Differences in detection rates for serious neonatal diseases before and after institution of newborn rounds by paediatricians in a private sector hospital

Perinatal and infant mortality are two major contributors to child mortality in developing world. It is widely recognised that synergistic efforts by paediatric and obstetric healthcare providers result in improvement of neonatal and infant survival. Close working relationship between the 2 disciplines with attendance of all high risk births by paediatric healthcare providers and routine examination of all neonates is required for this purpose. Objectives were to compare 2 continuums of 100 neonatal cases for detection of serious neonatal disease. One set of neonates being examined by neonatal/paediatric service and other without this service in place. One hundred Neonatal Exam sheets were selected randomly from records of 2007-2008 and compared with 100 Neonatal Exam Sheets of 2006-2007. Records were analysed for detection of serious neonatal conditions at 24 hours age. Data was analysed using MS EXCEL. Odds ratio was calculated for each disease with Haldane correction. Odds ratio was significantly higher for detection of serious neonatal diseases in 2007-2008 group when neonatal service was actively involved in newborn examinations of all neonates. Highest odds ratios were obtained for detection of Heart Murmur and neonatal sepsis. Newborn Examination within 24-48 hours of birth by trained neonatal healthcare provider is paramount for adequate detection of serious neonatal diseases. Such services should be instituted in all obstetric units for better neonatal outcome

Demographic profile of patients with epilepsy in a community clinic

To study the Demographic profile of patients with Epilepsy. A descriptive study of five hundred patients with Epilepsy was counducted in, Ahbab Hospital, [Psychiatric Epilepsy clinic] Ravi Road, Lahore. All patients presented with seizures during that period were included in the study. Their detailed history and appropriate investigations were recorded on a study proforma. Epilepsy was classified according to EEG findings. Out of a total Five hundred patients with Epilepsy who visited Ahbab Hospital majority [62.9%] were of low socio-economic status and belong to rural areas of Pakistan. Males had Epilepsy [58%] more often compared to females [42%]. The most common type was Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure.70% of the patients came with Epilepsy only, 13.0%were having Depression and 10.1%were Mental Retardation and 4.1%had a problem of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The results of the study conclude that Epilepsy is more common among population with low socioeconomic status in the rural areas and dominantly involves the males.43% of the subjects were suffering from Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures. The risk factors for developing Epilepsy include a positive family history of Epilepsy. Epilepsy is an important health problem. Identification of Demographic profile in a hospital setting will lead to more opportunities to improve preventive measures and quality of life in rural areas. It will also improve knowledge among rural backgrounds and health officials on the problems associated with this disease