Pak J Med Sci
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Objective : There is an increasing rate of ectopic pregnancy with the use of assisted reproductive techniques. There is currently no serum test to differentiate ectopic pregnancy from miscarriage. Early and accurate detection of ectopic pregnancy may prevent the development of complications. The aim of this study was whether the ratio of serum/curettage material hCG could provide us with reliable and early diagnosis in distinguishing miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies and also to measure the diagnostic accuracy rate of this method. ⋯ Ratio of blood/curettage material HCG can be used as a reliable method for differentiating ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
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To assess the improvement of knowledge and skills of trauma management among participant of Primary Trauma Care (PTC) workshop. ⋯ Primary Trauma Care workshop could be an effective course for gaining of knowledge and skills of initial management of trauma patients. However, some modifications need to be done for training of skills components to maximize the output of this interactive workshop.
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Acinetobacter baumannii can cause a wide range of infections, including bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, peritonitis, etc. This organism is becoming resistant to a large group of antibiotics, especially β-lactam antibiotics. The reason for multi-drug resistance may be the production of extended- spectrum β-lactamses (ESBLs), carbapenemases/metallo β-lactamases or AmpC β-lactamases. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from the patients in Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICUs) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad, Pakistan. ⋯ Increased frequency of multi-drug resistance supports the need for continuous surveillance to determine prevalence and evolution of these enzymes in Pakistan.
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This study aimed to compare the QTc interval between low and high dose methadone groups and evaluate the pattern of QTc variation. ⋯ High-dose methadone group is more likely to develop prolonged QTc than low-dose group. However, such effects were inconsistent and occurred even during chronic methadone therapy, mandating judicious QTc and serum methadone monitoring.
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Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) has an imperative place amongst nosocomial infections leading to increase morbidity and mortality rates. The present study aimed to determine risk factors for acquisition of ventilator- associated pneumonia in an intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ VAP is significantly related to ICU hospitalization, mechanical ventilation and history of antibiotics consumption. Cefalotin and Amikacin showed the highest and lowest antibiotic resistance against gram negative bacteria respectively.