Pak J Med Sci
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To determine the stability of respiratory samples for SARS-CoV-2 PCR at standard laboratory ultra-freezer temperatures (-80°C). ⋯ SARS-CoV-2 positive respiratory specimens for PCR can be stored for up to six months at -70°C or below without loss of sample integrity, though there is some loss of PCR-detected viral targets as evidenced by an immediate increased in the PCR-generated Ct values. In addition, samples with initial Ct values above 30 are more likely to give non-reproducible results.
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To compare the levels of cortisol in patients of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). ⋯ It is concluded from the study that cortisol responses of VVS and POTS were positive.
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To determine the susceptibility pattern and frequency of isolation of multidrug, pre-extensively drug and extensively drug resistant TB in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. ⋯ A considerable number of drug resistant tuberculosis cases were identified in the present study. It is essential to develop further strategies to reduce the spread of this disease.
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The assessment of histopathological risk factors (HRFs) in retinoblastoma in upfront enucleated eyes is important in deciding treatment protocols. Limited data is available from the developing countries as very few studies were conducted on retinoblastoma. The study aims to report this data from Pakistan. ⋯ The presence of high risk histopathological factors in enucleated eyes diagnosed with retinoblastoma are known to have a profound impact on the risk stratification as well as decision of future treatment plan.
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To determine the association between asthma severity and the likelihood of hospitalization by using Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score for pediatric patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with mild, moderate or severe asthma exacerbations and those who received standard intensive asthma therapy. ⋯ The 4-hour PRAM score is the best predictor for the need of hospitalization. It is suggested that these results are applied clinically in the pediatric ED to improve patient flow and to better facilitate intensive therapy of patients at triage to decrease the need for hospitalization.