International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences

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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151072

Editor in chief: Dr. Ghulam Subhani
ISSN: 2319-5886

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://ijmrhs.com/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 326

Incidence of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease in Thyroid Disorders
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-01) Naeem, Nadeem; Arshad, Imran; Zaman, Shair; Khan, Zakirullah
Aim: In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), an increase in thyroid dysfunction has been reported compared to normal people. This study was held to assess the thyroid disease prevalence in the inflammatory bowel disease patients group. Study Design: A retrospective study. Place and Duration: In the Medicine Department of Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad for one-year duration from March 2018 to March 2019. Methods: Total of 155 patients were included (120 UC, 35 CDs) and 63 healthy control subjects. Patients with free T3 (FT3), T4 (FT4), anti-TPO serum and TSH were evaluated retrospectively and with the group of control were compared. These patients were examined using nuclear imaging (scintigraphy) and thyroid ultrasound. Results: 42.9 ± 12.4 years was the average age of patients with IBD (76 women). The control group consisted of 42 women and 40.9 ± 12.1 years was the average age. In 18 patients (9.5%, 8 women, 6 men) out of 155 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease was diagnosed. The thyroid disorders frequency was higher in IBD group than in the group of control (18/155 vs. 1/63, p=0.042). There was no substantial dissimilarity in the frequency of thyroid orders in cases of CD and UC (5/40 vs. 13/115, p=0.912). In 4 (2.7%) IBD patients, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were noted. Conclusion: According to many studies issued in the literature, we have noted a greater fraction of thyroid disease in inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Platelet Rich Fibrin and its Relevance in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Hegde, Padmaraj; Shetty, Vikram; Rai, Ashish; Badrinath, Saiswarup
Platelets have a major role to play in cessation of bleeding and hemostasis and the studies in the recent past have led to a better understanding in identifying their functions in regulation of immune response, wound healing, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis and is a subject of great interest. It has been proved that plalelets play a crucial role in the formation of blood clot and release growth factors, thereby promoting and maintaining the process of wound healing. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is product derived of platelets from one’s blood and when used either in its gel or liquid form, it enhances tissue repair. In the recent past, the PRF has been used extensively in various oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures successfully. We conducted a narrative review over the literature using electronic databases as; PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar studies involving data on platelet rich fibrin and its application in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We reviewed the reference lists of included studies to find more relevant articles for additional evidence. It has been observed that PRF enhances the recovery and contributes to the post-operative healing and general well-being.
Vitamin D Status Association with Thyroid Antibodies in Hypothyroidism Patients
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-01) Jasim, Balqees Sadoon; Hussein, Najat Saeed; AL-Nasrawii, Maytham Salim
Background: Deficiency in Vitamin D is a global health issue, in the recent decade, there has been substantial proof that low levels of Vitamin D can lead to thyroid disorders. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between hypothyroidism and the level of Vitamin D, as well as to analyze the relationship between Vitamin D level with thyroid antibodies (TPO-Abs and TG-Abs). Methods: Forty patients diagnosed as hypothyroidism which compared with twenty healthy control groups with matching in sex and age between studied groups. The blood sample was collected from both groups to estimate the level of vitamin D, T3, T4, TSH hormones and the existence of thyroid autoantibodies. Results: Patients with hypothyroidism showed a significantly lower mean of Vitamin D level compared with the healthy control group (p=0.0001). Half (20/40) of the hypothyroid group tested positive for TPO-Ab, (15/40) were positive for TG-Ab, and (14/40) of hypothyroidism patients have positive results for Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase and AntiThyroglobulin antibodies with highly statistical significant between hypothyroid group according to the presences of autoantibodies. As for the interaction of vitamin D levels with autoantibodies in patients with hypothyroidism, we observed that levels of Vitamin D were correlated with neither TPO antibodies (p=0.292) nor TG antibodies (p=0.108). Conclusion: The levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in patients with hypothyroidism relative to healthy control. Vitamin D does not have a strong association with the titers of thyroid antibodies.
Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and High or Low Energy Fractures among Patients above 45 Years Old in Riyadh
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-01) Aljebreen, Meshaal Ahmad; Alshehri, Ahmad; Almunif, Abdulrahman; Al-suhaimi, Raid; Almutairi, Faisal; Alkenani, Nader S
Background: An essential element in the equilibrium of calcium in the body is Vitamin D. It prompts adding calcium into the circulation. As a result, it could have a significant role in preventing the occurrence of high and low energy fractures. The point of this study was to find an association of Vitamin D deficiency with low or high energy fractures among patients older than 45 years old in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. Method: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted from January 2015 to December 2017 at the Orthopedic department in KAMC-Riyadh. A total of 230 Saudi fracture patients older than 45 years old with measured Vitamin D levels were reviewed. The variables included age, gender, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, and type of fracture; high vs. low-energy fracture. The deficiency was considered as serum concentrations of 25(OH)D<50 nmol/L. Results: There was a high prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency 25(OH)D<50 nmol/L in (62%) among the study sample. This study found no association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency with fracture type (p=0.75) with high energy fractures (63%, 66/105) vs. low energy fractures (61%, 76/125), respectively. Conclusion: In spite of the high prevalence of deficiency within all fracture patients, these results are comparable to previous studies on the normal non-fracture population. More studies are required to look into more factors that might increase the probability of fractures..
Effectiveness of Manual Physical Therapy and NSAIDs as a Combination Therapy in Arthritis Patient-A Case Series
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Izzatov, Aybek; Barengolts, Elena
Among various types of arthritis Osteoarthritis (OA), Psoriatic arthritis (PA) and Gouty arthritis (GA) are the major ones which have been studied and cause hindrance in movements in many patients. Here we have discussed the treatment modality, a combination of manual therapy and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) for relieving the symptoms of arthritis. A total of six patients were included consisting of osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gouty arthritis who presented at the medical office of Dr. Barengolts (MD in USA) and Aybek Izzatov (MD in Uzbekistan) Tyan Anmo Massage School. The study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020. The treatment consisted of 30 sessions performed for half a year, one week per month (5 days in a month). Significant improvement in symptoms was seen as after 6 months we saw there was reduction in morning stiffness and improved range of motion. The pain score shifted from 5-6 to 2-3 on VAS pain scale. The results signify that the combination therapy wherein manual therapy and NSAIDs worked in an effective way to reduce the level of severity of pain and other associated symptoms.
Awareness of First Aid in Different Burn Degrees and its Surgical and Psychiatric Aspects on Patients, in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Fathuldeen, Anas Abdulqader; Khan, Farida Habib; Aljadani, Ahmed Hamed; Almansour, Duaa Nasser; Alshammari, Asma Mudhfi; Alshammari, Mohammad Nahar; Alsaleh, Osamah Salem
Background: Burn injuries are one of the most traumatizing and damaging wounds. Causing considerable mortality, prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, disability, often with resulting social stigma, rejection, psychiatric issues in long run. We aimed to assess the knowledge of general population on first aid and surgical intervention in different degrees of burns and psychiatric aspect on patients; so, the results of this study could help to manage burn injuries. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted in shopping malls of Hail KSA. Data was collected from the audience who attended Health Awareness Campaign on Burns between 15th of December 2019 and 15th of January 2020. Data was fed and analysed by using SPSS version 23. Results: Forty-seven Percent of the respondents have received information on burns. Half of respondents had history of either oneself being affected by burn incident or any one of their close relatives. Out of 273 burn cases, 65 had complications later. Almost 29% developed psychiatric issues after that incidence but just 8% consulted Psychiatrist. Only 2% were familiar with the surgical aspect for healing of second-degree burn. Conclusion: Knowledge of respondents on the burn’s issues is very scanty as revealed in our results. 15%-24% 0f respondents did not know what to do in 1-3 degree of burns that is very alarming. Just 16% knew that there is any role of Plastic Surgery in 3rd degree burns. Twenty-nine Percent had suffered from psychiatric problems after burn incident but just 8% consulted any Psychiatric and those were ones who had total monthly income ≥ 10,000 Saudi Riyals (p ≤ 0.05). These results emphasize the importance of implementing Health Awareness Campaigns in community and in institutions that could minimize burn incidents and psychiatric issues in general population.
Assessing the Need of an Integrated Research Assistance Program towards Aiding Students in the Progress of Medical Research during Undergraduate Studies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Alreefi, Mohammed; Alahmed, Salman; Elyahya, Fahad; Khoshaim, Abdulaziz; Hjji, Faris; Alhomaidan, Faisal
Aim: To assess the need of medical students for a research assistance program. Design and methods: This study was conducted at a medical college in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire consisting of three parts: student demographics, students’ research proficiency, and problems faced when conducting research. Analysis: Data from the collected information was analyzed and all values of p<0.05, 95% confidence intervals for odds ratio that did not cross 1.00 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: Students who participated in this study were 228 (response rate=57%). 60.5% (n=138) were male, and 28% (n=64) were in their first year of medicine. The majority were working on at least one to two researches, 81.1% (n=185), with 5.3% (n=12) having a study published. 83% of participants reported to be skillful at data collection and data entry. Devising a research idea was measures most difficult (49%). More female students were able to write a research proposal (n=57; 63.3%. p=0.022), and seniors were more capable in research than freshmen (p<0.001). Conclusion: Results demonstrated that students are active and well acquainted with research activities; 81.1% (n=185). In order to enhance research performance, we recommend offering the opportunity to share efforts with senior students or professionals to be appraised, be provided with information regarding supervisors’ research interests, and creating online platforms for improved knowledge transfer and communication between the parties involved.
Irrational Use of Quinolones in Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Fatima, Rasheeda; Baig, Mirza Tasawer; Arsalan, Adeel; Shahid, Uzma; Jabeen, Aisha; Ali, Mehwish Murad; Shahnaz, Saira; Shaikh, Saba; Mirza, Ahmed Shahid; Khan, Shahzada Azam
Objective: The antimicrobial drugs especially Quinolones are the top most therapeutics class of drug prescribed in some country like Pakistan in primary and tertiary care hospitals and clinics. The objective of the study was to assess the irrational prescribing practice of quinolones in tertiary care setups of Karachi. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted for the period of 04 months from November 2019-February 2020, in Public and Private Sector Tertiary Care setups of Karachi. Data was collected from surgical, medical and emergency wards on the basis of World Health Organization prescribing pattern, to evaluate the prescriptions based on Culture sensitivity tests (CST), empirical, targeted, and/or prophylactic therapies. Results: Out of total 1000 patients 41.6% patients were from Public and 58.4% were from Private Sector Tertiary Care Hospital. 13.7% of the patients from Public and 24.8% from Private Sector Tertiary Hospitals were prescribed Quinolones after performing their Culture Sensitivity Test. However, 79.8% of the patients were prescribed Quinolones without Culture Sensitivity Test. 36.4% patients were prescribed with empirical therapy, 20.2% with De-Escalation therapy, while 43.4% were prescribed with prophylactic therapy of quinolones. Conclusion: Study concluded that some serious efforts are required to avoid the irrational prescribing practice and promote the rational prescribing practice of antibiotics particularly for Quinolones.
Dentition and Risk of Malnutrition among Elderly Patients in Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) Rosli, Tanti Irawati; Ting, Kathy Boon Ying; Mei, Lim Hang; Xin, Lim Ruei; Ashar, Nor Atika; Yeo, Soo Suet
Objective: To assess the dentition status and its association with the risk of malnutrition among a group of elderly patients in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly patients who attended dental clinics in the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Data on oral health conditions namely the number of teeth, number of posterior occluding pairs, and denture status were gathered from patients’ dental records. The nutritional status of respondents was determined using the Malay version of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) followed by Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Chi-square test of association, and correlation coefficient test. Results: Total tooth loss (edentulous) was seen in 31 (28.4%) patients from a total of 109 respondents. From those who still had natural teeth, 65.4% had less than 20 teeth. Based on the MNA score, only 1.8% were malnourished. The majority of them (78.9%) had normal nutritional status while 19.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Patients with lower education levels showed significantly lower mean MNA score and number of teeth. No significant association was noted between MNA scores and the number of teeth present. A slightly higher percentage of patients with less than 20 teeth (22.0%) were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished compared to those with more than 20 teeth (12.0%) but no significant association was observed (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant association observed between the number of teeth and the risk of malnutrition among patients undergoing dental treatment in UKM
Role of Multiple Choice Questions in Assessment of Competency of Knowledge in Anatomy
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-06) Ahmed, Itedal Abdelraheem Mohamed
Objectives: The main objective of the current study is to examine the items using the item analysis to assess their competency of knowledge in human anatomy. Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Najran University faculty of Medicine, in the department of anatomy. A 31-second year MBBS students of level three took the multiple-choice question exam comprising 100 questions in one session. Each item was analyzed by item analysis. The planned period of data collection is the first semester of the academic year 2019-2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, and Excel Software. All analyses were performed using the descriptive frequency, explore and correlation probabilities a p-value, p<0.01 (2-sided) was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The assessment of test items use the item analysis that is very difficult question: 25; 25%, difficult question: 8; 8%, average question: 46; 46%, easy questions; 9; 9% and very easy: 9; 9%. The discrimination indices, which are poor discrimination; 34; 34%, acceptable discrimination; 11; 11%,good discrimination; 6; 6%, very good discrimination; 4; 4% and excellent discrimination; 45; 45%. The performance of students in this test showing that a large number of items have a role in distinguishing students knowledge in the anatomy test, but in Simple parts of the scale that the items did not succeed in assessing students. Items of anatomy exams displayed a strong relationship of difficulty (P) and discrimination (D) indices. Conclusion: The MCQs items assess their competency of knowledge in human anatomy. The competence of students in the knowledge of anatomy measured at a high rate of A-type context-rich MCQs can be stem is case scenario, lead-in; question and options; distractors, and key. These items can differentiate good and poor accomplishment students..
Hemodynamic Variations Associated with Ramadan Fasting among Saudi Stroke’s Patients
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-06) Alharbi, Saleh Hadi; Alharbi, Abdulrahman Obaid; Mahrous, Azhar Khalid; Alreshidi, Ahmed Hameed; Alshamari, Jaser Sultan; Alquwaiay, Dhari Abdulkarim; Alanazi, Wael Saleh; Alghaithi, Abdulaziz Muflih; Altoraifi, Abdulrahman Sulaiman; Ahmed, Hussain Gadelkarim
Background: It was reported that intermittent fasting has several health benefits. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the hemodynamic variations associated with Ramadan fasting among Saudi Stroke patients. Methodology: Information referring to 61 stroke patients were retrospectively retrieved from King Khalid hospital, Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia. Data relating to patients attended during the period from April 2019 to June 2019. The sample involved two months (Shaban and Ramadan) a full coverage sample. Results: Out of 61 study subjects, 26 patients were fasting during stroke happening and 35 patients were non-fasting. Out of the 61 patients, 35 (57.4%) were females and 26 (42.6%) were males. With the fasting month, hypertension was co-occurrence in 23/49 (47%) fasting patients, hence, it occurred in 26/49 (53%) among non-fasting patients, the risk of hypertension during Ramadan compared to nonfasting month; the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI): RR (95%CI)=1.1908 (0.9374 to 1.5128). Conclusion: Ramadan Fasting has some beneficial effects influencing stroke including incidence and severity reduction. Stroke associated hemodynamic variants, which were more apparent among women, were perceived to decline during fasting.
DME-Deep: A Computerize Tool for Detection of Diabetic Macular Edema Grading Based on Multilayer Deep Learning and Transfer Learning
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-06) Abbas, Qaisar
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common disease of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Due to the infection of DME disease, many patients’ vision is lost. To cure DME eye disease, early detection and treatment are very important and vital steps. To automatically diagnosis DEM disease, several studies were developed by detection of the macula center which is dependent on optic disc (OD) location. In this paper, a novel features pre-training based model was proposed based on dense convolutional neural network (DCNN) to diagnose DME related disease. As a result, a computerize tool “DME-Deep” for detection of DME-based grading system was implemented through a new dense deep learning model and feature’s transfer learning approaches. This DCNN model was developed by adding new five convolutional and one dropout layers to the network. The DME-Deep system was tested on three different datasets, which obtained from online sources. To train the DCNN model for features learning, the 1650 retinal fundus images were utilized from the Hamilton HEI-MED, ISBI 2018 IDRiD and MESSIDOR datasets. On datasets, the DME-Deep achieved 91.2% of accuracy, 87.5% of sensitivity and 94.4% of specificity. Compare to obtain hand-crafted features, the automatic feature’ learning it provided favorable results. Hence, the experimental results also indicate that this DME-Deep system can automatically assist ophthalmologists in finding DEM eye-related disease.
Association between the Academic Stress Level and Skin Disorders among Albaha University Medical Students, Saudi Arabia
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-07) AL-Ghamdi, Hasan S.; EL-Hawary, Hossam M.; Atta, Ihab Sahfek; Alghamdi, Hamed Ahmed; AL-Zahrani, Rahaf Khaled
Objectives: Medical students are usually exposed to academic and social isolation in addition to environmental and financial stressors. There is a growing concern about an association between increased academic stress levels and several skin disorders. This paper aimed at assessing perceived stressors and their origins by examining the relationship between academic stress and skin disorders among medical students at the University of Albaha. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 251 medical students from both the male and female sections was conducted. The participants received a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic profile and origin of stressors, such as academic, psychosocial, and environmental stressors, and a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with a modified form of the self-reported skin disorders. Skin examinations were done via dermatological consultant at Albaha University Medical Centre. Results: Academic stress, in comparison to other types of stressors, represents 80.5% of the origin of stressors affecting stressed medical students. Being female in academic years above the third year was associated with the highest, most significantly perceived stress levels among all students. Loss of hair, pimples beside oily, waxy patches on scalp, itchy skin and troublesome sweating were the top common highly significant dermatological symptoms among all students at different levels of perceived stress. Conclusion: Several skin disorders occur in response to academic stress among medical students.
Awareness Regarding Thalassemia in General Population of Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-06) Ghafoor, Muhammad Bilal; Iqbal, Javed; Muhammad, Gul; Hussain, Muhammad Shahbaz; Mustafa, Ghulam; Saleem, Muhammad
Background: Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder represents a significant burden for many countries across the globe and the knowledge related to this illness is very limited. The preventive practices, among people especially from developing countries. In Pakistan, Thalassemia is a serious health problem bearing 5 to 8% frequency of beta-Thalassemia gene without discrimination of ethnic groups. Objective: To assess the awareness level regarding Thalassemia in general population of Rahim Yar Khan, a district of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Methodology: Study Design: Cross sectional study. A total of 400 adults of 18 years and above age, were selected randomly, from the households of the Rahim Yar Khan City and one Rural Union council. Out of 400 subjects, only 131, reported that they had heard the name ”Thalassemia”, hence for analysis of awareness, the data of only these 131 was used. A structured questionnaire was designed which included information on; gender, age and 24 questions about awareness of Thalassemia disease. Level of Awareness was ascertained by response of these 24 questions and was categorized as poor, average and good. The persons answering less than 12 questions correctly were considered to have poor knowledge, answers of 13-18 questions were labeled as possessing average knowledge and the persons were included in category of having good knowledge who answered more than 18 questions correctly. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 20. Results: Out of 131 study subjects , who reported to have ever heard of word Thalassemia, level of awareness about Thalassemia was found to be “Good” among 7 (5.4%) persons, 27 (20.6%) persons have an average knowledge about Thalassemia and a large number of people 97 (74%) have poor knowledge about Thalassemia disease. Conclusion: Public knowledge regarding Thalassemia was found to be poor among general population of Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
Prevalence and Determinants of Alcohol Consumption Behavior of Migrant Workers in the Communities of the Lower Northern Region of Thailand
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-01) Noosorn, Narongsak; Phetpoom, Jakaphan; YAU, Shamsudeen; Robin, Rishad Choudhury
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing alcohol consumption behavior of migrant workers. Method: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 559 samples drawn from 15 communities of the lower northern region of Thailand through a multistage random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to describe basic socio-demographic characteristics, Chi-square tests were used for the univariate analyses to determine the relationship between the study outcome and other demographic characteristics. A binary logistic regression was used for the multivariate analyses to investigate factors associated with the research outcome. Result: The results revealed a 65.5% prevalence of alcohol consumption. Being male, above 30 years, in permanent employment, Agriculture-related jobs, living in a factory dormitory, having no relatives in Thailand, and earning between 5,000-10,000 Baht monthly were significant risk factors for alcohol consumption. However, being married, with over 5 years of work experience, and living in a comfortable condition were mitigating factors for alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Given the exceedingly high prevalence of alcohol consumption in the migrant workers’ communities, it is, therefore, imperative to enforce and continuously reinforce alcohol control laws, with the provision of specially designed health promotion and education programs in order to achieve a long-lasting reduction in alcohol consumption.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) Certification among Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students: A Cross Sectional Survey
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-07) Alqahtani, Rahaf A; Alzahrani, Mohammad Y; Qandil, Amjad M; Alkatheri, Abdulmalik A; Shawaqfeh, Mohammad S; Albekairy, Abdulkareem M
Background: For decades, the American Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) has provided specialty certification programs for pharmacists. As pharmacists become involved in more advanced patient care services, board certification becomes an essential component to ensuring quality care. The aim of this study was to measure the self-reported knowledge and attitude towards the BPS certification. Methods: A cross sectional study included all pharmacy students and pharmacists at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) and King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), respectively. However, the administrative pharmacy staff was not included. This is a manually distributed survey was adopted from previous published observational study. The survey included 6 demographic, 12 knowledge and 15 attitude questions where the participant rank from 1 to 5 (1: very poor, 2: poor, 3: Average, 4: good and 5: very good). This study is approved by IRB. Descriptive statistics were primarily used to analyze data. Categorical responses were compared using Chi-square tests. Result: In total of 221 participants agreed to participate in the study based on convenient sampling, there were more female participants (134, 60.6%) than male (87, 39.4%). More number of participants (191, 86.4%) were under the age-group ≤ 30 years. The overall mean age was found to be 25.20 ± 5.86 (20-60) years. Among 221 participants, 118 (53.4%) were students and 103 (46.6%) were employees. The current study found that 55.2% of respondents have a good knowledge about BPS certification. However, only 48.4% of participants reported their interest in pursuing board certification in their future career. Conclusion: Many respondents were aware of BPS certification, learning the most through didactic and experiential activities, and many indicated they are considering pursuing BPS certification. College of pharmacy and professional organizations can help provide educational session regarding board certification and professional development opportunities.
Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Down’s Syndrome
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-07) Ambike, Mandar; Chopade, Dnyandeo
Introduction: Association of Down’s syndrome and Hypothyroidism is reported since long time. It is difficult to diagnose Hypothyroidism in Down’s syndrome as the symptoms overlap. Different studies reveal different views regarding the association. So in present study we tried to find out the association between Down’ syndrome and Hypothyroidism. Methodology: Present study was conducted at “Down Syndrome care association, Nashik, India”. The study group was 68 known cases of Down’s syndrome. TSH levels were obtained from blood sample at the earliest. Data was analysed statistically. Results: Overall population had 36% cases had high TSH levels. High TSH level in children below 5 years is 24%. The high level of TSH in children of the age group 5 years to 10 years is 46%. And percentage of children above the age of 10 years with high TSH level is 83.34%. Conclusion: Percentage of thyroid dysfunction is defiantly higher in children’s suffering from Down’ syndrome than normal population. Percentage goes higher as the age increases, so periodic check-up of thyroid function is recommended.
Efficacy of Midodrine on Hemodynamics
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-07) AlHomam, Hessah; Abdalla, Mariam; Alturki, Abeer; Qutbaldeen, Bashaer; Aljaawan, Sarah; Alghafees, Mohammad; Almodaimegh, Hind
Objectives: To assess the use of Midodrine among patients with orthostatic hypotension and withdrawal vasopressin in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of Midodrine and detect side effects to provide clear evidence of the efficacy and safety of the drug. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The study targeted adult patients who suffered from hypotension between January 2015 and January 2018. The data was extracted using the BESTCare system. Result: A total of 173 patients were included (55.5% male and 44.5% female). The mean age of the study participants was 67.34 ± 16.0 years. The differences in patients’ parameters before and after midodrine administration were detected and analyzed. The mean difference in hemoglobin (g/l) level was significantly changed before (94.97 ± 21.9) and after (90.84 ± 20.4) the use of Midodrine (p=0.031). However, there were no significant changes in the level of the other parameters before and after the use of Midodrine. The mean dose of Midodrine was 5.3 mg, with mean treatment duration of 41.5 days, and mean hospitalization of 28.7 days. For the medication history, 8% of patients were on betablockers (n=97), 5%were on diuretics (n=64), and 2% were on calcium channel blockers (n=19). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the administration of Midodrine does not affect patients’ hemodynamics significantly; however, it has a notable effect on decreasing hemoglobin levels.
A Pilot Study: Consumptions of Statins in Morocco and North Cyprus
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-08) EL Hassouni, Khalid; Refiker, Hurmus
Background: Cholesterol lowering drugs, statins, are a major and dominant group of hypolipidemics and are often prescribed in clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To assess the consumption of statins, more specifically rosuvastatin, atorvastatin and simvastatin in two different countries; Morocco and North Cyprus. Setting: The study was conducted in Pharmacy Kounouz, Rabat, Morocco and Pharmacy Umut ÖKSÜZ in Nicosia North Cyprus. During the period of November, December 2018 and January 2019. Method: This study involves a sample of 100 patients of pharmacy Kounouz, Rabat Morocco and Pharmacy Umut ÖKSÜZ, Nicosia, North Cyprus, who were on regular therapy with statins (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin or Rosuvastatin) in the mentioned period. Main Outcome Measures: The difference in the frequency distribution of gender in the sample was visible in both countries where males represent a larger part of patients under statins treatment. Presence of remarkable difference between the consumption of atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin in both countries. Results: The most common prescribed statin dose was 10 mg in North Cyprus, while in Morocco the most common dose was 20 mg. In this sample of patients, considering the prescribed doses in relation to gender, the female patients are prescribed somewhat lower doses of statins than male patients. Conclusion: While in North Cyprus, the most frequently prescribed drug was atorvastatin, in Morocco, rosuvastatin was most frequently prescribed statin.
Association of Central Corneal Thickness with Age and Serum Electrolytes in Hypertensive and Non-Hypertensive Patients
(Sumathi Publications, 2020-06) Habib, Rehab; Aftab, Rana Rakhshan; Sohail, Hira; Javed, Rana Mohammad Mohsin; Chawla, Sahar; Kamran, Rizwana; Ijaz, Farhat; Aftab, Rana Khurram
Background and Objectives: The normal Central corneal thickness (CCT) ranges about 510-520 microns. It is normally seen in clinical practice that corneas which are thicker are linked with greater intraocular pressures (IOPs). The purpose of the study was to determine the central corneal thickness and establish its relationship with age and serum electrolytes in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. Methodology: A total of 108 subjects were included in our cross-sectional comparative study (54 hypertensive and 54 non-hypertensive). Written informed consent was taken. We measured blood pressure with mercuric sphygmomanometer. Ultrasound pachymeter was used to measure central corneal thickness while we drew 5 ml of blood for estimation of the serum electrolytes. Data was entered and evaluated using IBM SPSS 17. Quantitative variables were presented as Mean ± SD. Pearson correlation was used to find correlation of normally distributed variables p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Central corneal thickness was statistically same in hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects. Serum Na+ was significantly increased in hypertensive subjects while serum K+ and Cl- were significantly decreased in hypertensive subjects. No significant correlation was seen in hypertensive while weak negative correlation was observed between CCT and age in non-hypertensive patients. Weak positive correlation was observed between CCT and Na+ both in hypertensive and non-hypertensive. Significant correlation was observed in CCT and K+ in hypertensive while negative correlation was seen in non-hypertensive. Weak correlation was observed in CCT and Cl- both in hypertensive and non-hypertensive. Conclusion: Mean CCT was significantly lower in hypertension. CCT and age showed weak and positive correlation in hypertensive while weak and negative correlation in non-hypertensive. Serum electrolytes and CCT showed no significant correlation.

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