multidimensional evaluation of two cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with coronary artery disease

This study was performed to study the impact of two different cardiac rehabilitation programs [high frequency versus low frequency exercises] on the cardiopulmonary outcome of patients with stable coronary artery disease. Relation of these exercise programs on the recurrence of myocardial morbidity was also defined. Fifty patients with stable ischemic heart disease were divided into two groups: Group 1: including 25 patients who were subjected to a six-week high frequency exercise training and Group 2: including 25 patients who were subjected to a six-week low frequency exercise training. All the patients were subjected to full clinical assessment, laboratory investigations and Doppler echo cardio graphic studies. A statistically significant difference [p<0.05] was found after both the cardiac rehabilitation programs were instituted regarding all the exercise test characteristics studied. As regards quality of life [Qol] questionnaire there was also a highly statistical significant difference p<0.001]. Exercise training has a well-documented efficacy in the overall rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery disease. Beneficial effects of exercise training are evident along the different parameters of cardiac functions i.e. exercise capacity, exercise tolerance, cardiac hemodynamics as well as the patient's QoL

Estimation of soluble L- selectin and plasma fibronectin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

This study was done to detect the serum level of soluble L-selectin [sL-selectin] and plasma level of fibronectin [pFN] in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and compare these levels to normal healthy controls. The aim extends to determine the relation of these levels to clinical parameters of disease activity. Fifty patients with RA as well as twenty healthy persons- as a control group- were included into this study. All patients were subjected to full clinical assessment and laboratory investigations. sL-selectin and pFN were measured in patients and controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique, and their correlations with disease activity parameters were studied. Serum levels of sL-selectin and pFN were highly significantly increased in RA patients as compared to healthy controls [p<0.001]. These levels also showed a highly statistically significant correlation with some parameters of RA disease activity [p<0.001]. This rise was more evident in patients with severe disease activity sL-selectin and pFN levels are elevated in RA patients especially in those with a severely active disease. The might reflect their role in the pathogenesis of RA. The correlation of sL-selectin and pFN with clinical parameters of RA patients may help in evaluation of progression or remission of the disease

Risk factors and magnitude of osteoporosis among attendants at Banha university hospital

This work was conducted among three hundred and twenty attendants of the outpatient clinics in Banha University Hospital, with ages >/= 40 years, they were selected by systematic random sampling to clarify the magnitude of osteoporosis and its associated risk factors. Anthropometric measurements were done for each subject including. weight, height and BMI [Wt [Kg] / ht [m[2]]]. Also, bone density was measured using the densitometry, Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] scan for spines, hip and forearm at wrist joint was done for each subject. This research revealed that the prevalence of osteoporosis was 69.4% among the attendants and it increased significantly with increasing age [p<0,001]. Osteoporosis was significantly more prevalent among females [81.2%] than males [45.8%] [p<0.001]. Also, it was more encountered among subjects with low-weight [<60 Kg], height [>170cm] and low BMI [<25 Kg/m[2]]. The results illustrated that the significant life style and dietary risk factors of osteoporosis were: sedentary life, smoking, excessive tea and coffee intake and low milk consumption. Hypertension rheumatoid arthritis, calcium and vitamin D deficiency and using corticosteroids were the medical risk factors associated significantly with osteoporosis [p<0.001]. Late menarche, postmenopausal >/= 5 years and never using hormonal contraceptive or replacement therapy were the significant evident reproductive risk factors among females in this study. There is an association between the prevalence of osteoporosis and sedentary life style, dietary risk factors, medical risk factors and reproductive risk factors. Integrated health education programs with primary health care activities were recommended to increase awareness of adults about the major risk factors of osteoporosis and its important preventive measures