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Background: Hepatitis C virus is a major burden on public health worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency and various risk factors for hepatitis C virus among pregnant women in our set-up. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women in Gynaecology & Obstetrics Department, Kuwait Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from January 2007 to January 2009. After detailed history and examination, 5 ml blood was taken. Rapid Immuno-chromatographic Technique for qualitative detection of antibodies for hepatitis C was the screening technique used. Those found positive were confirmed by ELISA. The women were also evaluated for the presence of risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection. Pre-structured proforma was used to collect and record data. Results were analyzed on SPSS version 16. Results: During the study period 2050 pregnant women were tested for anti-HCV. Out of these, 103(5%) were found positive for anti-HCV. Regarding risk factors; history of previous delivery, abortions, injections, blood transfusion, surgery, dental extraction and tattooing were associated with HCV positive status. Sixty-four (62%) anti-HCV positive women did not have any identifiable risk factor. Conclusion: Hepatitis C is a common infection in pregnant women. Risk factors include use of contaminated syringes, contaminated surgical instruments and blood products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aetiology of fever varies with age, sex, and geographical location. The most common causes fall in three main groups namely infections, collagen vascular diseases and malignancies. This study was conducted to know the frequency of different diseases causing pyrexia of unknown origin in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Material & Methods: This was a descriptive study of 100 patients with fever admitted to Medical Unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from March 2008 to March 2009. A detailed history and clinical examination was performed on admission and then periodically during the patient stay in the hospital. Based on the history and clinical examination, investigation plan was made. The preliminary laboratory investigations e.g. complete blood count, urinalysis, blood film examination and x-ray chest, were carried out. In every patient an attempt was made to isolate a causative micro-organism through cultures. Results: Out of 100 patients 40 were males and 60 females. We were successful only in 83% of the cases to determine the cause. Majority (57%) had infective aetiology of which tuberculosis was at the top of the list (32%). The other diagnoses included neoplasms (10%), collagen vascular diseases (12%) and miscellaneous (3%). Conclusion: Pyrexia of unknown origin is predominantly caused by infections led by tuberculosis and followed by typhoid fever , malaria and infective endocarditis. Collagen vascular diseases and neoplasms are next to infection. A significant number remains undiagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exudative pleural effusion is a common diagnostic problem. This study was conducted to find the diagnostic yield of pleural biopsy in exudative pleural effusion. Material & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Medical B unit, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from January 2009 to December 2009. Cases were confirmed through history, clinical examination and routine investigations. Patients with pleural effusion were first subjected to pleural fluid aspiration. The standard criteria for exudative pleural effusion were used and pleural biopsy was performed in patients with exudative pleural effusion. Specimens were placed in 10% formalin and sent for histopathology. Results: Fifty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 33(66%) male and 17(34%) female. Out of these, 45(90%) had adequate specimen while in 5(10%) the tissue was inadequate. Among the 45 cases with adequate specimen, 40(80%) had a positive yield whereas in 5(10%) the result was nonspecific inflammation. In 40 cases with positive yield, 27(67.5%) were found to be granulomatous inflammation, 10(25%) malignant and 3(7.5%) parapneumonic. The most common complication of pleural biopsy was pain at biopsy site experienced in 100% cases and 3(6%) patients had phenumothrax. Conclusion: Pleural biopsy is safe, minimally invasive procedure and has a high diagnostic yield in exudative pleural effusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]