High sensitive C reactive protein as an inflammatory indicator in preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy and one of the leading cause of maternal, prenatal morbidity and mortality. The present study was carried out to estimate serum high sensitive C- reactive protein in both mild and severe preeclampsia as an indicator of inflammation and to correlate Hs-CRP with blood pressure.Methods: A case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MIMER Medical College and Bhausaheb Sardesai Rural Hospital Talegaon Dabhade, Pune. The study group include 50 cases of normal pregnant women, 43 clinically diagnosed cases of mild preeclampsia and 7 cases of severe preeclampsia in second and third trimester of pregnancy. 2 ml venous blood samples was collected from all the study participants for estimation of Hs-CRP by ultra-sensitive immunoturbidometric assay spin react method.Results: There was significant increase in the mean serum Hs-CRP levels in normal pregnant women and mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). Serum Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in severe preeclamspia than mild preeclamptic women (p<0.001). The degree of inflammation increases as HsCRP rises. Hence, present study shows that HsCRP levels increases as disease progresses from mild to severe condition. Significant positive correlations was found between Hs-CRP and Blood Pressure in preeclampsia.Conclusions: In preeclampsia there is an exaggeration of systemic inflammatory response that might induce reactive oxygen species which further induces endothelial dysfunction. This leads to clinical symptoms of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclampsia. Early detection might minimise systemic complications and maternal death due to preeclampsia. Hence, HsCRP may be used as an important indicator of severity of preeclampsia

Serum high sensitivity C reactive protein and lipid profile in obese students

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is progressively increasing in younger and adult population in India. It is a medical problem that increases risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. One of the causes of dyslipidaemia is obesity. High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), is a marker of systemic inflammation and a predictor of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hence it is important to check the relationship of hs-CRP with lipid profiles in obese and non-obese students.Methods: A case control observational study was carried out in 60 students. They were divided in to two groups obese and non-obese based on the BMI ranges. Serum lipid levels, hs-CRP and BMI was estimated in both groups to find out correlation of hs-CRP with lipid profile and BMI.Results: There was a significant rise in serum Total Cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol and a significant fall in HDL-C in obese group as compared to non-obese group. Serum hs-CRP and BMI was significantly increased in obese students as compared to non-obese students. There was statistically significant positive correlation found between hs-CRP and total cholesterol, LDL-C, Triacylglycerol in obese students.Conclusions: Significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and lipid profile except HDL-C. Serum hs-CRP levels may decrease by treatment of dyslipidaemia. This would minimize the incidence of atherosclerosis and hence decrease the risk for development of coronary artery disease. Hence, improving the quality of life

Effectiveness of planned health education on knowledge of nurses working at tertiary care hospital regarding early detection of cancer cervix Karad, Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Cervical cancer is a major and devastating cause of mortality worldwide with an estimated global incidence of 5 lakhs new cases and 2.7 lakhs deaths annually among women. The objective of this study was to assess the existing level of knowledge and to determine the effectiveness of planned health education among the nurses regarding early detection and prevention of ca cervix.Methods: Evaluative approach with Quasi experimental one group pre-test-post-test design was used.168 sample were selected with simple random sampling technique, who those are working in tertiary care hospital, Karad. A pre-test given related to cervical cancer questionnaires followed by planned health education imparted for the duration of 45 minutes. Post-test using the same questionnaire were conducted after 7 days.Results: The study results showed that, the planned health education was effective in increasing the knowledge at the level of P <0.001.Conclusions: It is seen that training of nurses less than 30 years, even with lesser experience lesser than 5 years and with unmarried status benefited most. In service education training at the time of induction program and also frequently to refresh to sensitize the nurses with updating knowledge is recommended so that they can motivate the symptomatic and asymptomatic women who those are attending hospital as an outdoor patient or coming with the indoor patient as caretakers

CORRELATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF MOTHER AND THE BIRTH WEIGHT OF THE BABY

Objective: The objective of this study is to correlate mother's nutritional status during pregnancy and determine the birth weight of the baby.Methods: A comparative, exploratory approach and prospective cohort study design was used to find out mothers' nutritional status during pregnancy influences the birth weight of babies. The data were collected using structured interview schedule and dietary history by 24 h recall method from a randomly selected sample of 380 eligible mothers delivered at Krishna Hospital, Karad.Results: There was a significant correlation between birth weight and calorie intake (correlation coefficient [r]=0.595; p&lt;0.001; Chi-square=201.3; p&lt;0.001.) A higher proportion of low birth weight babies, i.e., 105 (32.2%) were delivered by the mothers consuming &lt;70% of protein ([r]=0.245; p&lt;0.001; χ2=24.033; p&lt;0.001]). There was correlation between birth weight and calcium intake of mothers ([r]=0.525; p&lt;0.001; χ2=10.12; p&lt;0.001] birth†weight and iron intake of mothers ([r]=0.250; p&lt;0.001; χ2=13.798; p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: The intake of calorie, protein, calcium, and iron of mother can significantly influence the weight of the newborn baby. Among all anthropometric parameters of the mother, weight gain was the strongest predictor of adequacy of the birth weight

Awareness of COVID-19 outbreak in local population of Maval taluka in Maharashtra, India

Background: There is a growing fear and perceived threat about coronavirus among local population. The population, inclusive of all age groups is making use of available media such as internet, social media, newspapers and television to make themselves aware. There is no authenticity and information may be wrong. Since, corona has become major cause of concern, present study was carried out to bring the awareness and educate them about coronavirus among the local population.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on COVID-19 by using online Google based questionnaire in Maval area to assess the knowledge and awareness about corona virus among the 125 local participants. The questionnaire consisted of 10 validated peer reviewed questions covering various aspects of COVID-19 awareness were voluntarily filled by participants. Data was analysed in Microsoft Excel 2010.Results: Present findings revealed that 94% participants knew that COVID-19 is caused by the corona was first detected in Wuhan China and the first case of the same was reported in Kerala was known to 60% respondents. The virus remains on the surface of mobiles was known to 11% participants.76.8% participants apprised 2-14 days being the incubation period of the virus. Patients with two or more comorbidities can develop severe COVID-19 was known to 46.6% participants. Only 5% participants knew the difference between swine flu and corona virus. Nearly 89% participants knew soap is the best material for cleaning in the presence of dirt and about 51% participants knew the need of isolating persons with known COVID- 19 infection.Conclusions: Correct answers with scientific explanation were posted to the participants in the form of instantaneous feedback. Hence knowledge gained was increased by the participants. Their misconceptions were removed. More awareness can be brought & propagation of COVID-19 infection can be prevented even after lockdown period

Risk Approach strategy in MCH Care

A prospective community based study was conducted in the field practice area Sirur of B.J Medical College, Pune. All pregnancies and births in the 48,000-study population were identified. Screening of risk among pregnant mothers and newborn babies was undertaken periodically with the help of trained health workers by house to house visit. Extra care to &#x00E2;&#x20AC;&#x02DC;at risk&#x00E2;&#x20AC; individuals was planned in the existing health care pattern. A significant reduction in perinatal, neonatal and infant mortality rates over a four-year period was observed after application of the risk approach strategy

CASE REPORT: Disseminated Tuberculosis with Strongyloides stercoralis Infestation

Case History: We are presenting a case of seven year old male with disseminated tuberculosis and infection with Strongyloides stercoralis (S.stercoralis) The patient had severe hypoproteinemia and anasarca. S.stercoralis is a helminthic infection. Infection is acquired by walking bare foot on contaminated soil. After infection the filariform larvae invade the venous circulation and reach the intestine via respiratory system. Hyperinfection with this parasite leads to steatorrhea, oedema of duodenum, protein losing enteropathy,especially in immunocompromised individual. The patient had disseminated tuberculosis leading to decreased immunity which made the patient susceptible to hyperinfection with strongyloides. The patient responded dramatically to Ivermectin and anti tuberculartreatment. Timely intervention with appropriate drugs may prove to be lifesaving in such condition

Study of Serum Ferritin and Thyroid Dysfunction in known Beta-Thalassemia Patients

Background: Iron overload is the common side effect in Beta-Thalassemia patients due to repeated blood transfusions. It may affect endocrine glands like thyroid gland leading to thyroid dysfunction. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum ferritin level and to check for any thyroid dysfunction in known Beta- Thalassemia patients on regular blood transfusion. The objectives were to measure serum ferritin, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Tri-iodothyronine (fT3)and Free Thyroxine (fT4) hormone levels, and to study association of serum ferritin and frequency of blood transfusion with these hormone levels. Material & Methods:In this hospital based cross sectional study, blood samples from consecutive cases admitted to the Thalassemia unit of the hospital were studied. Age, sex, anthropometric data like height, weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Case history about blood transfusion and chelation therapy and other related complications was taken from the patients’ file. Blood samples were collected and serum was tested for Serum Ferritin and Thyroid Function Test including Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free Tri-iodothyronine (fT3) and Free Thyroxine (fT4) using chemiluminescence method. Results:Our study found that mean serum ferritin level (1848.9 ng/mL) was higher than the reference range. Mean TSH, fT3 and fT4 levels were normal. Conclusion:This study found that all the patients with Beta-thalassemia on regular blood transfusion had raised serum ferritin levels than the reference range, but they were euthyroid. This was due to regularly maintained serum ferritin levels by appropriate chelation therapy and regular follow up.The limitation of the study is its small sample size. A larger prospective study is needed to support the results of this study