Antenatal depression and its predictors in Lahore, Pakistan

Mental health is an important but neglected component of reproductive health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for antenatal depression among women attending for antenatal care at an urban tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. In a cross-sectional study/ structured questionnaires were filled and screening for depression was done using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale [EPDS]. Out of 506 antenatal attendees 126 [24.9%] had no depression [EPDS scores < 10], 53 [10.5%] scored 10-12 and 327 [64.6%] EPDS scores > 12. Depression scores [> 10] were more common in mothers aged < 20 years [93.7%] than those aged > 35 years [55.0%]. Fear of childbirth and separation from husband were identified as significant risk factors for development of antenatal depression, while family history of psychiatric illness was significant protective factor. Domestic violence, drug abuse, lack of support, previous miscarriage and personal history of previous psychiatric illness were not found to be significant risk factors

Clinical profile and outcome of cyanotic congenital heart disease in neonates

To determine the clinical profile and assess the outcome of all neonates diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease. A case series. The Aga Khan University Hospital from January 1998 to December 2000. Neonates admitted with diagnosis of cyanotic congenital heart disease were evaluated for clinical diagnosis, survival and mortality. Forty four neonates met the inclusion criteria. Eleven babies [25%] had Tetralogy of Fallot or its variants. Other malformations were d-transposition of great arteries, tricuspid valve anomalies [tricuspid atresia and Ebstein`s anomaly], hypoplastic left heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, total anomalous pulmonary venous return and complex congenital heart disease like single ventricle. Twenty eight [63.6%] neonates survived and 16 [36.4%] expired during hospital stay. Cause of death was surgical in 2 cases and medical problems in 14 babies. Tetralogy of Fallot or variants was the commonest cyanotic heart disease in neonates with frequency of 27.27%. Majority of neonates with congenital cyanotic heart disease showed survival with appropriate management