Objective: To determine the factors related to low bone density in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. Method: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rheumatology Department of Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from June 1 to November 30, 2020, and comprised postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. On the basis of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan of total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, the subjects were categorised into osteoporosis, osteopenia and normal bone density groups. The risk factors were compared across these subgroups. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 114 women, 74(64.9%) had osteoporosis, 31(27.2%) had osteopenia and 9(7.9%) had normal bone mineral density. Those with osteoporosis were older (p<0.05), had low body mass index (p<0.002) and had a longer duration since menopause (p<0.004) compared to the other groups. Age and body mass index were significant factors associated with the condition (p<0.05). Conclusion: Older age, lesser body mass index and time since menopause were the factors significantly associated with osteoporosis. Key Words: Rheumatoid arthritis, DXA, Bone mineral density.

Objective: To see the clinical and immunological profile of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their correlation with the central nervous system and renal involvement. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi from Sep 2019 to Sep 2020. Methodology: One hundred forty patients were selected according to SLE ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria. Detailed history and examination, including dermatological examination, were done, and blood samples were taken for baseline investigations and SLE-related autoimmune profile. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23 to determine the correlation between skin, central nervous system and renal involvement. Results: In our study, among the lupus-specific lesions, photosensitivity was most frequent 119 (85%) finding followed by oral ulcers 114 (81.4%), alopecia 112 (80%) and malar rash 81 (57.9%). Among the immunological profile, antinuclear antibody (ANA) was the most frequent 116 (82.9%) finding, followed by anti-double stranded antibody 71 (51.7%). Hypocomplementemia and anti-Sm antibody was significantly associated with lupus nephritis (p-value <0.05). There was no correlation between skin and neuropsychiatric involvement and skin and nephritis. Conclusion: This study depicts the clinical immune profile of SLE patients in Pakistan. In our patients, autoimmune profile and complement levels could predict renal involvement.

Background: Hepatitis C virus infection is a worldwide health issue. The rise in the prevalence of steatosis may be attributed to alterations in eating patterns, changes in the nutritional content of food, and changes in lifestyle, such as decreased physical activity and high sedentary lifestyle, as well as etio-pathogenic variables that influence individuals from infancy. Objective: To determine prevalence and severity of steatosis in chronic hepatitis C patients Methodology: The current study was cross sectional study piloted at the Gastroenterology Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. The duration of study was six months after synopsis approval from August 2021 to January 2022. Totally 200 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in our study. Under aseptic conditions, a liver biopsy was done using an 18G lumbar puncture needle. All the Data analysis was done by using IBM SPSS version 24. Results: The overall frequency of steatosis was 80 (40%). On the basis of degree of steatosis, mild steatosis was observed in 53 (58.89%) subjects, moderate steatosis in 31 (34.44%) patients while severe steatosis was observed in 6 (6.67%) subjects. Conclusion: Our study concludes that steatosis is a common histological characteristic in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Steatosis is more prevalent in female patients than males. Study based on large sample size is recommended to get better findings. Keywords: Prevalence; Severity; Steatosis; Hepatitis C