The Prevalence of Hypomagnesemia in Critically Ill Patients Admitted in Medically Intensive Care Unit

Background Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body. Hypomagnesemia can result from decreased intake, redistribution of magnesium from the extracellular to the intracellular space, or increased renal or gastrointestinal loss. Hypomagnesemia can cause severe outcomes in ill patients. So, we conducted this study to determine the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients. Methods This is a Descriptive cross-sectional study involving 120 patients admitted in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of the Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2021. About 1 ml sample of blood was taken from each patient included and sent to the hospital laboratory for evaluation of serum magnesium levels. All the collected data was entered and analyzed on SPSS v. 23. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was taken significant. Results In our study, the mean age of the patients was 42.76±12.77 years, and the male-to-female ratio of the patients was 1:1. The mean value of the APACHE II score of the patients was 29.68±2.571. Hypomagnesemia was found in 28 (23.33%) patients. Conclusion According to our study, the frequency of hypomagnesemia in critically ill medical patients was 23.33% (28 patients)

Hypolipidemic Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Diabetic Rats

Background: To evaluate the effect of monounsaturatedfatty acid and phenolic compounds enriched extra virginolive oil on correction of dyslipidemia in diabetic rats.Methods: In this randomized control trial eighty albinorats of Sprague-Dawley strain weighing 200-250 gramswere randomly divided into two groups of 40 rats each.Rats were made diabetic by injecting streptozotocin.Group 1 and Group 2 were given normal rodent diet andextra virgin olive oil supplemented diet respectively for 06weeks. At the end of experimentation lipid profile wasmeasured.Results: There was significant increase of high densitylipoprotein and significant decrease of serum totalcholesterol, serum triglycerides and low densitylipoprotein of Group II rats when it was compared withGroup I (control).Conclusion: Extra virgin olive oil can significantlyimprove lipid profile in diabetic rats

Genetic dissection of two Pakistani families with consanguineous localized autosomal recessive hypotrichosis (LAH)

Objective(s): Genetic analysis of two consanguineous Pakistani families with localized autosomal recessive hypotrichosis was performed with the goal to establish genotype-phenotype correlation. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA extraction had been done from peripheral blood samples. Extracted DNA was then subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for amplification. Linkage analysis was performed using 8% polyacrylamide gel. Candidate gene was sequenced after gene linkage supported at highly polymorphic microsatellite markers of the diseased region. Results: Both families were initially tested for linkage to known genes, which were involved in human hereditary hypotrichosis, by genotyping Highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Family B showed partial linkage at P2RY5 gene on chromosome 13q14.11-q21.32; hence, all exonic regions and their introns boundaries were subjected to DNA sequencing for any pathogenic mutation. Conclusion:Both families were tested for linkage by genotyping polymorphic microsatellite markers linked to known alopecia loci. Family A excluded all known diseased regions that is suggestive of some novel chromosomal disorder. However, sequencing of P2RY5 gene in family B showed no pathogenic mutation

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Adolescents (MIS-C) under the Setting of COVID-19: A Review of Clinical Presentation, Workup and Management

Earlier in its course, SARS-CoV-2 was primarily identified to cause an acute respiratory illness in adults, the elderly and immunocompromised, while children were known to be afflicted with milder symptoms. However, since mid-April of 2020, latent effects of the virus have begun emerging in children and adolescents, which is characterised by a multisystem hyperinflammatory state; thus, the term Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) was introduced by the WHO and CDC. The syndrome manifests itself approximately 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection, with symptoms mimicking Kawasaki Disease and Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome. Demographically, MIS-C peaks in children aged 5 to 14 years, with clusters in Europe, North and Latin America seen, later followed by Asia. Although the exact pathophysiology behind the syndrome is unknown, recent studies have proposed a post-infectious immune aetiology, which explains the increased levels of immunoglobulins seen in affected patients. Patient presentation includes, but is not limited to, persistent fever, rash, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac complications including myocarditis. These patients also have raised inflammatory markers including C reactive protein, ferritin and interleukin-6. In poorly controlled patients, the syndrome can lead to multiorgan failure and death. The mainstay of treatment includes the use of intravenous immunoglobulins, steroids, immune modulators and aspirin. Adjunct therapy includes the use of low molecular weight heparin or warfarin for long term anticoagulation. Currently very little is known about the syndrome, highlighting the need for awareness amongst healthcare workers and parents. Moreover, with increased cases of COVID-19 as a result of the second wave, it is essential to keep MIS-C in mind when attending patients with a past history of COVID-19 exposure or infection. Additionally, once these patients have been identified and treated, strict follow-up must be done in order carry out long term studies, and to identify possible sequelae and complications