Pak J Med Sci
-
In neonates, hyperbilirubinemia is the most common problem. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy is serious problem in less developed nations and their incidence varies with geographical location. Our objective was to find out the incidence and risk factors of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. ⋯ Our study observed 16% prevalence of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. The preterm birth was a significant risk factor associated with the acute bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
-
Systematic reviews rank at the top of the evidence hierarchy. Concise writing implies drafting the systematic review article succinctly, i.e. using as few words to express as full an extent of the research effort as possible. Precise writing means drafting the text with accuracy especially with respect to the methodological and statistical aspects. ⋯ However, with the availability of online appendices to transparently and fully report the details of the methods, results and other aspects of the work undertaken allows for a succinct print or PDF article. Writing a shorter manuscript is more effortful than writing a longer report. This commentary is aimed at novice systematic reviewers to help them learn the written and unwritten writing rules in order to assist them in producing impactful publications to support evidence-based medicine.
-
COVID-19 vaccine has become available within a record time but mere availability will not control the pandemic. High vaccine acceptance is required. The objective was to determine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and its associated factors among Pakistani population. ⋯ Gender and marital status was significantly associated with vaccine acceptance. Forty-six percent respondents were willing to take the vaccine. Among the vaccine hesitant group, respondents were worried about the side effects, safety and religious permissibility of vaccine. Policy makers and all the relevant stakeholders should consider low vaccine acceptance as a major bottleneck and should devise strategies to address this major issue in the fight against COVID-19.
-
This meta-analysis was designed to assess if pre-operative low skeletal muscle mass impacts mortality rates of patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. ⋯ Low skeletal muscle mass in AAA patients undergoing surgical repair is associated with increased risk of long-term mortality. Current evidence is limited by the retrospective nature of data and variability in defining and measuring low skeletal muscle mass. There is a need for future prospective studies defining the optimal cut-off of low skeletal muscle mass in different populations.
-
This study aimed to observe the diagnostic value of cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with vascular dementia induced by ischemic stroke. ⋯ Patients with vascular dementia induced by ischemic stroke are characterized by cortical atrophy, widening of the cerebral sulcus, large infarct lesion area and sparse cerebral white matter. Cranial MRI can effectively identify these features. The application of cranial MRI has some clinical values for early treatment and prognostic assessment.