Pak J Med Sci
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This study finds out drug usage trends in Stage I Hypertensive Patients without any compelling indications in Karachi, deviations of current practices from evidence based antihypertensive therapeutic guidelines and looks for cost minimization opportunities. ⋯ Feedbacks showed that therapeutic guidelines were not followed by the doctors practicing in the community and hospitals in Karachi. Thiazide diuretics were hardly used. Beta blockers were widely prescribed. High priced market leaders or expensive branded generics were commonly prescribed. Therefore, there are great opportunities for cost minimization by using evidence-based clinically effective and safe medicines.
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The QT interval represents ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation. Prolongation of this interval can lead to life-threatening complications. ⋯ Many risk factors have been identified in prolonging the QT interval, one of which is medication commonly used in the treatment of Psychiatric ailments. This article describes Antipsychotic drugs causing prolonged QT interval and the possible underlying mechanisms alongside the current best practice on the management of this potentially fatal complication.
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Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is one of the potentially life-threatening complications of pregnancy. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient who presented with shortness of breath, swelling of feet after giving birth to triplets, and her tests revealed that left ventricle is dilated with its diameter on the borderline and she had EF 35% with advanced systolic dysfunction. ⋯ In the presence of these findings, the patient was evaluated as PPCM. PPCM must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with shortness of breath and swelling of feet, which are also common in pregnancy.
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To analyze the correlation between expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and adverse reactions after chemotherapy of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Advanced NSCLC was commonly accompanied by high EGFR expression. Although chemotherapy was able to improve the prognosis and survival rate, adverse reactions were also induced, being associated with the pathological characteristics and EGFR expressions of patients.
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To estimate blood lead level (BLL) and to assess the features of lead toxicity among lead acid battery (LAB) industrial workers. ⋯ High blood lead level and features attributable to lead toxicity were prevalent among LAB industry workers of Karachi.