Role of mean corpuscular volume as screening test for thalassaemia in pregnant women at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad

To see the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of mean corpuscular volume [MCV] in screening for beta thalassemia minor in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Isra University Hospital [IUH] Hyderabad. This validation study was conducted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology Isra University Hospital Hyderabad from 1st November 2004 to 30th October 2005. Women were interviewed using a pre designed questionnaire regarding their demographic profiles and Gestational age at the time of presentation. On their first antenatal visit MCV were checked as less than or equal to 70 fl on complete blood picture. HbA2 level were assessed by Hemoglobin electrophoresis to find out the carrier of beta thalassaemia minor. The data was analyzed on SPSS vr 15. This study showed that MCV is a good screening test for beta thalassemia minor. Out of 100 screened subjects 53% had MCV less than 70 fl or equal to 70 fl. Positive MCV test [<70 fl] showed a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 30% in screening for beta thalassaemia trait. The positive and negative predictive values were 56% respectively. Our study showed that MCV is 79.9% sensitive and 30% specific and positive and negative predictive value is 56% in detection of beta thalassaemia minor. It was found to be a good screening tool in pregnant women for beta thalassaemia. This test can be adopted in future as part of evaluation for sub fertility in all young women

Attitude and knowledge of medical students of Isra university about dysmenorrhoea and its treatment

Dysmenorrhoea is the term for painful menstruation. It is a common gynaecological complaint among female adolescent. The objective of this study was to assess attitude and knowledge about treatment of dysmenorrhoea among medical students of Isra university. This study was conducted at Isra University Hyderabad. Non-probability, convenient random selection from MBBS student was done. Participants included were 18-25 years of ages, irrespective of marital status. Girls with irregular menstrual cycles, primary or secondary amenorrhea were excluded from the study. Pre-designed questionnaire was filled by the students. A total of 197 female medical students were recruited, dysmenorrhoea was reported in76%, of these 62.43% had primary and 13.19% has secondary dysmenorrhoea. Majority 89 [59.70%] of the girls had mild G1 to moderate 48 [32.21%] G2 dysmenorrhoea and twelve 8.05% were with severe dysmenorrhoea. The most common symptoms observed were abdominal cramps 94 [63%], irritability 91 [61.07%], headache 41 [24.5%] and vomiting 34 [22.8%]. Different attitudes of students were assessed, that 40.6% of subjects can not do their routine work and 19.3% remain absent from education place. Only 69.5% students were using commercial pads, 67% girls were not taking bath and 92.4% were not doing exercise during menstruation, only 15 [7.6%] were doing exercise from the study population. Simple analgesic was the most known drug to 49.7% of participants for relief of dysmenorrhoea pain. Dysmenorrhoea is a common problem among young girls, and it significantly affects their class attendance, academic performance and routine work. Even being medical students, strong cultural believes were observed regarding menstrual cycle. Attitudinal changes are necessary to develop, educational strategies, appropriate use of medications and consultation with physician, to empower these young girls regarding healthy life-style