Incidence, Management, and Outcome of Molar Pregnancies at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Quetta, Pakistan

Molar pregnancies represent a significant burden of disease on the spectrum of gestational trophoblastic diseases. The incidence appears to be higher in women from South Asia. The purpose of our prospective study was to determine the incidence, presentation, and outcomes of all molar pregnancies at our institution. During the study period, there were a total of 16,625 patients admitted to our department; out of whom 85 patients were diagnosed with a molar pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding was the commonest symptom (94.2%); theca lutein cysts were noted in 39% of the cases. Suction, dilatation, and curettage were noted to be the preferred method in almost all cases; hysterectomy was done in 12 (14.1%) patients. Single-agent chemotherapy was employed in high-risk patients and was well tolerated. Mean followup for these patients was 5.7 months (range 1–24 months). None of these patients developed persistent trophoblastic disease, invasive mole, or choriocarcinoma during the follow-up period

Clinical Manifestations and Distribution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Pakistan

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a rising epidemic in Pakistan. It is a major public health problem in the country especially alongside regions bordering the neighboring Afghanistan and cities that have had the maximum influx of refugees. The purpose of our paper is to highlight the diverse clinical manifestations of the disease seen along with the geographic areas affected, where the hosts are particularly susceptible. This would also be helpful in presenting the broad spectrum of the disease for training of health care workers and help in surveillance of CL in the region. The increased clinical diversity and the spectrum of phenotypic manifestations noted underscore the fact that the diagnosis of CL should be not only considered when dealing with common skin lesions, but also highly suspected by dermatologists and even primary care physicians even when encountering uncommon pathologies. Hence, we would strongly advocate that since most of these patients present to local health care centers and hospitals, primary care practitioners and even lady health workers (LHWs) should be trained in identification of at least the common presentations of CL

Comparison of Stapler, Single Layer and Double Layer Techniques for Colon Closure in Dogs

The present study was performed on 18 healthy dogs (aged 16.80±1.22 months) and body weight (17.07± 2.21 kg) to determine the best suturing technique among single layer, double layer and stapler technique for the closure of colon in dogs. All dog were divided into three groups, placing 6 animals in each group, i.e. group A was closed with single layer suture technique, group B was closed with double layer suture technique and group C was closed with stapler technique. The number of stitches required for colon closure were 8.83, 16.33 and 9.16 in groups –A, B and C respectively. The mean number of stitches and time taken for the completion of double layer technique was significantly higher (