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Objectives: Recurrent episodes of Portal Systemic Encephalopathy (PSE), poses a significant burden of illness on the patients and healthcare system. The objective of this study was to assess the recurrence of PSE in cirrhotic patients after index episode of PSE and to identify various risk factors associated with it. Methods: A retrospective, single-centre study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital over a span of one year. Patients who were admitted first time with PSE and admitted within three months of index PSE were enrolled in the study. Variables assessed were demographic data, associated comorbid conditions, aetiology of cirrhosis, ChildTurcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, PSE grade, laboratory tests, ascites with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), variceal bleeding. Statistical analysis was done and variables of those who developed recurrence were compared with those who did not. Results: Fifty one patients were recruited. Thirty three (64.7%) were readmitted with PSE. On comparative analysis of both groups; infection, Meld score, low albumin, and raised total bilirubin showed significant P-value (<0.05). Conclusion: Identification of risk factors during assessment can reduce the recurrence of PSE. We would recommend to validate result of our study on a large scale prospectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the frequency and severity of post-operative CRBD in patients undergoing TURP and TURBT with spinal anaesthesia with pudendal nerve block against spinal anaesthesia alone. Study Design: A randomized controlled trial (Clinical trials.gov: NCT05022160) Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Urology (AFIU), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug to Nov, 2021. Methodology: The trial comprised 250 patients scheduled to have a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or a transurethral resection of a bladder tumour (TURBT) under spinal anaesthesia. They were split into two groups: study (group-P) and control (group-C). After surgery, the patients in the study-group were given a bilateral pudendal nerve block. At 3, 8, 12, and 24 hours following surgery, the frequency and severity of catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) were documented. Results: CRBD frequencies were significantly lower in pudendal group at 3 hours 42 (33.8%) vs 72 (58.5%), p <0.001), 8 hours 81 (65.3%) vs 111 (90.2%), p<0.001 and 12 hours 53 (42.7%) vs 73 (59.3%), p=0.009 after the surgery. The postoperative pain score in pudendal group was lower at 3 hours (p<0.001), 8 hours (p <0.001), and 12 hours (p=0.02) but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 24 hours (p=0.06). Conclusion: When used in conjunction with spinal anaesthesia, a pudendal nerve block reduces the frequency and severity of catheter-related bladder discomfort for up to 12 hours after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]