Impact of vitamin d on development of early childhood caries

Objective: To compare the levels of vitamin D in children with early childhood caries and children with healthy sound dentition

Study Design: Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of study: The study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College from September 2015 to March 2016

Material and Methods: Eighty children, between 2-8 years of age, were recruited after fulfilling a questionnaire from their parents or care giver. The sample population was divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of children suffering from dental caries and was comprised of 60 patients. Group 2 consisted of children with sound healthy teeth and was comprised of 20 children. Questions assessing children s socioeconomic background, dietary habits particularly frequency of sweet and milk intake, outdoor activity and dental hygiene related behavior were included. The diagnosis of childhood caries was based on oral health diagnostic criteria defined by World Health Organization [WHO] Overall total caries score [decayed missing filled teeth index] was obtained

Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH] D] was measured from serum samples of the children participating in this study using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Correlation analysis was done with Pearson correlation and t-test was applied

Results: Results have established association of Vitamin D levels in children with early childhood caries. Pearson correlation and t-test have revealed that total decayed, missing, filled primary teeth [dmft] caries score was also associated with 25[OH] D concentrations less than 30ng/ml, decreased oral hygiene, lower monthly income, increased sugar consumption, decreased milk intake and decrease outdoor activities. This cross-sectional study showed that carries and lower serum vitamin D are closely related with each other

Conclusion: Data from this cross-sectional study showed that dental caries and lower serum vitamin D were closely related. Improving children's vitamin D status may be an additional preventive consideration to lower the risk for caries

Efficacy of vacuum assisted closure in management of open wounds as compared to moist wound dressing-experience at CMH Rawalpindi

Objective: To compare the efficacy of vacuum assisted closure [VAC] therapy against regular moist wound dressings in reducing the surface area of open chronic wounds by at least 5 mm2 in terms of early closure of wound

Study Design: Randomized controlled trail

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at general surgery department CMH/MH Rawalpindi from Jun 2011 to Dec 2011 over a period of 06 months

Material and Methods: A total of 278 patients [139 in each group] were included in this study. Group A received VAC therapy while moist wound dressings applied in group B

Results: Mean age was 54.9 +/- 7.2 and 53.4 +/- 8.9 years in group A and B, respectively [statistically insignificant [p=0.12]. In group A, 96 patients [69.0%] and in group B 92 patients [66.2%] were male while 43 patients [31.0%] in group A and 47 patients [33.8%] in group B were female the difference being statistically insignificant [p=0.608]. In group A, 63 [45.3%] patients showed significant reduction in the size of the wound while only 41 [29.5%] patients in group B had adequate wound healing at the end of 04 weeks, the difference being statistically significant [p=0.0064]

Conclusion: VAC therapy decreases wound size more effectively than moist wound dressing technique. It definitely reduces hospital stay and ensures early return to work

In-patient services satisfaction survey in PNS Rahat Hospital Karachi

Objective: To study the key indicators of satisfaction for admitted patients in PNS Rahat

Study Design: Single Step Cross-Sectional Survey

Place and Duration of Study: PNS Rahat, June 2007 to Dec 2007

Patients and Methods: Priority population of 450 admitted patients whose feedback was recorded through a written questionnaire having 15 close ended questions out of which 2 questions were later excogitated to reduce study bias [duplication]

Results: Ninety three point seven percent [n%] patients filled the questionnaire reducing the sample size to 422 out of 450 patient approached. Fifty six point three percent patients were highly satisfied, 29.1% patients were moderately satisfied, 11.56% patients were just satisfied and 2.7%remained unsatisfied with hospital services provided during admission. In highly satisfied patients, performance of consultants was rated 82.7%. In moderately satisfied patients, standard of catering in ward was rated 41.5%. Twenty nine point five percent patients remained just satisfied and 25.4% were unsatisfied with hospital canteen services

Conclusion: Winning hearts and minds of admitted patients relies on consultants' and nurses' competence and availability. However, patients are highly dissatisfied by substandard catering in wards, unhygienic conditions and insufficient hospital canteen services