Background Nationally representative data on burden of musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) in Bangladesh are not available. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSK conditions and related disabilities in the adult population of Bangladesh. Methods A total of 2000 individuals aged 18 years or older were targeted from 20 primary sampling units (urban and rural) of all former seven divisions of Bangladesh in 2015. Structured interviews were done using the modified Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders questionnaire to detect positive respondents. Standard criteria were used for diagnosing MSK conditions by rheumatology residents. In case of uncertainty, opinion was taken from senior rheumatologists. A Bangla version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire was used to determine disability. Results A total of 1843 (92.1%) participated. Among them, 892 men and 951 women participated from rural (n = 716) and urban (n = 1127) areas. Their mean age was 40.5 (standard deviation 14.7) years. Almost a third did not have any formal schooling. Overall, 30.4% (95% confidence interval, 28.3–32.5) had MSK conditions. Low back pain (18.6%, 16.9–20.5), knee osteoarthritis (7.3%, 6.1–8.5) and soft tissue rheumatism 3.8% (2.9–4.7) were the three top-ranking MSK conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis (1.6%, 1.0–2.1), spondyloarthritis (1.2%, 7–1.8) and adhesive capsulitis (1.4%, 0.9–1.9) were relatively uncommon. Among those who had MSK conditions, 24.8% (21.3–28.6) had some degree of disability. Of them, 24.4% (21.0–28.1) had history of work loss during last 12 months. Conclusions The high burden of MSK conditions and related disabilities in Bangladesh warrants greater attention of the health system. Further studies are needed to estimate the impact of this group of conditions particularly addressing related disabilities and loss of work.

Sepsis is a systemic, deleterious host response to infection leading to acute organ dysfunction secondary to documented or suspected infection and septic shock i.e. sepsis plus hypotension not reversed with fluid resuscitation. Severe sepsis is a major healthcare problem with an extremely high mortality rate of 30-60% and it is one of the most common reasons for critically ill patients to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Excessive inflammation and coagulation and suppression of fibrinolysis are the hallmarks of Sepsis. Our medical concern is to manage sepsis and to prevent multi organ failure (MOF). Making an early, accurate diagnosis of septic shock is the key to increasing survival rates. With no specific, effective anti-sepsis therapies available, management focuses on haemodynamic stabilization and rapid resuscitation, early source control, adequate and appropriate antibiotics, organ support and modulation of the septic responses are the cornerstones of treatment.

This pilot study, within the limitations of its small size and variation between patients, found no apparent evidence that administration of nebulized salbutamol improved resuscitation of patients with acute OP insecticide self-poisoning. The data obtained provides a basis to design further studies to ultimately test the role of salbutamol in OP insecticide poisoning.

Background : Despite the advances in imaging techniques and treatment modalities, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor, with five-year survival of 14% at early stages and less than 5% in locally advanced stages. Before starting treatment a clear distinction between small cell and nonsmall cell carcinoma must be made, for that histopathology remains the mainstay of confirmation of diagnosis. To combat the disease successfully, it should be diagnosed at earliest possible stage. If bronchial brush cytology yield comparable diagnostic specificity, then it may easy for the patient and physician to manage this fatal disease.

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone density, micro-architectural deterioration of the bone tissue, enhanced bone fragility and increasing susceptibility to fracture. Osteoporosis is an important public health problem leading to an increased risk of developing spontaneous and traumatic fractures. It is a silent disease until it is complicated by fractures that can occur following minimal trauma. These fractures are common and place an enormous medical and personal burden on individuals during aging and a major economic toll on the nation. To reduce the burden high-risk patients must be identified, evaluated for factors contributing to skeletal fragility, and should be treated to reduce fracture risk. Osteoporosis is a preventable disease and can be diagnosed and treated before any fracture occurs. Importantly, even after the first fracture has occurred, there are effective treatments to decrease the risk of further fractures. Both Pharmacologic and non- pharmacological interventions can reduce the risk for fracture in appropriately selected patients, with a generally favorable safety profile.Bangladesh Med J. 2016 May; 45 (2): 101-109