Chronic hepatitis ''C''; a dermatologic perspective

To find spectrum of various dermatological manifestations during hepatitis "C" virus infection in local population of hyderabad. This descriptive study was conducted in medicine department of Isra University Hospital Hyderabad from January 2011 to June 2012. A total of 325 anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled. All patients were subjected to detailed history, careful clinical examination of skin by a dermatologist to diagnose skin disease. All data was analyzed using statistical package SPSS 14.0. A total of 325 HCV positive patients [61% males and 39% females] were enrolled in this study. Mean age was 43 [SD+10 years], ranging from 15 to 78 years. About 41% had one or more dermatologic manifestations. Pruritis was the leading manifestation found in 11%, lichen planus [oral and cutaneous] was next to be found in 6.7% patients and hyperpigmentation in 5.2% patients. Urticaria [acute and chronic] was next counting in 5.23%. Jaundice, alopecia and vitiligo were seen in 4.9% each. Dry skin and interferon injection site erythema were observed in 4.6% patients each. Cutaneous vasculitis was noticed in 3.6% each, while photosensitivity, psoriasis and Raynaud's phenomenon were seen in 1.8%, 2.5%, 1.5% patients respectively. Dermatological manifestations are very common in patients with chronic HCV infection and when confronted with a suspected skin lesion, patient should be screened for it. Epidemiological studies are essential to determine the real prevalence of other dermatoses during course of HCV infection

study of babies born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

With the advent of ART [assisted reproduction techniques] the face of fertility for humans has changed. Couples previously unable to have children of their own now have a practical option to aid in pursuit of their fertility. With growing numbers of IVF [in vitro fertilization] and ICSI [intra cytoplasmic sperm injection] pregnancies, concerns regarding normality of these babies along with apprehension about their long term health are also mounting. This study was conducted to assess the growth and development of babies conceived by ICSI at the time of birth at the age of one month and subsequently at twelve months. To assess growth and developmental outcome of ICSI babies up to one year in comparison with babies born by spontaneous conception. A prospective cohort study. Twenty eight ICSI babies. All patients who underwent ICSI with a successful outcome from 15-10-2001 till 31-12-2004 were included. The outcome of pregnancy and gestational age were noted. The resulting neonates were evaluated critically at birth, 4 weeks and one year with regard to growth and development. The results were compared with age-matched controls and conclusions drawn. Growth parameters: weight, length and head circumference. Comparison of weight, length and head circumference between the observed mean and the mean of normal population at various ages for both boys and girls separately revealed that most of the babies had weight, length and head circumference within normal ranges. After correction for gestational age, all the pre-term babies caught up growth within the first year of life. ICSI babies do not have an adverse outcome with regards to their growth. However long term follow up is necessary to properly assess the developmental outcome. This needs to be confirmed by multicenter studies