ABSTRACT
Background: Anaemia is commonly found in developing countries associated with nutritional deficiencies and multiple pregnancies. Iron Deficiency Anaemia in pregnancy is a risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and adverse effects on infant development. The current study investigated frequency of iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait during antenatal check up among pregnant women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad
Objectives: To investigate iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad
Study design, settings and duration: The retrospective comparative study was done to investigate iron deficiency anemia among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad from May 2006 to April 2009
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at National Institute of Health [Department of Hematology] for Complete Blood Count and differential counts using Automated Hematology Analyzer [Sysmex KX-21]. Serum Ferritin levels were measured by Electro-chemiluminescence technique using Elcys Ferritin Kit [Roche, Germany]
Results: Among 359 subjects, 237 [66%] had iron deficiency anemia. The mean age was 27.32 +/- 4.9 years [range 18-50 years], 18 [5%] had beta thalassaemia trait and 104 [29%] had non-beta thalassaemia Trait. Forteen cases had concomitant iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait. The findings of this study indicate a relatively higher burden of iron deficiency anemia as compared to beta thalassemia trait
Conclusion: Anemia is a neglected problem which needs priority. Routine iron supplementation should be given to women of child bearing age during pregnancy and post partum. Obstetricians have an important role to aware the women of reproductive age about the iron content in a balanced diet and motivation for iron supplements
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , beta-Thalassemia , Pregnancy , Ferritins/blood , Blood Cell Count , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To high light some epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of dengue fever during an outbreak and the role of different diagnostic techniques to achieve the highest level of accuracy in results. Methods: Blood samples (n = 323) were collected along with epidemiological and clinical data from suspected dengue patients who visited different hospitals in Swat and Mansehra district of Pakistan between May-November 2013 during a dengue outbreak. Samples were tested for the detection of viral nucleic acid by real-time PCR, non structural protein-1 (NS1) antigen and IgM antibodies by ELISA. Results: Out of 323 cases with clinical dengue infection, 304 were positive by one or more diagnostic parameter; 201 samples were positive by real-time PCR, 209 were positive by NS1 ELISA and 190 were positive by IgM antibodies. Sensitivities of real-time PCR and NS1 ELISA were comparable for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection, IgM antibody detection assay was found useful for the diagnosis in the samples collected later than day 5 of onset. Conclusions: The use of real-time PCR or detection of non structural protein NS1 by ELISA followed by IgM antibodies detection can be recommended for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection with a high level of accuracy.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To high light some epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic features of dengue fever during an outbreak and the role of different diagnostic techniques to achieve the highest level of accuracy in results.@*METHODS@#Blood samples (n = 323) were collected along with epidemiological and clinical data from suspected dengue patients who visited different hospitals in Swat and Mansehra district of Pakistan between May-November 2013 during a dengue outbreak. Samples were tested for the detection of viral nucleic acid by real-time PCR, non structural protein-1 (NS1) antigen and IgM antibodies by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Out of 323 cases with clinical dengue infection, 304 were positive by one or more diagnostic parameter; 201 samples were positive by real-time PCR, 209 were positive by NS1 ELISA and 190 were positive by IgM antibodies. Sensitivities of real-time PCR and NS1 ELISA were comparable for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection, IgM antibody detection assay was found useful for the diagnosis in the samples collected later than day 5 of onset.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The use of real-time PCR or detection of non structural protein NS1 by ELISA followed by IgM antibodies detection can be recommended for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection with a high level of accuracy.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of stress and burnout among dental practitioners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. It was a cross-sectional study and was conducted in six dental institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad from February to March 2012. A self-administered questionnaire, containing 10 item version of Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], 22 item Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey [MBI] and socio-demographic data were used to determine the prevalence of stress and burnout among dentists. Out of 150 dentists 129 completed their questionnaire with a response rate of 86%. Among them 24 [18.6%] dentists were specialists while 105 [81.4%] did not have any post-graduation qualification. Fifty dentists [38.8%] were found to be severely stressed, 53 [41.1%] were moderately stressed while 26 [20.2%] were not stressed at all. Mean PSS score reported was higher than average [17.8 + 6.2]. On MBI, 61 dentists showed moderate or high emotional exhaustion [18.6%], 56 showed moderate or high depersonalization [43.4%] and 41 showed low personal accomplishment [31.8%]. Mean scores of emotional exhaustion [17.8+11.2], depersonalization [6.1+5.9] and reduced personal accomplishment [34.2 + 9.7] were in moderate ranges. Female dentists and dentists working less than 40 hours per week had lower levels of burnout [lesser depersonalization score, p < 0.05]. Dental practitioners working in institutes of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were subjected to various levels of stress and burnout. Future research needs to focus on its underlying reasons and on stress coping strategies
ABSTRACT
To document overall performance and improvement, if any, gained through participation in an International External Quality Assessment Scheme [IEQAS]. Descriptive study. The Haematology Department, Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 1996 to December 2006. Overall performance of blood parameters and parasite identification were analysed. Individual values were assessed against consensus value [mean +/- SD] and deviation index [DI] from the mean, whereas coefficients of variation [CV] were calculated for years 1996 to 2006. The results are expressed as percentage of accurate versus inaccurate results, deviation index [DI] and coefficient of variation [%CV]. The laboratory achieved 87.74% of values within acceptable limits for haemoglobin, 72.03% for white blood count, 69.49% for platelet and 77.03% for reticulocyte estimation. Results were satisfactory, having DI values less than 3 for all four parameters.%CV values was found to be dependent on the type of test performed and varied among different parameters. Difficulty has been observed in identifying Plasmodium malariae and ovale. Participation in External Quality Assessment Schemes is extremely beneficial for the improvement of laboratory performance and quality of care. Evaluation of the survey results on a regular basis serves as a useful guide to assess overall performance of the laboratory. Standardization of analytical procedures, equipments and reagents, continuous monitoring of personnel competency and thorough investigation of discordant results significantly contributes to the delivery of quality diagnostic services