Smartphone Use on Accommodation and Vergence Parameters: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: The frequency and the trend of smartphone use increase rapidly, and 85% of Malaysians owns a smartphone and spend an average of 187 minutes per day to use the smartphone. Aims: To evaluate the potential effects of smartphone use on Accommodation and Vergence of the users. Methods: A total of 18 articles were selected in this review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and the research question was formulated based on the population, intervention, control, and outcomes (PICO) method. This review was registered with PROSPERO (reference number: CRD42022293325). Data Sources: Databases namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Science-Direct were used in the article search using appropriate keywords, phrases, and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. The inclusion criteria of this review were journal articles published from January 2010 until December 2021 with full articles or abstract in English available. Results: Accommodative function has been reported to changed significantly with 20 minutes of smartphone use, with reduced amplitude, facility, relative and increased lag. In addition, vergence function has been reported to be altered significantly with receded near point of convergence. Conclusion: Smartphone use has an effect on the accommodation and vergence parameters among adults. Assessments of accommodation and vergence parameters need to be conducted in patients with the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome to prevent vision problems. Future reviews are required in younger cohorts with various smartphone features.

An Exploration of Pulmonary Fitness of Construction Workers in Delhi NCR in Light of the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996

Workers in the construction sector are exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter at their workplace. This increases their susceptibility to various respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study reports comparative pulmonary fitness and hematological parameters of the migrant workers in the construction sector versus other sectors in Delhi. Parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), the ratio of FEV1 to FVC, and peak expiratory flow were measured in both groups using a spirometer. We observed significant differences (P < 0.05) in FEV1 and FVC between both groups. The study thus confirms that workers exposed to poor air quality at the construction site are susceptible to respiratory diseases, particularly ARDS. All of this reflects the poor enforcement of the adequate safety measures well enlisted in social legislations such as the Building and Other Construction Workers Act.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of postgraduates, interns and nurses, on adverse drug reaction reporting in a tertiary care hospital: a comparative study

Background: Pharmacovigilance is multidisciplinary field of the detection, assessment, understanding, and prevention of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The incidences of ADRs about 95% are undocumented worldwide. However, there is a lack of information on ADR burden in developing countries due to lack of resources, infrastructure, and expertise.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 90 staff nurses 90interns and 90 postgraduates. The validated questionnaire contained items to check knowledge including 7 questions, 9 questions to analyze attitude and 5 for practices. Comparison between knowledge, attitude and practice data obtained from resident doctors and nurses was performed using Chi square test.Results: A total of 270 healthcare professionals participated in the study. In our study the participants had good knowledge regarding the purpose of monitoring and reporting ADRs etc. The result shows that health care professionals felt reporting of ADRs is a professional obligation and all ADRs should be reported. There was no significant difference in the knowledge and attitude between interns and nurses but few questionnaires show significant variations between post graduate and staff nurse. The practice of ADR reporting was significantly higher in postgraduate compared to nurses.Conclusions: This study concluded that post graduate, intern and staff nurse had good knowledge and positive attitude towards pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting, but unfortunately the actual practice of ADR reporting is still deficient among staff nurse and intern. This can be improved by adequate training and motivation.

Invasive, gangrenous mucormycosis of arm: A fatal opportunistic infection in a highly immunocompromised host

Opportunistic fungal infections occur predominantly in immunocompromised (IC) patients. Mucormycosis has the highest mortality among fungal infections. The organism is ubiquitous in its presence. The infection is commonly acquired by inhalation of fungal spores or by inoculation by direct trauma. Rhinocerebral and pulmonary mucormycosis present commonly with high mortality rates. Cutaneous mucormycosis (CM) is rarely reported and usually presents in two forms, superficial and disseminated. The superficial infection occurs commonly in immunocompetent hosts, and it can sometimes turn angioinvasive and become a fatal and very aggressive disseminated disease, especially in IC hosts. Coexistant risk factors increase the mortality rate. We report a case of posttraumatic, highly lethal, angioinvasive, and gangrenous type of CM of the arm in an IC patient. Diabetic ketoacidosis and cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholic liver disease were the risk factors.

Recurrent abdominal and lower limb venous thrombosis due to inherent protein-C and protein-S deficiency

Protein-C and protein-S deficiency is associated with a hypercoagulable state which usually presents with recurrent venous thrombosis as a common complication. But extensive thrombosis involving all the major abdominal and lower limb veins is quite rare. Here, we report a case of a 27-year-old woman presented with engorged veins all over abdomen and chest since 20 days. Clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of portal venous hypertension with moderate splenomegaly. Protein-C and protein-S levels were found to be low. Portal venous doppler ultrasound and CT-venogram revealed chronic thrombosis of portal vein, inferior vena cava, bilateral iliac and femoral veins with extensive collaterals formation and partial thrombosis in collaterals as well.  The patient was successfully managed with anti-coagulating agent (acenocoumarol) and has been maintained on regular follow-up to avoid reoccurrence of thrombosis.

Prevalence and socio-demographic status on kidney stone patients in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: The formations of human kidney stones are affecting large number of peoples in various age groups in worldwide. The deposition of few minerals, crystalline materials in the kidney and urinary bladder are during the process of metabolism. Stone analysis is of great importance to the therapy and metaphylaxis of residual and recurrent stones.Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among 150 populations in rural/urban field practice area of department of community medicine, Thanjavur Government Medical College, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of risk factors for kidney stone patients. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 software.Results: Among the 150 people were studied in age group of 20–80. Majority (46%) were more than 60 years of age. In this study, the majority of female 56% than men were representing 45% of the sample. It observed that the kidney stone patients were higher in the age group of 21-60 (46%) and lower <20 (1%) and >60 (7%) which was statistically significant (15.33±8.74; p=0.01).Conclusions: The results suggest that calcium oxalate stones are predominant in the selected study area. Kidney stone formation may be due to the food habits (diet), age, sex, obesity, genetics and environmental factors, geographical location, climate and lifestyle. The present investigation aims to assess the status of kidney stone diseases and risk factors in and around Thanjavur and the results have been discussed

Knowledge and perceptions of Indian primary care nurses towards mental illness

Objective. To assess nurses' knowledge and perceptions towards mental illness. Methods. This was a crosssectional descriptive study conducted among 126 randomly selected nurses those are working under District Mental Health program in Karnataka (India). The data was collected through self-reported questionnaires Using the modified version of Public perception of mental illness questionnaire and Attitude Scale for Mental Illness. Results. The findings revealed that majority of the subjects were women (74.4%), Hindus (92.1%) and were from rural background (69.8%). The mean Knowledge score 10.8±1.6 adequate knowledge (maximum possible =12) among 91% of the subjects, and 52% of them hold negative attitudes towards people with mental illness (88.9±13.6). While majority of the subjects hold negative attitudes in 'Separatism' (53.5%), 'Stereotyping' (73%), 'Benevolence' (54%), 'Pessimistic prediction' (53%) domains, they hold positive attitudes in 'Restrictiveness'(88%) and 'Stigmatization' (72%) domains. Women than men endorsed positive attitudes towards persons with mental illness in Stereotyping' (p<0.001), 'Restrictiveness' (p<0.01), 'Benevolence' (p<0.001) and 'Pessimistic prediction' (t= 2.22, p<0.05) domains. Similarly, Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery found to be less restrictive (p<0.05), more benevolent (p<0.001) and less pessimistic (p<0.05) compared to nurses with higher education (General Nursing and Midwifery and Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Conclusion. The present study showed adequate knowledge on mental illness among nurses. Yet they hold stigmatizing and negative attitudes towards mental illness. Hence, it is an urgent priority to develop andimplement educational programs to inculcate positive attitudes towards people with mental illness to provide optimal care to this vulnerable population.

Objetivo. Evaluar los conocimientos y percepciones de las enfermeras de atención primaria hacia la enfermedad mental. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 126 enfermeras que trabajan en el programa de Salud Mental del Distrito en Karnataka (India). Los datos se recolectaron a partir de cuestionarios contestados por autorreporte, empleando la versión modificada del cuestionario Percepción pública de la enfermedad mental y la Escala de Actitudes hacia la enfemedad mental. Resultados. Los hallazgos revelaron que la mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres (74.4%), hindúes (92.1%) y de origen rural (69.8%). El puntaje promedio de conocimiento fue de 10.8±1.6, que indica un conocimiento adecuado (máximo posible = 12). El 52% de los participantes tienen actitudes negativas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales, siendo mayor este porcentaje en los dominios 'Estereotipos' (73%), 'Benevolencia' (54%), 'Separatismo' (53.5%), 'Predicción pesimista' (53%); mientras que tienen actitudes positivas en 'Restricción' (88%) y 'Estigmatización '(72%). Las mujeres, en mayor porcentaje que los hombres, tuvieron actitudes positivas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales en los dominios 'Estereotipos' (p<0.001), 'Restricción' (p<0.01), 'Benevolencia' (p<0.001) y 'Predicción pesimista' (p<0.05). Del mismo modo, las enfermeras parteras auxiliares fueron menos restrictivas (p<0.05), más benévolas (p<0.001) y menos pesimista (p<0.05) en comparación con las enfermeras con mayor educación (enfermeras parteras generales y licenciadas en ciencias de la enfermería). Conclusión. El presente estudio mostró un conocimiento adecuado sobre las enfermedades mentales entre las enfermeras. Sin embargo, tienen actitudes estigmatizantes y negativas hacia la enfermedad mental. Por lo tanto, es una prioridad implementar programas educativos para la adquisición de actitudes positivas hacia las personas con enfermedades mentales con el fin de brindar una atención integral a esta población vulnerable.

Objetivo. Avaliar os conhecimentos e percepções à doença mental das enfermeiras de atenção primária. Métodos. Se realizou um estudo descritivo transversal com 126 enfermeiras que trabalham no programa de Saúde Mental do Distrito em Karnataka (Índia). Os dados foram recolhidos a través de questionários respondidos por autorreporte, empregando a versão modificada do questionário Percepção pública da doença mental e a Escala de Atitudes à doença mental. Resultados. As descobertas revelaram que a maioria dos participantes eram mulheres (74.4%), hindus (92.1%) e de origem rural (69.8%). A pontuação média de conhecimento foi de 10.8±1.6 indicando conhecimento adequado (máximo possível = 12). 52% dos participantes têm atitudes negativas às pessoas com doenças mentais, sendo maior esta porcentagem nos domínios 'Estereótipos' (73%), 'Benevolência' (54%), 'Separatismo' (53.5%), 'Predição pessimista' (53%); enquanto que têm atitudes positivas em 'Restrição' (88%) e 'Estigmas'(72%). As mulheres, em maior porcentagem que os homens, tiveram atitudes positivas às pessoas com doenças mentais nos domínios 'Estereótipos' (p<0.001), 'Restrição' (p<0.01), 'Benevolência' (p<0.001) e 'Predição pessimista' (p<0.05). Do mesmo modo, as enfermeiras parteiras auxiliares formam menos restritivas (p<0.05), mais benévolas (p<0.001) e menos pessimista (p<0.05) em comparação com as enfermeiras com maior educação (enfermeiras parteiras gerais e licenciadas em ciências da enfermagem). Conclusão. O presente estudo mostrou um conhecimento adequado sobre as doenças mentais entre as enfermeiras. Porém, tem atitudes de estigmas e negativas à doença mental. Por tanto, é uma prioridade implementar programas educativos para o melhoramento das atitudes positivas às pessoas com doenças mentais com o fim de brindar uma atenção integral a esta população vulnerável.

Factors influencing to study medicine: a survey of first-year medical students from India / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Students joining medical studies may be motivated by many factors. However, there may also be some factors which may concern them. Although, it can be assumed that those joining medical studies would have largely been influenced positively, how the factors interact in different groups of students has not been studied adequately. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in first-year medical students. Besides the demographics and intentions about their future career plans, students rated a list of positively influencing items and a list of negatively affecting items relevant to our context that influenced their decision. We performed factor analysis followed by clustering of study participants. RESULTS: Ninety-seven students participated in the survey which comprised of 59% females with mean age of 18.6 years. The factors extracted were named as 'personal growth factor,' 'professional calling factor,' 'personal concerns factor,' and 'professional concerns factor.' Four distinct clusters of participants differing in their average ratings to each of the above factors were identified. CONCLUSION: This study provides information on the factors that influence students to join medical studies from an Indian context. The motivational patterns were varied in different sub-groups of students. The data obtained from this study may provide pointers to educators to plan training of students, changes in curricular structure that takes into account the expansion of medical education into specialties and beyond.

Prevalence of acute on chronic liver failure, underlying etiology and precipitating factors

Background: Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) was first described in 1995 as a clinical syndrome distinct to classic acute decompensation. Characterized by complications of decompensation, ACLF occurs on a background of chronic liver disease and is associated with high rates of organ failure and significant short-term mortality estimated between 45% and 90%. Despite the clinical relevance of the condition, it still remains largely undefined with continued disagreement regarding its precise etiological factors, clinical course, prognostic criteria, and management pathways. It is concerning that, despite our relative lack of understanding of the condition, the burden of ACLF among cirrhotic patients remains significant with an estimated prevalence of 30.9%. Aim of the study: The present study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of acute on chronic liver failure in our institute, etiology of underlying chronic liver disease, precipitating acute event and mortality rate. Materials and methods: 150 patients admitted and treated with the diagnosis of ACLF in the Institute of Hepatobiliary Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital during the period from December 2016 to November 2018 were included in the study. Their data regarding etiology of chronic liver disease, precipitating acute events and mortality were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 386 patients, 150 patients were admitted with acute on chronic liver failure with a prevalence of 39%. In 41% of patients, infection was the precipitating factor for ACLF either in the form of Sepsis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, Lower respiratory tract infection or skin, and soft tissue infections. Alcohol was the second most precipitating factor (32%), followed by upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (12%) and drugs (2%). No precipitating cause could be identified in Premkumar K, Krishnasamy Narayanasamy. Prevalence of acute on chronic liver failure, underlying etiology and precipitating factors. IAIM, 2019; 6(4): 49-54. Page 50 12.7% of patients. Mortality rate was high in ACLF grade 3 (95%), followed by ACLF grade 2 (62%) and ACLF grade 1 (15%). Conclusion: ACLF is a dynamic syndrome presenting with single, two or more organ failure in a patient with chronic liver disease following a triggering event and associated with high short term mortality. In our hospital, the prevalence of ACLF was 39% and the overall mortality rate was 83%. Infection and alcohol were found to be important precipitating factors. A multi-centre study involving a larger number of patients are needed to know the clinical characteristics, other precipitating factors and to form a standard treatment protocol for this dynamic syndrome

Factors influencing to study medicine: a survey of first-year medical students from India / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE@#Students joining medical studies may be motivated by many factors. However, there may also be some factors which may concern them. Although, it can be assumed that those joining medical studies would have largely been influenced positively, how the factors interact in different groups of students has not been studied adequately.@*METHODS@#We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in first-year medical students. Besides the demographics and intentions about their future career plans, students rated a list of positively influencing items and a list of negatively affecting items relevant to our context that influenced their decision. We performed factor analysis followed by clustering of study participants.@*RESULTS@#Ninety-seven students participated in the survey which comprised of 59% females with mean age of 18.6 years. The factors extracted were named as 'personal growth factor,' 'professional calling factor,' 'personal concerns factor,' and 'professional concerns factor.' Four distinct clusters of participants differing in their average ratings to each of the above factors were identified.@*CONCLUSION@#This study provides information on the factors that influence students to join medical studies from an Indian context. The motivational patterns were varied in different sub-groups of students. The data obtained from this study may provide pointers to educators to plan training of students, changes in curricular structure that takes into account the expansion of medical education into specialties and beyond.

Isolation of acid from eye drop bottles being used by patients presenting with presumed scleritis

Purpose: The aim of the study was to report the occurrence of contamination/replacement of ophthalmic eye drops with liquids of acidic nature in patients treated for nonresponding scleritis. Methods: This was a retrospective interventional case series study. Results: Of the three patients (4 eyes) referred as necrotizing scleritis, two were found to have acid as the content in the bottle/s being used as eye drops, confirmed using biochemical tests. All four eyes had tarsal ischemia and tarsal conjunctival defect in addition to severe scleral ischemia involving the inferior bulbar area. All four eyes required tenonplasty with amniotic membrane transplant more than once for the ocular surface to heal. Two of the three patients were on systemic immunosuppressives including pulse cyclophosphamide for refractory necrotizing scleritis. Sulfuric and hydrochloric acid was isolated from the bottles of 2nd and 3rd patient using confirmatory biochemical tests. Conclusion: It is important to be aware of the possibility of contaminating or replacing contents of eye drops with harmful agents of acidic nature and should be considered in situations that resemble the clinical picture described herein.

Detection and validation of serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin as diagnostic markers for bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis of liver.

Background: The role of inflammatory markers like CRP and procalcitonin in predicting various outcomes in patients with cirrhosis is gaining lot of attention. There is a need for extensive studies, to be carried out in India as there is no adequate literature available on the subject. Objectives: To assess the predictive validity of c-reactive protein and procalcitonin in predicting bacterial infection and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Hepatology, at Madras Medical College, Chennai. Patients admitted to the Hepatology ward from March2016 to February 2017with acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis were studied. The serum procalcitonin level was assessed by Electro Chemi Luminescence Immuno Assay (Eclia) with a measuring range of 0.02-75ng/ml. and C-Reactive Protein level was assessed by ImmunoTurbido Kumaragurubaran Sivanesan, Narayanasamy Krishnasamy, Shanthiselvi, Chezhian Annasamy, Senthilkumar Ramalingam, Akilandeswari Alagan Ramasamy, Premkumar Krishnamoorthy, Jaiganesh Mohan. Detection and validation of serum Creactive protein and procalcitonin as diagnostic markers for bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis of liver. IAIM, 2017; 4(4): 53-62. Page 54 Metric Assay, with a measuring range of 1.00-200mg/l. The utility of CRP and procalcitonin in predicting the infection and mortality was assessed by Receiver Operative curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Procalcitonin had a better predictive validity than C-reactive protein in predicting the bacterial infection in the study population as indicated by their AUC curve as 0.99 (95% CI 0.99, 1.00, p value <0.001), for Procalcitonin and 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.92, p value <0.001) for C-reactive protein. In predicting the mortality, C-reactive protein had a better predictive validity when compared to Procalcitonin as indicated by their AUC curve as 0.804 (95% CI 0.68, 0.92, p value <0.001) for Creactive protein and 0.63 (95% CI 0.48, 0.77, p value <0.001) for Procalcitonin. Conclusion: More than one third of hospitalized Cirrhosis patients had infection and mortality rate was just over 20%. PCT has shown better predictive validity as compared to CRP in predicting infection, but CRP had better predictive validity in predicting mortality.

Synchronous primary malignancy of head and neck- a case report.

The incidence of multiple primary malignant neoplasms increases with age, reflecting an increase in overall cancer risk in older patients. Cases of two or more concurrent primary cancers are still rare, although its incidence is increasing. Here, we report the case of a 41-years female who was referred to our institution with synchronous papillary carcinoma of thyroid and Adenoid cystic carcinoma of submandibular gland. The case is being presented to emphasize that the clinicians should keep in mind that the appearance of another tumour in a patient suffering from cancer could be either a synchronous or a metachronous or a metastatic lesion.

Cough fracture: stress on the ribs.

Cough can be associated with many complications. In this article, we present an 18 year female presenting with cough related stress fracture of the ninth rib. The purpose of this paper is to call attention to an infrequent but possibly often unrecognized cause of pain in the chest of sudden onset and resembling dry pleurisy in its symptoms.

Cystic lymphangioma of spleen: an abdominal flabbergast.

Lymphangioma is congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. It is usually found in children, occurs mostly in the neck and the mediastinum. It is rarely found in the spleen, mostly asymptomatic or detected incidentally by imaging modalities, however the clinical features of splenic lymphangioma include abdominal pain, nausea, and abdominal distention. In our case report Lymphangioma with cystic component and daughter cysts has radiologists to consider it as other neoplastic diseases of the spleen.

Benign cystic peritoneal mesothelioma: an abdominal daze.

Benign cystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BCPM) is a rare clinical entity with varied presentations. Its obscure etiology and association with various intraabdominal conditions makes a precise diagnosis difficult. Diagnostic accuracy and diligent follow-up are essential because, though benign nature, it recurs locally. Herewith reporting a case of BCPM presenting as acute abdomen.

In vitro Photodynamic Antimicrobial Activity of Protoporphyrin IX in the Presence of Hydrogen Peroxide against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Aims: This study reports on In vitro investigation of photodynamic antimicrobial activity of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in the presence and absence of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Physics, Anna University, Chennai between December 2013 and February 2014. Methodology: A light-emitting diode (LED) was used as a light source to irradiate PPIX. The antibacterial effect was analyzed by standard plate counting method. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy technique was used to monitor the damage at protein level. Results: We found that the antibacterial effect is dependent on PPIX concentration as well as H2O2 concentration and light dose. PPIX-H2O2 combination showed higher bacterial reduction of 6.5 log10 and 2.7 log10 for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively, when the light dose increased to 70 J/cm2. Fluorescence spectroscopic characterization showed a considerable change in the intensity of emission of tryptophan present in the microorganisms between pre- and post- APDT. Conclusion: PPIX-H2O2 is a promising combination for APDT against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The LED seems to be a very good option for PDT because of its low cost and miniature in size.

Variations in seed protein content of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) mutant lines by in vivo and in vitro mutagenesis.

The present work describes the influence of gamma irradiation (GR), ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and sodium azide (SA) treatment on yield and protein content of selected mutant lines of cotton. Seeds of MCU 5 and MCU 11 were exposed to gamma rays (GR), ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and sodium azide (SA). Lower dose of gamma irradiation (100-500 Gy), 10-50 mM EMS and SA at lower concentration effectively influences in improving the yield and protein content. Significant increase in yield (258.9 g plant-1) and protein content (18.63 mg g-1 d. wt.) as compared to parental lines was noted in M2 generations. During the subsequent field trials, number of mutant lines varied morphologically in terms of yield as well as biochemical characters such as protein. The selected mutant lines were bred true to their characters in M3 and M4 generations. The significant increase in protein content and profiles of the mutant lines with range of 10.21-18.63 mg g-1. The SDS-PAGE analysis of mutant lines revealed 9 distinct bands of different intensities with range of 26-81 kDa. The difference in intensity of bands was more (41, 50 and 58 kDa) in the mutant lines obtained from in vitro mutation than in vivo mutation. Significance of such stimulation in protein content correlated with yielding ability of the mutant lines of cotton in terms of seed weight per plant. The results confirm that in cotton it is possible to enhance the both yield and biochemical characters by in vivo and in vitro mutagenic treatments.

Heredity factor in myopia development among a sample in Klang Valley, Malaysia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Development of myopia among young children is often contributed to the refractive status of the parents. This study was conducted to determine whether myopia can be inherited across the generation among a sample in the Klang Valley. Three generations involved are: G1 (grandparents), G2 (parents) and G3 (children).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-two families were screened and forty families were selected to participate in this study. The inclusion criterion is having at least one myopic member in any of the three generations. Subjects (G2) were first asked to fill up a questionnaire form before their refractive status was determined by clinical examination that provided acuity of 6/6 or better. Refractive status of G1 was determined using information from the questionnaire while for G2 and G3 through clinical examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Generally, the prevalence of myopia is seen to increase throughout the generations from G1 being the lowest (25.6%) to G3 being the highest (41.1%). Strong genetic influence can be found between G1 and G2 as majority of myopes in G2 is when both parents were myopic. However, although the prevalence of myopia increased from G2 to G3, there was no strong genetical influence. Majority of subjects in G3 were non-myopes when both their parents were myopic.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Parental history accounts for a limited proportion of variance in myopia development.</p>