Relationship of Sympathetic Dysfunction with Disease Duration In Female Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Association of increased cardiovascular morbidity and higher sympathetic activity in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been well recognized. Objective: To assess sympathetic nerve function status in Rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relationship to duration of the disease. Methods: This study was carried out in the dept of Physiology Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during 2010.Sixty female RA patients aged 18-50 years with duration of disease from 1 to 10 years was selected from Rheumatology wing of Medicine OPD of BSMMU. Age and BMI matched female apparently healthy subjects were control. Sympathetic nerve function status was assessed by blood pressure response to orthostatic test and sustained hand grip isometric exercise test. In these two tests, fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and rise in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) respectively estimates sympathetic reactivity. For statistical analysis, unpaired students t test and pearsons correlation coefficient test was applied. Results: Mean values of fall of SBP was higher and rise of DBP was lower in RA patients compared to control which was statistically (P<0.001) significant. Again rise of DBP was negatively and fall of SBP was positively correlated with duration of the disease and the relationships were statistically highly significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: The results conclude that sympathetic reflex response was reduced in RA which was deteriorated with duration of disease.

Effect of Moderate Physical Exercise on Autonomic Balance in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background: Altered autonomic balance has been noted in Irritable bowel syndrome Regular physical exercise may cause restoration of autonomic balance in health and disease. Objective: To assess the effect of brisk walking on the autonomic balance by analysis of heart rate variability in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in 2013.Seventy seven male IBS patients aged 20-50 years, were enrolled from Gastroenterology OPD, BSMMU, Dhaka. Twenty eight healthy sedentary male with similar age were control. HRV measures were recorded once prior to exercise and then after 3 months of brisk walking. For assessing autonomic balance, LF/HF ratio and Max/Min RR was evaluated by Polyrite D machine and software. ANOVA, Independent sample t-test and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The pre-exercise mean values of LF/HF ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001) in all IBS patients compared to those of control. The post exercise LF/HF ratio were significantly lower (p<0.05) in all IBS patients compared to their pre-exercise values. Conclusion: This study concluded that the sympathovagal balance was towards sympathetic predominance in IBS and regular moderate physical exercise may shift the balance towards parasympathetic predominance in them.

Acute Effect of Cigarette Smoking On HRV in Current Cigarette Smokers.

Background:Cigarette smoking induced increased sympathetic activity is one of the major independent risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality. Objective:To assess acute effects of smoking on neuro cardiovascular regulation by analysis of time domain measures of HRV in current regular healthy male cigarette smoker. Methods:This comparative analytical study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka from July 2011 to June 2012. 120 apparently healthy male current regular cigarette smoker aged 20-55 years were participated in the study group. Age and BMI matched 70 apparently healthy male non smoker subjects were studied as control. To observe the acute effects data were recorded 5 and 30 min after finishing a cigarette. Time domain measures of HRV were recorded by a RMS digital polyrite D. Statistical analysis was done by independent sample t test and paired sample t test.Results: Resting pulse rate, SBP, DBP, mean heart rate were significantly higher (p<0.001) and mean R-R interval, SDNN, RMSSD and total power were significantly lower (p<0.001) in all smokers in comparison to those of healthy control.In addition, all time domain parameters were significantly decreased from their corresponding baseline value just 5 minutes after smoking and returned close to their baseline value after 30 minutes of smoking but it remained significantly lower than control value. Conclusion: The result of this study concludes that cigarette smoking had acute effect on cardiac autonomic function causing depressed vagal activity and overbalance of sympathetic function..

Autonomic Dysfunction in Major Depressive Disorder.

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity is a major problem in patients suffering from depression as greater CV mortality is found in cardiac patients with depression. Objective: To assess cardiac autonomic nerve activity by power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in patients with Major Depressive disorder. Methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka during 2011. Sixty patients of both sexes with Major Depressive disorder (MDD) aged 20-50 years were enrolled. The patients were selected from the Department of Psychiatry in Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Thirty drug naive MDD patients and thirty medicated MDD patients were compared with 30 healthy control and also between them. The HRV parameters were recorded by 4 active channels, RMS Polyrite-D. For statistical analysis independent sample t-test test was used. Results: LF norm and LF/HF were significantly higher and Total power, HF power, HF norm were significantly lower in both drug naive and medicated MDD patients in comparison with those of healthy control. Conclusion: Autonomic nerve dysfunction involved both the drug naive and medicated MDD patients which was associated with higher sympathetic activity and reduced vagal modulation of the heart and sympathovagal imbalance. Antidepressent drug treatment did not have any effect on autonomic dysfunction.

Effect of Physical Exercise on Autonomic Nerve Function in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be associated with autonomic nerve dysfunction. However, moderate to vigorous physical exercise cause improvement of this nerve function. Objective: To observe the effect of moderate physical exercise on the autonomic nerve activity by analysis of HRV in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka in 2013. For this purpose, 77 male patients aged 20-50 years with IBS were included in the study. They were subdivided into IBS-D (24 patients), IBS-C (26 patients) and IBS-A (27 patients) and were selected from the OPD, Gastroenterology, BSMMU. 28 apparently healthy male were studied as control. HRV parameters were recorded prior to onset of physical exercise and after completion of 3 months of brisk walking. For assessing autonomic nerve function, some time domain measures of HRV were recorded by Polyrite D. ANOVA, Independent sample t-test and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The pre-exercise values of mean R-R interval, Max/Min ratio, SDNN,RMSSD, NN50%, PNN50% were significantly(p<0.05) lower and mean heart rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all IBS patients compared to control. The post exercise data showed mean HR was significantly decreased in IBS-A and SDNN & RMSSD were significantly increased in IBS-C and IBS-A. Conclusion: This study concluded that parasympathetic activity decreased in patients with IBS, which was improved after regular moderate physical exercise of 3 months.

Effect of Deep Relaxation on Heart Rate Variability in Sedentary Females.

Background: Lower heart rate variability (HRV) in sedentary people is associated with higher risk of coronary heart diseases. Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) generate higher HRV which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Objective: To assess HRV after practicing DRT to find out it’s effect on cardiac autonomic nerve function in sedentary subjects. Methods: This study with intervention by DRT was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from July 2012 to June 2013 on 30 apparently healthy sedentary females aged 25-35 years practicing DRT for 3 months. 30 apparently healthy sedentary females who had no experience of relaxation technique constituted control. All subjects were sedentary housewives. The study subjects were participants in a private yoga center in Dhaka. HRV was assessed by RMS polynte D and frequency domain parameters were analysed. Statistical analysis was done by Independent Sample t-test. Results: Total power (p<0.001), HF power (p<0.01), HF norm (p<0.05) were significantly higher and LF power (p<0.001), LF norm (p<0.05), LF/HF (p<0.01) were significantly lower in the relaxation group than those of non relaxation group. Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic nerve function was improved by practice of DRT with parasympathetic dominance in sedentary females.

Autonomic Neuropathy in Healthy Elderly Person.

Background: Cardiac autonomic nerve function can be affected in older age. Objective: To find out the degree of autonomic neuropathy by autonomic nerve function scoring system in apparently healthy elderly subjects. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, Dhaka between July 2005 and June 2006.For study group, 30 elderly subjects age ranged from 51-60 years were enrolled in one group whereas another 30 elderly subjects age between 61-70 years were enrolled in another group. For comparison sex and BMI matched thirty apparently healthy adults with age from 21-30 years were studied as control. Autonomic nerve function status of all the subjects were examined by five simple non-invasive cardiovascular reflex tests Valsalva maneuver deep breathing test, orthostatic test handgrip test, and sudden standing. Autonomic nerve function (ANF) scoring was done to find out the degree of autonomic neuropathy. Results: 23.34% of subjects of 61-70 years group showed autonomic nerve dysfunctions and 20% had early involvement and 3.34% of them had definite involvement of Autonomic neuropathy. But this percentage was relatively less (10%) in 51-60 years who had early involvement and none had found definite involvement whereas autonomic nerve function was normal in 21-30 years age group.. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that aging process substantially impaired cardiovascular autonomic nerve function.

Effect of Deep Relaxation on Heart Rate Variability in Sedentary Females.

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is associated with low heart rate variability (HRV). Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) increase HRV which reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases. Objectives: To assess HRV after practicing DRT to find out it’s effect on cardiac autonomic nerve function in sedentary subjects. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between July 2012 and June 2013 on 30 apparently healthy sedentary females aged 25-35 years (study) who were practicing DRT with 3 months duration. For comparison, age and BMI matched 30 apparently healthy sedentary females who had no experience of relaxation technique (control) were also studied. Both groups were selected from the sedentary housewives by personal contact. The study subjects were the participants in a private yoga center in Dhaka. HRV was assessed by a Polygraph. Statistical analysis was done by Independent Sample ttest. Results: Resting mean heart rate (p<0.001) was significantly lower and mean R-R interval and SDNN (p<0.001), RMSSD (p<0.05) were significantly higher in the relaxation group than the control group. Conclusion: DRT improves cardiac autonomic nerve function with parasympathetic dominance in sedentary females.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Severe Preeclampsia.

Background:. Micronutrient such as calcium, magnesium and zinc deficiency are associated with preeclampsia. Objective: To observe serum calcium, magnesium and zinc levels in severe preeclamptic women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2010. 60 cases of preeclampsia, aged 18-39 years and >20th weeks of pregnancy were included in the study group. They were further sub divided into group B1 (30 mild preeclampsia) and group B2 (30 severe preeclampsia). Age and gestational period matched 30 normotensive pregnant women (Group A) were also studied as control. All the preeclamptic women were selected from the Obstetric and Gynaecology in and out patient Department of BSMMU and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Serum calcium and magnesium was measured by colorimetric and serum zinc was measured by spectrophotometric method. For statistical analysis one way ANOVA, independent sample t test and ÷2 test were used. Results: The mean serum calcium, magnesium and zinc levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower in both group of preeclampsia than normotensive pregnant women. Again serum calcium and zinc levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in severe preeclampsia compared to mild preeclampsia whereas serum magnesium levels were found almost similar in both group of preeclampsia (P>0.05). Again in this study, 40% mild, 73.3 % severe preeclamptic women and 20% normotensive pregnant women had hypocalcaemia. 36.7% mild, 30.0% severe preeclamptic women and 3.3% normotensive pregnant women had hypomagnesaemia and 6.7% mild, 20 % severe preeclamptic women and no normotensive pregnant women had hypozincemia. Conclusion: This study may conclude that micronutrient deficiency may be one of the risk factor of preeclampsia and increases the risk of its severity. Therefore early detection and supplementation to treat this deficiency may reduce the incidence of preeclampsia.

Parasympathetic Nerve Function Status in Female with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Sudden cardiac death in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis has been attributed to the decreased vagal drive to the heart. Objective: To assess cardiac parasympathetic nerve function status in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka from January to December 2010. Sixty female RA patients aged 18-50 years were included in the study group. They were enrolled from the Out Patient Department of Rheumatology Wing of the Department of Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. For comparison age matched thirty apparently healthy females were also studied as control. To assess parasympathetic nerve function status, all the subjects were examined by three noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests such as heart rate response to valsalva maneuver (valsalva ratio), heart rate response to deep breathing and heart rate response to standing (30th :15th ratio). For statistical analysis independent sample t test was used. Results: Mean values of valsalva ratio, deep breathing test and 30th :15th ratio were significantly (p<0.001) lower in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to those of healthy control. Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that lower cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity characterized the autonomic nerve dysfunction in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Relationship Between Parasympathetic Nerve Function and Ovarian Hormones During Different Phases of Ovarian Cycle In Healthy Young Women.

Background: Women having regular ovarian cycle often experience premenstrual syndrome which may be associated with alterations of autonomic nerve function due to fluctuation of ovarian hormones during different phases of ovarian cycle. Objective: To observe the parasympathetic nerve function status and their relationships with ovarian hormones during different phases of ovarian cycle in healthy young women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Physiology at BSMMU, Dhaka in 2007 on 30 eumenorrhogic healthy females aged 20 to 30 years. Serum estrogen and progesterone were measured by MEIA method and parasympathetic nerve functions were assessed by valsalva, deep breathing test and orthostatic test during follicular and luteal phases of ovarian cycle. Data were analyzed by paired student ‘t’ test, and Pearson’s Correlation coefficient test where applicable. Results: Mean resting HR,SBP,DBP and all measures of parasympathetic nerve function were similar in all phases of ovarian cycle. With serum estrogen level, deep breathing showed significant (p<0.05) positive correlation in follicular and luteal phase and valsalva showed significant positive correlation during luteal phase. Conclusion: The results this study suggest that estrogen has got positive influence on parasympathetic nerve function which support cardioprotective role of estrogen in premenopausal females.

Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background: Altered cardiovascular autonomic nerve function with impaired sympathovagal balance is found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis is an important tool for assessment of autonomic nerve activity. Objective: To assess cardiac autonomic nerve function status in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by time domain measures of HRV. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from January to December 2010. Sixty female RA patients, age range 18-50 years were constituted study group enrolled from the Out- patient Rheumatology Wing, Department of Medicine, BSMMU. Age matched thirty apparently healthy females were studied as control. Time domain measures of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) such as Mean RR intervals, Mean HR, SDNN, RMSSD, NN50% and PNN 50% were recorded for 5 minutes by a Polygraph machine to observe cardiac autonomic nerve function activity. Data were analyzed by independent sample t test. Results: Mean R-R interval, SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50%, NN50% were significantly lower (p<0.001) but heart rate was significantly (P<0.001) higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic nerve function is impaired and characterized by reduced resting parasympathetic activity in female Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Time Domain Measures of Heart Rate Variability to Assess Autonomic Dysfunction In Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background: Autonomic nerve function impairment is related to development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Time domain measures of Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool to measure autonomic nerve function activity. Objective: To assess autonomic nerve function activity by time domain measures of heart rate variability in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka in 2011. Ninety patients aged 20-50 years of both sex with Irritable bowel syndrome were included in the study group. They were collected from the OPD of Gastroenterology in BSMMU. Age and sex matched 30 apparently healthy subjects served as control. For assessing HRV by time domain method, Mean heart rate Mean R-R interval, Max/Min R-R interval, SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50%, NN50% were recorded by a digital Polyrite. ANOVA, independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests were performed as applicable. Results: Mean heart rate were significantly higher and Mean R-R interval, Max/Min R-R interval, SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50%, NN50% were significantly lower in IBS groups compared to those of control. Correlation analysis showed negative correlations of SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50%, NN50% with duration of disease. Conclusion: This study concludes that parasympathetic activity was reduced in patients of IBS. In addition, decreased vagal modulation is inversely related to the duration IBS.

Assessment of Autonomic Nerve Function In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background: Autonomic nerve function impairment is related to development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful tool to measure autonomic nerve function activity and also sympatho-vagal balance. Objective: To assess autonomic nerve function activity by heart rate variability analysis in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011. Ninety patients aged 20-50 years of both sexes with Irritable bowel syndrome were included in the study group. They were enrolled from the OPD of Gastroenterology in BSMMU. For comparison age and sex matched 30 apparently healthy subjects were also studied as control. The power spectral HRV parameters were recorded by a digital Polyrite. For statistical analysis ANOVA, independent sample t-test were performed. Results: Mean resting pulse rate, mean HR, SBP, DBP, LF, LF norm and LF/HF were significantly higher(P<0.001) and total power, HF, HF norm were significantly lower(P<0.001) in IBS group compared to those of control. Conclusion: This study concludes markedly lower parasympathetic with concomitant higher sympathetic activity and shifting of sympathovagal balance towards sympathetic predominance in patients of IBS.

Assessment of Autonomic Nerve Function In Hypothyroids By Time Domain Method of Heart Rate Variability.

Background: Cardiovascular complications are common in hypothyroids .Time domain measures of HRV is useful to determine the cardiac autonomic regulation by assessing sympathovagal balance. Objective: To assess the cardiac autonomic nerve function activity by time domain measures of heart rate variability in patients with hypothyroidism. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Banghabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between July 2008 to June 2009 on 60 female patients with hypothyroidism aged 30-50 years. 30 age matched apparently healthy euthyroid subjects were also studied as control. Hypothyroid patients were divided into 2 subgroups ,one group includes patients on their 1st day of diagnosis, before starting of treatment and another group includes patients with medication for 12-18 months. The patients were selected from the Out Patients Department of Endocrinology Wing BSMMU. Serum TSH and FT4 levels of all subjects were measured by AxSYM system. For assessing HRV by time domain method, mean R-R interval, mean heart rate, SDNN, RMSSD and variance were measured by a Polyrite. For statistical analysis, Independent Sample t test and One Way ANOVA were used. Results: The mean serum TSH was significantly higher and FT4 was significantly lower (p<0.001) in newly diagnosed hypothyroids than those of control and treated group. In untreated hypothyroid patients the mean values of heart rate, SDNN , RMSSD,variance were found significantly (p<0.001) lower in comparison to both control and treated patients. No significant difference in these hormonal levels and all these time domain measures were found between control and treated group. Conclusion: This study concludes that decrease parasympathetic nerve activity may be a consequence of hypothyroidism, if not treated properly.

Some Aspects of Liver Function Status in G6PD Deficient Neonates and Its Relationship with G6PD.

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a common cause of newborn hospital admission. G6PD enzyme defects is one of the factor to develop neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, which may be related to abnormal liver function in this group of neonates. Objective: To observe some aspects of liver function status by measuring serum bilirubin and alanine amino transferase levels in G6PD deficient neonates and also their relationship with erythrocyte G6PD levels. Methods: The study was conducted on 30 male, term neonates with G6PD deficiency in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) between 1st July 2007 to 30th June 2008. For comparison age and sex matched 30 apparently healthy neonates without deficiency (control group) were also included in the study. Erythrocyte G6PD level was measured by Spectrophotometric method by using kit of Randox. Alanine amino transferase level was done by Schumann and Klauke method. For statistical analysis independent sample “t” test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were performed as applicable by using SPSS for windows version-13 Results: In this study, significantly (p<0.001)higher level of serum bilirubin & ALT were found in G6PD deficient group in comparison to those of non-deficient group. Further more, serum bilirubin & ALT levels were negatively (r=-.671, (r= -.534) correlated with erythrocyte G6PD level and it was statistically significant (p<0.01) in G6PD deficient group. Again, significant (p<0.05) positive (r=+.429) correlation of serum bilirubin level was observed in non deficient group. Whereas, non significant positive (r=+.041) correlations of ALT was found in non deficient group. Conclusion: From the study results it can be concluded that higher level of alanine amino transferaseand hyperbilirubinemia were present in G6PD deficient neonates & increase serum bilirubin and serum alanine amino transferase levels were associated with degree of G6PD enzyme deficiency.

Serum Zinc, Copper and Calcium Levels In Female Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients.

Background: Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic multi-system autoimmune inflammatory disease, characterized by inflammatory synovitis involving symmetrical peripheral joints. Serum copper, zinc and calcium levels are altered in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Objective: To observe serum zinc, copper and calcium levels in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka from January to December 2010. For this, 60 female patients with Rheumatoid arthritis aged 30-50 years were included in the study group. The patients were selected from outpatient Department of Rheumatology wing of medicine in Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). For comparison age and BMI matched 30 apparently healthy female were also studied. Serum calcium level was measured by Colorimetric method. Serum zinc and copper was measured by Spectrophotometric method. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test was performed by using SPSS for windows version-12. Results: In this study, serum zinc and calcium levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) and serum copper level was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the RA patients than those of control. Conclusion: This study may conclude that hypozincemia and hypocalcemia and hypercupremia occur in RA. Therefore early detection of these micronutrient abnormalities may be helpful for the physicians to prevent various complications in RA patients.

Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Female Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Association of increased cardiovascular morbidity and higher sympathetic activity in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been recognized. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful measure to assess sympatho-vagal balance. Objective: To assess autonomic nerve function status in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by HRV analysis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka from January to December 2010. Sixty female RA patients aged 18-50 years were included in the study group. They were enrolled from the Out Patient Department of Rheumatology Wing of the Department of Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. For comparison age matched thirty apparently healthy females were also studied as control. The HRV parameters were recorded by a Polyrite machine. For statistical analysis independent sample t test was used. Results: Mean resting pulse rate, diastolic blood pressure and mean systolic blood pressure were higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison to those of healthy control. Mean values of LF power, LF norm and LF/ HF were significantly higher (p<0.001) & TP and HF power, HF norm were significantly lower (p<0.001) in RA patients in comparison to those of healthy control. Conclusion: This study may conclude that sympathetic activity was higher with lower parasympathetic activity along with shifting of sympathovagal balance towards sympathetic predominance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Relationship Of FEF25-75, Pefr And SVC With Estrogen And Progesterone Level In Postmenopausal Women.

Background: Deterioration of lung function is common in women after menopause, which may be related to very low estrogen and progesterone level. Objective: To observe FEF25-75, PEFR and SVC (slow vital capacity) values in apparently healthy postmenopausal women to find out their relationships with serum estrogen and progesterone. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology in BSMMU, Dhaka in the year 2007. 30 healthy postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 years and 30 healthy premenopausal women aged 20 to 30 years during their different phases of menstrual cycle were studied. Postmenopausal women were residents of Dhaka city and premenopausal subjects were medical students. FEF25-75, PEFR and SVC of all subjects were measured by a digital micro spirometer. Their estrogen and progesterone levels were estimated by Micro particle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) method. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test, one way ANOVA and unpaired‘t’ test Results: The mean percentage of predicted values of FEF25-75 and PEFR were lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women but it was not significant. Measured values of SVC was Significantly (p<.001) lower in postmenopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. Again Mean serum estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly (p<.001) lower in post menopausal women compared to those of follicular and luteal phases of premenopausal women. In post menopausal women, FEF25-75 was positively, PEFR and SVC were negatively correlated with progesterone level. PEFR and SVC showed positive correlattion and FEF25-75 showed negative correlation with serum estrogen level. All these correlations were statistically non significant. In premenopausal women FEF25-75 and PEFR showed positive correlation and SVC showed negative correlation with serum progesterone level. The relationships were statistically significant in luteal phase but nonsignificant in follicular phase. FEF25-75 ,PEFR and SVC were positively correlated with serum estrogen level in luteal phase but FEF25-75 and PEFR negatively correlated and SVC positively correlated with estrogen level in follicular phase. Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows FEF25-75 , PEFR and SVC may be reduced in postmenopausal women which in turn may be associated with their low progesterone and estrogen levels.