Abdullah Malikzai

Dr. Abdullah Malikzai


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 April 2024 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HMHania‐Tul Mirha
Hania‐Tul Mirha
SASyed Hasham Ali
Syed Hasham Ali
HAHumna Aamar
Humna Aamar
MSMahnoor Sadiq
Mahnoor Sadiq
ZTZoaib H. Tharwani
Zoaib H. Tharwani
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
Background and Aims: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a global public health emergency which has seen an uptick in low‐ to middle‐income countries in recent times due to a plethora of aggravating factors and has led to a whole host of setting‐specific pathogens registering high rates of resistance, causing outbreaks with graver mortality and morbidity. This review analyzes available literature to determine the causes and effects of ABR and recommend solutions to the problem in a Pakistani setting.Methods: Sources for this narrative review were identified via electronic databases using keyword search methods. The information was retrieved using databases such as PubMed and Science Direct. Additionally, websites such as CDC and World Health Organization were used to attain pertinent information. All the sources were selected as per their relevance and appropriateness toward the purpose of this review.Results: This review details the causes by dividing them into three primary strata, namely (1) under‐regulation, (2) over‐prescription and self‐medication, and (3) lack of medical stewardship. This is made much graver when the COVID‐19 pandemic and the subsequent erratic treatment response is considered, with the pandemic augmenting already high levels of consumption. These factors have led a cascade of effects including, but not limited to, a considerable increase in ABR in pathogens to first‐line drugsConclusion: ABR is a serious and growing issue which will result in undesirable personal, local, and national consequences if unchecked. Mitigation and reversal of this trend is necessary by developing existing programs and investing in novel therapies and pharmaceutical research and strengthening regulatory policies and mechanisms.

11 April 2023 in Annals of Medicine & Surgery
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JYJuvairia Yousuf
Juvairia Yousuf
HMHassan Mehmood
Hassan Mehmood
SASakina Aquil
Sakina Aquil
ARAiman Rija
Aiman Rija
ZRZainab Syyeda Rahmat
Zainab Syyeda Rahmat
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
Over the years, worsening climate change has led to multiple spells of heavy rain and floods in Pakistan, with the 2022 floods ranked as the deadliest in world history. To top it off, decades of political instability, mental health stigma, and lack of psychological support have tipped the after-effects over the edge. These floods have taken a toll on more than 13 000 people, with inaccessibility to vital necessities leading to further deaths every week. Local and international support is imminent for better handling of the crisis and reducing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health-related issues.

20 October 2024 in Health Science Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
HUHamid Ullah
Hamid Ullah
HAHafsa Ahmed
Hafsa Ahmed
ASAriba Salman
Ariba Salman
RIRabia Iqbal
Rabia Iqbal
SHSayed Jawad Hussaini
Sayed Jawad Hussaini
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Pakistan, which is ranked fifth among high‐burden TB nations worldwide. The growing frequency of drug‐resistant TB strains, particularly multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB), creates new obstacles. Socioeconomic factors, a lack of awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure all contribute to the spread of the disease.Objective: This study investigates the mechanisms contributing to the growth in tuberculosis cases in Pakistan, the implications for public health, and multifaceted approaches to prevention and control.Methods: A comprehensive literature study was undertaken, including an analysis of peer‐reviewed articles, World Health Organization (WHO) data, and government sources, to identify factors driving tuberculosis prevalence, control issues, and disease‐fighting tactics.Result: Several factors like Poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, stigma, and restricted access to healthcare services are all factors contributing to an increase in tuberculosis incidence in Pakistan. The prevalence of MDR‐TB, along with a lack of an integrated healthcare response, complicates efforts to contain the disease's spread. Tuberculosis has a profound social, mental, and financial impact on individuals and communities. Public health efforts, such as the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) and international partnerships, have been created to eradicate tuberculosis, although considerable hurdles persist.Objective: This study investigates the mechanisms contributing to the growth in tuberculosis cases in Pakistan, the implications for public health, and multifaceted approaches to prevention and control.

9 February 2025 in Brain and Behavior
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ZMZainab Mubbashir
Zainab Mubbashir
ZTZoaib Habib Tharwani
Zoaib Habib Tharwani
TKTilyan Kambar
Tilyan Kambar
SMSadia Munawar
Sadia Munawar
OROzem Raphael
Ozem Raphael
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
Background: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare complication of the measles infection. SSPE is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes encephalitis, leading to the demyelination of neurons in the brain. It affects the brain in 9 months or less and hence subacute, causing encephalitis and lesions in the entire brain, so the term panencephalitis is used.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed and Google Scholar starting in April 2024, and all relevant articles were extracted for this review.Results: A recent surge in SSPE cases in developed countries has been reported. This has been attributed to reduced vaccination, aggravated by misinformation and a decline in immunization after the COVID‐19 pandemic. SSPE is a progressive and relatively rare neurological complication of measles, which almost always results in a vegetative state followed by death. It typically presents 10 years following exposure to measles. Manifestations of SSPE are divided into four stages that range from general personality changes to coma. Complications include ocular pathology and eventual blindness, as well as psychiatric illnesses. Treatment options for SSPE include symptomatic control with antiepileptic drugs, interferon combined treatment, vitamin A, ribavirin, and a ketogenic diet for disease modification.Conclusion: The only prevention for SPPE is through vaccination. Several collaborative efforts have been made with WHO to improve surveillance and increase vaccination, but still many challenges prevail. Better prevention strategies and improved treatment outcomes can only be achieved by enhancing healthcare access, improving public awareness, analyzing community‐based data, and studying the genetic and molecular associations of measles and SSPE.

1 August 2023 in International Journal of Surgery Open
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
KQKhulud Qamar
Khulud Qamar
SSSean Kaisser Shaeen
Sean Kaisser Shaeen
UMUmer Usman Malik
Umer Usman Malik
FRFaryal Rafique
Faryal Rafique

3 January 2025 in Drugs - Real World Outcomes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAreesha Mansoor
Areesha Mansoor
MSMaryam Shahzad
Maryam Shahzad
EZEeshal Zulfiqar
Eeshal Zulfiqar
MAMuneeba Ahsan
Muneeba Ahsan
RARimsha Adnan
Rimsha Adnan
AMAbdullah Malikzai
Abdullah Malikzai
Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are specific types of anticonvulsants used to treat epileptic seizures. However, several studies have shown an association between ASMs and an increased risk of hematological disorders, such as thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, and platelet function disorders leading to prolonged bleeding times. This review explores the existing literature on this topic, investigating a wide variety of ASMs, ranging from first-generation medications to newer ones. A comprehensive search was conducted on all the currently approved ASMs using PubMed and Google Scholar: review articles, clinical trials, meta-analysis, observational studies, case reports, and relevant animal studies were identified. We extracted 15 ASMs including valproic acid (VPA), carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, diazepam, clonazepam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, felbamate, topiramate, pregabalin, lacosamide, cannabidiol (CBD), and perampanel that contain considerable literature regarding different coagulopathies. An in-depth review of over 140 studies revealed a robust association between ASM-induced changes and the onset of bleeding disorders via several different mechanisms. Polytherapy, the use of multiple ASMs, also emerged as a significant risk factor for the development of coagulopathies. This review highlights the potential link between ASMs and bleeding disorders, emphasizing the importance of considering this risk during treatment planning. By understanding these associations, healthcare providers can optimize patient outcomes and minimize bleeding risks. Additionally, this review identifies the need for further research to bridge current knowledge gaps in clinical pharmacology related to ASMs and bleeding disorders.