Low levels of vitamin D[3] in people of Karachi - needs to be readdressed

Objective: The aim of this study is to see the frequency of vitamin D and its impact on the sample population

Study Design: Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Trauma and General Hospital, Karachi from January 2014 to June 2015

Materials and Methods: 205 patients were included in the study. Participants were assessed according to predesigned questionnaire. All patients were subjected to have complete blood count, serum calcium, phosphorous, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, SGPT, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels along with X-rays of hip joint and femur

Results: Out of total 205 patients, 12.7% were males and 87.3% were females. Mean age was 41.32 +/- 15.225 years. 5.9% had normal levels of Vitamin D[3], while 60.5%, 27% and 6.5% showed mild, moderate and severe deficiency. Serum calcium and phosphorous were deficient in 20.4% and 31.9% respectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone were normal in most of the participants. The deficiency of Vitamin D[3] was mostly due to reduced sun exposure and excessive clothing [86.8%] while 8.3% showed malabsorption. This deficiency caused bone pains, and muscle pains in 55.6%, and 17.6% respectively. But none of the patient had any fracture

Conclusion: Levels of Vitamin D[3] are low in most of the people of Karachi but without any gross deformity. It is advisable to readdress the daily requirement of vitamin D bring the awareness among people regarding sun exposure and daily use of vitamin D supplements

Thrombocytopenia-an indicator for severe plasmodium vivax infection?

To see the effect of thrombocytopenia in plasmodium vivax infection. Prospective study. This study was conducted at Trauma and General Hospital, Karachi from June 2013 to October 2014. Ninety seven patients were included in the study with low platelets and positive malarial parasite [MP] or immunochromatographic test [ICT] malaria. Patients that were presenting with other causes of thrombocytopenia were excluded from the study including plasmodium falciparum or dengue fever. Total 97 patients were included in the study. Among them 63 [64.9%] were males. Mean age was33.15 +/- 8.513 years. In our study none of the patient develops bleeding or required platelet transfusion. Thrombocytopenia is now commonly seen in plasmodium vivax infection, but usually do not lead tobleeding like dengue fever or plasmodium falciparum infections

Frequency of ante-partum depression in public and private sector

To find out the frequency of ante-partum depression in public and private sector. The study was conducted at Abbassi Shaheed Hospital, Nazimabad [Government sector], Liaquat National Hospital, Stadium road [Private sector] and Aga Khan Maternity Hospital, Karim-a-bad [Private sector]. A sample of one hundred and fifty [150] subjects was selected. The survey was conducted by self administered questionnaire comprising of questions regarding Depression, Gynecological, Obstetrical, Medical, History Of Daily Interest, Emotional, Physical and Mental symptoms. All patients were made to fill one more questionnaire that is H.A.D. [Hamilton Anxiety Depression] scale of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital [Department of Psychiatric Medicine]. After selection of subjects from the Hospital, their verbal consent was taken. They were asked questions and the questionnaire was filled after translating it to them in Urdu. The result of the study showed that in Aga Khan Maternity Hospital, 4 [13.3%] out of 30 cases were in severe depression, In Abbasi Shaheed Hospital 23 [41.8%] out of 55 cases were in severe depression whereas in Liaquat National Hospital 14 [21.5%] cases were in severe depression. It also showed that 32.7% were diagnosed as mild depressive patient, while the ratio of moderate, severe and no depression is 17.3%, 28% and 22% respectively. It was found that a great proportion of pregnant ladies attending either public/private sector hospital experienced mild to severe depression. Females with severe depression were more prone to be belonging to low socio-economic group. Further more our research showed that ratio of depression was high among maternal age group of 18-28 years as compared to older age group. The study showed that depression was common among primi-para. It was also seen that house wives were more depressed during pregnancy as compared to working women