Determination of etiological factors associated with aplastic anaemia in Rahim Yar Khan district of southern Punjab

Objective: to determine the clinico-haematological profile and etiological factors of aplastic anaemia in patients under study

Material and Methods: this cross sectional study was conducted on 34 aplastic anaemic patients in the department of Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan with cases referred from medicine, pediatric and out patients departments over a period of 22 months from October 2008 to July 2010. Patients of all ages and sex were included in the study. Data was entered into SPSS version 15 and analyzed descriptively

Results: results depict that most of the patients were in the age range 5-35 years with mean+/-SD [22.18+/-9.107 years]. 82.35% patients were males and 17.65% were females. Out of 34 cases diagnosed as aplastic anaemia, 30 cases [88.2%] were suffering from acquired aplastic anemia while 4 [11.7%] cases were found to have inherited aplastic anaemia [Fanconi Anaemia]. Out of 34 patients with acquired aplastic anemia, 23 [67.6%] patients had drug induced marrow hypoplasia with major marrow suppressant effect produced by chloramphenicol and sulfa formulated drugs in 14 [60.87%]. 9 [39.13%] patients used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs particularly lndomethacin and heavy metals incorporated in herbal medicines. Only 4 cases [11.8%] were diagnosed as inherited aplastic anaemia with major clinical manifestations in the form of hyperpigmentation of skin, short stature and hypoplastic thenar eminences. Interestingly there was not a single patient with positive viral serological profile [e.g. HCV, HBsAg, HIV etc]

Conclusion: majority of the studied patients had acquired aplastic anaemia. Antibiotics particularly Sulfonamides and Chloramphenicol, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gold salts and non-specified heavy metals are important causes of bone marrow suppression

Assessment of the modifiable risk factors contributing to obesity in adolescents of different socioeconomic groups

Objective: to evaluate the modifiable risk factors associated with obesity in adolescents belonging to different socioeconomic groups

Material and Methods: this comparative study was carried out in urban district of Lahore. A total of 270 adolescents 13-15 years of age were recruited, 90 each from upper, middle and lower socioeconomic groups [based on the school fee]. Calorie intake, physical activity and hours of television viewing and computer usage was determined by a self-administered questionnaire

Results: there was statistically significant difference regarding daily calorie intake of the upper middle and lower socioeconomic groups [F=4.588, df =2, p<0.05]. There was no significant difference in hours of physical activity per day in the upper, middle and lower socioeconomic groups [F=1.997, dF = 2, p>0.05]. There was a statistically significant difference in the hours of television watching and computer use per day in the upper, middle and lower socioeconomic groups [F=9.491, df=2, p<0.05]

Conclusion: calorie intake was influenced by socioeconomic status being highest in upper socioeconomic group followed by the lower socioeconomic group and was lowest in the middle socioeconomic group. There was no difference in the hours of physical activity per day in the upper, middle and lower socioeconomic groups. Hours of television watching and computer use per day was influenced by socioeconomic status being highest in the upper socioeconomic group followed by middle and then lowest in the lower socioeconomic group

Carbonated drink consumption and BMI in Pakistani adolescents

Objective: to evaluate the relationship between intake of carbonated drinks and weight gain among adolescent Pakistanis

Material and Methods: this comparative study was carried out in urban district of Lahore and total of 270 adolescents 13-15 years of age were studied. Weight and height was measured with Height and Weight Measuring Scale [SMIC]. Obesity was assessed by BMI [wt [kg]/Ht [m2]. Carbonated drinks consumed per week were measured using a self-administered Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ]

Results: there was no significant difference between the intakes of carbonated drinks in normal, overweight and obese adolescents

Conclusions: carbonated drink consumption cannot be held responsible for increase in BMI unless combined with other factors

Correlation between various obesity indices in Pakistani adolescents aged 13-15 years

Objects: obesity during childhood and adolescence is a matter of growing concern and is related to adverse health outcomes. Studies across different countries found correlation between BMI and other obesity indices but extent of the problem has been given less importance in our country

Subject and Methods: to find out the correlation between BM I and other obesity indices, percent body fat and waist hip ratio in adolescents of 13-15 years. This comparative study was carried out in urban district of Lahore and total of270 adolescents 13-15 years of age were recruited. Obesity was assessed by BMI, percent body fat and waist hip ratio. BMI [wt in kg/ht in m2]for adolescents was calculated by standard international cut off points. Triceps skin fold thickness was measured by Harpenden's calipers and then this was used to calculate percent body fat. Waist and hip circumference was measured by using a measuring tape

Results: OBMI and percent body fat was significantly correlated. [Pearson correlation coefficient =0.428 p<0.05]. The correlation between BMI and waist hip ratio was also significant [Pearson correlation coefficient =0.384 p< 0.05]

Conclusion: when BMI increase in adolescents there is an increase in percent body fat and Waist hip ratio