Chandka Medical College

About: Chandka Medical College is a education organization based out in Larkana, Pakistan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Outpatient clinic. The organization has 106 authors who have published 108 publications receiving 1170 citations.

Neonatal disease profile in Larkana before and after establishment of neonatal ward.

Abstract: In Pakistan a pediatrician reviewed the case records of 2050 newborns (excluding neonatal tetanus cases) admitted to the Children Hospital of Chandka Medical College in Larkana to determine whether the addition of a neonatal unit changed the disease pattern and neonatal mortality. 689 cases were admitted to the general pediatric ward. 1361 were admitted to the neonatal unit. Male admissions were three times higher than female admissions in both the general pediatric ward and the neonatal unit. Admission peaked during the first day of life in the neonatal unit (44.7%) and during days 2-7 for the general pediatric ward (28.7%). 75% of newborns in the neonatal unit and 54% in the general ward were admitted during the first week of life. 70% of all admissions were males in the first week of life. The most common cause of admission in both the general ward and the neonatal unit was birth anoxia (27.43% and 40.63% respectively). Changes in the disease pattern were most significant for gastroenteritis (14% in general ward vs. 4% in neonatal unit) and undetermined causes (18% vs. 1.1%). 2% of all admissions had a congenital malformation. The neonatal mortality rate was somewhat higher in the neonatal unit than the general ward (38.5% vs. 31%). The leading causes of neonatal mortality in both the general ward and the neonatal unit were in order birth anoxia septicemia and prematurity. A significantly lower rate of leaving against medical advice and a significantly higher cure rate was associated with the addition of the neonatal unit. These findings suggest that a neonatal unit does not reduce the neonatal mortality rate and that instead of adding a neonatal unit the focus should be on improving prenatal and natal care.

American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Protocol 2017: A Literature Review.

Abstract: Hypertension is the most prevalent clinical symptom arising from various cardiovascular disorders. Likewise, it is considered a precursor or sequelae to the development of acute coronary artery disease and congestive heath failure (CHF). Hypertension has been considered a cardinal criterion to determine cardiovascular function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) global observatory data, hypertension causes more than 7.5 million deaths a year, about 12.8% of the total human mortality. Similarly, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 35% of the American adults have been estimated to have a persistently high blood pressure, which makes it about one in every three adults. Hypertension is a modifiable symptom that can be managed through pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods and standard protocols set forth by the American Heart Association (AHA). With new findings from various clinical trials related to the management of hypertension, new developments and recommendations have been made to update the previously established protocols for hypertension. This article aims to discuss and dissect the modern updates of hypertension management as comprehensively elaborated in the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Population distribution of xeroderma pigmentosum.

Abstract: Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by defects in the normal repair of DNA of various cutaneous and ocular cell types damaged by exposure to sunlight.1, 2, 3 Hebra and Kaposi reported the disease initially in 1874.4 It generally shows early onset of symptoms, hence mostly affecting children and is characterized by cutaneous and ocular pigmentary changes such as freckles, photophobia, conjunctivitis, corneal keratitis and ulcers. If the disease is not controlled at this level, there is a risk of developing malignancy in the future, the major cause of death amongst patients.

Evolocumab to reduce cardiovascular events: results of the (FOURIER) multinational trial.

Abstract: Dear Sir,Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protease that binds to the extracellular compartment of the LDL receptor, hence, targeting the LDL receptor to the lysosomal comp...

Psychological Stress as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract: Introduction Stress is a phenomenon elicited in response to certain triggers that may be external or internal. Stress has been identified as a risk factor for various diseases, including cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aim to find an association between psychological stress and cardiovascular disease in the local setting Methods This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from June 2019 to December 2019. One hundred and seventeen (117) patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina were enrolled in the case group. One hundred and ten (110) patient's attendants were enrolled in the study as controlled. Results The risk of a cardiovascular event was higher in patients with a history of social isolation (OR, 2.47), marital stress (OR, 2.28), work stress (OR, 3.2), childhood abuse (OR, 2.78), or trauma (OR, 2.67). Conclusion Psychological stress is an important risk for cardiovascular disease, which is often overlooked. Efforts should be made to include questions related to psychological stress in the history-taking of patients at risk of a cardiovascular event and the management plan should include psychological counseling.