Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the menopausal status and related hormonal variation of oestradiol with plasma lipid concentrations. Material and Methods:Fifty premenopausal women and fifty postmenopausal women subjects were selected. Data was collected through clinical evaluation from questionnaires and laboratory investigations. Plasma oestradiol and lipid profile determinations were done by using competitive binding im munoassay methods and enzymatic methods respectively. Student's T test and Pearson's test of correlation were used for the statistical analysis. Pvalues of < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results:There was a significant increase in serum Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), LDLcholesterol and VLDL cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. HDLcholesterol level was significantly decreased in postmenopausal women. The calculated atherogenic index (Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio) was significantly increased in postmenopausal women as compared to that in premenopausal women. Oestradiol concentration was significantly lower (p<0.001) in postmenopausal women.Discussion: Oestrogen changes the vascular permeability by increasing nitrous oxide production. It maintains a healthy lipoprotein profile. It stabilizes the endothelial cells, enhances antioxidant effect and alters fibrinolysis protein. All these cardio protective mechanisms are lost in menopause. Postmenopausal women develop an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Conclusion:Menopause leads to changes in lipid profile by reducing HDL, and elevating Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDLcholesterol and VLDLcholesterol, thus increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. These changes are caused by reduced oestrogen concentrations which are seen in menopause.

ABSTRACT:Platelets serve an important role in the Physiological process of hemostasis. Platelets also contribute to the formation of pathologic thrombus. Platelet count increases with exercise.

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INTRODUCTION: Pleural decortication is surgical removal of the fibrous peel that covers the lungs in third stage empyema thoracis. Pleural biopsy, increased pleural fluid adenosine deaminase level are diagnostic of tuberculous pleuritis. Pleural decortication can be done in either intra pleural or extrapleural approach. We performed a study with the objective of comparing the clinical profiles and outcome of patients with tuberculous and non-tuberculous empyema thoracis who underwent open pleural decortication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted in the General Hospital during a period of 2 years. All the cases of empyema thoracis that underwent decortication were examined and pleural fluid analysis, pleural biopsy, physical examination, chest Xray, CT-scan, Montoux test were done. Etiology of empyema was decided based on history, clinical examination and laboratory tests. RESULTS: In our study, non-tuberculous empyema was more frequent in infants and children below 6 years and tuberculous empyema was more frequent in 6-10 years. Among children with non-tuberculous empyema 28 children (42.42%) underwent intra pleural decortication and 38 children (57.57%) underwent extra pleural decortication. Among children with tuberculous empyema 2 children (25%) underwent extra pleural decortication and 6 children (75%) underwent intra pleural decortication. DISCUSSION: Non tuberculous empyemas required surgery (decortication) more often than tuberculous empyema and extrapleural approach of decortication was possible in slightly higher percentage of children with non tuberculous empyema compared to tuberculous empyema thoracis. Pulmonary tuberculosis probably had good response to antituberculous treatment for which they did not progress to organizing phase requiring surgery.