Risk factors associated with childhood asthma among children aged 1-12 years in Rawalpindi

To explore various risk factors associated with childhood asthma in Rawalpindi garrison and city among children 1-12 years old. Case Control study. Pediatric departments of Military Hospital [MH] and Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Rawalpindi from 1st Aug to 30th Nov 2009. A total of 128 children with diagnosis of asthma presenting in outpatient and indoor pediatric departments of MH and CMH Rawalpindi between ages of 1-12 years were included. Age, gender and socioeconomically matched 112 children without diagnosis of asthma were included as controls. A predesigned questionnaire containing various factors associated with childhood asthma was filled by the researcher by detailed interview with either of parents. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 15 and chi-square test was applied to determine significance. p value <0.005 was considered significant. Out of 15 risk factors studied 8 were found significantly associated with childhood asthma. Significant factors were education of any of the parents more than matric, history of fever at least three times in last year, use of antibiotics, history of hay fever, raised IgE levels, exposure to passive smoking, living in urban areas and family history of asthma [p value<0.005]. Non significant factors were mode of delivery, exclusive breast feeding for more than 3 months, partial breastfeeding for more than 6 months, history of eczema, atopy, history of viral respiratory infections in infancy and less than three number of rooms at home. Male preponderance was noted amongst cases. Education of parents, fever, antibiotics, hay fever, raised IgE levels, exposure to passive smoking, living in urban areas and family history of asthma proved to be significant factors which are similar to those reported in other studies. However, difference was found in other factors. Recognition of these factors can help to optimize management of asthma in children in this area

Analgesic effect of sucrose observed during heel prick in healthy neonates

To assess pain response during heel prick and compare analgesic effect of oral sucrose with placebo in response to pain associated with this procedure in healthy neonates. Randamoized controlled study Neonatal Unit Combined Military Hospital Multan from December 2006 to June 2007. This study was conducted on 60 healthy full term neonates with postnatal age 1-7 days who were assessed for pain response after heel prick. They were randomized into two groups. Newborns in group A were given 2ml 25% sucrose solution and group B neonates received 2ml sterile water as placebo 2 minutes before heel prick procedure. Pain was assessed by Premature Infant Pain Profile [PIPP] score and total duration of first cry. Increase in heart rate and decrease in oxygen saturation along with behavioral changes were observed in significant number of newborns who received placebo [group B]. While significant reduction in PIPP score and total duration of first cry was noted in neonates who were given oral sucrose [group A.] Perception of pain decreased significantly with oral sucrose. Sucrose can be used as safe and effective analgesic for minor procedure related pain