Background and objectivePreeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that usually arises after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is considered a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. High blood pressure and high proteinuria are the two main characteristics of preeclamptic patients. Preeclampsia leads to either severe or mild conditions, but in both cases, it affects the organs of the mother and fetus. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and associated risk factors (family history, age, hypertension, and diabetes) and to investigate its fetal and maternal outcomes.
MethodologyThis prospective study was conducted at three healthcare units in the Multan district and involved patients with gestational hypertension. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of blood pressure values, urine tests, and through Doppler ultrasound. Further investigations were conducted, including a complete hemogram and a 24-hour test for proteinuria. Results for preeclampsia-related maternal and perinatal outcomes were documented and statistical analysis was performed to analyze the data.
ResultsA total of 142 patients were diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia during the two-year study period. Our findings showed 8.67% cases of gestational hypertension and 3% of preeclampsia. The majority of the preeclamptic patients were less than 24 years of age (33.3%), belonged to lower socioeconomic classes (44.4%), and had low educational levels (81.1%). A close association of family history (36.67%) with diabetes (15.5%) and chronic hypertension (5.55%) was observed in these patients. Maternal and fetal outcomes were related to maternal blood pressure. A significant incidence of premature births (45.6%) and a majority of cesarean cases (63.4%) with severe complications were observed. Data from preeclamptic patients showed high albuminuria levels (42.2%) with problems like renal infection, pulmonary edema, and severe anemia. During the study period, a neonatal death rate of 11.1% was observed as well as issues like respiratory tract syndrome, asphyxia, and growth retardation.
ConclusionThis study showed that poor economic and educational levels are significantly associated with this disease. A high rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity with neonatal mortality was investigated. Mild to severe outcomes were observed in the form of cesarean deliveries and preterm births. Serious complications lead to ICU admissions causing a serious burden on healthcare units. Paying more attention to the healthcare needs of pregnant women helps to identify preeclampsia earlier and also minimizes the complications associated with it.
The Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) levels were studied to estimate the risk of human consumption and pollution of Indus River which is important for the country. The fish samples were collected from different locations in the river Indus near Ghazi Ghat area, Pakistan and were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The values obtained for the five metals were in accordance with the threshold limit concentrations for fish meat imposed by European and other international normative. Cadmium was not detected in any of the sample. Regressions were performed for both size and condition factor with metal concentrations. Mg and Zn were found highly correlated with size (length and weight). Mn was found significant and Cu was the least significant with total length while these were insignificant with increasing weight. Condition factor showed significant (P < 0.05) relation with Mn concentration only.
Samples of hybrid fish (Catla catla ♂ AND × Labeo rohita ♀) were collected during 2006. The contents of chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc in the edible tissue were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Among the metal analyzed, Cu, Ni and Zn were the most abundant while Cr and Mn were below the detection limit. Iron was detected in few samples. The correlation coefficients between fish size (body weight and total length) and metal contents, i.e., copper, nickel and iron in edible part of fish were evaluated. The concentrations of copper and nickel in edible part of hybrid fish increased with total length and body weight while the zinc concentration showed a decreasing trend with total length and body weight, although the correlation was not significant. Metal concentrations were not significantly related with condition factor of fish in random samples but results were significant when relationship was observed in tight size ranges. The relationship among metals contents was also calculated. Overall, the levels of detected metals in the edible portion of the fish were low and well within the limits set by the FAO.
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