Frequency of malignant tumors: reported at a public sector university hospital a five year data based analysis

To determine the frequencies of common malignant tumors in relation to the variables of age, sex, histology and site of tumor. An cross sectional study. The study was conducted at the Department of Pathology Dow Medical College Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi from January 2006 to December 2010. The specimens and relevant data was collected from pathology report forms by examining 5 micro m thick slides prepared from paraffin blocks and staining with H and E and special stains e.g. PAS, Giemsa, Trichrome, and histopathological diagnosis was confirmed by microscopy. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS [Ver 16]. A total of 461 cases of malignant tumor were included from January 2006 to December 2010. adenocarcinoma were 227 [49.2%]. Squamous cell carcinoma with 190 cases [41.2%] were followed by Basal cell carcinoma 18 cases [3.9%]. The most common sites of malignancy were Oral cavity with 102 cases [22.1%], Breast 96 cases [20.8%] followed by Cervix 40 cases [8.7%]. Out of 461 cases, 171 were male [37.1%] and 290 [62.9%] were female. As in most developing countries, incidence of cancers is increasing in Pakistan. It is empirical that updated information on the frequency and epidemiology of malignant tumors be carried out. This will be beneficial in future health planning of the population at risk

Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women

To study the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria [ASB] in pregnant women of local population in Karachi. Prospective, hospital based conducted during September 2001-March 2002. Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi. Group A [study group] consisted of 290 pregnant women attending the OPD of Gynaecology and Obstetrics units for antenatal check up and Group B [control] consisted of 70 nonpregnant women of fertile age. Midstream urine was collected and aerobically incubated at 37°C on CLED agar. Growth of >1x10[5] CFU/mL was taken as significant bacteriuria. Gram-negative bacteria were identified by API 20-E and gram-positive by standard routine methods. The two groups were age matched [P value>0.05]. Prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 6.2% [18/290] in the study group and 2.85%[2/70] in control group. E. coli was the common uropathogen in both groups and Staph. saprophyticus the second common only in-group A. Prevalence of ASB remained statistically the same in pregnant and nonpregnant women [P value >0.05] by X[2] application. Prevalence of ASB before pregnancy continues during pregnancy, if not treated. Uropathogens remain the same. All pregnant women should be screened for ASB by culture