Research Article
Etiological Spectrum of Chronic Liver Disease in Pakistan: Correlation with MELD Score and Liver Function Tests
Hussain Ramzan , Hurain Naeem , Humaira Kousar , Maryum Zulfiqar, Dr Afnan Sarwar , Hareem Shahid, Dr Sumia Fatima, Zulqarnain Haider, SIFFAT ULLAH, Muhammad Asim Agha, Amr Kassem
Middle East Research Journal of Nursing; 52-56.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjn.2025.v05i04.002
Background: Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is a major global health issue, with hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol abuse, and NAFLD being common causes. A study in Pakistan is investigating the relationship between various CLD causes, MELD scores, LFTs, and complications like hepatic encephalopathy and ascites, with HCV being the leading etiology in their preliminary findings. Methodology: A six-month cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals, enrolling 126 adult patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) through convenience sampling. Data was collected via questionnaires and medical record review. Statistical analysis using SPSS aimed to reveal associations between CLD etiologies and disease severity was done. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics. Chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between CLD etiologies and categorical clinical outcomes such as ascites and HE grades. Results: This study investigated 126 chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, revealing that Hepatitis C virus (51.6%) was the predominant etiology, followed by Hepatitis B (13.5%) and alcoholic liver disease (10.3%). The majority of patients were aged 41-60 years (55.7%), with a male-to-female ratio of 56:43. Hepatic encephalopathy was the most frequent symptom (80.2%), and a significant association was found between Hepatitis C and the development of ascites. MELD scores ranged from 3-39, but showed no statistical correlation with CLD duration or etiology. Conclusion: This study confirms that Hepatitis C is the leading cause of CLD in this cohort. The findings underscore the importance of etiology-specific considerations in managing CLD, despite MELD scores not showing a direct correlation with disease duration or cause in this population.
Research Article
Strategic Management of Human Capital in Health
Pedro Enrique RodrĂguez González , Belkis Alvarez Escobar, Juan Carlos Mirabal Requena
Middle East Research Journal of Nursing; 57-58.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjn.2025.v05i04.003
Introduction: Human capital development constitutes an essential pillar of healthcare systems worldwide. The lack of effective management strategies has limited the impact of clinical, teaching, and research activities. Objective: To design a managerial strategy for optimizing human capital management in the provincial healthcare sector. Methods: Mixed-method, exploratory-descriptive study conducted between January and December 2024 with 115 human resources and health policy specialists. SWOT analysis, interviews, documentary analysis, and expert validation were employed. Results: Deficiencies were identified in the planning, training, evaluation, and strategic coordination of human capital. The designed strategy was deemed relevant and feasible by 94 % of specialists. Conclusions: Human-centered and strategic talent management enhances institutional effectiveness, promotes job satisfaction, and strengthens healthcare delivery.
Research Article
Aspirin and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Chemoprevention and Clinical Outcomes
Azan Khan, Dr Shazia Parveen, Muneeb ur Rahman, Abdul Azam khan, SIFFAT ULLAH, Dr Mehr Un Nissa Nazaz Ali, Ayesha Javed, SHAH FAISAL, Sitara Shaheen, Hussain Ramzan
Middle East Research Journal of Nursing; 59-62.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjn.2025.v05i04.004
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, with a consistently low five-year survival rate. The increase in cases and resistance to standard treatments makes it important to explore ways to prevent this disease. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has gained attention for its possible cancer-fighting properties. This review summarizes current evidence on how aspirin use relates to PDAC risk and outcomes. Recent studies show mixed results. Some studies indicate a significant risk reduction, especially in diabetics, while others show no connection. Proposed biological mechanisms include COX-dependent and independent pathways. These pathways involve blocking cyclooxygenase-2, altering insulin signaling, and reducing oncogenic KRAS activity. There is also evidence that aspirin may affect how cancer spreads. Long-term use appears to be linked to lower rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis and higher rates of surgical resectability. The role of aspirin in PDAC is complicated and seems affected by dosage, length of use, and individual factors like diabetes status. Future research should prioritize personalized strategies. This includes using molecular subtyping and well-planned combination therapies to effectively utilize aspirin in managing PDAC.
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