Reference spirometric values in a Sudanese cohort

To determine normal values of respiratory function for Sudanese, a randomized stratified crosssectional study was performed on 2250 healthy Sudanese aged 7-86 years in 2002-05. Data were obtained through a questionnaire, pulmonary function testing and taking anthropometric measurements. Lung function and anthropometric measurements were correlated and regression equations were derived. Sudanese of Arab ethnic background had significantly higher forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 [first] second [FEV1] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] than those of African ethnicity. In adults a positive correlation was found between lung function and height and a negative correlation with age. Gender and ethnic variations in Sudanese lung function were confirmed. Comparisons were made with data from other international studies. These values can be used as reference values in respiratory clinics in Sudan

Lung function and airways responsiveness during pregnancy

The changes in forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV[1]], peak expiratory oral pressure [PEFR] and abdominal birth pregnancy and in the postpartum period were found. A randomized prospective longitudinal study was performed in Rabak city in central Sudan in January to November 2002. 48 normally pregnant women were included [26 in the 3[rd] trimester, 19 in the 2[nd] trimester and 3 in the 1[st] trimester]. The microplus spirometer was used to measure FVC, FEV[1] and PEFR during pregnancy then 1-2 months after delivery. The abdominal girth was measured concurrently with lung function parameters. Paired T-test was used to compare lung function during pregnancy and in postpartum period. The results show that there was significant increase in both FVC and FEV[1] after delivery [P<0.01] with insignificant increase in PEFR. The abdominal girth had decreased significantly in the postpartum period [P<0.01]. In spite of the steady drop in FEV[1] from the 1[st] to the 3[rd] trimester, PEFR values showed some what steady increase. There was no significant correlation between abdominal girth and lung function during pregnancy. Some pregnant women had reported dyspnea. It was concluded that there was significant reduction in FVC and FEV[1] values during pregnancy compared to postpartum period which can not be only explained mechanically, because this decrease had occurred from the 1[st] trimester even before any increase in the abdominal girth. The improvement in PEFR values from the 1[st] to the 3[rd] trimester can be explained by the rise of plasma cortisol and this improves asthma severity during pregnancy. The reported dyspnea during pregnancy can be explained by the hyperventilation during pregnancy caused by progesterone and not mechanically, because it frequently occurred before any increase in the abdominal girth

Effect of chronic exposure to cotton dust on lung function in Khartoum, Sudan

The aim of this article is to compare forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] values in cotton dust exposed textile workers with those obtained from non-exposed control. A randomized cross-sectional study was performed in June 2004 on 101 adult subjects in Khartoum city. 37 were textile workers [19 males and 18 females]. 10 males were exposed to cotton dust for >10 years and 9 for < 10 years, while 18 females were exposed for more than 10 years. 40 non-exposed subjects of similar ages and heights [20 males and 20 females] were used as control. The subjects were examined for pulmonary function using microplus spirometer and their respiratory history was investigated by questionnaire. Results showed that Males exposed for > 10 years showed a highly significant reduction in FEV1 and PEFR compared to the control [p<0.01] while the reduction in FVC was statistically insignificant [p=0.071]. Statistically significant reductions in FVC and FEVl compared to the group exposed for < 10 years were detected, but still the reduction in PEFR was statistically insignificant [p=0.042]. In female textile workers, reductions in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were statistically insignificant compared to the control as females worked at less exposed sections. Some subjects in the exposed groups had experienced chronic cough and shortness of breath following exposure. It is concluded that chronic exposure to cotton dust is associated with respiratory tract allergy and obstruction more than restriction owing to the significant reductions in PEFR and FEV1 compared to the insignificant reduction in FVC. Proper health safety precautions should be taken in textile factories with continuous check up of the workers

Lung function at high altitude

High altitudes are characterized by low barometric pressure and so low PO2. Inhabitants of such areas must adapt to such environment. In this study the effect of chronic exposure to high altitude on lung function through measuring forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] in school children was investigated. A cross-sectional study was performed on 72 male school children in Nyertete village [1160 meters above see level] at Jebel Marrah, western Sudan. The apparently healthy volunteers had completed a questionnaire included personal data and disease history. Anthropometric measurements and pulmonary function tests were performed using the microplus spirometer. The obtained data was compared with the predicted norms of male Sudanese children[1]. Anova test was used for comparing the means. FVC was found to be 2.81 L, FEV1 2.71L and PEFR 403L/min, which were higher than the predicted normal values for these children. It was concluded that high altitude male children showed significant increase in lung function values [FVC, FEV1 and PEFR] compared to low altitude male children predicted normal values

Assessment of student-performance in pharmacology by different evaluation methods

Retrospective analysis of students performance in Pharmacology in different evaluation methods, covering the years 1974 to 1988 of the faculty of Medicine, Al-Arab Medical University, Benghazi is reported here. Comparison of mean scores of each year by ANOVAR analysis showed significant differences between them. However, each year showed a high positive correlation between mean score and pass percentage. No statistically significant difference was found between male and female students performance in final examinations. Changing Multiple Choice Questions [MCQ] from "True or False Type" to ane-or two-in five type" was reflected by a lower performance in MCQ. Performance in MCQs correlated well with the performance in short essay questions using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Students performance in oral examination was invariably better than their performance in class tests or final written examinations. Performance in Class tests was a good indicator of the final result