ObjectivesLearning methods and other related factors influence the success of medical undergraduates. This study aims at finding factors associated with the end of pre-clinical stream examination results among medical undergraduates of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The results of this study will inform the tutors to plan and implement teaching methods as well as to guide the social welfare of the undergraduates. In general, we believe this study has the potential to improve the medical undergraduate’s academic performance.ResultsEighty-six per cent (112/130) of medical undergraduates have passed the examination and rest was referred. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between examination results and self-satisfaction for English language proficiency (P = 0.048). Passing the examination was more likely with high self-satisfaction for English language proficiency [odds ratio = 6.063 (95% CI 1.014 to 36.249)]. Also, a significant association between obtaining a class at the examination and using peer-revision notes (P = 0.019) was revealed. Obtaining a class at the examination was less likely with the frequent use of peer-revision notes [odds ratio = 0.228 (95% CI 0.066 to 0.790)].Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3912-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Nephrotic syndrome occurring as a complication of immune tolerance therapy for inhibitors in hemophilia B is well recognized. It is also known to occur in association with factor borne infections, especially hepatitis C. This is the first case report of nephrotic syndrome occurring in a child receiving prophylactic factor VIII in the absence of inhibitors of hepatitis infection. However, the pathophysiology of this phenomenon is poorly understood. Case presentation A 7-year Sri Lankan boy diagnosed with severe hemophilia A on weekly factor VIII prophylaxis was diagnosed with three episodes of nephrotic syndrome, a condition in which there is leakage of plasma protein into urine. He had three episodes of nephrotic syndrome, all of which responded well to 60 mg/m2 daily dose of oral steroids, achieving remission within 2 weeks of starting daily prednisolone. He has not developed inhibitors for factor VIII. His hepatitis screening remained negative. Conclusions There is a possible link between factor therapy for hemophilia A and nephrotic syndrome, which can be a T-cell-mediated immune response. This case also highlights the importance of monitoring for renal involvement in patients treated with factor replacement.