Pak J Med Sci
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At the end of 2019 a novel coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China. The disease caused by the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was designated COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) by the World Health Organization in early 2020. Up to 80% of patients with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms with severe or critical disease occurring in the remaining 20%. ⋯ The current estimated case fatality rate from COVID-19 is approximately 1%. Epidemiological studies have shown that advanced age, male gender, previous chronic lung disease, cardiovascular and kidney disease, obesity and diabetes are risk factors for the severity of disease course. In the current focused review, we present an overview of the acute cardiovascular complications of COVID-19, their detection and impact upon prognosis.
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In order to investigate the current status of skin cancer research output in Pakistan, International (PubMed) and national (PakMediNet) scientific databases were searched using variety of keywords to retrieve relevant publications. A strict inclusion criterion was applied to select skin cancer publications for final analyses. Data were recorded by two authors and consistent data were entered into SPSS and Microsoft Excel and analyzed for annual growth rate and frequencies. ⋯ Since 1976 to date, the average number of publications per year has been low, with only 2.7 publications per year. Skin cancer research is alarmingly scarce in Pakistan. This calls for immediate attention by all concerned to contribute and devise appropriate measures towards skin cancer research in Pakistan.
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Being diagnosed as positive for SARS-2 CoV RNA on PCR generates anxiety and stress as well as depression due to the prospects of being isolated. With genetically varied forms of virus on the rise the widely adopted manner to protect oneself is social distancing. This is frightening for rehabilitation professionals who at times are exposed at close quarters to the patients as rehabilitation is essential. ⋯ With this literature review we conclude that COVID-19 has resulted in fear of contracting and transmitting this disease among health professionals and can be reduced and managed by provision of tele-rehabilitation and telehealth facilities. Patients emerging from prolonged mechanical ventilations require extensive rehabilitation to restore routine body functions. The role of the otolaryngologist and speech language pathologist (SLP) is formal and direct to ensure appropriate and timely long term intervention and rehabilitation to ensure that these individuals re-enter mainstream activities.
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Review
Cardiovascular risk assessment in South and Middle-East Asians living in the Western countries.
Nearly a quarter of the world population lives in the South Asian region (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives). Due to rapid demographic and epidemiological transition in these countries, the burden of non-communicable diseases is growing, which is a serious public health concern. Particularly, the prevalence of pre-diabetes, diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. ⋯ Results indicated an increased risk of CVD. In conclusion, both South Asian and Middle-Eastern populations living in the West carry significantly higher risk of diabetes and CVD compared with native white Europeans. Lifestyle interventions have been shown to have beneficial effects in terms of reduction in the risk of diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity, weight loss as well as better glycemic and lipid control.
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Review
Talipes equinovarus or Clubfoot: A review of study approaches, management and trends in Pakistan.
This paper aims to assess the status of scientific literature on talipes equinovarus (TEV) published from Pakistan, to get an insight into the trend in knowledge over the years, and to highlight study gaps in this area. A detailed review of published literature was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020. 'Talipes/congenital talipes', 'clubfoot/congenital clubfoot', 'talipes equinovarus /congenital talipes equinovarus' AND 'Pakistan' were used as key terms. Different search engines, PubMed, PakMediNet, ScienceDirect, Embase and Google Scholar were utilized to retrieve articles. ⋯ There is, however, scarcity of basic research on the prevalence, etiology, risk factors, clinical heterogeneity, associated anomalies, genetics, and molecular diagnostics of TEV. In conclusion, prudent scientific evidence is required for any policy-making and relevant public health action. Hence, large scale population-based studies are required for a broader overview and understanding the clinical spectrum of TEV.