Serum immunoglobulin profile in normal Kashmiri adults

Serum levels of the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM were estimated in 102 apparently healthy Kashmiri adults in the age group of 16-60 years, using single radial immunodiffusion method of Mancini et al. The mean serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM were observed to be 1289.19 +/- 234.9, 216.18 +/- 50.70 and 118.97 +/- 41.88 respectively. No significant difference in the mean serum levels was observed between the two sexes as such, but IgM showed a significant increase in females in the age group of 16-30 years. IgA showed a significant increase with age, with no such increase in case of IgG and IgM.     

Differential expression of Neu messenger-RNA and protein in hamster-kidney and estrogen-induced kidney tumors

An inverse relationship between the expression of the neu oncogene and estrogen receptors has been observed in breast cancer patients. In this study, we examined neu expression in the estrogen-induced and -dependent hamster kidney tumors, in kidney and in controls to evaluate the usefulness of this animal model far studying the regulation of genes important in hormonal cancer. The expression of neu mRNA was analyzed by Northern analysis and Neu oncoprotein localization by immunocytochemistry. The Neu oncoprotein was detected in several segments of proximal and distal kidney tubules, the loops of Henle and the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's capsule but not in the tumor. neu mRNA was expressed in renal tissue after estrogen treatment and in untreated controls, but not in kidney tumors. The absence of Neu oncoprotein and mRNA from those cell types that have previously been shown to overexpress estrogen receptors in response to estrogen, suggests that the estrogen receptor and neu genes are interdependent in this tumor system, which may thus be a useful animal model for studying the regulation of neu by estrogens.     

Peripheral giant cell granuloma--a case report

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a lesion arising mainly from the connective tissue of gingiva or periosteum of alveolar ridge. A case of peripheral giant cell granuloma involving a deciduous molar and the succedaneous tooth is reported. The lesion was large and interfered with occlusion. Surgical excision of the lesion along with the deciduous first molar was done. The underlying permanent first premolar was also involved, and had to be removed. The importance of an adequate salivary flow and maintenance of oral hygiene in the prevention of such lesions is stressed.     

Effective utilization of available infrastructure for oral health promotion in India

The strength of Indian society lies in its social, cultural and religious infrastructure. This feature needs to be utilized for appropriate intervention in life styles of people for effective prevention of dental diseases, all of which are dependent, on life style, to a large extent.     

Perinatal mortality trends in a referral hospital

A comparative study of perinatal mortality patterns over a period was conducted at a teaching hospital of South India. Among the 6,048 babies born from January 1984 to December 1985 (Group A), there were 265 (43.8/1000) still births and 127 (22.0/1000) early neonatal deaths. Three hundred and thirty seven (41/1000) babies were still born and 235 (29.8/1000) early neonatal deaths out of 8,215 deliveries during 1992–93 (Group B). The perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in Group A and B were 57.9/1000 and 57.7/1000 respectively. Unbooked cases accounted for the majority (> 75%) of perinatal deaths during both the periods. The overall mortality rates in unbooked cases were three to four times higher than booked cases. Among the various causes of still births, antepartum haemorrhage and uterine rupture had increased. Septicaemia was the major cause of early neonatal deaths in Group A, but in Group B birth asphyxia and prematurity were the leading causes. Effective interventions like creating awareness among the target population to utilise maternal and child health services and early referral of high risk cases with improved intranatal and perinatal care can decrease the perinatal mortality.     

Early neonatal mortality in an intramural birth cohort at a tertiary care hospital

Early neonatal mortality (ENM) occurring among 12,283 consecutive live birthsover a period of 3 years were analysed. The early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) was 26.6/1000 live births. Birth weight less than 2,000 gm, lack of antenatal care, male sex, operative vaginal delivery, prematurity and multiple pregnancy were significantly associated with early neonatal deaths. Birth asphyxia was found to be the most important cause of death, followed by hyaline membrane disease and congenital malformations. Majority of the asphyxia related deaths were due to late intrapartum referral of the mothers. Forty-two per cent of early neonatal deaths occurred in babies weighing less than 1,500 gm. Early identification and referral of high risk mothers and health education would significantly reduce the early neonatal deaths.     

Perinatal autopsy—A seven-year study

A retrospective analysis of autopsies conducted on perinatal deaths during 7 years period (Oct 1983 to Sept 1990) was done. There were 650 neonatal deaths and 944 still births during the study period. Autopsy rates among neonates and still births were 33% and 4.9% respectively. There ware significant findings in 97.2% of neonatal deaths and in all still births. Pulmonary lesions followed by congenital malformations were the major pathological findings. Infection was observed among smaller number of babies compared to other Indian studies. Autopsy revealed many internal congenital malformations which were not diagnosed clinically. Autopsy changed or added to clinical diagnosis in 59.5% of cases. Perinatal autopsy is highly productive in our set up.     

Low birth weight: an outcome of poor socio-obstetric interaction

Factors contributing to low birth weight (LBW) include poverty, ignorance, and inability to use health care services. Early marriage and low family income lead to poor maternal nutrition reserves, which lead to reduced fetal nutrition. Poor maternal nutrition is also the result of ignorance, short birth intervals, multi-parity, and lack of prenatal care. Both heavy manual labor and smoking contribute to placental ischemia, which, along with reduced fetal nutrition, leads to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In developing countries, IUGR accounts for over 66% of all LBW neonates. About 7 million Indian babies annually are LBW. This study examined the incidence of LBW among 178 mothers delivering single births at the maternity hospital associated with the Department of Community Medicine of SKIMS, Srinagar, Kashmir, India, during 1989-90. 26.40% (47) of the 178 births were LBW (2500 g). Among 71 first-borns, marriage age was found to be statistically significantly associated with LBW. 31.82% of mothers younger than 20 years had LBW babies, compared to only 6.12% of mothers older than 20 years. The impact ratio, which measured excess LBW, was 4.20. Birth interval was statistically significantly associated with LBW outcome. 55.81% of women with a birth interval of less than 18 months had LBW babies, compared to 20.31% of mothers with longer birth intervals. The impact ratio was 1.75. Gravidity was also statistically associated with LBW babies. 34.58% of multigravida mothers had LBW babies, compared to 14.08% of primigravidae. The impact ratio was 1.46. Presence of prenatal care was statistically associated; the impact ratio was 1.42. 31.30% of illiterate women had LBW babies, compared to only 17.46% among literate women, which indicated significant associations with LBW. Other significant factors were manual labor, maternal smoking, and monthly family income. Reduction of LBW by 10-30% nationally by the year 2000 will be difficult and best accomplished by a high risk approach supplemented by health and nutrition education.