ABSTRACT
Smoking has deleterious effects on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters; however, evidences about recovery in ex-smokers are ambiguous. Therefore present study was conducted to quantify relative deterioration of PFT parameters and to assess reversibility of the same. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 bus-depot workers consisting of equal number of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. PFT observations were obtained using Medspiror following standard methods and precautions. Comparisons among three groups were performed employing one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. There were substantial effects of smoking on PFT parameters (deterioration was up-to half). Partial recovery was found in all the parameters of ex-smokers. Frequency and duration of smoking were negatively correlated with some of the parameters. In conclusion, present study has demonstrated considerable deterioration of PFT parameters in smokers and indications of recovery in ex-smokers. Further detailed study with larger sample size and stricter definition of ex-smokers is recommended.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in prevention of postoperative fibrin formation following vitreoretinal surgery with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients of retinal detachment with advanced PVR were enrolled in the study. They were randomised to study and control groups (n = 15 each). Study group patients received vitreoretinal surgery with 5 IU/cc of LMWH in vitrectomy infusion fluid. The control group patients received vitroretinal surgery without heparin in the infusion fluid. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Postoperative bleeding, media clarity, best-corrected visual acuity and success of the surgery at the end of 3 months were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: At each follow-up visit, the study group showed a better media clarity, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0042). The study group had a 50% better chance of retinal reattachment compared to the control group. Five patients had intraoperative bleeding in the study group (33%) compared to 3 patients in the control group (20%). CONCLUSION: Use of intravitreal LMWH prevents postoperative fibrin formation and is beneficial in repair of retinal detachments with PVR.