Conference Papers

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This collection contains abstracts of conference papers, presented at local and international conferences by the staff of the Faculty of Medicine

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Author: search.filters.author.de Silva, N.R.End date: 2009

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 46
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    The role of antioxidants in filarial infection
    (Royal Society of tropical medicine and Higiene (RSTMH), American Society of tropical medicine and Higiene(ASTMH), British Society for Parasitology, 2000) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Senarath, S.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, N.R.; de Silva, H.J.
    Abstract Available
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    Clearance of microfilaraemia and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels in asymptomatic microfilaraemics after single dose and 14 days’ treatment with diethyl carbamazine citrate(DEC) 
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
    Abstract Available
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    Clearance of microfilaraemia and red blood cell glutathione peroxidase(GPX) levels in asymptomatic microfilaraemics after single dose and 14 days’ treatment with diethyl carbamazine citrate(DEC)
    (Wiley, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
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    Red blood cell antioxidant levels after treatment with diethyl carbamazine
    (Wiley, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
    Abstract Available
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    Lymphoedema management knowledge and practices among patients attending filariasis clinics in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka
    (Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2004) Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Premaratna, R.; de Silva, N.R.
    INTRODUCTION: Little information is available on methods of treatment practiced by Sri Lankan patients with filarial lymphoedema. The burden of acute dermatolymphagioadenitis (ADLA) attacks in these patients is also unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding lymphoedema management and the burden of ADLA attacks among patients with lymphoedema attending filariasis clinics. METHODS: The survey was carried out in the Gampaha district. Semi structured questionnaires were deployed to assess knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding morbidity alleviation in filarial lymphoedema. The burden of ADLA attacks was estimated using one-year recall data. RESULTS: 66 patients (22 males: 44 females) mean age 51.18 years SD 13.9% were studied. Almost two thirds of the population was aware of the importance of skin and nail hygiene, limb elevation and use of footwear. Washing was practiced"bn a daily and twice daily basis by 40.9% and 48.5% respectively. However limb elevation, exercise and use of footwear were practiced by 21 -42.4% (while seated and lying down), 6% and 34.8% respectively. Regular intake of DEC was considered important by the majority (n=61. 92.4%). Most (65.2%) had received health education from the filariasis clinics. Among patients who sought private care (n~48) the average cost of treatment of an ADLA attack was Rs. 737.91. Only 18.2% had feelings of isolation and reported community reactions ranging from sympathy to fear and ridicule. CONCLUSIONS: Filariasis clinics seem to play an important role in the dissemination of knowledge regarding morbidity control. Referral of lymphoedema patients to morbidity control clinics is recommended.
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    Intestinal parasitic infections among a selected group of institutionalised psychiatric patients
    (Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2009) Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Imbulpitiya, I.V.B.; Balasooriya, B.A.D.H.; Ariyarathna, W.P.H.; de Silva, N.R.
    INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic psychiatric illnesses are known to be at high risk of intestinal parasitic infections because of poor attention to sanitation and hygiene. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of a psychiatric institution in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Faecal samples of randomly selected patients at the Half-way Home, Mulleriyawa (HHM) were examined using saline and modified Kato Katz smears. RESULTS: Of 649 female patients at HHM 22% (145) were screened for intestinal parasites. The mean age of study population was 50 years (range 26-75). One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 35% (51/145). Thirty percent (44/145) had only helminth infections, 2.8 % (4/145) were co-infected with helminth and commensal protozoa Entamoeba co//and 2% (3/145) had only E.coli. Of the 48 who had helminth infections 6.8% (10/145) had Ascaris lumbricoides, 10.3% (15/145) had Trichuris trichiura and 15.8% (23/145) had mixed infections of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Proportions of patients with varying intensities of infections with respect to A, lumbricoides and T. trichiura were light in: 51.6% (16) and 55.6% (20), moderate in 45.16% (14) and 44.4% (16) and heavy in 3.2% (1) and 0% respectively. Forty six percent (67/145) and 12.5% (18/145) had been dewormed within one year and three months respectively. Thirty five percent (17/48) of parasite positive patients had been dewormed within one year. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of faeco-orally transmitted protozoan infections were scarce, the prevalence and intensity of geohelminth infections were high among the inmates of the HHM mental institution. Improvements in sanitation, provision of safe food and water and regular mass deworming are recommended.
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    Nutritional status of tea pluckers.on Norwood Estate, Hatton
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) Selvaratnam, R.R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, I.D.R.; de Silva, N.R.
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the nutritional status of tea pluckers and to identify factors contributing to anaemia, METHODS: All women tea pluckers of 5 randomly selected divisions of Norwood Estate in Bogawantalawa Plantations, Hatton, were recruited. A dietary survey was carried out using 24 hours recall method. Measurements of height and weight were taken. Haemoglobin (Hb) level in finger prick blood was measured by cyanmethaemoglobin method. Stools were examined for helminth eggs using saline smears and the Kato-Katz technique. Data were analyzed using Epilnfo 6 and SPSS 10. RESULTS: A total of 304 women with a mean age of 37.8 years (SD=8.4) were examined. Mean calorie, protein and iron adequacy were 52.5%, 45.9% and 45.9% respectively. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 18.3 (SD=2.5), while 59.9 % (n=181) were undernourished (BMI<18.5). The mean Hb was 11.02 g/dl (SD=1.45); 76% (n=231) were anaemic (Hb<12 g/dl). 25/248 (10.1%) stool samples examined were hookworm positive. Several variables had a significant association with Hb in bivariate analysis. As most of the variables were related, multiple regression analysis was carried out to identify independent predictor variables. This showed that dietary iron and calorie adequacy, the number of children, and the number of children below 5 years of age, but not hookworm infection, had an independent significant association with Hb. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the study population had evidence of chronic under nutrition as indicated by low BMI and anaemia. Dietary inadequacy of iron appears to contribute more significantly to anaemia than hookworm.infection.
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    Impact of mass chemotherapy filariasis control programme on soil-transmitted helminth infections in Ragama
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) de Silva, N.R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Fernando, S.D.; Weerasinghe, C.R.; Selvaratnam, R.R.; Padmasiri, E.A.
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of using albendazole in the'national Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme for filariasis control, on soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections'in Ragama. METHODS: The prevalence and intensity of STH infections was assessed before and after introduction of albendazole into the MDA programme in the Ragama MOH area, which has endemic transmission of both lymphatic filariasis and STH. Children attending Year 3 classes in 6 schools (selected in a random stratified manner) were examined during a baseline survey in March-May 2002. The follow-up survey (Sept-Oct) covered Year 4 children in the same schools after the MDA programme in July. All stool samples were examined on the day of collection using the modified Kato-Katz technique. RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of STH infection was very low in both surveys: 4.5% (12/265) at baseline, and 2.0% (5/252) at follow-up. Trichuriasis was. the commonest infection (4.1% and 1.6%), followed by ascariasis (0.8% and 0.4%). The species prevalence rates, cumulative prevalence, and mean egg counts all declined from baseline to follow-up, but the differences were not statistically significant. The majority of children (85%) examined in the follow-up survey said they had taken both diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole during the MDA programme. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is possible that inclusion of albendazole in the MDA programme had an impact on STH infections, it is unlikely that any resultant decline in prevalence will have a significant impact on the health of schoolchildren in the Ragama MOH area since prevalence rates are now very low.
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    Nutritional status and productivity of tea pluckers in Norwood Estate, Hatton
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2003) de Silva, N.R.; Selvaratnam, R.R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, L.D.R.
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of nutritional status on the productivity of tea pluckers in Norwood estate. METHODS: All women tea pluckers of 5 randomly selected divisions of Norwood Estate in Bogawantalawa Plantations, Hatton were recruited. Nutritional status was assessed by measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) and haemoglobin levels (Hb). The daily weight of tea leaves plucked, and the number of days worked by each woman during November and December 2001 were recorded. Productivity was calculated as average weight of tea leaves plucked per month. Data were analyzed using Epilnfo 6 and SPSS 10. RESULTS: A total of 304 women were recruited to the study. The majority (59.9%) had a low BMI (<18.5), while 76% were anaemic (Hb <12.0 g/dl). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between monthly productivity and Hb levels (Pearson's R = 0.81) but not with BMI. Different regression models were applied to the data to predict the monthly amount of tea plucked in kg. The simplest model using Hb as the only predictor variable revealed that variation in Hb level accounted for 65% of variation in productivity (adjusted R2=0.651). An increase in Hb by 1 g/dl was associated with an increase of 37 kg of tea leaves plucked per month. CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in haemoglobin levels is strongly associated with a decrease in individual productivity of female tea pluckers as indicated by the average weight of tea leaves plucked per month.
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    Red blood cell antioxidant levels after treatment with diethyl carbamazine citrate in persons with asymptomatic microfilaraemia
    (Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2001) Premaratna, R.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.; Chandrasena, L.G.; de Silva, H.J.
    Abstract Available