Effects of green tea [camellia sinensis] on serum total cholesterol and triglycerides of mice on high fat diet

Objective: to evaluate the effects of green tea on serum total cholesterol and triglycerides of mice on high fat diet

Material and Methods: sixty adult mice, Balb-C strain were selected and divided into three groups. The control group was given standard laboratory diet throughout the study. In experimental group A, the study was carried o t in two phases. In the first phase, hepatic steatosis was induced by high fat diet containing 4 percent cholesterol powder and 40 percent butter fat for six weeks. In the second phase, experimental group was given normal diet with 1 percent green tea over a period of next six weeks. The experimental group B was given high fat diet containing 4 percent cholesterol powder and 40 percent butter fat with 1 percent green tea over a period of twelve weeks. Ten mice in each were sacrificed at six weeks and remaining ten was sacrificed at twelve weeks

Results: high fat diet for six weeks produced significant hepatic steatosis, evident on histological analysis. When experimental group A [induction phase] with high fat diet was compared with the [reversal phase] on normal diet and green tea, statistically significant difference [p<0.05] was noted in terms of biochemical parameters [serum total cholesterol and triglycerides]. Green tea affected all biochemical parameters in experimental group B, which though reduced never reached the control value and remained somewhat elevated

Conclusion: green tea protects against the development of hepatic steatosis and reduces hepatic injury in mice

Internal as to placental edge distance and mode of delivery in minor degree placenta previa

To determine the frequency of vaginal delivery cases of minor placenta praevia. This study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and labour room of Ghurki Trust Teaching hospital for six months from 1-07-2007 to 3 1-12-2007. Total forty patients were included. A suspected diagnosis of placenta praevia on abdominal ultrasound was further assessed by TVS. Mean age of the patients was 22.80 +/- 3.77, Mean gestational age at last ultrasound was found to be 37.02 +/- 0.76 weeks. During labour, all patients were monitored for vaginal bleeding. APH occurred in 22.5%, However, in all cases, it was mild bleeding and no patient required emergency caesarean section because of haemorrhage. 80.0% patients delivered vaginally and 20.0% had emergency LSCS. In no case of caesarean section had to perform for APH. 200% patients had LSCS either because of fetal distress or failed progress of labour. The data of this study support the trial of vaginal delivery in cases with a placental edge to internal os distance more than 2cm, Because these patients have high likelihood of normal vaginal delivery and decrease chances of significant anteparturn haemorrhage

Outcome of primigravida with unengaged versus engaged fetal head at term or onset of labor

The objectives of the study were to compare the progress of labour, need of medical and surgical interventions and fetomaternal outcome in primigravidae with non-engaged versus engaged fetal head at term or onset of labour. This study was performed at Services Hospital from July 2008 to December 2008. A total of 200 cases were studied over a six months period. Among these, 100 had engaged head and 100 had unengaged fetal head. Among these 100 women with unengaged head 62% had normal vaginal delivery and 38% had Caesarean delivery versus 85% normal vaginal delivery in engaged group. No etiology was found for unengaged fetal head in 46% cases. Duration of labour was prolonged and there was a greater need for active medical and surgical intervention in the unengaged group. There was no significant difference in maternal and neonatal morbidity between the two groups. Thus primigravidae with unengaged fetal head at term or onset of labour should be considered high risk and with proper monitoring and maintainence of partogram vaginal delivery is possible in majority with minimal fetomaternal morbidity

Frequency of backache in pregnancy women attending antenatal clinic

To determine the frequency of backache and assess the efficacy of various treatment modalities used for the management of backache in pregnancy.Descriptive study. Outpatient department of obstetric services, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Patients coming to the antenatal clinic during February 2004 were asked about history of backache. A total of 918 women with complete data were recruited. Four hundred and thirty-two [47.05%] reported one or more significant episodes of back pain during their pregnancy. Of these 96 [22.22%] noted ongoing back pain at the time they became pregnant leaving a true incidence rate of [36.60%]. Twenty-one patients [4.86%] were less than 20 years, 407 [94.21%] were in between 20-40 years of age and 4 [0.92%] were above 40 years. Eighteen patients [4.16%] were less than 50kg, 345 [79.86%] had weight in between 50-70 kg and 69 [15.97%] were more than 70kg. Seventy-eight patients [18.05%] were primigravidas, 292 [67.59%] were multigravidas and 62 [14.35%] were grand multigravidas. Ninety-six patients [22.22%] had backache before pregnancy and 336 [77.77%] had it during pregnancy. No treatment was taken in 23 patients [5.32%], rest in 297 [68.75%], analgesic in 106 [24.52%] and massage by 6 [1.38%] patients. Subjective relief was up to 50.0% with rest, 75.0% with analgesics and up to 50.0% with massage. Backache is quite common in pregnancy. About one quarter of all pregnant women experience backache. About half of the patients took treatment mainly in the form of rest and analgesia. Chiroptic practice is also common in pregnancy and it gives some relief as well

Prescribing in pregnancy

Objective: To assess the prescribing patterns and clinical practices in the use of pharmaceutical agents in pregnancy

Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional study

Study Period: March 2002 to March 2003

Setting: Study was conducted at antenatal clinic, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore

Materials and Methods: 250 patients from antenatal clinic were interviewed to collect information regarding age, parity, gestational age, any medication, its indication, route, duration and prescriber during current pregnancy on a pre-designed proforma

Sampling Method: Patients were enrolled in this study on first come and enroll basis

Results: Most of the women [90%] visiting the antenatal clinic were in the age group 21-30years. 94% of the women were taking medications and the prescriptions included haematenics [88%], folic acid [61%], calcium supplements [63%], antibiotics [22%], anti-fungals [19%], antiemetics [8%] and laxatives [6%]. 6% of women were not taking any medication. Commonest prescribers were general practitioners [46%]. Rest of the prescribers were medical officers at antenatal clinic [28%], LHVs/nurses [11%] and specialists [9%]. Self-medication was seen in 6%. 47% of the women taking self-medications were among the educated group [Matric and above] and 53% of the women were among the uneducated group [P < 0.001]. 28% took treatment from general practitioners and lady health visitors without any certain diagnosis, on symptomatic grounds

Conclusion: The use of drugs in pregnancy is substantial and varied. Information on the use of drugs during pregnancy is scarce and anecdotal. Careful consideration of the benefits to the mother and risks to the fetus is required, when prescribing drugs during pregnancy. All prescriptions or drugs recommended in pregnancy must have solid evidence derived from current literature

Infantile colic

Infantile colic is a disorder commonly encountered by the family physician. Although colic is not detrimental to an infant's health, it can place tremendous stress on the family. No effective cure for this disorder is known. Behavioral management, supportive counseling and parental reassurance are the mainstays of treatment