The assessment of non-invasive parameters for the prediction of large esophageal varices among patients with liver cirrhosisis is of utmost importance. In this study, non-invasive parameters for prediction of large esophageal varices were retrospectively evaluated. The presence of esophageal varices grade III and IV was classified as large esophageal varices positive while no varices or grade I and II were classified as large esophageal varices negative. There were 473 (90.09%) patients with ascites [mild 38 (8.03%), moderate 257 (54.33%) and severe 178 (37.63%)]. Frequency of esophageal varices was found to be higher (n=415, 79.04%). Whereas, large esophageal varices were found in 251 (47.81%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value, negative predicted value and test accuracy of thrombocytopenia in predicting large esophageal varices were found to be 88.05%, 59.85%, 66.77%, 84.54% and 73.33% respectively. A significant association for large esophageal varices was observed for low platelet counts (AOR : 0.98, 95% CI : 0.97-0.99), high bilirubin level (AOR : 1.22, 95% CI : 1.07-1.39), ascites (AOR : 1.98, CI : 1.02-3.85) and Child score A (AOR : 0.26, 95% CI : 0.09-0.75) and Child Score B (AOR : 0.42, 95% CI : 0.28-0.61). In conclusion, low platelet count, high bilirubin level and ascites are found to be non-invasive predictive factor for large esophageal varices. J. Med. Invest. 66 : 248-251, August, 2019

BackgroundDiagnosing intestinal (Luminal) tuberculosis is challenging due to limited yield of diagnostic modalities like CT scan, colonoscopy with blind ileal biopsies. GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assays for diagnosing tuberculosis have been performed in the body secretions with excellent results. Its yield in stool is tested in this study.ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate the yield of GeneXpert assay in stool of suspected cases of intestinal tuberculosis.MethodsHundred patients with suspected intestinal tuberculosis underwent routine biochemical tests, radiological investigations, colonoscopy with caecal and blind ileal biopsies for histopathology. Fresh stool samples were collected, processed for DNA extraction, tested using 2:1 ratio of GeneXpert reagent to sample to give positive or negative results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance.ResultsOut of hundred participants, 52% were female. Mean age was 28.21 ± 12.13. CT scan and colonoscopy findings suggestive of TB were present in 47% and 43% participants respectively. GeneXpert in stool was positive in 20% cases. Considering mucosal biopsy with histopathology of intestinal specimens as diagnostic of abdominal Tuberculosis, sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert was 39.1% and 85.7% respectively.ConclusionStool GeneXpert assay offers an alternative approach to detect intestinal tuberculosis rapidly with good diagnostic accuracy. Although it cannot replace the AFB culture and histopathology but contribute for early diagnosis and management.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of Rotavirus diarrhea among children up to 2 years of age Study design: A cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Khairpur Medical College Hospital Khairpur Mir’s, Pakistan from June 2019 and December 2020. Methodology: The children's clinical profiles were examined, and the presence of rotavirus antigen in their stool with the ELISA method was detected. Results: The study included a total of 135 children who were suffering from diarrhea, among them 65 (48.14%) were boys, and 70 (51.85%) were girls. It was observed that minimum participation was from zero to 5 months (n=27, 20%), and a maximum number of the patients were in the age group 6 to 12 months (n=41, 30.37%). Rotavirus diarrhea was reported in 48.88% (n=66) of the children. In the age group of 19 to 24 months, 55.88% were Rotavirus positive. No significant association between the age and presence and absence of Rotavirus has been observed. (X2= 1.3241, P=0.723). A significant association has been observed between the feeding habits and the occurrence of Rotavirus diarrhea. (X2= 26.5539, P< 0.00001) Conclusion: Rotavirus infection was found in 48.88 % of these children, and there is a link between rotavirus infection and the method of feeding. Keywords: Infant, Diarrhea, Rotavirus, Breastfeeding