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Biomedical subjects

S Sultan

Publications and source records attributed to S Sultan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Urinary albumin excretion is associated with impaired flow- and nitroglycerin-mediated brachial artery dilatation in hypertensive adults.

We investigated whether the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), a measure of albuminuria, is associated with non-invasive measures of arterial function in hypertensive adults without known coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke. UACR was measured in the first voided morning urine sample in 469 non-Hispanic white hypertensive individuals (mean age 62.2+/-9.8 years, 41% men) belonging to hypertensive sibships. High-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery was used to assess flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)--an endothelium-dependent response--and nitroglycerin-mediated dilatation (NMD)--an endothelium-independent response. Because of skewed distribution, UACR was log transformed after addition of 0.1. The association of log (UACR+0.1) with FMD and NMD, before and after adjustment for CHD risk factors, serum creatinine, and hypertension medication and statin use was assessed using linear regression analyses. In univariable analyses, variables associated with lower FMD were greater age, male sex, history of smoking, lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, higher serum creatinine and higher log (UACR+0.1); variables associated with lower NMD were greater age, male sex, higher systolic blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol, higher serum creatinine and higher log (UACR+0.1). In separate stepwise multivariable regression analyses that adjusted for conventional CHD risk factors, serum creatinine and hypertension medication and statin use, higher log (UACR+0.1) was associated with lower brachial artery FMD (P=0.035) and NMD (P=0.0002). These findings highlight the association of increased urinary albumin excretion with impaired vascular reactivity in hypertensive individuals.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed2006

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) in non-diabetic and diabetic vascular patients. Is HbA1C an independent risk factor and predictor of adverse outcome?

BACKGROUND: Plasma Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reflects ambient mean glycaemia over a 2-3 months period. Reports indicate that patients, with and without diabetes, with an elevated HbA1c have an increased risk of adverse outcome following surgical intervention. Our aim was to determine whether elevated plasma HbA1c level was associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgical procedures. METHODS: Plasma HbA1c was measured prospectively in 165 consecutive patients undergoing emergency and elective vascular surgical procedures over a 6-month period. Patients were categorized into four groups depending on whether their plasma HbA1c was < or =6%, 6.1-7%, 7.1-8% or >8% and clinical data was entered into a prospectively maintained database. Patients were also classified by diabetic status with suboptimal HbA1c in a patient without diabetes being >6 to < or =7% and suboptimal HbA1c in a patient with diabetes being >7%. Patients with plasma HbA1c >7% were reclassified as having undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. Composite primary endpoints were all cause 30-day morbidity and mortality and all cause 6-month mortality. Composite secondary endpoints were procedure specific complications, adverse cardiac events, stroke, infection and mean length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the 165 patients studied, 43 (26.1%) had diabetes and the remaining 122 (73.9%) did not. The mean age was 72 years and 59% were male. Suboptimal HbA1c levels were found in 58% patients without diabetes and in 51% patients with diabetes. In patients without diabetes those with suboptimal HbA1c levels (6-7%) had a significantly higher incidence of overall 30-day morbidity compared to patients with HbA1c levels < or =6% (56.5 vs 15.7%, p<0.001). Similarly, for patients with diabetes those with suboptimal HbA1c levels (HbA1c >7%) had a significantly higher incidence of 30-day morbidity compared to those with HbA1c levels < or =7% (59.1% vs 19%, p=0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that a plasma HbA1c level of >6 to < or =7% was a significant independent predictor of overall 30-day morbidity in patients without diabetes undergoing vascular surgical procedures. No difference in mortality, composite secondary endpoints, procedure specific complications, stroke or mean length of hospital stay was observed between any of the groups in the study. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal HbA1c levels may hold prognostic significance in patients without diabetes undergoing vascular surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

The impact of differential expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and PDGF-AA on the chronicity of venous leg ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Alteration in the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-2) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-AA) may contribute to poor healing in venous leg ulcers. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the expression of EMMPRIN, MMP-2, TIMP-2 and PDGF-AA in the ulcer exudates and perivascular tissue of healing and non-healing chronic venous ulcers. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with chronic venous ulcers were included in this study, with a mean age of 60 years. Eleven patients were males and 29 were females. All patients had normal ankle brachial index and a venous ulcer of at least 8 weeks duration. Immuno-histochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to PDGF-AA, MMP-2, TIMP-2 and EMMPRIN was carried out on paraffin embedded punch biopsy skin specimens from the ulcer edge. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for PDGF, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were carried out on wound fluids collected from patients. The ulcer size and character at the initial assessment and after 8 weeks were assessed to determine the status of ulcer healing. RESULTS: No significant difference was seen in the expression of TIMP-2, MMP-2 and EMMPRIN between the two groups. However, in the non-healing group high levels of MMP-2 and low levels of TIMP-2 in the wound fluid suggest a strong correlation of these two markers in the state of healing. Analysis of wound fluid by ELISA demonstrated high PDGF-AA in the healing group (p = 0.021). Significantly increased levels of PDGF-AA (p<0001) was noted in the perivascular area on immuno-histochemistry of healing ulcers. These data suggest that PDGF-AA plays an important role in healing of venous ulcers. CONCLUSION: Non-healing venous ulcers are associated with greater activity MMP-2 activity. The ratio of MMPs to their inhibitors TIMPs, dictate the rate of healing of the ulcers. PDGF-AA activity is associated with ulcer healing, though the mechanism is unclear. EMMPRIN expression in chronic venous ulcers probably parallels the chronicity of the condition rather than propagate it. However, further studies with larger samples are needed.

Basigin↗
PubMed2005

The influence of subintimal angioplasty on level of amputation and limb salvage rates in lower limb critical ischaemia: a 15-year experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of subintimal angioplasty (SIA) on lower limb amputation rate and level in critically ischaemic limbs. METHODS: Between January 1989 and March 2004, 1268 patients were admitted for treatment of lower limb critical ischaemia. Eight hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent revascularisation (bypass 671 and angioplasty 158), while 439 patients had primary amputations. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained vascular registry was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who were admitted prior to the availability of subintimal angioplasty and those treated post-introduction of angioplasty. The two groups were compared with regards to age, sex, diabetes mellitus, ASA grade, Rutherford classification and level of disease. Outcome was assessed by the limb salvage rate, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The average number of revascularisation increased with the introduction of subintimal angioplasty, from 53 to 96 per year (p<0.001). The overall limb salvage rate increased significantly from 42 to 70% (p<0.001). The cumulative limb salvage rate following revascularisation rose from 72 to 86% (p<0.001). The level of amputation (AKA:BKA) did not vary significantly. Thirty-day morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the post-angioplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Technical advances have resulted in a steadying of amputation numbers despite an ageing population.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Recombinant factor VIIa in the treatment of intractable bleeding in vascular surgery.

Intractable bleeding unresponsive to conventional haemostatic measures is an uncommon but potentially life threatening surgical complication. Several studies have suggested that recombinant factor VIIa (rVIIa), a genetically engineered substitute for endogenous factor VIIa may have therapeutic application in patients with uncontrollable haemorrhage not previously diagnosed with coagulopathy. We report our experience of rVIIa use in eight such vascular surgery patients who developed life-threatening non-surgical haemorrhage either intra-operative or post-operatively. In all but one patient a marked clinical improvement was noted following treatment with rVIIa with significantly less transfusion, and obvious haemostasis associated with haemodynamic stability without adverse thrombotic complications.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Improving kidney and live donation rates in Asia: living donation.

Organ transplantation started with organs donated by living subjects. Increasing demands brought cadaveric organ donation. The brain-death law, mandatory for this procedure, is prevalent in all countries involved in organ transplantation except Pakistan. Spain is the leading country in cadaveric organ donation (32.5 pmp). Despite the sources of living and cadaveric organs, both heart-beating and non-heart-beating, the gap between the demand and supply has widened. An example is the United States, where the numbers of patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation have risen from 30,000 in 1988 to more than 116,000 in 2001. This has caused a resurgence in living donors all over the world. These can be related, unrelated, spousal, marginal, or ABO-incompatible donors. Family apprehensions, medical care costs, and nonexistent social security can be barriers to this form of organ donation. Unrelated organ donation can open the doors to commercialism. To make this process more successful, transplantation should be made reachable by all sectors of the population. This is possible when transplantation is taken to the public sector institutions and financed jointly by the government and community. To increase living organ donation especially in Asian countries, which face barriers of low literacy rates, ignorance, and cultural and religious beliefs, more efforts are needed. Public awareness and education play an important role. Appreciation and supporting the donors is necessary and justified. It is a noble act and should be recognized by offering job security, health insurance, and free education for the donor's children.

Cadaver↗
PubMed2004

Carotid stump syndrome. A case report and literature review.

Carotid stump syndrome occurs infrequently. Diagnosis and management requires flow studies with duplex ultrasound scan as well as anatomical delineation of the affected vessel by magnetic resonance angiography. Surgical exclusion of the internal carotid artery is safe and effective and is the gold standard of treatment with best medical therapy.

Aged, 80 and over↗
PubMed2003

Management of pediatric urolithiasis in Pakistan: experience with 1,440 children.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of different modalities for pediatric urolithiasis in a developing country in 2 eras, namely before and after the advent of minimally invasive surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,440 children younger than 14 years treated with various modalities during a 14-year period. From 1987 to 1995, 486 and 50 patients were treated with open surgery, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia) and minimally invasive methods, respectively. Between 1996 and 2000, 518 and 386 children were treated with surgery and minimally invasive methods, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 1,440 children 795 (55.2%) had renal, 198 (13.8%) had ureteral and 447 (31%) had bladder calculi. Of the renal stones 556 (70%), 177 (22%) and 62 (7.8%) were treated with open surgery, ESWL and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, respectively. Of the ureteral calculi 85 (43%), 37 (18.6%) and 76 (38%) were managed by ESWL, ureterorenoscopy and open surgery, respectively. Of the bladder calculi 307 (68%), 77 (17.2%) and 63 (14%) were treated with open vesicolithotomy, transurethral pneumatic cystolithotripsy and ESWL, respectively. The renal stone clearance rate was 98% after open surgery, 84% after ESWL and 68% after percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy at 3 months of followup. Similarly the ureteral stone-free rate was 54% after ESWL and 86.9% after ureterorenoscopy. Of the patients with bladder calculi 48% and 93% become stone-free after ESWL and transurethral pneumatic cystolithotripsy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ESWL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and ureterorenoscopy has resulted in treating a large number of children with a short hospital stay and early return to school. Open surgery is reserved only for complex stones.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Understanding patients to promote self-regulation in Type 2 diabetes: how to live with an illness beginning before its onset?].

The characteristics of Type 2 diabetes raise major questions on patients' behaviours and their determinants. The goal of this paper is to integrate recent empirical results of behavioural sciences and modern medical therapeutics in diabetes. We should consider all factors which may influence behavioural self-care while refer less to the normative logic of compliance. Behavioural sciences have demonstrated that various central factors should be considered to promote health behaviours in Type 2 diabetes: namely negative emotions, coping, personal models of illness and risk perception. All these concepts may constitute targets of practical interventions. These can either improve the quality of life, modify or individualise diabetes constraints, improve the focus of medical information given to the patient, favour a better acceptation of illness or a more active role towards diabetes. Self-monitoring of blood glucose and introduction of insulin may influence psychological determinants of self-care behaviours. These arguments are followed by a set of recommendations for the clinician and the researcher.

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring↗
PubMed2002

Anoperineal tuberculosis: diagnostic and management considerations in seven cases.

PURPOSE: Anoperineal tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary form of the disease that we must learn to recognize because it requires specific treatment. METHODS: Data from seven patients with anoperineal tuberculosis observed in a Parisian proctology unit between 1982 and 1999 were reviewed. RESULTS: All the patients were male (median age, 55 years); five were born in underdeveloped countries, and two were still living there. The average length of time between first manifestation of the disease and diagnosis was three years (range, 3 months to 9 years); all patients had undergone surgery previously. There were six recurring anal fistulas (complex in 5 cases) and one recurring abscess. In every case, the diagnosis had been suspected or confirmed by systematic histologic study of the surgically excised tissue. An association with pulmonary tuberculosis was found in each case. Treatment included two parts: conventional surgical treatment of anal sepsis and specific medical antituberculosis treatment. Evolution was favorable in all cases, with no recurrence of disease. Human immunodeficiency virus infection did not increase the incidence of anoperineal tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis should be suspected in all recurrent fistulas. Histologic examination of the excised tissue and a lung x-ray should be performed to avoid delay in diagnosing an easily curable disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pediatric urolithiasis: developing nation perspectives.

PURPOSE: We evaluated epidemiology, etiology, dietary and urinary risk factors, and the composition of calculi in pediatric stone formers in Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes 1,440 children treated between 1987 and 2000. Case records were reviewed for demographics, etiology and clinical symptoms. Dietary and urinary risk factors were analyzed prospectively in idiopathic stone formers. Stone composition was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: There were 1,075 males and 365 females for a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. The peak age for renal and bladder stones was 6 to 10 and 1 to 5 years, respectively. Overall 795 stones (55%) were renal, 198 (14%) were ureteral and 447 (31%) were vesical. Bladder stones were present in 60% of cases in the mid 1980s but decreased to 15% in the mid 1990s. The clinical symptoms were abdominal pain in 511 patients (51%) and fever in 193 (19.5%). There were anatomical abnormalities in 96 patients (12%), metabolic abnormalities in 206 (25%), infection stones in 60 (7%) and idiopathic stones in 444 (55%). Urinary analysis in idiopathic stone formers revealed hypercalciuria in 17 (11%), hyperoxaluria in 62 (40%), hyperuricosuria in 41 (27%) and hypocitruria in 97 (63%). Diet involved a low intake of protein in 60 cases (44%), calcium in 45 (33%), potassium in 105 (77%) and high oxalate in 75 (55%). The composition was calcium oxalate in 362 stones (47%), ammonium hydrogen urate in 210 (27%) and struvite in 49 (6.4%). Stones recurred in 30 patients (2%). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of calculous disease changed from a predominantly lower tract site in the mid 1980s to the upper tract in the mid 1990s. Stone composition, urinary risk factors and dietary analysis suggest that diet, dehydration and poor nutrition are the main causative factors of stone disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Living-related pediatric renal transplants: a single-center experience from a developing country.

We retrospectively analyzed the results of 75 living-related pediatric renal transplants performed at our center between January 1986 and December 1999. The major causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were glomerulonephritis (26%) and nephrolithiasis (16%), while the etiology was unknown in 50%. The mean age of the recipients was 12 yr (range 6-17 yr) and that of the donors was 39 yr (range 20-65 yr). The majority (73%) of donors were parents. Eighty five per cent of donors were one-haplotype matched and the rest identical. Immunosuppression was based on a triple drug regimen. Thirty per cent of recipients were rapid metabolizers of cyclosporin A (CsA) (area under the curve [AUC]: < 6,000 ng/mL/h), while 16% were slow metabolizers (AUC: > 8,000 ng/mL/h). Forty three (57%) children encountered 59 rejection episodes, the majority of which (59%) were recorded in the first month post-transplant. Seventy-four per cent of the rejection episodes were steroid sensitive and the rest, except two, were resolved by therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or orthoclone thymocyte 3 (OKT3). After a mean follow-up of 37 months, 17 (22%) grafts had chronic rejection and 76% of these recipients had previously experienced acute rejection episodes. The overall infection rate was high, necessitating two hospital admissions/patient/year. The majority (53%) of the infections were bacterial. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were seen in 17 (23%) recipients. Twelve of these had ESRD as a result of stone disease and eight grafts were lost because of UTIs. Eight per cent of recipients developed tuberculosis (TB), and extra-pulmonary lesions were seen in 50%. Surgical complications were encountered in eight patients. Free medication to all recipients and parental support ensured a compliance rate of 93%. Baseline growth deficit was seen in children of the two groups studied (the 6-12 yr and 13-17 yr age-groups), with Z-scores of - 2.39 and - 2.12, respectively. No growth catch-up was observed at 12 and 24 months in either group. Post-donation complications were seen most commonly in donors > 50 yr of age and included: proteinuria (> 300 mg/24 h, four patients), hypertension (three patients), and diabetes (one patient). Twenty-four grafts were lost, 54% as a result of immunological and the rest as a result of non-immunological causes, and 17 recipients died during the follow-up period. Infections were the main cause of patient and graft loss. Overall 1- and 5-yr graft and patient survival rates were 88% and 65%, and 90% and 75%, respectively.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Endovascular approach to abdominal aortic aneurysms limits the postoperative systemic immune response.

OBJECTIVES: endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (E-AAA) has in recent years developed as an alternative to the conventional open repair (C-AAA). Adverse outcomes following the open approach may relate to immune cell activation and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and organ failure but the benefits in this respect of the endovascular approach are unclear. This study evaluated this question and focused on T-cell activation and function. DESIGN: prospective clinical study. MATERIALS: twenty patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (12 C-AAA and 8 E-AAA). METHODS: peripheral T-cell expression of surface markers CD69, CD62L and CD25 in vivo and Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) responses to the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in vitro were measured preoperatively, 24 h and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: there was no significant increase (p=0.23) in the incidence of SIRS in the open compared with the endovascular group. Enhanced T cell activation occurred following C-AAA and this was associated with significantly greater IL-2 production in response to SEB, with no change in IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS: E-AAA attenuates proinflammatory T-cell changes compared with C-AAA repair. A reduction in T-cell activation and impaired responsiveness to superantigen suggests that the immunological sequelae of the endovascular approach to aneurysm repair is more favourable than after the open approach with potentially less risk of adverse outcomes. Proof of this thesis will require a larger prospective study.

Aged↗