Comparative Morphological and Morphometrical Analysis of Atrio-Ventricular Valves of Human and Porcine

There is increased incidence of valvular heart diseases in recent years due to life style modifications. The mortality rates in valvular diseases are kept in pace using various modalities of treatments. One such lifesaving treatment is valve replacement surgeries. These are done by using mechanical valve prosthesis or tissue grafts. The tissue valves prosthesis, harvested from porcine heart are called as xenograft and are increasingly used in valve repair and replacement surgeries. In the present scenario, there is a smaller number of systematically analysed literatures available on the comparative anatomy of human and porcine heart valves. Hence this study was carried out to acquire knowledge and to put forth some points to future research works on heart valves. In this study, 20 formalin fixed porcine and human hearts were procured from slaughter house and cadavers respectively. The morphology and morphometry of tricuspid valve and mitral valve was observed and analysed using spss software 20 version. All the dependent variables were compared using student t test and independent sample test. The results were tabulated and compared. It was observed that the tricuspid and the mitral valve of the porcine resembles the corresponding human heart valves in morphology and morphometry and their values were coinciding to their maximum. The porcine valve resembles human heart valves in morphology and it can be used in designing valve substitutes in replacement surgeries. Porcine valve can also be used as bio-prosthesis by matching the morphometry and by reducing the geometrical difference to their minimum by using any interventional radiology.

Safety attitudes, burnout and well-being among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an Indo-Pacific regional cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact in Asia and has placed significant burden on already stretched healthcare systems. We examined the impact of COVID-19 on the safety attitudes among healthcare workers (HCWs), as well as their associated demographic and occupational factors, and measures of burnout, depression and anxiety.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional survey study utilising snowball sampling was performed involving doctors, nurses and allied health professions from 23 hospitals in Singapore, Malaysia, India and Indonesia between 29 May 2020 and 13 July 2020. This survey collated demographic data and workplace conditions and included three validated questionnaires: the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ), Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We performed multivariate mixed-model regression to assess independent associations with the SAQ total percentage agree rate (PAR).@*RESULTS@#We obtained 3,163 responses. The SAQ total PARs were found to be 35.7%, 15.0%, 51.0% and 3.3% among the respondents from Singapore, Malaysia, India and Indonesia, respectively. Burnout scores were highest among respondents from Indonesia and lowest among respondents from India (70.9%-85.4% vs. 56.3%-63.6%, respectively). Multivariate analyses revealed that meeting burnout and depression thresholds and shifts lasting ≥12 h were significantly associated with lower SAQ total PAR.@*CONCLUSION@#Addressing the factors contributing to high burnout and depression and placing strict limits on work hours per shift may contribute significantly towards improving safety culture among HCWs and should remain priorities during the pandemic.

Pretreatment neutrophil?to?lymphocyte ratio predicts lymph node metastasis in triple?negative breast cancer

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate the value of pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and to see its bearing on the clinical and pathological stage of the disease. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of cases of TNBC treated at our center from 2006 to 2013. The pretreatment complete blood count was recorded from which the NLR was calculated as the percentage of neutrophils divided by the percentage of lymphocytes. The association between pretreatment NLR with the stage of the disease, clinical and pathological lymph node status, and disease-specific survival was analyzed. Results: A total of 208 patients were eligible for the analysis. The median follow-up period was 48 months. The NLR was found to have a strong correlation with the pathological nodal status and the clinical stage (75% cases node-positive in the high NLR group versus 36% in the low NLR group; P < 0.01). At the time of analysis, 74% of our study population was alive and well. There was no significant correlation between the NLR and the overall survival. Conclusions: Based on our study, we conclude that the pretreatment NLR is strongly associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage in TNBC patients. It is probably not useful as a prognostic marker, as it does not seem to have any significant bearing on the overall survival.

Management of COVID-19 patients, with emphasis on limited resource setting:is less optimum?

Background:There is scarcity of essential medications, medical talent and health care facilities to treat covid-19, at remote places. This studyexplores various modalities in resource-limited settings for the management of COVID-19 patients.Methods: We retrospectively analysed data of 266 consecutive discharged and death Covid-19 patients from 26December 2020 to 29May 2021. All patients were admitted and received appropriate supportive care, regular clinical and laboratory monitoring.Results: Of total 266 patients the mean age of patients was 49.19 (SD 14.1) years and 185(69.54%) of them were males. 99(37%)cases were moderate, 83(31%)were severe cases remaining 84(32%)were mild cases. 16 (6.01%) patients expired and remaining 250 patients were subsequently discharged.Median duration of stay in the hospital was 9 (37) days. Of total 266 admitted patients� mortality rate was only 6.01%.Conclusions: We emphasize that even in healthcare facilities with limited resource, poor infrastructure and lack of ICU facilities, clinical observation-based managementt can help to reduce mortality considerably. Unique features of our study include; use of progesterone as an immunomodulator, use of dual antiviral agents, use of age-related lower limit of oxygen saturation.

Pauliceia 2.0: mapeamento colaborativo da história de São Paulo, 1870-1940 / Pauliceia 2.0: collaborative mapping of the history of São Paulo, 1870-1940

Resumo O artigo apresenta novas abordagens para investigar o passado usando tecnologias digitais. O projeto "Pauliceia 2.0: mapeamento colaborativo da história de São Paulo (1870-1920)" é de código aberto e visa engajar o público de maneira ampla, usando metodologias colaborativas. O texto discute a concepção do projeto, seu estágio atual e suas perspectivas. Além disso, também se oferece o Pauliceia 2.0 como um estudo de caso para discutir a relação entre tecnologias digitais e métodos históricos. O resultado desse percurso, ao menos essa é a intenção dos autores listados e dos demais integrantes da equipe do projeto, nomeados ao final do artigo, almeja ressignificar o trabalho em questão na confluência entre humanidades digitais, história pública e ciência aberta.

Abstract This article presents new approaches for investigating the past using digital technologies. "Pauliceia 2.0: collaborative mapping of the history of São Paulo (1870-1920)" is an open-source project intended to broadly engage with the public through collaborative methodologies. This text discusses the concept, current status, and prospects of this project, and presents it as a case study to discuss the relationship between digital technologies and historical methods. The product of this journey (at least the outcome intended by the authors and the other team members listed at the end of the article) is meant to assign new meaning to the project at the juncture between digital humanities, public history, and open science.

Determination of severity of acute pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process with a highly variable clinical course. The present study was conducted to assess severity of acute pancreatitis.Methods: The present study was conducted on 53 patients of acute pancreatitis of both genders. A thorough clinical examination was performed. Ranson’s score (RS), Glasgow score (GS), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE-II) score, APACHE-O score and Balthazar’s computed tomography severity index (CTSI) score was recorded.Results: Out of 53 patients, males were 47 and females were 6. Patients were divided into acute pancreatitis (32) and severe pancreatitis (21). Results of the bivariate analysis of Ranson scoring system in mild periodontitis was 0.84 in severe was 2.95, Glasgow score was 0.66 in mild and 2.48 in severe, APACHE-II had 6.94 in mild and 10.33 in severe, APACHE-O had 7.34 in mild and 11 in severe and CTSI had 1.9 in mild and 6.15 in severe.Conclusions: Authors found that all the scoring systems are useful in assessing the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Assessment of independent risk factors of acute pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a sudden inflammatory condition of the pancreas. The present study recorded independent risk factors of acute pancreatitis.Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 patients of acute pancreatitis of both genders. A detailed general and systemic examination was done in all patients. History of smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, weight, obesity and diabetes was taken.Results: Out of 50 patients, males were 45 and females were 5. There was history of smoking in 20 patients, alcoholism in 15, weight >70 kg in 38, hypertension in 10, diabetes in 24 patients and obesity in 12 patients. The difference found to be significant (p<0.05).Conclusions: Authors found that smoking, alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, weight >70 kg and obesity as independent risk factors of acute pancreatitis.

Prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders and its determinants among school children aged 6 to 12 years in rural areas of Koppal district, Karnataka

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders are recognized as major public health problem in India and the simplest, most effective and inexpensive preventive method is the consumption of Iodized salt. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of goitre among children aged 6 to 12 years in rural areas of Koppal district, to determine various factors associated with goiter among children, to estimate the level of urinary iodine excretion among urine samples collected from children and to estimate the level of iodine content among salt samples collected in the study setting.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for a duration of 6 months from June 2018 to November 2018 in rural areas of Koppal district among 3047 school children aged 6 to 12 years selected by cluster sampling technique. Goiter was detected and graded using standard techniques and the collected salt and urine samples were sent to MRHRU, Sirwar, Raichur for analysis. Data was collected using pretested and semistructured questionnaire and was analyzed using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4.Results: The prevalence of goitre among school children in Koppal district was 442 (14.5%) and it was found to be significantly associated with age and source of drinking water. Majority i.e., 65.96% of urine samples had iodine content less than 100 µg/l and majority i.e., 79.15% of salt samples had iodine content less than 15 PPM.Conclusions: Goiter is mild public health problem in Koppal district with majority of urine samples excreting iodine below optimum levels and majority of salt samples being inadequately iodized.

Single-insertion technique for anesthetizing the inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, and long buccal nerve for extraction of mandibular first and second molars: a prospective study

Objectives@#Appropriate and accurate local anesthetic (LA) techniques are indispensable in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery to obtain a satisfactory outcome for both the operating surgeon and the patient. When used alone, the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique requires supplemental injections like long buccal nerve block for extraction of mandibular molars leading to multiple traumatic experiences for the patient. The aim of this study was to anesthetize the inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerves with single-needle penetration requiring a minimal skillset such as administering a conventional IANB through introduction of the Benny Joseph technique for extraction of mandibular molars. @*Materials and Methods@#This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (KMCT) Dental College, Calicut, India. The duration of the study was 6 months, from June to November 2017, with a maximum sample size of 616 cases. The LA solution was 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline. The patients were selected from a population in the range of 20 to 40 years of age who reported to the outpatient department for routine dental extraction of normally positioned mandibular right or left first or second molars. @*Results@#Of the 616 patients, 42 patients (6.8%) required re-anesthetization, a success rate of 93.2%. There were no complications such as hematoma formation, trismus, positive aspiration, and nerve injuries. None of the cases required re-anesthetization in the perioperative period. @*Conclusion@#The Benny Joseph technique can be employed and is effective compared with conventional IANB techniques by reducing trauma to the patient and also requires less technique sensitivity.

Single-insertion technique for anesthetizing the inferior alveolar nerve, lingual nerve, and long buccal nerve for extraction of mandibular first and second molars: a prospective study

Objectives@#Appropriate and accurate local anesthetic (LA) techniques are indispensable in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery to obtain a satisfactory outcome for both the operating surgeon and the patient. When used alone, the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique requires supplemental injections like long buccal nerve block for extraction of mandibular molars leading to multiple traumatic experiences for the patient. The aim of this study was to anesthetize the inferior alveolar, lingual, and long buccal nerves with single-needle penetration requiring a minimal skillset such as administering a conventional IANB through introduction of the Benny Joseph technique for extraction of mandibular molars. @*Materials and Methods@#This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kunhitharuvai Memorial Charitable Trust (KMCT) Dental College, Calicut, India. The duration of the study was 6 months, from June to November 2017, with a maximum sample size of 616 cases. The LA solution was 2% lignocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline. The patients were selected from a population in the range of 20 to 40 years of age who reported to the outpatient department for routine dental extraction of normally positioned mandibular right or left first or second molars. @*Results@#Of the 616 patients, 42 patients (6.8%) required re-anesthetization, a success rate of 93.2%. There were no complications such as hematoma formation, trismus, positive aspiration, and nerve injuries. None of the cases required re-anesthetization in the perioperative period. @*Conclusion@#The Benny Joseph technique can be employed and is effective compared with conventional IANB techniques by reducing trauma to the patient and also requires less technique sensitivity.

Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for pitavastatin calcium in bulk and formulation using experimental design

The optimization of HPLC method involves several variables whose influence has been widely studied. However, inmost of the cases, only process variables are taken into account. In this work, the influence of mixture compositionon peak quality parameters of Pitavastatin calcium in bulk and tablet dosage form has been studied using a mixturesimplex design. A simplex centroid design with axial points in a pseudo-component representation was generated fromthe pure mixture components. Twelve ternary mixture mobile phases corresponding to augmented design points weretested to separate the drug in sample. The statistical analysis was performed to generate the polynomial equation foreach response. The desirability approach was used to determine the optimal mobile phase composition. Furthermore,the method was validated as per the ICH guidelines using specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, systemsuitability, and robustness. The results of experimental design were statistically tested for full and in portion to getbest fitted model which accurately describe changes in the proportion of these solvents in the mobile phase close to theregion of optimal peak quality. The method demonstrated optimum chromatographic separation with isocratic elutionof the mobile phase containing a mixture of acetonitrile-water (pH 3.0)-tetrahydrofuran (43:55:02, v/v/v) with a flowrate at 1.0 ml/minute. Design of experiment optimization strategy is a powerful tool to acquire the maximum qualitydata while performing minimum number of experiments. The mobile phase composition was successfully optimizedusing simplex centroid mixture design with desirability approach. Additionally, developed method can be appliedfor routine quantitative analysis of Pitavastatin calcium in bulk and tablet dosage form as it was found to be simple,sensitive, and robust.

Prognostic significance of residual nodal burden using lymph node ratio in locally advanced breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) according to breast cancer molecular subtypes. METHODS: From 2004 to 2014, patients with definitive surgery after NAC were identified. LNR was calculated for node positive patients who underwent axillary dissection and at least 10 nodes (LNT) were removed. Disease free and overall survivals were analysed using Kaplan-Meier test and compared using log rank test for ypN0-3, LNR categories (LNRC) ≤0.2 (low), 0.21-0.65 (intermediate), >0.65 (high), and single LNR cut-off value. RESULTS: Of 224 analysed patients: ypN0 72 (32.1%), ypN+ 152 (67.9%). Of 118 LNT ≥10 ypN+ patients LNRC: Low risk 48 (40.7%), intermediate risk 36 (30.5%), high risk 34 (28.8%). Factors significantly different in LNR categories were ypN (P < 0.001); extranodal extension (P < 0.001); present status of patients (P < 0.001); and disease status (P = 0.029). LNRC was inversely associated with 5-year DFS: Low 52.3%, intermediate 40%, and high 12.2% (log rank P < 0.001); and OS: Low 64.4%, intermediate 58.3%, and high 13.6% (log rank P < 0.001). Significant association of LNRC and DFS and OS were demonstrated in TNBC (P < 0.001) and HER2 subtypes (P = 0.045 and 0.005 respectively). A single value of LNR = 0.25 in node positive was found significant for DFS and OS in TNBC (P < 0.001) and Her2+ (P = 0.013 and P = 0.001 respectively) but not for HR+ (DFS: P = 0.132; OS: P = 0.144). CONCLUSION: Residual nodal disease after NAC analysed by LNRC or LNR = 0.25 cut-off value, is prognostic and can discriminate between favourable and unfavourable outcomes for TNBC and Her2+ breast cancers.

An evaluation of compliance with the cigarettes and other tobacco products act 2003 in Koppal district, Karnataka

Background: Tobacco is a major risk factor for a number of diseases affecting all age groups. One person dies every six seconds due to tobacco use and up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease. Government of India has enacted cigarette and other tobacco products act (COTPA) in the year 2003 to control tobacco use. The objective of study was to estimate the level of compliance to selected sections (4 to 9) of COTPA (cigarette and other tobacco products – prohibition of advertisement and regulation of trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) act, 2003 in Koppal district, Karnataka.Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study conducted as an independent evaluation of COTPA act 2003 in Koppal district as per National Tobacco Control Program guidelines. Cluster sampling technique was used for sample selection and sample consisted of 158 public places, 102 educational institutional, 87 shops/ sell points and 60 tobacco products. Data entry and analysis was done using microsoft office excel 2013.Results: The prevalence of compliance to section 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, 8 and 9 of COTPA act 2003 in Koppal district were 80.3%, 96.5%, 98.9%, 64.8%, 53.3%, 63.3% and 50% respectively.Conclusions: Compliance level was poor especially in relation to display of health warnings on tobacco products which needs to be tackled through strict enforcement of the existing laws.

Breast cancer: knowledge, attitude and practices among undergraduate female students at a government college in Koppal, Karnataka

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in general and most common cancer among women in both the developed and developing countries. Its incidence is on the raise due to increased life expectancy of people, increased urbanization and adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. An awareness of brest cancer and its presentation is essential among women for detection at an early stage and timely treatment for better prognosis. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards breast cancer among female students in the study setting.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted for duration of 3 months from July 2018 to September 2018 among female students at a degree college in Koppal city, Karnataka. A total of 396 students were included and data was collected using a pre tested and semi structured questionnaire after taking an informed consent. Data thus obtained was entered and analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2013.Results: More than 80% of study participants had heard about breast cancer in the present study but their knowledge on its various aspects was limited. More than half were positive in their attitude believing that they are not at risk of breast cancer and were willing to practice breast self-examination (BSE) in future but only 5.28% of them admitted to have done BSE in the past. Most common source of information about disease was school in the present study.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated KAP gap among graduate female students which needs to be tackled through proper educational interventions.

Evaluation of antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits

Background: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits by using PGE1 induced hyperpyrexia method. We found that not much work has been done on the antipyretic effect of this plant.Methods: Laboratory breed New Zealand strains of rabbits of either sex weighing 1000-1500 gm were used in the study. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6). The rabbits of all the groups were made febrile by injecting misoprostol (PGE1) subcutaneously in the dose of 100 mcg/kg. For group 1 and 2, normal saline 2ml/kg as control and aspirin 28mg/kg as standard were given respectively. Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in the doses of 200, 400 and 800mg/kg were administered in remaining three groups respectively. Rectal temperatures were recorded with help of digital thermometer for every 30 min after drug treatment.Results: Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii produced highly significant (p<0.001) antipyretic effect in 400 and 800 mg/kg doses. But onset of action was fast with 800mg/kg dose.Conclusions: This study concludes that Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii has fast onset of action and also exhibited sustained anti pyretic action in New Zealand rabbits.

Outbreak communication challenges when misinformation spreads on social media / Desafios da comunicação de surtos epidêmicos quando a desinformação se espalha nas redes sociais / Desafíos en la comunicación de brotes epidémicos cuando se difunde información errónea en las redes sociales

This commentary analyses the implications of social media misinformation for global health risk communication. We define misinformation, describe the pathways through which it can adversely affect responses to risk communication efforts, highlight vulnerabilities in existing interventions and present an agenda for further research to understand and address this problem.

Este artigo analisa as implicações da desinformação nas mídias sociais para a comunicação global de riscos à saúde. Definimos desinformação, descrevemos os caminhos pelos quais ela pode afetar negativamente as respostas aos esforços de comunicação de risco, destacamos as vulnerabilidades nas intervenções existentes e apresentamos uma agenda para futuras pesquisas para entender e abordar esse problema.

Este artículo analiza las implicaciones de la desinformación en las redes sociales para la comunicación de riesgos de salud global. Definimos información errónea, describimos los caminos por los cuales puede afectar de manera adversa las respuestas a los esfuerzos de comunicación de riesgos, resaltamos las vulnerabilidades en las intervenciones existentes y presentamos una agenda para futuras investigaciones para comprender y abordar este problema.

A Study of Clinical Profile of Patients with Febrile Thrombocytopenia

Febrile thrombocytopenia is one of the unrecognized complication which may be missed if platelet count is not done routinely. Increased awareness and early recognition of thrombocytopenia can avoid catastrophes like fatal bleed. The aim of study is to find clinical presentation of patients with febrile thrombocytopenia and find causes and complications associated with febrile thrombocytopenia. Methods: In the present study 107 patients who presented to Shri B. M. Patil Hospital with fever with thrombocytopenia who fulfil inclusion criteria are included in study, a detailed history general physical examination, investigations were performed and patients were treated symptomatically and specifically after diagnosis. Results: In the present study subjects were in the age group of 18-80 years. Youngest was 18 years old and oldest 80 years. In the present study out of 107 cases of fever with thrombocytopenia, 79 were males and 28 were females. Out of 107 patients of fever with thrombocytopenia, 102 had definitive diagnosis with Dengue 54 cases as the commonest cause, followed by Malaria which constituted 40 cases, Mixed infections 3 cases(Dengue fever with enteric fever, Vivax malaria, falciparum malaria), Acute Gastroenteritis 2 cases, Urinary tract infections 1 case, Leptospirosis 2 cases and Enteric fever 2 cases and Unknown causes accounted for 5 cases. In our study 61 patients had platelet count less than 60,000 cells/cumm, whereas 46 had above 60,000 cells/cumm. Common range of platelet count was from 41,000 – 60,000 cells/cumm in 27 cases.Of 107 patients 104 of them recovered and 3 expired with mortality of 2.8% with All 3 patients had MODS. Conclusion: In all cases of Febrile thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia led to various bleeding manifestations and influenced the clinical profile of these illnesses. Petechiae were the most common bleeding manifestation. The spectrum varied from mild self-limiting disease to severe fatal disease. This highlights the need for rapid diagnosis and appropriate management of patients to prevent complications.

Consensus statement for the management of dyslipidemia and hypertension in the Indian population with diabetes

The mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in India is higher than the global figures (272 per 100,000 persons vs. 235 per 100,000 persons, respectively). Smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia are the known risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The treatment of either condition aims to reduce the risk of ASCVD. This goal is achievable only when a holistic, simultaneous treatment is initiated and is monitored to reduce the blood glucose, blood cholesterol, and BP. India heralds a huge population of nearly 73 million people with diabetes. Diabetes is one of the major contributors of ASCVD, dyslipidemia and hypertension often coexist with diabetes. Patients diagnosed with either condition need risk stratification, followed by defining the treatment target for each risk category and developing appropriate treatment strategies based on the risk category. Unfortunately, there is no clear guideline that defines the treatment targets and subsequent management. This statement has been created based on the vast experience and an extensive literature review conducted by experts from multidisciplinary teams to address several treatment dilemmas that are routinely faced by clinicians when treating their patients with diabetes. An attempt is made to provide well-defined answers to these quandaries. This statement discusses screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment targets, and management of dyslipidemia and/or hypertension in patients with diabetes and provides a roadmap for the treatment of Indian patients to curtail the risk of ASCVD.

Risk factor and outcome of retinopathy of prematurity among premature babies admitted to tertiary care hospital: a prospective observational study

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity is a multifactorial vaso-proliferative retinal disorder that increases in incidence with gestational age. ROP is a vascular retinal disease that can cause low vision or blindness. ROP is a common blinding disease in children in the developed world despite current treatment and is becoming increasingly prevalent in the developing world. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factor and outcome of ROP among premature infants admitted to NICU of Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre-Vijaypur.Methods: Preterm babies less than 35 weeks of gestation or less than 2000grams of birth weight delivered in or referred to Department of Paediatrics at B. L. D. E. U's Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapur.Results: Of 153 neonates screened 49 infants had ROP. The incidence of ROP in this study was found to be 32.02% among the babies screened. 25 babies were in stage 1(51.0%) 19 babies were in stage 2(38.8%) two babies from stage 2 progressed to plus disease and 5 babies with APROP (10.2%).Conclusions: The present study reflects the problem of ROP in a tertiary care centre. The incidence of ROP in our study was 32.02 % for any stage. The percentage of neonates who had ROP in the gestational age group ?32 weeks 36.5%, 24.1%in the 32-36 weeks gestational age group and 40 % in >35 weeks of gestational age group. A statistically significant correlation between birth weight and ROP was also shown in our study. Our study showed greater risk of developing ROP with birth weights less than 1750g. There exists a statistically very high significant correlation between ROP and supplemental oxygen. Also, there is a statistically significant correlation between RDS and ROP.