Search

Objective: To compare the efficacy of double-dose oral Terbinafine and Itraconazole in treating dermatophytic infections. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04880980). Setting and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar 2021 to Mar 2022. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients with dermatophyte infections of the skin (i.e., tinea corporis and cruris) diagnosed by clinical presentation and KOH mount were included in this study. After randomization, patients were divided into two groups. Group-A was managed with double-dose oral Terbinafine, while Group-B was managed with double-dose oral Itraconazole. Clinical response and side effects were seen and recorded initially at two weeks and then at four weeks. Efficacy and adverse effects were compared in both groups at the end of four weeks. Results: Out of 120 patients with dermatophyte infections of the skin included in the study, 59(49.2%) took double-dose oral Terbinafine while 61(50.8%) took double-dose oral Itraconazole after randomization. It was revealed that Itraconazole was more efficacious in achieving cure at the end of 4-weeks as compared to double dose Terbinafine (p-value=0.001), while adverse effects studied were not statistically significant or different in both the groups (p-value>0.005). Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial showed that double dose oral Itraconazole was more efficacious in treating dermatophyte infections of the skin (i.e., Tinea corporis and cruris) compared to double dose oral Terbinafine. Adverse effects were minimal in both groups and were not specially related to any of these medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify electrocardiographic changes associated with parenteral meglumine antimoniate and to estimate frequency of these changes. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Dermatology department, Combined Military Hospital Quetta and Multan, from Apr 2018 to Feb 2019. Methodology: Total of 87 patients was recruited by consecutive sampling technique. Cases of Leishmaniasis were confirmed by Leishmania donovani bodies in smear or skin biopsy. Base line electrocardiograph was done and then repeated weekly. All patients were given 15mg/kg body weight intramuscular meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime). Any change in electrocardiograph was documented. Follow up electrocardiograph was repeated two weeks after hospital discharge. Data was analyzed using SPSS-20. Results: Changes in electrocardiograph appeared between 7-27 days mean 16 SD ± 4.58. T-wave inversion was recorded in 41 (47.12%), ST elevation in 1 (1.14%), prolonged QT interval in 1 (1.14%). Meglumine antimoniate therapy was discontinued after ECG change for 5 ± SD 3 days of therapy. Follow up electrocardiograph two weeks after hospital discharge was normal. Conclusion: Early repolarization defects of T wave inversion and ST segment deviation were found with standard doses of meglumine antimoniate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To look for migraine headaches and associated factors in patients being managed for psoriasis at a tertiary healthcare setup in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Mar 2021 to Feb 2022. Methodology: One hundred and forty patients of psoriasis being managed at our Dermatology Unit were included in the analysis. All patients were screened with the Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q), and those having scores equal to or more than four were evaluated by medical specialists, and diagnosis of migraine was established based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders diagnostic criteria for migraine. An association of relevant risk factors was established with migraine among these patients. Results: Out of 140 patients with psoriasis, 75(53.4%) were male, while 65(46.6%) were female. Eighty-five (60.7%) patients had migraine confirmed by clinical criteria, while 55(39.3%) had no migraine. Statistical analysis revealed that more body surface area involvement and longer duration of psoriasis had a statistically significant relationship with migraine among the study participants (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The study showed that patients with psoriasis had an approximately 3-fold increased risk of migraine headaches compared to the normal population. Most of the patients had migraine without aura. Patients with longer duration of psoriasis and those with more surface area of the body affected with psoriasis were at an increased risk of migraines compared to other patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the study were to find out the risks of needle stick injury and to identify who sustained such injuries and under what circumstances and what actions were taken to minimize the risks of needle stick injuries among dental students, house officers and para dental staff working at Liaquat Medical University Hospital. It was carried out from Aug 2011 to Sept 2012. Information was obtained through Questionare. Study design was descriptive. 513 students, house officers and paraden- tal staff participated in this study . House officers 23 (4%) were male and 57 (11%) were female. Male students were 102 (20%) and female were 223(44%). Among Paradental staff male were 92(18%) and female 16 (3%), and they suffered 79(10%) injuries. Self inflicted injuries were 455 (58%) and through other persons 315 (41%). Department-wise injuries were Operative140 (18%), Prosthodontic 25(3%). Orthodontic 28 (3%). periodontology. 27(3%), Oral Maxillofacial Surgery 97(12%). Through block anesthesia 428 (55%) and through infiltration needle 345 (44%). Students were at high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of allelopathic plant extract against pathogenic fungi is gaining attention of the scientists for the last many years. Allelopathic compounds being non hazardous and environment friendly are also being tested as natural substituent of fungicides. Keeping in view this aspect of plants, the present study was therefore designed to evaluate Eucalyptus camaldulensis for its antifungal properties against F. solani, the causal organism of root rot disease. For this purpose the test fungal species was grown in 100 mL ME broth medium in various concentrations (0, 5, 10 & 15% w/v) of aqueous and organic solvent extract for 10 days. The results of this study showed strong allelopathic effects of test plant parts however, eucalyptus leaf extracts proved more effective than stem and bark for controlling the growth of target fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]