Background: Ascitic fluid infection (AFI) in cirrhotic patients has a high morbidity and mortality. It has two variants namely, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and culture negative neutrocytic ascites (CNNA). The aim of this study was to determine the outcome in cirrhotic patients with culture positive (SBP) and culture negative neutrocytic ascites.

Background and Objective: Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a widespread infection across the globe having a high prevalence among the developing countries. Iron Deficiency is anticipated to be the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency globally, the most frequent cause of anemia. Our objective was to determine frequency of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among patients with H. Pylori gastritis. Methods: It was a cross-sectional prospective study. Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Blood samples were taken for serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity and H.pylori assessed by urea breath test, stool for antigen, Rapid urease test or histopathology. Results: 112 patients with H. Pylori infection with anemia were included. 53 (47.3%) were males & 59 (52.7%) were females with mean age of 38.4464 ± 9.00634 years. Iron deficiency anemia was seen in 42 patients (37.5%). Conclusion: IDA was noted in 37.5% of cases. H. Pylori infection is a frequent cause of iron-deficiency anemia of previously unidentified origin among adults. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3944 How to cite this:Rahat A, Kamani L. Frequency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3944 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is an important tool for diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases. However, when endoscopy is indicated during pregnancy, concerns about its safety for mother and fetus often arise. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic procedures in pregnant patients along with maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: This study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital after Ethics review committee approval. It was a retrospective study and medical records of all pregnant patients who underwent endoscopy during pregnancy from January 2000 to January 2014 were analyzed. Data regarding the indications and type of endoscopic procedure, use of sedation and radiation were noted; data on any complications during or after pregnancy were recorded as well. Results: A total of 48 pregnant women underwent endoscopic procedures. Procedures that were performed included gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography (ERCP) in 28, 15, 1, and 4 patients, respectively. The major indication for gastroscopy was hematemesis in 16 procedures (57.14%) and screening for esophageal varices was done in 10 (21.42%). The indications of ERCP were choledocholithiasis and cholangitis. However, bleeding per rectum was the main indication for sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Some 34 (70.83%) procedures were diagnostic and the rest were therapeutic. Only one patient had a miscarriage in second trimester. Conclusions: Endoscopic procedures are safe to be performed in pregnant patients in the presence of strong indications without posing major risk to the mother or the fetus. However, further prospective multicenter research studies are strongly recommended.

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Work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injury is the principal occupational health problem reported by the majority of health-care providers (HCPs), as routine practice poses a continuous risk. Moreover, MSK injury is an often reported complaint among endoscopists. 1-5 The continuous occupational load and its associated risks have been known to affect the overall quality of life and the working routine of physicians. Ergonomic injuries have been reported to occur owing to static muscle loading, repetitive movements, and inappropriate body posture during procedures. 6,7 Additionally, continuous repetitive procedures, lack of breaks, and personal routines and practices of HCPs double the risk of occupational injuries. 8 Ergonomic injuries leading to pain in MSK sites (neck, low back, thumb, and hand) are frequently reported by HCPs, specifically endoscopists. 3,4 Previous studies have reported that the overall prevalence of these procedural injuries among endoscopists ranges from 39 % to 89 %. 9,10 Endoscopy has become the most important and frequently performed procedure in gastroenterology. 11 Therefore, the injury risk is comparatively higher among physicians and surgeons involved in endoscopic procedures. Additionally, the disease crisis has intensified during the recent years, thus increasing procedural stress and predisposing endoscopists to occupational injuries at a high rate. 12 Currently, work-related MSK disorders and the associated ergonomic mechanisms are points of concern for the health sector. The condition is threatening for both HCPs and patients, as it results in compromised occupational per