Maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight in Karachi: a case-control study

To evaluate maternal risk factors associated with low birth weight [LBW] among women aged 15-35 years, we carried out a hospital-based, case-control study on 262 cases [mothers of neonates weighing 2.5 kg]. Odds of delivering a low-birth-weight baby decreased with increase in maternal haemoglobin [odds ratio [OR]: 0.701; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62-0.79]. Odds were greater among mothers not using iron supplements during pregnancy [OR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.83-4.54]. Mothers of LBW babies had lower haemoglobin levels before delivery

Laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. an initial experience in Zagazig and Minia University Hospitals

To study the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GORD], fourteen cases were admitted to the department of surgery of Zagazig and Minia University Hospitals. All patients were selected after failure of medical treatment, full investigations especially motility studies were done. All cases were examined endoscopicaly and for 24 hours pH-monitoring. All cases were operated by the same team of authors. Nissen fundoplication was done. The mean operative time was 120 +/- 12 minutes. There was no mortality recorded in our study. There was marked reduction in the postoperative complications in comparison to the open surgery, and there was significant improvement in the reflux problem. In conclusion laparoscopic fundoplication is a well promising technique that can effectively relieve symptoms of GORD with minimal morbidity and mortality as well as the mild postoperative pain. Short hospital stay and other benefits of laparoscopic surgery. However long term follow up is needed for proper evaluation