Determinants of Vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic healthy young medical students

Objective: The study aimed to determine vitamin D status and frequency of its determinants related to diet, clothing, lifestyle and exposure to sunlight among young healthy medical students living in Karachi, Pakistan

Methods: This cross sectional study included responses gathered on questionnaire from medical students of Karachi Medical and Dental College from 4[th] of August 2017 till 30[th] April 2018. All the participants were healthy young adult's year of age who gave written informed consent to participate in the study. Questions regarding demographics, sun exposure, diet, clothing, living patterns and any symptoms like pain or body aches were recorded. Serum 25 [OH] vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus levels were measured through laboratory examination. For serum 25OHD, the cutoff values /= 21-29ng /ml, and >/= 30ng/ml were defined as deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency respectively

Results: Total number of medical students enrolled in the study was 221.Among total participants 191 [86.43 percent] were females and 30 [13.57 percent] were males. Mean +/- SD age was almost similar [23.00 +/- 2.56 vs. 23.03 +/- 2.05]. Majority of the females 115 [60.2 percent] had BMI within normal range, and were predominantly single 164 [85.9 percent]. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 197 [89.14 percent], insufficiency in 16 [7.24 percent], and only 8 [3.62 percent] had sufficient levels. Determinant factors reported by deficient group [n=197]; fabric color [dark mix] 87.3 percent, fabric material [synthetic + mix] 48.7 percent, full length of sleeves by 45.7 percent, exposure to sun only on hands and face during outdoors was reported by 64.5 percent, milk up to 250 cc was consumed by 77.2 percent, one egg per day in diet was taken by 56.9 percent and intake of cod liver oil was less common in only 27.4 percent

Conclusion: Deficiency of vitamin D is common among healthy young adults particularly females which emphasize need to add vitamin D supplements in their routine diet

Fetal transverse cerebellar diameter measurement; a useful predictor of gestational age in growth restricted fetuses

To determine the accuracy of fetal transverse cerebellar diameter measurement in the prediction of gestational age in growth restricted fetuses. This controlled was conducted at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital, Karachi from July 2012 to June 2013. A total of 100 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy satisfying the eligibility criteria were included. Among these 50 were fetuses with normal fetal growth and 50 growth restricted fetuses. The mean transverse cerebellar diameter in the fetuses showing normal growth was not statistically different from the mean transverse cerebellar diameter in the growth restricted fetuses [p-value = 0.219]. Transverse cerebellar diameter measurement can be used reliably for accurate estimation of gestational age in growth restricted fetuses

Oral health and oral health care practices in pregnant women - an urban perspective

The objective of this study was to describe the oral health status and oral health practices among pregnant women in the urban population of Karachi and to determine the need for oral health care education in this population. This study was a descriptive, cross sectional study conducted at department of Gynae and Obstetrics unit IV Sobhraj Maternity Hospital from 1st No-vember 2011 to 31st July2012. This study examined oral health status and oral health care practices by age, parity, ethnicity, education level by using a specifically designed questionnaire from a convenience sample of 507 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Sobhraj Maternity Hospital. A total of 507 participants were recruited during the study period. Most participants were young multigravida, age ranging between 23 and 27 years .belonging to Urdu speaking and Sindhi ethnicity. It was seen that 24.9% were reported to be having good oral health. Multigravida, illiterate women had poor oral health status. 46.9% were advised to improve oral hygiene. 38.1% were referred to dentist. Dental caries and gingivitis were the common conditions for these dental referrals. 51.7% of women were advised proper dental cleansing. Urdu speaking and Sindhi ethnic group had better oral hygiene but they were more significant users of pan/ chalya/ gutka than others [P = 0.011]. This study highlights the poor oral health status of the older multigravidas and the alarmingly high consumption of pan/chalya/gutka among the young Urdu speaking and Sindhi pregnant population. The healthcare providers should include oral health screening and education of these women as part of antenatal care