No abstract

BackgroundHepatitis B and C are viral infections of the liver transmitted by blood contamination. These infections are endemic in Pakistan and put a tremendous burden on its healthcare system. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in Gujranwala, Pakistan, from 2010 to 2015 and determine the trend of future infections for a prediction of the disease burden by 2030 so policymakers can make informed decisions. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 66,308 healthy blood donor samples at District Headquarters Teaching Hospital in Gujranwala from January 2010 to December 2015. Samples were screened for HBV and HCV using the kit method, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). We applied a least squares regression to our results to predict HBV and HCV incidence in 2030. ResultsA total of 715 samples (1.08%) were positive for HBV and 1,846 samples (2.78%) were positive for HCV. Our projections indicate that 3.25% of patients in Pakistan will be positive for HBV, and 6.36% will be positive for HBC by 2030. ConclusionWe found an unexpectedly greater burden of HBV and HCV in the recent past than at current levels. The predicted percentages of future burden over the next decade were alarmingly high. These data necessitate implementing preventive and therapeutic measures by policymakers to reduce the disease burden and mortality in Pakistan.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of intradermal platelet-rich plasma with 30% Trichloroacetic acid in treating atrophic acne scars. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Tertiary Care Hospital of Multan Pakistan, from Aug 2019 to Sep 2020. Methodology: A total of 76 patients (38 in each group), were enrolled in the study. Platelet-rich plasma treatment was given to Group-A, and 30% Trichloroacetic acid treatment was given to Group-B patients. Platelet-rich plasma was injected in the dermis with an insulin syringe while 30%Trichloracetic acid was applied with a cotton tip applicator. The effectiveness of treatment was measured by Goodman and Baron quantitative acne scar scale. Results: A total of 76 patients with atrophic acne scars were included in the study. The mean age of patients in Plate rich plasma Group was 29.63±5.08 years and 29.92±5.85 years in the 30% Trichloroacetic acid Group. Platelet Rich Plasma was an effective treatment of atrophic acne scar (p= 0.030) with post-procedure improvement in the Goodman and Baron quantitative acne scar scale. Conclusion: Atrophic acne scar treatment with intradermal Plate-rich plasma is more effective than 30% Trichloroacetic acid.

No abstract