Introduction Alternative medicine during treatment is often used to make the quality of life (QoL) better. Women with early-stage breast cancer, particularly the ones who possess lower QoL, are more prone to opt for complementary medicine. This study aims to explore the effects exerted by intravenous vitamin C (IVC) on symptoms and adverse events associated with breast cancer treatment. Methods This single-center, parallel-group, single-blind interventional study was conducted in the oncology ward of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. For this study, after informed consent was taken, breast cancer patients with Union for International Cancer Control stages IIA to IIIb were included in the study. Three hundred and fifty (n = 350) patients were randomized into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. Study group was randomized to receive 25 grams per week of IVC at a rate of 15 grams per hour for four weeks in addition to their current standard treatment, and the control group received placebo (normal saline drip with label removed) in addition to their current standard treatment. Results In patients who had received IVC, there was a significant decrease in the mean severity score after 28 days for the following symptoms: nausea (2.65 ± 0.62 vs. 2.59 ± 0.68; p-value: 0.0003), loss of appetite (2.26 ± 0.51 vs. 2.11 ± 0.52; p-value: 0.007), tumor pain (2.22 ± 0.45 vs. 1.99 ± 0.40, p-value: <0.0001), fatigue (3.11 ± 0.32 vs. 2.87 ± 0.29; p-value: <0.0001), and insomnia (2.59 ± 0.35 vs. 2.32 ± 0.36, p-value: <0.0001). Conclusion Our study showed improvement in the mean severity score of nausea, fatigue, tumor pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue. More studies are also needed to assess the long-term effects of IVC in the cancer management. This shall help incorporate the use of IVC in standard practice to make the journey of cancer management comfortable for the patients.
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a noninvasive diagnostic modality that remains underutilized compared to functional stress testing (ST) for investigating coronary artery disease (CAD). Several patients are misdiagnosed with noncardiac chest pain (CP) that eventually die from a cardiovascular event in subsequent years. We compared CCTA to ST to investigate CP.
IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, and multisystem disease, which, along with the joints, can involve the cardiovascular system. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis itself can lead to atherosclerosis, which is considered one of the major causes by which it can affect the cardiovascular system. In this study, we will assess the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as compared to the general population. MethodThis case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to November 2018. Two-hundred twenty-two (222) patients with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis were included as cases in the study. Two-hundred eleven (211) patients were included in the study as the control group (patients without rheumatoid arthritis). All the data were recorded in a self-structured questionnaire. ResultParticipants with rheumatoid arthritis also showed an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) by an odds ratio of 2.50 (95% CI; 0.77-8.14). There was also an increased risk of cardiovascular death in participants with rheumatoid arthritis by an odds ratio of 1.99 (0.58-6.71). ConclusionThe study suggests that rheumatoid arthritis along with joint inflammation can also affect the cardiovascular system. Hence, a multidisciplinary team of rheumatologists and cardiologists should manage patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which will improve morbidity and mortality in such patients.
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting the myelin sheath of neurons with a wide range of symptoms. Among various risk factors studied that can increase the relapse, vitamin D is also a potential risk factor. In this study, we will determine the association between vitamin D status and frequency of relapses in patients with MS. Material and methods Seventy-four (74) patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, with more than one (01) relapse per year, for a minimum of two years, were included in the case group. Seventy-four (74) participants with a confirmed diagnosis of MS with one (01) or no relapse per year, for a minimum of two years, were included in the control group. After informed consent, the patient blood was drawn via phlebotomy and was sent to the lab for vitamin D levels. Results The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in case group compared to control group (18.21 ± 4.21 ng/mL vs. 29.21 ± 5.72 ng/mL; p-value: < 0.0001). The number of participants with vitamin D level less than 30 ng/mL were significantly higher in patients with case group compared to control group (78.37% vs. 50.0%; p-value: 0.0003) Conclusion In this study, patients with more relapses per year had low level of serum vitamin D. There is emerging strong evidence that vitamin D plays an important role in the pathogenesis, progression, and disease burden of autoimmune disease, including MS.
Introduction: Anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Various diseases have linked anemia with electrolyte disturbance. However, the local data are limited. In this study, we will determine the prevalence of electrolyte imbalance in anemic patients.Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from January 2021 to July 2021. A total of 500 anemic patients were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Another 500 non-anemic patients were enrolled as the control group. Blood was taken from both groups and send for assessment of electrolytes.Results: Sodium levels were significantly lower in anemic patients compared to non-anemic patients (131.42 ± 0.82 meq/L vs. 135.57 ± 0.42 meq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Potassium levels were significantly higher in anemic patients compared to non-anemic participants (4.37 ± 0.12 meq/L vs. 4.09 ± 0.11 meq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Chloride levels were significantly higher in participants with anemia compared to non-anemic participants (103.92 ± 0.46 meq/L vs. 100.99 ± 0.41 meq/L). Conclusion:Our study indicates that sodium levels and potassium levels are impacted in patients with anemia compared to patients without anemia. Close monitoring of serum electrolytes is suggested in patients with anemia to avoid complications and life-threatening conditions.
IntroductionElectrolyte disturbances are commonly reported in acute stroke in studies conducted in the western world. Presently, the data available about the prevalence of electrolyte disturbance in patients with stroke are not sufficient, especially from developing countries. The purpose of our study is to determine the frequency of occurrence of electrolyte imbalance in patients presenting with acute stroke in a tertiary care hospital. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of internal medicine and neurology in a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan, from December 2019 to March 2021. A total of 300 patients, aged between 30 and 70 years, with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, as diagnosed on contrast tomography (CT) scan of the head or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, were enrolled in the study. The biochemical analysis of the stroke patients was done. ResultsOut of the 300 participants, 139 (46.3%) participants were from the ischemic stroke group while 161 (53.7%) were from the hemorrhagic stroke group. The mean sodium level was significantly lower in the ischemic group as compared to the hemorrhagic group (129.41 ± 3.12 mEq/L vs. 134.42 ± 3.46 mEq/L; p-value: <0.0001). Potassium level was significantly higher in the hemorrhagic group compared to the ischemic group (6.27 ± 1.12 mmol vs. 4.31 ± 0.71 mmol; p-value: <0.0001). ConclusionPatients coming to emergency with stroke should be screened immediately for electrolyte imbalance. Early identification of rapid imbalances of serum electrolytes may aid in prompt medical intervention and resultant improved outcomes in stroke patients. It is crucial that electrolyte imbalances in these patients are closely monitored to avoid any complications.
Background: HSP is typically a disease of children between the ages of 3 and 10 years. Although adult cases have been described, 50% of all cases occur at or before the age of 5 years. Males are affected twice as often as females. In North America, Caucasians have the highest prevalence, and African Americans have the lowest prevalence. Although the cause of HSP is unknown, it commonly follows an upper respiratory tract infection. As a result, the disease is more common in winters. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) in children. To determine the seasonal variation of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) in children. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center & Karachi Medical & Dental College. Children (<17 yr of age) diagnosed with HSP were included on the basis of non-probability convenient sampling. The diagnosis of HSP was based on the standard defined by the American College of Rheumatology. The sample size calculation was done using the World Health Organization, Geneva software where α=5%, 1-Beta=80, Po=0.15, Pa=0.20, sample size=342. Continuous variables like age and number of patients admitted at various time of year were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables, gender and age (<14, >14 years) were presented as proportions. Results: Mean age of children with HSP was 11 ± 1.5 years. Majority of the children 43.6% were <14 years of age in 2017 and 51.2% in 2018. The annual prevalence of HSP from 2017 till 2018 increased to 9.2%. The frequency of hospitalization also increased, 2017: 40%; 2018: 59%. Males were 71% and females were 28%. Male to female ratio was 2.0. Males >10 years were 29% and females >10 years were 70% (p<0.05) Table1. Number of cases increased from 8-12 years of age and were less frequent in <8 years and >14 years of age. Majority, 20% of cases were of 10 years age. HSP occur all year round with a high prevalence in the winter season. Number of patients increased from 2% in June and July to 58% from November till February. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of HSP was 19.5 per 1000 affecting children of 9 to 11 years in winters.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.