Pak J Med Sci
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This study was aimed to report the prevalence-pattern of hereditary and congenital anomalies (CA) in general population of Balochistan province of Pakistan, and to elucidate the familial/sporadic presentations and parental consanguinity of CA. ⋯ High preponderance of sporadic presentations in neuromuscular anomalies and musculoskeletal defects and low incidence of parental consanguinity in ectodermal defects and musculoskeletal defects may depict a significant etiological role of non-genetic/environmental factors such as prenatal exposures and maternal conditions. In this context, it is important to increase health education, enhance antenatal and perinatal care, and strengthen the health-care system in Balochistan to reduce the burden of CA.
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One third of the neonatal deaths worldwide are attributed to perinatal asphyxia. We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of cardiac dysfunction, through echocardiographic evaluation, in term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. ⋯ Myocardial dysfunction among neonates with perinatal asphyxia is common and severity of asphyxia, mode of delivery and presence of patent ductus arteriosus are important determinants.
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To compare the epidemic trends of different types of influenza viruses and the clinical characteristics of patients, so as to provide reference for influenza prevention and control. ⋯ People aged 0-18 years are the major susceptible population to influenza, and H1N1 influenza viruses are the main pathogens of infection in this population, with major clinical manifestations of fever, cough and headache. The findings in this study highlight the necessity to strengthen the protection for this age group in clinical practice.
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This study aims to establish the frequency of Down's syndrome which will enhance the knowledge of our local population as well to understand our genotypic patterns and variations. ⋯ The frequency of DS in our study is slightly higher than the incidence reported within South East Asia. It is high time to perform effective antenatal screening and efficient prenatal diagnostic services for early detection of chromosomal numerical aberration such as Down syndrome for better management of upcoming pregnancies.
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Acute appendicitis is one of the commonest causes of acute abdominal pain presenting to emergency department (ED) and Computerized Tomography scan (CT) is considered gold standard for its diagnosis. Internationally Low Dose Computerized Tomography scan (LDCT) in emergency department is recommended as a beneficial tool to diagnose acute appendicitis with less exposure to radiation and reduction in the rate of negative laparotomy. Local trials are needed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of LDCT as the first line imaging test for acute appendicitis. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of LDCT as the first line imaging test for acute appendicitis. ⋯ Our study showed that for diagnosing acute appendicitis, LDCT is harmless, fast and economical imaging modality and has diagnostic accuracy with decrease in radiation dose.