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Aims and Objective: Various studies revealed the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Psidium guajava leaves. This present study reported the anti inflammatory and protective effects of Psidium guajava leaves on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat liver. Method: In this study, Long Evans female rats (150-180 g) were divided into four groups. CCl4 in olive oil was given orally by gavage at a dose of 1 mL/kg and Psidium guajava leave powder was provided as 2.5% w/w of food. Liver marker enzymes activity was monitored by evaluating the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP) in plasma. The plasma and liver tissue concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), glutathione (GSH, in reduced form) and activity of catalase were measured as oxidative stress marker. Results: The results of this study suggested the serum transferases activities were increased in CCl4 administered rat which were normalized by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation. Moreover, oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced and antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly improved by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered rat. Hematoxylin and Eosin and Picrosirius Red staining of liver section revealed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis respectively by Psidium guajava leaves supplementation in CCl4 administered rats. Conclusion: In conclusion, Psidium guajava leaves may prevent liver damage and inflammation in CCl4-iadministered rats which indicated strong antioxidant capacity. Thus, Psidium guajava leaves could be a source of natural antioxidant. A future study has been warranted for using Psidium guajava leaves in clinical case of liver dysfunction.

Background & objective: Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common convulsive event in children. It is the most common type of seizure that every pediatrician has to deal with. However, the etiology of febrile seizure is still unclear. The present study was intended to identify the risk factors of first febrile convulsion among 6 months to 5 years old children. Materials & Methods: A case-control study was carried out on a total of 200 children-100 cases (children with febrile convulsion) & 100 controls (without febrile convulsion) selected from the In-patient Department of Dhaka Shishu Hospital over a period of six months between May 2012 to October 2012. Data were collected on variables of interest using a semi-structured research instrument. The Chi-square test and Odd Ratio were employed to compare the risk factors between case and control groups. Result: There was no association of febrile seizure with age of the children, but males were more often associated with FS than the females with risk of developing febrile seizures in boys was 3.5-fold (95% CI=1.8 -6.8) higher than that in girls (p<0.001). The risk of having FS in children with prematurity and caesarean delivery was 2.8 times (95% CI=1.5-5.0) and 2-times (95% CI=1.4-2.6) greater than those in children without having these conditions (p=0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). The children with family history of febrile seizure tends to be associated with first febrile seizures and the odds of having the condition is 36.4 (95% CI=15.4-85.7). There was no significant relationship between family history of epilepsy and first febrile seizure (p=0.061). The children with shorter duration of breast feeding (6-12 months) carry 2.9(95% CI=2.0-4.0) times higher risk of having first febrile seizure than those with longer duration of breast-feeding (p<0.001). Exclusively breast-fed children were less susceptible to develop febrile seizures (OR=0.149, 95% CI: 0.08-0.23). Twelve cases developed perinatal asphyxia as opposed to only 2 of the control group and the risk of having FS in children with perinatal asphyxia was 1.8(95% CI=1.4-2.3) times higher than those without having the history ofperinatal asphyxia (p<0.001). Three-quarters of the children presented with FS had viral fever whereas only 4% of the controls had viral fever indicating that viral fever triggers the development of FS much more frequently than any other childhood illness (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that male sex, preterm baby, positive family history of febrile seizures, less than 6 months of exclusive breast feeding, not continuing the breast-feeding beyond 12 months, perinatal asphyxia and viral infections are the predictors of first febrile seizure. Preventive measures in removing these risk factors can go a long way to a decrease the incidence of febrile seizures. Ibrahim Card Med J 2016; 6 (1&2): 56-61