Clinical profile of cyanotic congenital heart disease in neonatal intensive care unit at Sohag University Hospital, Upper Egypt

Background: Cyanotic congenital heart disease [CCHD] accounts for 25% of congenital heart defects and has a high morbidity and mortality in neonates

Objective: The aim of this work was to study clinical profile and available therapeutic modalities used in the management of CCHD

Subjects and methods: This was a prospective study carried out for a period of one year, starting from January 2011, and included 50 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Upper Egypt. All included patients were subjected to thorough clinical history, full clinical examination, initial and frequent measurement of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, blood gas analysis, and echocardiography. Also, therapeutic modalities used in management of CCHD were noted

Results: 50 neonates were diagnosed as having CCHD, out of them 39 [78%] were males with male to female ratio 3.55:1. The mean age of presentation was 11.78 +/- 9.4 days. CCHD frequency was found to be 9.5% [50/524] in our NICU population. The most common type of CCHD was d-transposition of great arteries [D-TGA] [66%] followed by complex CCHD [12%] and hypoplastic left heart syndrome [HLHS] [12%], whereas the less common type was hypoplastic right ventricle [2%]. All cases presented with central cyanosis and needed medical treatment whereas balloon atrial septostomy was performed in 26% of cases. Seventy-four percent of cases were improved and referred to higher centers while 26% were expired during hospital stay

Conclusion: CCHD is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. CCHD frequency was significant [9.5%] in our study population with D-TGA being the commonest type. Majority of neonates with CCHD showed survival with suitable management. Early diagnosis and referral to pediatric cardiac center for proper management will improve the outcome. Neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists should be familiar with diagnosis and management of CCHD

Radiographic and computed tomographic anatomy of the fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the manus of the donkey [Equus asinus]

The digit of the donkey as a draught animal is commonly susceptible to much affection. The purpose of the present study was to provide a detailed anatomic reference of radiographic and computed tomographic images in conjunction with cross and sagittal sections of the normal fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the donkey for anatomists, surgeons and veterinary students. Eight adult donkeys of both sexes free from any joints affection were used in our study. The digit of two donkeys had undergone radiographic and computed tomographic scanning; the other donkey's specimens were used to anatomical dissection and sectional anatomy. In the computed tomography [CT] of the fetlock joint all bone structures of the joint appeared also the soft tissue structures that could be identified and evaluated on the different soft tissue window planes included the common digital extensor tendon, lateral digital extensor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon [SDFT], deep digital flexor tendon [DDFT], straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean and intersesamoidean ligaments. For the pastern joint the structures that can be identified including the proximal phalanx, DDFT and digital cushion. In the coffin joint the collateral sesamoidean ligament [CSL] is difficult to identify on CT images

Prospective randomised controlled trial of teaching medical students behavioural sciences

In the last few decades, medical professionalismcame upas a challenging issue to teach and assess. To compare the level of understanding of the medical professionalism, medical ethics and human rights among the first year and fifth year medical students at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan. Prospective randomised controlled trial. Students were randomized in to four groups during teaching of behavioural sciences which was given at different spectra in the different groups. Responders were 365[91.25%], they were 143[39.2%] first year males, 141[38.6%] first year females split in two groups and 81[22.2%] fifth year mixed male and female.Conceptual understanding of medical ethics, professionalism, human rights and the religion values as part of the university requirement were assessed with a pretested questionnaire. Of the fifth year students 69[86.3%] were able to describe triggering organisational help for patients as an advocacy and 119[83.2%] first year male students were able to identify that availing medical facilities to the disabled and the vulnerable groupsas basic human right. The majority [>90%] of all students were described well professional integrity and 132[93%] of first year medical students were able mention correctly the differences between the Healer and the professional and 83[58.5%] of fifth year students specified the confidentiality issue in taking informed consent, respectively. However, the students' categorised the regulation of organ transplantation and tissue engineering has human rights followed by Religion Teachings bases. Teaching medical ethics, human rights, professionalism and University requirements to the first year medical students and gains during the practical experience of the clinical clerkship have a considerable impact on the student perception of these subjects. Gains are expected to improve if these issues are integrated in all areas of the curriculum

Effect of low-level environmental lead exposure intellectual functions of children of EI-Minia city, EI-Minia Governorate, Egypt

Lead [Pb] is a confirmed neurotoxin. Clear adverse effects of blood Pb level [BLL] >/= 10 microg/dl have been documented in children, but questions remain about Pb-associated intellectual disorders at these BLL and whether lower exposures are associated with greater disorders. To study the intellectual functions associated with environmental low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of EI-Minia city that located nearby EI-Minia industrial area. This study was conducted at Suzan Mubarak Hospital, EI-Minia University during the period from 1[th] August, 2008 to the 31[st] of July, 2010. It included 120 children aged 7-9 from the nearest 2 villages to EI-Minia industrial area [60 children each] namely, EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa, and 60 children from Talla, a village located to the west of EI-Minia city far away from EI-Minia industrial area, as a control group. For all patients, BLL had been estimated, and intellectual functions has been evaluated using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children, 3[rd] ed. BLL of children of EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa were significantly increased when compared to that of Talla children with higher affection reported with EI-Newayrat. The outcome of Wechsler's Intelligence Scale revealed a significant reduction of verbal, performance and full scale IQs in EI-Newayrat and AI-Shorafaa when compared to Talla with higher affection reported with EI-Newayrat, with a strong negative correlation to BLL of 5-10 microg/dl. It could not be estimated that every microg/dl increase in BLL was accompanied by a fixed lowered score. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding the BLL and Wechsler's Intelligence Scale scores. in conclusion, Low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of in EI-Minia city that located nearby EI-Minia industrial area was accompanied with intellectual function impairment which is not associated with sex and reported to be nonlinear relationship. It is advised to perform a national study to evaluate how big the problem is and to put Pb-toxicity in the list of the national health problems

Interactions of spodoptera littoralis haemocytes following injection with the entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveria Bassiana and Nomuraea Rileyi

This study compared the cellular interactions of Spodopteralittoralis haemocytes with two virulence-different entomopathogenic fungi: Beauveriabassiana and Nomuraearileyi. Using light and transmission microscopy, five types of haemocytes namely, prohaemocytes [PRs], plasmatocytes [PLs], granulocytes [GRs], spherule cells [SPs] and oenocytoids [OEs] were identified in the 6[th] instar larvae. PRs and PLs were found in the haemopoietic tissue.Intra-haemocoelic injection of blastospores induced ultrastructural alterations in the cytoplasm and nucleiof circulating haemocytes of treated larvae. Different responses were observed in the populations of haemocyte types following injection with the tested fungi. The most important changes were the decrease of the numbers of GRs aiccompanied with increase inSPs at 12-48h following injection with B. bassiana, whereas,a decrease of PLs with a commitment increase inSPs and OEs were observed at most time intervals after injection with N. rileyi. Both fungi provoked a decrease of the total number of haemocytes at 48h followed by an increase at 72h post-injection. In vivo assay showed that the GRs and PLs actively phagocytised fungal blastospores. There was a time-dependent decrease and increase in the phagocytosis activity after injection of B. bassiana and N. Rileyi, respectively .In B. bassiana-injected insects, the numbers nodules increased significantly at 6-48h in comparison with the controls post-injection. In N. rileyi-injected insects, nodules increased significantly only at 72h post-injection.No cellular encapsulation was observed in any of the examined insects

study of the effect of low-level environmental lead exposure on the intellectual functions of children of El Minia city, El Minia governorate, Egypt

Lead [Pb] is a confirmed neurotoxin. Clear adverse effects of blood Pb level [BLL] >/= 10 micro g/dl have been documented in children, but questions remain about Pb-associated intellectual disorders at these BLL and whether lower exposures are associated with great disorders. The study aim to study the intellectual functions associated with environmental low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of El-Minia city that located nearby El-Minia industrial area. This study was conducted at Suzan Mubarak Hospital, El-Minia University during the period from 1st August, 2008 to the 31st of July, 2010. It included 120 children aged 7-9 years from the nearest 2 villages to El-Minia industrial area [60 children each] namely, El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa, and 60 children from Talla, a village located to the west of El-Minia city far away from El-Minia industrial area, as a control group. For all patients, BLL had been estimated, and intellectual functions have been evaluated using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children, 3[rd] ed. BLL of children of El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa were significantly increased when compared to that of TalIa children with higher affection reported with El-Newayrat. The outcome of Wechsler's Intelligence Scale revealed a significant reduction of verbal, performance and full scale IQs in El-Newayrat and Al-Shorafaa when compared to Talla with higher affection reported with El-Newayrat, with a strong negative correlation to BLL of 5-10 micro g/dl. It could not be estimated that every 1 micro g/dl increase in BLL was accompanied by a fixed lowered score. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding the BLL and Wechsler's Intelligence Scale scores. Low-level Pb exposure in children of the villages of the east coast of the River Nile of El-Minia city that is located nearby El Minia industrial area was accompanied with intellectual function impairment which is reported to be nonlinear relationship between BLL and intellectual functions impairment. It is advised to perform a national study to evaluate how big the problem is and to put Pb-toxicity in the list of the national health problems

Nephrotoxicity of long-term occupational exposure to gasoline in El-Minia governorate

The current study was carried out to evaluate the nephrotoxic effect of long-term occupational exposure to gasoline in El-Minia governorate. 76 male subjects aging 18-42 years were involved in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: control group 1: consists of 20 normal subjects with no history of long-term gasoline exposure or previous history of blood, hepatic or renal disorders, group II: consist of 15 gas stations workers for a period of 1 year +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline, group III: consists of 21 gas stations workers for a period of 5 years +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline, and group IV: consists of 20 gas stations workers for a period of 10 years +/- 2 months with daily exposure to gasoline. All subjects sere investigated for blood urea nitrogen [BUN], serum creatinine [S.Cr.], beta[2] microglobulin [beta[2]MG] and cystatin C. The levels BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group II were within normal with no significant differences when compared to those of group I. The values BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group III were significantly elevated when compared to those of groups I and II. The levels BUN, S.Cr., beta[2]MG, and cystatin C of the subjects of group IV were significantly elevated when compared to those of group I, II and III. In group III, there was a positive correlation between S.Cr. to the level of beta[2] MG. Also, there was a positive correlation of the level of S.Cr. to the levels of beta[2] MG, and cystatin C among the subjects of group IV. Long-term exposure of the gas station workers to gasoline may carry the risk of nephrotoxicity. This raises the importance of increasing the safety protective measures at these stations, and to develop a more safe fuel in the near future

Trend of occupational injuries and diseases among insured workers in Saudi Arabia

For the rapidly growing economy of Saudi Arabia, trends analysis of occupational injuries and diseases [OID] is a major need for planning of their management, prevention and control. The aim is to study the trends of OID among insured workers in Saudi Arabia. The related morbidity and mortality data of OID of five years starting from 2003 to 2007 were collected by a structured data collection sheet from offices of injury and diseases compensation in 20 regions of Saudi Arabia. To develop national indicators, basic data were collected from Ministry of labor, Ministry of Industry and The Central Department of Statistics and Information. Morbidity and mortality indicators were calculated. The percentage of increase or decrease between 2003 and 2007 as well as trend values were also calculated. The total identified number of OID was 450841 with a mean annual incidence rate of 29.43/1000 flull time workers [FTW]. An overall significant decreasing trend by 17.93% of OID was detected. OID in construction and transforming industries showed the highest mean annual incidence rates but their trend were significantly decreasing. The highest and significant increasing trend were detected for financing and real-estates [59.50%] followed by mining and quarrying [18.60%] and agriculture and fishing economic activities [14.24%]. Trends of OID depend on nature, causes and body part or system affected. The mean annual disability and fatality rate were 10.05 and 1.25/10000 FTW respectively with an increasing trend. The mean annual incidence rate of OID was less than that mentioned in the available literature. Some economic activities showed an increasing trend in OID while the overall trend was decreasing. Fatality and disability trends were increasing. Evaluation of health and safety programs as well as further studies are recommended to explore the causes of increasing trends of the general disability and fatality rates and the increasing trend of OID in some economic activities

Occupational status and cardiovascular risk factors in primary health care setting in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Cardiovascular diseases [CVD] are major health problem in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. Many studies in KSA were carried out to explore the distribution and determinants of this health problem. Till now there was no study tried to investigate its relation with the occupational status though the previous literature from other regions of the world proved a strong relationship. The study aims at identifying the association between CVD risk factors and main occupation among consumers of primary health care [PHC] system in Riyadh [KSA]. A representative sample of 1252 persons from the total who were registered and having a complete file in the PHC centers were subjected to a battery of: a structured questionnaire, clinical examination and laboratory investigations to explore the current status of CVD risk factors and their association with occupation. A statistically significant associations were detected between the main job title and the prevalence of: high total cholesterol level, increased fasting blood sugar, high systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and smoking. Military and police occupational group show the best biochemical and clinical profiles, while housewives show the worst. Significant associations were detected between the occupational category and CVD risk factors being better among high and physically active categories and worsen among low and less physically active occupational groups. More studies are needed to explore the details of occupational exposures and stressors for purposes of specific prevention and control

hemodynamic effects and complications of tracheal intubation with intubating laryngeal mask airway: a comparison with direct laryngoscopy

The intubating laryngeal mask airway [ILMA] is designed to facilitate blind tracheal intubation. Direct laryngoscopy, to facilitate tracheal intubation, produces a marked pressor response. This randomized, controlled study -was undertaken to compare the complications of insertion and hemodynamic effects following tracheal intubation through intubating laryngeal mask airway [ILMA] with that of conventional Macintosh laryngoscope. One hundred adult patients undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated into two equal-sized groups. All patients received general anesthesia using a standard balanced anesthesia technique. Tracheal intubation was performed using either intubating laryngeal mask airway or Macintosh laryngoscope. The intubation time, number of attempts required for successful intubation, the problems encountered during intubation, hemodynamic changes and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications were recorded. Time to intubation was comparatively longer in ILM.4 group than laryngoscopy group [58.6 +/- 8.2 sec. versus 29.2 +/- 5.6 sec. p <0.001]. The overall intubation success rate was comparable among the two study groups. The changes-in mean blood pressure were significantly less in ILMA group as compared to laryngoscope group [p <0.05]. The incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice was comparable among groups. Our results suggest that ILMA offers advantage over laryngoscope in minimizing the hemodynamic effects to intubation. Therefore, it can be used as a suitable alternative to laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation

Do antibiotic-coated central venous catheters reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection in intensive care patients?

Central venous catheters [CVCs] are a major cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections, which are difficult to control Catheters bonded with either antiseptics or antibiotics that constantly and slowly release antimicrobial substances are assumed to be beneficial in reducing rates of colonization and catheter-related infections. This prospective, randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of catheters coated with either chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine [CHSS], or minocycline and rifampin [M/R] in reducing catheter-related colonization and bloodstream infections [CR-BSIs] in intensive care patients. 90 adult inpatients with CVCs, for 3 days or more, were conducted in this clinical trial [classified into three equal groups]. According to the type of the catheter, the patients were assigned to undergo insertion of triple lumen polyurethane CVCs either in standard version [unimpregnated] [Group I], or impregnated with either CHSS [on the extraluminal surface only] [Group II], or M/R [on the extraluminal and intraluminal surfaces] [Group III]. Microbiological evaluation was done for the insertion site before catheterization and at removal of the catheter, CVCs [tips and subcutaneous parts] and peripheral blood after removal of the catheter if accompanied by clinical signs of infection. 114 patients were assigned to undergo CVC insertion but dropouts with missing evaluation totalled 24 cases leaving 90 catheters with complete data and final microbiological evaluation. Clinical characteristics as well as clinical diagnoses of patients enrolled were similar in all study groups. Regarding colonization of the insertion site before catheterization, there were no significant differences between the three groups. Impregnated catheters showed a highly significant reduction in colonization of insertion site at removal of the catheter when compared to unimpregnated ones [P <0.001]. Impregnated catheters [groups II and III] were dramatically less likely to be colonized as unimpregnated version [group I] [4/30 [13.3%]; 2/30 [6.6%] vs. 10/30 [33.3%]]; respectively [P < 0.001]. Only one case of CR-BSIs [3.3%] was detected among catheters impregnated with CHSS vs. 4 cases [13.3%] among the unimpregnated ones. No cases of CR-BSIs [0%] were detected in the group of M/R-impregnated catheters. The use of CVCs coated with either M/R or CHSS is associated with a reduction in the rate of catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection compared to standard [uncoated] catheters in intensive care patients. In addition, the anti-infective efficacy of catheters impregnated with M/R was higher than that of catheters impregnated with CHSS

Clinico-epidemiological features of pediatric solid tumors: a-30 year experience of a single institution

Treatment of children with cancer is one of the most complex problems in pediatric practice which should begin with early detection and proper evaluation. To study the main clinico-epidemiological features of children with solid tumors diagnosed and treated at the Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Ain Shams University during the last three decades. This is a retrospective study to analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of children diagnosed with solid tumors during the period between January 1st, 1975 till December 3 1st, 2005. All patients and their files were revised for demographic features, initial presentation, disease staging, histopathologic grading, changing pattern of each tumor, frequency of relapses, morbidity/mortality, response to therapy, and outcome. During the last three decades 287 patients with pediatric solid tumors were diagnosed at the Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University. They represented 29.9% of all childhood neoplasm diagnosed during that period. Neuroblastoma was the commonest solid tumor [40.4%] with a male to female ratio of 1.31 and a mean age of 31.8 months. Abdominal mass, mediastinal disease, multiple bone lesions, progressive weight loss and proptosis were the presenting symptoms in this order of frequency, with two thirds of patients presented with advanced disease stage [stage III and IV]. Wilms' tumor represented 22.9% of all pediatric solid tumors with a male to female ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 53.23 months, with 93% of patients presented with abdominal swelling and 59% had advanced disease stage [stage III and IV]. Rhabdomyosarcoma was diagnosed in 11.8% of patients with a male to female ratio of 1.6 to 1. Abdominal involvement and head and neck were the most common sites of affection. Other less frequent tumors included histiocytosis [11.1% of cases], malignant bone tumors [10.4% of cases] and hepatoblastoma [3.4% of cases]. Fever and sepsis were the most common treatment related morbidity. Five-year survival rate was steadily improving over the last 30 years. Pediatric solid tumors constituted 29.9% of all tumors diagnosed at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Ain Shams University during the last three decades. Neuroblastoma was the commonest tumor [40.4%] followed by Wilms' tumor [22.9%] and rhabdomyosarcoma [11.8%]. Most of patients with solid tumor [71% of patients with neruoblastoma, 59% of patients with WiIms' tumor and 64% of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma] presented with advanced disease stage [III and IV]. Sepsis and myelosuppression were the commonest complications. The mortality rate improved significantly for all tumors over the last three decades. Finally, a national registry of childhood cancer is mandatory and multicenter studies are strongly advised to be considered

Role of estimation of serum CA125 in the diagnosis and prognosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Cancer antigen [CA] 125 is the only known glycoprotein marker increased by active synthesis by peritoneal epithelium in the presence of ascites alone. The aim of this work is the evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum CA125 in cases with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP]. Two groups of patients were examined for serum level of CA125. Group I: 20 patients with cirrhotic ascites and SBP, diagnosed by ascitic PMN count >/= 250/mm[3] and positive ascitic fluid culture. Group ll: 24 patients with sterile cirrhotic ascites. Other causes of CA 125 elevation [mainly malignancies and gynecological diseases] were excluded. All cases with SBP were treated and the serum CA 125 level was re-tested in the 10 patients who completed therapy. Significantly elevated levels of serum CA125 were found in patients with SBP [group I] which were more than that found in group II [338.8 +/- 89.9 vs. 149.3 +/- 58.6, p<0.001]. This increase of CA125 in SBP cases was not related to amount of ascites, type of causative bacteria, cause of cirrhosis, liver and kidney function tests, or ascitic PMN count. Therapy of SBP led to significant decrease of CA 125 in survivors [1 55 +/- 37.85vs. 309.5 +/- 42.4, p< 0.001]. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of serum CA 125 in diagnosis of SBP [when the cut- off level was 240/Uml] were 100%, 83.3% and 90.9% respectively, although it had no prognostic value. In conclusion serum CA 125 can be used as easy and rapid screening test to diagnose of SBP

Laparscopic cholecystectomy: a local experience in Sudan

poverty, pressing priorities and tropical diseases prevailed added to the factors that delay the implementation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC]. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of LC in this country [sudan]. from june 1995-may 1999, we enrolled 288 patients presented with symptomatic gallstone disease without pre selection criteria. 242 were females and 46 were males, mean age 48.1 years. LC was successful in 201 [94.81%] patients including 49 patients with acute cholecystitis. The operation was done the same day of admission and 60 [29.35%] were able to leave as a day case. There was no mortality and no common bile duct injury. LC is feasible, safe and cost effective in sudan

Electron microscopic study of nasal secretory glands and epithelium in perennial rhinitis

The morphology of nasal secretory glands and epithelium was studied using the electron microscope in ten patients with perennial rhinitis. Marked predominance of the serous type over mucous acini was the most conspicious feature. The cells were full of zymogen granules. Thickening and hyperplasia of the epithelium with marked ciliary loss was notified

Threatened preterm labour: can biophysical profile predict its outcome?

Sixty pregnant women between 28-37 weeks with threatened preterm labor were evaluated by the ultrasound to determine the role of biophysical profile in the prediction of outcome of preterm labor. Out of the 60 women, 24 cases delivered prematurely. Out of these 24 women, 20 cases delivered within 48 hours of cessation of fetal breathing movements. For prediction of preterm labor, there was no correlation between the total score of biophysical profile and the rate of preterm labor; while there was a significant correlation between the absence of fetal breathing movements and the occurrence of preterm labor

Histopathological study of repeated sublethal electrical injuries in albino rats

This work aimed to study histopathological changes resulting after repeatedexposure to sublethal electric shocks in albino rats. The experimentalanimals were divided into three groups: Group I was exposed to electricalstimulations [220 volts for one second] one hour apart/day for one day; Groups II and III were exposed to the same electrical stimulations/day for twoand three successive days, respectively. Lung, heart, brain, liver, kidney, testis and skin [at the site of entry of current] were dissected out andprocessed for paraffin blocks. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and Eosin for histopathological examination. Light microscopy of lung revealedvascular congestion with interalveolar and intraalveolar hemorrhage of varyingdegrees in all groups. Cardiac muscle exhibited petechial hemorrhage in group II [80%] and group III [90%] with focal streaming of nuclei in group III [80%]. Brain tissue exhibited focal petechial hemorrhage and dilatedperivascular spaces in group II [60%] and group III [70%]. Liver exhibitedoccasional hepatocellular necrosis in group III [50%]. Kidney, testicular andskin tissues were within normal limits in all groups

Spermatogenic toxicity of vinblastine in albino rats

Since chemotherapeutic drugs are widely and progressively used in the treatment of many malignancies, the present study was planned to investigate spermatogenic toxicity [as an unavoidable side effect] of the chemotherapeutic "vinblastine" in rats in order to minimise spermatogenic toxicity as much as possible. Fifty adult male rats [each weighing 150-200 g] were classified into five groups. The first group was used as a control group being injected intraperitoneally [I.P.] with a special solvent for vinblastine [0.15 ml/100 gm body weight "B.W."] once weekly for two weeks. The remaining four groups were given vinblastine dissolved in its solvent in doses of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/kg B.W. by the same route for the same period. One week after the last dose, animals were sacrificed, their testes were weighed and then processed for examination by light microscopy. Testes of treated rats showed progressive decline in their weights with increasing the dose. Histopathological microscopy revealed ascending grades of disturbed spermatogenesis i.e. dose dependent toxicity. It could be concluded from the present study that minimising the dose of the chemotherapeutic vinblastine to 0.5 mg/kg B.W. reduces its spermatogenic toxicity to minimum