Pak J Med Sci
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Insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1), is a modulator of immunity and inflammation, it promotes the anabolic role of growth hormone (GH) on bone and skeletal tissue. Genetic polymorphism in IGF-1 gene is reported to affect the transcriptional efficiency affecting its serum level. In this study we aim: 1) To study the presence of 192bp polymorphism of IGF-1 gene in patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 2) To study the association of 192 bp polymorphism of IGF-1 gene with serum IGF-1 levels and disease severity in patients of RA. ⋯ There is an association of IGF-1gene polymorphism with variation in serum IGF-1 levels and severity of RA.
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To determine the frequency of endocrine disorders in Beta-Thalassemia Major (BTM) patients presenting for Endocrine Evaluation to the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, a tertiary care hospital. ⋯ High percentage of endocrine complications were found in patients with BTM. Severity and multiplicity of endocrine organs involvement was dependent on duration of the disease and lack of compliance with chelation therapy.
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To investigate factors affecting the cardioprotective proprieties of dexmedetomidine in patients after pulmonary lobectomy. ⋯ Intraoperative systolic blood pressure, maximum heart rate, and postoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio are important factors that affect the myocardial protection properties of dexmedetomidine and may affect the postoperative analgesia effect and the length of hospital stay.
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Symmetric peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare clinical entity defined as ischemia of peripheral parts of the body without underlying vaso-occlusive disease. Its pathogenesis is unknown, but it is seen from previous reports that SPG is a sequel of underlying Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). We report a case of a middle-aged woman who developed high-grade fever followed by painful black discoloration of the digits of four limbs, few days after spontaneous vaginal delivery at home. ⋯ The patient was diagnosed with SPG due to postpartum sepsis and DIC. She was managed with fluids, antibiotics, aspirin, and heparin but unfortunately, the patient underwent amputation of limbs due to irreversible ischemia. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management of SPG are crucial to prevent mortality and morbidity.
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Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world. Current contraceptive use in Pakistan is only 26% despite being one of the leading countries in Asia to launch National family planning programs. Major constraint of acceptability among women is the lack of awareness and implementation of contraceptive methods. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons behind this behavior. ⋯ The education of women and awareness score are independent predictors of contraceptive practice in women. Hence by educating mothers and increasing awareness through various means, practice of contraception can be increased. There is much room to improve the working of family health clinics and LHV.