Portal hypertension and consequent esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) is one of the most devastating complications of chronic liver diseases and is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. Informational need assessment has become an integral part in management of those patients to overcome their misconceptions. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess informational needs among patients with esophageal varices. A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in this study. A convenient sample of 110 adult male and female patients admitted to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Unit and all medical departments at one of the University Hospitals affiliated to Cairo University were recruited to the study. Two tools are used to collect data for the present study named as: Subjects' characteristics and illness-related data sheet, and patients' knowledge assessment questionnaire regarding different aggravating factors. The study results revealed that (61.8%) of the study subjects' age ranged from 40 < 60 years old, (65.5%) of them were males, (81.8%) of them complained from financial troubles, (69.1%) altered self-image and (68.2%) had a change in role function. As well (79.1%) of the study subjects had lack of knowledge regarding different aggravating factors for EVB, the most common one was high risk related nutrition followed by high risk related medications then other factors represent (76.4%, 68.2% & 66.4%) respectively. The study concluded that there were many areas of knowledge deficit and concerns relevant to potential aggravating factors for EVB among study subjects reflecting a need for education. A written instruction about prohibited and allowed drugs, nutrition, and physical activities is recommended.

Background, congenital anomaly is a defect that is present at birth,
and can result from either genetic, environmental factors, or both. Aim, was to
assess the risk factors which may lead to fetal congenital anomalies. Design, a
descriptive research design was adopted. Sample, a total of 265 pregnant women
were recruited according to the following criteria: pregnant in a fetus with a
congenital anomaly; at any reproductive age; no specific gravidity or parity; single
or multiple gestations. Setting, Fetal Medicine Unit at El-Manial University
Hospital. Tools, two tools were constructed and filled in by the researcher: 1) fetal
assessment sheet 2) interviewing questionnaire schedule. Results, age range of the
pregnant women was 17-44 years with a mean of 26.63 ± 5.37 years. Seventeen
percent of them cannot read and write while, 20% had university education. Renal
anomalies, central nervous system (CNS), muscloskeletal , and cardiovascular
anomalies were the most common congenital anomalies constituted 36.6%, 34.7%,
20.8%, 10.6% respectively of the total anomalies. Regarding to risk factors for
congenital anomalies, 45.7% of the pregnant women had first degree
consanguinity, 16.6% had a family history of a congenital anomalies, 19.2% had a
previous child with a congenital anomalies, 29.1% gave a history of consuming
drugs during present pregnancy, 18.5% of the pregnant women live near industrial
source and 21.5% of them experienced infection during present pregnancy.
Conclusion, renal, CNS and muscloskeletal anomalies were the most common
type of congenital anomalies. Positive consanguinity, family history for congenital
anomalies, previous child with a congenital anomaly, consuming drugs during
pregnancy, living near industrial source and exposure to infections during
pregnancy, were the most common risk factors associated with congenital
anomalies. Recommendations, premarital examination for consanguineous
marriages should be encouraged. Antenatal care is very important for suspection
and early detection of congenital anomalies.