Outcome of neonatal tetanus in hospitalized patients

To determine the outcome of neonatal tetanus in hospitalized patients. A hospital based cross sectional study. This study was conducted in Children Hospital Quetta from April 2011 to March 2012. A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted to determine the outcome of neonatal tetanus. 60 full term neonates from 0 to 28 days of age were included in the study after fulfilling the criteria of tetanus. Diagnosis was established exclusively on clinical grounds. Mean age of presentation was 7.5 days, male female ratio was 3:1. Most common presentation was generalized seizure in 51. 5% cases, 30.1% presented with lockjaw, 15.1% presented with opisthotonos and only 03. 3% presented with poor sucking. 92% mothers were illiterate, 85% belong to the low socio economic status, 78% were from rural area, 75% delivered at home, immune status was low in 70% mothers, cord was cut by non sterilized equipments in 65%, cord was tied with unclean thread in 60%, unhygienic material was applied to the cord in 54%, and 25% developed tetanus after circumcision done by non sterilized instruments at home. 25 out of 60 neonates died and the overall mortality rate was 40.1% out of 60 cases, 24 were put on ventilator and 9 of them [37.5%] died, while out of 36 unventilated cases 16 [44.4%] died. The findings of the study demonstrate that the high mortality rate of neonatal tetanus is due to lack of knowledge of risk factors. Lack of maternal education, low immune status of mothers against tetanus along with unsafe and unhygienic delivery practices are major risk factors responsible for the development of neonatal tetanus

Frequency of thrombocytopenia in children suffering from Malaria

To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in children suffering from malaria. Descriptive Study. This study was carried out in pediatric department of Bolan Medical College Quetta during 18 months from April to October 2011. A total of 140 malaria parasite positive on peripheral film children from 6 months to 7 years of age hospitalized due to febrile illness were included in the study. Hematological parameters were determined by using automated analyzer. Those with reduced platelets count were reevaluated by manual method. Thick and thin smear stained with Giemsa for malaria parasite was studied by hematologist. Mild thrombocytopenia was labeled with platelets count < 150,000 to > 50,000 /cumm, moderate with platelets count of < 50,000 to > 20,000/cumm and severe with platelets count < 20,000/cumm. Out of 140 malaria parasite positive children, 100 [71.4%] had thrombocytopenia while 40 [28.6%] had normal platelets count. Mild thrombocytopenia was common in p falciparum 40% as compared to 14% in p vivax. Moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was common in p vivax 28% and 4% against p falciparum 12% and 2% respectively. 94 [67.1%] were male and 46 [32.9%] female. Thrombocytopenia was found to be significant in children suffering from malaria. Mild thrombocytopenia was common in p falciparum but the moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was common in p vivax

Association of iron deficiency anemia and worm infestation in school children [5-10 Yrs] in Quetta

To determine the association of iron deficiency anemia and worm infestation in school children [5-10 Years] in Quetta. This case control, randomy study was carried in 9 schools of Quetta from March till July 2009. A total of 600 children were examined, 200 each from private, Government and non formal schools [Madrassa] for anemia. Iron deficiency anemia was confirmed on CBC, retics count, peripheral smear, RBCs indices and serum ferritin level. Hb<11.5 gm/dl, CMV<25 fl, MCH<75 fl and farriten<20 nm were the cut of points. History of worm infestation was conformed by parents and children. Out of 600 children 70 were anemic, of which 30 were positive for anemia and worm infestation both, 40 were anemic without worm infestation and 87 had history of worm infestation without anemia Worm infestation in anemic children was 3.8 times greater as compared to non anemic children