Cardiorespiratory fitness and its association with adiposity indices in young adults

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF] and adiposity in young adults

Methods: Data was collected from 133 students of a medical college of Pakistan. The study was conducted on young adults, aged 17-24 years, recruited from Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, between Aug-Dec, 2015. Queen's College Step Test was conducted to measure CRF and maximal oxygen uptake [VO[2max]] evaluated. Anthropometric measurements [body mass index, body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference] were taken to assess adiposity. Associations of VO[2max] and adiposity were analyzed

Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 44% overall. The VO[2max] [ml/kg/min] of males and females was 55.41 +/- 9.45 and 39.91 +/- 3.14, respectively, the gender difference being highly significant [p<0.001]. Quartiles of VO[2max] showed strong inverse relationship between adiposity and VO[2max], obese individuals having low VO[2max] [1st quartile] and normal weight individuals having high VO[2max] [4th quartile]. VO[2max] correlated greatest with body fat in males [r = -0.600; p<0.001], and waist circumference in females [r = -0.319; p=0.004]

Conclusion: The results indicate low CRF in young females and a strong inverse relationship between fitness levels and adiposity in young adults of both genders. Improving these parameters in our young population may prevent development of chronic non-communicable disease in later life

Early Community and Hospital Contact of Undergraduate Medical Students; Innovating the MBBS Curriculum through DCH [Doctor, Community and Hospital] Module

Transition from traditional to integrated curriculum has been very slow in Pakistan. However in the last few years there has been tremendous increase in the number of medical schools. Early clinical and community exposure is one of the key factors in generating interest of medical students in learning the clinical aspect of the basic sciences. For this purpose [DCH module] was incorporated in the first 3 years of the medical curriculum at Islamic International Medical College. To develop and implement DCH module for early clinical exposure of MBBS students. To determine teachers' and students' perceptions of about its influence on the overall learning of medicine. Action Research. Islamic International Medical College from Jan 2011 to Jan 2014. Initially Wise man approach was used to develop the module. However modifications were brought into the module applying the United Nations approach of designing a curriculum. The module has been incorporated in the curriculum, aligning it with the last 2 years of intensive clerkship of a five year MBBS program. Significant improvement has been observed by the faculty, in students' approach about dealing with the clinical context of the basic sciences. It has also resulted in better communication skills and their reasoning approach in PBL sessions. Early clinical exposure enhances the interest and understanding of medical students of the basic sciences. It lays the foundation of the students towards a professional and clinical approach in dealing with patients, which is in addition to better integration of basic sciences with clinical sciences

Identification of technical item flaws leads to improvement of the quality of single best multiple choice questions

The purpose of the study was to identify technical item flaws in the multiple choice questions submitted for the final exams for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. This descriptive analytical study was carried out in Islamic International Medical College [IIMC]. The Data was collected from the MCQ's submitted by the faculty for the final exams for the year 2009, 2010 and 2011. The data was compiled and evaluated by a three member assessment committee. The data was analyzed for frequency and percentages the categorical data was analyzed by chi-square test. Overall percentage of flawed item was 67% for the year 2009 of which 21% were for testwiseness and 40% were for irrelevant difficulty. In year 2010 the total item flaws were 36% and 11% testwiseness and 22% were for irrelevant difficulty. The year 2011 data showed decreased overall flaws of 21%. The flaws of testwisness were 7%, irrelevant difficulty were 11%. Technical item flaws are frequently encountered during MCQ construction, and the identification of flaws leads to improved quality of the single best MCQ's

Measuring and Comparing Educational Environment of Two Education Systems [Integrated and Traditional Medical Curriculum] Running Simultaneously at Islamic International Medical College with [DREEM] Inventory

Measuring and comparing educational environment of two education systems [integrated and traditional medical curriculum], running simultaneously at Islamic International Medical College with [DREEM] Inventory It was a quantitative descriptive study, a survey was conducted using DREEM inventory. The study was carried out at Islamic International Medical College from September 2011 to January 2012. Total 137 out of 180 students filled the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure [DREEM] Inventory [Roff et al., 1997] respectively. In traditional system, i.e. final year MBBS, the number of students who filled the inventory was n=63; out of which 46 were females and 17 were males. In integrated system MBBS i.e. 4th year, the number of students who filled the inventory were n=74 out of which 49 were females and 25 were males. Response rate was 76%. Mean age of the final year and 4th year students was 23 and 22 years respectively. On analysis of DREEM Inventory the overall score of integrated system was 130 and traditional system scored 114, fall in more positive than negative environment, but integrated system score was more towards excellent i.e.150-200, subscale of inventory revealed the following mean score results: Perception of learning, 4th year scored 37-a more positive perception while traditional class had 25, just on border of teaching is viewed negatively. Others subscales does not deviate more. Positive perceptions of integrated system's students identified the strengths of the curriculum i.e. curriculum enhance their problem solving skills, competencies, student centeredness, teaching and learning strategies strengthened retention of their knowledge in long term memory on the other hand traditional system students scored negative to these areas. Dreem inventory is a useful tool in measuring the learning environment and helps in finding the problems in it

Our Lectures: What do the Students Think?

The objective of the study was to reveal the perceptions and experience of our students regarding the lectures taken in our medical school. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. This study was conducted among second year MBBS students of Islamic International Medical College. A questionnaire was developed, validated by piloting among faculty members and then was distributed to the students of MBBS year 2 from June to July 2013. The response rate was 100%. Questions were grouped under various headings and categorization was done [i.e., Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and poor] according to responses. Lecture as an instructional strategy and the presentation of lectures was regarded as [Good] by 39% and 42% of students respectively.36% of students commented the Multimedia preparation of lectures as [very good]. Only 23% of students have mostly gone through the learning outcomes of a lecture before coming to attend it. Most of the students regarded lectures as a good instructional strategy. Students were also satisfied with the Multimedia presentations and delivery of lectures

Impact of Bilingual Approach in Undergraduate Education of Health Sciences

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of English only and bilingual approach with additional use of Urdu as medium of instruction for facilitating students' learning and communication in academic and clinical interactions, in undergraduate education of health sciences. Survey based quantitative study. The study was carried out at Islamic International Medical College, Islamic International Dental College and Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences belonging to Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Riphah International University Islamabad, Pakistan from May to September 2013. A survey was conducted by administering two structured questionnaires using ordinal scale. Questionnaire A was filled by 600 students and B by 60 teachers. The collected data was processed and analyzed by SPSS version17. Thirty five percent students came from institutions using only English medium of instruction. 55% received education in both [English and Urdu] and 10% in other languages. The students speaking Urdu with parents and patients were 63% and 79% respectively. 50% and 61% students talk in both languages with friends and teachers respectively because of comfortable communication and expression. 62% students prefer to be taught, 54% prefer to give viva voce and 55%understood viewpoints better using both languages. 87% students and 91% teachers admitted that use of Urdu enhances learning. 84% students confirmed that teachers used both languages during lectures and 72% teachers admitted it. Considering p<0.05 the nonparametric test applied shows significant value of 0.0499. Bilingual approach in medium of curriculum using English and native languages is an effective tool for better learning, expression and communication

Assessing the Long Case in Undergraduate Medical Students: Development of Structured, Feasible, Valid and Reliable Tool.

To develop structured, feasible, valid and reliable tool in assessing long case in undergraduate medical student. Qualitative Action Research. IIMCT, Aug, 2012 to Oct 2013. An action research approach was used. Problems of un-structured examination in long case were identified. Delphi technique with the senior faculty was used to identify the components of the assessment tool. Final draft of the tool was sent to medical educationists for their input. A structured tool [SLICE] for examining the holistic approach of student towards managing a patient was developed and was found to be reliable [Cronbach alpha 0.87] and valid. SLICE is a feasible, valid and reliable tool to assess long case in undergraduate medical students in our setup

Identifying Learning Styles Among Medical Students: Does Our Assessment Favors Certain Learning Style?

Learning Style is usually identified as an individual's pattern for acquiring information. This study was used to identify the learning style of Medical students and comparing the individual Learning Styles with the Result of Annual Summative Assessment to ascertain any link. Objectives of the study were two-fold: First, to identify the learning style of Medical Students for their sake and for the sake of faculty so that adequate planning in the curriculum could be done. The second aim was to search whether our Curriculum is oriented towards a particular learning style in students through comparison of learning styles with Annual Assessment Result. It was a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. The study was conducted among students of 3 year MBBS, Islamic International Hospital. The 80-item Honey and Mumford Learning Style Questionnaire was distributed to a class of 100 students .The result was compiled on MS Excel and compared with the results of Summative Assessment of the students. In our study, Majority of the students were Reflectors [35.5%] [n=32], followed by Reflector-Pragmatists [13.3%] [n=12]. Theorists [12.2%], Pragmatists [11%], Reflector/Theorists [8.8%] and Activists [6.6%] 34% of the students [n=31] had a combination learning style. One student had all four learning styles. Comparison of Assessment result with the result of the Questionnaire was done: on an Average Reflectors have scored higher [73%] as compared to Pragmatists [72%], Theorists [71.5%] and Activists [66%]. Although no gross difference, the Assessment result on an average, was a bit higher for reflectors. This study also shows that most of the students learn more effectively from lectures, project works and independent study

Medical Education: a Preference by Parents for their Children in a Private Medical College

Occupations which require high educational attainment, are well-compensated and are held in high public esteem such as physicians, lawyers, engineers, scientists and professors are largely considered to be upper middle class. Education serves as perhaps the most important value and also the most dominant entry barrier of the upper middle class This article examines some of the factors or determinants which enable the parents for choosing medical profession for their children specially the females. To see the social determinants [profession, occupation] of parents for choice of medical profession by gender In Private Medical College for their children. A descriptive study. This study was conducted from 2009 to 2011 at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi. This was a descriptive study. Sampling was universal as all the students of year 2009, 2010 and 2011 who succeeded in getting admission were included in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire from the record mentioning Class year' Gender, Fathers Occupation. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 17.0. Tables and graphs were made for data presentation and percentages and cross tabulation was done among variables. The ratio of female to male students is on continuous increase. The main segments of the society who opted for the private medical education for their children during these three years were, government servants and businessmen i.e., 33.3% each, Doctors 15%, Miscellaneous 10%, Engineers 8% Agriculturist 2.5% and advocates/Judges 1%. There is progressive increase of female students from 2009 to 2011. It was 65% in 2009, 70% in 2010 and 75% in 2011. Medical profession and medical education is cherished more by the parents for females. All segments of the educated and affording class of society whether government employees' business man, doctors, engineers, are investing in female human resource

Outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in aplastic Anaemia

To analyze factors associated with survival, rejection and graft versus host disease in aplastic anaemia patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [SCT] from HLA matched sibling donors. Analytical study. Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from July 2001 to June 2010. Consecutive aplastic anaemia [AA] patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched sibling donors at this centre were included in this study. Potential factors affecting overall survival, rejection, disease-free survival and graft versus host disease were analyzed. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression model was applied for multivariate analysis. Ninety male and thirty-five female patients with AA were included in the study. Median age was 18 years. Conditioning regimens used were cyclophosphamide [Cy] plus antilymphocyte globulin [ALG] or antithymocyte globulin [ATG], fludarabine [FLU] +Cy+ATG, Campath 1-H +Cy in 89, 30 and 6 cases respectively. GVHD prophylaxis used was ciclosporin [CSA] plus prednisolone and short methotrexate in 81 while 44 received CSA plus prednisolone. At a median follow-up of 1185 days OS and DFS were 84% and 78% respectively. Factors associated with better OS were male sex, Flu/Cy/ATG conditioning and use of bone marrow as stem cell source. Flu/Cy/ATG conditioning regimen, bone marrow as stem cell source and CSA, prednisolone and short methotrexate regimen were associated with better survival in AA

Evaluation of laboratory request forms for culture and sensitivity testing of pus specimen

To evaluate the awareness among health care professionals about the importance of various components of request form through their form completion behavior in a teaching hospital at Rawalpindi. Retrospective study. All lab request forms accompanying pus specimen for culture and sensitivity received in the laboratory of Islamic International Medical College Trust Pakistan Railways Hospital during the calendar year of 2010 were analyzed. A total of 525 Laboratory [Lab] Request forms for pus culture and sensitivity were received. These were analyzed for completion of all the provided information spaces. The results were entered in Microsoft access sheet and analyzed. Most of the specimens [55%] originated from Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, followed by Departments of Surgery 23%, Orthopedics 11%, Pediatrics 2%, Medicine 1%, ICU and ER 1%, ENT 1%. Department was not mentioned in 6% forms. Most of these forms were signed by Post Graduate Trainees [44%], followed by Medical officers 18%, Consultants 11%, House Officers 9%, Ward Representatives 8%, Registrars 4% and signed without designation 1%. Five percent forms were received unsigned. In the Patient Identification part of the form Father / husband's name was written only in 38%. Patient's ward, bed number, age, gender and Registration No. were missing from 5.7%, 30.7%, 15.2%, 10.5% and 14% respectively. Although clinical notes were given in 90.3% but diagnosis was stated in 26.5% and history of antibiotic therapy only in 2,3% forms. Important information like site of pus collection and type of wound were missing from 20.4% and 27.6% of the forms. The type of test required was stated in 81% whereas the date was missing from vast majority [81.7%] of forms. The study indicates lack of awareness about the importance of components of Lab Request form among Health Professionals. Serious omissions are made even in patient identification information. The frequently neglected important parameters included history of antibiotic therapy, date of sample collection, and site of pus. The study highlights the need for attention to teaching and training laying emphasis on this issue and conducting CME lectures for both graduate and postgraduate levels

Psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples

To assess psychological morbidity amongst infertile couples. Cross-Sectional study. This study was carried out at MAS Infertility Clinic, Rawalpindi from August 2010 to January 2011. A total of 30 subjects [15 couples] were included in the study. After taking an informed consent, they were asked to complete a questionnaire. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS] questionnaire was used for this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version-14 and t-test was applied to see the significance in differences. Majority of couples were over 30 years of age and were married for more than 5 years. Vast majority [73.3%] were living in joint family system. Psychological morbidity, particularly anxiety and depression affected significantly [p=0.05] female partner. However no significant relationship was observed between the cause of infertility or duration of infertility and psychological manifestations. This study presents pragmatic evidence regarding the psychological health of infertile couples in our society. Findings suggest that high levels of stress and depression exist in these couples, which not only affects their physical health, but also their psychological well being. It highlights the importance of providing psychotherapeutic help along with treatment for the cause of infertility

External quality assessment scheme [IEQAS] in hematology at national institute of health, Islamabad, Pakistan

To document overall performance and improvement, if any, gained through participation in an International External Quality Assessment Scheme [IEQAS]. Descriptive study. The Haematology Department, Public Health Laboratories Division, National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 1996 to December 2006. Overall performance of blood parameters and parasite identification were analysed. Individual values were assessed against consensus value [mean +/- SD] and deviation index [DI] from the mean, whereas coefficients of variation [CV] were calculated for years 1996 to 2006. The results are expressed as percentage of accurate versus inaccurate results, deviation index [DI] and coefficient of variation [%CV]. The laboratory achieved 87.74% of values within acceptable limits for haemoglobin, 72.03% for white blood count, 69.49% for platelet and 77.03% for reticulocyte estimation. Results were satisfactory, having DI values less than 3 for all four parameters.%CV values was found to be dependent on the type of test performed and varied among different parameters. Difficulty has been observed in identifying Plasmodium malariae and ovale. Participation in External Quality Assessment Schemes is extremely beneficial for the improvement of laboratory performance and quality of care. Evaluation of the survey results on a regular basis serves as a useful guide to assess overall performance of the laboratory. Standardization of analytical procedures, equipments and reagents, continuous monitoring of personnel competency and thorough investigation of discordant results significantly contributes to the delivery of quality diagnostic services

Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands in northern Pakistan: a clinicopathological study

Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands comprise a small but significant proportion of oral cancers. We analyzed this group of tumors in our population. The records of all cases of malignant minor salivary gland tumors diagnosed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a period of 10 years [1994-2003] are described. The institute receives biopsy material from armed forces and public and private sector hospitals in northern Pakistan as well as referrals for second opinion. A total of 21168 tumors were recorded at the AFIP Tumor Registry during the study period. These included 70 malignant minor salivary gland tumors. Twenty-three of these [32.8%] arose in the palate while the remaining tumors originated at other sites in the oral cavity. The commonest histological type was adenoid cystic carcinoma, constituting 30 cases [42.8%]. The next most common type was mucoepidermoid carcinoma; comprising 26 [37.1%] cases. The mean age of cases was 43.4 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4 There were 2 cases each of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma. The remaining cases included undifferentiated carcinomas, adenocarcinomas [not otherwise specified] and a few other rare tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the commonest malignant neoplasm of the minor salivary gland followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The palate was the commonest location of these tumors

Peripheral blood-based polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

The rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, particularly those that represent a public health problem, like tuberculosis, is a challenging problem. By using nucleic acid amplification techniques like PCR, one may be able to diagnose, the disease on the day of arrival of specimen in the laboratory. For diagnosis of tuberculosis by direct methods like PCR, specimens from site of infection are required. In certain cases it is difficult to get the specimens from site of infection and in such situations; some researchers have tried to detect the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from blood of these patients. The purposive of this study is to determine the diagnostic efficacy of peripheral blood-based polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. This was a simple descriptive study, carried out in Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi from Jan 2004 to Dec 2004. Sputum and blood samples were collected from 96 suspected patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum samples processed for ZN staining and AFB culture [gold standard] and blood samples processed for PCR. Out of 96 cases, 60 [62.5%] were culture positive. PCR was positive in 14 [14.5%]. AFB smear positive were 34 [35.4%]. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay was 20% and 94.4% respectively and the positive and negative predictive values were 85.71% and 41.46% respectively. The overall efficiency of the test was 47.91%. Due to low sensitivity; a negative PCR assay does not rule the disease. However, this test may be helpful in cases where specimens from the site of infection are not available

Hepatitis A virus infection - shifting epidemiology

To determine the age distribution in HAV infection and seasonal variations in the prevalence of acute viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis A virus. A descriptive study. The study was carried out on the patients reporting at Virology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi, for determination of hepatitis A virus [HAV] IgM antibody, from July 2003 to June 2004. Altogether 626 patients with clinical suspicion of hepatitis A virus infection were referred to AFIP Rawalpindi for this test. Blood samples were collected and sera were separated and transferred to plastic aliquots that were stored at -20oC in a retrievable fashion until utilized in testing. The testing for ant-HAV IgM was carried out with the help of a commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay [ELISA] using reagent kits of DiasSorin [Germany] for HAV IgM antibodies. The HAV IgM positive rate was 40.57% [252/626]. Those tested included the sporadic cases as well as the patients from outbreak in two schools of Nowshera cantonment. The age of patients testing positive for HAV IgM, ranged from 03 to 27 years. There was a statistically significant seasonal difference in rate of positivity in different months of the calendar year. An outbreak of HAV infection was seen in the children of two neighboring schools of a cantonment, in which 44 children in different classes developed clinical jaundice. HAV infection occurs in a significant proportion of young people with a clinical suspicion of HAV infection. There is a changing trend of developing hepatitis A in the age beyond 18 years and in outbreaks, which was not there in our patients previously due to universal immunity found against HAV by the age of 18. It was because of chances of consumption of polluted food

Haematological and genetic features of deltabeta-thalassaemia in Pakistan

To describe the haematological and genetic features of db-thalassaemia in Pakistani patients. Descriptive case series. Department of Pathology, PNS Shifa, Karachi and Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from January 1994 to April 2004. Thirteen individuals from six unrelated Pakistani families with a haematological diagnosis of dbthalassaemia were studied. A brief clinical history, and the results of blood counts, absolute values, Hb-F, Hb-A2, and haemoglobin electrophoresis were recorded. The DNA from each subject was first screened for the b-thalassaemia mutations found in the Pakistani population. The samples were then screened for the Inv/Del Gg[Agdb]o. The subjects included six heterozygotes, six homozygotes and one compound heterozygote of db- and b-thalassemia. All heterozygotes and 4/6 homozygotes were asymptomatic. One homozygote had thalassemia intermedia while another had transfusion dependent anaemia. The mean Hb, TRBC, MCV, MCH, Hb-F and Hb-A2 in db-thalassaemia heterozygotes were 11.6 g/dl, 5.37 x 1012/L, 70.9 fl, and 21.7 pg, 14% and 2.6% respectively. The same values in the four untransfused homozygotes were 10.6 g/dl, 5.34x1012/L, 69.2fl, and 20.8pg, 100% and 0% respectively. The mutation analysis revealed that all 13 individuals had the same Inv/Del Gg[Agdb]o. db-thalassaemia is a rare disorder in Pakistan. Although the clinical picture is very mild its combination with b-thalassaemia trait can produce a sever transfusion dependent thalassaemia. The DNA based diagnosis is possible in the prenatal as well as the postnatal period

Estimation of ionized calcium, total calcium and albumin corrected calcium for the diagnosis of hypercalcaemia of malignancy

To measure levels of ionized calcium, total calcium and albumin corrected calcium in patients with different malignant disorders for the diagnosis of hypercalcaemia of malignancy. A case control comparative study. The study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and Department of Oncology CMH, Rawalpindi from March 2003 to December 2003. Ninetyseven patients of various malignant disorders, admitted in the Department of Oncology, CMH, Rawalpindi, and 39 age and gender-matched disease-free persons [as control] were included in the study. Blood ionized calcium [Ca++], pH, sodium [Na+] and potassium [K+] were analysed by Ion selective electrode [ISE] on Easylyte[R] auto analyser. Other related parameters were measured by colourimetric methods. Blood Ca++ levels in patients suffering from malignant disorders were found significantly high [mean +/- SD: 1.30+017 mmol/L] as compared to control subjects [mean +/- SD: 1.23+0.03 mmol/L] [p<0.001]. The number of patients with hypercalcaemia of malignancy detected by Ca++ estimation was significantly higher [38%] as compared to total calcium [8.4%] and albumin corrected calcium ACC [10.6%] [p<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in other parameters e.g. phosphate, urea, creatinine, pH, Na+ and K+ levels in study subjects and controls. Detection of hypercalcaemia can be markedly improved if ionized calcium estimation is used in patients with malignant disorders

Chicken pox associated thrombocytopenia in adults

To determine the frequency and magnitude of thrombocytopenia associated with chicken pox in adults. Observational descriptive study. Combined Military Hospital, Attock, from July 2003 to June 2004. All patients of age 15 years and above with history of fever, followed by appearance of the typical vesicular chicken pox rash, were inducted after informed consent. Two milliliters of whole blood was collected on day 1 of admission, and blood counts were performed. Patients were admitted and given 800 mg oral acyclovir, 5 times/day, for 7 days, in addition to symptomatic treatment. Patients were followed till 8 weeks. A total of 410 patients of chicken pox were received, out of which 270 were included. Age of patients ranged between 15 and 40 years with median age of 21 years. Platelet count on the day of admission ranged between 29 x109/L to 513 x109/L, mean platelet count 178 x109/L. Platelet count < 150 x109/L was detected in 80/270 [30%] patients. Platelet count in thrombocytopenia patients was from 29 x109/L to 149 x109/L with mean 121 x109/L. Thrombocytopenia recovered within 02 weeks in 78/80 [97%] patients. In 2 patients, thrombocytopenia recovered in 3 weeks. None of the patients developed purpuric spots, ecchymosis or bleeding manifestations. Thrombocytopenia in chicken pox is a common entity. Platelet count remains above 25x109 /L, which is usually not associated with bleeding manifestations. None of the patients in this series developed purpura. No specific pattern of total leukocyte counts was predictive of the progression or regression in platelet count