RESUMEN
This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalance of rubella antibodies among women of reproductive age and to emphasize the importance of vaccinating this population. Serum specimen of 180 students of College of Nursing Nishtar Hospital Multan was screened with IMMULITE/IMMULITE 1000 Rubella Quantitative IgG assay at MINAR [Multan Institute of Nuclear medicine and Radiotherapy]. Out of 180 serum specimens screened 168 [93.33%] were seropositive. 9 [5%] were seronegative and 3 [1.6%] fell in the intermediate range. All subjects were unmarried, between 16 and 24 years of age and none had a previous history of rubella vaccination. However there was non specific history of fever and rash in 11 [6.1%] students. It is evident from this small age without acquiring natural immunity need to be immunized to prevent repeated pregnancy loss and birth of infants with congenital rubella syndrome [CRS]
RESUMEN
To analyse causes of maternal deaths and to identify preventable causes leading to this tragedy in our setup. An analytical, hospital-based study. Department of Obstetric and Gynaecology, Nishter Hospital Multan from June-August 2005. During the study period retrospective data was collected for period of 10 year from January 1995 to December 2004. This data was analyzed in order to determine the Maternal Mortality Rate [MMR], causes of death and characteristics of the mothers who died including her age, parity and whether they were booked or unbooked. A total numbers of 30031 deliveries took place during the study period and there were 178 maternal deaths with maternal mortality rate of 593/100,000 LB [live births]. 7[3.9%] patients were below the age of 20, 74[41.5%] were in the age group of 21-30 and 82[46%] in 31-40 years age range. 15[8.42%] were above the age of 40. Most of them [69%] were grand multiparas [Parity >5]. The major causative factors were haemorrhage 63[35.4%], eclampsia 41[23.03%], sepsis 25[14.04%], anaemia 18[10.1%], hepatic encephalopathy 14[7.9%], abortion 11[6.2%]. Majority of the patients were unbooked and presented in the hospital very late. A high proportion of potentially preventable maternal deaths indicate the need for improvements in education for both patient and health care provider. The provision of skilled care and timely management of complications can lower maternal mortality in our setup