Single measurement of total serum cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides in the second trimester as a predictor of pre-eclampsia in high risk pregnant women

To evaluate the utility of measuring different serum lipids in the second trimester of pregnancy for predicting pre-eclampsia in high risk patients. The study comprised 90 pregnant females with high risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Serum measurements of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides were taken between 18-24 weeks of gestation. Patients were followed up and divided into 2 groups accordingly. Group I [healthy patients], Group II [patients who develop pre-eclampsia]. Serum triglycerides showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100% and a NPV of 100% with a total accuracy of 100%. Total serum cholesterol showed a sensitivity of 88.1%, a specificity of 70.83%, a PPV of 72.55% and a NPV of 87.18% with a total accuracy of 78.89%. HLD-C showed a sensitivity of 74.19%, a specificity of 52.54%, a PPV of 45.1% and a NPV of 79.49% with a total accuracy of 60%. Moreover, LDL-C showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 44.32%, a PPV of 3.92% and a NPV of 100% with a total accuracy of 45.56% and finally TC/HDL ratio showed a sensitivity of 96.43%, a specificity of 61.29%, a PPV of 52.94% and a NPV of 97.44% with a total accuracy of 72.22%. According to the results of the study, the most accurate predictor for the prediction of pre-eclampsia, was the serum triglycerides level, while Total serum cholesterol and TC/HDL ratio came next in accuracy

Bacteriological study of mastoid abscess

Acute mastoiditis and mastoid abscess are, at present, infrequent complications of acute otitis media. The presentation and course of the disease have changed considerably since the introduction of antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, it is still a serious disease. This bacteriological study of acute mastoiditis and mastoid abscess was performed on 20 cases suffering from mastoid abscess. The results of bacterial cultures from the abscesses revelaed proteus organisms in 12 cases, Streptococcus fecalis in association with proteus in 3 cases, peptococcus and Streptococcus fecalis in 3 other cases, whereas 2 cases gave negative cultures