Prevailing Marketing Practices and Consumer Preference for Pork in Bareilly City

Present study was conducted using purposive sampling technique to identify prevailing marketing practices and consumer preference for pork in Bareilly city. The study revealed that majority of retailers come under middle age group and belong to lower socio-economic strata. Facilities of chiller, deep freezer, disinfectant and packaging and labeling were not available at any retail shops. Majority of respondent sold 30-35kg pork/day with higher frequency of selling at morning within 4-5 hrs of slaughter. Problems faced by retailers were poor financial conditions and lack of marketing chain. Pork retailers required training and aids related to pork business from government. Majority of consumers at Bareilly city belongs to the lower socio-economic strata. Majority of individuals purchased pork at least 1-2 times per week, most of them purchased at morning time. Most of consumer preferred ham cut, purchased meat from road side stalls immediately after slaughter for preparing dishes from pork and preferred stewing. Finally, it can be concluded that pork was sold through unorganized sector, both consumers and retailers were not aware about quality and safety of pork and meager value chain exist for pork business at Bareilly city

Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffolds Eluting with Everolimus: for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Patients with de-novo Coronary Artery Lesion: Our Experiences at a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of de-novo coronary artery lesion by using Bioabsorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) ABSORB stents eluting Everolimus. Methods: Total 16 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary study of BVS absorb. Among them, Male: 11 and Female: 5. Total 20 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 56 yrs, for Female: 60 yrs. Associated coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive family history (FH) for CAD and Smoking. Patients were followed up clinically. Results: Among the study group; 13 (81%) were Dyslipidemic, 10(62.5%) were hypertensive; 6 (37.5%) patients were Diabetic, FH 3(18.75%), and 2(18%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese [Body Mass Index (BMI) M 25: F 27] and developed CAD in advance age. A common stented territory was for left anterior descending artery (LAD): 6 (37.5%), left circumflex artery (LCX) 5 (25%), right coronary artery (RCA) 6(37.5%). One patient had both LCX and LAD stenting. Total 3 patients had double/overlapping stent in RCA lesion. Territory wise distributions of BVS ABSORB stent were for LAD 6(30%), RCA 9 (45%), and LCX 5 (25%). There was no periprocedural or postprocedural complication. Conclusion: BVS ABSORB Everolimus eluting vascular scaffold showed favorable clinical outcome without any major cardiac events (acute or late stent thrombosis, MI or death) over a period of 9 month. Thus, BVS ABSORB would be favorable alternative to other available drug eluting metallic stents.

Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-Our Experiences at a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis using either Bare-metal stents or drug eluting stent. Methods: Total 33 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary non-randomized prospective cohort study. Among them, Male: 25 and Female: 8. Total 35 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 59 yrs, for Female: 62 yrs. Associated coronary artery diseases risk factors were dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive family history for coronary artery diseases and smoking. Results: Among the study group; 26 (78%) were Dyslipidemic, 24(70%) were hypertensive; 17 (51.5%) patients were Diabetic, 11(33%) were smoker and 7(21%) patients had family history of Ischaemic heart disease. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 26: F 27) and developed coronary artery diseases in advance age. Common stented territory were left main: 20 (60%), Left main to left anterior descending artery 7 (22%) and Left main to left circumflex artery 6 (18%). Average length and diameter of stent was 3.5 and 18 mm respectively. Stent used: Bare Metal Stent 5 (15%), Drug Eluting Stent: 28 (85%). Among the different Drug Eluting Stents, Everolimus eluting stents were 11 (39.3%), Sirolimus eluting 10(35.7%), Paclitaxel eluting 3 (10.7%), Biolimus eluting 3 (10.7%) and Zotarolimus eluting1 (3.6%). In the present study, overall survival outcome was 94% (31 patient), mortality of cardiac cause 3% (1 patient) and 1 patient (3%) died of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Our study has shown that percutaneous coronary intervention of the unprotected left main is a safe and effective alternative to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG).

Slender Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (“Slender PCI”) via Transradial approach by using 5Fr Guide Catheter- An Updated Single Center Experiences.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary procedural success of slender PCI via transradial approach using either Bare-metal stents (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (DES). Methods: Total 10 patients were enrolled in this very preliminary study. Among them, Male: 8 and Female: 2. Clinical presentation were Ant MI: 4 (40%), Inf. MI: 2 (20%), Angina II-III: 3 (30%), and NSTEMI: 1 (10%). Total 10 stents were deployed. Mean age were for Male: 44yrs, for Female: 55yrs . Associated CAD risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking (all male). Results: Among the study group; 9 (90%) were Dyslipidemic, 5 (50%) were hypertensive; 6 (60%) patients were Diabetic, FH 6 (6%) and 8(63%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 24: F 27) and developed CAD in advance age. Common stented territory were LAD: 5 (50%) followed by RCA: 3 (30%) and LCX: 2 (20%). Average length and diameter of stent for LAD, RCA and LCX were 3.25, 3.16, 2.5 and 21.4, 20.3, 20 respectively. Stent used: BMS 3 (30%), Everolimus 5 (50%), Sirolimus 1(10%) and Zotarolimus 1(0.75%). Less contrast used (49.5ml), reduced radiation exposure (4727Gym2) and less fluoroscopy time (193 sec) with overall no procedural complication were observed. Conclusion: Our study has shown that the slender PCI via radial artery with a 5F guide catheter is safe with no procedural complication. It is also associated with less radiation exposure, less fluoroscopy time, good backup support and quick mobilization of patient.

Patency of Multiple stents/Overlapping Stents in Single Artery Territory in Bangladeshi Patient: An Updated Single Center Experiences.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) in Bangladeshi population is diffuse in nature with small caliber arteries. Now a day, these are treated, by PCI with stent deployment, often multiple in a single coronary artery. However, long term data on In-stent re-stenosis (ISR) in multiple or overlapping stent in single coronary artery in these patients is not yet available. Therefore, the aim of our present study was to assess long-term outcome of stent patency or the development of ISR of varieties stent in single vessel territory. Methods: Patients were prospectively selected from, who underwent coronary angiogram at our hospital for further evaluation of their previous PTCA in the 3-36 months preceding the study for the quantifying period of 2007-2011. Total 51 patients (male: 42, Female: 9) who had multiple stents in one coronary artery were included in this study. Average age was Male: 57; Female:61. Average study period was 3.1 ± 2.4yrs. Results: Our results show that, among the total studied population 82.4% (42) were male and 17.6% (9) were female. Total 114 stent were deployed in 54 vessels of 51 patients. Territory wise distribution of deployed stent was LAD 52(45.6%), RCA 42 (36.8%) and LCX 20(17.5%). Stent used were BMS 45(39.5%), DES 69(60.5%). Re-look Coronary Angiogram (CAG) revealed that Significant ISR (ISR>60%) developed in BMS 8(17.8%) and DES 8(11.5%). Among the different DES the development of significant ISR were in Sirolimus 1(3.2%), Paclitaxel 4(16%), Everolimus 3 (30%). Conclusion: Our study has shown that deployment of multiple stents in a single artery territory (either separately or as overlapping) is safe and has reasonably lower degree of ISR, even when BMS was used. As a whole BMS shows higher degree of ISR than to DES for an average period of follow up of 3.1 yrs.

Tran-Radial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is Safe and Alternative to Conventional Trans-Femoral Approach: Our Experiences at Apollo Hospitals Dhaka.

Background: Aim of the study was to assess the safety of the trans-radial Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than conventional Trans-femoral approach by using either Bare-metal stents (BMS) and or Drug Eluting Stent (DES) like Sirolimus-eluting or Paclitaxel-eluting stent. Also to see its safety in regards of procedural time, quick mobilization, less complication and less radiation exposure. Methods: Total 117 patients were randomized from a total of 538 patients who had PCI at our center in the quantifying period. Total 130 stent deployed in 117 patients. Among the patients, Male: 100 and Female:17 . Mean age were for Male: 55yrs, for Female:57yrs . Associated Coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking (all male). Results: Our study shows 21.7% had trans-radial PCI. Among the study group; 72 (61.5%) were Dyslipidemic, 75 (64.1%) were hypertensive: 47(40.2%) patients were Diabetic, FH 29 (24.8%) and 33(33%) were all male smoker. Female patients were more obese (BMI M 27: F 29) and developed CAD in advance age. Common stented territory were LAD 51 (43.6%) followed by RCA 41 (35%) and LCX 27(23%). Average length and diameter of stented vessel were almost same in all territory. Territory wise multiple or overlapping stenting was done in LAD 3 (6 stents), RCA 1(2stents), LCX 4 (10 stents). Stent used: BMS 37 (28.5%), Sirolimus 41(31.5%), Paclitaxel 27 (21%), Everolimus 22 (16.9%), Biolimus 2 (1.5%) and Zotarolimus 1(0.75%). Less Procedural time, reduced radiation exposure, no procedural complication and overall better patient comfort were observed. Conclusion: Our study has revealed that trans-radial PCI is safe with reduced radiation exposure, quick mobilization of patient and no procedural complication in all the case, indicates it can be done routinely as an alternative to conventional Trans-femoral approach.

Multiple/Overlapping Stents in a Single Artery Territory in Bangladeshi Patient Population with Diabetes Mellitus (DM)-Sirolimus Eluting Stent (Cypher) shows better Patency and Reduced ISR: A Single Center Experience.

Background: Data of stent patency or the development of ISR in multiple or overlapping stent in a single vessel territory of Bangladeshi diabetic (DM) patient population is not yet available. Therefore, the aim of our present study was to assess primarily the long-term stent patency of varieties of stent in patient with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Non-diabetes Mellitus (NDM). Methods: Patients were prospectively selected from, who underwent coronary angiogram at our hospital for further evaluation of their previous PTCA in the e”36 months preceding the study for the quantifying period of 2007-2011. Total 51 (11%) patients (male: 41, Female: 10) from a total 461 patients were included in this study who has multiple or overlapping stent in single vessel territory. Total 32 (62.7%) patients included into the DM group with an average age of 57 yrs and in the NDM were 19 (37.3%) with 58 yrs. Average ISR period was 3.1 ± 2.4 yrs. Results: Our result shows that total 70 stent were deployed in 33 vessels of DM patient and 44 stent in 21 vessel of Non-DM patient. Territory wise total number of deployed stent in patient of DM: NDM were in LAD 34 (48.6%): 18(41%), RCA 16 (22.8%): 4 (9%) and LCX 20(28.6%): 22(55%). Stent used in DM: NDM; were BMS 21 (30%): 22(50%), Sirolimus 24(34.3%): 10(22.7%), Paclitaxel 17(24.3%):8(18.2%), Everolimus 6(8.6%):4(9.1%)%). Re-look coronary angiogram (CAG) revealed that increased number of in-stent restenosis occurred more in patient with Diabetes [DM 10(31.3%) vs NDM 5(26.3%)]. Significant ISR (ISR>60%) in DM patient treated with for BMS were 4 (36.4%), for Paclitaxel 3(42.3%), for Sirolimus 1(9.1%). Average stent size and length were almost same in both groups for any coronary territory. Conclusion: Our study has revealed that increased number of ISR were more in patient with diabetes (DM) in a single artery territory when multiple stents were used either separately or as overlapping. Among the stent used, Sirolimus shows better patency with reduced ISR than Paclitaxel and other limus eluting stent for an average period of follow up of 3.1 yrs.

Study on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction: in-hospital and 30-days Survival Outcome.

Objective: Aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and survival outcome of Primary PCI (pPCI) in patients with Acute Myocardial infarction in our hospital setting. Methods: Total 30 (Female 5; Male 25) patients were enrolled in this study who were brought in to our hospital with STEMI. Average age was, Male 56, Female 52. Primary PCI was performed after transferring patient from Emergency Department (ED) to Cardiac Catheterization laboratory. Cardiovascular risk factors among the studied population were Dyslipidemia, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Smoking and Family History. Results: Primary PCI either with Bare Metal Stent (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (Sirolimus-eluting stent or Paclitaxel stent) were performed in total 13 LAD lesion and 15 RCA lesion and 2 LCX lesion. BMS used were 66.7%, Sirolimus 20% and Paclitaxel-eluting stent 13.3%. Total 2 patients expired but due to hemorrhagic CVA and refractory heart failure. At presentation, ECG evidenced diagnosis were Acute Anterior Wall MI : 12 (40%), Inferior MI: 16 (53%), Infero-Posterior MI: 2 (6.7%). Our study showed that Primary PCI increases the higher survival outcome 28 (93.3%) out of 30 patients with acute MI. Conclusion: Our present study revealed that revascularization by Primary PCI showed safety and better percentage of In-hospital and 30-days survival outcome in patients with Acute myocardial infarction in our hospital setting.

Incidence and Prevalence of Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Background: Aim of our present study was to evaluate the extent of Renal Artery Stenosis(RAS) in patients with Coronary Artery disease (CAD) in context of Bangladesh demographic distribution. Methods: Total 100 patients with renal artery disease were randomized from a pool of 1200 patients who were underwent routine diagnostic coronary angiogram for the evaluation of extent of their CAD. Renal arteries were studied at the same time. Among the patients, Male: 64 and Female:36 . Mean age were for Male:62yrs , for Female: 58 yrs . Associated CAD risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking. Results: Our study results show 100 patients (12% of the sample) had RAS lesion out of total 1200 patient who underwent routine CAG. Sex distribution is male 64 (64%), Female 36 (36%). Among the study group; 79 (79%) were hypertensive; 57 (57%) were Dyslipidemic, 54 (54%) patients were Diabetic, 27 (27%) were smoker (all male) and 18(18%) were having positive FH for CAD. Female patients were more obese and developed CAD in advanced age (male: 53.5 Versus Female:64 yrs). We found that the Prevalence’s of RAS is more in patients with TVD (43%), followed by DVD (10%) and SVD (10%), Minor to mod CAD (14%) and angiographically normal coronaries (23%). Significant (>50% Stenosis) Left renal artery stenosis were found in 27 patient and 23 had significant Right renal artery stenosis. Total 8 patents had significant both renal artery stenosis. Conclusion: Renal artery stenosis is one of the most important peripheral vascular disease, needing to be diagnosed early and subsequent intervention to keep continuity of renal blood flow. In the present study, we found that the significant association of Renal Artery Stenosis in patients with CAD. Incidence of RAS is more in patients with TVD. Therefore, we recommend routine Renal angiogram during coronary angiography.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in Patients with Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO): A Single Center Experiences.

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the primary in-hospital success and 30-days survival outcome of PCI in patients with CTO lesions, using either Bare-metal stents (BMS) or Drug Eluting Stent (DES) like Sirolimus-eluting or Paclitaxel-eluting stent in our hospital setting. Methods: Total 50 patients were randomized as per the definition of CTO, from a total of 400 patients who had PCI at our center in the quantifying period. After the guidewire crossing and the balloon dilation, measurement of the culprit lesion was done by using Siemens QCA measuring system. Among the patients, Male: 41 and Female: 9. Mean age were for Male: 53.3yrs, for Female: 64.4 yrs. Associated CAD risk factors were Dyslipidemia, High Blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus, Positive FH for CAD and Smoking. Results: Our study results show 50 patients (12.5%) had CTO lesion out of total 400 PCI procedures. Sex distribution in male 41 (82%), Female 9 (18%). Among the study group; 38 (76%) were Dyslipidemic, 31 (62%) were hypertensive; 20 (40%) patients were Diabetic, 9 (22%) were all male smoker, 5 (10%) were having positive FH for CAD. Female patients were more obese and developed CAD in advance age (male: 53.5 Versus Female: 64.4 yrs). Average diameter of stented vessel was greater in RCA than LAD and LCX. We found that the incidences of CTO lesions were more in LAD territory 20 (40%) followed by RCA 17 (34%) and LCX 13(26%). Single vessel Disease (SVD) in 45 (90%) patients was more common type of CTO lesion followed by Double vessel disease (DVD) in 5(10%). Post procedural, in-hospital and 30 days survival out comer was 100% in our present study. Conclusion: Our study has revealed that PCI in patients with CTO lesions has increased inhospital and 30 days survival outcome, are treated with BMS or DES. The incidence of CTO lesion is more common in male than in female. Female are developing heart disease in advance age and are more obese.

Unusual presentation of progressive systemic sclerosis.

A female 38 years old, housewife, presented to the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) on 08.04.07 with the complaints of i) pain and reduced movement of hand, knee, shoulder and neck joints for 1 year and 9 months ii) tightness of skin over face, neck, limbs and trunk for 1 year and 6 months iii) patchy depigmentation over same areas for 1 year and 3 months iv) deformity of hands with flexion contractures for 6 months and v) dysphagia to solid food for 3 months. She had no complaints of Raynaud's phenomenon. On general examination, she was ill looking, anemic and nutritionally poor. Examination of integumentary system showed smooth, shiny, thick, hard and hidebound skin with pigmentary alteration of 'salt and pepper' appearance over fingers, hands, limbs, face, neck and trunk. Hands appear claw like but more on the right side than the left and there were no other obvious changes suggestive of digital ischaemia (atrophy, ulceration, scarring, gangrene etc). Face has got suggestive features of scleroderma. Examination of the respiratory system showed restriction of chest movement and reduced expansibility of chest wall. No other abnormality was found on examination of other systems. Laboratory investigations showed histopathology typical of scleroderma. X-ray of hands and feet showed suggestive changes, lung function test-showed restrictive lung disease. Barium swallow x-ray of esophagus in supine position showed mild dilation of lower oesophagus. But serology was non-reactive (negative ANA, Negative RA test, Negative VDRL). So, she was diagnosed as a case of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) with some atypicality.

Evaluation of 35 cases of abdominal lymphoma.

Abdominal lymphoma is not a common clinical entity in Bangladesh. Still, in our Clinical practice we come across such problem occasionally. Because of their rarity and variable unusual behaviour, such case may present a major challenge even to experienced clinicians. Thirty five cases are reported in this series of which 29 were male and 6 were female (M:F = 4.8:1). Cases were collected from BSMMU, DMCH, MMCH, different clinics of Dhaka. Mean age was 36.7 years. Out of 35 cases 20(57.15%) had primary abdominal lymphoma, 08(22.85%) had secondary lymphomatous involvement, 07(20%) were cases of nodal lymphomas with or without superficial lymphnode involvement. All patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms with or without an abdominal lump. Duration of symptoms of these patients ranged from 03 months to 02 years. In only 02 patients a clinical diagnosis of lymphoma was made pre-operatively. Various operative procedures were performed according to circumstances. Most common site of involvement was small intestine followed by large intestine, mesenteric lymphnodes, rectum and stomach. Among 35 cases, 28(80%) were Non-Hodgkin's, lymphoma 05(14.28%) were Hodgkin's and lymphoma 2(5.71%) were unclassified. All of the patients were referred to oncologist. Some of the patients received chemotherapy. The patients were followed up for a variable period. This study showed that abdominal lymphoma has a good prognosis provided diagnosed and treated early.

Histopathological analysis of hysterectomy specimens.

The objective of this study was to explore the histopathological findings and the rate of removal of ovaries in hysterectomy specimens. This study took into account 328 hysterectomy specimens examined in the Department of Pathology, Mymensingh Medical College and in one private Pathology Laboratory in Mymensingh town from March to August, 2005. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin were examined under light microscope. Patients' age, parts of uterus examined and their histopathological findings were retrieved from laboratory records. The common histopathological findings were: chronic cervicitis (87.80%), leiomyoma (17.07%), uterine prolapse (16.72%), adenomyosis (3.96), non-specific endometritis (3.35%), squamous cell carcinoma of cervix (2.44%), endometrial polyp (2.44%), serous cystadenoma of ovary (2.44%) and endometrial hyperplasia (1.83%). Some of the specimens show more than one lesions in the body of uterus, of which coexistence of adenomyosis and leiomyoma was the most common. Neoplastic lesions in cervix were 4.27%, in body 16.92% and in ovaries 5.06%. Malignant neoplasms were found in cervix 71.43%, in uterine corpus 3.03% and in ovaries 25%. Ovaries of both sides were removed in 48.17% of total cases. Their median age was 45 years, lowest age 23 years and maximum age was 82. The rate of removal of both ovaries was found to be increasing with the increase of age. Only one case was found to be subtotal hysterectomy and others were total hysterectomy. The present study revealed that the most common histopathological cause of hysterectomy is chronic cervicitis. Most common neoplastic cause of hysterectomy is leiomyoma. The rationalities and the possible after effect of hysterectomy in sexual functions and other physiological impairment should be followed up.

Combined occurrence of hyperthyroid Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A 40 years old, married Govt. servant from Sadar upazila, Mymensingh was admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on 9(th) February, 2005 with the complaints of excessive sweating for 1 year, gradual loss of weight for 6 months, swelling in front of the neck for 1(1/2) months, and hoarseness of voice for 1 month. He was nervous, irritable, emotionally labile. Thyroid gland was symmetrically enlarged, firm in consistency with scalloped surface. Palms were warm and sweaty with fine tremor in outstretched hands. Lid lag, lid retraction and proptosis were the occular manifestations. All the reflexes were exaggerated. Radioactive iodine uptake showed enlarged gland with homogenously increased radiotracer concentration, ultrasonogram findings were enlarged gland with hypoechoic parenchyma with fibrous septa, T(3), T(4), TSH values were 6.56 nmol/L, 241.09 nmol/L and 0.14 mIU/L respectively. Thyroid microsomal antibody level was 32.87%. Thyroid FNAC findings were sheets of regular follicular cells, some large cells with granular basophilic cytoplasm, macrophages, a few inflammatory cells and giant cells. All the above findings were in favour of a diagnosis of hyperthyroid Graves' with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) with strangulation following previous gastrojejunostomy.

Jejunogastric intussusception is a rare but potentially very serious complication of gastrectomy or gastrojejunostomy. To avoid mortality early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention is mandatory. A young man presented with epigastric pain and bilous vomiting followed by haematemesis 15 years after vagotomy & gastrojejunostomy for chronic duodenal ulcer. At presentation the patient was in shock and an emergency laparotomy was done after resuscitation. At laparotomy a retrograde type II JGI was found and managed by resection of the affected segment and partial gastrectomy and jejuno - jejunostomy with closure of the duodenal stump. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Retrograde JGI is a rare condition and only less than 200 cases have been reported since its first report. Clinical picture of acute intestinal obstruction with suspicion about the condition in patients having a past history of gastrojejunostomy makes the elusive diagnosis definite and demands early surgery to reduce the grave consequences of the disease.

Ultrasonographic determination of amniotic fluid volume in normal pregnancy.

Ultrasonographic assessment of amniotic fluid has important implications because documentation of abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume may provide valuable information to enhance fetal health assessment. But in our country no study was conducted to establish normal values of amniotic fluid volume. So, this study was designed to find out normal values of amniotic fluid volume at various stages of gestation. The study was conducted in the department of Radiology and Imaging, BIRDEM in collaboration with the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BIRDEM from 1(st) July, 2001 to 30(th) June, 2002. One hundred and twenty patients of normal pregnancy between 15 to 38 weeks' gestation were scanned by ultrasonography and their amniotic fluid volume was measured. For each gestational age between 15 and 38 weeks, 5 patients were recruited, and only one examination was done per pregnancy. Currently, the three semi-quantitative methods of assessing amniotic fluid volume include the amniotic fluid index (AFI), single deepest pocket (SDP) and two diameter pocket (TDP). Amniotic fluid volume of the study population was measured by the three methods. The values were plotted against each week in tabulated form. Thus the normal range of amniotic fluid volume in three methods (AFI, SDP, TDP) across gestational age in normal pregnancies was established. The mean value of amniotic fluid volume in AFI, SDP and TDP were 13.224 cm, 4.679 cm and 19.252 cm(2) respectively. AFI and SDP showed amniotic fluid volume increased with increasing gestational age up to early third trimester, but volume decreased thereafter. The prevalence of false positive result for oligohydramnios was 0.83% for AFI, 0% for SDP and 23% for TDP. The prevalence of false positive result for hydramnios was 1.66% for AFI, 0.83% for SDP and 0% for TDP. Thus the normal values of amniotic fluid volume for each of the three ultrasonographic techniques in the perspective of our country were obtained from the study. As the study was conducted with a limited number of patients, further study may be carried out with a large number of observations to reevaluate the results of the study.

A case of molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign contagious disease caused by a poxvirus. The virus proliferates within keratinocytes and forms intracytoplasmic Molluscum bodies. Though it is a common clinical condition, histologically is not yet reported from this region of Mymensingh. We received a skin biopsy specimen in a pathology laboratory for histological examination. The Haematoxylin and Eosin stained sections revealed typical intracytoplasmic Molluscum bodies in keratinocytes. The lesions were in the trunk, which is a common site for Molluscum Contagiosum (MC). As the diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum is easy by histological examination, every patient suspected to be this disease is recommended to be examined histologically to exclude other similar types of lesions.

Histopathological types of malignant lesions of esophagus and stomach.

Upper part of gastrointestinal tract is common site of malignancy. Histological types of malignancy of esophagus and stomach may vary in different countries and also in different regions in the same countries. To find out the frequencies of different histological malignancies in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh, we analyzed the histopathological reports of 259 biopsy specimens examined in one pathology laboratory in Mymensingh town during the period from 6th January 2002 to 29th April 2004. Endoscopic biopsies were 234 (90.35%) and surgical biopsy specimens were 25 (9.35%). Male patients were 193 (72.52%) and female patients were 66 (25.48%). Specimens of esophagus were 73 (28.19%) and of stomach were 186 (71.81%). Out of 69 (94.53%) adequate samples of esophagus 46 (74.19%) were squamous cell carcinoma and 16 (25.81%) were adenocarcinoma. Adequate samples of stomach were 177 (95.16%) in which malignancies were found in 119 (67.23%). All the malignant tumor of stomach were in adenocarcinoma of which 82 (68.91%) were intestinal type, 17 (14.29%) were diffuse type and 20 (16.81%) mixed type. Intestinal type of gastric adenocarcinoma was found to be significantly associated with male patients (p < 0.005). From the present study it is suggested that in the Mymensingh region the common form of malignant lesion of esophagus may be squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of gastric malignancy of which intestinal type is more common

Sensitivity of splenic and bone marrow aspirate study for diagnosis of kala-azar.

Fifty adult patients of kala-azar were included in this prospective study from Medicine Unit-I of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Splenic and bone marrow aspiration were done simultaneously to compare the sensitivity and other related merits and demerits of each procedure. Splenic aspiration appeared to be more sensitive procedure than bone marrow aspiration. Leishman - Donovan (LD) bodies were found in 90 percent and 72 percent of the spleen and bone marrow aspirates respectively. Splenic aspiration was found more acceptable to patients (96%) as it was less painful. Both the procedures were hazardless. There was no major complication except mild pain after splenic aspiration; even a few patients had history of epistaxis. Splenic aspiration was also more acceptable by the physicians because of an easy and reliable diagnostic procedure.