ABSTRACT
In this report, we have utilized a smartphone-based innovative tool named anterior segment photography with an intraocular lens (ASPI) with a cobalt blue filter on the smartphone flash for photographing fluorescein-stained corneas. An intraocular lens along with a cobalt blue filter was attached to the smartphone camera to achieve this purpose. The filter could block out all wavelengths of light except the blue wavelength (450–490 nm) emerging from the smartphone camera. A pilot study was conducted on 27 eyes of 25 patients where images of various corneal pathologies were obtained using ASPI blue light imaging. The images were clear and highly magnified and could be used for documentation, teleconsultation for expert opinion, education, and monitoring of disease progression. ASPI-aided blue light imaging could be easily fabricated and is a frugal inexpensive device, which is used by different ophthalmic personnel to obtain fluorescein-stained corneal images.
ABSTRACT
Background: Understanding prescribing pattern of antimicrobials in postoperative period will provide data pertaining to efficacy of prophylaxis during post surgical period and economic burden faced by patients. This data will help local authorities formulate practical guidelines to ensure their rational prescription. Our aim was to evaluate the type and dosage schedule of antimicrobials used in post-operative patients and to estimate the cost of antimicrobials in these patients. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre attached to Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College between April and September 2013. All patients above the age of 18 years undergoing surgical procedures in the departments of Orthopedics, Surgery and ENT and hospitalised were included. Results: There were 500 patients, 351 males and 149 females. The mean age and duration of stay was 43.15±16.8 years and 6.7±3.1 days respectively. Types of surgeries were, fracture fixation (31.8%), head and neck (18.2%), soft tissue - extremities (18.0%), abdominal (9.4%) and others (22.6%). All patients received antimicrobials prophylactically. 72% of the patients received antimicrobials for more than 24 hours. Commonly prescribed antimicrobials were cephalosporins (54.6%) and aminoglycosides (22.3%). The daily defined dose (DDD) /1000 patient days) was highest for aminoglycoside - amikacin (296.96±63.5). Conclusion: All patients received prophylactic antimicrobials and more than seventy percent were continued with the antimicrobials in the post operative period to prevent surgical site infection. However use of third generation cephalosporins was extensive, which may result in the development of resistance to these agents in the near future.
ABSTRACT
We describe the ocular alterations and the management after stings from Hymenopteran insects. In all the five patients, the insect was identified as bee. The patients presented with significant corneal edema, which resolved dramatically in three of them after removal of stingers. Among the other two one went for permanent corneal decompensation and the other developed Intumuscent cataract with increased intraocular pressure. Although a rare occurrence, ocular trauma caused by Hymenopteran insects has a potential to cause severe ocular damage in humans. A high level of clinical suspicion and immediate removal of the stingers along with administration of high doses of topical and systemic steroids is a must to prevent chances of permanent corneal damage and intraocular complications.