A descriptive study of frequency of short term complications in late preterm neonates at a tertiary care hospital Rawalpindi.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of short-term complications in late preterm neonates in a tertiary care setting. METHODS: The observational study was conducted at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from December 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, and comprised late preterm neonates. Frequency of complications were noted in the subjects. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 200 subjects, 108(54%) were males, 84(42%) were aged 34-35 weeks. Among the complications, sepsis was the most frequent 88(44%), followed by respiratory distress syndrome RDS 58(29%). Mean weight was 2±0.42 kg and mean day of life at presentation was 2±1.9. Most common maternal risk factor was premature rupture of membrane 48(24%). CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm neonates had critical complications. The health authorities should formulate policies in this regard.

Evaluation of diet as a risk factor in the development of childhood leukaemia: a case control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate probable association of dietary risk factors with childhood leukaemia. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted at the Children Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January to December 2017, and comprised children of either gender aged 2-12 years with recently diagnosed acute lymphocytic or acute myelocytic leukaemia An age and gender matched equal group of healthy children was taken as controls. Dietary-intake data was collected for six food groups, namely raw vegetables, fresh fruits, packed fruit juices, caffeinated drinks, junk foods, and processed/precooked food items. Frequency of the selected food group consumption was summarised in six categories: rarely/never, 1-3 days/week, 4-6 days/week, once daily, twice daily and thrice daily. Data was collected through interviews with the mothers using a pre-designed questionnaire, and was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 90 subjects, 45(50%) were in each of the two groups. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (p>0.05). Consumption of caffeinated drinks and junk food was significantly higher in cases (p=0.001) while controls showed significantly higher consumption of fresh fruits (p=0.0012). No significant difference was noted for consumption of vegetables, packed fruit juices and processed food between the groups (p> 0. 05 ). CONCLUSIONS: Higher consumption of caffeinated drinks and junk food was observed in cases compared to controls.