Change of lipid profile in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia due to induction chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. In the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), 58% of ALL cases were recorded among 455 newly diagnosed malignancy patients in a single year. Studies found that remarkable hypertriglyceridemia occurs with L-asparaginase therapy and steroid. This study was done to evaluate the changes of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) during and after induction chemotherapy in children with ALL. Methods: This prospective observational study was performed in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of BSMMU from March-November 2013. Newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients aged 3-15 years were included in this study after having written consent from the parents of the participants to participate in the study and enrolled for the treatment of ALL (according to modified UKALL 2003 protocol). Results: Total cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL changed significantly due to induction therapy. Serum total cholesterol and LDL decreased after completion of L-asparaginse in comparison to before induction, increased significantly after completion of induction in comparison to after completion of L-asparaginase (P=0.001), and increased significantly after induction in relation to before induction therapy (P=0.003). TG decreased significantly (P=0.033) after completion of L-asparaginase than before induction but increased after completion of induction. HDL increased after completion of L-asparaginase and after induction significantly (P=0.001). LDL decreased after completion of L asparaginase which was significant (P=0.005). Conclusion: After induction chemotherapy, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL level increased and TG level decreased among ALL patients. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 35-40

Change of lipid profile in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia due to induction chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. In the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), 58% of ALL cases were recorded among 455 newly diagnosed malignancy patients in a single year. Studies found that remarkable hypertriglyceridemia occurs with L-asparaginase therapy and steroid. This study was done to evaluate the changes of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) during and after induction chemotherapy in children with ALL. Methods: This prospective observational study was performed in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of BSMMU from March-November 2013. Newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients aged 3-15 years were included in this study after having written consent from the parents of the participants to participate in the study and enrolled for the treatment of ALL (according to modified UKALL 2003 protocol). Results: Total cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL changed significantly due to induction therapy. Serum total cholesterol and LDL decreased after completion of L-asparaginse in comparison to before induction, increased significantly after completion of induction in comparison to after completion of L-asparaginase (P=0.001), and increased significantly after induction in relation to before induction therapy (P=0.003). TG decreased significantly (P=0.033) after completion of L-asparaginase than before induction but increased after completion of induction. HDL increased after completion of L-asparaginase and after induction significantly (P=0.001). LDL decreased after completion of L asparaginase which was significant (P=0.005). Conclusion: After induction chemotherapy, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL level increased and TG level decreased among ALL patients. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2023;16(1): 35-40

Assessment of the association between health problems and cooking fuel type, and barriers towards clean cooking among rural household people in Bangladesh

Abstract Background In low- and middle-income countries, households mainly use solid fuels like wood, charcoal, dung, agricultural residues, and coal for cooking. This poses significant public health concerns due to the emission of harmful particles and gases. To address these issues and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopting cleaner cooking fuels like electricity and gas are acknowledged as a viable solution. However, access to these cleaner fuels is limited, especially in rural areas. Methods This study conducted a face-to-face survey with 1240 individuals in rural Bangladesh to explore the link between health issues and cooking fuel type, as well as barriers to transitioning to clean cooking. Using a convenient sampling technique across four divisions/regions, the survey gathered socio-demographic and health data, along with information on clean cooking barriers through a semi-structured questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were then employed to identify significant associations between cooking fuel type and health problems. Results The study revealed that a majority of participants (73.3%) relied on solid fuel for cooking. The use of solid fuel was significantly correlated with factors such as lower education levels, reduced family income, location of residence, and the experience of health issues such as cough, chest pressure while breathing, eye discomfort, diabetes, asthma, and allergies. Economic challenges emerged as the foremost obstacle to the adoption of clean cooking, accompanied by other contributing factors. Conclusion The use of solid fuel in rural Bangladeshi households poses substantial health risks, correlating with respiratory, eye, cardiovascular, and metabolic issues. Lower education and income levels, along with specific residential locations, were associated with higher solid fuel usage. Economic challenges emerged as the primary obstacle to adopting clean cooking practices. These findings emphasize the need for implementing strategies to promote clean cooking, address barriers, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets for health and sustainable energy access in Bangladesh

Assessment of perceived dengue risk and prevention practices among youth in Bangladesh

Abstract Dengue fever is a global public health concern, especially in countries like Bangladesh. This study examines youth perceived dengue risk, and preventive practices, providing valuable insights into their behavior regarding this mosquito-borne disease. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in various regions of the Dhaka district in Bangladesh. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1,358 participants using convenience sampling, spanning the period from September 2 to October 10, 2023. A semi-structured questionnaire covered informed consent, socio-demographic data, and questions about perceived dengue risk scale (12 items), and prevention practice (13 items). Participants’ mean age was 22.02 ± 1.58 years. The average scores for perceived dengue risk, and prevention practices were found to be 51.39 ± 12.01 (out of 96), and 55.57 ± 14.55 (out of 104) respectively. Previous dengue history, history of other vector-borne diseases, gender, educational level, father's educational qualification, employment status, adequate sleep duration, father's occupation, etc. are factors associated with higher risk and prevention practices regarding dengue. The research underscores the importance of tailoring prevention strategies for different demographics, raising awareness, and promoting active engagement in preventive measures. These insights are crucial for developing effective public health policies and campaigns to combat dengue