Severe focal stromal degeneration up to Descemet membrane after corneal collagen cross-linking

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is an effective treatment for arresting progression in keratoconus cases. It is considered safe despite a few complications that have been recorded earlier. In this case series, we report a rare and late complication caused due to severe stromal thinning up to Descemet's membrane in three patients who underwent CXL 3 to 6 years back for keratoconus. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) was then done for the affected eye with good outcomes. This case series highlights the possible late effects of UVA irradiation post CXL.

Risk factors for neonatal intensive care unit admission in Amman, Jordan

A better understanding of risk factors for neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission can inform interventions to improve neonatal survival. This study aimed to describe a population of newborns admitted to a NICU in Amman Jordan, and compare them with newborns discharged to home. Newborns born within 96 hours at Al-Bashir Hospital were enrolled from February 2010 to June 2011. Demographic and clinical data were collected for mothers and newborns. Of 5466 enrolled neonates, 373 [6.8%] were admitted to the NICU. The median gestational age of NICU infants was 36 weeks, median birth weight was 2.2 kg and 49.5% were delivered by non-elective caesarean section. Lower gestational age, lower birth weight, delivery by caesarean section and birth in the month of May were statistically significant risk factors for NICU admission. Risk factors for NICU admission were consistent with other populations worldwide; however, median gestational age and birth weight were higher than in developed countries

Review of pharmacokinetic models for target controlled infusions in anesthesia.

Intravenous injection of anesthetic drugs dates back to the 17th Century when opium and chloral hydrate have been injected intravenously. It was not until the 1930s intravenous anesthesia became popular with the invention of barbiturates.Early intravenous anesthetic agents such as barbiturates were ideal for induction of anesthesia, but not suitable for maintenance of anesthesia. Most of these drugs accumulated significantly with increasing durations of infusion and also resulted in cardiorespiratory depression. The invention of propofol and shorter acting opioid analgesics such as remifentanil and alfentanil have revolutionized intravenous anesthesia. The rapid onset and offset of these drugs lends itself to being suitable agents for maintenance of anesthesia over prolonged periods of time. Detailed understanding of the pharmacokinetics of propofol and remifentanil, combined with technological advances in intravenous pumps capable of accurate delivery of drugs have resulted in great development of the field of total intravenous anesthesia and target controlled infusions. I would like to discuss, in this article, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacokinetic models behind these intravenous infusion pumps.

Perceptions of gender and tuberculosis in a south Indian urban community.

BACKGROUND: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India advocating Directly Observed Treatment-Short course (DOTS) detects nearly three times more male than female TB patients. The reasons for this difference are unclear. An understanding of the community's health beliefs, perceptions on the disease and behaviour towards TB patients may throw some light on this issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A qualitative study using focus group discussions was conducted among men and women of younger and older age groups from lower income neighbourhoods. The information obtained was grouped into themes which included, understanding of TB, vulnerability, access to health care and social responses. Gender differences in community perceptions on TB seem to be critical in issues related to marriage. RESULTS: The stigma of TB is more visible in women than men when it comes to marriage. Men and children were perceived to get preferential attention by their families during illness. While the younger age group, irrespective of gender, accessed care from private providers, the older group preferred a government facility. Awareness of TB was acceptable but it seemed more associated as a respiratory disease and the common symptom associated with TB was cough. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for gender specific intervention strategies to enhance better access of TB services.