Cardiorespiratory fitness and its association with adiposity indices in young adults

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF] and adiposity in young adults

Methods: Data was collected from 133 students of a medical college of Pakistan. The study was conducted on young adults, aged 17-24 years, recruited from Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, between Aug-Dec, 2015. Queen's College Step Test was conducted to measure CRF and maximal oxygen uptake [VO[2max]] evaluated. Anthropometric measurements [body mass index, body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference] were taken to assess adiposity. Associations of VO[2max] and adiposity were analyzed

Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 44% overall. The VO[2max] [ml/kg/min] of males and females was 55.41 +/- 9.45 and 39.91 +/- 3.14, respectively, the gender difference being highly significant [p<0.001]. Quartiles of VO[2max] showed strong inverse relationship between adiposity and VO[2max], obese individuals having low VO[2max] [1st quartile] and normal weight individuals having high VO[2max] [4th quartile]. VO[2max] correlated greatest with body fat in males [r = -0.600; p<0.001], and waist circumference in females [r = -0.319; p=0.004]

Conclusion: The results indicate low CRF in young females and a strong inverse relationship between fitness levels and adiposity in young adults of both genders. Improving these parameters in our young population may prevent development of chronic non-communicable disease in later life

Early Community and Hospital Contact of Undergraduate Medical Students; Innovating the MBBS Curriculum through DCH [Doctor, Community and Hospital] Module

Transition from traditional to integrated curriculum has been very slow in Pakistan. However in the last few years there has been tremendous increase in the number of medical schools. Early clinical and community exposure is one of the key factors in generating interest of medical students in learning the clinical aspect of the basic sciences. For this purpose [DCH module] was incorporated in the first 3 years of the medical curriculum at Islamic International Medical College. To develop and implement DCH module for early clinical exposure of MBBS students. To determine teachers' and students' perceptions of about its influence on the overall learning of medicine. Action Research. Islamic International Medical College from Jan 2011 to Jan 2014. Initially Wise man approach was used to develop the module. However modifications were brought into the module applying the United Nations approach of designing a curriculum. The module has been incorporated in the curriculum, aligning it with the last 2 years of intensive clerkship of a five year MBBS program. Significant improvement has been observed by the faculty, in students' approach about dealing with the clinical context of the basic sciences. It has also resulted in better communication skills and their reasoning approach in PBL sessions. Early clinical exposure enhances the interest and understanding of medical students of the basic sciences. It lays the foundation of the students towards a professional and clinical approach in dealing with patients, which is in addition to better integration of basic sciences with clinical sciences

Identification of technical item flaws leads to improvement of the quality of single best multiple choice questions

The purpose of the study was to identify technical item flaws in the multiple choice questions submitted for the final exams for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. This descriptive analytical study was carried out in Islamic International Medical College [IIMC]. The Data was collected from the MCQ's submitted by the faculty for the final exams for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011. The data was compiled and evaluated by a three member assessment committee. The data was analyzed for frequency and percentages the categorical data was analyzed by chi-square test. Overall percentage of flawed item was 67% for the year 2009 of which 21% were for testwiseness and 40% were for irrelevant difficulty. In year 2010 the total item flaws were 36% and 11% testwiseness and 22% were for irrelevant difficulty. The year 2011 data showed decreased overall flaws of 21%. The flaws of testwisness were 7%, irrelevant difficulty were 11%. Technical item flaws are frequently encountered during MCQ construction, and the identification of flaws leads to improved quality of the single best MCQ's

Measuring and Comparing Educational Environment of Two Education Systems [Integrated and Traditional Medical Curriculum] Running Simultaneously at Islamic International Medical College with [DREEM] Inventory

Measuring and comparing educational environment of two education systems [integrated and traditional medical curriculum], running simultaneously at Islamic International Medical College with [DREEM] Inventory It was a quantitative descriptive study, a survey was conducted using DREEM inventory. The study was carried out at Islamic International Medical College from September 2011 to January 2012. Total 137 out of 180 students filled the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure [DREEM] Inventory [Roff et al., 1997] respectively. In traditional system, i.e. final year MBBS, the number of students who filled the inventory was n=63; out of which 46 were females and 17 were males. In integrated system MBBS i.e. 4th year, the number of students who filled the inventory were n=74 out of which 49 were females and 25 were males. Response rate was 76%. Mean age of the final year and 4th year students was 23 and 22 years respectively. On analysis of DREEM Inventory the overall score of integrated system was 130 and traditional system scored 114, fall in more positive than negative environment, but integrated system score was more towards excellent i.e.150-200, subscale of inventory revealed the following mean score results: Perception of learning, 4th year scored 37-a more positive perception while traditional class had 25, just on border of teaching is viewed negatively. Others subscales does not deviate more. Positive perceptions of integrated system's students identified the strengths of the curriculum i.e. curriculum enhance their problem solving skills, competencies, student centeredness, teaching and learning strategies strengthened retention of their knowledge in long term memory on the other hand traditional system students scored negative to these areas. Dreem inventory is a useful tool in measuring the learning environment and helps in finding the problems in it

Our Lectures: What do the Students Think?

The objective of the study was to reveal the perceptions and experience of our students regarding the lectures taken in our medical school. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted among second year MBBS students of Islamic International Medical College. A questionnaire was developed, validated by piloting among faculty members and then was distributed to the students of MBBS year 2 from June to July 2013. The response rate was 100%. Questions were grouped under various headings and categorization was done [i.e., Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and poor] according to responses. Lecture as an instructional strategy and the presentation of lectures was regarded as [Good] by 39% and 42% of students respectively.36% of students commented the Multimedia preparation of lectures as [very good]. Only 23% of students have mostly gone through the learning outcomes of a lecture before coming to attend it. Most of the students regarded lectures as a good instructional strategy. Students were also satisfied with the Multimedia presentations and delivery of lectures

Impact of Bilingual Approach in Undergraduate Education of Health Sciences

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of English only and bilingual approach with additional use of Urdu as medium of instruction for facilitating students' learning and communication in academic and clinical interactions, in undergraduate education of health sciences. Survey based quantitative study. The study was carried out at Islamic International Medical College, Islamic International Dental College and Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences belonging to Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan from May to September 2013. A survey was conducted by administering two structured questionnaires using ordinal scale. Questionnaire A was filled by 600 students and B by 60 teachers. The collected data was processed and analyzed by SPSS version17. Thirty five percent students came from institutions using only English medium of instruction. 55% received education in both [English and Urdu] and 10% in other languages. The students speaking Urdu with parents and patients were 63% and 79% respectively. 50% and 61% students talk in both languages with friends and teachers respectively because of comfortable communication and expression. 62% students prefer to be taught, 54% prefer to give viva voce and 55%understood viewpoints better using both languages. 87% students and 91% teachers admitted that use of Urdu enhances learning. 84% students confirmed that teachers used both languages during lectures and 72% teachers admitted it. Considering p<0.05 the nonparametric test applied shows significant value of 0.0499. Bilingual approach in medium of curriculum using English and native languages is an effective tool for better learning, expression and communication

Assessing the Long Case in Undergraduate Medical Students: Development of Structured, Feasible, Valid and Reliable Tool.

To develop structured, feasible, valid and reliable tool in assessing long case in undergraduate medical student. Qualitative Action Research. IIMCT, Aug, 2012 to Oct 2013. An action research approach was used. Problems of un-structured examination in long case were identified. Delphi technique with the senior faculty was used to identify the components of the assessment tool. Final draft of the tool was sent to medical educationists for their input. A structured tool [SLICE] for examining the holistic approach of student towards managing a patient was developed and was found to be reliable [Cronbach alpha 0.87] and valid. SLICE is a feasible, valid and reliable tool to assess long case in undergraduate medical students in our setup

Identifying Learning Styles Among Medical Students: Does Our Assessment Favors Certain Learning Style?

Learning Style is usually identified as an individual's pattern for acquiring information. This study was used to identify the learning style of Medical students and comparing the individual Learning Styles with the Result of Annual Summative Assessment to ascertain any link. Objectives of the study were two-fold: First, to identify the learning style of Medical Students for their sake and for the sake of faculty so that adequate planning in the curriculum could be done. The second aim was to search whether our Curriculum is oriented towards a particular learning style in students through comparison of learning styles with Annual Assessment Result. It was a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. The study was conducted among students of 3 year MBBS, Islamic International Hospital. The 80-item Honey and Mumford Learning Style Questionnaire was distributed to a class of 100 students .The result was compiled on MS Excel and compared with the results of Summative Assessment of the students. In our study, Majority of the students were Reflectors [35.5%] [n=32], followed by Reflector-Pragmatists [13.3%] [n=12]. Theorists [12.2%], Pragmatists [11%], Reflector/Theorists [8.8%] and Activists [6.6%] 34% of the students [n=31] had a combination learning style. One student had all four learning styles. Comparison of Assessment result with the result of the Questionnaire was done: on an Average Reflectors have scored higher [73%] as compared to Pragmatists [72%], Theorists [71.5%] and Activists [66%]. Although no gross difference, the Assessment result on an average, was a bit higher for reflectors. This study also shows that most of the students learn more effectively from lectures, project works and independent study

Medical Education: a Preference by Parents for their Children in a Private Medical College

Occupations which require high educational attainment, are well-compensated and are held in high public esteem such as physicians, lawyers, engineers, scientists and professors are largely considered to be upper middle class. Education serves as perhaps the most important value and also the most dominant entry barrier of the upper middle class This article examines some of the factors or determinants which enable the parents for choosing medical profession for their children specially the females. To see the social determinants [profession, occupation] of parents for choice of medical profession by gender In Private Medical College for their children. A descriptive study. This study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi. This was a descriptive study. Sampling was universal as all the students of year 2009, 2010 and 2011 who succeeded in getting admission were included in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire from the record mentioning Class year' Gender, Fathers Occupation. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 17.0. Tables and graphs were made for data presentation and percentages and cross tabulation was done among variables. The ratio of female to male students is on continuous increase. The main segments of the society who opted for the private medical education for their children during these three years were, government servants and businessmen i.e., 33.3% each, Doctors 15%, Miscellaneous 10%, Engineers 8% Agriculturist 2.5% and advocates/Judges 1%. There is progressive increase of female students from 2009 to 2011. It was 65% in 2009, 70% in 2010 and 75% in 2011. Medical profession and medical education is cherished more by the parents for females. All segments of the educated and affording class of society whether government employees' business man, doctors, engineers, are investing in female human resource

Outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in aplastic Anaemia

To analyze factors associated with survival, rejection and graft versus host disease in aplastic anaemia patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [SCT] from HLA matched sibling donors. Analytical study. Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July 2001 to June 2010. Consecutive aplastic anaemia [AA] patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched sibling donors at this centre were included in this study. Potential factors affecting overall survival, rejection, disease-free survival and graft versus host disease were analyzed. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression model was applied for multivariate analysis. Ninety male and thirty-five female patients with AA were included in the study. Median age was 18 years. Conditioning regimens used were cyclophosphamide [Cy] plus antilymphocyte globulin [ALG] or antithymocyte globulin [ATG], fludarabine [FLU] +Cy+ATG, Campath 1-H +Cy in 89, 30 and 6 cases respectively. GVHD prophylaxis used was ciclosporin [CSA] plus prednisolone and short methotrexate in 81 while 44 received CSA plus prednisolone. At a median follow-up of 1185 days OS and DFS were 84% and 78% respectively. Factors associated with better OS were male sex, Flu/Cy/ATG conditioning and use of bone marrow as stem cell source. Flu/Cy/ATG conditioning regimen, bone marrow as stem cell source and CSA, prednisolone and short methotrexate regimen were associated with better survival in AA

Evaluation of laboratory request forms for culture and sensitivity testing of pus specimen

To evaluate the awareness among health care professionals about the importance of various components of request form through their form completion behavior in a teaching hospital at Rawalpindi. Retrospective study. All lab request forms accompanying pus specimen for culture and sensitivity received in the laboratory of Islamic International Medical College Trust Pakistan Railways Hospital during the calendar year of 2010 were analyzed. A total of 525 Laboratory [Lab] Request forms for pus culture and sensitivity were received. These were analyzed for completion of all the provided information spaces. The results were entered in Microsoft access sheet and analyzed. Most of the specimens [55%] originated from Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, followed by Departments of Surgery 23%, Orthopedics 11%, Pediatrics 2%, Medicine 1%, ICU and ER 1%, ENT 1%. Department was not mentioned in 6% forms. Most of these forms were signed by Post Graduate Trainees [44%], followed by Medical officers 18%, Consultants 11%, House Officers 9%, Ward Representatives 8%, Registrars 4% and signed without designation 1%. Five percent forms were received unsigned. In the Patient Identification part of the form Father / husband's name was written only in 38%. Patient's ward, bed number, age, gender and Registration No. were missing from 5.7%, 30.7%, 15.2%, 10.5% and 14% respectively. Although clinical notes were given in 90.3% but diagnosis was stated in 26.5% and history of antibiotic therapy only in 2,3% forms. Important information like site of pus collection and type of wound were missing from 20.4% and 27.6% of the forms. The type of test required was stated in 81% whereas the date was missing from vast majority [81.7%] of forms. The study indicates lack of awareness about the importance of components of Lab Request form among Health Professionals. Serious omissions are made even in patient identification information. The frequently neglected important parameters included history of antibiotic therapy, date of sample collection, and site of pus. The study highlights the need for attention to teaching and training laying emphasis on this issue and conducting CME lectures for both graduate and postgraduate levels

Psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples

To assess psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples. Cross-Sectional study. This study was carried out at MAS Infertility Clinic, Rawalpindi from August 2010 to January 2011. A total of 30 subjects [15 couples] were included in the study. After taking an informed consent, they were asked to complete a questionnaire. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS] questionnaire was used for this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-14 and t-test was applied to see the significance in differences. Majority of couples were over 30 years of age and were married for more than 5 years. Vast majority [73.3%] were living in joint family system. Psychological morbidity, particularly anxiety and depression affected significantly [p=0.05] female partner. However no significant relationship was observed between the cause of infertility or duration of infertility and psychological manifestations. This study presents pragmatic evidence regarding the psychological health of infertile couples in our society. Findings suggest that high levels of stress and depression exist in these couples, which not only affects their physical health, but also their psychological well being. It highlights the importance of providing psychotherapeutic help along with treatment for the cause of infertility

External quality assessment scheme [IEQAS] in hematology at national institute of health, Islamabad, Pakistan

To document overall performance and improvement, if any, gained through participation in an International External Quality Assessment Scheme [IEQAS]. Descriptive study. The Haematology Department, Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 1996 to December 2006. Overall performance of blood parameters and parasite identification were analysed. Individual values were assessed against consensus value [mean +/- SD] and deviation index [DI] from the mean, whereas coefficients of variation [CV] were calculated for years 1996 to 2006. The results are expressed as percentage of accurate versus inaccurate results, deviation index [DI] and coefficient of variation [%CV]. The laboratory achieved 87.74% of values within acceptable limits for haemoglobin, 72.03% for white blood count, 69.49% for platelet and 77.03% for reticulocyte estimation. Results were satisfactory, having DI values less than 3 for all four parameters.%CV values was found to be dependent on the type of test performed and varied among different parameters. Difficulty has been observed in identifying Plasmodium malariae and ovale. Participation in External Quality Assessment Schemes is extremely beneficial for the improvement of laboratory performance and quality of care. Evaluation of the survey results on a regular basis serves as a useful guide to assess overall performance of the laboratory. Standardization of analytical procedures, equipments and reagents, continuous monitoring of personnel competency and thorough investigation of discordant results significantly contributes to the delivery of quality diagnostic services

Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands in northern Pakistan: a clinicopathological study

Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands comprise a small but significant proportion of oral cancers. We analyzed this group of tumors in our population. The records of all cases of malignant minor salivary gland tumors diagnosed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a period of 10 years [1994-2003] are described. The institute receives biopsy material from armed forces and public and private sector hospitals in northern Pakistan as well as referrals for second opinion. A total of 21168 tumors were recorded at the AFIP Tumor Registry during the study period. These included 70 malignant minor salivary gland tumors. Twenty-three of these [32.8%] arose in the palate while the remaining tumors originated at other sites in the oral cavity. The commonest histological type was adenoid cystic carcinoma, constituting 30 cases [42.8%]. The next most common type was mucoepidermoid carcinoma; comprising 26 [37.1%] cases. The mean age of cases was 43.4 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4 There were 2 cases each of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma. The remaining cases included undifferentiated carcinomas, adenocarcinomas [not otherwise specified] and a few other rare tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the commonest malignant neoplasm of the minor salivary gland followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The palate was the commonest location of these tumors

Evaluation of post challenge Glucose Estimation For Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [W.H.O. - Criteria 1999]

To compare sensitivity, specificity and Positive Predictive Value [PPV] and Negative Predictive Value [NPV] of 75g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test [OGTT] i.e. WHO criteria 1999 with 100g OGTT of National Diabetes Data Group [NDDG criteria]. Study Design: Comparative cross sectional. Material and Methods:The study was conducted at Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi. Duration of study: 1st January 2004 to 31st August 2004. Sample size: Approx one hundred pregnant ladies between 24 to 28 gestational weeks. Sampling technique: Non-probability convenience. Data collection procedure: Patients consent for participation in the study was taken with explanation of test procedure. Patient's characteristics such as age, obesity, family history of diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension, previous bad obstetric history [of still birth, macrosomia, recurrence abortion] was recorded on a predesigned proforma. Patients were first called for 75g OGTT and then after a gap of 1-2 days for OGTT 100g. Both tests were performed according to standard protocols. OGTT 75g was found to have 87.5% sensitivity, 97.8% specificity, and 77.7% positive predictive value and 98.8% negative predictive value, when compared with 100g OGTT

Frequency of cytogentic abnormalities in patients of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Cytogenetic analysis performed at diagnosis is considered to be the most valuable prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukaemia [AML]. Cytogenetic abnormalities which indicate a good prognosis include t[8; 21], inv[16] and t[15;17]. Normal cytogenetics carries average risk in AML. Patients with AML that is characterized by deletions of the long arms or monosomies of chromosome 5 or 7 or by abnormalities of 11q23 have particularly poor prognosis. To determine the frequency and type of cytogenetic abnormalities in Pakistani patients of AML. Design: Descriptive study. Subjects and Thirty six patients of acute myeloid leukaemia were referred to the department of Heamatology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi for cytogenetic studies during the period from March 2001 to September 2004. Five ml of venous blood was collected by venesection in vacutainer containing sodium heparin as anticoagulant. Blood was cultured on RPMI-1640 medium enriched with L-glutamine and foetal bovine serum. Phytohaemagglutin was used as T-cell mitogen. The cultures were incubated for 72 hours at 37°C. Mitoses were arrested in metaphases by colchicine. The cells were harvested and slides were made. Slides were aged and trypsin digestion was done. Slides were stained with Giemsa stain. Twenty metaphases were analysed under the microscope and the observations were recorded. In 10 patients' culture failed to yield evaluable metaphases. Out of 26 evaluated patients, cytogenetic abnormalities carrying good prognosis were seen in 6[23%] patients t[8;21] in 3 cases, t[15;17] in 2 and inv[16] in one patient. Normal karyotype carrying standard risk was seen in 17[65.4%] patients. Whereas abnormalities carrying poor prognosis were seen in only 3[11.6%] patients. These comprised 2 cases of trisomy 8 and one of dup [3][q21; q26]. This study reveals that majority of Pakistani patients with AML belong to good [23%] or standard [65.4%] risk groups. Only 11.6% patients belong to poor risk group

HLA Frequencies in Pakistani Population in comparison with Caucasian, oriental and Negroid population

The main objective of the study was to determine HLA-A, B, and DR frequencies in Pakistani population and their comparison with HLA frequencies reported for caucasian, oriental and negroid population. Material and methods: Five thousand prospective donors/recipients of renal/bone marrow transplant who had undergone HLA typing were included in the study. All subjects were of pure Pakistani origin. They included 1245 recipients [996 males, 249 females] and 3755 donors [2740 males, 1015 females]. The HLA antigens were tested with two stage NIH micro-lymphocytotoxicity assay by using Terasaki plates. Separated T and B lymphocytes were used for class I and Class II antigens detection. Relative antigen frequencies were determined and used to calculate the gene frequencies. The HLA class I antigens A2, A11, A24[9], A1, A26[10], A3, A28, A33[19], B51[5], B35, B8, B57[17], B60[40], B44[12], B7, B61[40] were the most commonly detected antigens for the HLA class I A and B subclasses. In case of HLA-DR, DR3, DR11[5], DR7, DR15[2] were the most frequently found antigens. These antigen frequencies were compared with the antigen frequencies reported for the Caucasians, Orientals and Negroid population. Comparison of common frequencies with other populations indicates that Pakistani population is nearer to Caucasians and Orientals

Frequency of HLA DR2 in patients with severe and very severe Aplastic anaemia

To determine the frequency of HLA DR2 in Pakistani patients with severe and very severe aplastic anaemia. Introduction: In many cases aplastic anaemia is mediated by the immune mechanisms. Increased frequency of certain HLA haplotypes in patients with autoimmune diseases have led to the investigation of HLA subtypes in aplastic anaemia. HLA DR2 was found to be the most frequently encountered allele in aplastic anaemia. It has been reported that patients of aplastic anaemia, who possess HLA DR2 show a good response to immunosuppressive treatment. This study has been designed to establish frequency of HLA DR2 in patients of aplastic anaemia in our population. Setting: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi-Pakistan. Materials and Fifty two cases of aplastic anaemia diagnosed at AFIP/AFBMTC during last 03 years [March 2001 to December 2003] were included in the study. Laboratory investigations to establish the diagnosis included blood complete picture, reticulocyte count, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow trephine biopsy. Cytogenetic studies were carried out in selected cases to exclude possibility of hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome/Fanconi's anaemia. LAP score, ham's test, sucrose lysis test, urine for haemosiderin and CD59 analysis were carried out in suspected cases to exclude paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. All cases were tested for HLA DR2 by standard National Institute of Health two stage microlymphocytotoxicity assay. Out of 52 patients, 35 were males and 17 were females [M: F 2:1]. Median age of the patients was 17 years [3-35 years]. Twenty eight [54%] of the patients were of severe aplastic anaemia and 24 [46%] were of very severe aplastic anaemia. HLA DR2 was positive in 31[60%] patients compared to 4,1% in healthy population [p. 0.007]. An increased frequency of HLA DR2 is also seen in Pakistani patients of aplastic anaemia which is associated with a good response to immunosuppressive therapy

Relationship between maternal and cord blood leptin levels in Pakistani subjects

To ascertain the relationship between maternal serum leptin levels and cord blood leptin levels of Pakistani subjects at delivery, and to determine the relationship of parity with maternal and cord blood leptin levels. Lady Dufferin Hospital and Ziauddin Hospital Karachi. leptin concentration was measured in 110 normal full term pregnant subjects between 18 and 35 years of age, using Active Elisa Kit [DSL-10-23100]. Samples were selected according to availability. Mean maternal serum leptin levels were 27.9 +/- 18.1 ng/ml. Mean cord blood leptin levels were 10.0 +/- 7.5 kg/m[2], Maternal serum leptin was found to be positively correlated with cord blood leptin [r = 0.67, p < 0.01]. The average maternal and cord blood leptin levels of multigravida [n = 75] subjects were higher than primigravida [n = 35]. Cord blood leptin levels increases with increase in maternal level. High leptin level gradient exist between maternal and cord leptin. The increase in maternal and cord blood leptin in multigravida mothers is accounted possibly by the difference in fat cells between primigarvida and multigravida subjects