ABSTRACT
Background: Neonatal sepsis [NS] is a major cause of neonatal admissions to hospital and mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate different methods for rapid and reliable diagnosis of NS with an aim to rationalize the use of antibiotics and stay in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Objectives: To compare the different available methods for rapid and reliable diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Study design, settings and duration: This comparative study was conducted in Emergency Department of National Institute of Child Health [NICH] Karachi for the period of six months
Subjects and Methods: Neonates who were brought to the emergency department of National Institute of Child Health with suspicion of NS were clinically examined. Those, supposed to be septic were included as study population and informed written consent was taken from their parents. After this, 3 ml blood was drawn for complete blood count [CBC], blood culture, C-reactive protein [CRP], polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and neutrophilic ratio. PCR and CRP results were compared with blood culture for specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values
Results: Out of 129 neonates, 23 [17.82%] were positive for bacterial DNA by PCR method while 42 [32.55%] were positive for infection when tested for C reactive protein marker of the blood. Whereas, only 15 [11.62%] were positive by blood culture. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 60% and 88% while positive and negative predictive values were 39% and 94% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of C reactive protein were 60% and 71% while positive and negative predictive values were 21% and 93% respectively
Conclusion: Our study revealed high specificity and positive predictive values of PCR suggesting that PCR is more reliable, rapid and specific adjunct of blood culture for diagnosis of NS
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of mass level public awareness campaigns regarding dengue fever among parents visiting tertiary care children hospital Karachi
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among parents visiting medical outpatient department at National Institute of Child Health, Karachi from 1st January to 31[st] December, 2014. Total of 400 respondents were interviewed using simple random sampling technique. Pre coded semi structured proforma consisting of dengue specific symptoms and safety measures were used. After interview, every individual was educated regarding preventive and safety measures against dengue fever
RESULTS: Out of 400 respondent, 68% [n=272] were males and 32% [n=128] females. Almost 98% [n=392] knew that dengue fever is caused by mosquito bite. More than two-third of study participants were not aware about dengue specific symptoms. Awareness regarding retroorbital pain was reported by 1% only. Use of anti mosquito mats, coil and other repellants was reported by 88%. Use of mosquito nets was only 3.5%. Electronic media was the major [89%] source of information regarding preventive measures of dengue in our study population
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that awareness of target population about dengue specific symptoms and effective preventive measures remains very low. It suggests to revisit the existing awareness related interventional strategies at public level with contextual relevance to enhance overall impact from preventive aspect
ABSTRACT
Oleanolic acid [3p-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid; OA-Ol], a pentacyclic triterpene, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological ad biological activities. We have isolated oleanolic acid from methanoJic extract of Periploca aphylla, collected from surroundings of Karachi in the month of February
Furthermore, four known and two new C-28 amino .Kid conjugates of oleanolic acid were prepared to explore potential of these compounds on HCCs and one breast cancer :li line. Cytotoxic effects revealed that as compare to parent compound [OA-Ol], two derivatives OA-04 [p<0.000l] and OA-06 ]p<0.0 1 ] showed significantly increased /higher inhibition rates