ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular diseases [CVD], a group of disorders of heart and blood vessels [Coronary Heart Diseases; CHD and stroke], are the most common causes of premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. To study the level of knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among non-medical staff of Gulf Medical University. A cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey was used to collect data from 77 participants. Questions enquiring about the definitions of CHD and stroke [closed ended statements]; steps to be taken to reduce the risk of getting CHD/stroke [Open ended sections] and identification of factors that increase risk of CVD [from a list] formed parts of the questionnaire. Majority of the participants were South Asians, educated males [74%]. Around 76.6% and 57.1% knew definitions of CHD and stroke respectively. Exercise [76.6% and 45.5%], healthy food habits [68.8% and 35.1%] and smoking cessation [28.6% and 20.8%] were indicated as steps to be taken to reduce the risk of CHD and stroke respectively. From the listed factors, high blood cholesterol [87%], high blood pressure [84.4%], family history [75.3%], obesity/ overweight [65.7%], and diabetes mellitus [58.4%] were identified as factors that increase the risk for CVD. Very few participants identified male gender [30%] and South Asian ethnicity [18.2%] as risk factors. Though 84.4% identified tobacco smoking as a risk factor of CVD, only half of them knew that regular exposure to second-hand smoke can also lead to CVD. Moreover, few [36.4%] knew about high risk in females who smoke and use oral contraceptives and that the risk increases after menopause [23.4%]. The knowledge about CVD risk factors and prevention among the participants is high which may have been influenced by their working environment. However, it is far from [deal as they belong to a high risk ethnic population
ABSTRACT
To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional Bleomycin Injection [IBI] as a primary therapy for peripheral lymphangiomas in children. A prospective study was conducted at NICH Karachi from January 2003 to December 2005. Patients with peripheral lymphangiomas were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included previously treated lymphangiomas, infected lesions, intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal lesions. Thirty three patients were included in the study. All were treated with Intralesional Bleomycin Injection [IBI]. After aspiration of fluid from the lesion, 0.5 mg/kg of Bleomycin diluted in saline was administered at different sites into the lesion. Depending upon the size of lesion and age of patient, procedure was performed in operating theatre under local or general anesthesia. Reduction in size was seen in 90% cases [n=29], out of them 30% [n=10] showed near complete disappearance and 63% [n=21] showed good response. Two patients [6%] showed poor response and they underwent surgery. Few patients had minor complications like fever, pain, redness and increase in the size after injection. All these complications were managed conservatively with symptomatic treatment and no patient required hospitalization. IBI is an effective therapy for lymphangiomas, with results comparable to surgical excision. It has the added advantage of avoiding inadvertent injury to vital structures, scarring and other complications of surgery. We recommend it as a primary therapy for all peripheral lymphangiomas