Retinopathy as a Prognostic Marker in Cerebral Malaria.

Objectives: To study the association between fundal changes (malarial retinopathy) and mortality in children with cerebral malaria. Methods: 50 consecutive children (mean age 8.4 y, 23 males) with cerebral malaria (acute febrile encephalopathy and either peripheral smear or Rapid diagnostic test positive for malaria) were evaluated by a single ophthalmologist for any changes of retinopathy. Children were managed as per standard guidelines for treatment of cerebral malaria. Results: P. vivax infection was seen in one child, P. falciparum infection in 42 children, and a mixed infection in 7. Retinopathy was present in 48% of the children. 13 children died during hospital stay. The mean interval from admission to fundus examination was 11.6 (4.64) h. Presence of ‘any retinopathy’ (P=0.02), and either of papilledema (P=0.02), hemorrhages (P=0.005) or vessel changes (P=0.01), were associated with a significantly higher risk of death. Conclusions: Malarial retinopathy is significantly associated with mortality in children with cerebral malaria. It may be used for both prognostication, and triaging for optimum utilization of intensive care facilities in these children.

An unusual organism as a cause of Neonatal Suppurative Parotitis.

Neonatal suppurative parotitis(NSP) is an uncommon illness in the neonate. Here, to the best of our knowledge we describe first case of newborn who developed NSP due to acenatobacter species and was treated successfully with antibiotics.

Follicular Ameloblastoma with emphasis on correlation between pathological findings and clinical behaviour.

Ameloblastoma constitutes a homogenous group of neoplasm with mandible as a common site of occurrence in head and neck region. Histologically it appears in different patterns with follicular and plexiform as common one. We hereby report a case of 47 year old male with emphasis on correlation between histological findings and clinical behaviour of lesion. Regular follow up of patients should be carried out to predict the behaviour of this tumour and to ascertain histopathologic correlation to biological behaviour of the tumour.

Pyogenic granuloma: A diagnostic dilemma.

Pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma) is a common acquired vascular lesion of the skin and mucous membranes in the pediatric age group. Pyogenic granuloma and hemangioma of oral cavity are well- known benign lesions. The clinical diagnosis and differentiation of these lesions is at times difficult. The purpose of this article is to report an unusual case of benign tumor occuring on hard palate which was clinically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma and hiatopathologically as capillary hemangioma.

An update on precancerous lesions of oral cavity.

Oral cancer is the most common head and neck cancer, found in 270,000 patients annually worldwide. Some cancers develop from precancerous lesions; however, there is no definitive clinico pathological factor or biomarker that reliably enables malignant transformation to be predicted in an individual patient. Early detection and early treatment of oral cancer are important for improving the survival rate of patients; prevention of oral cancer will clearly contribute most to decreasing its death rate. So correct diagnosis and timely treatment of premalignant lesions with high risk of malignant transformation may help to prevent malignant transformation.

Forensic odontology in the era of computer and technology.

We are living in the era of science and technology and it have infused with many aspects of our everyday life. With the advent of newer technologies the criminals have made full use of it which sometimes facade a challenging task to investigators such as forensic experts to catch the crime. This paper will discuss the need for computer forensics and application of technologies to be practiced in an effective and legal way, formalize basic technical issues, and point to references for further reading. It promotes the idea that the proficient practice of computer forensics and awareness of applicable laws is essential for today’s networked organizations.

Prevalence of bruxism and oral lesions in psychiatric patients – A survey.

As oral cavity is an integral part of general health, persistent and unrelenting stress often becomes a danger affecting the oral health and overall health causing various psychosomatic disorders. Present study aimed to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and bruxism in psychiatric patients dependent on psychotropic drugs. Dental examination was done and questionnaire administered to 150 psychiatric patients and 150 control participants. In dental examination recurrent apthous stomatitis, burning mouth syndrome, oral lichen planus, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders were evaluated. Results showed that psychiatric patients had higher prevalence of bruxism, oral mucosal lesions in general, than the control group.