Alignment efficiency and three-dimensional assessment of root resorption after alignment with conventional and copper-nickel-titanium archwires: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare alignment efficiency and root resorption between nickel-titanium (NiTi) and copper-nickel-titanium (CuNiTi) archwires after complete alignment in mandibular anterior region. Methods: In this two-arm parallel single-blind randomized controlled trial, forty-four patients with Class I malocclusion with mandibular anterior crowding were recruited form orthodontic clinic of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Jodhpur, India). Patients were randomly allocated into NiTi and CuNiTi groups, with a 1:1 allocation. Alignment was performed using 0.014-in, 0.016-in, 0.018-in, 0.019x0.025-in archwire sequence in the respective groups, which terminated in 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless-steel working archwire. The primary outcome was alignment efficiency, measured on study models from baseline (T0) to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth-month (T5). Secondary outcome was root resorption, measured from CBCT scans taken at T0 and T5. Mixed-factorial ANOVA was used to compare Little's Irregularity Index (LII). For assessing the proportion of patients with complete alignment at the end of each month, Kaplan-Meier survival curve was built and time to treatment completion was compared between groups using log rank test. Paired t-test was used to assess external apical root resorption (EARR) within groups, whereas independent t-test was used to evaluate LII and EARR between the groups. Results: Twenty-two patients were recruited in each group. One patient was lost to follow-up in the CuNiTi group. No statistically significant differences were observed in alignment efficiency between the groups (p>0.05). Intergroup comparison revealed that the changes in root measurement in three-dimensions were not statistically significant (p>0.05), except for mandibular right central incisor, which showed increased resorption at root apex in NiTi group (p<0.01). Conclusion: The two alignment archwires showed similar rate of alignment at all time points. Root resorption measurement did not differ between the NiTi and CuNiTi groups, except for the mandibular right central incisor, which showed more resorption in NiTi group.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os fios de níquel-titânio (NiTi) e de cobre-níquel-titânio (CuNiTi) quanto à eficiência do alinhamento e quantidade de reabsorção radicular, após alinhamento completo dos dentes da região anterior inferior. Métodos: Neste estudo clínico randomizado, cego, paralelo, de dois braços, quarenta e quatro pacientes com má oclusão Classe I e apinhamento anterior inferior foram recrutados na clínica ortodôntica do All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Jodhpur, India). Os pacientes foram alocados aleatoriamente nos grupos NiTi e CuNiTi, na proporção de 1:1. O alinhamento foi realizado usando a sequência de fios 0,014", 0,016", 0,018" e 0,019" x 0,025" nos respectivos grupos, finalizando com o arco de trabalho 0,019" x 0,025" de aço inoxidável. O desfecho primário foi a eficiência do alinhamento, medida nos modelos de estudo nos tempos inicial (T0) e após um, dois, três, quatro e cinco meses (T5). O desfecho secundário foi a reabsorção radicular, medida a partir de tomografias computadorizadas realizadas em T0 e T5. ANOVA fatorial mista foi utilizada para comparar o Índice de Irregularidade de Little (IIL). Para avaliar a proporção de pacientes com alinhamento completo ao fim de cada mês, foi construída uma curva de sobrevida pelo método de Kaplan-Meier, e o tempo até o fim do tratamento foi comparado entre os grupos por meio do teste log-rank. Um teste t pareado foi utilizado para avaliar a reabsorção radicular apical externa (RRAE) dentro dos grupos, enquanto um teste t independente foi utilizado para avaliar o IIL e a RRAE entre os grupos. Resultados: Vinte e dois pacientes foram recrutados em cada grupo. Um paciente perdeu o acompanhamento no grupo CuNiTi. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos quanto à eficiência do alinhamento (p>0,05). A comparação intergrupos revelou que as alterações na RRAE medida em três dimensões não foram estatisticamente significativas (p>0,05), exceto para o incisivo central inferior direito, que apresentou aumento da RRAE no grupo NiTi (p<0,01). Conclusão: Os dois tipos de fios de alinhamento apresentaram taxa de alinhamento semelhante em todos os momentos. A medida da reabsorção radicular não diferiu entre o grupo NiTi e CuNiTi, exceto para o incisivo central inferior direito, que apresentou maior reabsorção no grupo NiTi.

Effect of environment and season on acute decompensated heart failure: Data from low-to middle-income country

Objectives: The environmental effect in heart failure (HF) patients is well established. However, the data is limited from low-to middle-income countries like India. This study determined the impact of environment on acute decompensated HF (ADHF) admissions and mortality in India. Methods: Retrospectively, the data of all HF patients admitted between April 2017 and March 2019 was accessed through electronic hospital records. Simultaneously, the environmental-related data was collected from the central pollution control board. Results: The study included 4561 patients of ADHF. The peak of monthly ADHF events (admission and mortality) was observed during the chilly month (January) while the lowest rates were observed in summer months (MayeJune). The most significant factor correlating inversely with the monthly ADHF admission (r ¼ 0.78, p ¼ 0.003) and mortality (r ¼ 0.65, p ¼ 0.004) was the maximum air temperature, and it was found to be the independent predictor for both ADHF mortality [t ¼ 2.78, b ¼ 0.84; 95%CI(-6.0 to 0.6), p ¼ 0.021] and admission [t ¼ 4.83, b ¼ 0.91; 95%CI(-19.8 to 6.9), p ¼ 0.001]. The above correlation was better seen in the elderly subset and male gender. Humidity and the air pollution attributes did not have a significant correlation with ADHF admission or mortality. Conclusion: In conclusion, even in low-to middle-income country like India, a periodic effect of season was demonstrated for ADHF mortality and admission, with a peak in ADHF events noted during winter months especially in the regions having extremes of seasons. Air pollution could not affect the ADHF outcome for which further studies are needed

Trading Behaviour Of Foreign Institutional Investors In India: An Empirical Study

The study is about the investment behaviour of “Foreign Institutional Investors” (FII) in the Indian stock market w.r.t their trading behaviour and its impact on stock market movements. We have collected the daily data of investment of FII net equity investments and NIFTY 50 index in Indian stock markets for a long time period from the year 2000 to 2022. The paper used trend analysis and the relationship between FII net equity investments and NIFTY 50 index. The paper found a significant relationship and causality in the direction of NIFTY to FII investments. The FII are found to invest with consistency in the Indian stock market and are also responsible to contribute significantly to the development of the Indian stock market.

A Study On Fdi Trends In India Since 2000

Since the liberalization of trade regulations, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has played a crucial role in the expansion of Indian economy, both at the macro and sector levels. The connection between FDI and economic expansion is a debatable subject worldwide. The volume of inflow varies due to a variety of regional, national, and global factors that affect investment choices. Critical policy changes and proactive decision-making demonstrated the government's exceptional resilience, which even helped to mitigate the pandemic's harm. The potential impact of FDI on important macroeconomic indicators is examined in this research paper. In order to analyze the trend of the economic route of future, the study shows the sectoral division of FDI influx. Understanding the divides and patterns helped to provide insight on how the economy was evolving. Changes to regimes are still being made by policymakers in an effort to attract FDI

Performance of equations for estimation of 24-hour urinary sodium from morning fasting urine samples in a multisite study in India

BACKGROUND Dietary salt intake is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Estimation of 24-hour salt intake using morning urine samples needs to be validated in the Indian context. We examined the performance of INTERSALT, Tanaka and Kawasaki equations for the estimation of 24-hour urinary sodium from morning fasting urine (MFU) samples. METHODS We enrolled 486 adults aged 18–69 years from four regions of India with equal rural/urban and sex representation to provide 24-hour urine samples. The next day, a MFU sample was obtained. Based on the volume and sodium content of the 24-hour urine sample, 24-hour sodium excretion (reference method) was calculated. Sodium levels in the MFU samples were measured along with other parameters required, and the above equations were used to estimate 24-hour urinary sodium levels. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the degree of agreement between the estimates from the reference method and the three equations. Bland–Altman (BA) plots were used to identify systematic bias and limits of agreement. A difference of 1 g of salt (0.39 g of sodium) between the mean salt intake by 24-hour urine and as estimated by equations was considered acceptable. RESULTS A total of 346 participants provided both the samples. The mean (SD) daily salt intake estimated by the 24-hour urine sample method was 9.9 (5.8) g. ICC was low for all the three equations: highest for Kawasaki (0.16; 95% CI 0.05–0.26) and least for Tanaka (0.12; 0.02–0.22). Only Tanaka equation provided estimates within 1 g of measured 24-hour salt intake (–0.36 g). BA plots showed that as the mean values increased, all the three equations provided lower estimates of salt intake. CONCLUSION Tanaka equation provided acceptable values of 24-hour salt intake at the population level. However, poor performance of all the equations highlights the need to understand the reasons and develop better methods for the measurement of sodium intake at the population level.

Retrospective analysis of complications in 3600 patients of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy results in specific complications which occur frequently as compared to open cholecystectomy. Several aspects of these complications and their treatment modalities were analyzed.Methods: 3600 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by a single surgeon at various private hospitals in Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), India during the period of 18 years from March 2002 to March 2020 were analyzed for the complications and their management.Results: Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurred in 14.5% of the patients. The most common complication was haemorrhage. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was necessary in 41 (1.13%) patients due to obscure anatomy as a result of adhesions and acute inflammation. In the study, 6 deaths (0.16%) were recorded.Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgeon should remain highly vigilant to detect major complications like injury to small gut at the time of entry into the peritoneal cavity or bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy at an earliest and should timely manage such cases to save the life of the patient.

Modified three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional four port technique

Background: The current  study was undertaken to compare the results of modified three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conventional three or four-port surgery in terms of technical feasibility, safety of the technique, postoperative pain and need of post-operative analgesia, cosmetic satisfaction of the patient and cost effectiveness and were found to be better with the modified technique.Methods: In modified three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique, first 10 mm umbilical, second 5 mm epigastric and third 5 mm subcostal ports are made, i.e., "10-5-5" instead of "10-10-5" or "10-10-5-5" of conventional three or four port techniques and finally, gallbladder is extracted through the umbilical port.Results: The pain in the postoperative period and the requirement of postoperative analgesia were significantly less and there was better cosmetic satisfaction of the patients operated by the modified three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique as compared to conventional three or four port surgery.Conclusions: The modified three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique is safe and has the same comfort and feasibility to the surgeon along with added advantage of less pain and better cosmetic appearance to the patient in comparison to the conventional three or four-port surgery, with no obvious increase in complications and is definitely a viable alternative procedure for the management of cholelithiasis.

Clinical Profile of Dengue Fever in a Tertiary Hospital of Rural South India – A Retrospective Study

Introduction:Dengue fever is a globally important arboviral infection transmitted by theAedesgenus of mosquito found in tropical and subtropical regions. Fluid therapy and the identification of the criticalphase are the most important aspects of management.Objectives:To study the clinical profile of patients with Dengue Fever.Methodology:The patients diagnosed with Dengue Fever would be considered for the study. Data pertaining to the clinic-socio demographic profile of dengue fever would be collected from the patient’s records and analyzed.Results:It was observed that majority of patients had myalgia as the common associated symptoms with fever and bleeding manifestations was present in 7.7% of patients. Dengue NS1 was positive in 79% of patients. Platelet transfusion was given for 20% of patients. Amongst those who received platelet transfusion 52% patients had bleeding manifestations. Antibioticswas given for 65% of patients which had no significanteffect on the duration of stay in hospital and platelet values.Original Research Article Conclusion:Dengue fever despite its aggressive nature can be effectively managed by maintaining hydration and hemodynamic stability. Platelet transfusion and antibiotic therapy has failed toshow any significant improvement in disease outcomes and should be reserved for Severe Dengue Haemorrhagic Shock

Stitch less, clip less, three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy: experience of 300 cases

Background: 300 cases of cholelithiasis were operated by stitch less, clip less, three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Maxx lyfe Hospital, near Bathindi morh, Sunjwan road, Jammu with effect from August 2017 to May 2019. The outcome measures in the form of safety of the technique, postoperative pain, need of postoperative analgesia, number of OT assistants needed, duration of hospital stay, recovery and return to routine work, cosmetic satisfaction of the patient were taken into consideration and were found to be better than in conventional four ports technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods: In three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy, first 10 mm umbilical, second 5 mm subxyphoid and third 5 mm subcostal ports are used and telescope is passed into the peritoneal cavity through the umbilical port. Retraction of the gallbladder is done by the long grasping forceps through the 5 mm subcostal port, whereas dissection is accomplished through the subxyphoid port. The gallbladder is retrieved through the subxyphoid port.Results: Mean operative time was 40 minutes and mean duration of postoperative stay in the hospital was 18 hours. Days to return to normal activity was 4 days at an average.Conclusions: The 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy  technique is safe and has better outcomes in the form of less postoperative pain, less duration of hospital stay, early return to routine work and more cosmetic satisfaction as compared to the conventional 4-port technique, with no obvious increase in bile duct injuries and it can be a viable alternative in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

Trans umbilical first trocar access during laparoscopic surgery

Background: In order to perform laparoscopic procedures, it is necessary to first access the peritoneal cavity and establish carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum. The placement of the first trocar remains a critical step in laparoscopic surgery. In order to minimize complications associated with placement of first trocar, several techniques have been reported. Author describe a surgical technique that provides a quick, safe, and reliable initial access to the peritoneal cavity with its excellent functional and cosmetic results.Methods: Retrospective study of patients who underwent various laparoscopic procedures at Maxx lyfe Hospital, Bathindi, Jammu was carried out by the closed technique for initial access to the peritoneal cavity through the umbilicus from July 2016 to May 2019. In this study, patients who had a prior midline laparotomy with involvement of the umbilicus were excluded.Results: Authors analyzed 456 patients (M = 190; F = 266) in the study period. Average age of the patients was 32 years (range:12-86). A physiologic defect was identified in the umbilical region in all patients who had no history of previous abdominal surgery in that region. The average time to access the peritoneal cavity was 30 seconds (range: 20-50).Conclusions: This technique is quick, safe, reliable, simple, and easy to learn and easy to perform. It is associated with no mortality and minimal morbidity and has excellent cosmetic results. Based on authors experience, authors believe that this method provides surgeons with an effective and safe way to insert the first trocar and recommend it as a routine procedure to access the peritoneal cavity for abdominal laparoscopic surgery.

Lessons for addressing noncommunicable diseases within a primary health-care system from the Ballabgarh project, India.

Background: Most patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be managed appropriately at the primary care level, using a simplified standard protocol supported by low-cost drugs. The primary care response to common NCDs is often unstructured and inadequate in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the feasibility of integration of NCD prevention and control within the primary health-care system of India. Methods: This study was done among 12 subcentres, 2 primary health centres (PHCs) and one subdistrict hospital in a block in north India. All 28 multipurpose health workers of these subcentres underwent 3-day training for delivering the package of NCD interventions as a part of their routine functioning. A time–motion study was conducted before and after this, to assess the workload on a sample of the workers with and without the NCD work. Screening for risk assessment was done at domiciliary level as well as at health-facility level (opportunistic screening), and the cost was estimated based on standard costing procedures. Individuals who screened positive were investigated with electrocardiography and fasting blood sugar. PHCs were strengthened with provision of essential medicines and technologies. Results: After training, 6% of the time of workers (n = 7) was spent in the NCDrelated activities, and introduction of NCD activities did not impact the coverage of other major national health programmes. Loss during referral of “at-risk” subjects (37.5% from home to subcentre and 33% from subcentre to PHC) resulted in screening efficiency being lowest at domiciliary level (1.3 cases of NCDs identified per 1000 screened). In comparison to domiciliary screening (`21 830.6; US$ 363.8 per case identified), opportunistic screening at subdistrict level (`794.6; US$ 13.2) was 27.5 times and opportunistic screening at PHC (`1457.5; US$ 24.3) was 15.0 times lower. There was significant utilization of NCD services provided at PHCs, including counselling. Conclusion: Opportunistic screening appears to be feasible and a cost-effective strategy for risk screening. It is possible to integrate NCD prevention and control into primary health care in India.

Short Term Visual Prognosis After Retinal Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy.

To assess the outcome of laser photocoagulation treatment for diabetic retinopathy in relation to various risk factors. Method: The change in visual acuity shortly after laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy was assessed in 50 eyes of 25 patients and was compared to the age of onset of diabetes, type of retinopathy, pre treatment duration of diabetes, hypertension, microalbuminuria, smoking, dyslipedemia, associated complications of diabetes and type of treatment of diabetes. Results: Visual improvement was good in young diabetics, short duration of diabetes and parents having mild diabetic retinopathy. Factors having adverse effect on prognosis were longer duration of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipedemia, nephropathy and severe diabetic retinopathy. There was no significant influence of smoking, glycemic control, type of treatment, age of onset and sex of patients on visual outcome. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of retinopathy and initiation of specific treatment by laser photocoagulation at earlier stages with proper control of risk factors viz hypertension, dyslipidemia and nephropathy lead to a favourable visual outcome.

Who killed Clinical Medicine? An allegorical murder mystery.

Hercule Poirot, the legendary detective, now retired, spent his time growing vegetable marrows. It was a typical day and Poirot was sipping his tisane, reading the day’s paper. He glanced at the Obituaries column (as was his practice now with ripening age).

A study on prevalence of bacteria in the hands of children and their perception on hand washing in two schools of Bangalore and Kolkata.

Background: Contaminated hands play a major role in fecal-oral transmission of diseases. In 1847, Dr Semmelweis Ignac pointed to the link between infection and unclean hands, and demonstrated that washing hands could reduce transmission of puerperal fever (child birth fever), a dreaded disease with high mortality in those days. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the extent of germs present in hand, and also the students' perception on hand washing. This was assessed by questionnaire as well as by collection of swab from hand and performing bacteriological culture in the laboratory. Results: In regard to students' perception about the dirty areas of the hands, it was observed that majority (78%) felt palm was likely to be more dirty while less than 70% felt that web spaces could harbor dirt. Almost 86% reported that they washed hands before eating lunch, but only 21.3% said they always used soap while 47.3% never used it. Availability of soap all the time in the school was reported by only 18.4% students. The swabs of 61% children showed potential pathogens. The commonest of these was Staphylococcus aureus which was seen in 44% samples. Conclusion: The students' hands were contaminated before taking food. Although they washed hands before meals, they hardly used soap due to non-availability of soap. The school authority should be asked to keep soaps in the toilets for hand washing.

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Community Based Study From Northern India

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) varies from 4% to 20% in different Asian nations. Prevalence of IBS in native North Indian community is not known. METHODS: Between November 2008 to December 2009, we estimated the prevalence of IBS in a rural community of Ballabgarh block, located in Haryana state. A structured questionnaire based on Rome III module was used to collect symptoms related to IBS from all the participants in a door to door survey. A Rome III criterion was used for diagnosis of IBS. IBS was further classified based on predominance of symptoms as constipation predominant, diarrhea predominant, mixed and unspecified based on Rome III module. RESULTS: There were 4,767 participants (mean age 34.6 +/- 10.8, males 50%). Overall, 555 (11.6%; 95% CI, 10.7-12.5) had constipation, 542 (11.4%; 95% CI, 10.5-12.3) diarrhea and 823 (17.3%; 95% CI, 16.2-18.4) abdominal pain. The overall prevalence of IBS was 4% (95% CI, 3.5-4.6). The prevalence of constipation predominant IBS was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.16-0.49), diarrhea predominant IBS 1.5% (95% CI, 1.18-1.90), mixed IBS 1.7% (95% CI, 1.35-2.11) and unsubtyped IBS 0.5% (95% CI, 0.32-0.75). The prevalence of IBS was significantly higher in females compared with males (4.8% vs 3.2%, P = 0.008). However, there was no significant difference between males and females in the prevalence of different subtypes of IBS. The prevalence increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IBS in a North Indian community is 4%. IBS poses a significant burden on the rural adults.

Surgical Treatment of Facial Paralysis

The management of facial paralysis is one of the most complex areas of reconstructive surgery. Given the wide variety of functional and cosmetic deficits in the facial paralysis patient, the reconstructive surgeon requires a thorough understanding of the surgical techniques available to treat this condition. This review article will focus on surgical management of facial paralysis and the treatment options available for acute facial paralysis (2 yr). For acute facial paralysis, the main surgical therapies are facial nerve decompression and facial nerve repair. For facial paralysis of intermediate duration, nerve transfer procedures are appropriate. For chronic facial paralysis, treatment typically requires regional or free muscle transfer. Static techniques of facial reanimation can be used for acute, intermediate, or chronic facial paralysis as these techniques are often important adjuncts to the overall management strategy.

Profile of biochemical risk factors for non communicable diseases in urban, rural and periurban Haryana, India.

BACKGROUND: Globalisation and increasing urbanisation in most developing countries including India raises concerns of possibility of a major increase in NCDs in these countries. WHO has recommended a STEPwise approach for NCD risk factor surveillance since risk factors of today are diseases of tomorrow. This paper presents the estimation of biochemical risk factors for NCDs undertaken as a part of the ICMR six centre study. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and levels of bio-chemical risk factors (fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels) in urban, rural and periurban locations in Ballabgarh, Haryana. METHODOLOGY: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in urban, rural and periurban areas. A total of 1513 subjects were enrolled (501 in urban, 504 in periurban and 508 in rural areas) with equal distribution by area of residence, sex and age group. Fasting blood glucose and lipids were estimated using enzymatic kits. RESULTS: The mean levels of fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, TGL and low HDL were the highest in the urban area, though there was not much difference in the rural and periurban areas. There was also an increasing trend of all the parameters as age increased in both men and women. 11.4% of men in urban areas had fasting blood glucose above the cut off levels and 44.3% of urban men and women had high cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: This study documents a high burden of biochemical risk factorsnot only in urban areas but also in the periurban and rural population. It has also brought out some technical and operational issues for carrying out biochemical risk factors surveillance in the community. There is a need to scale up from surveys to surveillance mode using appropriate tools and application of this information for policy planning and programme implementation.

Effect of Consumption of Micronutrient Fortified Candies on the Iron and Vitamin A Status of Children Aged 3-6 years in Rural Haryana.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of micronutrient fortified sugar candies in improving the iron and vitamin A status in children aged 3 to 6 years. DESIGN: Triple blind randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Anganwadis and preparatory schools in rural Haryana. METHODS: 410 children were randomized in four groups. One group received full dose candy (vitamin A 1000 IU and 14 mg elemental iron) daily, the second group received full dose candy for 3 days a week, the third group received half dose candy (vitamin A 500 IU and 7 mg elemental iron) daily and the fourth received placebo. The candies were provided to children under supervision of field workers. Hemoglobin, S. ferritin, S. retinol and S. retinol binding protein levels were estimated at baseline and after 13 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: The increase in hemoglobin was least in the placebo group (0.3 g/dL) as compared to the two full dose groups (1.15-1.18 g/dL, P <; 0.001). Among anemic children, the increase in hemoglobin was about 2 g/dL in the full dose group and 0.7g/dL in the placebo group (P <; 0.001). S. ferritin levels increased significantly only in the full dose daily group ( p <; 0.05). The prevalence of anemia decreased from around 50% at baseline to 9.6% in the full dose daily group (p <; 0.01). Based on the S. retinol levels, the study area was not vitamin A deficient and the intervention did not result in a significant improvement in the vitamin A status of the children. CONCLUSION: Micronutrient fortified candies were effective in improving the hemoglobin level and decreasing anemia prevalence. It could serve as a suitable vehicle for micronutrient supplementation in children and other target groups.