Introduction: The morbidity and mortality in late preterm neonates is higher than term neonates. The main reason is the relative physical and neurologic immaturity, though there is no significant difference in the weight or the size of the two groups. Objective: The study was conducted to compare the early neonatal morbidity and mortality (within first 7 days of life) in late preterm infants (34–36 6/7 weeks) with those in term neonates (37–41 6/7 weeks). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from 01 January 2015 to 30 June 2015 in the department of Neonatology at a tertiary hospital. Results: Total 100 neonates were included in the study; fifty neonates in each group. Late preterm infants had significantly higher morbidity due to any cause, e.g. respiratory morbidity (p<0.05), jaundice (p<0.05), hypoglycemia (p<0.05), sepsis (p<0.05) and perinatal asphyxia (p<0.05). Early neonatal mortality in late preterm neonates was significantly higher than term neonates (p<0.05). Conclusion: Late preterm neonates are at high risk for morbidity and mortality as compared to term neonates. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.12(1) 2016: 44-47

Background: Birth defects usually present at birth and may cause morbidity and mortality in the newborn. These defects may involve any organ system of the body. Gradually the incidence is rising due to various etiologies. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency, types and etiology of birth defects. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. In this study, 100 neonates with birth defects were enrolled, thoroughly examined, investigated and evaluated. Then collected data were analyzed. Results: The frequency of birth defects in this study was 1.54%. The most frequent birth defect was club foot deformity i.e. 11% and the most frequently involved organ system was cardiovascular system i.e. 28%. Among the birth defects 78% were major and only 22% were minor. Among those children with birth defect mortality was 17%; 41% were referred to advanced center and 42% were improved and discharged. In some of the cases with birth defect chromosomal anomaly, congenital infection (TORCH), maternal diabetes was found as causing factor. Conclusion: The frequency of birth defects was found 1.54% and most of the birth defects were major defect. Club foot deformity was found as the most common birth defect. Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (1) :8-12

Background: Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. The symptoms and signs of neonatal sepsis are often non-specific and similar to other common neonatal diseases, investigation results are also non-specific and low sensitivity of blood culture also causes diagnostic dilemma and often empirical antibiotic treatment is given. This is why, there is challenges in making the diagnosis and treating neonatal sepsis. Objectives: To find the etiology, sensitivity and specificity of clinical features and investigations and optimal and effective treatment for neonatal sepsis. Materials and methods: The study was a prospective study done in the neonatal ward of a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh; total 100 neonates diagnosed as neonatal sepsis, were enrolled in this study. All study subjects were fully evaluated clinically, thoroughly investigated and properly treated as per protocol. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of clinical features and investigations were statistically significant (i.e. p <0.05) and etiologic agents were isolated by urine culture and sensitivity to antibiotics were shown and outcome measure e.g. mortality was 22% (OR 3.54; 95% CI 2.04- 6.13; P <0.05). Conclusion: There are challenges in making diagnosis and treating neonatal sepsis, yet sincere approach to diagnosis and rational and appropriate use of antibiotics along with necessary adjuvant therapy can mitigate the challenges. J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 29, No.1, April, 2020, Page 23-28

Background: To compare serum calcium level in pre-eclamptic women and normal pregnant women. Materials and methods: It was a case-control study carried out in patient Department of Fetomaternal Medicine unit in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. From September 2010 to February 2011. Total 60 cases, among them 30 comprising control group and 30 were cases. This was a non interventional case control study that was carried out on total 60 women with age range 18 to 38 years of them 30 healthy gravid women as control group and 30 pregnancy with pre eclampsia as case. Serum calcium level of the groups were measured, and compare between this two group. Data were analyzed by computer with the help of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) win 13 software package. Results: Serum calcium in pre-eclamptic women was significantly low [7.88±0.75mg/dl vs 9.9267±0.58 mg/dl] than in normal pregnant women. Conclusion: Serum calcium may be used for earlier detection of preeclampsia. Further studies are required to investigate whether calcium supplementation can be used as a preventable measure for the development of preeclampsia. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 33-36

Background: The uterine cervix is the commonest site for female genital cancer. In developing countries, carcinoma cervix is the most common malignancy in females and a major public health problem. It is reported In Bangladesh that the prevalence of carcinoma cervix is 20% among all types of cancer affecting females. To determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among Bangladeshi women about screening of cervical carcinoma Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on married women above the age of 20 years, attending OPD of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medicine and Surgery of BSMMU from January 2013 to June 2013. By using purposive sampling technique 225 respondents were enrolled in the study. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 43.34 years with a standard deviation of ± 12.49 years. Most of the respondents (96%) were Muslim and from urban areas. More than two-thirds of the respondents (71.1%) were educated up to secondary level. More than 80% respondents were housewives. About three-fourth of the respondents were form middle class families. Only 20% could mention cervical cancer as the leading cancer among women. About 20% respondents knew that early and multiple marriages were the two risk factors for cervical cancer. Most of the respondents (93.3%) believed that cervical cancer is dangerous disease and was able to mention smoking as one of the important risk factors. About one-third respondents knew that terms Pap’s smear and VIA. But most of the respondents did not undergo any screening procedure under the assumption that the screening was not necessary. It was found that respondents with higher education level possessed good knowledge regarding cervical cancer. It was also true for respondents whose husbands were more educated. Higher education level was positively correlated with good attitude/practices. The respondents who had good knowledge about cervical cancer showed good attitude/practice regarding the same. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding cervical cancer among the participants was not satisfactory. Although most of the participants believed that cervical cancer is dangerous disease few really knew that it is preventable. Higher education level was positively correlated with good knowledge and good attitude/practices regarding cervical cancer. Long term education for women should be started to provide the needed information regarding cervical cancer screening. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 28-32

Background: Seizures are common following perinatal asphyxia and may exacerbate secondary neuronal injury. Barbiturate therapy has been used for infants with perinatal asphyxia in order to prevent seizures. However, barbiturate therapy may adversely affect neurodevelopment leading to concern regarding its aggressive use in neonates. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of administering prophylactic barbiturate therapy on seizure control and mortality in term neonates following perinatal asphyxia.Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of prophylactic phenobarbitone therapy in term asphyxiated neonates without clinical evidence of seizures when compared to controls conducted in the neonatal ward of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Barisal from 1st January 2016 to 30th June 2016.Results: Among the 100 neonates equally divided into two groups, there was no significant difference found in clinical outcome e.g. seizures (8% vs. 12%, p > 0.05), neurological abnormality at discharge (10% vs. 14%, p >0.05), mortality (12% vs. 14%, p >0.05) and major neurological disability (14% vs. 18%, p >0.05).Conclusion: In this study, prophylactic phenobarbitone therapy did not significantly prevent seizures in asphyxiated neonates.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (3) :165-169

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality and often requires prompt empiric treatment. However, only a minority of babies who receive antibiotics for suspected sepsis have an infection. Antimicrobial exposure in infancy has important short-term and long-term consequences. There is no consensus regarding empirical antimicrobial regimens. Objective: To compare efficacy and benefits of short course (5 days) over the standard course (7 days) antibiotic treatment for neonatal sepsis. Materials and Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial done in the neonatal ward in a tertiary level hospital comprising total 100 term neonates equally divided in to two groups by randomization where Group-I (5 days antibiotic therapy) was compared against Group-II (7 days antibiotic therapy) in clinical recovery, hospital stay, morbidity such as seizure, developmental delay etc and mortality. Results: The study results showed that both the Group-I and Group-II were comparable in baseline clinical data and predisposing factors; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups in clinical features e.g. hypotonia (24% vs 26%, p>0.05), poor primitive reflexes (46% vs 52%, p>0.05), temperature instability (34% vs 28%, p>0.05), feeding intolerance (16% vs 14%, p>0.05), apnea / respiratory distress (28% vs 34%, p>0.05) and in clinical outcome e.g. hospital stay (5.24±0.78 vs 7.86±0.42, p>0.05), recovery (86% vs 90%, p>0.05), death (14% vs 10%, p>0.05), seizure disorder (8% vs 6%, p>0.05) and developmental delay (6% vs 4%, p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that there was no significant difference between the study groups in clinical outcome, however, short course antibiotic (5 days) is equally effective but economically more beneficial to standard course antibiotic (7 days) therapy for neonatal sepsis. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.13(1) 2017: 124-127