Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
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CT Brain Findings in COVID-19 Patients with Neurological Symptoms: A Descriptive Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
Full text linkObjectives: This study aimed to explore the spectrum of CT brain findings in COVID-19 patients presenting with neurological symptoms and to evaluate their association with age and underlying comorbidities.
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 60 RT-PCR–confirmed COVID-19 patients who underwent CT brain at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from March to November 2021 due to neurological complaints such as altered mental status, headache, seizures, or focal deficits. Patient data, including demographics, comorbid conditions, and imaging findings, were collected. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The most frequent abnormality observed was ischemic infarction, present in 40% of patients, with a clear predominance among elderly individuals and those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Brain atrophy was identified in 11.7% of cases, while intracranial haemorrhage was noted in 10%. Other, less common findings included hypoxic changes and nonspecific white matter abnormalities. Statistical testing revealed significant associations between age groups, comorbidity status, and occurrence of ischemic or hemorrhagic events (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: CT brain imaging in COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations demonstrated a high frequency of structural abnormalities, particularly vascular insults. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may exacerbate cerebrovascular vulnerability in older and comorbid populations. Early neuroimaging in such patients is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to validate these associations and to guide neuroimaging protocols in severe COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, Computed Tomography of Brain, Neurologic Manifestations, Cerebral Infarction, Hypertensio
Comparison of the efficacy of 70% Trichloroacetic Acid versus Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Plantar Warts
Full text linkObjective: To assess the efficacy of 70% Trichloroacetic acid and Cryotherapy as a treatment modality in the resolution of plantar warts.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Dermatology department of a care hospital, from September 2024 to February 2025. 70 patients visiting the outpatient department meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after approval from the hospital ethical committee. Informed written consent was taken from participants, and they were allocated into two groups. Group A was treated with Cryotherapy every two weeks, and those in Group B received a 70% Trichloroacetic acid application every week. All patients were followed for 8 weeks in order to assess the efficacy and to monitor the side effects of treatment.
Results: The mean age in the Cryotherapy group was 35.9 ± 9.16 years, and in the Trichloroacetic acid group was 33.67 ± 9.64 years. There were 44 (62.85%) male and 26 (37.14%) female participants in this study. Efficacy of therapy for plantar warts was observed in 14 (40%) patients in the 70% Trichloroacetic acid group, while in 9 (25.71%) patients in the Cryotherapy group, having a non-significant p value of 0.203.
Conclusion: 70% Trichloroacetic acid is equally effective as compared to Cryotherapy in the treatment of
plantar warts, and it may be considered as a suitable alternative therapeutic option due to its comparable efficacy, easy availability, cost-effectiveness, and tolerability.
Keywords: Cryotherapy, Efficacy, Plantar Warts, Trichloroacetic Acid
Effect Of Nutritional Status On The Surgical Patients Using Subjective Global Assessment
Full text linkObjective: To assess the effects of nutritional status on surgical patients using a Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scale
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, PIMS Islamabad from March 2022 to February 2024. All admitted patients in the ward were recruited by convenient sampling during the study period. All demographic data and clinical histories were recorded including SGA category, gender, age, surgical site infection, length of hospital stay and death. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics like mean with standard deviation (SD) and frequency (percentages) were used to analyze the collected data. Inferential statistics were also used for the comparison of study variables according to the SGA category.
Results: A total of 1227 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 41.98±16.82 years, with 744(60.6%) males and 483(39.4%) females. SGA ratings showed that 892(72.2%) patients fell in category A (well nourished), 333(27.1%) in B (mild/moderately malnourished), and 02(0.2%) in C (severely malnourished). The impact of SGA rating on gender distribution and management was non-significant as p-values were p=0.141 and p=0.158 respectively. The areas where significant impact (p<0.05) was seen were surgical site infection, deaths, age and length of hospital stay. An increased number of surgical site infections, longer hospital stays and more deaths were observed in mild/moderately or severely malnourished patients as compared to well-nourished patients.
Conclusion: Malnourished patients have longer duration of hospitalization and those who have undergone surgery have higher wound infection rates.
Keywords: Nutritional status, Surgical Site Infection, Hospital Stay
A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes: Microdiscectomy Outperforms Standard Discectomy in Lumbar Disc Herniation - Findings from a Single-Center Study
Full text linkUnsatisfactory results from lumbar disc herniation (LDH) conservative treatment suggest referral of patients for neurosurgical treatment. The time required for such a decision is about 4-6 weeks. In most cases, surgery quickly relieves pain symptoms and restores patient functions. We consider two discectomy methods quite effective in our hospital: standard open discectomy (SD) and microdiscectomy (MD). Many retrospective studies have demonstrated the superiority of one of these techniques. Most studies describe microdiscectomy as a golden standard for surgical treatment of symptomatic disc herniation.
METHODOLOGY
An interventional study was conducted at Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital ANTH for 2 years. The total Sample Size was 120 by random sampling, Patients were divided into two groups. All required information, including past medical history, was collected through a questionnaire. For clinical diagnosis and assessment, an MRI was done. In Group A, 60 patients underwent surgery by standard laminectomy (SD) and 60 patients were treated by microdiscectomy surgery (MD). The chi-square test was applied to determine statistical findings, and a p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
RESULTS
Analyses of the parameters mean VAS values of lumbar and leg pain postoperatively, and within one month after surgery demonstrated statistically significant differences between standard and microdiscectomy (p<0.05). LDH surgical techniques have become more and more sophisticated over the last 40 years, but without substantial improvement in the functional and clinical results. Appropriate patient selection is a crucial factor for the postoperative outcome. Neurosurgeons should fully master the chosen technique for satisfactory postoperative results.
Keywords: Laminectomy, Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures, Radicular Pain, Postoperative Pain, Treatment Outcome, Recurrence, Visual Analog Scal
Surgical Outcomes Of Pars Plana Vitrectomy In Aded And Prognostic Factors For Poor Visual Outcomes
Full text linkObjective: To assess the visual and anatomical outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with advanced diabetic eye disease (ADED) and to determine the prognostic factors associated with poor visual outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among those who underwent PPV for ADED at Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023. Visual acuity before surgery, intraoperative surgical details, and complications after surgery were documented. Outcomes after surgery, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retina status, were assessed at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Indications for surgery included tractional retinal detachment (TRD), persistent vitreous haemorrhage (VH), and vitreomacular interface abnormalities. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed factors associated with poor visual outcomes.
Results: Of the 50 eyes analysed, 67.5% of patients achieved mild vision impairment (6/36 or better) by the final follow-up. Mean BCVA improved significantly from 1.85 logMAR preoperatively to 1.47 logMAR at six months (p < 0.05). Poor preoperative visual acuity, macular involvement, and iris neovascularisation were identified as significant predictors of poor visual outcomes (p < 0.05). Final anatomical attachment was achieved in 82.5% of cases. Postoperative complications included VH (10%), retinal detachment (5%), and neovascular glaucoma (2.5%).
Conclusions: To improve or stabilise vision in patients with ADED, PPV proved to be effective with high rates of retinal reattachment. Prognostic factors such as preoperative VA and involvement of the macula emphasise the need for timely intervention and careful intraoperative management to optimise outcomes.
Keywords: Retinal detachment, Vitrectomy, Visual acuity, Diabetic retinopathy
Comparison Of Nasal Glucocorticoid, Antileukotriene Versus Combination Of Antileukotriene And Antihistamine In Treatment Of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
No full textObjective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of nasal glucocorticoid combined with antileukotriene therapy versus a combination of antileukotriene and antihistamine therapy in managing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted from January 2024 to July 2024, involving 200 patients diagnosed with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 100 each. Group A received a combination of nasal glucocorticoid and antileukotriene, while Group B received a combination of antileukotriene and antihistamine. Patients with significant respiratory comorbidities, ongoing systemic corticosteroid use, or hypersensitivity to the study medications were excluded. Symptom severity was assessed at four-week intervals using a pre-designed proforma, and statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences in symptom control between the two groups.
Results: Group A demonstrated superior symptom control compared to Group B across all variables. Nasal obstruction was significantly less frequent in Group A (12.0%) compared to Group B (40.0%, p=0.0001). Similarly, rhinorrhea was observed in 46.0% of Group A compared to 69.0% of Group B (p=0.001). Itching and sneezing were also significantly better managed in Group A, with rates of 40.0% and 68.0% compared to 76.0% and 91.0% in Group B, respectively (p=0.0001). These findings highlight the enhanced efficacy of glucocorticoid-antileukotriene therapy in managing seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Conclusion: Nasal glucocorticoid combined with antileukotriene therapy provides significantly better symptom relief for seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to the combination of antileukotriene and antihistamine. This regimen effectively addresses inflammatory pathways, ensuring comprehensive symptom control and improved patient outcomes
Seven-Year Trend Analysis Of Dyslipidemia Among Patients Reporting To Tertiary Care Hospital In Rawalpindi, Pakistan
No full textObjective: Dyslipidemia is a noticeable cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to analyse the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of patients presenting for lipid profile.
Methods: A total of 9989 participants presenting to Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, for the Lipid profile assessment were enrolled in this study. The participants were included irrespective of age and gender. Data was retrieved from HMIS for the last 7 years (2015-2022). Enzymatic colourimetric techniques were used to examine the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. Dyslipidemia was defined based on standard guidelines by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III.
Results: Out of the total of 9989 presented with signs and symptoms of dyslipidemia, 401(4%) were subjects under 19 years of age. Among the adult patients, 4283(44 .7%) were males and 5305 (55.3%) were females. Females have significantly high concentrations of cholesterol median (min-max), 203.25(48-1157) as compared to males, 196.95 (2-924). Mann Whitney, p value= 0.0001. Significant. difference was not observed for the concentrations of triglycerides in both genders (p=0.761) Substantial difference in concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides was observed in different age groups Kruskal Wallise H 145.09 p –value 0.0001, Kruskal Wallise H 171 51 .09 p –value 0.0001 , respectively.
Conclusion: Highest number of patient with dyslipidemia were observed in age group between 40-52 years. Mean cholesterol level in females were significantly higher as compared to males. Prevalence of isolated hypercholesterolemia and isolated hypertriglyceridemia in our study was 50.3% and 59.9% respectively
Abnormally Invasive Placenta Diagnosed On Ultrasonography Among High-Risk Women With Placenta Previa
Full text linkObjective:
The main aim of the study was to find the frequency of abnormally invasive placentas diagnosed on ultrasonography among high-risk women with placenta previa and to assess the association of all three types of placental invasion with placenta previa in prior pregnancies, advanced maternal age and multiple gestations
Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH Medical College, Lahore, from September 2024 to January 2025 after the approval of the ethical review committee. The data analysis procedure was systematically executed using IBM SPSS 26.0. The Chi-square test was applied.
Results: The study included 165 participants, aged 26-40 years, with 74.5% (n=123) experiencing vaginal bleeding and 95.8% reporting pelvic pain. Among the cases analysed, 93.9% (n=155) were diagnosed with placenta accreta, while placenta increta was observed in 4.2% (n=7), and placenta percreta in 1.8% (n=3). All participants had a history of previous uterine surgery (100%), and 50.3% (n=83) had a prior history of placenta previa. Regarding placenta previa grades, Grade 1 was the most common (67.9%, n=112), followed by Grade 2 (25.5%, n=42), Grade 3 (4.8%, n=8), and Grade 4 (1.8%, n=3). A positive history of placenta previa was found in 32.7% of Grade 1 cases, 13.3% of Grade 2, and 3.0% of Grade 3. Notably, a positive history of placenta previa was linked to higher rates of placenta accreta, especially in women aged ≥35 years (4.2%).
Conclusion: Among high-risk women with placenta previa, abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) is a serious obstetric complication that poses significant feto-maternal risks. For the early and accurate diagnosis of AIP, Ultrasound is the modality of choice, as it is real-time, inexpensive and radiation-free, making timely interventions and improved perinatal outcomes.
Keywords: Placenta Previa, Placenta Accreta, Placenta Percreta, Placenta Increta, Pregnancy, High-Risk.
Cancer Survivorship - A Journey Like No Other!
Full text linkCancer has been called The Emperor of All Maladies”.1,2 Rich or poor, old or young, male or female - there is perhaps no other disease that induces more fear among patients diagnosed with it, and induces all who are touched by it to face their mortality.1,3,4
And it is in that moment, when patients face their mortality, that they are forever altered. For them and their precious families, cancer can never be a distant memory now.
This moment of truth then is the genesis of “the terrible costs of cancer on each life it touches”,1,2 . There is little doubt that, in its throes, patients are reminded constantly of the fallibility of human existence”3-5 A diagnosis of cancer is undoubtedly a pivotal point in time for patients, family members and their physicians.6,7
Estimates suggest that there are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the US currently. Worldwide estimates are imprecise, but suggest a range between 30 and 40 million. An impressive 14% of survivors are those who have survived more than 20 years after the primary cancer.2,5,6 In general, these numbers of prevalent cancer survivors tend to underestimate the actual prevalence of survivors.1,2
This paper introduces the topic of cancer survivorship, describes the impact of cancer on patients, and presents the mandate for empathetic but cutting-edge, high-quality care needed by cancer survivors.1-4
Advances in early detection of, and treatment strategies for, cancer have both contributed to increased survival after a diagnosis of cancer. Approximately 66% of adults, and 79% of children, diagnosed with cancer today will survive beyond 5 years of diagnosis. Acute toxicities such as radiation pneumonitis, and chronic organ toxicities such as congestive cardiac failure, neurocognitive deficits, infertility and second malignancies are all now described as the price of cure or prolonged survival after cancer.
Cancer Survivorship is not the same as Survival after cancer. Survival is simply a measure of time elapsed after a cancer diagnosis, and is divided into “disease-free” and “overall” periods. Cancer Survivorship however is a process, an evolution of time since diagnosis, in combination with the impact of cancer as a disease process, and the adverse outcomes on health of the generally multiple cancer treatment modalities.
Similes have been drawn between cancer survivorship and the seasons of the year. The result is the rather fanciful but poignant term known as the “Seasons of Survival” reflecting the interface between the “Survivorship Spectrum” and the “Treatment spectrum”. It is divided into “acute, extended, or permanent seasons”. An understanding of these phases of survival is important for facilitating an optimal transition into and management of long term survivorship.
“Survivors” of cancer are defined as individuals diagnosed with cancer from the moment of diagnosis through the balance of their lives.1,2,3,6 Long Term Survivors are those who have survived for 5 years or more after a cancer diagnosis and embody the concept of “the permanent season of survival”.
“Cancer Survivorship Research” seeks to examine, assess, prevent or control, the impact of cancer & its treatment on the health status of survivors. It includes the study of risks for and development of recurrences and their management, and with time, the risk for and management of long-term and late effects of the cancer or its treatments. 1-3
The goals of Cancer survivorship research and care include the provision of the Best Possible level of care that will enable cancer patients and survivors to survive and return to their lives.1,2 Cancer survivorship research has 4 main aims: (a) study and effect decreases in adverse cancer diagnosis and treatment-related outcomes (such as late effects of treatment, second cancers and poor quality of life); (b) assess the new normal health status of survivors after treatment and facilitate better health outcomes over time; (c) provide a knowledge base regarding optimal follow-up care and surveillance of cancer survivors; and (d) optimize health after cancer treatment.1,2,4
At every part of the survivorship journey, we as physicians must always remain mindful of the privilege of helping our patients reach calmer waters after an incredibly difficult diagnosis and treatment period.
Cancer exerts a profound impact on our patients, and nothing we have read in books or papers can really prepare us for the impact of the shock patients and physicians feel in that life-altering moment of diagnosis, or the difficult, painful treatment and survivorship journey(s) of the months or years ahead!1,2,4 Because Cancer Survivorship addresses the health and life of persons diagnosed with cancer, it has both physical and emotional impacts. 2,5,6,7
The adverse sequelae of cancer or cancer treatment contribute to a high burden of illness, greater risk of premature mortality, escalating morbidity, rising health costs, and decreased length and quality of survival. Ways to address (manage or treat) the long-term or late effects of cancer have yet to be examined rigorously, with few studies even comparing survivor outcomes pre-and post-diagnosis.1,2,4,5,6
In general, long-term adverse effects arise during the acute cancer treatment phase and do not subside after cancer treatments have ended. Examples include Lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, or the painful escalating neuropathies after Taxol for a given cancer. Late Effects are those adverse outcomes that arise months or years after all cancer treatment has ended. Examples include cardiomyopathy after Adriamycin for breast cancer or ovarian failure after Cytoxan for breast cancer.2-4,6
Late effects refer specifically to unrecognized toxicities that are absent or sub-clinical at the end of therapy and become manifest later with the unmasking of hitherto unseen injury due to failure of compensatory mechanisms over time or organ senescence. Long-term effects include any side effects or complications of treatment for which patients must compensate. They are also known as persistent or chronic effects because they do not go away after treatment ends, Late effects, in contrast, appear months to years after the completion of acute cancer treatment.
Cancer survivors in the USA, Europe & the developed world consist of a highly motivated group committed to effecting positive changes in the realms of cancer prevention & control, treatment(s) & cure, and importantly, the prevention or management of serious long-term and late effects.1,2 Such adverse impacts of the cancer treatment and survivorship journey include health challenges such as organ senescence or failure, debilitating pain and fatigue, declines in function and activity. and the emotional or physical scars of living constantly with health challenges and an uncertain future.2,3,5,6
Cancer Survivorship is still a fledgling research area in developing countries such as Pakistan. We need to examine ways to jumpstart this field in developing countries and assess cultural issues and other possible barriers that must be overcome in order to bring this field to life in multiple emerging countries .1-4
Together, survivors and their families constitute a profound and courageous pantheon of individuals who share not only the many heartbreaking moments of diagnosis and treatment, but also the irreplaceable moments of joy during the cancer survivorship journey. Moments that come just in time and usually unbidden to show patients and physicians that light will come and soon!2,4,6
This journey, encompassing the seasons of survival, can only be traversed a step at a time, even though longer periods of disease-free survival are thought to be commensurate with greater or better overall survival. Each season of survival is unique, with its specific impacts on health status. But, at every phase of survivorship patients must fight and overcome the unique challenges of long term or late health effects, the side effects of cancer and its treatment, the pain and fatigue caused by the cancer or the grueling disfiguring gut wrenching cancer treatments, and their impact over time on health and on emotions.1,2,4 Truly apt to the concept of “seasons of survival” is the notion of taking the cancer journey a step at a time, and to “carry on”, as patients know they must, but often with an Altered body image and grief for all that has been lost.1,5 All along this journey are memories and aversive experiences that act as constant reminders of a painful struggle for life.2,3,6
These are important contextual points we as doctors must include in our assessment of cancer survivors.
Cancer Survivors may never again be who and what they once were. And yet, despite these negatives, studies show that most survivors continue to soldier on, striving for dignity, for strength, even as they struggle to find their “new normal” health indicators, so that they, and their doctors, can understand the depths of their toxicities or injuries and effect management strategies that will lift them out of a downward trend.3,4
Addressing the myriad challenges of long-term and late effects of cancer and its treatment is synonymous with the irreversible Journey ofCancer Survivorship! It is a journey marked by battles and struggles. The battles that must be faced may be related to diagnostic tests and/or the varied treatments (surgeries, radiation, Chemotherapy), and even the impact of growth factors (eg GCSF)) that force the bone marrow to create and release red and white blood cells - enough so that the very same treatments, or new therapies (chemo, radiation, others), can continue to be administered on time and with dose intensity, a vicious cycle that exhausts but is necessary.2-4
Yes, the treatments kill the cancer cells - but they also exert impacts physiologically and /or visibly on the healthy parts of bodies and even on the brave, beautiful faces of our patients! And they also may exert profound reactions among patients who need to now accept the new version of themselves that will be their “new normal” selves that they have become.
Survivorship entails a journey for survival during which we do our best to prevent premature mortality and preclude morbidity. It is distressing, however, that the research/knowledge gaps described years ago by this. Author are still unaddressed!1-4 Research and practice knowledge gaps in cancer survivorship science require rigorous work so that we can find ways to protect survivors against health challenges and Multimorbidity. We have found that survivors suffer from a median of 5-6 health conditions over the extended post-treatment period. The mechanisms underlying why this is happening need to be examined, and interventions developed and tested to facilitate for cancer survivors their return to health and vitality.
Interestingly, in the transition of patients from oncology to primary care settings, we also have found that primary care physicians need to be educated about the late effects of cancer treatment!4 They (PCPs) also need to be better prepared to recognise and address negative outcomes during their post-treatment care.1-3,6
Future follow-up care models & practices grounded in rigorous research methodology are needed since follow-up “guidelines” today are nothing but conjecture and opinion and not based on evidence.4,5 This must change. Sadly, the lack of methodological rigour among adult cancer survivors is a huge criticism of extramural research to date and must be addressed.
We need research on cancer survivorship that will:1) permit the timely diagnosis and treatment of adverse outcomes2) enable the timely diagnosis and treatment of recurrences3) facilitate screening and early detection of second cancer(s)4) allow for detection and management of co-morbidities;5) Provide the opportunity to initiate timely preventive strategies such as lifestyle changes
6) develop and use treatment summaries and follow up care plans6) Find ways to initiate palliative care early and provide effective pain management7) Examine ways to jumpstart this field in developing countries and assess cultural issues that must be overcome relating to this research.1-4
Continued cancer survivorship research must also:
a) inform our understanding of the mechanisms underlying adverse sequelae
b) lead to the design of less toxic treatments
c) test the effectiveness of interventions
d) test models of post-treatment follow-up care
e) develop an evidence base for optimal follow-up care practices that address barriers; and
f) Inform survivor and provider decision-making.1-4
Sadly, these issues, first articulated by this author 18 years ago, continue to persist.
We must always remember that the battle for survival is not an ordinary journey! It leaves in its wake multiple painful, emotional, and dehumanising aspects of a life-altering journey patients have been travelling so bravely, and also its aftermath - the negative sequelae of diagnosis or treatment(s) that leave Survivors-patients battle scarred, weary, vulnerable, but always so profoundly grateful to be alive!
As physicians, we must treat our patients. But we must also make it a point to honour the courage of all Survivors who came to those fateful moments of diagnosis and won inordinately difficult battles for healing - These are poignant and extraordinary journeys to be sure, journeys involving treatments that disfigure, change, and leave patients/ survivors so deeply exhausted and so vulnerable, but always with at least a tiny kernel of additional strength that carries them through life-saving battle(s), and then also the ensuing ones that arise as a result of living with compromised health as an aftermath of the cancer, now to be treated as a chronic illness! 1,2,3,5,6
Our research has found that Survivors join these battles and undergo everything they must so that they can return to their homes, families, and lives!
In sum, we should be proud to acknowledge the courage and strength of our cancer patients, nay, survivors! These are the qualities that allow them to win the battles and put up with the struggle to stay alive - so that they can return to their past lives, and most importantly so that they may pick up once more the reins of nurturing their families and continuing the
care and protection of their precious loved ones
The Effect Of Examination Stress On Total Leucocyte Count Of Non-Obese And Obese Medical Students
Full text linkObjective: To assess the degree of stress before, within and later to examination and to correlate it with Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) of participants.
Materials and Methods: 92 individuals, randomly selected, were placed into non-obese male and female (NOMs and NOFs) and obese male and female (OMs and OFs) categories with 23 individuals in each group. The degree of stress was assessed before, within and later to a crucial examination spell via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and TLC was also assessed at each of the occasions. To compare the differences between TLC and stress ANOVA in combination with Post Hoc Tukey’s Test was used while to correlate these with BMI and WHR Pearson’s correlation was applied.
Results: Obese males experienced a much higher degree of stress as compared to age-matched NOMs (p=0.00). Also, obese males during heightened stress showed a significant dip in their TLC as compared to NOMs (p=0.01) and OF (p=0.00). Moreover, the PSS score showed a strong negative correlation with TLC in NOMs (r=-0.47, p=0.02), NOFs (r=-0.42, p=0.04), OMs (r=-0.73, p=0.00) and OFs (r=-0.41, p=0.04).
Conclusion: Examination stress significantly affects the immune status of young adults with obese males experiencing much more immunosuppression as compared to age and ethnicity-matched obese females as well as non-obese males