Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Observational StudyOutcomes of Conservative Management of Acute Appendicitis during COVID-19 Pandemic.
To measure the outcomes of conservative treatment of acute appendicitis. ⋯ Non-operative management is successful in about a quarter of the patients of AA. There is very limited value of sonography, laboratory parameters, or AS in confirming the diagnosis of AA. Key Words: Appendicitis, Conservative treatmen, COVID-19.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
High Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in Children with Acute Respiratory Insufficiency in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a Resource-limited Country: A Preliminary Experience.
A retrospective study was performed in children (aged one month - 16 years) receiving HFNC to determine the frequency, efficacy and adverse effects of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), from January to December 2017. Treatment failure was defined as clinical deterioration on HFNC therapy such that mechanical ventilation (MV) was required. Clinical parameters before and after HFNC were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance. ⋯ MV was required in 28 patients, and subsequently, 15 deaths occurred in that group. HFNC is a frequently used, safe and effective therapy for children requiring respiratory support in PICU. Key Words: Respiratory insufficiency, Non-invasive ventilation, Paediatric intensive care unit.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Online Medical Education and Examinations during COVID-19: Perspectives of a Teaching Associate.
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only challenged global health systems but also social, economic, and educational systems. In this short communication, our focus is on its impact on medical education in Pakistan. ⋯ We describe our role as teaching associates (TAs) at the Aga Khan University (AKU); and how it has enabled us to be a part of the transition to online medical education, with a specific focus on online examinations in medical schools. Key Words: Medical education, Online examinations, COVID-19, Pandemic.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Case ReportsUnilateral Optic Neuropathy due to a Sphenoid Mucocoele.
Isolated sphenoid sinus mucocoeles are rare; whereas, benign lesions usually discovered incidentally. These may present with headache, diplopia, visual loss or ocular motor nerve palsies, due to slow expansion and mass effects. Prompt endoscopic removal is the key to prevent permanent sequelae. ⋯ Our ENT Department performed endoscopic sinus surgery and removed it, but her vision did not return at 6-month follow-up. Although very rare, sphenoid sinus mucocoeles should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient, who presents with sudden visual loss. Key Words: Sphenoid sinus, Mucocoele, Optic neuropathy, Visual loss.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Jan 2021
Observational StudyImaging Patterns of Encephalopathy in Patients with COVID-19.
The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe the neuroimaging manifestations of patients with COVID-19. This study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from March to July 2020. COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms and positive neuroimaging were included after confirmation of COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). ⋯ Three cases had acute watershed infarcts (25%), two cases had posterior cerebral artery territorial infarcts (16.7%), two cases had periventricular corona radiata infarcts (16.7%), three cases had hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (25%), two cases had posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (16.7%), and there was one case each of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pontine infarct, and bithalamic lesions (8.3%). This study highlights the diagnostic approaches in COVID-19-associated encephalopathy and the variable imaging features that clinicians and neuroradiologists should be aware of, as the pandemic progresses. Key Words: COVID-19, Neuroimaging, Encephalopathy, Magnetic resonance imaging, Coronavirus.