How frequent are consanguineous marriages?

To determine the frequency of consanguineous marriages in parents and grand parents of all admitted children in a pediatric unit. An observational study. All patients admitted over one year period from January to December 2001 in Unit I of Pediatric Department were included. Information was obtained regarding consanguinity of parents and grandparents of the children Clinically evident inherited disorders were also noted. Consanguinity was found in 72.7% of marriages. First cousin marriages were seen in 87% while second cousin marriages were seen in 12%. Consanguinity was also seen in the grandparents. It was found in 64.15% of maternal and 60.3% of paternal grandparents. Cousin-marriages are a norm in the population studied. Its effect on inherited disorders deserves further studies

Dengue fever

Pakistan has reported sporadic cases of Dengue fever [DF] and Dengue Haemorrhagic fever. The first recognized epidemic of DHF was recorded from Civil Hospital, Karachi and Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi in 1994-1995, published in 1997- 98. Majority of affected individuals are children. Although most children suffer non-specific symptoms, the mortality due to Dengue shock syndrome and Dengue haemorrhagic disease is much higher in children than in adults. Symptoms and signs include respiratory symptoms, as well as anaemia, hepatomegaly. A few studies have recorded patients with encephalopathy as well. Although the burden of disease due to dengue fever has not been determined in Pakistan, there is evidence that the menace of DF is increasing. Data from India, Bangladesh strongly suggest increasing incidence, with all 4 serotypes. This may be due to rapid urbanization with increase in breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti the vector which carries dengue virus. It is imperative for Pakistan to document the extent of the problem not only in Karachi but all over Pakistan. This is especially important considering the likely availability of various dengue vaccines in the near future. Surveillance studies should be under taken to document incidence of DF and DHF especially in children. This would help in considering Pakistan's policy regarding appropriate management and prevention to ensure universal morbidity and mortality secondary to DHF

Drug resistant malaria

Malaria is a major killer. The problem is heightened by reports of resistance to chloroquine. Rational use of antimalanal is necessary A patient who presented with drug resistance is reported here

Effect of intervention on promotion of exclusive breast feeding

community-based intervention study was conducted in a Katchi Abadi [slum area] of Karachi with the objective of improving optimal breast feeding practices, including promotion of exclusive breast feeding and giving of colostrum to newborns. Sixty-seven mothers were registered in the intervention group and 53 in the control group. Health education to promote exclusive breast feeding was provided in the form of flip-charts, videos and photographs. Sixty-six% mothers in the control group gave prelacteals as compared to 31% in the intervention group [P <.0001]. Colostrum was given by 97% mothers in the intervention group and 3% in the control group. Majority [94%] of intervention group mothers continued exclusive breast feeding till four months of age against 7% in the control group. It was concluded that health education programmes in the antenatal period as well as after birth can promote exclusive breast feeding practices

prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A, B, and C viruses in children of Karachi

A prevalence survey of antibodies to hepatitis A, B, C, in children of Karachi is reported. The study was carried out in children from Civil Hospital, Karachi between September 1990 to October 1991. The prevalence of IgG antibodies to hepatitis-A was very high; with 5 year old children showing 94% positivity of exposure to Hepatitis A virus Antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBS] was found in nearly 2% of children upto 14 years of age. The prevalence of Hepatitis C [anti-HCV] was negligable being 0.43% upto 14 years of age

Nutritional risk factors in a well baby clinic

Cross sectional data from a "Well Baby" [immunisation] clinic over a period of 1 year and certain associated environmental factors were studied to establish if any of these "risk factors" were significant in causing malnutrition. Thus the concept of "at risk" child has been highlighted for the under priviledged paediatric population

Prevalence of malnutrition in a well baby clinic

A retrospective study was done in children between 0-5 years of age attending the well baby clinic in the Civil Hospital Karachi outpatient department. The period of study was between 1979-1981 [3 years] and was done to determine the average weight for age of these children. The average weights of children between 0-3 months and 4-9 months fell above the 80[th] percentile [Harvard standard]. Between 10-24 months it was above 50[th] percentile ad between 2-5 years it was between 80-90[th] percentile. Next an attempt was made to ascertain the percentage of malnutrition found in these children according to Gomez's criteria. The overall percentage was 29.7% 31.2% and 16.7% of grade I, II AND III PEM respectively with only 22.2% children having a normal weight for age. The breakdown of cases in different age group revealed a similar distribution. This study highlights the presence of malnutrition [according to weight] seen in well babies in sick children this problem is more pronounced it reinforces our concern finding children at risk in such follow up clinics and preventing PEM from becoming severe