ABSTRACT
Background: Previous studies suggest that obese individuals are prone to pulmonary function abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function tests in obese individuals and to relate pulmonary abnormalities if any found to lipid abnormalities and to the extent and duration of obesity.Methods: This prospective study was done on 40 obese patients attending to Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital, Mumbai with complaints of pulmonary functions during the period from January to December 2012. Pulmonary function test was done with the help of Jaegers pneumoscreen. The percentage of body fat was determined by using triceps skin fold thickness technique by using Vernier callipers. Fasting serum samples was collected to analyses cholesterol and triglycerides.Results: Female preponderance was seen in the study (57.5%). Forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity, maximum mid expiratory flow rate was significantly reduced and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity was significantly increased in individuals who had abnormal pulmonary function. Decrease in pulmonary function was noted with increased levels of cholesterol and triglyceride but the correlation was not significant.Conclusions: Obese individuals although asymptomatic have significant lung function abnormality in the form of restrictive as well as obstructive pattern. Hence, reduction in the body weight may help in reversal of the pulmonary function indices.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: This study was performed in a tertiary care hospital in western India. Our aim was to understand and analyze the clinical profile and causes of acute non-traumatic paraparesis and correlate them with relevant biochemical and radiological investigations. Methods: 100 cases of acute nontraumatic paraparesis admitted over a period of three years were studied. Data on age, sex, presenting symptoms, clinical signs and medical investigations was analyzed critically. This study used the mean and the median as measures of central tendency and standard deviation as a measure of dispersion. Results: Incidence of acute non-traumatic paraparesis was found to be the highest in the third and fourth decade of life (36% of cases). Incidence among males (54%) and females (46%) was fairly equal. An inability to walk (72%) or a difficulty in walking (28%) were the chief presenting symptoms. 76% of cases presented in a stage of spinal shock. Tuberculosis was the commonest cause (40%), followed by acute transverse myelitis (26%). 50% of cases had compressive myelopathy while 30% had non-compressive myelopathy. Investigations such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, nerve conduction studies and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were useful in diagnosing the causes. Conclusion: The commonest cause of acute non-traumatic paraparesis was tuberculosis. Early use of the MRI scan helps to confirm etiology and site of lesion.