Outcomes of toric intraocular lens realignment surgery done using slit-lamp method and wavefront aberrometry method

Purpose: To compare the slit?lamp method and wavefront aberrometry method based on outcomes of toric realignment surgeries. Settings: Tertiary care ophthalmic hospital. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: This study included all eyes undergoing toric intraocular lens (TIOL) realignment surgery between January 2019 and December 2021 for which TIOL axis assessment by slit?lamp method and wavefront aberrometry method was available. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records, and we documented demographics, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), subjective refraction, and TIOL axis by slit?lamp and wavefront aberrometry methods on postoperative day 1 and day 14. In patients with misalignment, TIOL was realigned to the original position in group 1 (27 patients) and to an axis based on calculations provided by wavefront aberrometer in group 2 (25 patients). Post?realignment surgery, UCVA, subjective refraction, and TIOL axis by slit?lamp and wavefront aberrometry methods were assessed and analyzed. Results: We analyzed 52 eyes and found that the mean preoperative misalignment with the slit?lamp method (44.9° ±20.0°) and wavefront aberrometry (47.1° ±19.5°) was similar. The corresponding degrees of misalignment post?TIOL repositioning surgeries were 5.2° ±5.2° (slit?lamp method) and 4.7° ±5.1° (wavefront aberrometry) (P = 0.615). Both groups showed significant improvement in median log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) UCVA and reduction in median refractive cylinder. Conclusions: Slit?lamp method is as good as wavefront aberrometer method to assess TIOL axis. Toric realignment surgery is found to be safe, and realigning TIOL based on either slit?lamp method or wavefront aberrometer method equally improved UCVA and decreased residual refractive cylinder.

Clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A retrospective study in a tertiary eye care center in South India

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification (CP) in terms of refractive outcomes, cumulative dissipated energy, and intraoperative complications. Methods: In this retrospective study performed in a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital, we reviewed 2124 eyes that underwent FLACS or CP. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and intraoperative complications were analyzed in the study. Results: Out of 2124 eyes, 873 underwent FLACS and 1251 underwent CP. The postoperative mean UCVA after one month was 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR and 0.14 ± 0.23 logMAR for FLACS and CP, respectively (P < 0.00001). Mean CDVA one month post operation was 0.02 ± 0.07 logMAR and 0.06 ± 0.19 logMAR for FLACS and CP, respectively (P < 0.0001). The CDE for the FLACS group was 6.17 ± 3.86 (P < 0.00001) and it was 9.74 ± 6.02 for the CP group. The intraoperative complication for the FLACS group was 1.60% and the CP group was 2.39% (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: The visual outcomes were better in FLACS compared to CP. The CDE was lower for the FLACS group and FLACS had significantly less intraoperative complications

An objective evaluation of simulated surgical outcomes among surgical trainees using manual small-incision cataract surgery virtual reality simulator

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate trainee performance across six modules of a virtual reality (VR) simulator. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 10 manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) trainees who practiced cataract surgery on an MSICS VR simulator for one month. They were assessed in six major steps which included scleral groove, tunnel dissection, keratome entry, capsulorhexis, nucleus delivery, and intraocular lens (IOL) insertion under a trainer抯 supervision. The information included in their score metrics was collected, and their overall performance was evaluated. Results: Thirty attempts were evaluated for scleral groove, tunnel dissection, and capsulorhexis and 15 attempts for keratome entry. Candidates had varied results in the dimensional aspects and their rates of complications with a mean satisfactory score of 3.1 � 4.17, 6.8 � 5.75, 5.8 � 7.74, and 1.8 � 2.57, respectively. Nucleus delivery (n = 5) had more of iris pull and IOL insertion (n = 5) had more of lost IOL as complications but both had a higher satisfactory outcome. Conclusion: A VR simulator is a useful tool for training surgeons before their entry into live surgery. It is an effective method for evaluating objectively the structural characteristics of each phase in MSICS and their associated complications, helping them anticipate it earlier during live surgery by giving them a near real world experience.

How To Do Critical Appraisal of Any Research Article

In both biomedical research and medical academia, research publications serve a critical role. There are a huge number of research publications published all around the world. However, only a small percentage of them are good and have any research or academic worth. So, properly evaluating published publica-tions has become vital in this circumstance. This article is intended with medical graduates and post-graduates in mind, in order to clarify them how to critically evaluate research publications. It may also be used to write published research articles in an indirect way. A collection of questions is supplied to cover all aspects of a published research paper. To assess the quality of an article, a score system based on the following questions can be established.

A Study of Skin Sensitivity for Common Allergens in Patients of Nasobronchial Allergy in North India

Objective: The present study is designed to investigate the profile of different allergen sensitivities by skin prick test in patients with nasobronchial allergy (NBA). Materials and methods: A total of 130 patients of NBA were included in the study. Each NBA patient was subjected to the skin prick test with 44 allergens. Results: Out of 130 patients, 98 patients (75.4%) had both bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, 11 patients (8.5%) had allergic rhinitis, and 21 patients (16.2%) had bronchial asthma alone. The age of patients ranged from 12 to 60 years, with mean age 26.4 � 10.24 years. The most common allergen came out to be insects (26.2%) followed by dust mites (20.7%), dusts (7.4%), pollens (5.9%), fungi (5.2%), danders (3.8%), and silk (2.2%). Common insect antigens were moth and mosquito (28.9%) followed by the cockroach, housefly (24.4%), and honeybee (18.9%). Common dust allergens were grain dust and house dust. Among pollens, Amaranthus spinosus and Cassia siamea (13.3%) followed by Brassica campestris (12.2%) and Holoptelea integrifolia (10%) were common. Among fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were common allergens. Conclusion: Common allergens in patients of NBA were identified. Allergen-specific immunotherapy can be a viable option for these patients.

Utility of Chest Computed Tomography for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases and influenced by host factors including abnormal lung development.1 Currently, the diagnosis of COPD is based on the clinical history of the patient along with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio lower than 0.70 on spirometry. Even though spirometry is considered the most valuable tool in diagnosing COPD, it lacks in certain aspects such as covering the morphological analysis of the disease and correlating between the lesions and lung function. Also, spirometry usually becomes abnormal pretty late in the disease evolution, and hence, is unable to identify early and pre-COPD patients leading to delayed diagnosis. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan provides in vivo assessment of organ structure and can prove itself to be a useful tool to provide additional information about parenchymal remodeling, airway dilation, and vascular calcification. This, in turn, can be useful to not only detect and stratify the severity of the disease but can also to predict its clinical course. We must consider the utility of CT scan to offer impactful therapy for what is found in those images. However, does this additional information really makes a difference in the management of COPD patients? Can this information be obtained using inexpensive and easy methods (such as spirometry and questionnaires)? Does this additional information really justify the expense of radiation exposure? This article highlights the utility, limitations, and future prospects of adding a chest CT scan as a routine investigation in patients with COPD.

The All India Ophthalmological Society - Academic and Research Committee pan-India diabetic retinopathy project “Fixing the missing link”: Prevalence data from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its risk factors among diabetic patients in the states of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Chhattisgarh (CG). Methods: Diabetic patients were screened in the treating diabetologist/physician’s clinic by a team that included an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and a counselor. Demographic details, diabetic control, compliance to eye checkup, awareness regarding diabetic blindness, and visual acuity were recorded using a questionnaire. DR was graded both by indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus photo taken with a portable fundus camera. Results: In total, 602 subjects were screened across five selected locations of MP and CG. The prevalence of DR was 13.62%. No significant difference with gender was seen. The presence and grade of DR were related to age, diabetic age, and diabetic control. Conclusion: This study provides the prevalence data for DR among diabetic patients from the states of MP and CG and highlights important barriers to DR screening in our country.

Iridodialysis repair – A simplified approach

Background: Iris root is the thinnest and weakest portion of the iris stroma. It can detach easily due to blunt trauma or accidental engagement of the iris during intraocular surgery resulting in glare, photophobia and monocular diplopia. Multiple techniques described for iridodialysis repair such as hang back technique, stroke and dock technique and sewing machine technique are technically challenging. Purpose: To describe an simplified approach of iridodialysis repair using 9?0 prolene suture. Synopsis: We demonstrate the technique of iridodialysis repair using animation for better understanding. Scleral flap is made adjacent to the iridodialysis area and a paracentesis is made oppsite to the iridodialysis. One arm of the double armed straight needle with 9?0 prolene suture is passed through the paracentesis into the iris root and docked in the 26G needle which is passed underneath the scleral flap 1.5mm posterior to the limbus. Then the needle is pulled out underneath the scleral flap and the manoeuvre is repeated for the second arm as well. The sutures are secured with 5?6 knots under the scleral flap. Intra? operative surgical videos of two patients with traumatic cataract and iridodialysis following blunt trauma are shown. After stabilizing the detached iris using iris hooks, phacoemlsification is done with implantation of foldable acrylic IOL, followed by iridodialysis repair as described above. Both the patients were relieved of their pre?operative symtoms and had good visual recovery. Highlights: We describe a simplified approach of iridodialysis repair that can significantly reduce the patient’s troublesome symptoms such as glare and monocular double vision.

Amelioration potential of Withania sonmifera root extract on hexavalent chromium induced micronucleus in Channa punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

Aim: This study aimed to infer the ameliorative potential of Withania somnifera (‘Ashwagandha’) against hexavalent chromium induced micronuclei in Channa punctatus.Methodology: After laboratory acclimatization of 15 days, C. punctatus (12.20 cm, 42 g) were maintained in six groups. Group I, served as control. Fishes of groups II and III were separately exposed to root extract of W. somnifera (3 mg l-1) and 96 hr-LC50/10 of Cr (VI), 7.89 mg l-1, respectively, for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr. Contrarily, the fish of groups IV, V and VI were exposed to 7.89 mg l-1 of Cr (VI) along with increasing concentrations of root extract of W. somnifera (1, 2, 3 mg l-1), respectively. Induction of micronuclei was assessed in fishes of all the six groups after stipulated exposure periods. Results: A significant induction (p<0.05) in micronuclei frequency was observed in Group-III as compared to the control. On contrary, there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in frequency of micronuclei induction with increasing concentrations of root extract of W. somnifera, as compared to Group-III, after stipulated exposure periods in a dose and time-dependent manner. Interpretation: Preliminary investigations evinced that the root extract of W. somnifera has enough ameliorative potential against short term sub-lethal exposure to Cr (VI) induced genomic instability, i.e., micronuclei induction in C. punctatus.

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma ex-odontogenic cyst

Squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity are quite common, but primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinomas (PIOSCCs) are rare. Their origin from lining of different odontogenic cysts has been documented. More than 50% of such cases have been reported to occur in periapical inflammatory cysts, and less than 10 cases are reported to arise from odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). One such rare case of a PIOSCC, which presented as an OKC initially, is being reported

Analysis of prescription pattern of anemia in pregnancy: an observational, cross-sectional study

Background: Anemia is a major health problem that affects 25% to 50% of the population of the world and approximately 50% of pregnant women. This research on the use of prescription medicines in anemia during pregnancy remains critically important. Prescribing patterns of the drug in the pregnant women include age, trimester, gravid condition, US-FDA risk category, WHO core indicators.Methods: A prospective, cross sectional observational multicentric study was conducted in outpatient and inpatient departments of Indira Gandhi Hospital and Civil Hospital in Nasik, for period of 6 months. Ethical approval was taken prior to study from Independent ethics committee. A total of 197 patients were enrolled in the study. Inform consent form was obtained from the patients. After studying them; statistical analysis were done and result and conclusion were drawn.Results: Out of 197 women抯 prescriptions, the average number of drug per prescription was 2.14. 27.28% drugs were prescribed there brand name and 72.72% by generic name. Iron, folic acid and calcium were prescribed to all pregnant women. The majority of the patients were prescribed category A and category C drugs. No patients were given category X drug.Conclusions: Nearly all prescription showed a prescribing practice for writing prophylactic iron and folic acid therapy in all pregnant women. No women was prescribed category X drug. Most of the drug prescribed in generics and thus, prescription pattern of our study set a fine example of prescribing behaviour.

Diverse Presentation of Intraventricular Colloid Cysts – A Tale of Eight Cases

Introduction: Colloid cysts are one of the benign intracranial tumors most commonly occurring in the rostral part of the thirdventricle. These may present with varied spectrum of clinical features that poses challenges in clinical diagnosis. The presentationmay range from being asymptomatic to simple headaches, seizures, and even sudden death. Most of the symptoms can beattributed to the development of obstructive hydrocephalus. Chemical or aseptic meningitis is unusual complication posingcomplicating differential diagnosis. We describe eight such cases with wide variety of symptoms.Materials and Methods: We present a case series of eight cases of the third ventricle colloid cysts presented at our institute.Age of the patients ranged from 15 to 55 and five of them were females. All the clinical features were recorded from eachone of them. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were used to diagnose the condition. Four of themunderwent excision of the cyst in single stage either by open or endoscopic approach. Two patients underwent preliminaryventriculoperitoneal shunt done in the view of poor neurological status and craniotomy and excision was done in later stage. Inone patient bedside external ventricular drain was inserted for emergency decompression of ventricles. One patient is underserial radiological follow-up.Results: Eight cases that we observed had wide variety of symptoms. Six patients had chronic headache with progressiveseverity, and four of them had nausea with vomiting, three patients had seizures. The cysts in two patients were discoveredaccidentally, during the evaluation of seizures in one patient and others in evaluation of traumatic head injury. One elderly patienthad presented with psychiatric symptoms, drop attacks along with the features of normal pressure hydrocephalus. One teenagepatient presented with sudden deterioration and went into cardiac arrest even after emergency decompression of ventriclesdone. Seven of them underwent surgery and one of them succumbed. The surgery improved health in all other seven patients.Conclusion: Colloid cysts may present with a wide range and beyond expected neurological manifestations. The severity orrapid clinical deterioration does not exactly correlate with depending on the site, size of the cyst. Leaking cysts with chemicalmeningitis may further complicate the diagnosis. Hence, early diagnosis and surgery with complete removal of cysts offer betterclinical outcomes in those patients.

Is There Any Correlation Between Obstructive Sleepapnoeaand Body Mass Index In Hypertensive Subject

To know the any correlation in obstructive sleep apnea and body mass index in hypertensive Subjects. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly being recognized as a major health burden with a strong focus on the associated cardiovascular risk. OSA is a considered as secondary hypertension. Its episodes produce surges in systolic and diastolic pressure that keep mean blood pressure levels elevated at night. In many patients, blood pressure remains elevated during the daytime, when breathing is normal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 hypertensive subjects both male and female to evaluate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnoea and body mass index in hypertensive subjects in Department of Physiology, Department of Pulmonary Medicine and department of Medicine, at Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Lucknow. In these 100 subjects there are underweight (n=5) high risk 1 and low risk 4, Normal (n=52) high risk 18 and low risk 34 Overweight (n=33) high risk 19 and low risk 14 and Obese (n=10) high risk 4 and low risk 6. Average BMI in high risk subjects (n=42) is 25.49±3.88 and in low risk subjects (24.14±5.02) with pvalve0.150 (p>0.05). Early identification of BMI and OSA in hypertensive's subject management may reduce the development of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive subjects

A prospective study on causality, severity and preventability assessment of adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care hospital in India

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence and pattern of adverse drug reaction (ADRs), causality, severity and preventability of ADRs.Methods: Data was collected and analyzed with the information such as patients’ demographic details, associated co-morbid conditions and detailed drug related information gathered from ADR reporting forms. World Health Organization (WHO) scale was used for assessing causality, modified Hartwig scale was used for assessing severity and modified Schumock and Thorntons scale were used for assessing preventability of ADRs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Total 154 ADRs were reported in a period of one year (August 2016- July 2017). Out of 154 ADRs analyzed, 120 (77.9%) were in adults, 33 (21.4%) pediatric and 01 (0.7%) in geriatric patients. The most common ADR recorded was cutaneous reactions (43.5%) and the most common causative class of drugs for the same was found to be antimicrobials (46.7%) followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (15.6%). Causality assessment scale indicated 68.8% ADRs possible and 24% ADRs as probable. Severity assessment revealed that 45.5 % were mild, 50.6% moderate and 3.9% ADRs severe. Preventability assessment showed 84.4% of the cases were probably non-preventable.Conclusions: In this study it was found that, most of the ADRs were of possible category with mild to moderate severity and majority being non-preventable. Antimicrobial drugs being the most common offending drug class causing ADRs. Strategies targeting appropriate and cautious use of this class of drugs may benefit in reducing the number of ADRs and therefore the cost involved in the treatment.

Management of early years of simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis with pre-defined Homoeopathic medicines ­ a Prospective Observational Study with 2-Years Follow-Up

Background Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (SMCB) is characterized by recurrent mucoid or mucopurulent expectoration in absence of localized suppurative disease. This observational open label study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of homeopathic medicine in SMCB. Methods 1902 patients were screened from 07 centres out of which 1305 were excluded. 597 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription after repertorizing the pathological symptoms of SMCB. Outcomes were assessed through chronic bronchitis symptom scale (CBSS) and FEV1/ FVC ratio with spirometry for over a period of two years. Appearance of any change (relief/ worse)/ status quo was immediately followed by placebo/ change in dilution/ change in remedy. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: 532 patients were analyzed based on the intention to treat principle using last observation carry forward method. Mean CBS score reduced from 29.86±4.5 at baseline to 12.33±7.6 at completion of 2 years. Repeated measures ANOVA, at time points 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, 12 ,15, 18, 21 and 24 months, showed significant reduction in CBS scores [Wilk's Lambda 0.104, F=564, df 524; p=00001]. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was maintained within normal limits. 86% prescriptions included Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Stannum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Bryonia alba. Conclusion: The result suggests effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in early years of SCMB patients. Controlled trials are warranted. (AU)

Evaluation of prescribing pattern of drugs use in patients of coronary artery disease at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause responsible for mortality more in younger age group than in elderly. Studies have reported underuse of four evidence based medicines namely aspirin, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and statins in patients with CAD, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, this study was planned to analyse the prescriptions of patients with CAD to determine the appropriateness of the prescriptions.Methods: After obtaining the Institutional ethics committee permission, a cross sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Total 150 patients were enrolled from the outpatient department, wards and intensive care unit of medicine department. Total 150 patients’ prescriptions presenting with varied category of CAD were screened and analysed.Results: The most common categories of CAD encountered was ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (N=50, 33%) followed by chronic stable angina (N=29, 20%). Among the drugs prescribed, antiplatelet drugs were prescribed to 135 (90%), hypolipidemics to 134 (89%), nitrates to 114 (76%), beta blockers to 97 (65%), ACE inhibitors to 94 (64%), anticoagulants to 60 (40%) and miscellaneous drugs to 52 (35%), patients. Of 68 (45%) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 15 (22%) were prescribed only metoprolol and others were given ACE-I or ARBs.Conclusions: Among four evidence based drugs, use of 3 drugs, antiplatelets, beta blockers and hypolipidemics was apparent in 90% of prescriptions. Use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs was observed in type 2 diabetic patients with CAD, reflecting rational prescribing behavior of clinicians.

Prevalence of Hypertension Among School Children in a Rural Area of Tamil Nadu.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence of hypertension among 310 rural school children in Tamil Nadu. The prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension was 10% and 14.2%, respectively. Prevalence was significantly higher among and private school students. We recommend that children should be screened for hypertension for early diagnosis and prevention of complications.

Bitter melon: a panacea for inflammation and cancer / 中国天然药物

Nature is a rich source of medicinal plants and their products that are useful for treatment of various diseases and disorders. Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one of such plants known for its biological activities used in traditional system of medicines. This plant is cultivated in all over the world, including tropical areas of Asia, Amazon, east Africa, and the Caribbean and used as a vegetable as well as folk medicine. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are commonly consumed and cooked with different vegetables, stir-fried, stuffed or used in small quantities in soups or beans to give a slightly bitter flavor and taste. The plant is reported to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory activities. The plant extract inhibits cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy and inhibiting cancer stem cells. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical constituents like cucurbitane type triterpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, fatty acids, and proteins. Some of the isolated compounds (Kuguacin J, Karaviloside XI, Kuguaglycoside C, Momordicoside Q-U, Charantin, α-eleostearic acid) and proteins (α-Momorcharin, RNase MC2, MAP30) possess potent biological activity. In the present review, we are summarizing the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities of Momordica charantia along with a short account of important chemical constituents, providing a basis for establishing detail biological activities of the plant and developing novel drug molecules based on the active chemical constituents.

Prevalence and determinants of peripheral neuropathy among diabetics in a rural cum costal area of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia that may be due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency. It was estimated that there would be 285 million diabetics by 2010 in the world. This estimate is projected to increase by 65% to become 438 million in the year 2030. Similarly in India it is estimated to increase by 58% from 51 million people in the year 2010 to 87 million people by the year 2030. Methods: The study was carried out as cross sectional study among 235 diabetic OPD attendants of rural health centre aged 30 years and above. TCSS was used for diagnosis diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Data was entered in MS excel 2007 and analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0. Chi square test was applied to find statistical difference in proportions and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among the study participants was observed to be 13.2%, while none of the study subjects presented with severe form of the disease. Nearly half of the patient who participated in the study also had co existing systemic hypertension. Also 12.3% of the study subjects had a positive history of foot ulcers. Conclusions: The prevalence of DPN increased with increasing age and it is observed to be associated with duration of diabetes, physical activity, smoking habit and systemic hypertension.

Clinico-pathological Profile of Bronchogenic Carcinoma Among Females in North India.

Objective. The present study was undertaken to explore the clinico-pathological profile of bronchogenic carcinoma among females. Methods. One hundred and twenty-four female patients with histopathologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma who were hospitalised in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow from July 1985 to February 2007 were retrospectively studied. Results. Their mean age was 61 years; 12.9 % of these were less than 40 years of age. Of these, 79% of female patients of lung cancer were first regarded as pulmonary tuberculosis; 76% belonged to rural area. Use of biomass fuel and kerosene oil exposure was the predominant risk factors evident among the 116 non-smoker women. Adenocarcinoma was observed in 43.5%, followed by squamous cell carcinoma in 33.1% and the remaining 23.4% cases were small cell carcinoma. The majority (77.4%) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients had advanced stage disease (IIIb and IV) and 58 % of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients had limited disease and 42 % of SCLC patients had extensive disease at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion. Adenocarcinoma was found to be the most common histopathological type of bronchogenic carcinoma among these females.