Scarring in acne patients--a study done at Isra University Hyderabad.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical presentation of acne in the Out Patient Department of Isra University Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done. The 100 patients with acne, who attended the Out Patient Department of Dermatology in Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from September 2007 to February 2008, were analyzed. RESULTS: In 100 patients with acne there were 65 female and 35 male patients. The patient ages ranged from 11 to 35 years, most being in the age range from 15 to 19 years (mean, 18.70 +/- 4.50 years). Family history was positive in 49% of patients. Involvement of face was seen in 100% of patients. Scarring was observed in 59% patients. Premenstrual flare was seen in 70% female patients. Most patients, 83% had pruritus in lesions. Face (cheeks, forehead and lower part of the face) were the most common sites to be involved. CONCLUSION: Acne is one of the common diseases, seen in the Out Patient Department, of Isra University Hospital. Study, concludes that female patients were more affected by acne and its complications like scarring as compared to the male patients.

Attitude and knowledge of medical students of Isra University about dysmenorrhoea and its treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhoea is the term for painful menstruation. It is a common gynaecological complaint among female adolescent. The objective of this study was to assess attitude and knowledge about treatment of dysmenorrhoea among medical students of Isra University. METHODS: This study was conducted at Isra University Hyderabad. Non-probability, convenient random selection from MBBS student was done. Participants included were 18-25 years of ages, irrespective of marital status. Girls with irregular menstrual cycles, primary or secondary amenorrhea were excluded from the study. Pre-designed questionnaire was filled by the students. RESULTS: A total of 197 female medical students were recruited, dysmenorrhoea was reported in 76%, of these 62.43% had primary and 13.19% had secondary dysmenorrhoea. Majority 89 (59.70%) of the girls had mild G1 to moderate 48 (32.21%) G2 dysmenorrhoea and twelve 8.05% were with sever dysmenorrhoea. The most common symptoms observed were abdominal cramps 94 (63%), irritability 91 (61.07%), headache 41 (24.5%) and vomiting 34 (22.8%). Different attitudes of students were assessed, that 40.6% of subjects can not do their routine work and 19.3% remain absent from education place. Only 69.5% students were using commercial pads, 67% girls were not taking bath and 92.4% were not doing exercise during menstruation, only 15 (7.6%) were doing exercise from the study population. Simple analgesic was the most known drug to 49.7% of participants for relief of dysmenorrhoea pain. CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhoea is a common problem among young girls, and it significantly affects their class attendance, academic performance and routine work. Even being medical students, strong cultural believes were observed regarding menstrual cycle. Attitudinal changes are necessary to develop, educational strategies, appropriate use of medications and consultation with physician, to empower these young girls regarding healthy life-style.

Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel and placebo in the topical management of vulval lichen planus. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Dermatology, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from January 2007 to January 2008. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four female patients were randomized into two groups to receive aloe vera gel or placebo for local application for 8 weeks. Clinical data and treatment response was graded according to Thongprasom criteria. Z-test was used for comparing response between the groups. RESULTS: Thirty-four consecutive patients participated in the study. We found erosive and ulcerative lesions in 83% and 17%, respectively. The most common site of vulval lichen planus was the labia minora. Fourteen (82%) out of 17 patients treated with aloe vera had a good response i.e. clinically improved by at least 50% after 8 weeks of treatment, while one (5%) of 17 placebo-treated patients had a similar response (p < 0.001). Furthermore, one patient (5%) treated with aloe vera had a complete clinical remission. No side-effects were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera gel was a safe and effective treatment for patients with vulval lichen planus.

Risk factors associated with childhood asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors associated with childhood asthma, in children attending Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Isra University Hospital between September 2005 to August 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 398 age-matched children (200 asthmatic and 198 non-asthmatic). Information was collected concerning their familial history of atopy, birth weight, environment, breastfeeding, disease and treatment history. Odds ratio was calculated for determining the risk. RESULTS: The children were aged between 12 months and 8 years and 60% were male. The asthmatic children were hospitalized more frequently than the non-asthmatic children (p < 0.0001). Most of the asthmatic children lived in the urban areas of Hyderabad [odd ratio (OR) = 16.7, 95% CI = 3.1-14.6, p < 0.0001], had a parental history of asthma (OR = 26.8, 95% CI = 10.8-68.2, p < 0.0001) or allergic rhinitis (OR = 4, 95% CI = 1.2-13.4, p= 0.01), 38.5% had at least one person who smoked, and were weaned earlier than the non-asthmatic children (OR =12.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.4, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Childhood asthma was strongly associated with a family history of asthma and allergic rhinitis, the urban place of residence, having smokers as parents and early weaning from maternal breast milk. The results highlight the need to educate the parents about the risk of smoking and early weaning in the development of asthma.

Risk factors of birth asphyxia.

BACKGROUND: Birth asphyxia is a serious clinical problem worldwide. There are many reasons a baby may not be able to take in enough oxygen before, during, or just after birth. Damage to brain tissues is a serious complication of low oxygen that can cause seizures and other neurological problems. This study was designed to asses the risk factors of birth asphyxia in neonates. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from April 2005 to April 2006. 125 newborn (75 males and 50 females) admitted to the neonatal care unit, who were delivered with delayed cry or low apgar score (< 7) were included. Detailed maternal history was taken, regarding their age, gestational age, and complications, if any. RESULTS: Out of 125 neonatal encephalopathy cases, 28% were diagnosed as suffering with moderate or severe encephalopathy, whereas 36% had mild encephalopathy. Risk of neonatal encephalopathy increased with increasing or decreasing maternal age. Antepartum risk factors included non-attendance for antenatal care (64%). Multiple births increased risk in 4.8%. Intrapartum risk factors included non-cephalic presentation (20%), prolonged rupture of membranes (24%) and various other complications. Particulate meconium was associated with encephalopathy in 9.6%. 60% mothers were anemic. Vaginal bleeding was strongly associated with birth asphyxia in 34.44% of neonates. 56% of mothers delivered at home, while 28% delivered at a private hospital or maternity home. Only 12% delivered at a tertiary care hospital. CONCLUSION: Lack of antenatal care, poor nutritional status, antepartum hemorrhage and maternal toxaemia were associated with higher incidence of asphyxia. Improvements in the public health of women with associated gains in female growth and nutrition must remain a longer-term goal. Early identification of high-risk cases with improved antenatal and perinatal care can decrease such high mortality. Safe motherhood policy is recommended.