Comparison of fetal birth weight between anaemic and non anaemic pregnant women

The objective was to compare the fetal birth weight between anaemic and non anaemic pregnant women. This cross sectional, comparative study was conducted with a total of 200 pregnant women, 100 anaemic and 100 non anaemic, delivering in the labour ward of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital of Gynae unit 1. Study duration was one year from October 2005-September 2006. Pregnant women with singleton, term and gravidity up to 5 were included while twin, grand multi para, intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR], preterm and women with co-morbids were excluded. Data was recorded on a special form. Maternal blood was drawn for haemoglobin estimation and fetal birth weight was recorded after delivery. Results were analyzed by using SPSS 10 on computer. The mean fetal birth weight in anaemic pregnant women was 2338 +/- 266 gm and in non anaemic pregnant women it was 3081 +/- 307 gms with p-value 0.000. Out of 100 anaemic pregnant women 25% were mild, 65% were moderate and only 10% were severely anaemic. The mean birth weight of moderately anaemic was 2184 +/- 89 gms and of severely anaemic women was 1990 +/- 73 gms with p = 0.000. This study shows that anaemic pregnant women who have haemoglobin level of less than 11 gms/dl deliver low birth weight babies as compared to non anaemic pregnant women who have haemoglobin levels greater than or equal to 11 gms/dl

Association of menopause with osteopenia and osteoporosis: results from population based study done in Karachi

To assess the association of osteopenia and osteoporosis with menopause and compare the health seeking behaviour of women related to menopause in different strata of society. A cross-sectional study. Three different socioeconomic strata of Karachi from May till August 2004. A sample of 925 women, over 35 years of age, was selected from 16 clusters of 250 households [50 houses in each cluster]. All apparently healthy women having age between 35 and 50 years were selected in the cluster houses. Those who were not willing to be the part of the study or giving history of taking treatment for any disease for more than 4 weeks were excluded. In-depth interviews were conducted at their houses by the fourth year medical students trained and supervised by the senior faculty of the Medical College. T-scores were calculated to get BMD [Bone Mineral Density] for all the subjects through heel ultrasound. A total of 287 women were found to be experiencing menopause. The mean age of menopause was 47.8 + 4.7 years. Out of those 287 women, 135 [47%] wanted their menses to continue and 235 [82%] had consulted a physician after menopause. There was a significantly lower score of BMD of postmenopausal women [mean = -1.833 + 0.65] compared to pre-menopausal women [mean = -1.597 + 0.60, p=0.016]. Out of the 925 women interviewed, 53% had consulted a physician for various symptoms related to menopause. The symptoms experienced by pre-menopausal women included lack of sleep [25%], fear of becoming sterile [13%] and urinary incontinence [18%]. The average age of menopause was found to be similar to other studies of the country. Lower bone mineral density was found in greater proportion among older females. Majority needed intervention inclusive of awareness through health education and medication

Occurrence of post natal depression and its determinants: as reported at Abbasi Shaheed hospital

This study was conducted in order to assess the magnitude of the postnatal depression [PND] at Abbasi Shaheed hospital during 2004-2006 and also to explore the causes of PND A total of 600 subjects were selected through convenient sampling frame at Gyne unit I during postnatal follow up and their mental health was assessed by using Edinburg scale of postnatal depression. The females were contacted at 3 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks of delivery. Most of them were interviewed and examined in the Gynae OPD and some non complaints were contacted on telephone. There were 21 variables in the ESPND and a score of 13 or more was taken as a cut off for established post natal depression. The diagnosed cases of depression were referred to psychiatry department for further advice and treatment. It was found that 11% of the female had postnatal depression during 12 weeks of observation and majority of the participants 64% were of 20-25 years old. The causes among the cases [n=67] found to be overlapping but in 63% it was related to the repeated birth of female child, in 37% of the cases it was previous depressive illness while in 52% unplanned pregnancy was claimed to be the cause. Souse related problem was seen in 32% of the cases. Post Natal Depression was found to be a significant problem among women reporting at government teaching hospital. Repeated birth of female child and unplanned pregnancy were the significant causes in all cases. But due to limitations of the study design Used in this study, it was difficult to relate one single cause to the outcome and subsequent research using analytical design would be preferred

Platelets and leukocyte counts in pregnancy

A study involving the obstetric clinic population of 3 major teaching hospitals of Karachi has been conducted to define changes in leucocyte and platelet counts as pregnancy progresses. 573 "normal" pregnant women -183 in the first trimester, 195 in the second trimester and 194 in the third trimester were included in this analysis. We have found leucocytosis to be a feature of normal pregnancy; the change is subsequent to a progressive increase in granulocytes. Platelet counts were found to decrease slightly as pregnancy progresses