Sex Linked Differences in Blood Pressure Indices (Mean Arterial Pressure and Pulse Pressure) of COVID-19 Patients After Six Minute Walk Test

Objective: The study was aimed to assess the sex-linked differences in the Blood Pressure Indices (BPI) i.e., Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Pulse Pressure (PP) of COVID patients after 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Study type,settings& duration: This observational study was conducted in the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,Khyber Medical University, Peshawar from December 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: There were 54 participants (21 Females and 33 Males). Participants with previous COVID-19 infection with a cut off of 3 months post COVID, were included in the study. The participant’s Heart Rate and Blood Pressure were recorded both before and after performing 6MWT. Results: Both pre and post stress comparison of mean difference between post COVID males and females, was significant for MAP (Post-Stress p=0.002 and Pre-Stress p=0.01) only. PP and HR did not show any significant differences between the males vs females in both pre and post stress phase. While, post COVID females had a higher HR than males in both pre and post phase. General Linear regression model was developed while controlling for age and to check the relation between MAP, PP and HR.R squared came out to be 0.648 while MAP was significant with a pvalue = 0.012. Conclusion: This study found a significant difference in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) between male and female COVID-19 patients after a 6-minute walk test, suggesting sex-based variations in blood pressure response post-infection. Further research with larger samples is needed to explore the clinical implications of this finding

Evaluation of salivary parameters (flow rate, pH, amylase and total protein) in periodontitis patients based on CPITN criteria

Introduction: The available literature on the topic is inconclusive and sometime taking less parameters in consideration. Moreover, there is no published data available in local population. Objectives: To determine and compare salivary flow rate, pH, total proteins, and alpha amylase in periodontitis patients based on community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) score. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study on 80 participants selected by purposive sampling was completed in 6 months. Participants were divided into 5 groups by CPITN scoring. Individuals more than 30 years with at least 20 teeth having calculus/staining were included. The study was conducted at Dental department of Civil Dispensary Peshawar city, Khyber College of Dentistry (periodontology ward) and Khyber Medical University (Biochemistry lab). After explaining the procedure and taking consent, saliva was collected from the participants following aseptic technique and analyzed through ELISA. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. P value <0.05 was considered to be significant in our study. Results: Among 80 subjects, 51 were females and 29 were males with mean age 35.73±7.05 years and BMI 26.47±5.23

Stress related changes due to valsalva maneuver in healthy young individuals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Background: Effect of stress application on the body in particular, one that raises the intrathoracic pressure, like the Valsalva Maneuver needed to be gauged in the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The aim of this research was to assess the changes induced by Valsalva manoeuvre on the body depicted via an ECG. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted on healthy young adults in the research laboratory of the physiology department, Khyber Medical College over a period of seven months. A total of 119 subjects were included in research, those with morbidities were excluded. The rest were made to perform the Valsalva manoeuvre for 15 seconds at maintaining pressure of 40 mmHg. The blood pressure, ECG and heart rate were measured during and after the procedure. The data was then analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: The significantly affected parameters by stress were blood pressure PR, RR, QT intervals and T wave. The changes in the parameters, at rest, were either insignificant or were differentially significant in both the genders. Conclusion: Valsalva manoeuvre has a direct effect on blood pressure and ECG and in turn on pumping of the heart via effecting the ventricular contraction and repolarization