Relative frequency of hepatitis B and C viruses in patients with hepatic cirrhosis at DHQ Teaching Hospital D. I. Khan.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic cirrhosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is generally considered irreversible and premalignant condition. However reversibility of the disease has been demonstrated in some cases after removal of the cause. There are various causes leading to cirrhosis but viral cause is the most common cause worldwide. In developing countries its prevalence is more where poor knowledge about viral infections is the main cause of spread. Mode of spread and sequel of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are almost similar. The present study was designed to know the relative frequency of both viruses in patients with cirrhosis. METHOD: This study was conducted in the Medical unit of District Teaching Hospital of Dera Ismail Khan, from the first of May to 30th November 2002. Cirrhotic patients were admitted to Medical ward and necessary investigations were done on blood specimen for HBV and HCV. Immunoassay chromatographic technique one-step device (ACON Laboratories, USA) was applied for its viral screening. At the end 60 cirrhotic patients were analyzed for findings and comparison with other studies. RESULTS: Out of 60 patients, 28 (46.67%) were found infected with HBV, 8(13.33%) with HCV, 24 (40%) with no markers of either two viruses. One case (0.16%) was found positive for both viruses. CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis liver due to HBV is more common than HCV in this region. Males are affected more than females.

Impact of class attendance upon examination results of students in basic medical sciences.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have shown the impact of attending the classes during the session on examination results of students. Students with good lecture attendance show good results while those with poor lecture attendance are at risk for poor performance in the examinations. In this study we wanted to test this in students of basic medical sciences in our set up. METHODS: All the students in Basic Medical Sciences of Gomal Medical College, D.I. Khan, Pakistan, during the session 1999-2000 were enrolled for this study. Performance of these students in one of their three annual term tests, which covered duration of studies for four months, from February 2000 to May 2000, was analyzed. Students were grouped into two, Group-A with > or = 75% attendance and Group-B with < 75% attendance. The frequency of failure in the two groups was compared using the chi square test. RESULTS: Results of the term test showed that the percentage of failure in students of Group-B with less than 75%, attendance was significantly higher when compared to Group-A with equal or more than 75% attendance. CONCLUSION: Our results supported the previous studies showing that attendance in the classes during teaching sessions had a direct impact on performance of students in the examinations. Students with good attendance show good results while those with poor attendance are at risk for poor performance during examinations in basic medical sciences.