Frequency of anemia in pregnancy and its association with socio-demographic factors in women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi

Objective: The objective was to find out the frequency of anemia during pregnancy and its association with the different socio-economic factors

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: District headquarter hospital Rawalpindi, from September-November 2015

Material and Methods: The pre-diagnosed 196 pregnant anemic women were included in the study. Grand multipara pregnant women, anemia due to bleeding disorders and having chronic illnesses were excluded from the study. The pretested questionnaire along with Pakistan Social Living Standards Measurements [PSLM] prepared poverty score card was used. The study variables age, maternal education, abortions, parity and poverty were studied. The data collected were analyzed through SPSS 20.0 and Chi-square test was used to find out association between demographic variables and severity of anemia at a significance level of p< 0.05

Results: The frequency of anemia in the sample [n=196] observed as mild, moderate and severe +was 34.2% [67], 64.3% [126] and 1.5% [3] respectively. The mean [SD] hemoglobin recorded was 8.9 +/- 0.9g/dl [range=6.2- 10.9g/dl]. The mean [SD] age in the sample was 23.7+/- 4.2 years [range=17-40 years] while 92% [182] of the subjects were below poverty line. Majority of the pregnant anemic women were illiterate constituting 56.6% [111] of the total sample

Conclusion: There was a strong association between poverty, illiteracy, previous history of abortions, age and severity of anemia. Education, poverty, illiteracy, access to fortified sources, iron supplementation, deworming, and access to clean drinking water and sanitation, insecticides infections, inadequate nutrient intake all factors must be improved for success of anemia prevention strategies in developing countries like Pakistan

Renal mal-development - a devastating side effect of ginsenosides

Objectives: To determine the side effects of ginseng product on human

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore from Jan 2005 to December 2007

Materials and Methods: Thirty adult albino mice were split into three groups of 10 mice [eight pregnant females and two males] in each group. Group A received distilled water for full term of gestation. Group B received HTD [780 mg/kg/day] mixed in 0.1ml of distilled water and Group C received MTD [1560/mg/kg/day] mixed in 0.1ml of distilled water for full term of gestation. Embryos were taken by doing C-section on gestational day 18. The fetuses were prospected and kidneys were removed. The kidneys were fixed; processed and microscopic slides were prepared

Results: Histological examination showed signs of renal tubular malformation as well as varying degrees of un-differentiated mesenchymal connective tissue along with congestion and erythrocyte infiltration in the tissue preparations. These alterations were dose dependent in experimental groups. These changes were remarkable in the group C as compared with the group A or group B. Our study shows that Ginseng has embryotoxic consequences and indicates that more researches and close observation of embryotoxic outcomes of Ginsenosides on pregnancy arerequired

Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo and suggest that further investigations and monitoring of embryonic effects of Ginsenosides on human pregnancy are warranted

Prognosis of stroke in children after three months of regular physical therapy in Lahore

To evaluate the effects and significance of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises on stroke patients. The prospective follow-up study was conducted from January, 2012, to June, 2012, and comprised randomly-selected patients at the Department of Neurology, Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. Using systematic sampling the patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group I were subjected to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation therapy, while those in group II were treated by passive range of motion exercises only. All patients were followed up at months 1, 2 and 3. Data was collected through a questionnaire, while muscle strength was evaluated through Medical Research Council scale. All date was analysed using SPSS 20. There were 50 patients in the study who were all below 15 years of age. Muscle strength of affected side at baseline in the experimental group I was 2.36 +/- 0.49 and in the control group II it was 2.60 +/- 0.50. At the end of the three-month follow-up, it had considerably increased to 4.76 +/- 0.43 in group I while it was 3.80 +/- 0.50 in group II [p<0.0001] Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique was an effective method in terms of pain relief, stiffness reduction and functional improvement

Ginseng conduces degeneration of differentiating tissues in developing albino mice

The current study was conducted to evaluate its effects on developing skin, heart and intestines, derivatives of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm respectively, when given during pregnancy to albino mice. Experimental Randomized controlled trial study. This study was conducted at Anatomy Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore from Jan 2011 to July 2011. Twelve pregnant albino mice were divided into two groups of 6 each; group A was given distill water, Human therapeutic dose [HTD][780mg/kg/day] was dissolved in 0.1ml of distilled water and was administered to the animals of group B for entire length of pregnancy. Fetuses were delivered and dissected on 18[th] day of gestation. Tissue samples comprising, skin, heart and small intestine derivatives of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm respectively, were removed and processed for light microscopic study. In the current study, the difference between dead and alive fetuses, when compared between groups was found to be statistically significant [p value < 0.05]. In addition, the histological examination of the above tissues revealed extensive cell death resulting into loss of normal architecture of skin, heart and small intestine. Cells showed pyknotic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm, indicating process of apoptosis, which when compared between groups was found to be statistically significant [p<0.05]. It is suggested, therefore, that further investigations and monitoring of additional tissues for the effects of Ginsenosides during pregnancy are warranted

Familial predisposition and gender discrimination in patients with facial clefts in local population

To objective of this study was to know Familial Predisposition and Gender Discrimination in Patients with Facial Clefts in Local Population. Retrospective observational study. This study was carried on the data was retrieved from the documented files of patients presenting for plastic surgery at Shalimar Hospital and Children's Hospital and Arif Memorial Hospital from September 2009 to September 2012. The current study was conducted to cross link the occurrence of facial clefts with family history and gender. The profile of 126 patients was collected which were under treatment at various hospitals and was analyzed and evaluated. Results of the study demonstrated clear gender discrimination; with the incidence of bilateral cleft lip and palate more in males, and unilateral cleft lip and palate had a female predominance. A close association of patients with a positive family history was also seen in the study, 50% of patients with unilateral cleft lip and 50% of patients with bilateral cleft lip exhibited a positive history. 75% of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate and 25% of the patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate had positive family history. All patients with unilateral cleft palate had a positive family history. A close association demonstrated between the gender, positive family history and facial clefts led us to postulate that a probability of a genetic predisposition cannot be overlooked. The call of the day is that the future researches pertaining to facial clefts should aim their energies in isolation and localization of the Genetic and/or environmental factors responsible for the congenital malformation. The cleft per se could disappear from the Earth in a near future owing to the gene therapy and prenatal or, perhaps pre-conception screening, which will be able to eliminate the menace before it can disfigure the face of humanity

Knowledge of integrated management of neonatal and child illness [IMNCI] in final year medical students

To assess and compare the knowledge regarding Integrated Management of Neonatal and Child Illness [IMNCI] in final year medical students of two private and two public sector universities in Karachi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice [KAP] study was conducted in four different medical universities of Karachi using a self administered questionnaire, comprising of 20 questions. The sample size of 240 was selected, out of which 184 students responded positively. The mean age of students was M=22.9 [S.D= 0.88]. Basic knowledge was defined as students answering at least half of the questions correctly whereas partial knowledge was defined as students who could answer at least one option correctly. The Data was analyzed using SPSS 17. The study was commenced in July 2011 and completed by September 2012. Out of the respondents, 80.4% of the students had basic knowledge [being able to answer 50% or more of the questions correctly] of IMNCI. Of both the sectors, basic content knowledge was more in the public sector universities as compared to private sector universities. The hypothesis that more than 50 percent of the students will have basic knowledge of IMNCI was proven to be correct. It was shown that students of the public sector universities had relatively more knowledge; however more students have partial knowledge then complete knowledge. Although basic knowledge was found to be more in the students of public sector institutes, knowledge of IMNCI practice was correct in more students in the two private universities

Panax ginseng, its effects on development of hair follicles - an experimental study

The use of Herbal medicines in developed and developing countries is rapidly increasing on the presumption that they are better and safer than conventional medicines. It is now being reported that herbal preparations have far reaching effects on body systems especially in the developmental processes. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng on developing hair follicle of albino mice. Thirty mice, 6 - 8 weeks old weighing 30 - 35 gm were housed together for mating and pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug. The fetuses were delivered and dissected on the 19[th] day and the fetuses were delivered, microscopic slides of the hair follicles small pieces of skin were removed and processed for to be examined under light microscope. The pregnant dams were treated with Panax Ginseng and the litter obtained showed an increase in the number of hair follicles. Histological sections showed signs of haemorrhages and tissue degeneration. Although, embryo - toxicity in experimental model of animals may not reflect the situations in humans, further investigation and monitoring of the adverse effects of the Panax ginseng during pregnancy is warranted in humans

histological study of parotid gland malformation in fetuses with maternal treatment with Panax ginseng

The current study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Panax Ginseng on the development of salivary [parotid] glands in mice. It is generally believed that natural' herbal medicines including Ginseng are better and safer than conventional medicine and can be used safely during pregnancy even during the organ genic period. However, it was found that maternal treatment with Panax Ginseng negatively affected the development of parotid gland in fetuses with a reduction in number of acini and increase in mesenchymal connective tissue which failed to differentiate into parenchyma of the acini. There was also an increased erythrocytic infiltration in the glandular tissue; the changes encountered in the treated groups were dose dependent, with severe malformations apparent in high dose treated group

Histological changes in fetal liver after maternal treatment with panax ginseng

It is generally believed that 'natural' herbal medicines are better and safer than conventional medicines. Various in vitro studies have proved that Ginsenosides exert direct teratogenic affects on rat and mouse embryos and there is a significant variability in embryotoxic effects of different Ginsenosides. Histological examination revealed signs of hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal congestion and erythrocyte infiltration in the sections of liver. The changes encountered in the treated groups were dose dependant; these were marked in the high dose treated group. Ginsenosides present in the commercially available Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo, although results from animal teratogenicity may not reflect the circumstances in humans. Our investigation indicates that Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo and suggest that further investigations and monitoring of effects of Ginsenosides on human embryoes are warranted

Panax ginseng, its effects on development of hair follicles - an experimental study

Abstract: The use of herbal in developed and developing countries is rapidly increasing; oil presumption that they are better and safer than conventional medicines. It is now being reported that herbal medicines have far revenging effects on body systems especially in the developmental processes. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng on developing hair of albino mice

Materials and methods: Thirty mice, 6-8 weeks old were housed together for mating and pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug. The fetuses were dissected oil 19[th] day and the animals were delivered, microscopic slides of the hair follicles of the fetuses were prepared and examined under light microscope

Results and conclusion: The pregnant dams were treated with Panax ginseng and the litter obtained showed an increase in the number of hair follicles. Histological sections showed signs of hemorrhages and tissue degeneration. Although, embryo-toxicity in animal experimental model may not reflect the situations in humans, further investigation and monitoring of the adverse effects of the Panax ginseng during pregnancy is warranted in humans

Racial polymorphism in talar articular facets of calcaneum

Abstract: Calcaneum is a cancellous, subcutaneous, weight bearing bone that is considered a useful indicator for sex determination, stature estimation, and determination of osteoporosis; however, the role of Calcaneum in racial evaluation is often overlooked

Materials and Methods: In the current study a total of 350 dry calcanei were analyzed; all the bones came from adult Pakistani subjects of both sexes., and on comparison with Indian, Egyptian and Spanish patterns a definite predominance of type 1 talar articular facets was seen in Pakistani population

Conclusion: It is therefore proposed that the pattern of talar articular facets of Calcaneum is a useful indicator for racial differentiation

Ginseng induced gross malformations in albino mice in vivo

It is generally believed that herbal medicines are safer to use during pregnancy than the conventional. Herbal therapies have been recently reported to be associated with toxic effects in vitro, including teratogenic. There is paucity of evidence regarding effects of Geinseng on developing concepts in experimental animals. The present work was, therefore, designed using albino mice; these were given Panax ginseng root powder throughout pregnancy, the dams were sacrificed on 18th day of gestation and foetuses were delivered. Gross malformations were evident in the treated groups and were found to be statistically significant [P< 0.05] and dose dependent, being more pronounced in the high dose treated group as compared to the low dose treated or the control group. Previous studies have shown that different monomers of gin senosides have teratogenic effects in vitro; we adjoin by concluding that ginsenosides present in the commercially available Ginseng products have teratogenic effects in vivo as well