Cardiovascular risk profile as related to type of work in Siwa

A cross-sectional study was carried out to study the conventional cardiovascular risk profile with special emphasis on hypertension and the relation to physical activity type of work, in Siwa community, as an example of underserved locations. A community based study targeting adult population of Siwa [25 years old and above] was conducted by members of the health convoy prepared by HIPH to Siwa Oasis. A cluster sampling technique was adopted randomly covering all districts of Siwa. The study included 202 respondents. The participants were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire including personal and long term enquiry of medical data, and dietary habits. Using standard methods, blood pressure was measured and blood samples were taken to test for the levels of cholesterol and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]. Results showed that 48% of the studied population were hypertensives and 64% had less active work. Multiple regression models, with systolic blood pressure [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] as quantitative dependent variables, showed that the physical type of work was a significant independent factor in both models [p=0.003]. Significant higher percents of smokers, overweight and obese, hyper-cholesterolemics, and hypothyroid cases were reported among less active work, in comparison to active work [p= 0.006, 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.004, respectively]. In conclusion, cardiovascular risk factors are emerging at high rates in this community. Type of work physical activity seems to be an important risk factor that should be considered in preventive programs

Antibodies to hepatic C virus in haemodialysis patients: relation to risk factors

The prevalence of antibodies to HCV among 30 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at a private hospital in Alexandria was evaluated, using a commercially available second generation enzyme immunoassay. The results were correlated to different risk factors. Antibodies to HCV were positive in 9 patients [30%], seroconversion occurred in 6 [22.2%] cases during the study period. All patients were negative for HIV, drug abuse and kidney transplant. The mean rate for blood transfusions [6.16 +/- 4.2] and the duration of hemodialysis [in months] [17.5 +/- 4.2] were significantly increased among HCV antibodies positive cases [P <0.05]. Mean age was not significantly different [P >0.05]. The findings document blood transfusion and duration of hemodialysis as risk factors for HCV antibodies, with the possibility for nosocomial transmission