serum bilirubin levels (mean ±1SD; 16.7±9.0 mg/dl vs.
required samples. The sub-aim was to evaluate the frequency 13.9±4.5 mg/dl, p-value 0.008) and sooner after birth (mean
of reported transfusion reactions. ±1SD 2.9±1.6 vs. 4.4±2.5 days p-value 0.008). No statistically
Method: The study was conducted for three months from 1st significant difference was observed in mean weight, age at
April 2010 till 30th June 2010. A proforma was made and 29 presentation, hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, TSH assay, hospital
transfusion reactions were evaluated. Compliance was assessed stay and in frequency of phototherapy or blood exchange in the
by grading each form based on an arbitrary system. A compliance two groups.
of 50% was considered as being acceptable. Conclusion: We concluded that G6PD 563C-T mutation carried
Results: Majority of the forms (79.3%) were filled by other a significant risk of early and moderate bilirubinemia in neonates.
health care personnel (nurses and other paramedical staff). In Since this variant is associated with very low enzyme activity,
15 (51.7%), information regarding the location of the patient, G6PD assay should be a mandatory neonatal screening in regions
the component and the amount transfused, the signs and symptoms having a high frequency of G6PD Mediterranean.
were missing. Most of the forms (93%) were in legible
handwriting. Only 20 blood bags, 19 urine samples and 23 Keywords: G6PD variants, G6PD Mediterranean, Neonatal
EDTA samples were sent to the blood bank within 1 hour. All Hyperbilirubinemia
the forms had a compliance level of above 50%.
Conclusion: Even though all the forms had compliance above
70%, only 8 forms had a compliance of 100% and there is room 15.21
for improvement. A re-audit will then be undertaken to assess FIBEROPTIC INTUBATION IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT
the compliance after taking appropriate measures to educate the WITH SEVERE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)
health care personnel. ANKYLOSIS: A CASE REPORT.

Keywords: Transfusion , audit, compliance Ali Asghar, Faisal Shamim, Asiyah Aman
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Objective: The anesthetic management of children with

craniofacial abnormalities presents a real challenge for the
anesthesiologist .Awake fibreoptic intubation with topical
anesthesia in anticipated difficult airway is regarded as the safest

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approach. But patient’s co-operation is essential so it is not an PACU for critical patients; (2) relieving nurses of the many
ideal option for children. In this case report, we are reporting indirect tasks and assigning these duties to the support staff so
the case of an eleven year old child who was a diagnosed case that the PACU nurses can spend more time in direct patient care
of bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. and (3) assigning a dedicated team comprising an anesthetist
Method: The child was scheduled for bilateral gap arthroplasty and surgical doctor, exclusively for the PACU.
with left sided coronoidectomy under general anaesthesia Her
mouth opening was severely reduced along with receding chin. Keywords: Experiences, postanesthesia, prolonged-stay
We decided to proceed with awake fiberoptic intubation under
regional anaesthesia with the presence of ENT surgeon in the
operating room for emergency tracheostomy if required. The 15.23
child became uncooperative in the OR, so inhalational induction COMPETENCE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN
was done with Sevoflurane in 100% oxygen.Sevoflurane is an CARING OF HEPATITIS C PATIENTS: BLESSING AND
ideal agent for inhalational induction and has an important role DISTRESSING
in management of difficult airway because the depth of anesthesia
can be rapidly altered and the patient can be awakened if airway Noureen Shehzad Jiwani, Raisa Begum Gul
cannot be controlled. School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Results: Our case was successfully managed.
Conclusion: We conclude that adequate sedation along with Objective: Background: As a chronic disease, Hepatitis C impedes
topical airway anesthesia is essential for successful fibreoptic patients’ physical, psychosocial, financial, and emotional
intubation in pediatric age group. wellbeing throughout their illness. Competence of health care
professional, especially their communication skills and attitude
Keywords: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, Fiberoptic towards Hepatitis C may help to ease or add to the burden of
intubation , sevoflurane this disease for patients and their families. Although few studies
are available about the interactions of health care professionals
with hepatitis C patients and caregivers, little is known about
15.22 this phenomenon in the developing countries including Pakistan.
EXPERIENCES OF NURSES CARING FOR PROLONGED- Objective: This poster will particularly focus on the competence
STAY PATIENTS IN POSTANESTHESIA CARE UNIT AT of health care professionals from the perspective of patients and
THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, KARACHI. caregivers.
Method: Method: Using descriptive exploratory design, data
Sharifa Bashir Lalani, Fauziya Ali, Zeenatkhanu Kanji, Salma were collected through in-depth interviews, from eight caregivers
Jaffer, Mohammed Ali and 10 patients of hepatitis C. Interviews were tape recorded
School of Nursing and Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan and transcribed verbatim; manual content analysis was performed
University, Karachi for extracting themes and categories.
Results: Findings: Data was organized into three categories i.e.
Objective: The role of the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is knowledge, skills, and attitude. All the categories were subsumed
to provide short term monitoring of patients following surgery, under the theme of ‘Blessing with Adversity’.
until recovery from the anesthesia. However, transfer of patients Conclusion: Conclusion: Findings of this study reveal that
from the PACU to their designated units may be delayed due to appropriate understanding of hepatitis C is critical for health
various reasons. The percentage of prolonged-stay (> 2hours) care professionals of Pakistan, not only to alleviate patients and
patients in the PACU has progressively increased from 18% to caregivers suffering but also to reduce the prevalence of
27% per month, from 2007 to 2009, at the Aga Khan University hepatitis C.
Hospital (AKUH). The purpose of the study is to explore the
experiences of PACU nurses caring for prolonged-stay patients Keywords: Competence, health care providers, hepatitis C
in PACU at AKUH, Karachi.
Method: A qualitative descriptive-exploratory study aimed at
exploring the experiences of six nurses working in the PACU
at a tertiary care hospital was employed. The data was collected
using semi-structured interview guide.
Results: The data were grouped into categories and subcategories,
and an overarching theme was derived from content analysis.
The content analysis generated three categories: (1) organizational
factors; (2) general effects; and, (3) recommendations. An
overarching theme that weaved through the data was ‘factors
impacting quality patient care’.
Conclusion: The major recommendations by the participants of
this study were: (1) ensuring the establishment of a separate

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15.25 females. 7/28 had suspicion of esophageal atresia antenatally.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MSBOS ( MAXIMUM SURGICAL Commonest antenatal finding was polyhydromnias with small
BLOOD ORDERING SCHEDULE) AND IMPACT OF stomach. 17/28 (57%) children were full term neonates. The
PHYSICIAN’S EDUCATION ON BLOOD UTILIZATION. mean birth weight was in range of 1.2 kg to 4.0 kg. 2 children
had right sided aortic arch. 6/28 of neonates operated on 3rd
Farheen Karim, Bushra Moiz, Mohammad Khurshid, day of life. Most common type of fistula was type C 25/28
Tabish Chawla (88%) followed by type A 2/28 (7%) and type E 1/28 (4%). All
Departments of Pathology & Microbiology and Surgery, of them had three stage repair. Majority of neonates had contrast
Aga Khan University, Karachi study done on 7th postoperative day; there was only one case
of anastomotic leak postoperatively, managed conservatively.
Objective: MSBOS for the institution was designed in 2000 4/28 neonates had anastomotic narrowing (18%) which did not
through blood utilization committee when it was observed that require dilatation. Our mortality rate was (7%).
transfusion practices were without scientific reasons. The Conclusion: Preoperative birth weight and gap between proximal
objective of the study was: i) To observe the impact of MSBOS and distal pouch is a strong indicator of prognosis of. A good
and that of physician’s education on utilization of blood. ii) To NICU care will lead to good postoperative results.
compare C/T (cross-matched to transfused) ratio prior to and
after implementation of MSBOS. Keywords: Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula, neonates,
Method: This was a retrospective study conducted at Aga Khan NICU
University Hospital. Data was retrieved through ISD. The
variables analysed included number of elective surgeries
performed, number of transfusion done and number of red cells 15.27
cross matched and transfused (C/T ratio). These variables were BOMB BLAST INJURIES IN CHILDREN, ARE WE
measured in 2000 and then again in 2010. Patient’s and physician’s PREPARED TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE?
identification were kept confidential.
Results: In 2000, the C/T ratio observed for C-section, TURP, Ahmad Vaqas Faruque, Sohail Asgar Dogar,
total knee replacement and CABG were 32, 22, 11.42 and 4.77 Mohammad Arshad, Shabbir Hussain
respectively. In 2010, total no: of C-section performed were 416 Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
out of which 43 were transfused blood. In CABG out of 370
surgeries, 303 patients were transfused, in TURP 4 out of 155, Objective: In Pakistan, suicide bombing besides victimizing
in laproscopic cholecytectomy 9 out of 440 and in total knee military personnel, civilians including children, is becoming a
replacement 6 out of 40 were transfused. The C/T ratio in relevant and massive health problem and the human and economic
majority of these surgeries was between 0-1. costs of the injuries are tremendous. The spectrum of paediatric
Conclusion: Significant impact of implementation of MSBOS injuries seen after a bomb blast is poorly documented. Objectives:
was seen with marked reduction in the utilization of blood and The aim of this study is to describe the spectrum of injuries and
the C/T ratio. This is an indirect evidence of the improvement their management in children in suicide bombings in Pakistan.
in the transfusion practices of physicians. Method: A study was conducted in which all children younger
than 14 years, who were injured during the suicidal blasts from
Keywords: MSBOS, CT ratio, surgeries December 2009 to June 2010 in Karachi, Pakistan who presented
at our hospital, was included.
Results: Total 181 causalities reported, 31 of them were children.
15.26 23 patients had shrapnel injuries involving the exposed body
MANAGEMENT AND OUT COME OF ESOPHAGEAL parts including cornea. 8 patients had injuries on their unexposed
ATRESIA WITH AND WITH OUT TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL body. Major injuries are two patient had Intra abdominal pallets
FISTULA IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRY. 10 YEARS one had Injury to small gut other injuries are six children had
EXPERIENCE. Intra muscular pallets one had Intra articular pallets in knee, six
had Eye involvement two had Injury to pinna and one child has
Ahmad Vaqas Faruque, Saqib Hamid Qazi, Arif Mateen wrist drop. Twelve children had minor injuries. Mean hospital
Khan,.Sohail Dogar stay was 11 days.
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Conclusion: The patterns identified by our study are different
from those in adults and could be used to better equip our
Objective: The study aimed to show the results of hospitals for management of such injuries in case of an adverse
tracheoesophageal fistula with and without fistula, management event, such as a bomb blast in the city. The challenge is to
in third world country like Pakistan. provide appropriate treatment in spite of the potential severity
Method: A retrospective study of 10 years duration from January of injuries.
2001 to December 2010 was conducted. Cases included, all
cases born at our hospital and operated for esophageal atresia Keywords: Bomb blast, blast wave, minor injuries
and excluded children who have operated outside our hospital
or children in which we haven’t done any surgical intervention.
Results: There were 28 neonates enrolled. 18 males and 10

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15.28 Khan University Hospital, Karachi were included and analyzed.

SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF GIANT Results: Forty three patients underwent surgical
OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE CHEST WALL revascularizations. All patients were male, with median age of
28 years (6-60 years). The mechanism of trauma was penetrating
Nida Sajjad, Syed Muhammad Faisal Hussain, Afaq Motiwala, in 67% of patients. The most frequently injured vessel was the
Saulat H. Fatimi popliteal artery (49%), followed by superficial femoral artery
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences and Surgery, (34%), common femoral (9%) and crural arteries (7%). Fifty
Aga Khan University, Karachi one percent of patients had associated fractures of long bones.
Injured vessels were mainly repaired with either interposition
Objective: Primary sarcomas constitute a large group of tumors vein graft (49%) or polytetrafluoroethylene graft (39%). End-
that occur in the lung, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall. to-end anastomosis was done in 12% of patients. Fasciotomies
Osteosarcoma is an example of a sarcoma that has an incidence were performed in 67% of patients. The limb salvage rate was
of approximately 5.6 / 1,000,000 children less than 15 years of 79%. The mortality rate was 7%.
age. They are usually osseous in origin and 60% of the cases Conclusion: All patients presenting with LEAI were young
present between the ages of 10 and 30.Primary osteosarcomas males. Combined venous and orthopedic injuries were associated
arising from the chest wall are a rare occurrence. Appropriately with higher observed limb loss. Aggressive approach to salvage
placed biopsies along with the use of radiology is essential for limb with severe arterial injuries in the absence of life threatening
the diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the chest wall, and hence situation should always be considered especially in the younger
differentiate it from Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, patients.
chondrosarcoma, PNETs, other sarcomas and metastasis from
a range of primary malignancies. Keywords: Lower limb, arterial injury, limb salvage
Method: We report a case of a13 year old female who presented
with complaint of a progressively increasing large swelling in
the left breast along with a history of weight loss. A CT scan 15.31
was done which showed a bulky, lobulated calcified mass POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOR CAESAREAN
involving the left breast and measuring 12x7 cm. The entire SECTION: COMPARISON OF PATIENT CONTROLLED
tumor along with the left lung, the 2nd to 7th ribs, the pericardium, ANALGESIA WITH CONTINUOUS INFUSION USING
and the posterolateral portion of the diaphragm was resected PETHIDINE
and sent for histopathology. Reconstruction of the chest wall
defect was done with prolene mesh and latissimus dorsi flap. Samina Ismail, Gauhar Afshan, Abdul Monem, Aliya Ahmed
On histopathology an intramedullary osteosarcoma of the giant Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
cell rich type of most probable rib origin was reported.
Conclusion: Osteosarcomas commonly involve the metaphyses Objective: Introduction: Management of postoperative pain after
of long tubular bones, especially the distal femur, proximal tibia caesarean section (C/S) requires a balance between pain relief
or proximal humerus. The chest wall is an uncommon site for & undesirable side effects of drugs and technique. Various studies
primary sarcomas and represents 6% to 7% of all cases, as was using continuous opioid infusion could not identify ideal dose
seen in our patient. For treatment of the patient, surgical removal to provide adequate analgesia without supplemental bolus doses
of the primary tumor generally occurs after treatment with or side effects to maintain an adequate level of analgesia during
neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is followed by postoperative rest and activity. PCA devices are now widely used in clinical
chemotherapy. Primary chest wall tumors are generally invasive, practice, and are among the most recommended techniques for
often invading through the full-thickness of the chest wall and the control of moderate to severe postoperative pain. We
extensive excision with clear margins is mandatory. hypothesized that PCA could result in lower pain scores, less
These patients subsequently need bone and soft tissue side effects, more patient satisfaction and reduction in
reconstruction. breakthrough pain requiring rescue analgesia Objectives: In
order to improve conventional postoperative pain management
Keywords: Osteosarcoma, Chest wall tumor after caesarean section, which in our hospital setting is continuous
narcotic infusion, we compared it with patient controlled analgesia
(PCA).
15.29 Method: Method: 120 patients after written informed consent
OUTCOME OF SURGICAL REVASCULARIZATION FOR were enrolled in the study after an uneventful elective caesarean
LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL TRAUMA section under spinal anaesthesia. All patients at 120 minutes
after institution of spinal anaesthesia received 0.5mg/kg bolus
Iram Naz, Zia-ur-Rehman, Munira Aziz,. Ziad Sophie of pethidine. Depending upon the randomization by sealed
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi envelope method, group P received PCIA with 0.15mg/kg bolus
pethidine with 10-minute lockout & group C received continuous
Objective: To determine the outcome of surgical revascularization pethidine infusion at a rate of 0.15mg/kg /hr. All patients received
for lower extremity arterial injuries (LEAI) at tertiary care tablet paracetomal 1 gram three times a day and diclofenac
hospital and to identify risk factors associated with limb loss. suppository 100mg twice a day during the study period.
Method: All patients who underwent emergency revascularization Results: Results: The verbal pain score, need for rescue analgesia,
for limb and life threatening arterial injury of the lower limbs, incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower (p
between 1st January, 2003 and 31st December, 2009 at Aga value <0.001) in PCA group as compared to continuous infusion

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group at 6, 12 and 24hrs in the postoperative period. Ninety benefits to the mother and her foetus. The Royal College of
eight percent of the patients were satisfied with pain management Anaesthetists audit guidelines suggest that 85% of emergency
and wanted the same form of analgesia for future surgeries in CS should be conducted under RA and the conversion to general
the PCA group as compared to 70% (p <0.001) in Group C. anaesthesia (GA) should be less than 3 % for emergency, and
Conclusion: Discussion: PCA enables patient’s participant in less than 1% for elective surgery.
pain relief and usually results in improved analgesia. However Objective: (1) The percentage use of regional anaesthesia (RA)
these devices are expensive and material costs per patients are and failure rate of RA for different grades of caesarean section
usually higher compared with conventional analgesia. In our (CS) has become a marker of quality for obstetric anaesthesia
study we observed better pain control, less need for rescue service.(2) The objective of our prospective observational study
analgesia for breakthrough pain, less incidence of nausea and is to find out the technique of anaesthesia used in different grades
vomiting and greater patient satisfaction . Conclusion: Since in of CS, reasons for choosing general anaesthesia (GA) and failure
our part of the world we do not have preservative free narcotic rate of RA in our hospital setting.
to use by intrathecal route, we as care giver can improve Method: This prospective cross sectional study was carried in
postoperative pain management by using PCA instead of the obstetric unit of Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st
continuous narcotic infusion in patients undergoing caesarean January 2010 to 31st May 2011. The anaesthetist performing
section. the procedure filled out the data collection proforma .Suggested
Indicators were percentages of Grade 1-4 CS done under RA
Keywords: Cesarian section , postoperative pain, PCIA and GA, % of failed regional, % of failed regional in different
grades of CS.
Results: Total of 407 patients having CS was reviewed for five
15.33 months of study period. The technique chosen was GA in 49%
OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE (n=201) and RA in 51 % (n=206) of patients. There was no
EFFECTIVENESS OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN significant difference between the use of GA and RA for grade
MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE 2-4 CS with a slight increase margin of difference for grade1
CAESAREAN SECTION CS (63% GA vs 37% RA). Another finding was a high rate
(44%) of elective CS done under GA. Patient preference
Samina Ismail, Khurram Shahzad , Faraz Shafiq (45%)was the most common reason for choosing GA. Fourteen
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi patients (6.7%) required conversion from regional technique to
GA; eleven patients had grade 1-3 CS and three patients had
Objective: Introduction: The study was designed to assess the grade 4 CS.
post operative pain management strategy, its effectiveness and Conclusion: Our rate of regional technique for CS ranges from
safety in patients undergoing caesarian section. 37 % -49% for grade 1-3 CS and 45% for elective Grade 4 CS,
Method: Method: Patients having elective caesarean section which is very low compared to the recommended international
from December 2008 to May 2009 were included. On the day standard (1). Conclusion: In order to meet the international
of surgery, we recorded patient’s demographics, postoperative standards for best practice, guidelines should be made in
pain orders and analgesia regime .On first postoperative day, consultation with the obstetrician and nursing staff regarding
anaesthesia team assessed the pain by visual analogue scale use RA for different grades CS. Patient education regarding the
(VAS), noted any complications and patient satisfaction. use and benefits of RA needs to enforced.
Results: Discussion: Pain during and after caesarean section is
the greatest concern of women followed by nausea and vomiting Keywords: C-Section, General Anaesthesia , Spinal Anaesthesia
1.There is evidence that pain services affect morbidity and
duration of hospital stay2. In our observational study, we observed
that postoperative pain management regimen is mostly started 15.35
and followed by the obstetric team at our university hospital. OVARIAN TORSION SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Although the postoperative pain management was adequate in OPTIONS AND OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN
terms of patients’ safety, it was not effective according to the
goal set by Joint Commission on Accreditation of uniformly Zule Huma, Shabbir Hussain
low pain score of no more than 3 out of 10 both at rest and with Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
movement3.
Objective: The aim of this study was to see the outcomes of
Keywords: C- Section, pain score, post-operative pain different surgical techniques on the management of ovarian
torsion
Method: The medical records of all children with ovarian torsion
15.34 admitted to the AKUH on both the pediatric surgery and
TECHNIQUE OF ANAESTHESIA FOR DIFFERENT gynecology services between 2000and 2010 were reviewed
GRADES OF CAESAREAN SECTION: A CROSS retrospectively. Information concerning patients’ demographics,
SECTIONAL STUDY duration of onset of symptoms, Pain and torsion site, diagnostic
modality, time lapse from presentation to hospital until surgery,
Samina Ismail, Faraz Shafiq, Aliya Malik intra operative and postoperative complications, length of stay,
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi and a review of pathology reports were obtained.
Results: There were total of 15 patients, with Median age was
Objective: Introduction: Regional anaesthesia (RA) for caesarean 11 years (range, 1 day of life to 14 years). In 43%, torsion
section (CS) is the preferred option when balancing risks and occurred on right ovary (n = 10), and in 21%, torsion occurred

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on the left one (n = 5). History of lower abdominal pain was 15.37
almost invariably present in all patients(R>L) 78% of cases, EXPRESSION AND LOCALIZATION OF THE Gbg
vomiting was synchronous with pain onset in only few patients, ACTIVATED AND CALCINEURIN INHIBITED ADENYLYL
altered menstrual cycle with menhorrhgia in very few. Fever CYCLASE ISOFORMS IN RAT ARTICULAR
was rare and followed the initial discomfort by several hoours, CHONDROCYTES
2 patients having a antenatal diagnosis of ovarian cyst ,( torsion
of ovary alone was present in 9 patients, tubal torsion 3 in Ismail Memon, Khalid M. Khan, Sammer Siddiqui, Muhammad
patients, both ovary and tubal torsion in 2 patients, 2of these Ishaq, Siddiqa Perveen
patients developed torsion on contralateral side at the interval Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan
of 3 months and 9 months, ovarian tumor found in few patients University, Karachi, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Sir Syed College
these were, benign serous cyst adenoma , benign cystic teratoma, of Medical Sciences, Karachi
benign papillary cyst adenoma, dermoid cyst , Abdominal US
obtained in all children showed abdominopelvic mass. CT scan Objective: Articular cartilage is an essential component of
was done in 3 pateints , tumor marker levels were unremarkable synovial joints. Chondrocytes are the only cells present in the
Median delay between the first symptoms and surgical articular cartilage. Development and homeostasis of articular
intervention was 3 days. Of these 15 patients Laparotomy was cartilage must involve different signaling cascades. cAMP
performed in 4 cases and laparoscopic procedures in 11 (73%) mediated signaling is archetypical in mammalian cells. Therefore,
cases, 5patients underwent cystectomy and untwisting, 10 patents in the articular chondrocytes, cAMP mediated cascades may
underwent oophorectomy , patients were followed up for few play an essential role. cAMP is an important 2nd messenger
months but most Of them are symptom free, No intraopertive molecule in G- protein mediated transduction cascade. Adenylyl
complication noted in any of these patients except wound cyclase (AC) is the affecting enzyme in this cascade and generates
infection occurred in 1 patient, there was no mortality in the cAMP from ATP. Nine mammalian transmembrane (tm) AC
series isoforms, each with differential modulation, individual
Conclusion: Outcomes of ovarian torsion cystectomy and pharmacology and tissue specificity properties, have been
untwisting are also as good as salpingoophorectomy & identified. Furthermore, AC isoforms are classified in four groups
conservative surgery is safe option to save the permanent loss based on regulatory properties.
of ovary Method: Expression and localization of sub groups of adenylyl
cyclase, stimulated by Gbg units of G-proteins (AC2, 4, 7) and
Keywords: Ovarian torsion, untwisting, lower abdominal calcineurin inhibited (AC9) were studied by using RT-PCR and
pain immunohistochemistry techniques
Results: All Gbg stimulated and calcineurin inhibited AC isoforms
were found to be expressed and localized in articular
15.36 chondrocytes; expression of the AC isoforms in different age
FREQUENCY AND FACTORS LEADING TO groups, though not uniform, was observed to be increasing as
UNCONTROLLED BLOOD PRESSURE AMONG ELDERLY the chondrocytes grew older.
HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS VISITING FAMILY PRACTICE Conclusion: These findings suggest for an active role of the
CLINICS. Gbg stimulated and calcineurin inhibited AC isoforms in
developing and adult articular chondrocytes
Sabeen Shah, Waris Qidwai
Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi Keywords: Articular chondrocytes, adenylyl cyclase, cAMP
signaling
Objective: To determine the proportion of elderly hypertensive
patients, visiting family practice clinics with uncontrolled BP
and to determine the factors leading to uncontrolled BP amongst 15.38
these individuals. AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF CHILD REARING
Method: Data on socio-demographic status and risk factors PRACTICES OF FATHERS AND LANGUAGE
leading to uncontrolled BP were extracted through a questionnaire, DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN
which was administered after a informed consent. BP readings
were recorded with an aneroid sphygmomanometer. Farrukh Raza
Results: Sample size was of 196 elderly patients. Proportion of Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
patients with uncontrolled BP was 60%. 57% of the male patients Karachi
had uncontrolled BP. Statistically significant relation was present
between uncontrolled BP and lack of health education (P-0.00), Objective: Background: Parenting practices influence early
obesity (P-0.001), presence of diabetes mellitus (P-0.05). Patients childhood development (ECD) outcomes. Parents’ sensitivity
who were adherent to medications had well controlled BP (P- and responsiveness are important factors to understand the child’s
0.008). signals such as hunger or pain. In traditional families, child-care
Conclusion: More than half of the elderly hypertensive patients is usually the mother’s responsibility, however, due to changes
had uncontrolled BP. Male patients were more likely to have in society mothers are also working outside of the home to
uncontrolled BP. Factors leading to uncontrolled BP were being overcome poverty and the role of the father is changing.
obese, lack of health education, co-morbid illnesses like diabetes Responsive care giving by both parents helps improve child
mellitus and being non adherent to medications. feeding and care for sick children. Therefore, ECD activities
such as psychosocial stimulation and responsive care-giving
Keywords: Elderly, uncontrolled blood pressure, adherence with a focus on greater involvement of fathers can help improve

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children’s development. The aim of this study was to questionnaires were given to all registered participants of the
explore the father’s child rearing practices and association with conference and consent was obtained.
child language development in urban slums of Dhaka city, Results: The overall response rate was 76% (228/300). The
Bangladesh. respondents included residents (51%), private practicing
Method: This was a cross sectional study. Our sample comprised radiologists (28%), academic radiologists (13%), and other
of 112 children and their parents living in 3 urban slums of trainees (8%). Most of the academic radiologists communicated
Dhaka. We measured socio-economic status of family, child with their patients. The daily frequency of breaking bad news
rearing practices of both parents, quality of stimulation that the by residents was noted highest when practicing in public teaching
child receives at home using family care indicators and a language hospitals (71%). For severe abnormalities such as malignancy,
inventory to assess comprehension and expression of words of 50% residents, 55.2% of the academic radiologists and 74% of
children aged 10-24 months. We conducted t-test analysis to the private practicing radiologists were very uncomfortable in
assess any differences of parenting with respect to child sex and disclosure of results. For normal results, 56 %, 59% and 49%
parental educational status. We also conducted correlation of the respective groups were willing and comfortable in
analysis to measure if child rearing activities of parents were disclosing the results. First-year residents were more likely to
related to children’s language development. Finally we conducted communicate with patients than their senior colleagues. Residents
multiple regression analyses to determine factors that predicted were more likely to be interested in obtaining further training
language development of the children. to deliver bad news than radiologists (64% vs. 51%; p-
Results: There were no differences between girls and boys, value:0.048).
neither was any difference between less or more educated parents Conclusion: Radiologists and residents trained in private hospitals
in terms of their child rearing practices. There was a significant communicated frequently with patients. Academic radiologists
relationship of children’s language development with fathers’ were less reluctant in disclosure of abnormal results to patients.
parenting (r =0.43, p<001) as well as that of mothers (r =0.59, Differences in frequency of communication with patients, and
p<001). Multiple regression analysis showed that father’s child disclosure of normal to abnormal imaging results have been
rearing activities predicted language expression of children observed.
(B=0.33, 95%CI: 0.1, 0.6, p<0.001), however, its effect on
language comprehension was washed out after mother’s child Keywords: Radiology, breaking-bad-news, radiologists
rearing entered the equation. Maternal child rearing practices
predicted language comprehension (B=0.5, 95%CI: 0.25, 0.7,
p<0.001). 15.40
Conclusion: To understand the role of father in cultural context PEDIATRIC ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATIONS FOR
and design interventions to address the sensitivity, responsiveness AIRWAY MANAGEMENT IN THE EMERGENCY
and engagement of the father towards child rearing practices is DEPARTMENT
an important dimension in ECD and this study shows that
socioeconomic status, age of the child and child rearing practices Surraiya Bano, Saleem Sadqani, Nukhba Zia, Uzma Khan
of both parents affect a child’s language development. Department of Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics & Child
Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: ECD, Parenting practices , language development
Objective: To determine indications, type of medications used
and immediate complications of pediatric intubations in
15.39 emergency department
MEDICAL ETHICS IN CLINICAL RADIOLOGY: STATUS Method: A retrospective chart review was done on all pediatric
OF BREAKING-BAD-NEWS AMONG RADIOLOGISTS patients (0-14 years) who required endotracheal intubation for
AND TRAINEES IN DEVELOPING WORLD. airway management in the Department of Emergency Medicine
at the Aga Khan University from January to December 2009.
Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja, Waseem Akhtar, Ali Khawaja, Hira Data was collected on a preformed questionnaire for age, gender,
Irfan, Mohammad Naeem, Mukhtiar Memon indications, drugs used and complications of pediatric
Medical College, Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University endotracheal intubations done in emergency department. Dead
and Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi on arrival patients, and those intubated elsewhere were excluded.
Results: Total 83 pediatric intubations were done during the
Objective: Being a physician is a tough job in itself, breaking study period. Indications for endotracheal intubations were
bad news to a patient is even tougher. Bad Ranging from merely respiratory failure in 51(61%), unresponsiveness in 18 (22%),
communicating a diagnosis to the information of demise to the cardiac arrest 08 (10%) and trauma in 06 (07%) cases. Co-
patient’s family, breaking bad news can be an intimidating task morbid conditions were present in 28 (34%). Out of 83
for any physician.Since not much has been looked upon endotracheal intubations, drugs were used in 47 (57%) cases.
radiologists’ perspective in delivering bad news in the developing Sedation and neuromuscular blockade were used in 42 (51%)
countries, our study aims to bridge this gap. We aimed to cases, 4 patients received sedation only and 2 cases received
understand the national consensus of breaking bad news to the relaxation without sedation and in 36(43%) cases intubation
patients by Pakistani radiologists and trainees. were done without drugs. Drugs used for sedation/induction
Method: To collect the national data, we surveyed the radiologists were ketamine in 22(2%), midazolam in 14 (17%), Propofol in
and trainees attending the 26th National Radiological Conference 7 (8%), and etomidate in 3(4%) cases. Neuromuscular blockades
in October 2010 in Karachi, Pakistan. Self-administered used were Rocuronium in 27(32%) cases, succinylcholine in

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11(13.5%) cases, and Atracurium in 5(6%) cases. Complications 15.42

were noted in 16(19%) cases. CARRIER DETECTION FOR b-THALASSEMIA TRAIT IN
Conclusion: Respiratory failure was found to be the main GENERAL PAKISTANI POPULATION- A WAY FORWARD
presenting complaint. Drugs for sedation and relaxation to
facilitate endotracheal intubation were underused. Natasha Ali, Bushra Moiz, Waleed Bin Azhar, Nazneen Zaidi,
Rabnawaz Memon
Keywords: Intubation, airway, rapid sequence intubation Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
Karachi, Fatimid Foundation

15.41 Objective: Pakistan is home to a population of over 170 million

ROLE OF REGIONAL, CULTURAL AND GENDER with a frequency of 6% to 13% for Beta-thalassemia trait. The
DIFFERENCES IN BREAKING-BAD-NEWS IN CLINICAL objective of this study was to determine the frequency of b-
RADIOLOGY: EVIDENCE FROM A DEVELOPING Thalassemia minor in subjects with no family history of
COUNTRY. haemoglobinopathy
Method: One ninety two subjects were screened for b-
Ranish Deedar Ali Khawaja, Waseem Akhtar, Ali Khawaja Thalassemia minor at Fatimid Foundation to mark the
Medical College, Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Thalassemia day on May 8th, 2010. Subjects were self-recruited
Karachi and were attracted for free screening due to advertisement
through national media. Subjects with indexed cases of beta
Objective: How a physician discloses the news has proven to thalassemia major were excluded from the study. Participants
have a great impact on the patient’s satisfaction and ability to were interviewed regarding their marital status and screening
cope up with the issue. It is not always easy and comfortable of partners. 5 ml EDTA venous blood samples were collected
for a physician to deal with a multiethnic, multicultural society from all individuals for complete blood counts and
in a medical setting – communication being a major obstacle. peripheral smears review. Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Moreover, social issues in developing countries, particularly was performed for cases with mean corpuscular volume <76
Pakistan,issues such as gender discrimination, poverty and fl, mean corpuscular haemoglobin <27 pg.Haemoglobin
political unrest etc. makes this issue even more difficult to deal A2 level >3.5% was considered diagnostic for beta-thalassaemia
with. Not much has been studied if preferences to break bad trait
news among radiologists and trainees can be influenced by Results: One ninety two subjects (119 males and 73 females)
difference in gender, and different locales and cultures within with median age as 27 years (range: 18-70 years) were screened
the same country. for b-Thalassemia minor. 112 subjects (58.3%) were married
Method: To understand the national perspective, we conducted with 30 subjects tested previously for Thalassemia minor.21
a survey via self-administered questionnaires among the subjects (10.9%) were engaged and prior to data collection only
radiologists and radiology trainees attending the 26th National one of the fiancé’s partner was screened for Thalassemia trait.
Conference of Radiology in Karachi, Pakistan on 29-31st October There were 33 couples who participated in the study to get their
2010. The trainees included adiology fellows, residents and pre-marital screening done. The mean hemoglobin was 12.6gm/dl
radiographers etc. The conference is held annually by the (Range: 7.3 - 16.9gm/dl) for all the participants. MCV <76 fl
adiological Society of Pakistan (RSP), with participants from and MCH <27pg was seen respectively in 39 (20%) and 36
all over Pakistan. The overall esponse rate was 76% (228/300). subjects (19.1%). Hypochromic, microcytic red cells and target
Results: We found that radiologists and trainees located in Sindh cells were seen in 41 subjects (21.3%). Of these 41 subjects,
and Khyber Pakhtonkhawa were more likely to communicate HbA2 levels >3.5% were observed in 22 subjects (53.6%),
with their patients than their colleagues practicing in Punjab and estimating an overall frequency of 11.3% for beta Thalassemia
Baluchistan who responded ‘never’ when inquired about how trait.
often they communicate with their patients. This may indicate Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of b-thalassemia
inter-cultural variations existing among all four provinces of minor in general Pakistani population with no family background
Pakistan. Radiologists and trainees located in ‘rural areas’ of for thalassemia. It showed that strategies for carrier detection
Sindh were more likely to have prior experience in delivering would fail if only families with indexed cases are targeted. Large
bad news in their career than ones located in other regions of prospective studies are needed to evaluate the true burden of
Pakistan. Participants located in ‘urban’ Karachi, ‘rural’ Sindh, beta Thalassemia trait.
Islamabad, and Rawalpindi were more likely to be interested in
obtaining further training to deliver bad news. Female radiologists Keywords: b-thalassemia trait, pre-marital screening,
and trainees were more likely to communicate ‘most of the Pakistan
times’ with their patients. In contrast, male participants were
more likely to report ‘never’ when asked about their frequency
of communication with their patients.
Conclusion: To conclude, differences in geographical origin and
culture influence the radiologists’ and trainees’ perception of
breaking bad news in Pakistan. Significant differences exist with
respect to gender among radiologists and radiology residents
and trainees.

Keywords: Radiologists, Breaking-bad-news, Pakistan

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15.43 15.44
FREQUENCY AND OUTCOME OF GRAFT VERSUS HOST LEAVING AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE FROM
DISEASE AFTER STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION: 6 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF AGA KHAN HOSPITAL:
YEARS EXPERIENCE REASONS AND OUTCOMES

Natasha Ali, Salman Adil, Usman Shaikh, Nehal Masood, Syed Muhammad Baqir, Ms. Tooba Ali, Baila Maqbool, Kiran
Mohammad Khurshid Ejaz, Philip Travas
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Karachi Karachi

Objective: Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a complication Objective: Internationally, Leave Against Medical Advice
of stem cell transplant and carries a significant morbidity and (LAMA) rates have been shown to be between 1% and 2%.
mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency Psychological and social factors also play an irrefutable role in
and outcome of graft versus host disease after stem cell patient’s behaviour. If we are to improve health care and take
transplantation in haematological disorders in Pakistan. the patient to its core, we need to identify the problems they are
Method: All patients who presented in bone marrow transplant facing with the hospitals. Hence, in this study we quantify the
clinic with a potentially curable disease were included in the frequency, demographic and clinical characteristics of patients
study. Pre-transplant workup of the patient and donor included LAMA from Emergency Department (ED) of Aga Khan
a complete blood count, evaluation of liver, kidney, lung, University Hospital. We also studied the reasons predisposing
infectious profile, chest, paranasal sinus roentgenograms and such decisions by these patients and/or their attendants and
dental review. Mobilization was done with G-CSF 300µg twice patient’s outcome.
d a i l y. T h e c o n d i t i o n i n g r e g i m e n s i n c l u d e d Method: We adapted a descriptive, cross sectional study design
Busulfan/Cyclophosphamide, Cyclophosphamide /ATG/ at ED of Aga Khan University Hospital. Calculated sample of
Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide/Total Body irradiation. 82 was approached for LAMA patients during February of 2011.
GvHD prophylaxis was done with Methotrexate 15mg/m2 on Trained team collected data through file reviews and telephonic
day+1 followed by 10mg/m2 on days +3, +6 and cyclosporine. interviews. Descriptive analysis was done with the help of
Grading was done according to the Glucksberg classification SPSSv.19.
Results: A total of n=126 transplants were done from April 2004 Results: A total of 151 patients went LAMA from ED in the
– September 2010. Out of these n=81 were Allogeneic transplants concerned month. Seventy one cases consented to participate
and n=45 were autologous. In Allogeneic transplants n= 23 were and were included in analysis. Almost half did not have proper
females and n=58 were males. The overall frequency of graft documentation in file regarding reason behind their action.
versus host disease was 35% (n=28). Acute GvHD was present Significant triage categories such as P1 (35%) and P2 (34%)
in n=12 patients while n=16 had chronic GvHD. Grade II GvHD also went against doctors’ advice. Financial (30%) and domestic
was present in n=11 (14%) and grade III GvHD was seen in (10%) issues were main reasons identified in LAMA form.
n=10 (12.3%) patients. According to age groups, n=7 pediatric Majority, 62% left when offered in-hospital admission. Most,
patients had GvHD while n= 21 patients were adults. GvHD 42% mentioned that ED personnel tried to counsel them. Three
was seen in n=3 patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, of these patients passed away within 2 months. Most (38%)
n=6 with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, n=4 with Aplastic Anaemia, simply took patient back home. On specifying the reason behind
n=5 each with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and b Thalassemia the decision 50% accepted financial problems, 27% thought that
Major. In n=21/28, GvHD was biopsy proven. GvHD skin was patients were fine and 15% were dissatisfied with the care.
present in n=15 patients followed by gut (n=4) and liver (n=4). Conclusion: Three percent patients go LAMA from Aga Khan
N=4 patients had combined GvHD of skin and gut. The mortality University Hospital, Emergency Department when offered in-
in acute and chronic GvHD was 2.4% and 1.2% respectively hospital admission. Common reasons included financial and
Conclusion: The frequency of graft versus host disease in this domestic issues. Three patients had adverse outcome.
study was 35% which is lower compared to international literature.
Skin was the most frequently affected organ. The decreased Keywords: Leave against medical advice, reasons, outcomes
incidence can be attributed to lower diversity of histocompatibility
antigens in our population.
15.46
Keywords: GvHD, Allogeneic transplant, Cyclosporine MISSING THE BOAT: ODDS FOR THE PATIENTS WHO
LEAVE ED WITHOUT BEING SEEN

Jabeen Fayyaz, Munawar Khursheed, Amber Mehmood,

Umer Mir
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Karachi

Background: Left without being seen (LWBS) patient is a well

recognized indicator of emergency department overcrowding.

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The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of LWBS Conclusion: This is the first description of MLPA technique for
patients, their rates and factors associated from Emergency alpha gene analysis in Pakistani population. Deletion of 3.7 and
department(ED) of tertiary care hospital of Pakistan Constant Spring mutation were observed. Larger studies will
Methods: A total of 38,762 patients visited ED during study reveal the entire spectrum of alpha thalassemia.
period. Among them 5,086 patients left without being seen.
Variables included in the analysis were age, sex, presenting Keywords: Alpha thalassaemia, constant spring, MLPA
complaints, month, time, shift, day of arrival and leaving. Rates
have also been calculated of the following variables among the
patients who left and who were seen in the ED 15.48
Results: Thirteen percent of patients LWBS from ED. Males DETECETION OF ABNORMAL HAEMOGLOBIN
and adult patients are more likely to leave. Low acuity patients VARIANTS IN PAKISTANI POPULATION USING HPLC
(P3) were seven times more likely to leave. Rate of leaving was
20% in the night shift. The rate of leaving was 19.8% during Farrukh Ali Khan, Bushra Moiz, Shahmina Sadaf, Mashhooda
ED diversion vs. 9.8% when not on diversion. Mean waiting Rasool
time in pediatric patients was 154 minutes and for adult patients Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
was 171 minutes before leaving. Before leaving 32.7% patients Karachi
have waited for more than 180 minutes as compared to the
patients who were seen in ED. Background: There are many naturally occurring, genetically
Conclusion: Age, low triage acuity, night shift, prolong waiting determined variants of hemoglobin and more than 750 have
time found to have direct association with LWBS. ED diversion been described to date. Collectively, the clinical syndromes
status was associated with high LWBS rates. LWBS is indirect resulting from disorders of hemoglobin synthesis are referred
marker of ED overcrowding. Strategies should be aimed to to as “hemoglobinopathies.” Hemoglobinopathies are relatively
decrease the waiting time and provision of additional facilities common in Asian and African countries. Cation-exchange high
for these patients to avoid bad outcome. performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is favored over
hemoglobin electrophoresis as a reliable method for the initial
Keywords: Emergency department, left without being seen, screening of hemoglobin variants due to fast through put,
Pakistan accuracy, precision and cost effectiveness.
Objective: To estimate the frequency of abnormal hemoglobin
variants in Pakistani population utilizing high performance liquid
15.47 chromatography (HPLC) in a tertiary care centre
QUANTIFICATION OF 24 DIFFERENT SEQUENCES IN Method: All blood samples submitted to the clinical laboratory
ALPHA GLOBIN GENE CLUSTER BY MULTIPLEX of The Aga Khan University hospital during August 2010 to
LIGATION DEPENDENT PROBE AMPLIFICATION IN September 2010 were prospectively analyzed through
PAKISTANI POPULATION chromatography for various haemoglobin variants.
All age groups and both sexes were included in the study while
Izza Hussain, Bushra Moiz, Tariq Moatter those subjects with the history of blood transfusion within last
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, 90 days were excluded. Study variables include age, sex,
Karachi haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular
colume, mean corpuscular heamoglobin and various haemoglobin
Objective: To detect deletion/duplications in alpha globin gene variants.
cluster in Pakistani population. Results: A total of 1248 samples were received during the study
Method: To determine the spectrum of molecular variations in duration out of which 165 were excluded because of prior history
alpha gene, 30 EDTA blood samples were selected based on of blood transfusion. In the remaining 1083 specimens, 736
their normal hemoglobin and hypochromic microcytic indices (68%) had normal haemoglobin t ypes while 347 (32%) had
with normal HbA2 levels or on basis of fast moving Hb on abnormal haemoglobin variants. The relative frequency (along
HPLC. CBC was performed on Coulter 750H and hemoglobin with the total number of samples in our study) of different
variants were detected on high performance liquid abnormal haemoglobin variants is as follows: Thalassaemia
chromatography. DNA was extracted through Quigen kit and minor 18% (195); thalassaemia major 9.9% (107); haemoglobin
subjected to MLPA technique using SALSA kit P140-B2 HBA D trait 1.1% (12); sickle/b thalassaemia 1% (11); haemoglobin
(Amsterdam, Holland). Accordingly specific probes were added D disease 0.7% (8); sickle cell anemia 0.5% (5); haemoglobin
to the samples and were amplified and quantified which were E trait 0.4% (4); sickle cell trait 0.2% (2); haemoglobin D/b
able to sequence nucleotides 130 to 409 of alpha globin gene. thalassaemia 0.1% (1); SD disease 0.1% (1); and haemoglobin
Results: Of 30 samples, deletion 3.7 was observed in four E disease 0.1% (1).
samples (13.3%) and Constant Spring mutation was seen in Conclusion: Haemoglobinopathies were detected in a significant
one(3.33%). Deletion 4.2, SEA, Med 1 were not observed in number of samples (32%) tested for haemoglobin variants during
any samples. The patients with 3.7 deletions showed following our study. Thalassaemia minor was the most common abnormal
demographics and hematological parameters with equal male haemoglobin variant followed by thalassaemia major and Hb D
to female ratio, mean age :24.2 years , mean: Hb 11.6 gm/dl, trait. Large scale studies in general population are needed for
mean Hct:37.5 %, mean MCV: 67.5 fl, mean MCH: 20.8 pg, exact estimation of the frequency of abnormal haemoglobin
mean Hb A: 97.6%, mean Hb A2:2.35% and Hb F: 0%. One variants in Pakistani population.
male patient with Constant Spring mutation with age: 14 years,
Hb:5.5 gm/dl, Hct: 20.3 %, MCV: 60.4 fl, MCH:16.5 pg, Hb Keywords: Haemoglobin variants, high performance liquid
A:98.6%, Hb A2: 1.4% and Hb F: 0 chromatography (HPLC).

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15.49 communities. An attempt was made to identify the challenges

HIDDEN ICEBERG OF UNSEEN CHALLENGES: LEFT of these IDPs in their communities.
WITHOUT BEING SEEN Method: We selected a temporarily set IDP community named
as Sindhabad, located near Highway Sabzi Mandi, Karachi. The
Munawar Khursheed , Jabeen Fayyaz, Nukhba Zia total population of this community was approximately 1800. A
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, survey was done to explore the difficulties of these IDPS in this
Karachi regard.
Results: We identified 9 most highlighted challenges that
Background: Overcrowding in emergency department (ED) is internally displaced people face when they move into a new
an emerging problem. It reduces patient satisfaction as well as community for settlement. The biggest challenge for them is to
increases the number of patients that leave without being seen prevent waterborne diseases and was prevalent in whole
(LWBS) by a physician. Determining the reasons for patients community (100%). Illiteracy (96%), lack of immunization
leaving, their subsequent outcomes, and preventive strategies facility (86%), substance abuse (85%), unemployment (75%),
is important. Data from developing countries like Pakistan is and maintaining environmental hygiene (66%) were some other
lacking in this aspect. Objective: 1) To study the factors associated major challenges that these IDPs faced. Minor challenges along
with the decision of leaving the emergency department without with these were lack of antenatal care & malnutrition (30%) and
being evaluated? 2) To determine that whether patients are able availability of family planning services estimated up to 27% of
to obtain appropriate medical care after leaving? population.
Methods: This study is a retrospective study of patients, who Conclusion: From this survey, it was concluded that the internally
left the ED after triage without being seen. Information of displaced persons face challenges in terms of maintaining their
patients presenting to ED from 15th September 2011 to 15th hygiene, sanitation, unemployment and illiteracy in a temporary
October 2011 will be collected. Emergency Department ERMS settlement. They also have concerns regarding their health. The
system will be used to collect data. The record will be reviewed result of this survey may be generalized as the challenges faced
to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients by all IDPs whenever they settle into new communities as these
including, age, sex, triage priority level, presenting complaints, factors affect the activities of daily lives of every individual.
vitals, ED diversion status, shift of the day and the day of week.
Telephonic survey to the patients after getting informed consent Keywords: Internally displaced people, challenges, temporary
over the telephone will be done; surveyor asks questions according community
to predesigned questionnaire. All efforts will be made to maintain
the patient confidentiality. All the variables will be analyzed
using SPSS version 19.0. Descriptive analysis will be done on 15.56
the patient demographics. FACTORS AFFECTING COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARD
Results: Result to be incorporated after data collection and PRECAUTIONS AMONG NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH
analysis STAFF AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI’
Impact: This baseline information will be critical in developing
evidence based interventions aimed at improving the health care Farah Naz Farid, Asho Ali, Raisa Gul, Syed Faisal Mahmood,
management of such patients and consequently reducing the Rozina Roshan
morbidity and mortality resulting from this phenomenon. School of Nursing, Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Karachi
Keywords: Emergency department, left without being seen,
Pakistan Objective: Standard precautions have been promoted widely to
protect patients and health care workers from health care
associated infections. Partially followed standard precautions,
15.50 increases the risk of infection transmission. The aim of this study
CHALLENGES OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE was to measure the level of Compliance with Standard Precautions
(IDPS) IN A TEMPORARILY SET COMMUNITY. (CWSP) and to explore the factors associated with CWSP among
nursing staff at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.
Azmina AbdulSultan Artani, Saba Akbar Dossani, Samreen Method: Following a cross-sectional study design, 279 nursing
Anwer Ali Huda staff, including nurses, midwives, technicians, and nursing
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi assistants from the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH),
Karachi, participated in this study. The data was collected using
Objective: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) represent a the Health Care Worker's Questionnaire (Gershon et al., 1995;
population who are forced to leave their home environment and Kermode et al., 2005).
reconcile in a new community. Unlike refugees, IDPs do not Results: The overall compliance rate with standard precautions
cross over the internationally recognized boundaries of a country. at AKUH was 44.1%. However, variations were found from
There are numerous reasons because of which internal unit to unit; the Coronary Care Unit had the highest (90%) and
displacement of people occur. Natural hazard is one of them. Surgical Units had the lowest rate (30.8%). Variations were also
During July 2010, Pakistan faced a natural calamity in the form found among different components of the standard precautions
of floods causing destruction at a huge level. As a result of these as well as for various items within specific components. With
floods, a lot of people migrated from their home towns and regard to the factors affecting CWSP, safety climate, co-workers'
villages and settled into a new area forming provisional support, knowledge about blood borne virus transmission an

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d standard precautions were positively associated with the staff's and adjusts MRP levels according to the consumption patterns
compliance. Whereas, experience of staff, workplace stress, and of Medical Surgical Supplies.
risk taking behaviour were negatively associated with the staff's Results: Approximately 100% fill rate was achieved. Optimum
compliance. level of inventory is maintained at all times. This system has
Conclusion: These findings imply that decreased workplace improved inventory turnover time and expiry information
stressors, a supportive work environment, promoting a safety tracking. Identification of duplicate item, dead and slow moving
climate, enhanced knowledge, and increased commitment of stock items has become easy. It has also minimized of stock out
staff towards standard precautions are the key factors to improve situation. Better procedure planning in line with availability
individuals' CWSP. medical surgical supplies. Improved communication system e.g.
pre alerts, expiry alerts, minimum stock levels etc. Real-time
Keywords: Standard precautions, compliance, factors transactions, replenishment and inventory management As this
was piloted in VIR Section; marked improvement resulted in
the utilization of Medical Surgical Supplies as against 2009 (-
15.57 100%) and in the first quarter of 2010 (+6%), Second quarter
THE IMPACT OF USING DYNAMIC INVENTORY (+12%) these savings were realized despite positive gains in
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN INCREASING volume and revenue.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IMPROVING END USER Conclusion: Reduction in purchasing and inventory carrying
SATISFACTION AND REDUCING INVENTORY CARRYING cost. Connect inventory control and purchasing process with
& DISTRIBUTION COSTS. trends of consumption to help reduce cost implications, improve
cash flows and ensure the right amount of stock is available.
Amin Rajani, Syed Mohammad Sohail, Nida Husain, Gain visibility in the inventory process. Effectively balance
Tanveer ul Haq availability and usage of the medical surgical supplies with its
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi consumption levels. Track items and their expiry dates through
a system to minimize at hand inventory. Viewing of updated
Objective: There wasn’t any automated inventory management inventory levels for decision making, reordering and timely
system at Radiology, AKUH. Issues of non-availability and identification of dead stock. With the integrated order, inventory
expiry of core, expensive medical surgical supplies occurred, and distribution process; as well as efficient tracking of inventory,
directly impacting patient care. In 2008 – 09 huge losses were manual data entry is reduced and inventory orders are placed in
incurred by Radiology due to dead stock and near expiry items a timely fashion.
which had heavy carrying costs associated. Greater loss was
when items had to be disposed off, returned to vendor or sterilized Keywords: Inventory management, vascular interventional
through Central Sterilization Services Department (CSSD) for radiology
reuse. A dire need was felt to establish systems were minimum
reorder levels could be defined and its purchasing / re-ordering
could be managed. Secondly the system also was no system to 15.58
track expiry information and reordering levels was available. It STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CLINICAL TEACHING
also served for identification of substitutes available. AND LEARNING STRATEGIES: A PAKISTANI
Method: Using the PDCA methodology this project was initiated PERSPECTIVE
on January 14 and was concluded on May 10, 2010. RD Prefix
was initiated after the launch of PeopleSoft when Distribution Basnama Ayaz, Fauziya Ali, Nilofar Vazir, Rubina Barolia,
centre functions were centralized and brought under the Materials Seema Rehan
Management Division (MMD). The Medical Surgical Supplies School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi
used in radiology were segregated area wise, piloted in Vascular
Interventional Radiology (VIR). Total 79 items were under Objective: The complexity of the health care environment is
review to be shifted to reordering through automated system. increasing with the explosion of technology, coupled with the
Inventory studied was categorized in ‘running items, ‘No issues of patients’ access, equity, time efficiency, and cost
consumption in 3 months’ and ‘No consumption in 6 months’. containment. Nursing education must focus on means that enable
Consumption trends were studied and new consumption criterions students develop the processes of active learning, problem-
were established. A separate list of identified critical / red alert solving, and critical thinking, in order to enable them to deal
items was made so their reordering levels could be separately with the complexities. This study aims at identifying the nursing
defined and critically monitored. Average monthly consumptions students’ perceptions about the effectiveness of utilized teaching
were extracted from the system and studied. The MRP (minimum and learning strategies of clinical education, in improving
reorder point) was calculated considering Average Monthly students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Consumption, lead time & safety stock. On Feb 23 MMD Method: A descriptive cross sectional study design was utilized
completed this activity in coordination with Radiology and using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. After
shifted RD non-consign items to Fixed MRP PeopleSoft Ethical Review Committee approval data were collected from
functionality and subsequently reordering would start 74 students, using a questionnaire that was developed for the
automatically. On May 10, 2010 Consignment Delivery Module purpose of the study and analyzed using descriptive and non-
was initiated, with these system in-place real-time transactions parametric statistics.
and replenishments were possible for all the consignment based Results: 62% of the participants perceived demonstration as the
Medical Surgical Supplies. This system is capable of self learning most effective strategy in improving their skills, and 50% of the

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participants perceived reflection as improving their attitudes; 15.60

whereas, 68% and 55% of the participants respectively perceived RESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OF ATTENDING’S IN-
PBL and CM as the most effective strategies in improving their PATIENT ROTATION IN INTERNAL MEDICINE:
knowledge. Students’ responses to open-ended questions also COMPARING TWO WEEKS WITH FOUR WEEKS OF
revealed that the above mentioned strategies are effective in CLINICAL SERVICE
improving their learning outcomes.
Conclusion: It is recommended that demonstration, reflection, Madiha Ismail, Samar Fatima, Muhammad Tariq
and CM should be continued to be used as frequently as used Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
before. However, the use of PBL approach needs to be
incorporated more frequently. It would be valuable to validate Objective: To assess the perspective of Internal Medicine trainees
the findings through triangulation of the study to increase the on 4 weeks compared to 2 weeks rotation of faculty in terms of
generalizability of the study findings. teaching and evaluation of residents and interns. We also aim
to highlight the views of trainees on patient care.
Keywords: Student nurses perspectives, teaching and learning Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 50
strategies, clinical education postgraduates (interns and residents) rotating in Internal Medicine,
who were asked to fill in a structured, self-designed questionnaire.
Most of the responses required a rating in a scale of 1-5 (1 being
15.59 poor and 5 being excellent).
ANALYSIS OF DELETIONS AND DUPLICATIONS IN Results: All respondents felt that management of patients and
DYSTROPHIN GENE BY MLPA teaching of trainees was better done in 4 weekly rotations. An
interesting observation was that ownership of patient and patient
Nazneen Islam, Toheed Kausar, Azra Samreen, Muniba Aban, satisfaction was far superior in 4 weeks rotation as compared
Tariq Moatter to 2 weeks(p value<0.001). The overall level of comfort between
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, faculty and their team members was better in 4 weekly rotation
Karachi (p<0.001). Respondents also felt that teaching activities are
given more justice in 4 weekly rotations.
Objective: Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the Conclusion: This study highlighted better satisfaction of post
most prevalent muscular dystrophy in the world. It is characterized graduate trainees with respect to teaching and evaluation of
by rapid progressive muscle degeneration, leading to paralysis trainees as well as patient care in 4 weeks compared to 2 weeks
and death. DMD is caused by mutations, mainly deletions and of faculty rotation.
duplications, in the dystrophin gene located at Xq21.2. The
incidence of DMD in males is 1 in 3500, whereas females present Keywords: Internal Medicine, Faculty, Residents
as carrier. In this study deletions and duplications were screened
in blood samples of DMD patients for confirming their diagnosis.
Method: Overall, 20 blood specimens from male patients were 15.61
analyzed by a commercially available MLPA kit, which can REPORT OF A RARE b-THALASSEMIA MUTATION -90
detect deletions or duplications in all 79 exons of the dystrophin (C-T) FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PAKISTANI FAMILY
gene. Ligation and amplification steps were carried out in the
ABI 9700 thermal cycler followed by separation of Cy5 labeled Toheed Kausar, Tariq Moatter
amplified fragments by capillary electrophoresis using Beckman Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
Coulter genetic analysis system. Karachi
Results: Exon deletions in dystrophin gene were detected in
8/20 patients. All patients were less than 10 years of age. Their Objective: Introduction b -thalassemia is one of the most common
average CPK value was 6878 IU/L (range 2975-12779). The and widely studied autosomal single-gene disorder in Pakistan.
symptoms included muscular weakness, low endurance, Approximately 5% of the Pakistani population carries b-
enlargement of calf and deltoid muscle. Exons 12, 17 and 19 thalassemia trait and every year over 5000 new children are
were deleted in one patient, whereas exons 45-50 were deleted born with the disease. A possible solution to this problem is
in two patients. Exons 51-55 were deleted in one patient. Single prenatal diagnosis. In 1995 AKUH introduced prenatal diagnosis
exon deletions were observed in four patients. of b thalassemia and so far more than 400 families have consulted
Conclusion: MLPA is a rapid, reliable and cost effective technique the laboratory for this test. Fetal sampling also known as chorionic
for the detection of DNA rearrangements among DMD male villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis can be used as source
patients. of fetal cells for DNA analysis.
Method: Method: The Amplification Refractory Mutation System
Keywords: DMD, MLPA, Mutation was used to screen for the b thalessemia mutations. For unknown
mutation, DNA sequencing was attempted by capillary
electrophoresis using Beckman Coulter genetic analysis system.
Results: Case Report A 29 years old pregnant female consulted
the AKUH laboratory for the screening of b-thalassemia

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mutations. The couple also reported history of an affected child 15.64

in their family. The expecting mother was booked for CVS AUDIT OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DEATHS TO
collection at 12 weeks of gestation. In addition, blood samples DETERMINE THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION
were drawn from both parents. TO RESUSCITATE
Conclusion: Discussion This is the first report from Pakistan,
which describes the presence of a point mutation at position - Amber Mehmood , Jabeen Fayyaz, Shahab Shaukat
90 in the promoter region of the b-globin gene by using DNA Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
sequencing. In summary, mutation scanning using DNA Karachi
sequencing technique plays an important role in the identification
of rare and unknown b-thalassemia mutations. Objective: Emergency Department (ED) is the gateway of our
health system. ED outcomes such as mortality reflect the severity
Keywords: b thalessemia , mutation, DNA sequencing of presenting illness, underlying disorders as well as quality of
the care that has been provided. There is limited knowledge of
factors influencing the code decision of the patients who die in
15.62 the ED. The study is conducted to provide an insight about the
EFFECT OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASE ON characteristics of the patients expired in ED and to determine
POSTOPERATIVE PAIN PERCEPTION AND ANALGESIC the factors affecting the decision to resuscitate and/or code status.
REQUIREMENTS Method: This was a retrospective study based on audit of
Morbidity and Mortality log of the Department of Emergency
Aliya Ahmed, Fauzia Khan, Mohammad Ali, Fauzia Haqnawaz Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital from June 09 -June
Department of Anaesthesia and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aga 2011. All patients who died in the ED or brought dead were
Khan University, Karachi included. Details about demographics, co-morbidities, primary
and associated diagnoses, presence of shock and ED length of
Objective: To determine the effect of the menstrual cycle phase stay was recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.
on pain perception and analgesic requirements following total A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the
abdominal hysterectomy in pre-menopausal women strength of association between code status and other variables.
Method: It was a prospective cohort study conducted at a Results: Total ED visits were 95,693 with 1201 deaths during
university teaching hospital. Sixty women with regular menstrual study period. There were 47.1% dead on arrival and 53% were
cycles undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy were recruited those who expired in ED. Of those who expired, 91% were
and divided into ‘follicular’ and ‘luteal’ groups according to adults and 60% were males. Mean age for this group was 52.7
their menstrual history. A standardized anesthesia technique was years. About 46% patients were full code and presence of shock
employed. Postoperative pain was managed with intravenous as well as acute coronary syndrome had a protective effect. Age,
patient controlled analgesia using tramadol and intravenous comorbidities, severe head injuries were positively associated
morphine was used for rescue analgesia. Pain was assessed for with a DNR status whereas sex and ED length of stay had no
24 hours and analgesic consumption was noted. effect on code status.
Results: Pain scores on the recovery room and ward six and 24 Conclusion: Age, chronic conditions and severity of the present
hours postoperatively were similar in the groups at rest and on illness has significant impact in deciding the code status of
coughing. Pain scores at rest twelve hours postoperatively were patients who die in the ED.
significantly higher in the luteal group (p = 0.043), while they
were similar on coughing. The tramadol requirement was not Keywords: Emergency department, death in ED, pakistan
different significantly in the two groups. The number of patients
requiring rescue analgesia and the amount of morphine used
was also similar. 15.65
Conclusion: There was no difference in pain scores or analgesic ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSES’ SHIFT
requirements between the two groups except for rest pain at 12 HANDOVER PRACTICES AT A TERTIARY CARE
hours which was significantly higher in the luteal group. As HOSPITAL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
pain was assessed at thirteen different time points, a significant
difference seen only at one point could be due to random chance. Nazbano Ahmed Ali, Fauziya Ali, Nasreen Sulaiman, Rozina
We suggest that future research should concentrate on studying Roshan, Zohra Lassi
this issue in patients of relatively younger age groups with more School of Nursing, Department of Community Health Sciences,
pronounced hormonal variations during the cycle. Aga Khan University , Karachi

Keywords: Menstrual cycle, postoperative pain, pain perception Objective: Shift handover plays a significant role in maintaining
continuity, safety, and quality of patient care. This study aimed
to assess the compliance of nursing shift handover practices
with respect to the ISBAPARRST (introduction, situation,
background, assessment, problem, action, response,
recommendation, scan, and thank you) tool. It also aimed to
determine the differences in the level of compliance with regard
to the participants’ demographic and professional characteristics,
the nursing shifts, and the day of the week.

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Method: The shift handover practices of 43 nurses, working at 15.67

one medical and one surgical unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital MULTIDIMENSIONALITY OF CRITICAL THINKING: A
(TCH) in Karachi, Pakistan, were observed, utilizing a descriptive HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE FROM MULTIDISCIPLINARY
cross-sectional study design. The ISBAPARRST tool was adapted EDUCATORS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
by the researcher from the TCH’s shift report policy, shift
handover tool, and evidence based literature. The tool’s content Shanaz Cassum, Raisa Gul, Joanne Profetto-McGrath,
validity and Inter-rater reliability was also ensured. Dilshad Ashraf, Syeda Kauser Ali
Results: The study findings divulge that the mean duration of School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi, University
individual patient handover was1.69 (+0.983) minutes. From a of Alberta, Canada
total of 129 observations, 88.4% of the observations showed
that the practices were ‘partially compliant’ as they scored less Objective: Critical thinking (CT) is a phenomenon of worldwide
than 60% on the ISBAPARRST tool; whereas, 11.6% importance and is a desired outcome in higher and professional
observations showed that they were ‘compliant’ as they scored education. Development of CT is considered a primary
60%-80% on the tool. This study also highlighted significant responsibility of educators; however, educators find it challenging
differences in the level of compliance with regard to nursing to foster learners’ CT if their own CT understanding is not well
shifts (p=<0.001) and the day of the week (p=0.008). developed. Limited research is available on multidisciplinary
Conclusion: The study results highlight the need for improving educators perceptions of CT. The goal of the study was to
the compliance of shift handover practices to ensure patient identify: 1. What are the perceptions of CT among educators
safety; and suggest recommendations for administration, nursing from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, and education in
education, and research. higher education in Karachi, Pakistan. 2. What are the differences
and similarities in the perceptions of CT among educators from
Keywords: Nursing shift handover, Assessment of nursing the three disciplines?
handover, Evidence based handover protocol Method: Using a qualitative approach, a descriptive exploratory
design was used. 12 faculty members from nursing, medicine
and education discipline were recruited as study participants
15.66 using purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi
FIRST REPORT OF A RARE b-THALASSEMIA MUTATION structured interviews. Content analysis revealed the theme of
-90 (C-T) IN A PAKISTANI FAMILY: A CASE REPORT multidimensionality of CT.
Results: The findings revealed that faculty has unique and diverse
Toheed Kausar, Tariq Moatter perceptions of critical thinking that influence their teaching
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, practices in the classroom. The study findings also indicated
Karachi that although the educators were from various disciplines, their
perceptions of critical thinking were analogous.
Objective: b -thalassemia is one of the most common and widely Conclusion: Holistic and combined efforts by multidisciplinary
studied autosomal single-gene disorder in Pakistan. faculty of higher education institutions in Pakistan are needed
Approximately 5% of the Pakistani population carries b- to train teachers and help them operationalize their perceptions
thalassemia trait and every year over 5000 new children are of CT, before expecting faculty to adopt a true CT culture in
born with the disease. A possible solution to this problem is their classrooms and promote learners’ CT.
prenatal diagnosis. Since 1995, more than 400 families have
consulted AKUH laboratory for this test. Fetal sampling also Keywords: Faculty perceptions, multidisciplinary education,
known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis critical thinking
can be used as source of fetal cells for DNA analysis.
Method: The Amplification Refractory Mutation System was
used to screen for the b thalassemia mutations. For unknown 15.68
mutation, DNA sequencing was attempted by capillary ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DELETION OF SMN1 AND
electrophoresis using Beckman Coulter genetic analysis system. NAIP GENES IN PATIENTS SUSPECTED OF SPINAL
Results: Case Report A 29 years old pregnant female with history MUSCULAR ATROPHY
of an affected child consulted the laboratory for prenatal diagnosis.
The expecting mother was booked for CVS collection at 12 Azra Samreen, Lamia Altaf, Muniba Aban, Zahra Hassan, Zahida
weeks of gestation. In addition, blood samples were drawn from Amin, Toheed Kausar, Samina Ghani, Tariq Moatter
both parents. The mother’s mutation Codon 8/9(+G) was Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
confirmed by ARMS PCR, but father’s mutation remained Karachi
unresolved. He was confirmed to be a carrier of -90(C-T) by
DNA sequencing. Although, CVS was tested negative but the Objective: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal
affected child was found positive for -90 (C-T) mutations. This recessive disorder, characterized by degeneration of anterior
is the first report from Pakistan, which describes presence of a horn cells of spinal cord leading to symmetrical limb paralysis.
point mutation at position -90 in the promoter region of b-globin Its Incidence rate varies between 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 live
gene. In summary, DNA sequencing technique plays an important births. SMA gene has been mapped to chromosome 5q11.2-
role in the identification of rare and unknown mutations. q13.3. Approximately 95% of SMA patients show SMN1 gene
deletion. Moreover, 45% SMA patients also carry deletion of
Keywords: b -thalassemia, Mutation exon 5 of Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein gene (NAIP)
To determine frequency of SMN1 and NAIP deletion in SMA
patients.
Method: In this study, blood samples from 84 patients having

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clinical features common to SMA were collected for SMN1 and 15.70
NAIP analysis. PCR and restriction assay was performed to TITLE: PERCEPTIONS OF “CARING” IN NURSING
establish deletion of exon 7 and 8 in SMN1 gene and exon 5 in EDUCATION BY PAKISTANI NURSING STUDENTS: AN
NAIP gene. EXPLORATORY STUDY
Results: A total of 84 cases including 37 (44%) females and 47
(56%) males were examined. Their mean age was six years. Out Shamshad, Hazel Slavin
of 37 female samples, 9 were positive for NAIP gene deletion, School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi and
whereas in two patients SMN1 gene was deleted but NAIP was Institute of Education University of London, UK
normal. Sixteen samples from male patients were positive for
deletion of both SMN1 and NAIP. While in three male patients Objective: ABSTRACT Background: Caring is considered to
only SMN1 was deleted. Occurrence of homozygous SMN1 be a highly abstract concept. Nurturing a caring attitude in
deletion was highest (85%) in patients belonging to the age nursing education is important as this is the first place for students
group 1-5 years followed by NAIP exon 5 deletion (15%). to learn about the most significant values and essence of their
Conclusion: Our data show that combined deletion of SMN1 profession. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the concept
and NAIP genes was most frequent in SMA patients of age of caring from the perspective of nursing students.
group 1-5 years. Method: Methodology: An exploratory research design was
utilised for this study. Eight senior nursing students from one
Keywords: SMA, Deletion, Exon government institute (College of Nursing) in X country were
recruited as study participants. Data was generated through in-
depth one-to-one interviews and analysed using Creswell’s six
15.69 -step guide for qualitative data analysis. The interviews were
HAIR DYE POISONING AND RHABDOMYOLYSIS - A tape recorded and a “member check” technique was used.
CASE REPORT Results: Findings: The study results found the themes of caring
as a mothering relationship, helping attitude, limit setting,
Munira Mehboob Ali Khan Bokutz, Nosheen Nasir, Sara Sajid, communication, and a source of empowerment and development.
Faisal Mehmood Conclusion: Conclusion. The study findings are meaningful as
Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, they identify the types of behaviours that lead to positive academic
Karachi experiences in students. The study recommends including a
course on “the concept of caring” in the first year of RN and
Objective: Hair dye ingestion is a rare cause of toxicity in BScN programmes, so that from the very beginning nursing
Pakistan. There are several case reports from india with variable students can acquire the concept of caring.
presentations of hair dye toxicity. We are presenting case report
of a patient who had accidental ingestion of hair dye . Keywords: Caring, nursing students, nursing education
Method: This is the case of a 55 years male who presented with
accidental hair dye ingestion. Around 2 hours after the ingestion,
he developed acute respiratory distress with facial edema and 15.71
plethora along with stridor. He underwent emergent tracheostomy ACUTE MDMA TOXICITY WITH MULTIORGAN FAILURE:
in nearby hospital after which he was transferred to AKUH ER. CASE REPORT FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN
Vitals showed BP 133/82 mmHg P 67 /min, RR 23 /min, SaO2 PAKISTAN
96% on tracheostomy mask , T 37 C . General examination was
unremarkable except for oral ulcers. On systemic examination, Jai Dev, Munira M Ali Khan Bokutz, Muhammad Shahid
he had tender right hypochodrium. In the ER he was managed Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
for trachietis along with aspiration pneumonitis and chemical Karachi
oesophagitis. He was transferred to the special care unit where
he was found to have decreased urine output. He was subsequently Background: MDMA/Ecstasy is an under-reported cause of
catheterized and was noticed to have red colored urine. Lab toxicity in Pakistan. Most of the current data available on MDMA
workup revealed acute kidney injury hence suspecting toxicity is from western countries. Drug Abuse Warning Network
rhabdomyolysis. Initial BUN 17 mg/dl Cr 1.5 mg/dl raised to (DAWN) data have shown a steady increase in emergency
BUN 67 mg/dl Cr 4.4 mg/dl. Electrolytes revealed K 5.3 mmol/L department (ED) visits from MDMA abuse. However MDMA
BIC 18.5mmol/L. CPK was sent which was 39863 IU/L and abuse is becoming an emerging problem in developing countries
Phosphate 7.8 mg/dl. Patient was aggressively hydrated and as well. We are presenting a case report of a patient with
urine alkalinization with IV bicarbonate infusion was started. severe MDMA toxicity in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
However in view of oliguria and worsening azotemia, nephrology Case Presentation: 25-year male presented with altered
consult was generated and he was placed on hemodialysis. After sensiorium and low GCS 8/15 in the ED. Attendants gave history
few sessions of hemodialysis his urine output improved and of first time intake of two tablets of MDMA/ecstasy following
renal functions stabilized. On discharge his condition had which patient became unresponsive. On examination he was
improved significantly without any requirement for long term tachypneic, tachycardic, had hyperthermia T 42 C and generalized
hemodialysis. skin hyperemia. Systemic exam showed positive findings of
Conclusion: Hair dye toxicity can be fatal if not recognized bilateral equal, dilated and reactive pupils. Also he had brisk
early. There is no antidote available. Rhabdomyolysis is a reflexes and bilateral upgoing planters. EKG showed sinus
complication and needs to be managed aggressively in order to tachycardia. Blood tests revealed raised TLC 24.5 x 10E9/L
prevent long term morbidity. BUN 15mg /dl Cr 2.3 mg/dl Na 145 mmol/L K 6.3mmol/L Cl
104mmol/L Bicarb 7.1 mmol/L. pTT 11.6 seconds and aPTT
Keywords: hair dye, poisoning, rhabdomyolysis 40.95 seconds with INR 1.10. ABG showed Ph 6.8. CPK 4320

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Aga Khan University Miscellaneous
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IU/L. Urine toxicology reported positive amphetamine 1008 Level 6 Identifying thematic areas for each publication.
(cut off 1000). Patient was immediately assessed to have severe Level 7 Analyzing database entry using EndNote’s subject
MDMA toxicity with potentially life threatening manifestations bibliography option.
of malignant hyperthermia, severe metabolic acidosis, acute Results: The overall analysis revealed that although the number
renal failure, low GCS, rhabdomyolysis and raised pTT. Early of research articles had increased in number over two decades,
aggressive management was started. Rapid sequence intubation but no significant changes could be attributed to thematic
was performed. Resuscitation done with IV fluids and broad research.
spectrum antibiotics and Alkanization of urine with IV The percentage of indexed journal papers over 10 years have
Bicarbonate. Electrolyte imbalance was treated. Repeat labs increased and has seen to be plateaued over the last 5 years.
showed BUN 16 mg/L Cr 1.9 mg/dl. Patient was transferred The overall AKU publication averaged to be 400, of which 80%
out due to unavailability of bed in ICU then. On follow up are published in peer-reviewed journals.
patient had recovered well without manifesting long term Conclusion: Health sciences, predominantly being the largest
morbidity of potentially fatal complications he had presented faculty, hence the highest percentage belonged to the Medical
with. College with 25% in maternal/neonatal and child health, 50%
Conclusion: Acute severe MDMA toxicity can manifest with in infection and immunity and 25% research papers related to
multi-organ failure. Earlier diagnosis along with aggressive non-communicable diseases. However, there is some overlap
treatment will prevent significant morbidity and near fatal in these themes which could not be analyzed at this point.
complications. Note: Book published in the last seven year is around
30 in number. Most of them pertain to teacher education
Keywords: MDMA, toxicity, DAWN and maternal/child health, and a few related to Muslim
civilization.

15.72 Keywords: Publication assessment, thematic research, online

A TEN-YEAR ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH ARTICLESOF library, research office
THE AGA KHAN UNIVERSITYPUBLISHED IN PEER-
REVIEWED JOURNALS
15.73
Jack Fernandes, Naureen Huda, Anwar A. Siddiqui, El-Nasir ROLE OF PROFICEINCY TESTING (PT)IN EDUCATION
Lalani AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN A DEVELOPING
Office of the Dean of Research & Graduate Studies, Aga Khan COUNTRY.- EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY HOSPITAL
University, Karachi CLINICAL LABORATORY

Background:Assessment and evaluation of research conducted Lubna Khaleeq, Usman Sheikh, Bushra Moiz, M Asim Beg
in a research-based University has a significant impact on the Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
scientific performance of an institution. One of the major Karachi
indicators used by universities to assess research impact is the
quality of papers published in peer-reviewed journals. This Objective: Analysis of quality assurance results of CAP surveys
provides a clue to the area where research is moving towards. received in hematology section of Aga Khan University Hospital,
Objective: To analyze journalarticles published by different compare it with the results of other participating laboratories
entities of AKU during past 10 years. and use data from CAP surveys as a tool to improve quality and
Method:The AKU Research Office has been maintaining train staff members in a tertiary care hospital, thus improving
publications record mainly of the Karachi campus since 1999. patient care.
Other publications across AKU campusesin Pakistan, East Method: A retrospective study was conducted for data collection
Africa and United Kingdom, were collected over the years and of CAP (College of American Pathologist) survey. Results of
collated for reports. two years i.e. 2009 and 2010 were taken in to consideration.
The process consisted of following levels: Selection criteria included all CAP survey received during this
Level 1 Publications search using EndNote software (for time period. These surveys were Automated differential and
PubMed), Google Scholar and PakMedinet, Scopus, Blood cell morphology survey (FH6- 3surveys per annum),Blood
and AKU Library’s online database resources (e.g. parasite survey(3 surveys per annum), Erythrocytes sedimentation
SciDirect, Springer Link, Cambridge Journals, Mosby’s rate (2 surveys per annum), Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenese
Nursing Consult, Wiley Inter Science, etc.). enzyme survey(2 surveys per annum),Viral markers (3 surveys
Level 2 Validating and verifying entries: Comparison with per annum), Glycohemoglobin survey(2 surveys per annum),
information provided by departments Hemoglobinpathy survey(2 surveys per annum) and Reticulocytes
Level 3 Editing database for uniformity of information and count (2 surveys per annum). These survey received through
including impact factors. CAP were analyzed by pathologist and technologist working in
Level 4 Categorization: Indexed journals, National/ the hematology section of Aga Khan University Hospital, the
International, Impact Factor. results were compiled and then sent to CAP. After receiving the
Level 5 Categorization: Types of articles, departments, Entity. results, they were shown in departmental meeting and quality

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improvement control committee meeting (QICC). 15.75

Results: Total number of 8 surveys were received from CAP MONITORING OF CRITICAL LABORATORY RESULT
(College of American Pathologist) for analysis during 2009 and REPORTING THROUGH COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM:
2010 with 1050 parameters. Among these surveys our results ADVANCEMENT TOWARDS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT.
were 99.6%. 4 results was unacceptable by the CAP . In some
surveys (like hemoglobinopathy, blood parasite and automated Mashhooda Rasool, Seema Vaqar, Bushra Moiz, Usman Sheikh,
differential and blood cell morphology survey) a part of survey Mohammad Khurshid
was sent as educational challenge which was not graded and it Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University,
was only meant for learning and educational purposes. Karachi
Conclusion: The aim of proficiency testing, known as External
Quality Assessment (EQA) is to provide laboratories with a Objective: To review the outcome of critical result reporting
means by which they can objectively assess and demonstrate after implementation of computerized monitoring through
the reliability of the results produced by their technologists and integrated laboratory management system.
the analytical methods employed. True quality improvements Method: The study was conducted at the Clinical Laboratories
may take place in response to proficiency testing failure. We of The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. It was a
conclude that our results are compatible with the results of CAP retrospective study. Data of previous 26 months i-e from May
(College of American Pathologist) External Quality Assurance 2009 to June 2011 was taken into consideration. Certain rules
Schemes like CAP (College of American Pathologist) are an were designed with the help of information technology personnel
excellent way of monitoring long term QC and are a very useful and incorporated in the system. The rules were: 1. Critical tests
tool for planning any future strategy to improve quality. and their ranges were identified by each section of Clinical
Laboratory. 2. Critical high and low values were incorporated
Keywords: Proficiency Testing, Quality Improvement, Education in the system. 3. According to these values, the system gave
flagging of critical low values as bold blue and critical high
values as bold red. 4. An icon of informing critical results was
15.74 made available at the result entry option so that the proper
EFFECTIVENESS OF HOME HEALTH CARE PROGRAM documentation of informing the results should be possible. 5.
IN REDUCING HOSPITAL STAY AND CONTINUITY OF The data incorporated in the system through that icon was
QUALITY NURSING CARE AT PATIENT’S DOORSTEPS compiled by the system and a report was printed out next morning
by the respective section. Every section of the laboratory reviews
Farida Datoo, Nasir Khan the previous day data of critical results and identifies the root
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi cause, if the results were not communicated. At the end of the
month, every section compiles this daily data into a monthly
Objective: The Aga Khan University Hospital Home Health report. A quarterly report of critical results informed was then
Care (HHC) services were established to provide health care prepared by every section and percentage of critical results not
facility to patients after their discharge from hospital. This study informed was calculated. This quarterly report was collected
was done to explore overall utilization of HHC by the patients from each section of clinical laboratory and then compiled to
who need visits for IV medication and dressings at their homes. represent the overall performance. Initially the target for reporting
After providing HHC facility at their homes, overall hospital critical values was set as 98.0% which was then raised to 99.0%
stay was decreased. so as to be more competitive.
Method: Exploratory descriptive study was done based on data Results: During the study period, a total of 58421 results found
available for both procedures i.e. Wound dressing and IV to be critical which is 0.6% of the total volume of tests received
medication January 2010 to September 2011 in HHC registration in the designated period. The results that were effectively
record system. communicated were 98.94%. However, 1.06% results could not
Results: Analysis of the data for each quarter shows that after be reported. We will statistically analyze the data and share in
availing services of HHC, early discharges have been done to the final poster presentation.
vacant 645 beds in hospital for the year 2011. This has helped Conclusion: Introduction of a computerized system for monitoring
in reducing the In-Hospital patient’s load by reducing the average the critical value reporting proves to be very effective. Information
length of stay (3 days) for mentioned procedures. Exemplary technologies always help in providing best care to the patients
variation has proven the recognition of HHC services throughout which is the aim of a hospital who believes in quality care.
the country, thus helping AKUH in providing quality care at
patient’s doorsteps. Keywords: Critical results, Computerized system, Quality
Conclusion: HHC an emerging health care facility. Current data Imrovement
revealed that its intensity of need is increasing with passage of
time, where investment and its expansion is required in achieving
hospital goals and mission in terms of decreasing unneeded
hospital stay and hospital bed availibility to other patients.

Keywords: Home health care, dressing and IV, hospitalization

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15.77 and hypertension were also considered during evaluation.

DEMOGRAPHIC AND INJURY CHARACTERISTICS OF Results: Eighty two patients were evaluated in this audit including
TRAUMA VICTIMS PRESENTING TO A TERTIARY CARE 57 males and 25 females. Age ranged from 9 to 80 years. In 68
CENTER IN PAKISTAN cases 5 FR sheath was used for the procedure and in 11 cases
6FR sheath was used. Seven and 8 FR sheaths were used in 2
Farjad Siddiqui, Asad Moosa, Amyn Pardhan, Nabeel Zafar, and 1 patients respectively. Sheath removal and puncture site
Hasnain Zafar compression was given by senior faculty in 7 patients, by VIR
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi fellow in 51 patients, by residents in 14 patients and by trained
nurses in 10 cases. Arterial puncture site hematoma was found
Objective: Monitoring traumatic injury and care is essential to in 1 patient in which 5 FR sheath was used and compression
improve trauma outcomes. We describe patient and injury was given by a resident. The other predisposing factors like
characteristics of trauma victims presenting at our institution CLD, uremia, coagulopathy and hypertension were not related
Method: We reviewed the records of all adult (age >15 years) to hematoma formation.
trauma patients admitted between January 1998 and August Conclusion: We observed a very low incidence (1.21%) of
2010 that met the trauma team activation criteria. Information arterial puncture site hematoma in patients undergoing diagnostic
on demographics, injury characteristics, injury severity, hospital or interventional angioplasty. The frequency is far less compared
procedures and outcomes were collected and descriptive analysis to published data and practice standards guideline.
was performed.
Results: A total of 1,227 trauma incidents were reviewed. 86% Keywords: Hematoma, Puncture Site, Angiography
of patients were male and 80% were below 45 years of age.
Traffic accidents accounted for majority of cases (61%) followed
by firearm injuries (18%). 6% patients suffered blast injuries. 15.79
33% patients had been transferred from another health care DO WE NEED TO IMPROVE? CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
facility. The mean injury to ER time was 4.2 hours (± 5.5 hours). SURVEY IN ULTRASOUND SUITE
Extremity injury was present in 54% of patients followed by
injuries to the face (38%) and head (36%). 77% patients had an Amin Rajani, Basit Salam, Imrana Masroor, Darakhshan Kanwal
RTS score of above 7 and the Injury severity score was low (0- Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
15) in 55% patients. Surgical intervention was required in 38%
of patients and 31% of the total required admission to the Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the level
intensive care unit. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.3 of customer (i.e. patient) satisfaction in the ultrasound suite as
days (±5 days) with 31% of patients requiring stays of greater regards to the staff at reception, staff in the ultrasound suite and
than 6 days. Complications occurred in 11% of patients and the radiologist attending them in the ultrasound room.
6.4% of patients died Method: We conducted a cross sectional survey in department
Conclusion: The pattern and presentation of injury has been of radiology, Aga Khan University hospital Karachi from July
described. Our patients suffer great delays in receiving care. 01, 2009 to July 31, 2009. The information was collected through
This needs to be addressed to improve trauma outcomes. a designed questionnaire by a third party volunteer after informed
consent. The questionnaire initially assessed service satisfaction
Keywords: Trauma, delays, injury at the reception, in the ultrasound suite and the radiologist
attending them in the room. The indicator for quality of service
given included promptness, attention, caring attitude, clarity of
15.78 instructions given and self introduction by the doctor and the
INCIDENCE OF HEMATOMA AFTER FEMORAL ARTERY staff attending them.
PUNCTURES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTIC Results: Our overall interpretation derived from patient’s given
OR INTERVENTIONAL ANGIOGRAPHY response presented that 47% rated service as very good, 37%
rated as good, 13% rated ok, 1.9% percent rated service as poor
Amin Rajani, Rana Shoaib, Zahid Anwar, Raza Sayani and only 0.1% rated in very poor, there was on 3% difference
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi in customer rating very good, which means 44% responded very
good in overall satisfaction rating where as 47% was rate when
Objective: The purpose of this audit is to assess the incidence calculated rating in general.
of hematoma after femoral artery puncture in patients undergoing Conclusion: Based on our survey its was observed that customer
diagnostic or interventional angiography. showed overall satisfaction but in general we identify few
Method: This prospective audit was carried out over a period concerns through which we could further improve our standards
of 4 months from January 1st 2009 to April 30th 2009. All of service, with specific focus on our first point of contact that
patients undergoing diagnostic or interventional angiography is at reception.
via femoral route were included in this study. Patients who were
heparinized during the procedure or disoriented patients who Keywords: Ultrasound, customer satisfaction
were unable to follow the instructions were excluded from the
study. Predisposing conditions like CLD, uremia, coagulopathy

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15.80 The dose of steroid was increased to 60 mg/ day and tapered
DOES EVERY SECOND COUNTS IN EMERGENCY over 3 months. His best corrected vision in the right improved
IMAGING? CAUSES OF DELAYS IN PORTABLE X-RAYS to 20/20 from 20/40. His near vision is N/6 in both the eyes.
IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EVALUATED Hearing improved and metamorphasia also decreased slightly.
The only remaining complaint has been the glare during night
Muhammad Asif Bilal, Amin Rajani, Rza sayani, Abdul Tasneem driving He is on maintenance dose of steroids 5 mg/day for 3
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi weeks. He was referred to a skin specialist but had no skin signs.
Conclusion: High dose systemic steroid therapy with proper
Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the causes tapering resulted in good visual prognosis in this case.
of delay in performance of portable x-rays in a tertiary care
hospital’s emergency department. Keywords: VKH, steroids, vision
Method: This was Observational study conducted at emergency
department of Aga Khan University Hospital. The data collection
was from the date 23rd November 2009 to 28th November 2009. 15.84
The study included all patients in whom portable x-rays were TRENDS IN ACUTE POISONING: 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE
performed in emergency department. Rests of the portable x- FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN
rays performed in wards were excluded.
Results: Out of 100 patients, 18% patients were not ready for Nadeem Ullah Khan, Najia Ali, Kiran Ejaz, Sajjad Ali, Zainab
x-ray, in 9% patients dresses were not changed for x-ray, 6% Akber, Jabeen Fayyaz
patients were busy in I.V Cannulation, and3% patients had other Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University,
procedures (sampling)going on in 15% patient’s radiology Karachi
request forms were not ready. In 66% x-ray cases, ER support
staffs were not available to help the radiographer for patient Objective: Poisoning is a serious public health problem
handling and placing of x-ray cassettes. worldwide. Studies from low and middle income countries reveal
Conclusion: In our limited experience we observed that there a different spectrum of poisoning as compared to high income
was insufficient support from emergency staff in facilitation of countries. The magnitude of poisoning is not only increasing
performance of portable x-ray; Also patient’s radiology order worldwide but also getting new dimensions. The reasons for
request forms were not made by requesting physicians in advance these changing trends are socioeconomic patterns, new
as well as patients are not ready for x-rays because of the other development of drugs and chemicals, agricultural modernization,
procedures going on same time. green revolution in various regions and easy access to over the
counter drugs. This study is being conducted to determine trends
Keywords: Portable radiography in patterns of poisoning if any over a period of 22 years in an
emergency department of tertiary care hospital of Karachi
Pakistan.
15.82 Method: Medical records of patients admitted at Aga Khan
A CASE OF VOGT-KOYANAGI -HARADA University Hospital from January 1989 to December 2010 with
a provisional diagnosis of poisoning from Emergency Department,
Sharmeen Akram, Khabir Ahmad were reviewed. Data regarding demography, information of
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi substance causing poisoning, clinical presentation and
management was collected of 671 cases and analysed using
Objective: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome or Uveoencephalitis SPSS v19 for descriptive statistics.
is a rare systemic disease of melanocyte-containing organs. It Results: In the past 22 years, 3214 cases of toxicity were admitted
is characterized by granulomatous panuveitis with exudative in our institute. Male female ratio was almost equal. Ingestion
retinal detachment.The eye symptoms are often accompanied was the most common route. Prescription medication, insecticide
by skin and neurologic manifestation .The diagnosis of this and kerosene oil were the commonly ingested poisons. In 83%
condition is based on the revised criterion set by an International cases ingestion was from a labelled container. Patients’ home
Committee on Nomenclature. The standard treatment involves was the common place of incident. Majority, 56% cases had to
topical and systemic steroid therapy. Non-responsive cases are be managed in a critical care area of the emergency. Most were
treated with immuno-suppressants. We report a case of this rare admitted in hospital but were later lost to follow up.
disease and its management. Conclusion: In the past two decades we treated a large number
Method: A 26-year-old male was diagnosed with VKH in an of poisoning cases at the Emergency Department of Aga Khan
eye clinic in Sydney, Australia. He presented there with bilateral University Hospital. The nature of agent involved is prescription
red eye. And decreased vision—right more than the left. On medication taken at home by these patients.
examination he was found to have bilateral uveitis with right
serous retinal detachment. A series of blood tests were done to Keywords: Acute poisoning, experience, Karachi
rule out other causes of uveitis. He was put on (oral) systemic
(120 mg / day ) and topical steroids.
Results: Post-treatment OCT showed resolution of exudative
RD. Amsler Grid showed wavy lines and post-treatment FFA
also showed positive response to treatment. The audiogram
showed sensorineural hearing loss in the high frequency range

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15.85 Results: Variations were found in the practices of written

ASSESSING PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH assignments, provision of assessment criteria and provision of
RADIOLOGICAL SERVICES IN A LARGE TERTIARY CARE written feedback. 80% of the students reported receiving written
HOSPITALS OF KARACHI. feedback, with or without oral feedback. However, 20 % of
them received only verbal feedback. Only 40% students reported
Shaheen Dhanani, Afsheen Mahmood receiving feedback on regular basis. Assignment guidelines were
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi not always in a written form, were ambiguous and the feedback
not reflective of the guidelines.
Objective: To determine the level of patient’s satisfaction with Conclusion: The findings have implications for teachers, students
radiological reception and services, to document areas of and institutions similar to the context of this study. Teachers
dissatisfaction and to develop appropriate recommendations for need to be aware of the role and impact of written feedback on
the Department. Introduction: The quality of health care should students’ learning and develop competence for giving effective
be measured increasingly include patient’s satisfaction which feedback. Finally, institutional commitment and polices are
is one of the important dimensions. However a single explanation needed to promote the practices of effective written feedback.
of why surveys of patient’s views have a suddenly become such
a visible & regular aspect of the health care organization. This Keywords: Higher education, written feedback, quality of
survey considers some of the potential problems & strategic feedback
questions involved in surveys of patient’s
satisfaction & analyzing a survey of patient’s views.
Method: All patients scheduled (or unscheduled) for any 15.91
diagnostic or interventional procedure in different reception TO DETERMINE THE MEAN INDUCTION DOSE OF
areas of the Departments of several tertiary care hospitals PROPOFOL WITH KETAMINE-PROPOFOL AND
including AKUH, LNH, ZMU, JPMC, Abbasi Shaheed, Civil MIDAZOLAM-PROPOFOL CO-INDUCTION.
hospital were eligible for the survey conducted over the months
of September in 2010. Patients completed a semi-structured self- Mohsin Nazir
administered questionnaire during their reception stay and during Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
and after their procedure. During the survey period 68 numbers
of patients were eligible; 8 numbers of patients were refused. Objective: To determine the mean induction dose of propofol
The group surveyed consisted 25 numbers of females & 35 with ketamine-propofol and midazolam-propofol co-induction.
numbers of males. Method: After approval from institutional ethical review
Results: We surveyed 20 patients in each hospitals and their committee (ERC) and written informed consent, a total of
level of satisfaction are as follow. Reception 90%satisfied, 60patients with American society of anaesthesiology (ASA)
10%were not 60% satisfied, 40% were not radiographer physical status I and II, aged 20-50 years, of either sex, undergoing
80%satisfied,20% were not 63%satisfied,37% were not daycare surgeries requiring general anaesthesia were included
Conclusion: Our survey “accessing patient’s satisfaction with in this study. The patients waere randomly allocated into two
radiological services in large tertiary care hospitals of Karachi” groups; group A and group B. patients in group A received
showed that most of the patients were satisfied with the radiology ketamine-propofol and those in group B received midazolam-
facilities & services. propofol for induction of anaesthesia. During preoxygenation,
all the patients received pethidine 0.8mg/kg followed one minute
Keywords: Patient satisfaction, tertiary care later by co-induction agent, either 0.3mg/kg ketamine or
0.03mg/kg midazolam.. Injection propofol was given 10mg
every five seconds until patient stops counting and does not
15.90 respond to a reminder to continue counting. The level of sedation
PRACTICES OF WRITTEN FEEDBACK IN NURSING and alertness was targeted to an observer’s assessment of
DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN KARACHI alertness/sedation score of 2.
Results: Mean induction dose of propofol between two groups
Amina Khowaja, Raisa Gul, Arusa Lakhani, Nusrat Fatima was compared by student’s T test. The mean induction dose was
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi 53.67 (30-120) mg in group “A” patients and 52.33 (30-110)
mg in group “B” patient. The difference between the mean
Background: Good academic writing skills, is a key to success inductions doses of propofol were statistically insignificant (P-
for students. Without good academic writing skills students find value of 0.78). Mann Whitney test was also used to compare
it challenging to fulfill the requirements of their studies in higher the mean induction doses of propofol between two groups. The
education. Written feedback is known to assess and develop difference in mean induction doses of propofol was statistically
students’ academic writing skills. However, many factors may insignificant (P-value of 0.57).
affect the practices of written feedback and its utilization. The Conclusion: There is no difference in the mean induction dose
study aimed at identifying students’ perceptions about written of propofol in ketamine- propofol and midazolam- propofol co-
feedback in the nursing degree programmes in Karachi. induction.
Method: A descriptive exploratory design was used in this study.
The sample consisted of 379 students from nine nursing Keywords: Co-induction, ketamine-propofol, midazolam-propofol
institutions. The data was collected through a modified
Assessment Experience Questionnaire by Gibbs and Simpson.
The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics.

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15.92 15.93
GENETIC RISK SCORES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY-BASED
DIABETES RELATED TRAITS IN SOUTH ASIANS AND STRATEGIES FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN A
PROVIDE TOOLS FOR MENDELIAN RANDOMIZATION LOW-INCOME DEVELOPING COUNTRY
STUDIES.
Tazeen H Jafar, Muhammad Islam, Rasool Bux, Neil Poulter,
Muhammad Islam, Tazeen H Jafar, Andrew R Wood, N Maneka Juanita Hatcher, Nish Chaturvedi, Shah Ebrahim, Peter Cosgrove
G De Silva, Mark Caulfied, Nish Chaturvedi , Timothy M Frayling Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University,
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Imperial College of London, UK, South Asia Network
Karachi, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University for Chronic Disease
of Exeter, Exeter
Objective: Evidence on economically efficient strategies to lower
Objective: To test the hypothesis that genetic variants associated blood pressure (BP) from low- and middle-income countries
with diabetes related traits in Europeans would explain a similar remains scarce. The Control of Blood Pressure and Risk
proportion of phenotypic variance in a Pakistani population. Attenuation (COBRA) trial randomized 1341 hypertensive
Method: We used individuals from the Control of Blood Pressure subjects in 12 randomly selected communities in Karachi,
and Risk Attenuation Trial (COBRA) in Karachi, Pakistan. Pakistan, to 3 intervention programs: (1) combined home health
Individuals were aged 40 years or older. A total of 81 single education (HHE) plus trained general practitioner (GP); (2)
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with either fasting HHE only; and (3) trained GP only. The comparator was no
glucose, BMI, blood pressure or triglyceride levels were intervention (or usual care). The reduction in BP was most
genotyped. We tested individual SNPs and weighted genetic pronounced in the combined group. The present study examined
risk scores against the relevant metabolic trait. We next performed the cost-effectiveness of these strategies.
Mendelian randomization tests using an instrumental variables Method: Total costs were assessed at baseline and 2 years to
approach between pairs of metabolic traits. estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios based on (1)
Results: Combining information from multiple genetic variants intervention cost; (2) cost of physician consultation, medications,
showed that fasting glucose variants, BMI variants, triglyceride diagnostics, changes in lifestyle, and productivity loss; and (3)
variants, systolic blood pressure variants and diastolic blood change in systolic BP. Precision of the incremental cost-
pressure variants explain 2.9%, 0.7%, 5.5%, 1.2% and 1.8% of effectiveness ratio estimates was assessed by 1000 bootstrapping
the variance in those traits respectively. These effects are replications. Bayesian probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also
consistent with those observed in Europeans. Using a Mendelian performed.
randomization approach we observed evidence that genetically Results: The annual costs per participant associated with the
influenced raised triglyceride levels do not causally affect type combined HHE plus trained GP, HHE alone, and trained GP
2 diabetes risk (p=0.0003 for a difference between observed and alone were $3.99, $3.34, and $0.65, respectively. HHE plus
instrumental variables correlations), and that genetically trained GP was the most cost-effective intervention, with an
influenced raised glucose levels do not causally affect triglyceride incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $23 (95% confidence
levels (p=0.03). interval, 6–99) per mm Hg reduction in systolic BP compared
Conclusion: Genetic variants identified in Europeans are with usual care, and remained so in 97.7% of 1000 bootstrapped
associated with diabetes related traits in South Asians with replications.
comparable effect size and can be used in Mendelian Conclusion: The combined intervention of HHE plus trained
randomization studies. GP is potentially affordable and more cost-effective for BP
control than usual care or either strategy alone in some
Keywords: Genetic risk scores, Mendelian randomization, communities in Pakistan, and possibly other countries in
diabetes Indochina with similar healthcare infrastructure.

Keywords: Community-Based Strategies, Blood Pressure, Cost-

Effectiveness

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15.94 15.95
MAINTAINING QUALITY: WHAT WE CAN DO IN PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF KARACHI RESIDENTS
MALARIA DIAGNOSIS AND HOW TO DO MICROSCOPY ABOUT ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION:
IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL CLINICAL LABORATORY. A PILOT QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Shahmina Sadaf, M.Asim Beg Aiman Awaiz, Syed Mustafa Ali, Rekha J Kumar, Saneela Altaf,
Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Kiran Ejaz
Karachi Department of Medicine and Medical College, Aga Khan
University, Karachi , Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Introduction: Malaria is a serious, sometimes fatal disease
resulting from infection with Plasmodium species transmitted Objective: Organ donation to save a life is a voluntary act and
by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. Clinical diagnosis, where it comes from within the general public and their spirit of
malaria suspected is based on the history, symptoms and clinical philanthropy and helping the community in need. The shortage
findings which must be confirmed by a parasitological laboratory of organs for transplantation is a problem locally due to lack of
diagnosis. Microscopy is still the gold standard for laboratory awareness and motivation among the people. The purpose of
confirmation of malaria. Thick and thin films are used for this on-going pilot study is to gather information about the
diagnosis of malaria. In many developing countries, microscopy perception and attitude of the residents of Karachi, Pakistan
is not reliable and many practical issues can lead to the regarding pros and cons of organ donation and transplantation.
misdiagnosis of malaria In addition to microscopy, other methods Method: Adapting a qualitative study design we conducted
have been developed recently for detection of malaria parasites fifteen in-depth interviews from August to October of 2011 at
for e.g "Rapid Diagnostic Tests" (RDTs) and Polymerase chain Pakistan Medical Association, Karachi. The study participants
reaction (PCR). Aga Khan University Hospital is a JCIA and were invited from a local mall. Young adults from ages 18 to
ISO certified tertiary care hospital which participates in several 25 years and elders from ages 26-45 years were included. Data
external quality assessment programmes for example NEQAS was entered in roman Urdu and translated before analysing in
(national external quality assessment service), CAP (College of Nvivo v2.
American Pathologist). Our experience has shown that several Results: Five main themes have been preliminary identified
factors contribute to lowering of quality standards and their from our data set. ‘General Concept of Organ Donation’, ‘Portal
correction is a quality improving exercise. •Insufficient training of Information’, ‘Misinformation’, ‘Religious Views’ and ‘Future
and supervision •Microscopes and reagents quality •Methodology Directives’. People are aware of the concept of organ donation
errors in slide staining. •Artifacts •EDTA storage changes leading especially after its mention in newspapers and through friends.
to distorted morphology. Most were of the opinion that it is limited to kidneys and ‘may
Method: This was a prospective study conducted from January be’ done for liver. According to the participants the cities involved
2011 till August 2011. All malaria films were examined by two are Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. They realize that our society
observers junior and senior technologist. Examination of thin is conservative and it is a rare phenomenon. A decision to arrange
smears for identification of species and thick smears for estimation for a donor for one’s relative would involve many aspects such
of parasitemia was done. A minimum of 200 oil immersion a sentiments, humanity and lack of involvement of people in
fields were examined in thick film which took about 5-10 min time of need.
for an experienced observer but longer for a less experienced Conclusion: Even though our analysis is not complete at the
observers. The findings of both observers were reviewed by the moment but we can conclude that the main study of this project
parasitologist and results compared. will definitely give us insight to this controversial topic. People
Results: Total no of slides observed for malarial parasites by realize the constraints of our society but are still waiting to be
technologist were 16880, out of these 950(5.6%) parasites were empowered by the educated class.
missed by junior technologist because of inexperience in
microscopy while 160(0.9%) parasites were missed by senior Keywords: Transplantation, Karachi, Ethics
technologist because of poor quality slides. All slides were then
reviewed by the parasitologist, technical and diagnostic errors
were analysed and corrective action undertaken. This ensure 15.97
that diagnostic patient care is not compromised. IMPROVE PRIORITY SETTING FOR EMERGENCY AND
Conclusion: Microscopy remains the GOLD standard. Training ADD-ON CASES BY INTRODUCING COLOR CODE
and Quality assurance practices are essential in a modern SYSTEM IN OPERATING ROOM
laboratory. Most common causes of missing malaria are poor
staining (artifacts) and untrained staff. This can be minimized Munira Amin, Parveen Amirali, Shazia Tabassum
by workshops, training of staff, preparation of good quality Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi
slides and more participation in external quality assurance
programs. To maintain quality, a multifaceted approach is required Objective: In an eleven operating room (OR) setting having
and constant improvements should be implemented. block scheduling system only one OR is designated for emergency
and elective add-on cases. Prioritization of emergent, urgent and
Keywords: malaria, diagnosis, practical issues semi-urgent cases was not finely distinguished resulting into
decreased patient and healthcare personnel satisfaction and
increased NPO time. The purpose of this quality circle was to
ensure streamline utilization of emergency OR by formulating

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guideline for proper classification of emergency cases. This will main workforce in our tertiary care hospital, whose basic
result in having defined guidelines for emergency, urgent and education had no curriculum of medication handling in their
semi-urgent cases. diploma syllabus. The OR management identified and started
Method: A Juran’s Continuous Quality Improvement project working on this crucial issue.
was done, a multidisciplinary team reviewed the old existing Method: After multiple meetings with nursing management,
system (black & red color coding), collected data regarding Nursing Education Services (NES) and medical director, a list
accommodating cases within one hour and identified that 59.98% of all medications was prepared and found high consumption
cases took more than one hour to arrive into OR resulting in of anticoagulants, antibiotics, irrigation fluids, local and topical
wastage of precious OR time. The team formulated a new anesthesia and ophthalmic medications. A medication handling
guideline for prioritization of emergency cases on its nature of course was organized by OR management in collaboration with
emergency by giving color codes i.e. red, orange and blue. NES in hospital and senior technicians were trained. The module
Results: The new guideline resulted in proper accommodation included the education on name of medication, its indication,
of cases within the defined time frame hence increasing patient contraindication, dosage, methods of preparation and checking
satisfaction and decreased patient’s NPO time. five rights while handling medication. OR techs were also
Conclusion: This strategy of classification of emergency cases enforced to label medication in intra-operative phase with the
is a useful tool in running an emergency OR in a tertiary care help of sterilized labels.
hospital where influx of emergency cases is very frequent. Results: By December 2010, most of the senior OR Technicians
(criteria: having at least 3 years experience) were certified by
Keywords: Operating room, emergency classification Nursing Education services for the basics of medication handling
in OR. The passing criterion was 85%. No junior technician was
allowed to prepare medication. Certified staff/Nurse was always
15.98 made available for fulfilling this requirement.
'THE ONE TRULY SERIOUS PHILOSOPHICAL PROBLEM': Conclusion: The clause has been included in medication handling
ETHICAL ASPECTS OF SUICIDE policy of the hospital. By December 2010, all almost all senior
OR technicians are certified. The next round of certification will
Murad M Khan, Ayesha Mian include the remaining technicians’ training and development,
Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, starting in the mid of year 2011.
Baylor College of Medicine
Keywords: medication handling, OR Technician
Objective: Suicide is a major global public health problem with
an estimated one million deaths every year. It is one of the most
personal yet one of the most complex acts anyone can perform, 15.100
as it goes to the very core of the concept of human existence PREDICTED STRUCTURE-FUNCTION ANALYSIS OF
and the meaning of life. . HUMAN PROMININ-1 (CD133): A FUNCTIONAL STEM
Method: Review of the literature CELL MARKER
Results: The philosophical debate on suicide has spanned
centuries with no clear answers. Juxtaposed within the various Muhammad Kamran, Bushra Chaudhry
perspectives that suicide can be studied from is the ethical Departments of Pathology & Microbiology and Biological &
perspective that brings into sharp focus the conflict between Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi
personal autonomy and societal responsibility towards suicidal
individuals. Mental health professionals find themselves in the Objective: Human CD133 (prominin-1 or PROML1) is a 120
midst of this conflict as they are assumed to have the responsibility kDa N-glycosylated pentaspan membrane protein expressed on
to prevent suicide in their patients,while patients’ responsibility the surface of normal and cancer stem cells (cancer-initiating
towards themselves is frequently overlooked. cells), progenitor and a variety of epithelial cells. The underlying
Conclusion: Mental health professionals need to be aware of mechanism of CD133 function is not fully unraveled. However,
the ethical concerns that arise in the care of suicidal patients. recent reports have suggested its role in repressing stem cells
differentiation and enhancing proliferation capacity of cancer
Keywords: Suicide, ethics, philosophy stem cells. These findings have established CD133 as an authentic
stem cell marker and opened new avenues for targeting CD133
in differentiation induction therapies of specific malignancies.
15.99 This study focuses on analyzing human CD133 nucleotide and
MEDICATION HANDLING BY OR TECHNICIAN protein sequences for deducing its predicted structural-functional
dynamics.
Munira Amin, Parveen Amirali, Muki Bano Method: Gene and protein sequences were retrieved from NCBI,
Department of Nursing Services, Aga Khan University, Karachi Ensembl and Swiss-Prot. BLAST searches were performed on
these sequences. Conserved domain architecture was determined
Objective: According to the international patient safety goals, by Conserved Domains Database (CDD). Similarity, multiple
medication handling is an important component. In Operating sequence alignment, phylogenetic relationships and functions
Room (OR) setting, intra-operative medication handling included were revealed by Clustal W2 and Ensembl.
taking orders, preparing and administration during surgery was Results: The transcribed region of CD133 spans 122kb and
done by OR Technicians (unlicensed assistants). They are the contains at least 37 exons. Alternative splicing of these exons

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resulted in 7 functional human CD133 isoforms which are 15.102

expressed in tissue dependent manner. Homologues of CD133 THE PREVALENCE AND CUMULATIVE INCIDENCE OF
are found to be expressed in various metazoans species with INTRA-ABDOMINAL HYPERTENSION (IAH) IN THE
maximum homology with chimpanzee (98% identity), cow MIXED ICU POPULATION: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT
(53%), dog (65%), chicken (51%), mouse (60%), rat (60%), STUDY
worm (14%), zebra fish (39%), fruit fly (15%) and mosquito
(16%) were evolved distantly. However, no CD133 like protein Ghulam Murtaza, K.M.Inam Pal, Muhammad Raheel Nawaz
was observed in bacteria, yeasts and plants. Conservation of Jajja, Zunera Nawaz
CD133 nucleotide and amino acid sequence is low indicting Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi
differences in structures but transmembrane domain is conserved
among all homologues suggesting a few similar functions. Such Objective: To determine the prevalence and cumulative incidence
as putative binding of CD133 with b-actin & cadherin lke other of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in the mixed ICU
proteins and is predicted to be involved in intracellular protein population at AKUH.
trafficking. Method: The study was conducted for four months i.e. April-
Conclusion: Human prominin-1 nucleotide and protein sequence July 2011 on adult patients admitted in ICU, on mechanical
share similarity with other metazoan species and is predicted to ventilation and with an indwelling urinary catheter. After seeking
be involved in intracellular protein trafficking. ethical review committee approval & informed consent from
relatives of the patient, trans-vesicular pressure was measured
Keywords: CD133, stem cells, alternative splicing twice daily after retrograde filling of urinary bladder with 50
ml normal saline. Primary endpoint was intra abdominal
hypertension and it was defined as IAP >12mmHg on two
15.101 consecutive readings. All the patients with IAH detected at any
THE ETHICS OF PHARMACEUTICAL-PHYSICIAN time during ICU stay were included in prevalence pool, while
RELATIONSHIP patients who developed IAH after normal initial pressure at the
time of admission were included in incidence pool. All these
Murad M Khan patients were followed up till discharge from ICU or death.
Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi Results: Total 83 patients were enrolled in the study; 60% from
medical ICU and 40% from surgical ICU. Mean age in years±SD
Objective: Pharmaceutical companies and physicians have a was 47±17.5 with male preponderance (66%). IAH was detected
well established symbiotic but mutually exploitative relationship. in 15/83 (18%) at the time of admission, while three developed
Drug companies operate in a world of high risks but potentially during ICU stay; hence the incidence and prevalence was 3.6%
high gains as well. Recouping large investments made in new and 21.7%, respectively. During follow up, in-ICU mortality
drug research and development and maximizing corporate profits was higher in patients with IAH as compared to those without
depend on persuading the medical community to prescribe as IAH rest (44.4% vs. 27.6%, p-value-0.14), while incidence of
much of their specific medications as possible. That persuasion difficulty in weaning and failed extubation was also insignificant.
takes many forms including sponsoring conferences attendances, Conclusion: This prospective cohort study was undertaken to
underwriting symposia, all expenses paid trips for self and spouse determine the burden of IAH at a mixed ICU in a tertiary care
for drug launches abroad, free drug samples, and expensive hospital in developing country. We found high prevalence of
gifts.Promotional activity has a single intent: to drive market IAH, whereas the incidence was low. A higher mortality was
share by influencing physicians’ prescribing habits noted in patients having raised intra-abdominal pressure, though
Method: Literature review this did not reach statistical significance.
Results: There is good evidence that despite doctors’ denial,
drug-marketing techniques do affect doctors’ prescribing practices. Keywords: Intesive Care, Intra Abdominal Hypertension, Cohort
In Pakistan this is complicated by the fact that there is little study
regulation, either of medical practice or drug prescribing and
dispensing and companies and physicians are free to behave as
they deem fit. Also, as most health care in Pakistan is out-of- 15.103
pocket, patients end up paying for the promotional activities INCREASING THE ADVERSE DRUG REACTION
that physicians take part in. REPORTING
Conclusion: The ubiquity and expense of these efforts raise
difficult ethical questions for physicians and the public. Accepting Muhammad Hammad, Abdul Latif Sheikh, Syed Shamim Raza,
gifts or other inducements from drug companies constitutes a Amna Saleem Rao, Muhammad Zeeshan Islam
conflict of interest and raises other ethical issues such as probity Department of Pharmacy Services Aga Khan University, Karachi
as well as institutional integrity. It also has ethical implications
for doctors, as it affects the trust required in the doctor–patient Objective: Adverse drug reaction is expected to occur from
relationship. almost every therapeutic agent, and its reporting is an essential
tool for the patient safety. Several studies concluded that 6.7%
Keywords: Ethics, pharmaceuticals, physicians of hospitalized patients have a serious ADR with a fatality rate
of 0.32%. Trigger drugs are those drugs that signal a possible
ADR and increase the detection of reportable events. Trigger
drugs can intimidate the occurrence of ADRs. Aga Khan

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University Hospital (AKUH) is a 545 bed, tertiary care teaching pharmacy software as a part of medication management process.
hospital of Pakistan. The average reported ADRs in the hospital Results: After the implementation of these dilution charts, an
were around 110 ADRs per year which is fairly an under-reported overall 40% reduction was observed in the need to adjust the
figure. dilution volumes of the infusion drugs. These charts helped in
Method: Trigger drugs were identified and utilized as a clinical standardizing the practices.
quality indicator. The National Coordinating Council for Conclusion: The dilution charts of NICU critical drugs facilitated
Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC- MERP), in the better fluid management of the neonates. It also resulted
Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI) guidelines for in nursing time savings, reducing the tedious calculations, patient
trigger drugs were reviewed for implementation plan. The trigger costs savings and ultimately enhancing the patient safety.
drugs included were antihistamines, steroids, antidotes, diuretics
and antiemetics. It was then approved by the Pharmacy & Keywords: NICU Drug Dilution, Standarization of NICU
Therapeutics Committee of the hospital. Daily consumption Medication Usage Practices
report of trigger drugs was run through Computerized Physician
Order Entry (CPOE). All the patients identified through daily
drug search were followed individually; the concerned physician 15.105
or nurse was contacted for every patient to gather the information BEYOND QUALITY: WHY HEALTHCARE
about the possible occurrence of an ADR. ORGANISATIONS NEED TO INVEST IN ETHICS
Results: ADR capturing via trigger drugs enhanced the overall
ADR reporting by 45%. A 60% fraction of the total reported Murad M Khan
ADRs were via trigger drugs. Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Conclusion: Trigger tools can help to identify and document
the ADRs. Enhance reporting of ADRs results in better resolution Objective: Management (TQM), Continuous Quality
of the therapy related issues and improved patient care. Improvement (CQI) and International Standardization for
Organisations (ISO) in healthcare systems have led to substantial
Keywords: ADR reporting via trigger drugs, Enhancing the improvements in patient care. Despite this, there remains a
patient safety via increasing the ADR reporting general dissatisfaction with the care provided and patients’
complaints have continued to grow
Method: Review of relevant literature.
15.104 Results: Quality concepts are mostly derived from the service
OPTIMIZING THE IV FLUIDS VIA IMPLEMENTING THE and manufacturing industries, that deal with inanimate products
STANDARDIZED IV DILUTION CHARTS OF CRITICAL such as soaps or washing powder. On the other hand healthcare
NICU DRUGS organisations deal with diseased and distressed human beings.
The role of ethics in the care of the ill therefore becomes critical.
Muhammad Hammad, Syed Rehan Ali, Syed Shamim Raza, While quality is about meeting certain standards, ethics is about
Simon Demas, Anila Bardai internalizing values, in particular the core values of compassion
Department of Pharmacy Services and Paediatrics & Child and caring, fundamental to the medical and nursing professions.
Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi These core values are under threat in today’s highly
commercialized world where the bottom line has become revenues
Objective: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is a Joint and profits. In this model patients become commodities to be
Commission International accredited teaching hospital. Neonatal bartered and exchanged, bought and sold. Healthcare
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of AKUH is equipped with the organisations that move away from an ethics-driven model to
modern facilities where a neonatal clinical pharmacist is engaged a more business-driven one face greater patient dissatisfaction.
with multidisciplinary clinical rounds. Fluid management Conclusion: Healthcare organisations that invest in ethics to
becomes a challenging task in babies with multiple IV infusions. compliment quality initiatives in their processes lead to better
The kidneys of the newborn have a limited capacity; fluid patient care and greater patient satisfaction. Therefore, healthcare
overload can cause multiple complications. Around 25 – 30 % organisations must strive to become ethical organisations and
of NICU babies usually receive therapy of one or more infusions not simply quality ones.
simultaneously. More commonly used infusion drugs include
morphine, atracurium, dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, Keywords: Ethics, Quality, Heathcare organisations
alprostadil etc. The data showed that there was often need to
intervene for the dilution volume of the infusions in order to
improve the patient safety. 15.106
Method: Based on literature support, charts of dilution and RATIONALIZING THE USE OF LINEZOLID THROUGH
administration were prepared of the critical NICU drugs. These ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM IN A TERTIARY
charts, after the approval of P & TC, were introduced into the CARE HOSPITAL IN PAKISTAN
practice. Special nursing sessions were arranged to facilitate the
understanding of the charts and these charts were then pasted Salwa Ahsan , Faisal Mahmood
on the various patient care areas in the NICU, displaying the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi
information about drug dosage, dilution, diluent,
maximum/minimum concentrations, based on weight along with Objective: Rationalizing the use of antibiotics which are
pre-calculated infusion rates. This was also incorporated into considered last resort against organisms resistant to first line

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agents has remained the top priority of antibiotic stewardship study design will be descriptive exploratory. • Study setting This
programs in healthcare institutions. The problem is particularly study will be conducted in one of the private preschool school
important in developing countries where more discrepancies of Karachi. Duration of the study would be three months
have been reported. approximatley i.e. from August to December. Purposive sampling
Method: Rational use of antibiotics is the dashboard clinical of 6-8 teachers will be done for the interviews until saturation
indicator of the hospital in which the Pharmacy Department is achieved. Moreover, it is combined with the 6-8 classroom
conducts retrospective drug utilization reviews (DUR) of the observations with the same teachers from whom interviews are
selected restricted antibiotics. When Linezolid was added in the taken. 6-8 female teachers of any age group, both gender, both
formulary, hospital’s Antibiotic Subcommittee (ABSC) approved trained and untrained with at least 2yrs of experience working
its utilization criteria. It was listed as restricted antibiotic as in one of the private school of Karachi.Semi structured Interview
being the only drug available for treating Vancomycin Resistant guide will be formulated and used for the interview. Classroom
Enterococcus (VRE). Staff was made aware regarding the criteria observations will be done through a guided observation sheet.
through hospital’s published Antibiotic Guideline, flyers, Results: Results are awaited. will be compiled by Dec 2011.
computer alerts, educational sessions and through clinical Conclusion: This study will provide a better understanding of
pharmacists assigned in wards. DUR was conducted 6 months various practices, techniques and training programs which can
after the formulary addition. After reviewing data, ABSC further facilitate parents and teacher to promote social and emotional
posed mandatory ID/Micro consults irrespective of the C/S development of children and prevent/ control social and emotional
reports of a patient. Pharmacy would dispense Linezolid only problem in children.
when a verbal endorsement is given by ID/Micro directly to
pharmacy. Keywords: Preschoolers, social and emotional development,
Results: DUR revealed good compliance i.e. 94% to Linezolid teachers
utilization criteria. Areas of improvement were noted along with
degree of compliance was also determined in different clinical
departments. Major areas of improvement included: Prescribing 15.108
Linezolid without ID/Micro approval, concomitant Vancomycin EXTRAMURAL GRANTS SUBMISSION PROCESS AT AKU,
usage, Interrupted therapy, monitoring for hematological side REVIEW AND SIGN OFF: MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS
effects of Linezolid (Thrombocytopenia) and baseline + periodic OF GRANTORS
CBC monitoring
Conclusion: Antibiotic restriction was successfully implemented Naureen Huda, Kawasji Kheswalla, Jack Fernandes, Anwar A.
by involving various stakeholders and modalities as listed in Siddiqui, El-Nasir Lalani
methodology section. Office of the Dean of Research & Graduate Studies, Aga Khan
University
Keywords: DUR, Linezolid, rational
Background: Grant awarding bodies receive and review grant
applications submitted by faculty from universities with an
15.107 expectation that the submissions have been reviewed and
ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF THE TEACHERS IN authorized by the institutions. Whilst this was and is a hope of
PROMOTING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT the grantors, the process followed at AKU in the recent past fall
OF THE PRESCHOOLERS short of faculty either directly submitting applications or the
institutional signoff was undertaken in the absence of a proper
Hameeda Zeeshan, Nasreen Sulaiman review. To address this gap, AKU via the Research Office (RO)
Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi put in place the “Extramural Grant Submission Process” in June,
2009 with an aim to assist investigators in getting the required
Objective: Teachers can play a significant role in developing approval.
social and emotional aspect of young children. children who Objectives:
develop warm, positive relationships with their kindergarten 1. To establish a system that complies with the expectations
teachers are more excited about learning, more positive about of grant awarding bodies.
coming to school, more self-confident, and achieve more in the 2. To ensure that all grant applications and contracts follow
classroom than do children who experience more troubled or the institutional grant submission process.
conflicted relationships with their teachers. Therefore, the Method: This process followed a mixed methods design to
following study will identify various attitudes and practices of capture the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. It consisted
preschool teachers to promote social and emotional development of nine complementary phases:
of the preschool children between the age of 2-5yrs old. This Phase 1 Literature Search - Examined the requirements
study will contribute positive effects on teachers and organization of 5 granting agencies related to institutional
to understand and formulate various techniques and strategies signoff
to promote social and emotional development in preschool Phase 2 Analysis of processes followed by international
children who are the future generation of our country. Moreover, research institutions
this study will highlight the challenges and strengths of the Phase 3 Formulation of the process and the Checklists
current practices of teachers in the schools and facilitate the Phase 4 Consultations with Entity Heads/Deans /Directors
system improvement overall at the organizational level. Phase 5 Approvals by University Research Council,
Method: A qualitative research methodology will be used. The Academic Council and Board of Trustee of AKU

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Phase 6 Awareness sessions for administrative officials 15.110

and departmental managers POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOR MAJOR ABDOMINAL
Phase 7 Pilot-testing of the process for 6 months SURGERY – PRACTICE TRENDS AND PATIENT
Phase 8 Revisions based on the feedback from the users. SATISFACTION
Phase 9 Developed FAQs during the entire exercise, which
also let to the establishment of a Helpdesk Aliya Ahmed, Naveed Latif, Robyna Khan
Result: The process was developed and implemented successfully Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
with a noticeable increase in submissions of applications to the
RO for final review and sign off Objective: To determine the practice trends in the management
Conclusion: This process is a major paradigm shift at AKU for of postoperative pain for major abdominal surgeries at Aga Khan
researchers and entity heads. This puts AKU on leading position University Hospital and to determine the effectiveness of the
and provides a model for other institutions to follow. National analgesic strategies employed and patients’ satisfaction with
agencies like Higher Education Commission and Pakistan Science them.
Foundation are appreciative of the robustness and diligence of Method: All patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries
the process AKU has implemented. procedures were selected from the operation list. The patients’
age, sex, weight, ASA status and duration of surgery was recorded.
Keywords: eSubmissions, eGrants, checklist, sign-off The patients were followed up in the recovery room and twice
daily for three days. Principle mode of analgesia, co-analgesia
and complication related to analgesia modality were noted and
15.109 patients' satisfaction assessed. Proportions were calculated for
HOMOLOGY ANALYSIS OF VITAMIN D BINDING all categorical variables and frequencies were generated for the
PROTEIN (GC) USING BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS side effects
Results: Data was collected on 100 patients. Epidural Analgesia
Shaheena Anwar, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Perwaiz Iqbal, was used in 61%, PCIA in 25% and opioid infusion in 14%.
Bushra Chaudhry Patients receiving opioids had a higher incidence of nausea and
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health and Biological & vomiting. Sedation was not seen with opioid infusions or PCIA.
Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi 99/100 patients were happy with their analgesia modality
Conclusion: Patients receiving epidural at higher levels had
Objective: The vitamin D binding protein (Gc) gene is present better analgesia
on chromosome 4. It is 42.5 kb long and contains 13 exons. Its
protein has 458 amino acids. There are three major forms due Keywords: postoperative pain management, abdominal surgery,
to variations at codons 432 and 436 in exon 11 which result in practice trends
Gc1 fast (Gc1F), Gc1 slow (Gc1S) and Gc2. Gc1-1 has higher,
Gc1-2 has intermediate and Gc2-2 has lower affinity for its
substrates 25(OH) D and 1, 25 (OH)2 D. In this analysis, we 15.111
were interested to find functional diversity among different SIGNIFICANCE OF PREOPERATIVE HEMOGLOBIN AS A
genera if it existed. SCREENING TEST IN CHILDREN UNDERWENT
Method: Gc sequences of Homo sapien (Human) Bos taurus MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) IN GENERAL
(Cow), Xenopus tropicalis (Frog) and primates were obtained ANAESTHESIA.
from NCBI. Alignment were performed using Clustal W, T-
coffee, MUSCLE and Ensembl. Ali Asghar, Faisal Shamim
Results: The nucleotide homology was 95-99% among three Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University, Karachi
Human variants, 84% with cow and 59% with Frog. Protein
homology was 100% at protein level among human variants but Objective: The use of magnetic resonance imaging is growing
decreased to 80% with cow and 41% with frog. Phylogram exponentially. In most of the pediatric patients undergoing
showed that Xenopus tropicalis Gc had evolved separately. magnetic resonance imaging, general anesthesia is required.
Ensembl analysis also indicated high similarity among human, Routine preoperative screening tests consume patient’s time,
gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan discomfort and financial resources. In our institute we have a
Conclusion: The nucleotide sequence alignment showed varied large number of children undergoing MRI scanning requiring
homology but such trend was not observed at protein level general anaesthesia. They are assessed in preoperative clinic
indicating the involvement of synonymous amino acids leading and as per our guidelines hemoglobin is done in each patient.
to conservation of function. Further, post translational In this survey we wanted to observe the impact of preoperative
modifications also play an important role in evolutionary hemoglobin level done in planning and conduct of general
conservation of this protein among primates. Gc was closely anaesthsia.
related between Human, cow and primates but was evolutionary Method: After approval from departmental research committee,
distinct from frog Gc. Indicating possibility of functional all pediatric patients of 1 to 14 years of age who had MRI under
versatility other than described so far general anaesthesia were included. Children less than 1 year of
age and procedures done without GA or sedation were excluded.
Keywords: VDBP, vitamin D, bioinformatics The medical records numbers of all these patients were obtained
from MRI section of radiology department and their files were
retrieved from medical record room.

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Results: A total of 174 pediatric patients had MRI under general 15.114
anaesthesia were included in this survey. Average hemoglobin NEEDLE STICK INJURY: CONTROL AND PREVENTION
of the patients was 11.28±1.51 mg/dl .Low hemoglobin was IN RADIOLOGY
observed in few patients, but it was not significant. There was
no evidence that the decision to cancel or postpone the case by Amin Rajani, Raza Sayani
anaesthetist or any other perioperative management had occurred Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
as a result of preoperative low Hgb.
Conclusion: On the basis of this study, we can recommend that Objective: To review the data of health care worker receiving
children who do not have any clinical features of anemia can the needle stick injury in radiology department and to identify
safely undergo MRI in general anaesthesia. the personnel predominantly involved, the causes of injury and
to suggest preventive measures for rectifiable causes.
Keywords: Screen test, pre-operative test, MRI Method: The study was conducted at Radiology department of
Aga Khan University hospital from January 2000 to May 2010.
We reviewed the data of around 10 years for personnel receiving
15.113 NSI, the section of radiology where major injuries have been
PREVALENCE OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE TOWARDS reported, whether the patients were infected with any known
NURSES AT THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE blood borne pathogens. The reason for injury and looked into
HEALTHCARE any identifiable cause which can be corrected or is preventable.
Results: A total of 55 health workers reported NSI amongst
Rozina Karim Somani, Rozina Karmaliani, Judith McFerlane, whom 38 were male and 17 female. 13 were from angiography
Nargis Asad, Saima Hirani department, 15 from general radiography, 15 from fluoroscopy
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi and IVP section, 10 from ultrasound and one each from nuclear
medicine and MRI departments. Major cause was cannulation
Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence and in 13 cases. 8 were due to stitching etc in angiography procedures.
characteristics of physical and psychological violence experienced 5 were due to recapping syringes. 4 were during fluoroscopic
by nurses working in all the In-patient units and the Emergency procedures, 6 were during ultrasound guided procedures, 4
Departments of two private and two government healthcare received injury during disposing / handling bin, 3 had injury
settings in Karachi, Pakistan. while shifting or handling of patient from bed, 5 got pricked
Method: This cross-sectional study included 458 nurses from while cleaning / handling after the procedure, 2 got pricked
selected healthcare settings in Karachi, Pakistan. A simple handling linen, 2 got injured while retrieving needle from biopsy
random sampling method was used for the study. The instrument gun, in 3 cases cause could not be retrieved from data.In 35
used for collecting the data was jointly developed by International cases fortunately the patients were not infected with any known
Labour Office (ILO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), or diagnosed infection however in 10 cases they were infected
World Health Organization (WHO), and Public Services with either hepatitis B, C or HIV. In 10 the patient’s status is
International (PSI).The primary investigator and the research not known.
assistant interviewed the participants to complete the study tool. Conclusion: The data shows that all personnel involved in patient
Results: The present study found that workplace violence was care may be at risk and should take proper recommended care.
prevalent among 82% of the nurses. The reported prevalence of Steps should be devised looking into the major area of injuries
physical violence was 16.4%, verbal abuse 77.1%, bullying/ to prevent these further in radiology department.
mobbing behavior 33.8% and 10% for sexual violence. Prevalence
of workplace violence was found to be higher in the private Keywords: Needle stick injury, Radiology, prevention
healthcare settings, among young female nurses with less work
experience. These nurses specifically belonged to the Medical
Surgical units, Intensive Care Units, and Emergency and 15.115
Psychiatric departments. Most of them were working in shift LEVEL OF UNDESTANDING REGARDING COMPUTED
duties. The most common perpetrators of physical violence TOMOGRAPHY SCAN AMONG NURSING STAFF AT A
towards nurses were found to be patients and their relatives, and TERTIART CARE CENTER.
for psychological violence it was patients’ relatives and healthcare
staff. Muhammad Asif Bilal, Amin Rajani, Uzma Naz, Raza Sayani
Conclusion: This pioneer study is an attempt towards the Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
implementation of one of the World Health Organization’s
(WHO) goals, that is, a violence free healthcare environment. Objective: CT scan is a modality of Radiology. CT scans are
The study also put forward some evidence based special x-ray tests that produce cross-sectional images of the
recommendations; based on the findings, for the government, body using x-rays and a computer’s has become a commonly
the nursing services, nursing educators, and for future research. performed procedure. Scanners are found not only in hospital
x-ray departments, but also in outpatient offices. CT scans have
Keywords: Workplace violence, prevalence , Nurses already allowed doctors to inspect the inside of the body without
having to operate or perform unpleasant examinations. CT
scanning has also proven invaluable in pinpointing tumors and
planning treatment with radiotherapy. The examination does not
hurt but some people find it uncomfortable to lie in the tunnel.

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As there is little room inside the tunnel, people who suffer from collection was done by filling of simple questionnaires regarding
severe claustrophobia sometimes have problems with CT scans. knowledge of MRI especially regarding about those which are
People get slightly nervous because of the whirring noise the asked by the patients and the preparation of the procedure. All
machine makes while working level nurses working in wards were included in the study. Rest
Method: This study was conducted in different wards of Aga of all staff was excluded.
Khan University Hospital (AKUH). This is Cross sectional study Results: We included 100 ward nurses in our study. According
design. The data collection had been started from the date to the study 99% nurses had visited MRI scan room and knew
20/9/20011 till sample size was complete. All nurses working about the location of MRI scanner. Among all of them 88% staff
in wards were included in the study. Rest of all staff was excluded. knew what MRI stands for. 79% have knowledge that the MRI
We had used the questionnaire as resource to collect the images produced by electromagnetism. 86% have knowledge
information from staff. Record information from staff as having that patient has to lie along enclosed tunnel .84% knew that
adequate knowledge of CT scanning if they can differentiate some patients are restricted for MRI scanner. 63% staff knew
CT scan from other scans (e.g. nuclear medicine, ultrasound, that with metallic implant MR scans can’t be done. 65% said
MRI), know that oral or intravenous contrast media may be that patients will have contrast injection sometimes during the
used, are aware of aspects of patient preparation Record also scan.. 81% staff said that it can’t be used for pregnant ladies
whether staff knows that a CT scan involves x rays. Conclusion: It is seen that although staff has overall adequate
Results: According to our survey 97% nurses visited in Radiology information about the MRI however knowledge of few technical
department and 98% knew the location of CT scan, among them aspect may further need to be explained so that they can play
91% knows the abbreviation of CT scan.26% nurses knew that a better role in communicating with the patient.
it is X-ray scan 20% knew how the images are produced, 97%
staff have knowledge that the pregnant ladies are restricted from Keywords: MRI, awareness
the CT procedures, 71% staff knew that patients will have an
injection during the scans when required.72% knows that patient
has to drink contrast agent according to procedure.55% can give 15.117
the clinical indication for CT procedures.66% said that CT is TREATMENT OF NON-VARICEAL GASTROINTESTINAL
sometimes contraindicated. 46% staff knew that which conditions HEMORRHAGE BY TRANSCATHETER EMBOLIZATION
should be known before the CT scan25% knows which scans
require fasting before the test. Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Asif Bial, Tanveer Ul Haq,
Conclusion: Ward nurses have quite some knowledge regarding Basit Salam
preparartion and procedures of CT scan however shortcomings Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi
are outlined through similar studies which can be used for more
focused teaching sessions. Objective: To determine the yield of mesenteric angiography,
technical success of hemostasis, clinical outcome and
Keywords: CT scans, X-ray, work noise complications of transcatheter embolization for the treatment
of non-variceal gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Method: Retrospective review of 200 consecutive patients was
15.116 done who underwent mesenteric arteriography for non-variceal
TO EVALUATE THE AWARENESS OF NURSES gastrointestinal hemorrhage between March 1996 and February
REGARDING MRI SCAN 2011.Selective embolization was attempted in 114 patients to
obtain hemostasis with help of microcoils, polyvinyl alcohol
Uzma Naz, Amin Rajani, Muhammad Asif Bial, Raza Sayani particles and gelfoam. Main outcome measured were yield of
Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi mesenteric angiography, technical success rate (target vessel
devascularization), clinical success rate (cessation of bleeding
Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a way of without further endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical intervention),
obtaining very detailed images of organs and tissues throughout and complications in terms of rebleeding and ischemia.
the body without the need for x-rays or "ionizing" radiation. Results: Of 200 angiographic studies, 114 (57%) correctly
Instead, MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, revealed the bleeding site, rest were negative. 47 patients had
rapidly changing magnetic fields, and a computer to create upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 67 had lower gastrointestinal
images that show whether or not there is an injury, disease bleeding. In 112 patients (98%) technical success was achieved,
process, or abnormal condition present. For this procedure, the with immediate cessation of Bleeding. Clinical success was
patient is placed within the MR scanner—typically a large, achieved in 71 out of 81 patients (86%) with more than one
tunnel or doughnut-shaped device that is open at both ends. month follow up. Thirteen patients rebled, and two had bowel
MRI provides good contrast between the different soft tissues ischemia. Six patients underwent surgery for complications.
of the body, which makes it especially useful in imaging the Conclusion: Mesenteric angiography and embolization is a
brain, muscles, the heart, and cancers compared with other highly successful and relatively safe procedure for the diagnosis
medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and treatment of GI hemorrhage. In our series it has diagnostic
or X-rays. Unlike CT scans or traditional X-rays, MRI uses no yield of 57% with 98% technical success rate. Only 1.7% patients
ionizing radiation had post embolization ischemia
Method: This study was conducted in different wards of Aga
Khan University Hospital (AKUH from August 2011 to Keywords: Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Embolization, ,
September 2011. This is a Cross sectional study. The data treatment

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15.118 presented to ER at AKUH with non penetrating eye

ENHANCING THE CREATIVE POTENTIALS OF injuries,discuss their management and the preventive measures
EDUCATIONAL LEADERS that can help lessen the load on the emergency eye departments
worldwide.
Nimira Asif Method: Case series We present four cases in which the patients
School of Nursing, Aga Khan University, Karachi suffered ocular injuries in domestic settings and their healing
was quite remarkably fast thus signifying the regenerative power
Objective: The research study was carried out in a private of the corneal epithelium. However, the injuries could have been
university with course participants of Master’s in Education prevented by some simple safety measures.
(M.Ed) having a major in educational leadership and management. Results: All of our casualities originated in the domestic setting.
The purpose of the study is to enhance the creative potentials However, most of our patients showed remarkably quick healing
of educational leaders. Creativity invites the mind to think in with little or no visual impairment.
diverse directions to make something novel which can improve Conclusion: The proportion of ocular trauma cases coming from
our living standards with the changing times. Striving for domestic settings is increasing e.g while cooking and frying in
effectiveness, efficiency and quality in every aspect of our life the kitchen, working in the garage or garden. Through our case
draws our imagination towards the need of creativity in a series, we want to bring this fact to light . Hence, the need for
leadership role as well because leaders lead the minds and act awareness programmes on ocular hazards at home. We
as change agents (Kaufman, 2005). According to Lagari (2010) recommend Eye safety campaigns organised by government
the chairman higher education commission Pakistan, all leaders and non-governmental organisations
need to enhance creativity to facilitate ‘out of the box’ solutions.
When you think there are no answers to a problem or an issue, Keywords: Non penetrating injury, ocular , domestic
then there are likely to be more possible answers for a creative
leader.
Method: In order to enhance this emerging need of creativity 15.121
for educational leaders the study was conducted with action FACULTY AND STUDENT PERCEPTIONS REGARDING
learning as the methodology which will enrich the creativity of TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CLINICAL SKILLS IN A
educational leaders (as education is the key to progress). The FIVE YEAR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL PROGRAM IN
tools to collect the relevant data were semi-structured interviews, PAKISTAN
observations and focus group discussions. The process of data
collection had three phases; in the first phase semi-structured Sara Sajid, Rahat Qureshi, Shazia Sadaf
interviews took place on the basis of which the participants were Department of Medicine , Obstetrics & Gynaecology and
given some worksheets to enhance their creative potentials. The Educational Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi
worksheets included activities for idea generation, lateral thinking,
re-layering, etc. The second phase included focus group Objective: To explore the perceptions and views of medical
discussions (action learning phase) in which all three participants students and faculty regarding clinical skills education at the
shared their professional life problems and explored alternative Aga Khan University with respect to Importance of clinical
solutions. In the last phase semi-structured interviews were skills Teaching and Learning (T&L) during pre-clinical and
conducted, once again, to find out the application of participants’ clinical years Barriers to clinical skills T&L. Opinions on how
learning worksheets and the action learning phase. clinical skills T&L can be enhanced. Pedagogical aspects of
Results: The findings and analyses revealed that in order to face clinical skills T&L
the challenges of the 21st century, leaders need to equip Method: Within qualitative studies, a case study methodology
themselves with creative thinking skills. It also emerged from will be chosen to study the perceptions of students and faculty
the interviews that the educational system which participants indepth, regarding clinical skills teaching and learning Qualitative
have gone through has hindered their creativity. questionnaires will be filled by the medical students of all five
Conclusion: educational leaders need to enhance their own years of MBBS and interviews will be held for the faculty
creative potential so that they can inculcate this aspect in teachers involved in clinical skills teaching. The data will be compiled,
and students. coded and themes will be identified by the primary investigators.
The analysis will then be done on NVIVO software
Keywords: Creativity, creative potentials, educational leaders Results: The results of the study will identify perceptions of the
faculty and medical students regarding clinical skill teaching
within the undergraduate medical curricula.
15.119 Conclusion: This study will serve as a guide for what may be
DOMESTIC INJURIES CAUSING NON PERFORATING possible barriers to effective teaching and learning of clinical
EYE INJURIES skills and generate valuable suggestions for improvement
as well.
Tanveer Anjum Chaudhry, Reema Tariq Butt , Farheen Shaikh
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi Keywords: Clinicals skills, teaching and learning, medical
school
Objective: Nonpenetrating ocular trauma is a very common
entity in the emergency departments. Tragically most of the
trauma cases take place at home.We present four cases that

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15.122 material stored at -70°C. This study aims to assess the quality
ESTABLISHMENT OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS GENOTYPE of stored tissues and their extracted DNA and RNA and determine
3A REPLICON SYSTEM their suitability for various prospective studies like mechanism
and trends of disease, identification of cellular components that
Zohaib Yaseen1, Sana Ayaz1, Zulfiqar Naqvi3, Anila Yasmeen1, may lead to the early detection or better prognosis of the disease.
Saeed Hamid2, El-Nasir Lalani3 and Anwar Ali Siddiqui1 Objective: To evaluate the quality of stored samples for their
1
Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, usefulness in research aiming to study cellular and molecular
2
Department of Medicine, 3Department of Pathology and changes of various cancers.
Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi Methodology:
• Data of archival cancer tissues (n=841) was screened
Background: Hepatitis C Virus is a major public health concern and categorized according to “The Canadian Tumour
affecting 170 million people across the globe. In Pakistan, the Repository Network (CTRNet) standards.
HCV prevalence in adults is 6%, with Genotype 3 (GT3) reported • Rating of 20 samples comprising of (a) DNA n=12 and
to be the most prevalent (75-90%), among which subtype 3a is (b) RNA n= 8 was done using scale of 1 to 10 (where,
being the most common. Chronic infection occurs in 50–80% 1 being low quality sample and 10 being good quality)
of GT3 cases, eventually leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular on the basis of:
carcinoma. In the absence of a productive viral culture system, 1. Purity using Nanodrop-1000.
the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular injury, viral 2. Integrity on 0.7% Agarose Gel electrophoresis and
replication and therapeutic targets are only partly understood. 3. PCR amplifications of housekeeping genes i.e. b
This obstacle has been partially overcome by the development globin for DNA and b-acitn or GAPDH for RNA
of replicon systems; which are the only available tools allowing Results:
the study of HCV replication and development of anti-HCV • Status of screened tissues were categorized as follows:
therapies. Even though efficient RNA replication systems have a. Golden ----- 56 (6.65%)
been developed for genotype 1a, 1b and 2a, a replicon system b. Silver ----- 560 (66.5%)
for subtype GT3a is much needed. c. Bronze ----- 139 (16.5%)
Objective: To develop HCV GT3a sub-genomic replicon system d. Test ----- 86 (10.2%)
(spanning ~ 9.6Kb in size) from serum samples of HCV GT3a • Out of 20 samples, 12 were of category _> 9 and 7 were
patients. of 6 category. Only one sample was of low quality
Methodology: Total RNA was extracted using the Trizol reagent i.e. 4.
from serum samples of 3 patients. cDNA synthesis was carried Conclusion:
out using specific primers for conserved 5'UTR region followed Samples in CTB are of good quality and suitable to be used in
by Nested PCR amplification. PCR products were visualized cancer research.
by ethidium bromide 2% agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: The Nested PCR amplification resulted in 297bp
fragment for 5’UTR. 15.124
Future Perspective: PCR amplifications for HCV non-structural IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENT WITH LYMPH
(NS) genes (NS3, NS4 and NS5-3'UTR) is underway which will EDEMA WITH HOME BASED INTERMITTENT
be followed by cloning into expression vector. GT3a subgenomic PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION - A PILOT STUDY AT AKUH
replicon will be transfected into Human Hepatoma cell line
(Huh-7). Neomycin-resistant clones will be isolated, expanded Salma Molwani, Mehrunissa Kabani, Shaista Khan,
and analyzed for expression of viral RNA, and proteins (NS3, Farida Datoo
NS4a/b and NS5a/b). Nursing Services & Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University,
Karachi

15.123 Background: Lymph Edema following treatment of breast cancer

AKU CANCER TISSUE BANK: QUALITY ASSESSMENT continues to remain a major issue affecting quality of life in
OF STORED BIOLOGY SAMPLES survivors. Risks of lymph edema development are increased
with advanced disease, extent of surgery especially with adjuvant
Rizwana Bahar Nasim1 , Sana Naeem3, Sana Ayaz2, Sadia Habib1, radiotherapy with ablative breast procedures.
Mehreen Somani1 Nida Haider3, Muhammad Khalid1, Zulfiqar Objective: To study the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic
Ali Naqvi1, Anwar Ali Siddiqui2, El-Nasir Lalani1 compression in lymph edema patient.
Departments of 1Pathology and Microbiology, 2Biological and Methodology: This study was conducted at the Aga Khan
Biomedical Sciences, 3Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi University hospital from October 2010-Sept 2011. Data was
retrieved from a manual record sheet which was maintained
Introduction: Cancer Tissue and Data Bank is an AKU-based during patients visit in the clinic.
core facility initiated with the intention to provide biological Result: The comparison of pre and post intervention with
material including tissues, DNA and RNA and data for cancer intermittent pneumatic compression for 28 patients in approx15-
studies. The primary responsibility of this bank is to ensure 20 visits revealed that 32% shown reduction in their midarm &
confidentiality of patient’s information and maintain a repository mid forearm measurement by 1cm, 32% by 2cm ,10% by 3cm,3%
of tissue quality for analytical studies. This project has now by 9 cm & finally 21 % showed no difference in their
completed 10 years and maintains a sizeable number of biological measurement.

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Conclusion: These results suggest that mostly non interventional organization of several variable blocks and its genotyping is
supportive measures have been used to avoid / reduce lymph based on detection of allelic variants in its three polymorphic
edema. Mechanical pneumatic compression devices were found fragments (F1 to F3).pvcsp genotyping is based on detection of
to be effective if used by patients on regular basis. either of the two types of nonapeptide repeat units in its central
domain; GDRA (A/D) GPQA, namely VK 210 type and ANGA
(G/D) (N/D) QPG, namely VK 247 types.
15.125 Objectives: To determine the prevalent allelic variants of pvcsp
LEVEL OF SELF-PERCEIVED MENTAL STRESS AND and pvmsp 1, circulating within Southern Pakistan.
THEIR ASSOCIATED DEMOGRAPHIC AND LIFESTYLE Methods: A descriptive study was done during 2008-2009, on
FACTORS IN PRIMARY CARE CLINICS IN TWO LARGE two-hundred and thirty blood samples collected from patients
CITIES OF PAKISTAN infected with P.vivax. Pvcsp and pvmsp1 genes were amplified
by nested PCR using primers specific for csp and msp1.For
Salimah Valliani,1 Ali Khan Khuwaja,2 Hasan Raza Hashmi1 genotyping of pvcsp, RFLP was performed while different allelic
1
Medical College, 2Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan forms of Pvmsp1 were detected by analysis of fragment size.
University, Karachi Results: For pvmsp1,it was found that in F1 fragment, 12 allelic
variants were observed (bp size variation350-550), in F2 fragment
Background: Psychological stress poses a serious threat to 17 allelic variants were observed (950-1270 bp) and in F3
physical and mental health word-wide. This study was undertaken fragment 8 allelic variants were observed (250-390 bp).Thus,
to find the prevalence of self-perceived mental stress level and a total of 17 genotypes corresponding to pvmsp1 gene were
to find the factors associated with mental stress amongst adult found circulating in Southern Pakistan. Pvcsp genotyping in
attendees in Primary Care Clinics in two large cities of Pakistan. Pakistani isolates showed that VK210 variants were predominant
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in four Primary (79%, 182/230) while percent positivity of VK 247 was 13%(
Care Clinics in two large cities of Pakistan. In all, 641 adults 29/230).Respective bp size variation were 600-870bp for VK
were interviewed for this study. Level of stress was asked as 210 and 650-820bp for VK 247.
perceived by the individual along with their demographic and Conclusion: We conclude that this is, to our knowledge, the first
lifestyle information. Chi-squire test was used to identify the study from Southern Pakistan on genetic diversity of Plasmodium
demographic and lifestyle factors associated with mental health. vivax. Data from this study indicates that both pvcs and pvmsp1
Results: Overall, 73.3% of the study participants reported to can be used as reliable markers for conducting P.vivax genotyping.
have mental stress. Factors found to be associated with high of Thus, this study will serve as a baseline data for future research
mental stress were increasing age (16-29 years = 65.8%; 30-59 on P.vivax genetic diversity from Pakistan.
= 74.6%; >59 = 90.4%; p < 00.1) and no/ less level of education
(>12 years of schooling = 50.0%; 6-12 years of schooling = Keywords: Plasmodium, malaria, allele
65.4%; 0-5 years of schooling = 89.5%; p < 0.001). Physical
inactivity was significantly associated with self-perceived level
of stress as lifestyle factor among study participants (physically 15.127
active = 62.1%; physically inactive = 76.2%; p = 0.002). FREQUENCY AND TREND OF ISOLATION OF
Conclusion: This study identified that a large proportion of METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS:
adults reported self-perceived mental stress level. Primary Health A LABORATORY BASED STUDY
Care Providers should screen all high risk patients for mental
stress and other related conditions. Multi-faceted and Salimah Valliani1, Salima Bhimani1, Afia Zafar2
1
comprehensive interventions are recommended to design and Medical Student, 2Department of Pathology and Microbiology,
implement in this regards. Aga Khan University, Karachi

Background: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

15.126 is one of the major causes of health care associated infections.
FIRST REPORT FROM SOUTHERN PAKISTAN ON Increase in number of MRSA infected patient is a concern in
ALLELIC VARIANTS OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX healthcare settings as it requires expansive treatment.
CIRCUMSPOROZOITE PROTEIN AND MEROZOITE Objective: To study the frequency and trends of isolation of
SURFACE PROTEIN1 MRSA from different clinical units.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Aga
Afsheen Raza, Najia K.Ghanchi, Sana Jafri, Ali M. Thaver, Khan University hospital from 2000-2009. Data of MRSA and
M.Asim Beg MSSA was retrieved from a central computerized database and
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 software.
University, Karachi Result: Out of 8206 Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates,
5363(65.4%) were found to be MSSA while 2843(34.6%) were
Background: Plasmodium vivax is the prevalent malarial specie found to be MRSA. 4267(52%) of the isolates were from male
accounting for 70% of malaria cases in Pakistan. However, basic and 3939(48%) were from female. Isolation of MRSA strains
data on P.vivax genotypes is lacking from Pakistan. Studies have showed a rising trend with age; lowest in infants and neonates
shown that for P.vivax, polymorphic genes coding for (3.0%), while highest (29.4%) among population > 60 years of
circumsporozoite protein (pvcsp) and merozoite surface protein age. Frequency of isolation of MRSA was high in inpatients
1( pvmsp1), can be used as reliable genetic markers for conducting than outpatient. Isolation of MRSA was highest from patients
molecular epidemiological studies. Pvmsp1 gene is a mosaic in general wards (56.1%). Community health clinic centre was

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found to have the lowest numbers (0.005%) followed by surgical

day care (0.01%). The results also showed decreasing trend of 15.129
isolation of MRSA from 2000 to 2009. INTERIM FINDING, TETANUS IMMUNIZATION STATUS
Conclusion: These results suggest the need of surveillance in IN PAKISTANI CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE
individual units showing higher number of MRSA isolates. It
also indicates need of reinforcement of infection control practices Tayyab Un Nisa, Kehkashan Imtiaz, Abida Rais, Didar Alam,
in units with higher isolation rates of MRSA. Shahida.M. Qureshi, Anita. K.M. Zaidi, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta
Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Aga Khan University,
Keywords: Staphylococcus, MSRA Karachi

Background: Tetanus is infection of the nervous system with

15.128 the potentially deadly bacteria Clostridium tetani (C. tetani), an
TCRBCL: GERMINAL CENTRE VS. POST GERMINAL obligate anaerobic spore-forming bacterium. The clinical forms
CENTRE PHENOTYPE BY IMMUNOHISTOSTAINING of tetanus that can be distinguished are generalized, local and
neonatal disease.Infection begins when the spores enter the body
Shahid Pervez, Salimah Valliani through an injury or and release a poison called tetanospasmin.
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Aga Khan It is estimated that at least 30,000 new borns die annually from
University, Karachi Neo-natal Tetanus in Pakistan. By improving immunization and
intensifying efforts to reduce the burden of disease from neonatal
Objective: To study the immunohistochemical profile of T cell tetanus the chance of achieving the MDGs can be increased.
rich B Cell Lymphoma (TCRBCL), a rare subtype of diffuse The serological measurement of the IgG antibodies is more
large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and classify it into germinal important and therefore more suitable for obtaining evidence of
and post-germinal centre on basis of its immunophenotyping. tetanus immunity. Up-to-date vaccination is an absolute necessity
Methods: Epidemiological data and immunohistochemical reports for everyone. After basic immunization, periodic boosters should
for all T cell rich B Cell Lymphomas diagnosed between 1st be given at intervals of 10 years. However, the booster is often
January 2007 and 30th June 2011 at the Aga Khan University, neglected so that the immunization is often inadequate.
Department of Histopathology, were reviewed and analyzed Objective: To investigate the tetanus immunization status of
with SPSS v18.0. pakistani children under 5 years of age
Results: A total of 16 specimens were diagnosed as TCRBCL Study Design: A total of N=3060 subjects were selected to asses
during the period. TCRBCL was reported to be predominant in tetanus IgG levels. These subjects were selected from a Subset
male population (68.8%) with the mean age of was 36.75. On of an ongoing study of National Nutritional Survey.
immunophenotyping 7(43.8%) cases stained positive for LCA, Results: The serum was collected from children having their
1(6.3%) case was equivocal while 2(12.5%) cases were not vaccination record card or the verbal vaccination record of child
stained. It was originated that all the samples stained positive provided by mother or care taker. Quantititative detection of
for Pan-B (CD 20). In addition Ki-1 (CD 30) was found negative Tetanus-antitoxoid –IgG-antibody levels in serum was detected
in 12 (75%) cases while 1 (6.3%) of the case was found positive by peroforming ELISA. The concentration of Tetanus-antitoxoid
at focal areas categorizing all of them as TCRBCL according –IgG-antibody was determined as IU/ml.
to 2001 World Health Organization classification of Vaccination protection status was obtained as n=1233(40.29%)
hematolymphoid neoplasms. Of the 16 cases, 8 (50%) were were having no vaccination protetcion, n=1190(38.8%) were
reported as positive for mum1, 15 (93.8%) were BCL6 positive found to have existent protection against tetanus,
while all 16 (100%) were CD 10 negative. This indicated the n=289(9.4%)were having sufficient protection against tetanus,
high proportion of post-germinal centre. There were no significant n=331(10.8%) were found to have long term vaccination
differences in the nodal and extra-nodal involvement patterns protection and only n=17(0.5%) were at extremely high protection
of clinical presentation among germinal and non-germinal groups. status for tetanus.
Conclusion: In contrast to other published studies, non-germinal Conclusion: The assesment of Tetanus Ig G among Pakistani
center was found more prevalent. Further studies needs to be children under 5 years of age, established the fact that 40.29%
carried out, which sequentially would enable clinicians to children still need to be vaccinated (Basic immunization) for
successfully struggle against this neoplasm with effective tetanus. 38.8% required booster vaccination, 9.4% could be used
measures. as control for next 2 years at the sufficient protection status
against tetanus. 10.8% defined to be used as control for next 5-
Keywords: T-cell rich B cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell 10 years and only 0.5% could be defined to be use as control
lymphoma, germinal centre, immunophenotyping. for coming 10 years.

Keywords: Tetanus, tetanospasmin, tetanus toxoid

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15.130 out-patient physicians was carried out in a teaching hospital in

KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF ASTHMA AMONG Karachi, Pakistan from July to September 2008. Multiple
ASTHMATIC ATTENDEES IN FAMILY PRACTICE responses were splitted into separate sub-variables. Frequencies
CLINICS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN of all variables including multiple response variables were
generated.
Raheem Dhanani, Zahra Aziz Samani, Ali Khan Khuwaja Results: Of the 400 patients surveyed, 98% were aware of
Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi vitamin supplements. Most known vitamin was found to be
Vitamin C (16.9%) with Vitamin K being the least well-known
Introduction:Appropriate knowledge about asthma may help to (0.4%). 51.8% of the respondents were unaware of the harmful
prevent and control the disease. This study was conducted to effects of supplements. 84.8% of the study population had taken
assess the knowledge of attendees of asthmatic patients about supplements. 79% of the participants thought that supplements
asthma and to identify the knowledge differences by sex and are helpful. Majority of the population was not aware of the
educational status in Karachi, Pakistan indications for use of vitamin supplements.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 400 Conclusion: Awareness of correct knowledge, attitude and
adult attendees of asthmatic patients, who visited Family Practice practices of vitamin supplements use seems to be deficient in
clinics affiliated with a teaching hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. our country.
Study participants were interviewed by using a pre-tested and
structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and odds ratio along Keywords: Vitamin supplements, supplements, supplements use
with 95% CIs were calculated to identify the differences between
various groups.
Results:Generally, females were more knowledgeable compared 15.132
to male attendees and their level of knowledge was significantly BASIDIOBOLOUS INFECTION OF THE NOSE AND FACE
higher about: correct definition of asthma (OR=4.8) , that asthma PRESENTING AS WEGNERS GRANULOMATOSIS IN AN
is not a communicable disease (OR=2.18), asthma can be IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT
triggered/aggravated by cigarette smoke (OR=2.15) , by
dust/pollen (OR=2.46) and that wheeze (OR=4.29), difficulty Zain A. Sobani1, Anwar Suhail2, Aisha Ilyas3, Syed Faisal
in breathing (OR=3.01) and chest tightness (OR=3.68) are the Mahmood4,
1
symptoms of asthma. Similarly, attendees who had schooling Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and 3
beyond 5 years were more knowledgeable compared to those Section of Infectious Diseases, Aga Khan University Hospital,
who had schooling for less than 5 years about some questions: Karachi
correct definition of asthma (OR=7.41), asthma can be
triggered/aggravated by cigarette smoke (OR=2.16), by Background: Basidiobolus spp. are microscopic fungi commonly
dust/pollen (OR=1.83), and that wheeze (OR=1.71), difficulty found on decaying organic matter. Lei-Kian Joe in 1956 described
in breathing (OR=1.62) and chest tightness (OR=2.41) are the the first case of basidiobolus infection in a human and since
symptoms of asthma. While majority of responses were poorly then various cases of basidiobolus infection have been described
recorded by both groups. While both males and females had in literature. The infection is characterized by necrotizing
poor knowledge about other responses including breast feeding. granulomatous inflammation with predominant eosinophils
Conclusion: It was seen that there was an overall knowledge which may point a pathologist towards the relatively more
deficiency about asthma. Our study suggests that more attention common Wegner’s granulomatosis. This in turn would lead to
should be given to providing health education and disease a cascade of management plans that further jeopardize the
awareness particularly about risk factors and symptoms of asthma patients wellbeing.
to the general public. Case: Here we present the case of a 25 year old female, with
basidiobolus infection who was initially diagnosed as Wegner’s
granulomatosis. Computed tomography scan revealed an
15.131 extensive soft tissue mass projecting over the right maxillary
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF VITAMIN sinus, with invasion into the right orbit, causing proptosis and
SUPPLEMENTATION AMONG PATIENTS VISITING lateral displacement of the eyeball. She underwent endoscopic
OUT-PATIENT PHYSICIANS IN A TEACHING debridement and incision and drainage of infra orbital abscess.
HOSPITAL IN KARACHI Culture of the excised tissue grew few colonies of bacidiobolous
species. She was further managed with Itraconazole and potassium
Waris Qidwai, Zahra Aziz Samani, Iqbal Azam, Saima Lalani, iodide.
Waris Qidwai Conclusion: Basidiobolus mimics various inflammatory and
Departments of Family Medicine, Medicines and Community infectious disease processes that produce granulomatous
Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi inflammation; in our case it was confused with Wegeners,
because of its rather invasive sinofacial involvement with
Introduction: Vitamin supplementation use is common. However, proptosis. Given the ubiquitous nature of the fungi and their
little is known about the perceptions regarding its use in our variable clinical presentation, they should be suspected in chronic
country. granulomatous inflammation even in immunocompetent
Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices hosts.
regarding vitamin supplements use among Pakistani population.
Methodology: A questionnaire bused survey of patients visiting Keywords: Infection, basidiobolus

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15.133 nutrition and its impact on their life during their regular follow
TOLUIDINE BLUE: INTRA-OPERATIVE LOW COST up consultations. Post therapy change in weight, psycho social
SCREENING FOR TUMOR INVOLVED MARGINS AFTER acceptance and quality of life were considered as measures of
EXCISION OF ORAL CAVITY SQUAMOUS CELL outcome.
CARCINOMAS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES Results: A mean weight loss of 5.43 ± 3.4 kg (p=0.025) was
noticed in 15 patients on NG feeding. Whereas significantly less
Montasir Junaid1, Anwar Suhail1, Beena Umer1, Ahmad Nawaz1, weight loss of 1.25 ± 5.12 kg (p=0.025)was noticed in the
Mubasher Ikram1, Zain A. Sobani2, Naeem Sultan Ali1 patients receiving nutrition via gastrostomy tubes; nine patients
1
Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, and had a mean weight gain of 2.89 ± 1.95 kg and the rest had
2
Medical College, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi similar weight loss of 5.427 ± 3.4 kg.
Conclusion: The authors of the study recommend that
Background: Our study aimed to use toluidine blue gastorstomies should be considered for patients requiring long
intraoperatively to identify tumor involved margins after the term post operative enteral nutritional support in head and neck
removal of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and compare cancers.
these findings with the findings of final histopathology.
Methods: Fifty six consecutive patients with biopsy proven Keywords: Squamous cell, cancer
squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity regardless of grade and
stage of tumor were included in the study. Intra-operatively
toluidine blue was used on the resected tumor margins and 15.135
staining patterns were assessed. Staining results were then CRANIOPLASTY AFTER DECOMPRESSIVE
compared with the final histopathology report. CRANIECTOMY: AN INSTITUTIONAL AUDIT AND
Results: Eleven margins were positive with toluidine blue staining ANALYSIS OF FACTORS RELATED TO COMPLICATIONS
out of which 8 margins were false positives. Sensitivity and
specificity was found to be 100% and 84.9% respectively with Zain A. Sobani, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Nabeel
a positive predictive value of 27.2%, a negative predictive value Zafar, Mohsin Qadeer, Najiha Bilal, Syed Ghulam Murtaza,
of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 85.71%. Syed Ather Enam, Muhammad Ehsan Bari
1
Conclusion: In our opinion, toluidine blue stain could be a useful Medical College, and 2Section of Neurosurgery, Department
tool for screening tumor margins intra-operatively. It is easy to of Surgery Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan.
perform and interpret while being safe and cost effective at the
same time. Background: Although a relatively simple procedure;
cranioplasties have been associated with high complication rates.
Keywords: Toluidine, oral cavity, squamous cell Keeping this in perspective, we aimed to determine the factors
associated with immediate and long term complications of
cranioplasties at our institution.
15.134 Methods: A retrospective review of patient records was carried
COMPARISON OF OUTCOMES OF ENTERAL FEEDING out for patients having undergone reconstructive cranioplasties
VIA NASOGASTRIC V/S GASTROSTOMY TUBES IN POST at our institution during the last 10 years (2001-2010). All case
OPERATIVE PATIENTS WITH A PRINCIPLE DIAGNOSIS notes, records and investigations were reviewed and the data
OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ORAL was recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. Complications
CAVITY. were recorded along with existing comorbids and measures
taken for their prevention and management. Univariate and
Zain A. Sobani, Shehzad Ghaffar, Beenish Nisar Ahmed multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to
1
Medical College, and 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, determine possible predictors of complications.
Head & Neck Surgery Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Results: Ninety six patients with a mean age of 33+15 years
were included in the study. Of the sample 76% (n=73) had no
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity has a co-morbids. The leading primary pathology was blunt traumatic
profound impact on a patient’s nutritional intake, 40-50% of brain injuries in 46% (n=44), followed by cerebrovascular
head and neck cancer patients have a markedly impaired incidents in 24% (n=23), penetrating traumatic brain injuries in
nutritional status at the time of their initial presentation. Studies 12% (n=11) and tumors in 10% (n=10) of cases, with 41%
show that patients who have better nutritional status have fewer (n=39) of patients requiring multiple craniotomies. In a mean
complications and a better survival trend; therefore enteral follow up of 386 ± 615 days, complications were noted in 36.5%
nutritional support plays an important part in the management. (n=35) of the patients. Minor complications accounting for 26%
Due to the lack of relevant data our surgeons help patients make (n=25) and included breakthrough seizures (15.6%, n=15), sub
informed decisions regarding their mode of nutritional support galeal collections (3.1%, n=3) and superficial wound infections
and perform Gastrostomy or NG tube placements for at the (3.1%, n=3); while major complications (10.4% n=10) included
patient’s preference; however the need for relevant data regarding hydrocephalous (3.1%, n=3), transient neurological deficits
the impact and psychosocial acceptance of both modalities in (3.1%, n=3) and osteomyelitis (2.1%, n=2). Univariate and
our population was felt leading to our study. multivariate analysis revealed EVD placement and parietal flaps
Methods: A retrospective review of patient charts with a principle to be associated with complications.
diagnosis of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, receiving Conclusion: We have found a higher risk of complications of
surgery +/- adjuvant radiotherapy was carried out. Patients were cranioplasty in patients who had an EVD at the time of
also questioned regarding their experience with the mode of decompressive surgery. We however did not find any association

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Miscellaneous Aga Khan University
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

between risk of complications in any other studied variable. We interest to see the trends of professionalism in students and how
also did not find any association between intraoperative placement changes emerge during their training.
of subgaleal drains and postoperative risk of subgaleal fluid Methods: The study was conducted on a cross sectional basis,
collections. Overall our results are comparable with other reported freshmen, year 3 and year 5 students enrolled at our university
series on cranioplasties. were requested to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire
was designed to access the levels of professionalism at individual
and environmental levels by incorporating previously described
15.136 scales. A cumulative score for the individual’s level of
TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED MALARIA IN PAKISTAN: professionalism was also calculated based on a 20 point scale
WHAT DO WE DO? with a score of 10 considered adequate. The student’s perceptions
of the environment were also assessed while referring to
Zain A. Sobani1, Mehnaz Jabeen2, Nayla Ahmed1, Najia Karim three basic attributes: professionalism excellence; integrity and
Ghanchi2, Mohammad Wasay3, Bushra Moiz2, M. Asim Beg2. altruism.
1
Medical College, 2 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Results: We recruited 204 participants. The mean score for level
and 3Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi of individual professionalism was 7.72 ± 3.43. Nearly 35.5%
Pakistan. (n=72) had a score =10. When assessing the environment
the mean scores for professional excellence, integrity and
Background: Malaria, with an incidence of 243 million altruism were 5.70 ± 1.43, 2.91 ± 1.74 and 3.52 ± 1.77
symptomatic infections leading to nearly 863,000 reported deaths respectively.
as reported in 2008, is considered to be one of the most significant Conclusion: Given the previously described decline in
parasitic diseases affecting humans. A percentage of these professionalism, currently employed teaching practices
infections are attributable to blood transfusions. Currently inculcating the values of professionalism in medical students
screening procedures in Pakistan vary with strategies focusing are serving as a buffer to maintain the pre training levels of
mainly on not to unnecessarily exclude potential donors. Most professionalism from declining.
centers adopting a questionnaire based approach, following
which the blood may then be screened using microscopic and Keywords: Professionalism, medical student
immunological modalities. However the sensitivity, specificity
and cost effectiveness of these tests for endemic areas leave
loop holes resulting in a risk of 50 cases/million donor units. 15.138
Methods: The authors conducted a literature search on the ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EPILEPSY SURGERY CENTER
PubMed and Google Scholar databases for transfusion transmitted IN A DEVELOPING NATION: INITIAL EXPERIENCES,
malaria (TTM) and it screening. The literature search was RESULTS AND REFLECTIONS.
subsequently narrowed down to articles published within the
last 10 years, following which a set of the authors evaluated M. Zubair Tahir, Zain A. Sobani, S. A. Quadri, S Nizam Ahmed,
each individual article on its relevance. Keeping in view the Mughis Sheerani, Fowzia Siddiqui, Warren W Boling,
data gathered the authors devised a strategy for the prevention S. Ather Enam
of TTM in endemic countries. Departments of Surgery and Medicine, Aga Khan University,
Conclusion: Targeting subclinical infection or carrier states with Karachi, Department of Neurology, University of Alberta
low parasitemia is of utmost importance in screening blood Hospital, Alberta, Canada and Department of Neurosurgery,
transfusions. Given the limited resources available in malaria University of Melbourne, Australia
endemic countries we would like to introduce our step wise
screening strategy for screening malarial parasites while limiting Background: Developing countries, home to 80% of epileptics,
donor deferrals. have no setup to carry out epilepsy surgeries. Considering these
needs and the availability of capable human resources, we
Keywords: Malaria, Pakistan decided to set up the first comprehensive epilepsy surgery
program in the country.
Methods: Seventeen teleconferences focusing focused on
15.137 discussing challenging cases in epilepsy, and brainstorming the
PROFESSIONALISM IN MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM setting up of an epilepsy surgery center at the Aga Khan University
KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AKU), Karachi, Pakistan were arranged with experts from the
University of Alberta Hospital, Alberta, Canada and the University
Zain A. Sobani1, Masaud Mohyuddin1, Fahd Farooq1, Kanza of West Virginia, USA over a two year period. Subsequently the
Noor Qaiser1, Faiz Gani1, Nida Shahab Bham1, Vikram Mehraj2, experts visited the proposed center to overlook successful surgical
S. Abdul Saeed 3, Hasanat Sharif 4, M. Asim Beg 5 procedures and provide hands on training to their collaborators.
1
Medical College, Departments of 3Biological & Biomedical During this period several interactive and didactic teaching
Sciences, 4Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 5Pathology & sessions, a three-day nationwide epilepsy fellowship and various
Microbiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi public awareness events were organized.
Results: Sixteen patients underwent surgery, functional
Background: With recent emphasis of medical institutions hemispherectomy (HS) was done in six, anterior temporal
inculcating professionalism and influencing certain character lobectomy (ATL) in six and neuronavigation guided SAH using
traits and behaviour attributes into medical students, it is of keyhole technique in four patients. The four cases of SAH were

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Aga Khan University Miscellaneous
Health Sciences Research Assembly 2011

carried out after international collaboration. Minimal morbidity 15.140

was observed in ATL and SAH groups. KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF WOMEN
All patients in SAH group (100%) had Grade 1 control, while REGARDING BREAST CANCER AND BREAST
only 5 patients (83%) in ATL group and 4 patients (66%) in HS CANCER SCREENING, IN THE URBAN POPULATION
group had Grade 1 control according to Engels classification, OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
in average follow-ups of 12 months, 24 months and 48 months
for SAH, ATL and HS respectively. Zain A. Sobani1, Zeb Saeed1, Hafiza Noor ul Ain Baloch1, Amina
Conclusion: As we share our experience in setting up a successful Majeed1, Sana Chaudry1, Adil Sheikh1, Jalal Umar1, Hira
epilepsy center in a developing nation; we hope to set a practical Waseem1, Murtaza Mirza1, Irfan Qadir1, Shaista M. Khan2,
example for economically constrained countries that successful Masood Kadir3
1
epilepsy surgery centers can be managed in resource limited Medical College, 2Section of Plastic Surgery, 3Department of
settings. Surgery and Department of Community Health Sciences,
Aga Khan University, Karachi
Keywords: Epilepsy centers
Objective: In light of the increasing incidence of breast cancer
and its associated mortality, our study aimed to determine the
15.139 knowledge, attitudes and practices of urban women regarding
RECURRENCE PATTERNS OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER breast cancer and its available screening modalities.
AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN KARACHI, Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional,
PAKISTAN questionnaire-based, descriptive study in the urban population
of Karachi. Female attendants (n=373) visiting a tertiary care
Anam Hameed1, Zain A. Sobani1, M. Ressam Nazir1, center and four of its urban outreach centers in the month of
Shehzad Ghaffar2 November 2010 were administered a questionnaire. The questions
1
Medical College and 2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, were then scored with regards to their knowledge. Proportion
Head & Neck Surgery Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi & percentages were computed and analysis of variance used to
Pakistan. confirm significance.
Results: Of the 373 participants with a mean age of 32.4 years,
Objective: Keeping the state of health care services in Pakistan a large portion was married (78.6%) housewives (69%). The
in mind we felt that specific follow up programs need to be education level was considerably high; with 57.4% graduates.
designed to cater to the Pakistani population. In order to aid the The mean score for knowledge of risk factors was 2.84 out of
development of further guidelines in this regard we conducted a total of 13; which was significantly associated with marital
a retrospective audit of HNC patients to determine the trends of status and income. Age > 40 years, education level, income and
recurrent disease in our population. employment status were also significantly associated with higher
Methods: A retrospective review of patient charts was carried mean screening awareness scores. Nearly 48.8% had heard about
out at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Patients, diagnosed Breast Self Examination(BSE) and 38% knew how to perform
with HNC at our institution between Jan 2006 and June 2008. one; however only 25.9% regularly performed a BSE. Almost
About 272 patients identified were included in the study. The all (97%) of women wanted more media awareness campaigns
data was recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. All case notes, regarding the issue.
records and investigations were reviewed for possible associations. Conclusion: Given the low levels of awareness regarding the
Results: Of the total of 288 cases, 210(72.91%) were primary risk factors and practice of screening, we conclude that there is
oral cavity tumors followed by 55(19.09%) laryngeal, 12(4.16%) a real need for comprehensive health education programs focusing
hypopharyngeal, 6(2.08%) oropharyngeal, and 5(1.73%) on breast cancer awareness in Pakistan.
unknown primaries. Recurrence occurred in 111(38.54%) of the
cases. The median time period for recurrence was 236 (range: Keywords: KAP, breast cancer
45 - 2803) days, in 73(65.8%) recurrence was identified by the
patient.
Conclusion: Keeping these factors in mind, in our opinion high
frequency follow up must be reserved for the first year during
which patient education should encompass self-examination and
the signs of recurrence. After this period of high frequency
follow up the clinical schedule can be relaxed.

Keywords: Head/Neck cancer, tertiary care

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