Determining the effect of climate and profession on dry eye disease: A prevalence study among young males in north, north-west and central India

Background

Ocular tear film and the ocular surface together represent a dynamic playground of various protective factors against environmental influencers. Surrounding environment and geoclimatic milieu are the pertinent and continuous influencing factors. Prevalence study of Dry eye disease (DED) in various climatic conditions and professions provides an insight into this peculiar aspect of DED and human geography.

Methods

This was a hospital based, cross-sectional, comparative, analytical observational study. 1840 young soldiers between 25 and 45 years of age were studied. Divided in five climate groups based on Köppen-Geiger climate classification system the subjects were sub-grouped into professions exposed to known aggravating environmental factors. The ocular surface was examined for signs and symptoms of DED and its prevalence and risk ratio for different climates and professions were calculated.

Results

Highest prevalence of DED was found in cold desert climate and among visual display unit (VDU) users. Least prevalence was seen in highland type of climate and among people involved in professional exposed to high temperature. Prevalence of DED based upon the signs and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was calculated and stratified with risk ratio for climatic conditions and professions.

Conclusion

Different climatic conditions and professions had different prevalence of signs, symptoms of OSD and DED which indicated its influence on prevalence of the disease.

Effect of Intracanal Scaffolds on the Success Outcomes of Regenerative Endodontic Therapy - A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The scaffolds used in regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) provide structural support for cells so that they can adhere to the scaffolds and also are crucial for cellular proliferation and differentiation. The objective of this network meta-analysis was to compare effects of different intracanal scaffolds on success outcomes of RET.

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies evaluating and/or comparing clinical and/or radiographic success of RET using different scaffolds with a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias (ROB) tool and appropriate tools from Joanna Briggs Institute were used for the assessment of ROB. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare the primary outcome (clinical success) and other success outcomes (root maturation, and pulpal sensibility) using different scaffolds.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies fulfilled the desired inclusion criteria of which 25 had a low ROB whereas 2 had a moderate ROB. Clinical success of RET using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), blood clot (BC), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) scaffolds ranged between 91.66%-100%, 84.61%-100%, and 77%-100% respectively. The different scaffolds did not show any statistically significant difference in clinical success (PRF vs BC [P = 1.000], PRP vs BC [P = 1.000], and PRF vs PRP [P = .999]), apical root closure (PRF vs BC [P = 1.000], PRP vs BC [P = .835], PRF vs PRP [P = .956]), and pulp sensibility (PRF vs BC [P = .980], PRP versus BC [P = .520], and PRF vs PRP [P = .990]).

CONCLUSION

The intracanal scaffolds used during RET did not result in significant differences in regard to clinical success, root maturation, and pulpal sensibility.

Long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiation received during early childhood on the developing dentition of pediatric cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

The short-term effects of chemotherapy and irradiation are well documented; however, there is paucity regarding their long-term effects, especially in children and adolescents.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This paper discusses the long-term effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation received by the patients during their early childhood on the developing dentition. It comprises the compilation of 11 cases with alteration in the dental development screened from 138 cases of the childhood cancer patients who received the chemotherapy and/or radiation as a part of anticancer therapy.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that the age of initiation of anticancer therapy along with the synergistic effect of chemo-irradiation, and the dose of radiation used were the principal determinants for the dental abnormalities. The root-related abnormalities were found to be varied and more common as compared to the missing teeth and defects related to the tooth crown.

Trabeculectomy with Ologen implant versus trabeculectomy with P 50 Ex-PRESS shunt in primary open-angle glaucoma

Background

This is the first randomized controlled trial of trabeculectomy with Ex-Press Shunt versus Ologen implant in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Indian eyes.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial of patients of POAG treated with two different methods of augmented trabeculectomy. Group A with Ex-PRESS shunt (P50 model) and Group B with Ologen implant. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure of 21 mm Hg or lower at 6 months postoperative.

Results

N = 40 eyes of 33 patients. Baseline IOP in Group A was 23.70 ± 4.6 mm Hg (Range 22-36 mm Hg), and Group B was 26.00 ± 4.0 mm Hg (Range 23-36 mm Hg). Surgical success was achieved in 85% of patients in both Groups. Change in IOP from baseline was statistically significant in both groups at 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks, and 6 months postoperative. No statistically significant difference in the change in IOP between the two groups. Postoperative complications were lesser in Group A compared to Group B, in both early (35% vs 50%) and late stage (20% vs 30%). The drop in visual acuity became statistically insignificant at 4 weeks in Group A and 8 weeks in Group B.

Conclusions

There is no difference between the surgical success rates of trabeculectomy with Ex-PRESS Shunt versus Ologen. However, the Ex-PRESS shunt fares better with lower complication rates and faster visual recovery than the Ologen group.

Effectiveness of a Training Program in School Teachers on the Role of Sugars in Oral and General Health

Background: Schools have a powerful influence on children's development and well-being, and school teachers are considered role models to transmit life values and instill health-related behaviors. The effectiveness of a training program for school teachers in understanding the role of sugars and their impact on oral and overall health has not been previously reported.

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a training program for school teachers on the role of sugars in oral and general health.

Methods: An interventional study was carried out on 308 Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan school teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in improving school teachers' knowledge of the role of sugars in oral and overall health. The training program was carried out using a training module, and a validated questionnaire was utilized to assess school teachers' knowledge before and after the training program.

Results: The overall evaluation of mean knowledge change scores revealed significantly higher scores after the training program (8.12 ±1.58) when compared with the pre-training scores (6.84±1.66)

Conclusion: A training program on the role of sugars in oral and general health effectively improved school teachers' knowledge. 

Dentofacial manifestations of fetal warfarin syndrome in a paediatric patient

Anticoagulant therapy is commonly indicated during pregnancy to prevent thrombosis and prevention of prosthetic heart valve-associated thromboembolic events. Warfarin is a synthetic anticoagulant with low molecular weight and can cross the placenta resulting in congenital abnormalities termed fetal warfarin syndrome. This paper highlights the case of an 8-year-old boy with warfarin embryopathy. It highlights the extraoral and intraoral findings of the case along with the cephalometric analysis and provides insight into the phenotypic variations among the different cases reported in the literature.

Dental manifestations of pseudo-vitamin-D deficiency rickets in a paediatric patient

Vitamin D-resistant rickets shows the resistance to vitamin D (Vit-D) therapy, which traditionally works well in cases with deficiency rickets. The signs start appearing as early as in the first month of life and are characterised by the defective mineralisation at the ends of cartilage and bones despite having normal Vit-D levels in the serum. This case report highlights the dental and maxillofacial manifestations in a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with pseudo-Vit-D deficiency rickets. The report also highlights the variations in the dental manifestations of the condition reported in the literature.

Orofacial characteristics and dental management in a child with moyamoya disease

Moyamoya disease is a chronic, progressive intracranial arteriopathy. It is characterised by progressive stenosis/occlusion of distal intracranial carotid and cerebral arteries. It is associated with a high risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Hereditary, infectious and inflammatory factors have been found to be associated with this condition; however, its aetiology is still unclear. The estimation of disease prevalence is approximately 1.6 to 16.1 in 100 000 live births. This article presents the case of a 5-year-old girl child diagnosed with moyamoya disease, placing emphasis on the clinical and radiographic orofacial characteristics of the case and its dental management.

Comparison of ophthalmic artery blood flow between open-angle glaucoma and nonglaucomatous eyes of Indian patients

This study was undertaken to compare ophthalmic artery blood flow in eyes having primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with age matched non glaucomatous eyes using the technique of Color Doppler imaging in Indian patients. One hundred patients of either sex over 40 years of age were divided into two groups of 50 patients each. Group 1 included 50 patients diagnosed with POAG whereas group 2 included patients who did not have POAG. Tests like visual fields and OCT RNFL were conducted and a radiologist assessed the ophthalmic artery blood flow using Color Doppler imaging. Hemodynamic calculations of ocular blood flow were done using the parameters of resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). Statistically significant increase in the values of RI and PI were noted in patients with POAG as compared to those who did not have POAG.

Evidence mapping and quality analysis of published dental literature on COVID-19 - A systematic review

A large number of scientific articles have been published regarding impact of COVID-19 infection on dental practice, dental professionals, and the mode of spread of infection via dental procedures. The present systematic review was planned with an aim of evidence mapping and quality analysis of published research on the dental aspects of COVID-19 infection. The protocol was registered at https://share.osf.io/registration/46221-C87-BA8. The search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases till 15th July 2020. There was no restriction of year of publication and language. All types of published articles related to Dentistry, Dentist, Dental practice, and Oral health education on COVID-19 were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used for the risk of bias analysis of included studies. A total of 393 articles were short-listed and were checked for eligibility and finally, 380 articles were included. Among the 380 research articles published (till July 15, 2020), the majority of the included articles belonged to the lowermost strata of the evidence pyramid. There were 54 original research articles with no randomized clinical trial, systematic review or, meta-analysis pertaining to the dental perspective of COVID-19 infection. The level of available evidence about dentistry and COVID-19 infection is very low with a lack of researches of highest quality. The guidelines/recommendations for dental professionals, proposed by the different scientific organizations/societies regarding COVID-19 infection are only consensus-based necessitating the need to formulate evidence-based guidelines. There is a need to identify essential research questions and strengthen the study designs in most of the aspects related to the dentistry and COVID-19 pandemic.

Bi-allelic loss-of-function novel variants in LTBP3-related skeletal dysplasia: Report of first patient from India

Dental anomalies and short stature (DASS) has been recently identified as a distinct entity, associated with bi-allelic hypomorphic variants in LTBP3 gene. Only 20 individuals from nine families have been previously reported, with a consistent phenotype of short stature, brachyolmia, and amelogenesis imperfecta. We report the first case from India, with novel radiographic and molecular findings in LTBP3 gene, thereby expanding the phenotypic spectrum of DASS.

Foot drop: an iatrogenic complication of spinal anesthesia

Background and objectives

Foot drop in postoperative period is very rare after spinal anesthesia. Early clinical assessment and diagnostic interventions is of prime importance to establish the etiology and to start appropriate management. Close follow-up is warranted in early postoperative period in cases when patient complain paresthesia or pain during needle insertion or drug injection.

Case report

A 22-year-old male was undergone lower limb orthopedic surgery in spinal anesthesia. During shifting from postoperative ward footdrop was suspected during routine assessment of regression of spinal level. Immediately the patient was referred to a neurologist and magnetic resonance imaging was done, which was inconclusive. Conservative management was started and nerve conduction study was done on the 4th postoperative day that confirmed pure motor neuropathy of right peroneal nerve. Patient was discharged with ankle splint and physiotherapy after slight improvement in motor power (2/5).

Conclusions

Foot drop is very rare after spinal anesthesia. Any suspected patient must undergo emergent neurological consultation and magnetic resonance imaging to exclude major finding and need for early surgical intervention.

[Foot drop: an iatrogenic complication of spinal anesthesia]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Foot drop in postoperative period is very rare after spinal anesthesia. Early clinical assessment and diagnostic interventions is of prime importance to establish the etiology and to start appropriate management. Close follow-up is warranted in early postoperative period in cases when patient complain paresthesia or pain during needle insertion or drug injection.

CASE REPORT

A 22-year-old male was undergone lower limb orthopedic surgery in spinal anesthesia. During shifting from postoperative ward footdrop was suspected during routine assessment of regression of spinal level. Immediately the patient was referred to a neurologist and magnetic resonance imaging was done, which was inconclusive. Conservative management was started and nerve conduction study was done on the 4th postoperative day that confirmed pure motor neuropathy of right peroneal nerve. Patient was discharged with ankle splint and physiotherapy after slight improvement in motor power (2/5).

CONCLUSIONS

Foot drop is very rare after spinal anesthesia. Any suspected patient must undergo emergent neurological consultation and magnetic resonance imaging to exclude major finding and need for early surgical intervention.

Malignant hyperthermia in a 6-month-old infant

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare hypermetabolic disorder of skeletal muscles that manifests as a life-threatening crisis in susceptible individuals, after exposure to triggering agents, most commonly halothane and succinylcholine. MH presents with multiple nonspecific signs and laboratory findings such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, hypercarbia, acidosis, and muscle rigidity. Caffeine halothane contracture test is not available at most centers in India. Larach et al. have described a clinical grading scale for determining the MH raw score based on clinical findings and biochemical tests. The high degree of suspicion, early recognition and aggressive treatment should commence immediately. It is imperative to avoid triggering agents, such as volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, and promote the use of total intravenous anesthesia in MH susceptible patients. We report a case of 6-month-old child undergoing laparotomy under general anesthesia, who presented with signs and symptoms of MH, had MH rank 5 and raw score 36.

Effect of Fractionated Dose of Radiotherapy on Oral Mucosa in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Cytological Assessment

BACKGROUND

Cancer therapy couples with it a plethora of complications of short and long term effects which can be so distressing that patient may tolerate only lower less-effective doses of therapy, may postpone treatments or will discontinue treatment entirely. Fractionated dose of radiotherapy coupled with therapy induce local or systemic infections due to high cellular turnover rates of the oral mucosa, diverse and complex microflora and trauma to oral tissues. Several mucosal abnormalities often results in epithelial and glandular destruction and inflammation, which can be so devastating that it may cause atypical changes on the area exposed to radiation. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using cytological evaluation to detect oral epithelial atypia among Head and Neck cancer patients receiving fractionated dose of radiotherapy.

METHODS

Study was conducted on 125 head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Subjects were divided into 5 study groups on the basis of fractionated dose of radiotherapy from 10th-50th fractions respectively. Mucosal changes were evaluated by exfoliative cytology and atypical changes and inflammatory cell infiltration were assessed.

RESULTS

Without prior knowledge of the subjects' group, oral epithelial atypia was detected with increase fractionated dose of radiation. Dense inflammatory nfiltrate were identified in nearly all study groups irrespective of dose of radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Cytological atypia and inflammatory infiltrates were detected after exposure to radiotherapy.

Chronic Inflammation and Cancer: Paradigm on Tumor Progression, Metastasis and Therapeutic Intervention

As early as the 19th century, inflammation has been perceived to have a link with cancer but this perception has waned through the passing of time. In recent years however a renewed interest on inflammation and cancer connection stemming from different lines of work has been evolved that leads to a generally-accepted paradigm. In the tumor microenvironment, smouldering inflammation contributes to the proliferation and survival of malignant cells, angiogenesis, metastasis, subversion of adaptive immunity, reduced response to hormones and chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, this review will try to unravel and explain molecular events, mediators and regulators linking inflammation to cancer.

A comparative study between propofol and etomidate in patients under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Induction of anesthesia is a critical part of anesthesia practice. Sudden hypotension, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse are threatening complications following injection of induction agent in hemodynamically unstable patients. It is desirable to use a safe agent with fewer adverse effects for this purpose. Present prospective randomized study is designed to compare propofol and etomidate for their effect on hemodynamics and various adverse effects on patients in general anesthesia.

METHODS

Hundred ASA I and II patients of age group 18-60 years scheduled for elective surgical procedure under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each receiving propofol (2mg/kg) and etomidate (0.3mg/kg) as an induction agent. Vital parameters at induction, laryngoscopy and thereafter recorded for comparison. Adverse effect viz. pain on injection, apnea and myoclonus were carefully watched.

RESULTS

Demographic variables were comparable in both the groups. Patients in etomidate group showed little change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) compared to propofol (p>0.05) from baseline value. Pain on injection was more in propofol group while myoclonus activity was higher in etomidate group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concludes that etomidate is a better agent for induction than propofol in view of hemodynamic stability and less pain on injection.

Spatially varying selection shapes life history clines among populations of Drosophila melanogaster from sub-Saharan Africa

Clines in life history traits, presumably driven by spatially varying selection, are widespread. Major latitudinal clines have been observed, for example, in Drosophila melanogaster, an ancestrally tropical insect from Africa that has colonized temperate habitats on multiple continents. Yet, how geographic factors other than latitude, such as altitude or longitude, affect life history in this species remains poorly understood. Moreover, most previous work has been performed on derived European, American and Australian populations, but whether life history also varies predictably with geography in the ancestral Afro-tropical range has not been investigated systematically. Here, we have examined life history variation among populations of D. melanogaster from sub-Saharan Africa. Viability and reproductive diapause did not vary with geography, but body size increased with altitude, latitude and longitude. Early fecundity covaried positively with altitude and latitude, whereas lifespan showed the opposite trend. Examination of genetic variance-covariance matrices revealed geographic differentiation also in trade-off structure, and QST -FST analysis showed that life history differentiation among populations is likely shaped by selection. Together, our results suggest that geographic and/or climatic factors drive adaptive phenotypic differentiation among ancestral African populations and confirm the widely held notion that latitude and altitude represent parallel gradients.

Clinical evaluation of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) for stromal corneal opacities

BACKGROUND

Corneal scars are commonly formed following many diseases of the eye like trauma, inflammation and infections. They lead to permanent diminution of vision which can be managed by Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK). PK is removing diseased as well as healthy tissues and is associated with many post-operative complications. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) is a relatively newer procedure which replaces only the diseased stroma, leaving the original corneal endothelium intact. This procedure is associated with lesser incidence of post-operative complications.

METHODS

The study was conducted at a large tertiary care centre. 10 patients with stromal corneal scars were subjected to DALK and results were analysed after 06 months. Poor quality donor corneal tissue of B- and C grade was used in all cases.

RESULTS

7 out of 10 patients (70%) undergoing DALK had post-operative visual acuity of 6/24 or better. 03 patients who did not have adequate recovery of visual acuity were due to over-riding of the graft in 01 case (10%), fungal keratitis in 01 case (10%) and interface haze in 01 case (10%).

CONCLUSION

DALK is a promising new technique for management of superficial corneal stromal scars using poor quality donor corneal tissue. Initial results are encouraging with minimal complications.

Generic drug approval: a US perspective

OBJECTIVE

Generic drugs are identical or bioequivalent versions of the brand name drugs. They are the economic alternative of the costlier brand name drugs. This article presents a general overview of the procedure and regulatory aspects relating to generic drug approval in the US.

METHODS

A computerized search was conducted to find literature on generic drug approval in the US. The literature was searched using the following key words: generic drug, brand name drug, Hatch-Waxman Act, Medicare Act, NDA, ANDA, CTD and exclusivity.

FINDINGS

The search results were filtered for the literature describing and analyzing the procedure and regulatory provisions for generic drug approval in the US. After the screening total 19 applicable literature remained.

CONCLUSION

In the US standardized procedures for the recognition of generic drugs have been laid down under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, 1984 (the Hatch-Waxman Act). Provisions of this Act such as patent challenge, patent term extension and data exclusivity have created profound effects on the approval, sale and distribution of the pharmaceuticals in the US. The Hatch-Waxman Act is an excellent piece of legislation that takes care of the rights of both the brand name and generic drug companies. This article presents only an overview of generic drug approvals and for all practical purposes official resources should be referred.

The efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve drainage devices in cases of adult refractory glaucoma in Indian eyes

Aim:

To evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) drainage devices in cases of adult refractory glaucoma in Indian eyes.

Settings and Design:

Retrospective interventional case series study.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty two eyes of 32 patients of refractory glaucoma in the age group of 35 to 60 years who underwent AGV implantation with or without concomitant procedures from January 2003 to Jan 2007 were studied. Of these, 46 eyes (88%) had undergone filtering surgery earlier whereas remaining eyes underwent primary AGV implantation following failure of maximal medical therapy. The follow up ranged between 12 months to 48 months

Results:

Eighteen eyes (35%) had undergone phacoemulsification with AGV implantation, penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with AGV and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in 13 eyes (25%), AGV over preexisting IOL in eight eyes (15%). AGV implantation alone was done in six (11%) eyes. Anterior chamber (AC) reconstruction with secondary IOL and AGV was performed in the remaining eyes. The mean intra ocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 36.3 ± 15.7 mm Hg to 19.6 ± 9.2 mm Hg. Complete success as per criteria was achieved in 46 eyes (88%). None of the eyes had failure to maintain IOP control following AGV.

Conclusion:

The AGV resulted in effective and sustained control of IOP in cases of adult refractory glaucoma in intermediate follow up.

Role of Transpupillary Thermotherapy in Central Serous Chorio-Retinopathy

BACKGROUND

To assess the efficacy of transpupillary thermo therapy (TTT) in cases of chronic central serous chorio- retinopathy (CSCR).

METHODS

A prospective evaluation was carried out on 25 cases of chronic CSCR who were subjected to TTT. Resolution of CSCR and improvement in visual acuity was noted after six weeks of therapy.

RESULT

Out of 25 patients, 13 (52%) had complete success (resolution of CSCR and improvement in visual acuity > 2 lines on Snellen's chart), 10 (42%) had qualified success (resolution of CSCR but no improvement in visual acuity) and two (8%) had failure to therapy (no resolution of CSCR or improvement in visual acuity).

CONCLUSION

TTT maybe a good modality in aiding resolution of subretinal fluid in cases of chronic CSCR. However, improvement in visual function is dependent upon integrity of photo receptor layer of retina which is not influenced by this modality. A controlled study could be undertaken to compare outcome of TTT with conservative management in cases of early CSCR such that deleterious effects of chronic CSCR on the retinal photoreceptor layer are avoided.

Balancing the role of the dental school in teaching, research and patient care; including care for underserved areas

Inequalities within dentistry are common and are reflected in wide differences in the levels of oral health and the standard of care available both within and between countries and communities. Furthermore there are patients, particularly those with special treatment needs, who do not have the same access to dental services as the general public. The dental school should aim to recruit students from varied backgrounds into all areas covered by the oral healthcare team and to train students to treat the full spectrum of patients including those with special needs. It is essential, however, that the dental student achieves a high standard of clinical competence and this cannot be gained by treating only those patients with low expectations for care. Balancing these aspects of clinical education is difficult. Research is an important stimulus to better teaching and better clinical care. It is recognized that dental school staff should be active in research, teaching, clinical work and frequently administration. Maintaining a balance between the commitments to clinical care, teaching and research while also taking account of underserved areas in each of these categories is a difficult challenge but one that has to be met to a high degree in a successful, modern dental school.

Androgens in women with anorexia nervosa and normal-weight women with hypothalamic amenorrhea

CONTEXT

Anorexia nervosa and normal-weight hypothalamic amenorrhea are characterized by hypogonadism and hypercortisolemia. However, it is not known whether these endocrine abnormalities result in reductions in adrenal and/ or ovarian androgens or androgen precursors in such women, nor is it known whether relative androgen deficiency contributes to abnormalities in bone density and body composition in this population.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine whether endogenous androgen and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels: 1) are reduced in women with anorexia nervosa and normal-weight hypothalamic amenorrhea, 2) are reduced further by oral contraceptives in women with anorexia nervosa, and 3) are predictors of weight, body composition, or bone density in such women.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a cross-sectional study at a general clinical research center.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

A total of 217 women were studied: 137 women with anorexia nervosa not receiving oral contraceptives, 32 women with anorexia nervosa receiving oral contraceptives, 21 normal-weight women with hypothalamic amenorrhea, and 27 healthy eumenorrheic controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Testosterone, free testosterone, DHEAS, bone density, fat-free mass, and fat mass were assessed.

RESULTS

Endogenous total and free testosterone, but not DHEAS, were lower in women with anorexia nervosa than in controls. More marked reductions in both free testosterone and DHEAS were observed in women with anorexia nervosa receiving oral contraceptives. In contrast, normal-weight women with hypothalamic amenorrhea had normal androgen and DHEAS levels. Lower free testosterone, total testosterone, and DHEAS levels predicted lower bone density at most skeletal sites measured, and free testosterone was positively associated with fat-free mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Androgen levels are low, appear to be even further reduced by oral contraceptive use, and are predictors of bone density and fat-free mass in women with anorexia nervosa. Interventional studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether oral contraceptive use, mediated by reductions in endogenous androgen levels, is deleterious to skeletal health in such women.

Phacoemulsification : our experience at a large Military Hospital

Cataract surgery by means of phacoemulsification was started at a large Military Hospital in March 2001. First 70 cases in whom phacoemulsification was performed between 15 March 2001 and 31 December 2001 were followed-up and evaluated. The surgical techniques used, complications and post-operative recovery following this new surgical technique have been discussed. Our experience of conversion from standard extracapsular cataract extraction to phacoemulsification has also been shared.

Improvized pneumatic dilator for achalasia cardia

The indigenous pneumatic dilator for achalasia cardia reported previously by the authors was being placed alongside the endoscope to perform dilatation under direct vision. It has now been improvised to make the procedure wire-guided and fluoroscopy-assisted as well. The improvization includes insertion of a central Teflon tube for passage of a guidewire and presence of three radio-opaque markers, which define the proximal, central and distal ends of the dilator and help in precise positioning under fluoroscopy. Dilatation for achalasia cardia using the improvized pneumatic dilator with fluoroscopic guidance was performed successfully on 10 patients at our center. All patients had clinical response with greater than 50% improvement in total symptom score. Barium swallow examination after dilatation showed improvement in esophageal transit in all patients. None of the patients developed any complication. Cost of the dilator is approximately 50 times less than that of commercially available dilators. The dilator can be re-used by sterilizing it, which further reduces the cost.

Herpes simplex encephalitis in North West India

All patients admitted with provisional diagnosis of an encephalitic illness over a period of 30 months, were studied. Special investigations included CSF analysis, EEG, CT scan and MRI. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibody estimation in CSF and blood was done simultaneously using ELISA. Patients with diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis, cerebral malaria, tubercular meningitis etc, who resembled herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), were excluded systematically with relevant investigations. 28 patients showed electroencephalographic, serologic and/or neuroradiological evidence of herpes simplex encephalitis. Males were affected more than females. Age ranged from 4 years to 65 years. Main clinical features included altered sensorium (100%) and seizures (89%). Serological test for HSV antibody in CSF and blood was positive in 14 patients. Fronto-temporal localisation was seen in EEG of 18 patients. CT and MRI were fairly characteristic with bilateral asymmetric fronto-temporal lesions. Patients with mild disease and who reported earlier responded well to treatment with acyclovir. Mortality was higher if treatment was delayed or if the disease was severe. Delayed treatment even in less severe cases produced neurological deficit in many survivors. Despite limitations of non-availability of CSF-PCR and serial estimation of HSV antibodies, the study is an attempt to highlight the value of high index of suspicion of HSE on clinical grounds, systematically excluding cases with different aetiologies resembling HSE and planning early antiviral therapy to reduce both mortality and morbidity associated with this fatal disease.

Use of fenoldopam to prevent radiocontrast nephropathy in high-risk patients

We evaluated the ability of fenoldopam, a newly available renal vasodilator, to prevent radiocontrast nephropathy in high-risk patients undergoing interventional diagnostic and therapeutic angiographic procedures. We reviewed the results from 46 consecutive procedures in patients with serum creatinine > or = 1.5 mg/dL if diabetic and > or = 1.7 mg/dL if nondiabetic. We compared our results to a previously published cohort of similarly at-risk patients. The incidence of radiocontrast nephropathy, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of > or = 25% at 48 hr following the procedure, was 13% in the group treated with fenoldopam, compared to an expected 38%. The percentage change in serum creatinine at 48 hr was +16% vs. +118%, respectively, in the two groups. In this preliminary experience, the use of fenoldopam in high-risk patients appears to minimize the likelihood of radioncontrast nephropathy. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:341-345.

Fenoldopam, a dopamine agonist, for hypertensive emergency: a multicenter randomized trial. Fenoldopam Study Group

Despite successful therapies for chronic hypertension, hospital admissions for hypertensive emergency more than tripled between 1983 and 1992.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the safety and efficacy of fenoldopam, the first antihypertensive with selective and specific action on vascular dopamine (DA1) receptors, in a clinical trial involving emergency department patients with true hypertensive emergencies.

METHODS

Patients with a sustained diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of > or =120 mm Hg and evidence of target organ compromise were randomized in a double-blinded manner to one of four fixed doses of intravenous fenoldopam (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 microg/kg/min) for 24 hours. The primary endpoint was the magnitude of DBP reduction in each of the three higher-dose groups after four hours of fenoldopam treatment compared with the lowest-dose group.

RESULTS

One hundred seven participants from 21 centers were enrolled, and 94 patients received fenoldopam. Evidence of acute target-organ damage included new renal dysfunction or hematuria (50%), acute congestive heart failure or myocardial ischemia (48%), and papilledema or grade III-IV hypertensive retinopathy (34%). The DBP decreased in a dose-dependent fashion, with significant differences between the 0.1- and 0.3-microg/kg/min groups compared with the lowest-dose group. Treatment was well tolerated, and there were no deaths or serious adverse events during follow-up, up to 48 hours. All patients were successfully transitioned to oral or transdermal antihypertensives with maintenance of blood pressure control.

CONCLUSIONS

Fenoldopam safely and effectively lowers blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner in patients with hypertensive emergencies. Observations supporting potential risk factors for hypertensive emergency are discussed.