High sensitive C reactive protein as an inflammatory indicator in preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and one of the leading cause of maternal, prenatal morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to estimate serum high sensitive C- reactive protein in both mild and severe preeclampsia as an indicator of inflammation and to correlate Hs-CRP with blood pressure.Methods: A case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MIMER Medical College and Bhausaheb Sardesai Rural Hospital Talegaon Dabhade, Pune. The study group include 50 cases of normal pregnant women, 43 clinically diagnosed cases of mild preeclampsia and 7 cases of severe preeclampsia in second and third trimester of pregnancy. 2 ml venous blood samples was collected from all the study participants for estimation of Hs-CRP by ultra-sensitive immunoturbidometric assay spin react method.Results: There was significant increase in the mean serum Hs-CRP levels in normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). Serum Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in severe preeclamspia than mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). The degree of inflammation increases as HsCRP rises. Hence, present study shows that HsCRP levels increases as disease progresses from mild to severe condition. Significant positive correlations was found between Hs-CRP and Blood Pressure in preeclampsia.Conclusions: In preeclampsia there is an exaggeration of systemic inflammatory response that might induce reactive oxygen species which further induces endothelial dysfunction. This leads to clinical symptoms of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia. Early detection might minimise systemic complications and maternal death due to preeclampsia. Hence, HsCRP may be used as an important indicator of severity of preeclampsia.

Awareness of COVID-19 outbreak in local population of Maval taluka in Maharashtra, India

Background: There is a growing fear and perceived threat about coronavirus among local population. The population, inclusive of all age groups is making use of available media such as internet, social media, newspapers and television to make themselves aware. There is no authenticity and information may be wrong. Since, corona has become major cause of concern, present study was carried out to bring the awareness and educate them about coronavirus among the local population.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on COVID-19 by using online Google based questionnaire in Maval area to assess the knowledge and awareness about corona virus among the 125 local participants. The questionnaire consisted of 10 validated peer reviewed questions covering various aspects of COVID-19 awareness were voluntarily filled by participants. Data was analysed in Microsoft Excel 2010.Results: Present findings revealed that 94% participants knew that COVID-19 is caused by the corona was first detected in Wuhan China and the first case of the same was reported in Kerala was known to 60% respondents. The virus remains on the surface of mobiles was known to 11% participants.76.8% participants apprised 2-14 days being the incubation period of the virus. Patients with two or more comorbidities can develop severe COVID-19 was known to 46.6% participants. Only 5% participants knew the difference between swine flu and corona virus. Nearly 89% participants knew soap is the best material for cleaning in the presence of dirt and about 51% participants knew the need of isolating persons with known COVID- 19 infection.Conclusions: Correct answers with scientific explanation were posted to the participants in the form of instantaneous feedback. Hence knowledge gained was increased by the participants. Their misconceptions were removed. More awareness can be brought & propagation of COVID-19 infection can be prevented even after lockdown period.

Serum high sensitivity C reactive protein and lipid profile in obese students

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is progressively increasing in younger and adult population in India. It is a medical problem that increases risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. One of the causes of dyslipidaemia is obesity. High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), is a marker of systemic inflammation and a predictor of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hence it is important to check the relationship of hs-CRP with lipid profiles in obese and non-obese students.Methods: A case control observational study was carried out in 60 students. They were divided in to two groups obese and non-obese based on the BMI ranges. Serum lipid levels, hs-CRP and BMI was estimated in both groups to find out correlation of hs-CRP with lipid profile and BMI.Results: There was a significant rise in serum Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol and a significant fall in HDL-C in obese group as compared to non-obese group. Serum hs-CRP and BMI was significantly increased in obese students as compared to non-obese students. There was statistically significant positive correlation found between hs-CRP and total cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol in obese students.Conclusions: Significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and lipid profile except HDL-C. Serum hs-CRP levels may decrease by treatment of dyslipidaemia. This would minimize the incidence of atherosclerosis and hence decrease the risk for development of coronary artery disease. Hence, improving the quality of life.