Frequency of chromosomal anomalies in mentally handicapped children

To assess the demographic pattern, karyotype and other systemic anomalies in children with mental retardation [MR] and correlate them with socioeconomic status, consanguinity and maternal education. A cross sectional descriptive study of one year [Nov 2006- Nov 2007]. Children with mental retardation were selected from the schools of Special Education, Nasheman Institute of Handicapped Children, Schools of Special education, Chambeli Institute of Mentally retarded children. The study included 100 children with various phenotypic abnormalities suggestive of a mental retardation or congenital malformations. All cases were subjected to physical examination and family history was taken on specially designed Performa. Informed Consent was obtained from parents and Principal of schools. Chromosomal analysis was performed by lymphocyte culture from peripheral blood followed by Karyotype and G-banding. One hundred cases aged 4-16 years were selected; of which 61% were males and 39% females. Low socioeconomic status [80%], lack of maternal education [46%] and consanguinity [61%] were strongly associated with retardation. Other independent factors included history of perinatal difficulties [46%], prenatal infections [49%], natal [04%] and postnatal infections [17%] and current malnourishment. Of those remaining, prenatal factors [49%] were implicated about twice as often as natal or postnatal factors. The etiology in 30% cases was unknown. About 40% mothers were between 26-32 years of age, 15% were older than 35 years of age, while remaining 24% were less than 25 years of age at the time of birth of the affected child. The karyotype analysis showed Down syndrome in 41% and Turner syndrome in 1%. Out of the total 41% cases had trisomy 21, while others were normal [59%]. The identification of specific types of chromosomal abnormalities in mentally retarded children is important as it enables clinicians to counsel the parents regarding recurrence risk and available options

Association of tubal ligation or abdominal surgery with other gynecological illness

To determine the association of tubal ligation or abdominal surgery with other gynecological problems. A retrospective study was done in hospital setting of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Women who had undergone tubal ligation or abdominal surgery were interviewed regarding the data collected has revealed the ligated women were more on risk for gynecological morbidity as compared to abdominal surgery cases. Screening for risk for developing gynecological problems prior to ligation should be done to prevent the chances of developing long term gynecological morbidity along with provision of premenopausal counseling

Immunodiagnostic kits with reference to demand and availability- need for a national programme

Different immunodiagnostic kits for detection of pathogens [including viruses], and for the quantification of body fluids [including hormones and tumour markers] are available in the market. Since kit manufacturers use diverse antisera pools, their results differ in the measurement of the same analyte in body fluids. The present study discusses the problems related to the supply and demand of immunodiagnostic kits and methods which need to be adapted to overcome the hazards of varied results of analysis of the same analyte, through the initiation of a national programme