Browsing by Author "Sampson, Ursula"

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    Assessment of respiratory morbidity among loading and unloading workers exposed to cement dust
    (Medip Academy, 2019-06) Krishna, Lalu; Pandarikkal, Jagadees R.; Sreedharan, Ranjith; Sampson, Ursula; Annamala, P. T.; Unni, Kumudam M.
    Background: A higher incidence of occupational diseases has been reported recently compared to the past years. One of the industries where workers are remarkably exposed to dust is cement industry. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate pulmonary functions and biochemical parameters of workers exposed to cement dust in factories and construction sites, but few were concentrated among loading and unloading workers of warehouses. Hence the present study was undertaken to find out the effect of cement dust among loading and unloading workers of cement warehouses.Methods: This study was conducted among 82 exposed (cement dust) and 82 non-exposed individuals. Frequency of symptoms, biochemical parameters and spirometric values were taken from all subjects. Spirometric parameters recorded were, forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FVC% and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).Results: Out of exposed group, 51.2% had cough, 46.3% had rhinitis 45.2% had breathlessness. FEV1 and FVC showed significant reduction while FEV1/FVC values were normal. No significant changes were seen in renal function tests or liver function tests. Mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was found to be significantly increased.Conclusions: Compared to normal healthy adults the loading and unloading workers in cement warehouses showed restrictive lung disease and an increase in ESR representing a non-specific inflammatory change. A continuous bio monitoring of health status must be initiated for these employees and awareness campaigns regarding the exposure and use of standardized protective devices must be mandated.
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    A study to evaluate serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 and calcium levels in maternal and cord blood and their effect on pregnancy outcome
    (Medip Academy, 2019-04) Thangappah, Radha B. P.; Sampson, Ursula; Azad, Amrin; Arumugam, Rathna; Anand, Smriti; Karunakaran, Ponnalagan
    Background: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant mothers and their neonates and to study the effect of vitamin D deficiency on maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: This prospective cohort study conducted in a teaching hospital included 223 pregnant mothers and their offspring born in 2017. Detailed history was taken to ascertain the causes of vitamin D deficiency.   vitamin D3 and calcium levels were estimated in maternal and cord blood samples. To study the association between the vitamin D status and the various maternal and neonatal parameters.Results: 91.9 % of women were house wives involved in indoor activities. Pre-eclampsia and GDM were seen in 4.5% of cases each. 5.41% were obese and 84%  were of medium complexion,  and 8% were  dark. 93.7% were non- vegetarians,  and fish, egg and milk consumption was adequate in 61.3% , 64% and 71% respectively. Only 5.40% of women had adequate exposure to sunlight.  The mean birth weight was 3.08± 0.36 Kg. and 14 babies were admitted to NICU for neonatal asphyxia.77.40% had deficient levels of vitamin D  <20 ng/ml. Only four pregnant mothers (1.8%) had sufficient levels vitamin D. There was no statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and various maternal and neonatal parameters.Conclusions: This study has shown that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among south Indian pregnant mothers and their newborn is very high and the ways to improve the vitamin D status among pregnant mothers should be looked at.