Khan, Aarash

Background: Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a commonly used diagnostic tool for the evaluation of the electrical activity of the heart. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and interpretation proficiency of EKG among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Pakistan. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs working in different healthcare settings. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the participants’ theoretical knowledge and ability to interpret EKG findings. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. The study indicates that EKG knowledge and interpretation proficiency among HCPs in Pakistan is unsatisfactory. The inadequacy of training periods of EKG training sessions and insufficient participation of HCPs in offered training opportunities put forward the need for the formation and introduction of better structured and efficient EKG training programmes. Results: A total of 511 HCPs participated in the study, 28% of whom reportedly had received formal training for EKG interpretation. About 80% of the participants correctly identified theoretical questions pertaining to EKG, while 58% of the participants were able to accurately interpret EKG findings, and most HCPs (69.9%) read fewer than ten EKGs per week. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a lack of expertise and a poor understanding of EKG in HCPs of Pakistan. The low level of EKG knowledge and interpretation proficiency among HCPs may lead to diagnostic errors and poor patient outcomes. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve EKG education and training among HCPs in Pakistan.

Background and objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by ectopic deposition of fat in the liver, in the absence of other secondary causes of fat buildup. The relationship between NAFLD, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), is important for predicting the severity of disease and prognosis. This study aims to investigate the association of HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with NAFLD via measuring the ALT levels. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study enroled 130 patients with T2DM and NAFLD. The association between levels of HbA1c and ALT in patients of NAFLD with controlled and uncontrolled T2DM, respectively, was investigated. Stratification was done based on gender and diabetic control, using HbA1c levels as a marker of glycemic control. Serum ALT levels were also compared in both groups. Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.2±5.7 years. The total participants were 130, of which 77 (59.3%) were females and 53 (40.7%) were males. The numbers of patients having uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c>7%), and controlled T2DM (HbA1c <7%) were 78 (60%) and 52 (40%), respectively. Moreover, 46 (35.3%) females and 32 (24.7%) males had uncontrolled T2DM, and 31 (23.8%) females and 21 (16.2%) males had controlled T2DM. The mean ALT level for uncontrolled and controlled T2DM in female patients was found to be 24.6±3.4 and 13.5±2.4, respectively, (P <0.05). For male patients, it was found to be 54.0±4.9 and 29.1±5.4, respectively (P=0.008). Conclusion: There is a positive association between elevated HbA1c and ALT levels in T2DM patients with NAFLD.