The Socio-Demographic Factors and Causes of Substance Abuse Relapse: 36 Cases

Background: Relapse is frequent among substance abusers all across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. Drug-related issues are gradually becoming a hot topic in Bangladesh, from a social, economic, and medical standpoint. The present study aimed to find out sociodemographic factors associated with relapse amongst substance abuser. Material & Methods: This descriptive type of observational study conducted in the Combined Military Hospital and other Government/Private Hospital/Institute especially Central Drug Addict Treatment Center, Dhaka with a total sample size of 36 participants. Detailed information was obtained in each case according to protocol through complete history from patients or their accompanying attendants using a data collection sheet which was read out to them in Bangla. All the information was recorded in the pre fixed protocol. Collected data was classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS-23. Results: The study found that yaba was the most commonly abused drug among 36 participants, with 27.78% reporting abuse. 27.78% of participants had a psychiatric illness, with the majority being male (97.22%) and Muslim (88.89%). The largest group of participants were aged 31-40 (47.22%) and most were unemployed (83.33%) and married (94.44%). Peer pressure and family problems were the most commonly reported causes of relapse (91.67% and 83.33%, respectively). Other factors such as unemployment, depression, and failure in life also contributed to relapse. Conclusion: Yaba was the most prevalent substance of abuse and the majority of participants were male, had a psychiatric illness, and were unemployed. Peer pressure and family problems were the main causes of relapse.

Quality assessment of sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli(AFB) test in microbiology laboratories before and after implementation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): a comparative study.

Aims: To evaluate the present status of microbiology laboratory by comparing the test results of investigator with that of laboratory staff for sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) withZiehl-NeelsenStaining (Z-N Staining) at primary and secondary level andto assess the present status of a microbiology laboratory for sputum for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) withZiehl-NeelsenStaining (Z-N Staining) at tertiary level. Material and Methods: Type of study : Cross sectional, descriptive type of study. Place of study: Department of Microbiology of Dhaka Medical College,Narsingdi Sadar Hospital,Narsingdi,PolashUpzilla Health Complex ,Polash, Narsingdi andDOTS centers. Duration of study: From July, 2007 to June,2008 Method of sampling: Non probability, purposive and convenient sampling Sample Size: Sputum for AFB: 300 sputum samples were collected for detection of AFB by direct Z-N staining, Z-N staining after bleach centrifugation and Auramine phenol staining before implementing SOP. After following SOP 150 sputum samples were collected and tested in direct Z-N method. Results: In the present study, before SOP out of 100 sputum smear at each level, discrepancy was found in 3% cases at primary level, 2% cases at secondary level and 1% case at tertiary level.After following SOP out of 50 sputum smear at each level, discrepancy was reduced to 2% cases at primary level and no discrepancy was found at secondary and tertiary level. Conclusion: Each laboratory must have SOP for laboratory testing to set the minimum acceptable standard for every test in order to improve and maintain the quality of laboratory services.

Pacing in a Woman with Full Term Pregnancy: First Case Report in Bangladesh.

A 19-year-old primigravida was diagnosed to have complete heart block (CHB) during her antenatal checkup at 36 weeks. The patient had history of syncope a few years back. She was referred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). A temporary pacemaker was implanted at NICVD. She was then referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where a baby girl was delivered by cesarean section. A permanent pacemaker was implanted later at NICVD. To our knowledge this is the first case report of pace maker implantation in a pregnant woman from Bangladesh.

Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Trunk in an Adult Patient –A Rare Occurrence.

Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is a rare cause of cardiac disease. One of the very rare coronary anomalies is origin of left main coronary artery from pulmonary trunk. Most of these patients die in the first year of life and only 10-15% survive in adulthood. We are reporting a rare case of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery who survives into sixth decade of life.

Ventricular Septal Defect as a Complication of Blunt Chest Trauma: A Rare Occurrence and First Case-Report in Bangladesh.

Traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a very uncommon condition, especially in association with blunt chest trauma. A healthy young adult was diagnosed as a case of VSD one week after a road-traffic accident. History and other medical records suggest it was an acquired post-traumatic VSD. Thus, all patients of blunt chest trauma deserve close cardiac evaluation.