Showing papers by "Khulna Medical College published in 2004"

Paralytic complications of puffer fish (tetrodotoxin) poisoning.

Abstract: Introduction: Puffer fish is available in Bangladesh and is occasionally eaten by some people. Ignorance regarding its proper cooking process may lead to serious health hazards, including fatality. Methods: An unusual catastrophic event happened recently in Khulna, Bangladesh that drew nationwide attention. Eight families were affected. Results: Thirty-seven patients were admitted with a history of consumption of puffer fish. Peri-oral paraesthesia (24), weakness of both lower limbs (22), paraesthesia all over the body (18), headache (15), difficulty in respiration (14), nausea and vomiting (8), blurring of vision (7), and vertigo (6) were common clinical presentations. Twentytwo patients developed ascending paralysis of limbs and involved the respiratory muscles in 17 patients. Eight patients died due to respiratory failure while the rest improved. Conclusion: Health personnel should have sufficient knowledge regarding the clinical manifestations, complications and management of puffer fish poisoning. During its preparation, organs that contain the highest level of tetrodotoxin should be removed. Since there is no specific treatment, people should be made aware of the potential risk of eating puffer fish, about the warning symptoms and signs of puffer fish poisoning, and when to seek medical help.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on the fasting blood glucose level in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Abstract: In this experiment defatted Trigonella foenumgraecum (fenugreek seeds/methi seeds) has used as the antidiabetogenic herbal medicine. The experiment was carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and BIRDEM from 1996 to 1998 on a total of 58 Long Evans rats of either sex. They were 50-60 days young rats with average body weight 72-174 gm. Among the total, 10 rats were treated with only vehicle called as non-diabetic control rats, 48 rats were treated with Streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 90 mg in 1 ml of citrate buffer solution per kg body weight, among which 20 were diabetics. Ten (1 died, 1 escaped) diabetic rats were again treated with fenugreek called as Fenugreek-treated diabetic rats and the rest 10 diabetic rats were called as diabetic control rats. The change in the mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) level in different groups of rat from day 5 from streptozotocin injection were higher in diabetic control group and in fenugreek-treated diabetic group than in non diabetic control group. The FBG level on day 13 the mean in non-diabetic control group was 5.21 mmol/L. In diabetic control group and in fenugreek-treated diabetic group the mean FBG level were 24.33 mmol/L and 9.89 mmol/L respectively. So, from this experiment it may be concluded that fenugreek decreases the FBG level considerably by improving diabetes mellitus.

Utility of misoprostol for labor induction in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the effectiveness and safety of misoprostol in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia patients with unripe cervix. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in 135 severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia patients who required termination of pregnancy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh during January 2002 to October 2003. Fifty micrograms of misoprostol was used every 4 h in cases of unripe cervix (Bishop score ≤ 6) in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia patients. Maternal and perinatal outcome as well as any complications were recorded. Results: In severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia patients vaginal delivery occurred in 79.3 and 80.5% of cases, and cesarean section was performed in 20.6 and 19.4% of cases, respectively. The maximum required responsive dose was 50–150 µg. Oxytocin augmentation was required in 29.3 and 35% of cases, respectively. Induction to delivery time was median 8 h, interquartile ranges 4.2–8.2 h in the severe pre-eclampsia group, and median 9 h, interquartile ranges 6.8–12.5 h in the eclampsia group, and average hospital stay was 3.4 ± 1.8 and 3.7 ± 1.7 days, respectively. The only maternal complications were hyperstimulation which occurred in 6.8 and 5.1% of cases, respectively. Neonatal death occurred in five (11.3%) and eight cases (12.1%), respectively. Conclusion: Intravaginal misoprostol is well tolerated and very effective for the induction of labor in severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia patients with unripe cervix.

A fishy tale

Abstract: Fish is an important part of the diet in many parts of the world and is generally believed to be nutritious. But not all fish is good for you say Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury and Abdullah Al Mamun