T. Warnakulasuriya

The burden of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose in an urban population of Sri Lanka

To describe the burden of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose in middle‐aged residents (35–64 years) in an urban area of Sri Lanka.

Prevalence of dental caries among a cohort of preschool children living in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: A descriptive cross sectional study

BackgroundDental caries among young children are a global problem. Scant attention is paid towards primary teeth, leading to high prevalence of dental caries. There are only few studies done in Sri Lanka, addressing oral hygiene among preschool children. Scientific evidence is in need to persuade authorities to establish a programme promoting oral hygiene among preschool children.MethodsA descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Ragama Medical officer of Health area. Consecutive children between 2 – 5u2009years of age, attending child welfare clinics were recruited for the study. Practices related to dental hygiene and socio-economic characteristics were obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Mouth was examined for evidence of dental caries. Data collection and examination were done by two doctors who were trained for this purpose. The data were analysed using SSPS version 16.ResultsTotal of 410 children were included. None had a routine visits to a dentist. Practices related to tooth brushing were satisfactory. Prevalence of dental caries gradually increased with age to reach 68.8% by 5u2009years. Mean total decayed-extracted-filled (deft) score for the whole sample was 1.41 and Significant caries index (SIC) was 4.09. Decayed tooth were the main contributor for the deft score and Care index was only 1.55. Girls had a significantly higher prevalence of caries than boys.ConclusionsDental care provided for Sri Lankan preschool children appears to be unsatisfactory as prevalence of dental caries among this cohort of preschool children was very high. There is an urgent need to improve dental care facilities for Sri Lankan preschool children.

Methylene Blue Induced Bluish Discoloration Mimicking Cyanosis, at Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Methylene Blue Induced Bluish Discoloration Mimicking Cyanosis, at Diagnostic Laparoscopy nMethylene blue is commonly used to check patency of Fallopian tubes and tracking fistulae. Intraversation of methylene blue is a recognized complication of diagnostic laparoscopy and dye test. Although a case of cyanosis due to methaemoglobinaemia following methylene blue use is a known complication, cyanosis without methaemoglobinaemia is unknown.

Growth parameters at birth of babies born in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka and factors influencing them

Background: Growth parameters at birth are important for clinical decision-making. In Sri Lanka, the data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) are used to interpret these measurements. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2010 in hospitals of Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. The weight, length and head circumference of all normal-term babies born in the Gampaha district during this period were measured within 8 h of birth using standard techniques. Measurements were taken by medical graduates trained and supervised by a consultant paediatrician. Socio-demographic data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the 2215 babies recruited, 1127 were males. The mean birth weight, mean length and mean head circumference at birth were 2.92 kg, 49.1 and 33.6 cm, respectively. Boys weighed and measured more than girls in all parameters, but the differences were not statistically significant. Growth parameters of babies included in this study deviated from that in the MGRS data. Mean values of MGRS data were between 75th and 90th centiles of this study population. Birth order, family income and maternal education were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with growth parameters. Contrary to common belief, growth parameters continued to increase progressively up to 41 weeks. Maternal age less than 20 years or more than 35 years was negatively associated with birth weight (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Growth parameters of new-born babies deviated significantly from the values of the MGRS data. Growth characteristics of one population may not be applicable to another population due to variations in maternal, genetic and socio-economic factors. Using growth charts not applicable to a population will result in wrong interpretations.

Functional gastrointestinal diseases and psychological maladjustment, personality traits and quality of life

BackgroundChronic abdominal pain is a common worldwide problem and known to be associated with psychological problems. This study evaluated the association between abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP-FGIDs), psychological maladjustment and personality traits in adolescents.MethodsAdolescents aged 13–18xa0years were recruited from 5 randomly selected schools in Ampara district of Sri Lanka. AP-FGIDs were diagnosed using Rome III criteria. Translated and validated Rome III questionnaire (Child report form), personality questionnaire (PAQ) and PedsQL (Pediatric Quality of Life) inventory were used in data collection. Written consent was obtained from a parent and assent was obtained from every child recruited. The questionnaire was distributed in an examination setting to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Research assistants were present during data collection to assist on any necessary clarifications.ResultsA total of 1697 subjects were recruited [males 779 (45.9%), mean age 15.1xa0years, SD 1.6xa0years]. AP-FGIDs were present in 202 (11.9%). Those with AP-FGIDs had significantly higher mean scores for all personality traits (hostility and aggression, negative self-esteem, emotional unresponsiveness, emotional instability and negative world view), except dependency. Affected children had lower scores for all 4 domains of HRQoL (physical, emotional, social and school functioning), compared to controls (pu2009<u20090.05). When the cut off value for Sri Lankan children (89) was used, 66.3% with AP-FGIDs and 48.2% controls had PAQ scores within that of psychological maladjustment (pu2009<u20090.001). When the international normative value of 105 was used, these percentages were 27.2% and 14.2% respectively (pu2009<u20090.0001). The scores obtained for PAQ negatively correlated with scores obtained for HRQoL (ru2009=u2009−u20090.52, pu2009<u20090.0001). One hundred and seventeen adolescents with AP-FGIDs (57.9%) had sought healthcare for their symptoms. Healthcare consulters had higher PAQ and lower HRQoL scores (pu2009<u20090.05).ConclusionsAdolescents with AP-FGIDs have more psychological maladjustment and abnormal personality traits than healthy controls. Affected adolescents with higher psychological maladjustments have lower HRQoL. Greater psychological maladjustment and lower HRQoL are associated with healthcare seeking behaviour in adolescents with AP-FGIDs.

Frequency of micronuclei among persons resident in the vicinity of a mineral sand processing factory in Pulmoddai, Sri Lanka

Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd (LMS), a government-owned company, has been mining mineral sands including monazite which contains thorium (Th) at Pulmoddai, Sri Lanka since 1957. Th emits alpha particles on decay and gamma rays are emitted by the daughter products. The cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (MN) assay is popular for large scale radiation exposure studies as it is an easy, fast and reliable method of biodosimetry. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of micronuclei among persons residing in the vicinity of LMS. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2012 to September 2016 among persons 35-45 years of age to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Fifty-three employees of LMS factory, 25 residents within 5 km from LMS, 25 residents 20-25 km from LMS and 29 residents from >50 km away from LMS were included in the study. The highest median frequency of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated (BN) cells was in the group residing within 5 km from LMS with a median (IQ range) of 0.67 (0.17-2.17). The median (IQ range) of MN frequency of employees of LMS, residents 20-25 km from LMS and residents >50 km from LMS were 0.66 (0.16-1.16), 0.33 (0.00-0.67) and 0.33 (0.33-0.67), respectively. There was no significant difference in the MN frequency between employees of LMS and the group residing within 5 km from LMS. Being a resident of Pulmoddai and being exposed to X-rays were significant predictors of MN frequency. Persons residing within 5 km from LMS had a higher risk of MN formation irrespective of being employed at LMS.