Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Fibroadenoma

Introduction Among all benign conditions, the fibroadenoma is the most common lesion worldwide as well as in Pakistan. Clinicians often face the dilemma of whether to remove the mass or to monitor it by means of periodic follow-up examinations. Although the removal of these lesions is a definitive solution, surgery may involve unnecessary excision of benign lesions and unbecoming cosmesis. Body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for the development of breast cancer.However, the relationship between BMI and benign breast diseases is still unclear. Some studies showed that increased BMI is a risk factor for benign breast diseases; however, a large number of studies showed that a decrease in BMI is the risk factor for benign breast diseases. Material and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan. All patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were assessed in the breast clinic of PIMS. A final diagnosis of fibroadenoma was made after a triple assessment. Weight in kilograms and height in meters were measured. All the information was recorded in a specifically designed proforma accordingly by the postgraduate trainee. BMI was calculated by the formula: BMI=Weight in kgs/height in meters. Other variables that were noted include patients' age, gender, contact number, and hospital visit. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Results The BMI of study patients was 21.8 ± 1.3, ranging from 19 to 24.9. Out of 300 patients presenting with benign breast disease, 60 (20%) had a fibroadenoma while 240 (80%) had other benign breast diseases. Out of 136 patients with high BMI, 42 (30.8%) had a fibroadenoma while out of 74 patients with low BMI, eight (10.8%) had a fibroadenoma; however, out of 90 patients with normal BMI, 10 (11.1%) had a fibroadenoma. Our study population showed an increased risk of fibroadenoma formation in the adolescent age group with an OR value of 8.54 (CI 4.38-16.63, P<0.001). There were also additional statistical correlations between higher BMI and the site of the lesion being the upper outer quadrant of the breast (t= 4.326 P<0.01). There was no significant correlation of BMI with size and increased number of lesions (P=0.280 and P=0.175). Conclusion High BMI seems to be a substantial risk factor for the development of a fibroadenoma, particularly in young adolescent females.

Dispersion compensation by two-stage stretching in a sub-400 fs, 1.2 mJ Yb:CaF2 amplifier

We generate 1.24 mJ, 390 fs pulses at 1035 nm in a CPA laser system featuring a 2.8 mJ Yb:CaF(2) regenerative amplifier, stretcher/compressor based on a single chirped volume Bragg grating and a compact, low-dispersion grating compressor. The auxiliary compressor is used to effectively pre-compensate the intra-cavity dispersion of the amplifier.

Frequency of intrinsic factor antibody in megaloblastic anaemia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of intrinsic factor antibody in vitamin B12 deficient patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Fauji Foundation Hospital, Foundation University Medical College and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, from January 2011 to June 2012.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 120 patients of megaloblastic anaemia were selected on the basis of low serum vitamin B12 level. The intrinsic factor antibody tests were performed by ELISA method. The patients were considered positive or negative on the basis of presence or absence of intrinsic factor antibody respectively. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 14.

RESULTS

Pernicious anaemia with intrinsic factor deficiency was found in 13.3% in 120 vitamin B12 deficient patients. The mean age of patients of pernicious anaemia was 41.5 years, with a male to female ratio of 1:2.5. It was relatively more common in older age (17% in age more than 60 years) as compared to other age groups.

CONCLUSION

Frequency of pernicious anaemia in megaloblastic anaemia was 13.3%. The male to female ratio was 1:2.5 and it was relatively more common in age group of more than 60 years.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome presenting in accelerated phase

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by silver hair, recurrent infections, partial oculo-cutaneous albinism, mild coagulation defect and progressive neuropathy. The characteristic feature of CHS is the presence of huge lysosomes and cytoplasmic inclusions within different body cells like the white blood cells. The disease has an early onset but usually presents in an accelerated phase. We present a case of a 2 years old boy with high grade fever, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, abdominal distention of 28 days duration. He was diagnosed with Chediak-Higashi syndrome in accelerated phase on the basis of clinical presentation, morphological findings on peripheral blood film and bone marrow aspirate.