Strengths and limitations of abgar scor: a critical appraisal

A cross sectional study was undertaken on 200 normally delivered newborns at Lady Aitchison hospital Lahore from august to december 1998. Apgar scores were recorded using the current virginia apgar scoring system at 1 and 5 minute interval. the newborns with scores 0-5 at 5 minutes were considered at higher risk for developing respiratory or neurological complications. our study showed significant difference [p<0.05] in scores of full term average birth weight [3 kg] and preterm low birth weight newborns [< 2 kg]. the 5 minutes scores were improved AS compared To 1 minute in 97% cases. More studies are recommended by increasing the apgar scoring time to 10 minutes in order to enhance the predictive value of this score for respiratory or neurological disabilities

Haemoglobin levels in day seholars and boarders of fatima jinnah medical college

Haemoglobin levels were estimated in 140 female students grouped equally as day scholars and boarders. Significant differences in haemoglobin levels existed between the groups. Anemia was suspected only in one case in day scholars; the red cell count and erthyrocyte indices [MCV, MCH, MCHC] were within the normal limits. Four cases of anemia were detected in the boarders. Red cell counts were within the lower limit of normality. The blood smear showed slightly microcytic hypochromic picture further confirmed by erythrocyte indices. Varying degree of eosinophilia was noted in differential leucocyte count of all these cases. It is proposed that further studies should be undertaken among the students in order to detect and remove the cause of anemia