Frequency and Characteristics of Mesiodens in Indian School Children: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency and characteristics of mesiodens in Indian school children. Material and Methods: 1232 radiographs of patients attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of the age group of 4-15 years studied for the present retrospective study. The intraoral periapical radiographs and occlusal radiographs of the premaxilla were examined to determine the presence of mesiodens. The data regarding the presence of mesiodens, number, position, location on the arch, shape and associated complications were recorded. Results: Eleven patients had 14 mesiodens, with a frequency of 0.8%. The ratio of boys to girls was 1.2:1. Maximum mesiodens observed in the age group of 7-9 years. Most of the mesiodens were conical in shape and found on the palatal side. Fifty percent of the mesiodens were unerupted. The majority of patients (57.1%) had vertically positioned mesiodens. Midline diastema was the most common complication due to mesiodens (66.7%). Conclusion: Routine check-up during the primary dentition and mixed dentition stages helps for early detection of mesiodens and thus preventing complications. Early identification is useful for planning comprehensive management, initiating proper consultation and referral for evaluation and treatment.

Analysis of prenatal and postnatal risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Context: Recent advances in neonatology have influenced the incidence and severity of ROP in a dichotomous fashion. Aims: To determine the incidence of ROP and to analyse its risk factors. Settings and Design: Prospective clinical case series. Materials and Methods: 282 preterm infants with birthweight < 1500g and/or gestational age ≤ 32 weeks and also those with gestational age > 32 weeks, with birthweight between 1500‑2000 g, who were at risk for ROP were selected. Weight gain proportion was measured as weight at 6 weeks minus birthweight divided by birthweight. Statistical Analysis: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Incidence of any ROP was 21.6% while severe ROP was 6.7%. Prenatal factors like multiple gestation (P = 0.510) and antenatal steroids (P = 0.104) were not significantly associated with ROP. On multivariate analysis, postnatal factors like weight at birth < 1250 g (P = 0.01) and gestational age between 31‑32 weeks (P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for any ROP, while intraventricular hemorrhage (P = 0.03) was the only independent risk factor for severe ROP. Mean birthweight of infants with severe ROP was 1056 ± 207 g (P = 0.004), which was significantly low. After logistic regression, the mean weight gain proportion at 6 weeks, of those neonates with severe ROP was 30%. Conclusions: Low birthweight and prematurity were the most important risk factors for developing any ROP, while intraventricular hemorrhage was the independent risk factor for developing severe ROP. The mean postnatal weight gain at 6 weeks was not statistically significant in neonates with severe ROP.

Eye donation – Awareness and willingness among attendants of patients at various clinics in Melaka, Malaysia.

Aim: Corneal blindness accounts for 3.42% of blindness in Malaysia; the rate of eye donation is low. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness about eye donation and willingness to donate eyes among attendants of patients at various clinics in Melaka, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted on attendants who accompanied patients (n = 400) visiting various outpatient departments of the General Hospital and two peripheral clinics in Melaka between August and October 2007. The participants answered a questionnaire (Malay and English versions) which included demographic profile, awareness of eye donation, knowledge regarding facts of eye donation, and willingness to donate eyes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed at 5% level of significance. Results: Awareness of eye donation was observed in 276 (69%) participants. Multivariate analysis showed that awareness was more among females when compared to males (P = 0.009). Of the 276 participants who were aware of eye donation, only 34.42% were willing to donate eyes. Willingness was more among the Indian race (P = 0.02) and males (P = 0.02). Educational status did not influence the willingness to donate eyes. Conclusions: Although majority of participants were aware of eye donation, willingness to donate eyes was poor.

Descriptive study on ocular survival, visual outcome and prognostic factors in open globe injuries.

A prospective observational study was done to assess ocular survival, visual outcome and prognostic factors of open globe injury. Eighty eyes of penetrating trauma between 2004 and 2006 were categorized according to the ocular trauma classification system. Primary repair was done and outcomes were assessed at one, three and six months. The final vision was categorized as per World Health Organization classification of visual impairment. Factors at presentation were evaluated for prognostic value towards visual outcome. Sixty-nine eyes with minimum one month follow-up were included for analysis. Statistical analysis was done using Univariate and Multivariate analysis. We found Grade IV visual acuity (<5/200) at presentation (64%) as the most important factor contributing to poor visual outcome. Statistically insignificant factors were time since injury, cataract, and presence of intraocular foreign body. Ocular survival was 97%. We concluded that initial visual acuity, hyphema, zone and length of injury, retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage are statistically significant factors affecting outcome in open globe injuries.

Bilateral macular hole secondary to remote lightning strike.

We report a case of a 16-year-old girl, who was struck by lightning, and experienced blurred vision in the right eye (RE) immediately following the episode. She reported for ophthalmic evaluation two months later. Examination revealed relative afferent pupillary defect in the RE. Posterior subcapsular cataract was noted in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed macular holes and multiple areas of RPE hyperpigmentation in the periphery in both eyes. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed increased choroidal transmission with early fluorescence and late fading in the foveal region and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) stippling in the periphery in both eyes. This is the first case report of such nature in India to the best of our knowledge.