Effect of energy drink on reaction time, haemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters

Objectives: To evaluate the cardiovascular effects and reaction time associated with energy drink in healthy medical students

Methods: In this randomized control design, a total of 30 healthy volunteers, 19-21 years of age of either sex were divided at random into three groups namely A, B and C. At the time of study, subjects were fasting overnight and were abstaining from caffeine for 48 hours. Baseline pulse and blood pressure were taken whereas heart rate, QTc interval and mean reaction time of each of three groups were measured by using power laboratory. The subjects of group A had consumed nothing while those belonging to group B and C were asked to consume 250 ml [1 can] and 500 ml [2 cans] of energy drink respectively and measurements were retaken after 1 and 2 hours interval. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-19, and p

Results: The pulse rate, heart rate, blood pressure and QTc interval increased significantly in group C at 2 hour as compare to group A and B. In group C, at 2 hours, pulse rate increased by 16.1% [p=0.001], systolic blood pressure increased by 9.5% [p=<0.001], diastolic blood pressure increased by 10.1% [p=0.002], heart rate significantly increased by 17.3% [p=0.015] and QTc interval prolonged by 12.4% [p=0.002]. A decrease in mean reaction time was noticed by 20.0% [p=<0.001]

Conclusion: Energy drink consumption increases the HR. HP, QT interval as well as performance. The more the energy drink consumed, the higher the changes are likely to be

Assessment of fasting blood glucose levels and body mass index of the female students of a private medical college

To determine the fasting blood glucose levels [FBG] and body mass index [BMI] of the female medical students and to find out any possible relationship between these parameters in the study group. A total of 100 female medical students participated in this study. A detailed questionnaire was administered to the subjects about personal habits and family history. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were measured by standard methods after taking written consent. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined. Data was assessed by SPSS.10. Mean blood sugar fasting levels along with standard deviation were reported. Frequencies of normal, overweight and obese cases were also reported. Analysis included any significant differences in mean FBG levels of the subjects with normal versus obese cases and correlation between BMI and FBG levels was also determined. Mean age of our study population was 19.7 years. Frequency of impaired BMI was found to be 60%. Mean FBG of the subjects having normal BMI was 87.9 +/- 4.5 mg/dl and those with impaired BMI was 94.9 +/- 7.4 mg/dl. Mean FBG of the subjects with family history and without family history of diabetes mellitus was 101 +/- 6.1 mg/dl and 90.4 +/- 6.3 mg/dl respectively. There was a significant positive correlation observed between FBG levels and BMI. Increased BMI may lead to increased level of FBG due to presence of some degree of insulin resistance. Self monitoring of FBG and weight control measures can prevent early onset of diabetes mellitus irrespective of family history of NIDDM.

Effect of smoking on respiratory pressures and lung volumes in young adults

A limited number of studies have reported respiratory muscle strength as an early indicator of pulmonary dysfunction in younger age groups. Hence this study was carried out to analyze the same in young Saudi males. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of smoking habits on respiratory muscle strength in young Saudi males. A total of 376 young subjects were inducted. The respiratory muscle strength was studied through PI[max], PE[max] and MVV. Dynamic lung volumes included FVC, FEV[1], FEV[1] / FVC ratio and FEF[25-75]. Smoking was quantified by estimating the total number of cigarettes smoked and the smoking behavior of subjects was categorized as: [1] never smoked; [2] smoking < 15 cigarettes a day; and [3] smoking > 15 cigarettes a day. The non-smokers formed the control group. Former smokers were not included. Respiratory muscle strength and dynamic lung volumes were measured by a dry electronic spirometer. Deteriorating effect of smoking was found on respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes and airflow parameters in our sample. Mild smokers showed a 5.39% decrease in FEF[25-75] whereas a 01% increase in FEV[1] / FVC ratio compared to non-smokers. In heavy smokers both FEF[25-75%] and FEV[1] / FCV% were decreased by 14.7% and 3.1% respectively. PI max was insignificant in mild smokers and heavy smokers whereas PE max was significant in heavy smokers p > 0.03. Smoking was related to decline in respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes and airflow obstruction as well. This study indicated a positive dose response relationship of smoking and pulmonary dysfunction

Tympanometric analysis in otitis media with effusion in children. a study of the impact ear camps in Baluchistan

Otitis media with effusion [OME] in Pakistani children is a controversial subject. Tympanometry and acoustic reflex test performed in 189 children of Baluchistan in the age range of 2-10 years has revealed 13.49% of the ears having type B [5.29%] and type C [8.20%] patterns suggestive of otitis media with effusion and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Preliminary otoscopy performed in 297 children revealed tympanic membrane with signs of middle ear effusion in 22.48% of the ears. Acoustic reflex response was absent in 18 [9.52%] of the ears. Abnormal middle ear pressure [MEP] in 42 [11.1%] and physical volume [PV] in 13 [4.3%] of the ears was observed. Prevalence of OME in children Baluchistan with its possible contributory factors are discussed

Prevalence of hypertension in children of hypertensive and normotensive parents living in Lahore

To assess the prevalence of hypertension in children, 200 subjects aged 5-18 years were selected from 55 families of middle socioeconomic status, living in different areas of Lahore. One hundred children were from hypertensive parents and the same number of children from normotensive parents. The percentile values of blood pressure measurements were calculated. Children were considered to be hypertensive if occasionally above the 95th percentile or consistently above the 90th percentile.The prevalence of systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to these cut points was found to be 6% and 10.5% respectively. Systolic hypertension was relatively common in male children whereas diastolic hypertension was more prevalent in female children. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures in children of the hypertensive parents were found to be on the higher side and these children were relatively obese

comparative study of lipid profile in children and young adults of the hypertensive and normotensive parents living in Lahore - Pakistan

Two hundred children of hypertensive and normotensive parents belonging to middle income group were studied for cholesterol, HDL - cholesterol, serum triglycerides values and their association with blood pressure. The mean serum cholesterol concentrations within the two groups revealed no significant difference. In the sex matched 5 - 7 and 8 - 10 years age subgroups, mean cholesterol values showed a significant difference [p<0.05]. The mean values of HDLcholesterol on comparison between the two groups were statistically significant [p<0.01]. The mean values of serum triglycerides were found to be significantly higher when compared in two groups [p<0.0001] and when compared male to male and female to female in each groups the mean differences again were significant [p < 0.02] and [p < 0.01]. A significant association [p < 0.002] was observed between systolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides

Noise induced hearing loss in industrial workers of Karachi

Noise induced hearing loss [NIHL] sustained during work is detrimental to hearing. Workers involved in a number of industries operating in Karachi are victim to this hazardous occupational disease. International Labour Organisation [ILO] and World Health Organization [WHO] recognise NIHL as occupational disease that deserves compensation and they have set up industrial standards for noise level with current standard limiting noise exposure of 95 dB for 2 hours daily. Workmens Compensation Act 1923 and Social Security Ordinance 1965 do not include acoustic trauma as an occupational disease for percentage compensation. A conservative estimate afer this study suggest that 14,441 workers out of a total number of 173,300 registered with Sindh Social Security Institution in 1992 have noise induced hearing loss. This provokes an urgent need to persuade the workers, employers and the Government to realise the gravity of the situation so as to bring legislative measures, that can be employed to reduce noise at work and to provide compensation for the occupational deaf

Double blind group comparative study of 2 sodium cromoglycate and placebo in treatment of perennial rhinitis in Karachi

Double blind group comparative study was done of 2% Sodium Cromoglycate solution four times a day and placebo in the management of perennial rhinitis in 45 patients. Duration of treatment was six weeks following a two week baseline. Five patients were excluded from the trial when they failed to return. Analysis of 20 patients in each group showed 8 patients [40%] in both treatment groups felt that the treatment made the symptoms completely or much better. The clinicians considered 13 patients [65%] in Sodium cromoglycate group and 11 patients [55%] in placebo group completely or much better. Statistically no significant difference was found between treatment groups for opinion of treatment, speed of onset of activity or acceptability of treatment. Improvement in symptoms assessed at the clinic were seen in both treatment groups