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Objective: To assess the frequency of complications associated with peripheral venous cannulation in admitted patients and to check for any association between days left in situ and frequency of complications. Study Design: Prospective Observational Study. Place and Duration: The study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from 1st January 2018 to 31st July 2018. Methodology: All peripherally placed Intravenous lines were monitored from the time of insertion of the cannulas up to 48 hours after removal for development of complications like Phlebitis, Cellulitis and Abscess formation along with recording of all the hygienic and antiseptic measures used by the health care provider. Results: The most common peripheral venous cannulation associated complication was phlebitis at the rate of 40.8% on the dorsum of the right hand and dorsum of left hand which was were the most frequent sites for insertion 23.3%. Aseptic measures were used in less than 1% of patients (2/279), while gloves were used in 9.3% of patients by the health care worker inserting the cannula (26/279). A significant association was found between Increased duration of cannulation and the development of complications (p <0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of PVCs associated complications are much higher in present study. It has shown that complications were higher in those when aseptic measures are not taken. Similarly, complications increase with increase in number of days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meningitis can present as a stroke mimic. We report a case of a 69 years old lady who presented to accident and emergency 2-hours after an episode of vomiting followed by sudden onset left sided weakness and drowsiness. Examination revealed left sided weakness with dysphasia. Initial plan was to decide if the patient was for thrombolysis. An urgent CT scan ruled out hemorrhage. On re-examination the patient was febrile and there was some degree of neck stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain was performed (DW1 no stroke) which ruled out acute ischemia. A lumber puncture was done eventually that showed low glucose, high leukocyte count, and gram staining revealed diplococci in chains. Clinicians should bear in mind the differential diagnosis of meningitis when there are risk factors and overlapping clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]