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Biomedical subjects

Raza Rizvi

Publications and source records attributed to Raza Rizvi.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Morbidity pattern and utilization of a primary health care center in a low socioeconomic area of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the morbidity pattern according to age, gender and seasonal variation using the ICD coding and the utilization of Primary Health Care (PHC) center services in a demographically defined community. METHODS: The data collected from 2001-2003 was analyzed using the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) coding for identifying the morbidity patterns presenting at the PHC Center. The age and gender distribution of the patients and the seasonal variation of few diseases were noted. Only the residents of the area visiting the center for preventive or curative services were included. A structured performa was designed to enter the age, gender, disease and ICD codes. The faculty was trained for using the coding system. RESULTS: A total of 13,519 patients visited the PHC during three-year period. On an average, 376 patients were seen during a month with male to female ratio of 1:2. The most common diseases presented belong to the respiratory system, followed by infections or parasitic infestations and diseases of the reproductive system. The women presented for first visit of antenatal check up were 960 out of 4614 women of reproductive age group. Among the adult population, 391 (6%) presented with hypertension, 64 (1%) were Type 2 diabetics and 86 (1.3%) were asthmatics. The paediatric population analysis showed that 918 (13%) had upper respiratory infections and 1339 (19%) had diarrhoea. CONCLUSION: Problem oriented medical records from health centers, computerized in a uniform standardized way, can give extensive information about the content and burden of health problems in family practice and presumably public health.

Adolescent↗

Risk factors assessment for hypertension in a squatter settlement of Karachi.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for hypertension in adults (age more than 15 years) in a squatter settlement of Karachi. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of adults more than 15 years old in a squatter settlement of Karachi through random sampling method. RESULTS: A total of 327 adults were approached, 165 (50.5%) were males and 162 (49.5%) females. Blood pressure was measured in 63 (38%) males and 135 (83%) females. Out of which, 11 (17.5%) males and 19 (14%) females were screened hypertensive. Hypertensives were older as compared to normotensives (p < 0.001). The mean BMI of hypertensives (25.6 +/- 4.5 kg/m2) was significantly higher (p = 0.008) than normotensives (22.9 +/- 5.0 kg/m2). Hypertensives were 9.7 times more likely to be diabetic as compared to normotensives in this study (p < 0.001). On analyzing the relationship of hypertension with other variables, no significant difference was noticed for education (p = 0.68), smoking status (p = 0.46), family history (p = 0.31) and occupation (p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: Prevention and control of hypertension is essential as the life expectancy is increasing in developing countries as well. The main emphasis according to this study, should be on controlling the BMI through weight reduction and regular exercise. Awareness about the risk factors for hypertension among the population is required to decrease the double burden on the society.

Adolescent↗

Hydrocephalus in children.

The word "hydrocephalus" is derived from two Greek words: hydro meaning water; and cephalus meaning head; also known as "water on the brain". Historically it is believed to result from imbalance between CSF production and absorption, with net accumulation of fluid in the cranial cavity; characterized by increase in size of the cerebral ventricles. It is classified as: Communicating hydrocephalus, in which flow is not obstructed, but CSF is inadequately reabsorbed in the subarachnoid space and the Non-communicating hydrocephalus or the Obstructive type, in which flow of CSF from the ventricles to subarachnoid space is obstructed. This type may also be sub-classified into Congenital and Acquired. The overall incidence of hydrocephalus is not known. Approximately 55% of all hydrocephalus are congenital. The etiology depends upon the age of the child. The clinical features are increase in the size of head, with wide anterior fontanelle, prominent scalp veins, sun-setting eyes, optic nerve atrophy, nystagmus and increased muscle tone in children upto 2 years. Children more than 2 years may present with these as hydrocephalus progresses; or if the fontanelles are closed, head size may be normal. These may present with optic atrophy or papilloedema, abnormal hypothalamic functions (short stature or gigantism, obesity, delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea or menstrual irregularity and diabetes inspidus) and spastic lower limbs. Performance IQ is worse than verbal IQ and learning problems are common. The diagnostic procedures include measurement of head circumference, Plain X ray of head, Ventriculography, Pneumoencephalography, Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The management may be non-surgical and surgical.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗