Common birth marks; to identify the frequency in infants presenting to out patient of Tertiary Care Hospital

Objectives: To identify the frequency of common birthmarks presenting in outpatients department of dermatology until and to increase awareness among doctor about the common phenomena

Patients and Study Design: A cross sectional study

Setting: OPD of Dermatology department of Dow University Hospital

Period: January 2014 till October 2014

Methods: During a year, by using non-probability convenient sampling only 100 patients of both genders were enrolled in the study after ensuring inclusion, exclusion criteria. Complete history was recorded and a thorough general physical and cutaneous examination was performed. Information was collected on predesigned questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data Analysis was carried out on SPSS statistics software

Results: Out of 100 patients, 43% were males and 57% were females. In 69.6% patients, the birthmarks were noticed around time of delivery, 28.3% patients were noticed within 1[st] year of life and 2.2% later in 5 year. Pigmented birthmarks were identified in 65.2% patients while 34.8 % have vascular birthmarks.71.1% had no changes in color during life span. While 37.8% had 1-3 cms birthmark and 45.7% have reported an increase in birthmark

Conclusions: We found birthmarks benign; they may grow with age but they do not need treatment unless there is concern either cosmetically or they have pain and discharge

Factors related to blood transfusion in placenta previa

To determine the frequency of blood transfusions in cases of placenta previa and to assess the factors influencing such a need. Descriptive case series. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Civil Hospital Karachi, from January 2009 to December 2010. Clinical records of 88 cases of placenta previa were retrieved. Ten cases of placenta previa with multiple gestation, adherent placentae, placental abruption, maternal death on arrival and incomplete records were excluded. Seventy-eight cases were selected for the study. Structured proforma was used to collect information about transfusion of blood and blood products and the factors affecting need for transfusion. The mean age of the patients was 28.37+4.74 year; parity was between 2 to 4 in 34[44%] patients and 26 [34%] of the total cases were booked. A total of 177 [mean 2.3] transfusions were received by 59 [76.6%] patients. Seventy-five [97.6%] patients had anemia including 8[10.4%] cases of severe type. Patients aged below 25 or above 34 year, of un-booked status and parity below 2 or above 4, received more transfusions. Complete placenta previa, severity of anemia and signs of shock were significant determinants for transfusion. Majority of blood transfusions were given during the delivery or cesarean section. Pregnant woman with major placenta previa who presented with hemorrhage and already anemic, needed more replacement of blood