No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Acetaminophen is the most widely over the counter used analgesic in the world, and the World Health Organization advises using it as first-line treatment for pain issues (WHO).However, various side effects have been documented with its use such as nausea, vomiting, constipation at low doses whereas in large doses, it might even result in hepatoxicity.Recent literature suggests that the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy even in optimal doses could result infant being born with ADHD and autism, so in this short communication we talk about the prevalence of neurodevelopment disorders in infants as a result of its use, as well as shed light to the measures that should be adopted to minimize the adverse effects.

No abstract

No abstract

Dear Madam, the sudden emergence of the monkeypox virus occurred in 1970, after which it firmly anchored its roots in 11 countries in the African region. The virus belongs to the same genus as the variola and cowpox virus, the Orthopoxvirus.(1) Monkeypox is not as virulent as smallpox and usually clears up on its own without treatment, with symptoms occurring over 2-4 weeks. The disease ensues following viral entry via pharyngeal and intradermal routes, after which it spreads from the site of entry to local lymph nodes. (2)The infective period is classified into an invasive period which is typified by swelling of lymph nodes, severe anaesthesia, and headache lasting for 5 days; and the second period marked by dermatitis lasting for three days. However, monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person. Wearing clothes worn by someone else, sexual contact with an infected person, inhalation of contaminated droplets, and close contact with open wounds can eventually transmit the virus from one person to another.(1) Currently, there has been an outbreak of the monkeypox virus with nearly 200 cases being reported in more than 20 countries, the majority of which are non-African with Europe being the epicenter of this outbreak. The fact that monkeypox is detected in people with no apparent connection to one another and that a significant number of cases are being reported in homosexual men has been alarming.(3)Although no case of monkeypox is reported yet in Pakistan, NIH has placed Pakistan on high alert against the virus in light of cases being reported in non-endemic countries. Pakistan lacks facilities for diagnostic tests for the virus. However, efforts are being made to forestall an outbreak with arrangements made to screen the inbound passengers and declare a patient “suspected” based on their symptoms until proper diagnostic kits arrive in the country.(4) Vaccina vaccine, which proved to be the cornerstone in eradicating the smallpox virus, offered a coincidental immunity against monkeypox too. However, smallpox was termed eradicated in 1980 and the subsequent cessation of the smallpox vaccine means the supply of these vaccines is scarce. Current treatment for monkeypox include the use of antivirals such as Tecovirimat and Brincidofovir; (5) and the use of FDA approved attenuated live virus vaccine, the JYNNEOSTM.(1) The need of the hour deems it imperative that we as a community work in unison to prevent an outbreak in Pakistan. ---Continue

Dear Madam, Imposter syndrome is defined as the psychological experience in which one believes that their accomplishments were purely due to chance and not based on merit(1). It is no shock that this phenomenon is common in a highly competitive and intellectually demanding medical career. This syndrome not only strives amongst medical students, but also amongst physicians far ahead in their careers(2). A recent study has demonstrated that mental illnesses and their associated phenomena are present in 21.0% of the adults in the United States(3). The results of this study are a reason for concern, especially amongst students in Pakistan, where experiences such as the imposter syndrome contribute to the already poor mental health and access to mental health treatments(4). This form of self-doubt results in a decline in emotional paralysis and a decline in productivity and confidence(5). A detailed online literature search on PakMediNet and PubMed surprisingly resulted in no articles addressing the occurrence of imposter syndrome and its adverse effects on Pakistani students, demonstrating the severe lack of attention given to this phenomenon. Medical students exhibit high-stress levels and self-doubt(6), but no diagnosis is ever reached. Therefore, the need of the hour is to conduct studies regarding imposter syndrome in medical schools. Since the field of medicine is highly romanticized in Pakistan, people are not enlightened regarding these aspects among medical students, especially the ones in top medical schools, as well as the high achievers. Furthermore, it is pivotal for medical institutions to bring forth and initiate programs that empower the members of the healthcare profession to recognize and address this phenomenon. In addition, easy access to therapy and/or counselling sessions provided by medical educational programmes shall allow medical students to enhance their overall mental health. It shall contribute to decreasing cases of psychological illness and social isolation. Medical educators must also realize that it is not only the underperforming learner who struggles and needs support but also those who are far ahead in their medical careers. The participation of parents is also imperative; they must be made aware of this syndrome to allow them to identify the possible signs of the syndrome on a personal level. Encouraging students to celebrate their successes, share their thoughts, and accept the presence of the imposter syndrome will promote a healthier social and academic lifestyle producing good quality members of the healthcare system of Pakistan.