Iron deficiency Anemia: a risk factor for Febrile seizures in children

Objective: To find out the association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures in children

Study Design: Analytical: case-control study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Paediatrics department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from May 2013 till Oct 2013

Material and Methods: Two Hundred patients were selected through non probability consecutive sampling, one hundred in each group i.e. patients with febrile seizures and patients without febrile seizures. The blood sample of cases and controls were taken at the time of admission and was sent for assessment of hemoglobin [Hb], serum ferritin level, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC] and mean corpuscular volume [MCV]. The samples were analyzed for iron deficiency anemia and compared in both groups [patients with febrile seizures and those without febrile seizures]

Results: In the febrile seizures group 58 [58 percent] were anemic with a hemoglobin level less than 10gm/dL and 59 [59 percent] had a low plasma ferritin of less than 10ng/dL. In the control group 39 [39 percent] were anemic with a hemoglobin level less than 10gm/dL and 26 [26 percent] had a plasma ferritin of less than 10ng/dL. The frequency of anemia with low MCV, MCHC and serum ferritin was more in the febrile seizure group 38 percent as compared to 20 percent in controls [p-value = 0.002]

Conclusion: The children with febrile seizures have lower hemoglobin, MCV, MCHC and serum ferritin level as compared to the control groups suggesting that iron deficiency anemia has a positive role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures

Frequency of awareness in mothers about risk factors of asthma in 1 to 12 years old children

Objective: To determine the frequency of awareness in mothers about the risk factors of asthma in children aged 1-12 years, attending pediatric department, Combined Military Hospital, Quetta

Study Design: Descriptive, cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at department of Pediatrics, Combined Military Hospital Quetta. Duration of the study was six months from Oct 2011 to Apr 2012

Material and Methods: All the mothers of children with asthma were selected for this study. Informed consent was taken from all the patient's parents participated in the study. Every patient was assigned a serial number. Detailed history about risk factors was taken by the researcher and all the information entered in the proforma and collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 22

Results: Total 150 mothers were included in study. There were 9 [6.0 percent] mothers who had awareness of any relation between breast feed and the risk of asthma in children, 15 [10 percent] mother had awareness of relation between pet animals/birds and the risk of asthma in children, 3 [2 percent] mothers had awareness of relation between carpets at home and the risk of asthma, 24 [16 percent] mothers had awareness of relation between cigarette smoke and the risk of asthma in children. There were 15 [10 percent] mothers who had awareness about relation between food and the risk of asthma, 3 [2 percent] mother had awareness of relation between repeated use of medicines in children under six months of age and the risk of asthma, 5 [3.3 percent] mothers had awareness of relation between the use of pillows and the risk of asthma, 3 [2 percent] mothers had awareness of relation between the presence of cockroaches in child's bedroom and the risk of asthma in children

Conclusion: In Quetta region, mothers had lower frequency of awareness among mothers regarding pediatric [1-12 years] asthma development and its associated risk factors

Beta tricalcium phosphate and dental implant

The purpose of this study is to evaluate histologically the role of Cerasorb bone graft substitute material [beta-tricalcium phosphate] as an augmentation method for filling bony defect adjacent to the dental implant, and to evaluate the state of bone osseointegration in comparison to Frios Algipore bone graft substitute material, currently used. Fifteen New Zealand white male rabbits of 4 - 6 months in age and of 2-2.5 Kg weight were used in the study. The animals were divided into three groups, each group consist of five animals with insertion of dental implant in the right femur with creation a traumatic bone defect 3x3 mm in diameter around the coronal part of dental implant The animals were left for healing without augmentation as for the control group and which augmented with Cerasorb and Algipore bone substitute for the other two groups. Animals were scarified at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The histological findings shows that Cerasorb bone substitute resulted in faster resorption and early initiation of the newly bone formation. The bone become completely matured during 12[th] weeks with successful bone osseointegration and direct contact to the implant surface, in comparison to the Algipore bone substitute material that show delayed resorption and longer time for new bone formation. There was an intervening layer between the bone and Algipore bone grafted material. The study concludes that the use of Cerasorb bone substitute material is more preferable as augmentation procedure for bony defect healing around implant site than the use of Algipore bone substitute material

Fungal biota of the domestic animals in a city in Pakistan

To determine the prevalence of Keratinophillic fungi from domestic animals in Sukkur City Sindh Pakistan. A total of seven hundred and fifty hair samples from three groups [buffalo, goat and cow] of animals were collected in sterilized polythene bags in Sukkur city. Hair pieces measuring 2cm were placed on the agar plates supplemented with 0.05 g/l chloramphenicol for obtaining the fungal growth on hair. Hairs showing the whitish mycelial growth were transferred to freshly prepared Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar [SDA] for cultural growth and pure culture were maintained at 5oC in refrigerator. Out of 750 hair samples collected from three domestic animals which were studied in Sukkur city, Sindh, Pakistan, five hundred ninety four [594] isolates belonged to 8 genera and 9 species were isolated. A. candidus and Alterneria alternate were almost equally prevalent species represented by 14.81% and 14.48% respectively of the total number of isolates. A. niger and Chrysosporium asparatum were equal in their prevalence and represented 12.63% and 12.46%. Exophiala sp comes next constituting 12.29% followed by Stemphyllium sp. 10.94%. Other species isolated less frequently included Cladosporium 8.08%, Acrimonium sp.7.41% and Penicillium sp. 6.90%. The isolation frequency of fungal biota was significantly greater in buffalo from cow and goat [respectively 40.06%, 33.33% and 26.60% p = 0.02]. Keratinophillic fungi were isolated from domestic animals and the prevalence of these fungi in domestic animals may have a role in transmission of skin and other infections in human population

Multi-drug resistance of thermo-tolerant Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water of Khairpur city, Sindh, Pakistan

Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc diffusion method. It was observed that the indole negative thermo-tolerant Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water of Khairpur was susceptible to twenty antibiotics and resistant to sixteen out of thirty six antibiotics. Occurrence of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in drinking water indicates the need for continued surveillance and monitoring of these bacteria

Trends of histopathology in childhood nephrotic syndrom

Nephrotic syndrome [N.S.] is clinical manifestation of different histopathological subtypes. This study was conducted to analyze the trend of histopathological subtypes in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. A prospective study was performed from January 2004 to May 2005, at Central child teaching hospital and Al-karama teaching hospital involving 113 patients aged up to 18 years with nephrotic syndrome. The following parameters were studied [age, gender, initial episode, relapse, predisposing factors, positive family history of nephrotic syndrome, clinical presentation and investigation, treatment and complication]. One hundred thirteen patients enrolled in this study, 71[63%] were males and 42[37%] were females, male to female ratio was 1.7/1. 23[20.3%] patients were with initial attack of nephrotic syndrome, while 90[79.6%] patients with relapse. Age at onset ranged between 0.7-14 [median 2.3] years. Family history of nephrotic syndrome was found in 8 [7%] patients. Biopsies was done in 74 [65%] patients. 36 [48.6%] patients showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. 17[22.9%] patients showed minimal change disease. 10[13.5%] patients showed membranoproleferative glomerulonephritis. Other histopathological sub types were 6[8%] patients with mesangioproleferative glomerulonephritis, 3[4%] patients with global masengial sclerosis, and 2 [2.7%] patients with amyloidosis. This trend of histopathologic patterns has profound prognostic significance and has significant implications in the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome. There is shift toward an increasing incidence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and to lesser extent, the membranoproleferative glomerulonephritis in Iraqi children presenting with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Our finding is in agreement with the recommendation of performing renal biopsies on children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are steroid dependant in addition to those who are steroid resistant particularly before starting cytotoxic medication

Bacteriological quality of drinking water of Sukkur City

To determine the bacteriological quality of drinking water of Sukkur city. A descriptive study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Diagnostic and Research Centre, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh from January to December 2007. A total of 120 samples were analyzed by membrane filter method. Drinking water samples from main storage, distribution line and consumer taps were analyzed. All 120 samples [100%] were found contaminated with total coliform bacteria and 98 [82%] samples were found to be contaminated with thermotolerant Escherichia coli. Chlorine [residual] was not found in any of the samples. Drinking water samples were heavily contaminated with coliform and faecal coliform organisms making it unsuitable for drinking. Pakistan population should be encouraged to use boiled water for drinking, till the time that safe drining water is made available to all

Enumeration of total and fecal coliform bacteria in drinking water of Khairpur Sindh

The number and range of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria were analyzed in the drinking water of Khairpur city to determine the quality of the water supplied to the residents of the city. The bacteriological study was carried out for indicator organisms i.e total coliform and fecal coliform [E. coli] by membrane filtration methods. A total of 90 samples were collected from three sites, thirty samples each from main reservoir [water works], distribution line and consumer taps [households, hotels and schools]. All samples were found contaminated [100%] with total coliform [TC] as well as fecal colifom [FC] bacteria. The counts were higher than the maximum microbial contaminant level established by World Health Organization [WHO]. The higher densities of bacteria were found in consumer taps [4-4.30 log cfu/100 ml] per 100 ml, followed by distribution line [3.79-4.20] and main reservoir [3-3.94 log cfu] per 100 ml total and fecal coliform. The pH and residual chlorine of water samples were also determined. It was observed that pH was within the limits of WHO standard [6.5-8.5], the residual chlorine was not detected in any sample of drinking water

Genotoxic effects among petrol station workers

Benzene has been internationally recognized as a potent toxin, particularly for its effects on the blood forming system of the bone marrow and its association to a large number of haematological disorders. This study aimed to assess the cytogenetic damages related to occupational exposure to benzene by calculating the mitotic index [MI], nuclear division cytotoxicity index [NDCI], binucleated cells ratio and chromosomal aberrations. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 benzene exposed workers and 10 from unexposed- controls- persons. 20 out of the exposed workers were occupationally exposed to benzene from 2 to more than 4 years. The rest of workers were exposed to benzene from one month to one year. The mean MI in the benzene exposed workers [5.72 +/- 0.62] was found significantly higher than in controls [4.03 +/- 0.37]. The highest MI mean was calculated in the exposure group 4 to above years. The NDCI of the exposure workers [3.38 +/- 0.54] was also significantly higher than in control [2.04 +/- 0.76]. Lower NDCI mean was calculated in the 4 to above years exposure. Chromosomal aberrations were observed in the exposed group. Polyploidy, aneuploidy [5 monosomy and 9 trisomy] and structural aberration [del 8q] were detected in the exposed groups 0-3 years. MN frequencies were significantly increased in relation with length of employment. According to the MN results and the chromosomal aberrations detected in the exposed groups, it could be possible that a correlation found between the elevated values of the MN and the detected chromosomal aberrations

Patterns of management of acute respiratory infections among under-five children at primary health care centers in three provinces in Iraq

Acute respiratory infections [ARIs] are major causes for morbidity and mortality among under five children particularly in developing countries. Assessing patterns of management of ARIs among under five children at primary health care [PHC] centers as practiced by medical and paramedical health care providers. A total of 172 medical and 53 paramedical personnel working in PHC centers in three Iraqi governorates were observed using a pre-coded, pre-tested checklist. Recognition of both serious signs and symptoms and other signs and symptoms of ARI were significantly higher among medical than paramedical personnel [P<0.05]. Antibiotics were prescribed for 74.5% of patients by paramedical personnel compared with 54.1% of patients by medical personnel [P<0.05]. Trained health care providers [medical and paramedical] were significantly more capable in identifying danger signs and symptoms of ARIs compared with the untrained care providers. Medical and trained health care providers were managing ARIs conditions among under five children more efficiently than para-medical and non-trained care providers

Maternal factors as determination of the state of the newborn infants delivered at three teaching hospitals in Baghdad

A multi hospital survey was conducted in Baghdad from the 1[st] of February till the 30[th] of May 1996. The study sample consisted of 548 ladies who delivered singleton live born infants. Material factors including parity, history of low birth weight, perinatal death or abortion in the preceding pregnancy, inter-pregnancy interval, vaginal bleeding, premature uterine contractions or leakage of liquour in the current pregnancy, maternal height and midarm circumference were all significantly associated with preterm delivery. Socioeconomic status, pregnancy hypertensive disorders or vaginal bleeding in the current pregnancy, maternal hight and midarm circumference were significantly associated with delivering small for gestational age infants. Furtheremore, vaginal bleeding, premature uterine contraction, leakage of liquor and maternal midarm circumference significantly determined low Apgar Scores at five minutes. As for maternal age and skin fold thickness, they did not seem to have significant influence on the neonatal outcome

Reciprocal ST-segment depression in acute myocardial infarction, an index of high risk patients

Four hundred and sixty eight patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] were reviewed and classified into two groups those who showed the reciprocal ST-segment depression [positive group] and those who did not [negative group]. The incidence of serious arrhythmias: Ventricular Fibrillation [VF], Ventricular Tachycardia [VT], and Ventricular Ectopics [VE] was 10%,43%, and 75% respectivly in the positive group, and 0%,20%, and 54% in the negative group. No patient in the negative group developed primary VF. In the positive group the incidence of heart failure and cardiogenic shoch were higher: 52% and 11% respectivly, compared to 36% and 3.5% respectively in the negative group. In hospital the total mortality was 10.6%, 80% of which was in the positive group and 20% in the negative group. Reciprocal ST-segment depression in AMI was associated with a high incidence of serious arrhythmias, heart failure and cardiogenic shock, and can be used as an index of high risk patients