Predictors of delayed culture conversion in patients treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Pakistan

Culture conversion is an interim monitoring tool for treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). We evaluated the time to and predictors of culture conversion in pulmonary MDR-TB patients enrolled in the community-based MDR-TB management program at the Indus Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite strict daily directly observed therapy, monthly food incentives and patient counseling, the median time to culture conversion was 196 days (range 32-471). The cumulative probabilities of culture conversion by 2, 4, 6 and 12 months were respectively 6%, 33%, 47%, and 73%. Smoking, high smear grade at baseline and previous use of second-line drugs delayed culture conversion.     

Randomized controlled trial to improve childhood immunization adherence in rural Pakistan: redesigned immunization card and maternal education

Objective A substantial dropout from the first dose of diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP1) to the 3rd dose of DTP (DTP3) immunization has been recorded in Pakistan. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of providing a substantially redesigned immunization card, centre‐based education, or both interventions together on DTP3 completion at six rural expanded programme on immunization (EPI) centres in Pakistan. Methods Mother‐child pairs were enrolled at DTP1 and randomized to four study groups: redesigned card, centre‐based education, combined intervention and standard care. Each child was followed up for 90 days to record the dates of DTP2 and DTP3 visits. The study outcome was DTP3 completion by the end of follow‐up period in each study group. Results We enrolled 378 mother–child pairs in redesigned card group, 376 in centre‐based education group, 374 in combined intervention group and 378 in standard care group. By the end of follow‐up, 39% of children in standard care group completed DTP3. Compared to this, a significantly higher proportion of children completed DTP3 in redesigned card group (66%) (crude risk ratio [RR] = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.5, 2.0), centre‐based education group (61%) (RR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.8) and combined intervention group (67%) (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.4, 2.0). Conclusions Improved immunization card alone, education to mothers alone, or both together were all effective in increasing follow‐up immunization visits. The study underscores the potential of study interventions’ public health impact and necessitates their evaluation for complete EPI schedule at a large scale in the EPI system.     

The ability to achieve complete revascularization is associated with improved in‐hospital survival in cardiogenic shock due to myocardial infarction: Manitoba cardiogenic shock registry investigators

Objectives: To identify predictors of survival in a retrospective multicentre cohort of patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing coronary angiography and to address whether complete revascularization is associated with improved survival in this cohort. Background: Early revascularization is the standard of care for cardiogenic shock. Coronary bypass grafting and percutaneous intervention have complimentary roles in achieving this revascularization. Methods: A total of 210 consecutive patients (mean age 66 ± 12 years) at two tertiary centres from 2002 to 2006 inclusive with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate predictors of in‐hospital survival were identified utilizing logistic regression. Results: ST elevation infarction occurred in 67% of patients. Thrombolysis was administered in 34%, PCI was attempted in 62% (88% stented, 76% TIMI 3 flow), CABG was performed in 22% (2.7 grafts, 14 valve procedures), and medical therapy alone was administered to the remainder. The overall survival to discharge was 59% (CABG 68%, PCI 57%, medical 48%). Independent predictors of mortality included complete revascularization (P = 0.013, OR = 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09–0.76), hyperlactatemia (P = 0.046, OR = 1.14 (95% CI: 1.002–1.3) per mmol increase), baseline renal insufficiency (P = 0.043, OR = 3.45, (95% CI: 1.04–11.4), and the presence of anoxic brain injury (P = 0.008, OR = 8.22 (95% CI: 1.73–39.1). Within the STEMI with concomitant multivessel coronary disease subgroup of this population (N = 101), independent predictors of survival to discharge included complete revascularization (P = 0.03, OR = 2.5 (95% CI: 1.1–6.2)) and peak lactate (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The ability to achieve complete revascularization may be strongly associated with improved in‐hospital survival in patients with cardiogenic shock. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Abdominal wall abscess following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an unusual late complication of lost gallstones

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is associated with a significant risk of gallbladder perforation with spillage of bile and stones into the peritoneal cavity. The retrieval of the spilled stones is not always possible by laparoscopic technique. Majority of these cases do not have any problem in future but sometimes the lost stones lead to serious complications. The authors present a case of lost gallstones, which resulted into an abdominal wall abscess and discharging sinus 9 years after LC. This late presentation is among the very few reports after LC. Risk factors for gallbladder perforation, various techniques to avoid spillage of stones, possible complications and their management is discussed.     

Long-term survivor of brain metastases from malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is notorious for distant metastases. Median survival for stage IV melanoma is 6-10 months and 5 year survival is less than 5%. Median survival for melanoma with brain metastases is even lower i.e. 2 to 9 months. Here a case is reported who was treated for melanoma of sole of left foot with ipsilateral inguinal adenopathy and brain metastases in 2001 and is still surviving disease-free after a lapse of 8 years.     

Gastric Plication Can Reduce Slippage Rate After Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Background:

Laparoscopic insertion of a gastric band for weight reduction is increasingly performed in obese and morbidly obese patients. Complication rates after gastric band insertion are reduced by using certain techniques.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) insertion at our unit. This procedure is performed through the classical 4-port technique and the use of a liver retractor. The pars flaccida method is performed in all patients, and the gold finger, a malleable instrument, is used to guide the band through the retroesophageal window in patients with difficult anatomy. Band slippage is avoided by using 2 types of gastric plication, depending on the anatomical characteristics of the stomach. Outcomes and morbidity are recorded, and patients are followed up in outpatient clinics.

Results:

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) insertion was performed in 464 patients. A single consultant surgeon performed all procedures over a 2-year period. From August 2005 through August 2007, 380 (81.89%) women and 84 (18.10%) men were included in this study. The mean age was 41 years (range, 21 to 62). The mean body mass index was 43 (range, 35 to 62). Morbidity included dysphagia, epigastric pain, port displacement, port infection, erosion, and acute respiratory distress. Only one (0.21%) case of band slippage was reported. The mean follow-up was 26 months (range, 18 to 42).

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic gastric plication adds greater security and provides optimum gastric band placement. It is an effective method to reduce slippage after gastric band insertion.     

Anterior dislocation of hip with ipsilateral femoral neck and head fracture

A 70-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with trauma left hip following a fall. Physical examination revealed external rotation, slight flexion, adduction, and shortening of the affected limb. There was a palpable fullness in the groin. Radiographic examination revealed fracture neck of femur with femoral head dislocated anteriorly and lying in the obturator foramen. There was an associated femoral head fracture with a fragment of it in the acetabulum. Although this sort of injury has been reported once, the difference in our case lies in the age of the patient; the injury complex was caused by a less severe trauma and a unique mechanism of injury. Also a modification of Brumback classification is proposed to include such fractures more specifically in order to allow comparative analysis in such rare injuries as more and more such case reports are added to literature.