ABSTRACT
Background: India is a hyper-endemic zone for malaria. We need tests which can be done easily and are cost effective to assess the severity of the disease and to help in prognostication. CRP is one such investigation which can be used. Aims And Objectives: We carried out this prospective study to find the correlation between the level of CRP and the complications in patients of P.vivax and P. falciparum malaria. Material and Methods: Level of C- reactive protein, was measured in 227 patients of P.vivax and P. falciparum malaria, admitted in GMERS medical college Gotri, Vadodara. It was then compared with single and multiple complications as well as with the duration of hospital stay in both vivax and falciparum patients.Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square test, unpaired T-test and ROC curve. Results: Out of 227 patients,105(46.2%) had P.vivax and 122(53.7%) had P. falciparum malaria. CRP level was high in all patients. In vivax and falciparum patients with single complications, the mean CRP level was 24+11.6 mg/L and 24.1+6.2 mg/L respectively. Both types of malaria with multiple complications showed very high levels, 69.6 + 14.1mg/L in P.Falciparum and 71.6 + 6.5mg/L in P.vivax patients. Elevated CRP level (41.5 mg/L) also predicted a prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: Our study corroborates the observation that high CRP level has a strong prognostic value for predicting the complications in malaria.
ABSTRACT
With an alarming increase in the incidence of Diabetes, India isnow being considered as ‘Global Diabetes Capital’. Patient’s knowledge regarding Diabetes andself-care practicesare crucial to the success of any Diabetes Control Programme. Aims: To assess knowledge of Diabetes and self-care practices in chronic Diabetic patients.Materials and Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study involving 100 diabetic patients. Structured pre-tested questionnaires were employed. Responses that differed amongstvarious categories (gender, education and duration of Diabetes) were analysed using appropriate statistical test.Results: 58% were aware that diabetes can affect eyes, 54% aware about renal complications of DM and 44% knew that DM is a cardiovascular risk factor. 44 % knew that annual eye examinations were essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Only 14 % were aware of annual urine-protein check and only 30% got their lipids checked annually. 67% had regular BP checks and 28% did regular foot check.40% knew their target sugar levels. Only 5% were aware of Hba1C test. 84% patient knew about hypoglycaemiaandits treatment. 47% thought that DM is curable.An educational level of middle school or higher and duration of DM longer than 5years was associated with higher score.Conclusion: There remains largely inadequate knowledge about Diabetes, its complications and importance of annualscreening for complications. The importance of better glycaemic control and regular screening for complication should thus be emphasized by comprehensive education and awareness which will no doubt help in reducing the mortality and morbidity due to DM.