Study of Serum Sialic Acid and Copper as Inflammatory Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The study aims to understand the relationship between increased serum levels of acute- phase reactants like Sialic Acid (SA) and transitional metals like Copper (Cu) which are indicated to be associated with the etiology and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and its various chronic complications. Serum SA and Cu levels, measured colorimetrically using Ehrilch’s reagent and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) respectively among 30 cases each of type 2 DM with and without long-term complications, were significantly higher in all the cases compared to controls. The values are even higher in cases with complications, compared to diabetics without complications. Serum lipid profile was significantly altered in both the experimental groups. Serum SA and Cu levels are positively correlated to duration and degree of impaired glycemic status and altered lipid profile in type 2 DM. Measurement of these new serum markers can explain the inflammatory process, implicated towards the development of diabetic complications like cardiovascular diseases and microangiopathies thereby helping in early medical intervention.

A study on asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy: prevalence, etiology and comparison of screening methods.

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in women with prevalence of 4-7% in pregnancy. The traditional reference test for bacteriuria is quantitative culture of urine which is relatively expensive time consuming and laborious. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy, to identify pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns and to device a single or combined rapid screening method as an acceptable alternative to urine culture. Methods: Clean catch mid-stream urine were collected from 250 pregnant women aged between 18-45 years attending antenatal clinic, for a period of one year (November 2008-2009). Screening tests such as gram staining of uncentrifuged urine, pus cell count, nitrite test and leukocyte esterase test were done. Identification of organisms and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed as per standard methods. Results: Out of the 250 pregnant women, 21 (8.4%) had significant bacteriuria. High percentage of asymptomatic bacteriuria was seen in 2nd trimester (42.86%) and in primigravidas (52.38%). E. coli (57.14%) was the most common organism. Among screening tests gram staining of uncentrifuged urine had a sensitivity of 85.71%. Nitrite and leukocyte esterase tests alone showed sensitivity of 71.42%. However, the combination of these two tests, either tests positive, showed sensitivity and negative predictive value of 90.47% and 99.09% respectively. Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy can be identified by simple and combined rapid screening methods and urine culture along with antibiogram so that early treatment can be started thereby preventing complications.