Pak J Med Sci
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To determine number of sessions of Endoscopic variceal band ligation required to obliterate the esophageal varices. ⋯ Most patients underwent 3-4 sessions of EVBL for obliteration of varices. Number of EVBL sessions increased significantly with duration of disease.
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The value of gastric residual volume (GRV) monitoring in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has frequently been questioned in the past years. In this trial, the effect of GRV on the frequency of VAP was evaluated in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Increased GRV did not result in increased rates of VAP, ICU length of stay, and mortality. Therefore, the routine measurement of GRV as an important element of the VAP prevention bundle is not recommended in critically ill patients.
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Surgical site infections (SSIs) usually manifest post-discharge, rendering accurate diagnosis and treatment challenging, thereby catalyzing the development of alternate strategies like self-monitored SSI surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of patients and Infection Control Monitors (ICMs) to develop a replicable method of SSI-detection. ⋯ Patients cannot self-diagnose a SSI reliably. However, diagnostic accuracy of ICMs is significantly higher and they may serve as a proxy for surgeons, thereby reducing the burden on specialized surgical workforce in LMICs. Regardless, supplementing post-discharge follow-up with patient self-screening could increase SSI-detection and reduce burden on health systems.
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Case Reports
Gastric perforation following improper cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Gastric perforation is a rare complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mostly resulting from incorrect airway management. If left unrecognized, it is associated with high mortality and morbidity. We present a case of gastric perforation after improper CPR. ⋯ The laceration was repaired without any difficulty and the patient was discharged home without any neurological deficit. The aim of this report is to remind the public and emergency physicians that gastric perforation should be suspected in patients with distended abdomen and pneumoperitoneum after CPR. Because the most common risk factor for CPR-related gastric perforation is the bystander-provided resuscitation, it is encouraged for the public to take formal CPR training.
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Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) broadly includes the whole spectrum of reflux disease symptoms like heartburn or acid regurgitation to endoscopic, reflux esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Our aim therefore was to study the association between Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and various lifestyle factors. ⋯ Lifestyle factors particularly less physical activity, late evening meals, inadequate sleep, smoking and post dinner lying were found to be associated with GERD symptoms.