Background: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are one of the global health concerns in developing countries like Bangladesh. Among them, Cryptosporidium spp. plays an essential role in causing diarrhea, malnutrition, and poor cognitive function, especially in children. The study was conducted to identify the frequency of cryptosporidium cases and other parasitic agents. Methods: A Cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 219 hospitalized children with diarrhea. The conventional microscopic technique was applied for parasitic detection. A particular staining procedure was performed to identify oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. And PCR was conducted to determine the SSU rRNA and gp60 gene of Cryptosporidium. Results: Cyst of Giardia, ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (AL), Trichuris trichiura (TT), AL, and TT were identified in 2.3%, 1.4%, 0.5%, and 0.9% samples by wet mount preparation. The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. was 1.4% and 4.1%, which was detected by the staining method and nested PCR. Factors independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection are unsafe water, lack of regular hand washing, and insufficiency of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: This is the first report to detect the frequency of Cryptosporidium and other intestinal parasites and associated factors in Chattogram city of Bangladesh.

Background: Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) has become global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemics, caused by SARS-CoV-2, overall, children younger than 18 years are thought to account for only 1% to 2% of detected cases worldwide. COVID-19 has been found less frequent in children and studies on pediatric COVID-19 have also been less reported, especially from Bangladesh. To evaluate the clinical profile of RT-PCR- positive paediatric patients with COVID 19 in Chattogram region. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in OPD, Department of Paediatrics, Chittagong Medical Colllege Hospital (CMCH) Chattogram. All postCOVID paediatric patients reported as RT-PCR positive by Microbiology department of CMCH were enrolled in the study. The study was carried out from 1/8/21 to 31/01/22. According to inclusion/exclusion criteria 96 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 paediatric patients were taken as sample by convenient sampling for this study. The diagnosis of COVID 19 infection was confirmed by RTPCR report of nasopharyngeal or oro-pharyngeal swab. Patients, guardians were contacted over telephone to attend paediatric OPD of CMCH for clinical information & laboratory findings.   Results: Among them 96 children, 68.8% were in >5 years, 18.8% were in 1-5 years, and 12.4% were in the <1 year age group; 55.2% were female and 48.8% were male. About 66 (80%) patients had history of contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient. Total 21 patients got hospitalized. Mean ± SD of time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 4.76 ± 1.998 days. Duration of hospital stay was ranged from 4-14 days. Mean ± SD duration of hospital stay was 6.1 ± 2.385 days. Maximum (97.9%) patients had fever, 77.1% patients had cough and 29.2% patients had vomiting.  Majority (82.3%) of the patients had no co-morbidities. Mean ± SD Hb% (g/dl) was 12.04 ± 1.817 g/dl with range: 7-16 g/dl; median (IQR) WBC (/Cumm) was 9500 (720016000) (Range: 3200-26000), median (IQR) Neutrophil (%) was 64 (54-71) (range: 14-90), median (IQR) Lymphocyte (%) was 28 (22-36) (range: 6-74) and median (IQR) Platelet count (/Cumm) was 200000 (172500284000) (Range: 40000-418000). Raised CRP, D-Dimer and S. Ferritin level were found among 43 (75.4%), 8 (14.4%) and 38 (66.7%) patients respectively. Available CXR findings of 47 patients showed that, 21 (45%) had patchy opacity, 19 (40%) had no significant abnormality and 6 (13%) had bilateral consolidation. Paracetamol was the most frequently (83.2%) used drug for this infection. Oral antibiotic was used in 64.2% children, bronchodilator and zinc supplementation were given to 48.4% and 43.2% children respectively. Oxygen therapy was needed for 12.6% children. More than half (57.7%) of the patients reported to feel fatigue after COVID-19 infection. About 40.4% patients had shortness of breath, 38.5% patients had history of weight loss. And 25% patients had lost their taste/smell.   Conclusion: Clinical presentations of COVID-19 in children were mild. Fever and cough were found to be the predominant symptoms of COVID-19 affected children in this study. Vomiting, nasal congestion and altered smell were also typical symptoms. Raised CRP and S. Ferritin level were two important laboratory findings. JCMCTA 2022 ; 33 (1) : 124-131

Background: Fracture neck of femur has always presented a great challenge to orthopedic surgeons due to its nature of going into non-union and osteonecrosis of femoral head even with the best fixation method and adequate reduction. Treatment of fracture neck of femur varies according to patient’s age and fracture pattern. Purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of DHS with side plate and de-rotation screw with multiple cannulated hip screws in fracture neck of femur in adult. Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital from July 2017 to June 2019. Sixty patients age limit between 18 to 55 years, with (AO/OTA 31-B) fracture was taken by purposive sampling technique as per set criteria and were treated either by DHS with side plate and de-rotation screw or by cannulated hip screws. Harris Hip Score was used for evaluation of functional outcome of surgery.   Results: In this study, out of 60 patients, male (83%) were more than female (17%), maximum age incidence was found in 26-36 years age group (30%), left side involvement was 51.7% and right side was 48.3%. Over 60% incidence was due to RTA. Functional outcome was 68% excellent and 24% good in DHS with de-rotation screw group and 55.6% good and 25.9% excellent in cannulated hip screw group according to Harris Hip Score. Only 6.7% had soft tissue infection, 13.3% had deep seated infection and delayed union, 10% had non-union and hip stiffness and 6.7% had AVN in DHS with de- rotation screw group and 10% had soft tissue infection, 6.7% had deep seated infection and delayed union, 13.33% had non-union and hip stiffness and 10% had AVN in cannulated hip screw group. Mean ± SD radiological union time in DHS with de-rotation screw group was 12.5 ± 1.225 weeks and in cannulated hip screw group was 13.61 ± 1.559 weeks. Conclusion: The functional outcome of fixation by DHS with de-rotation screw was better than fixation by cannulated hip screw for femoral neck fracture in adults. JCMCTA 2022 ; 33 (1) : 112-117

Background: In recent years, large-scale natural disasters have frequently occurred in various parts of the world including Bangladesh due to its geographical location and the associated losses have increased. In order to avoid risks and damage, to strengthen resilience to natural disasters, national and local governments and local community need to be prepared. The purpose of the study is to identify consciousness and preparation for frequently occuring natural calamities by the island dwellers in Sandwip. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive type of cross-sectional study performed in the island of Sandwip of Chattogram for a period of 12 (Twelve) months. Sample size was 300 and sampling technique was convenient type of non-probability sampling. Data were collected by face to face interview with pretested questionnaire containing both structured and unstructured questions. Results: The mean ages of the respondents were 49.57 years. 51.3% were illiterate, most of them i.e., 49.2% were from lower class. Regarding occupation, 42.8% were housewife, 24.4% farmer and 7.7% fisher man. Maximum i.e 46.7% respondents were informed about natural calamities from television, majority 70% had not got trained, and only 30% got training from different institution. To remain safe from natural calamities, maximum carefully select the site for residence i.e 52.3% and 44.7% select a safe place to stay during an emergency. 36.7% respondents follow the official weather forecast and warning regularly for evacuation. About 92% had no insurance coverage for their household or business. According to the level of preparedness score, 54% had no preparation, 41.7% were partially prepared and 4.3% had complete preparation to tackle the natural calamities. According to the level of awareness score, only 35.3% were aware about their situation regarding preparedness. Conclusion: Whilst natural disasters cannot be prevented, working together by Public Private Partnership (PPP) utilizing the result and engaging skills to fight against any disaster, attempt can be taken to minimize the effect of disasters, which will ultimately provide the safety and security to the people of Sandwip and costal areas of Bangladesh. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 5(1), June 2022; 27-31

Background: Thyroid gland is the endocrine organ that secretes hormones namely, Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine hormone (T4). T3 and T4 are released in relation to the message of tropic hormone TSH, by the anterior pituitary. Absences as well as excess of thyroid hormones have harmful impacts on the overall health condition like physical and mental impediment. Poor intelligence leading to poor academic performance is frequently observed in hypothyroid children. The study was aimed to estimate serum T3, T4 and TSH levels of a group of school going children in urban area of Chattogram, Bangladesh. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among school going children (Age: 7-12 years) of Chattogram city between January, 2022 and June 2022. Chattogram based three schools were selected by convenient sampling. A total of 500 blood samples of children were collected and serum T3, T4 and TSH levels were measured. Estimation of T3 and T4 were done by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and estimation of TSH was done by Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) in the in Vitro laboratory. Results: Among 500 children, the estimated mean ±SD serum T3 hormone level was2.46±0.79 (Range: 1.27-5.51) nmol/L, mean ±SD serum T4 hormone level was 141.99±32.77 (Range: 86.21-239.05) nmol/L and mean ±SD serum TSH hormone level was 1.58±1.04 (Range: 0.30-3.02) mIU/L. Conclusion: Thyroid hormone status of the study group children was found within normal limits. However, regular screening of children is suggested to identify the subclinical and unreported clinical cases, so that theiroptimum growth and development are ensured. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 5(2), Dec 2022; 67-69