Pak J Med Sci
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Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently complain of sleep disturbances such as insomnia and nightmares. Evaluation of sleep disturbances is often difficult due to the subjective nature of the complaints. Polysomnography (PSG) and other sleep studies are generally not indicated in the evaluation of insomnia or nightmares associated with PTSD. Actigraphy, (electronic activity monitoring) has been used in research to evaluate sleep disturbances in patients with PTSD. We reviewed the literature on the use of actigraphy in evaluation of sleep problems in patients with PTSD. ⋯ Actigraphy has been used to evaluate circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Use of actigraphy in psychiatry clinics is uncommon. There is no data to support that there are specific actigraphic sleep related findings in PTSD patients. However, it can be a useful tool to complement the use of sleep diaries when assessing sleep and wake patterns in patients with PTSD.
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Intensive Care Units (ICUs) experience higher infection rates due to the severity of illness and frequent use of invasive devices. Use of personal protective equipment reduces the risk of acquiring an infection. This study has been conducted to determine the role of using shoe covers by medical staff and visitors on infection rates, mortality and length of stay in ICU. ⋯ Use of shoe covers in critical care area is not helpful in preventing infections of common ICU pathogens and length of stay in ICU patients; nor has it decreased the mortality.
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To determine the frequency, severity and risk indicators of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes attending a primary care diabetes centre. ⋯ Every forth patient with diabetes in this large cohort had signs of diabetic retinopathy. Females and patients in working age group predominantly had retinopathy. Type 2 patients with short while type 1 patients with long history of diabetes most frequently had DR. Dissemination of the present study findings may help in increasing the awareness of this serious complication of diabetes.
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Cases presenting with intestinal perforation and obstruction constitute a substantial work load on our surgical service. Etiologies vary in underdeveloped and developed countries. Histopathological examination of resected intestine is expected to provide the definite evidence of the underlying etiology- guiding a better health care planning for preventive measures. Our objective was to study the spectrum of histopathological findings in resected intestines from cases of intestinal obstruction and perforation in our local population to document the underlying etiology. ⋯ A total of 95 cases with clinical/radiological diagnosis of obstruction (79.2%) and 25 of intestinal, perforation (20.8%) were included. Tuberculous enteritis was the commonest etiology (n=41; 43.1%) in cases of intestinal obstruction followed by malignant tumours (n=30; 31.5%). ischemic infarct/gangrene, post op illeal adhesions, polyps and ulcerative colitis followed. In cases of perforation, Typhoid enteritis (n=15; 60%), was the commonest pathology followed by idiopathic perforation (n=5; 20%), tuberculous enteritis (n=3;12%), carcinoma (4%) and ulcerative coliti (4%). Conclusion : In developing countries infective etiology remains a dominant cause of intestinal obstruction and perforation. Its presentation in younger age leading to intestinal resection demands effective preventive measures in this part of the world to prevent morbidity and mortality.
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To provide morphological data of medial malleolus to decrease the possibility of posterior tibial tendon injury and inadvertent ankle penetration. ⋯ According to this study, the insertion angle is much smaller than previously believed, and adequate space only exists for two 4.0-mm screws in some large cases. The second screw will probably be near the posterior tibial tendon, especially in some small cases.