Pak J Med Sci
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Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) prevalence is very high in pediatric population in developing countries including Pakistan. VDD contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five years. Therefore, it is vital to study vitamin D levels in population for future interventions and disease control. Our objective was to determine 25(OH)D levels in children of one to 59 months of age in socio-economically diverse communities of Karachi, Pakistan. ⋯ Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in our study population. Children of low socio-economic strata and with sub-optimal sun light exposure are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. Unexpectedly, high zinc levels in majority of our children with low VD status needs further evidence to substantiate this inverse relation.
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To determine immunophenotypic pattern in newly diagnosed cases of acute myeloid leukaemia by flow cytometry and its correlation with morphological findings. ⋯ Flow cytometric analysis of acute leukaemia done by a combination of patterns and intensity of antigen expression improves diagnostic yield in AML. CD13, CD33 and CD45 are the most frequently expressed antigens in AML. Our findings suggest a 90% concordance between morphology and flow cytometry. It is pertinent to conclude that flow cytometry results interpreted with morphology are complementary.
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Posterolateral thoracotomy is the most frequently used operation in thoracic surgery, and may initiate an inflammatory process. We aimed to evaluate inflammatory response of the body to posterolateral thoracotomy. ⋯ The present study suggests that the novel inflammatory marker PTX-3 may be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of prognosis as a biomarker of inflammatory response in patients with lung cancer. However, it showed that PTX-3 levels are insignificant to identify the levels of inflamatuar response due to posterolateral thoracotomy in thoracic surgery.
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To emphasize the rational use of Computed Tomography (CT) head in emergency department (ED) of a high volume tertiary care hospital. ⋯ Misuse of CT head is common especially in an emergency setting. Emergency physicians should be encouraged to obtain a detailed history and perform a thorough physical examination with reference to internationally standardized guidelines, while ordering CT scan.
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To evaluate the clinical outcomes and the effects on quality of life of transobturator tape surgery during a 2-year follow-up period in our clinics. ⋯ Our study revealed a high objective cure rate, and an improvement in symptoms and quality of life with the transobturator tape operation.