Clinical profile of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Background: Ocular allergy is a common disorder, which can be debilitating for patients and at times challenging physicians to diagnose and treat. Allergic disease affects 30-50% of the population. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) has predilection for young age group and the diagnosis is generally based on signs and symptoms of the disease. This study was undertaken to stress upon the disease and those secondary to its long-term medication. Methods: 74 patients with VKC detected at random, who attended the Department of Ophthalmology KIMS, Hubli from December 2012 to May 2014. The relevant details of history and clinical examination of the patients were recorded on a specifically designed Proforma. The type and severity of VKC was noted. Clinical observation and evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms were performed before and after drug therapy at first visit, weekly interval for 2 weeks and at the end of 3 months. Results: 22 out of 74 (29.72%) were in the 6-10 years of age. The male: female ratio was 2.7:1.13. Majority of the patients presented in the month of May. Family history of allergy was present in 4 (5.04%) of patients. 59 (72.72%) patients showed seasonal symptoms and 15 (20.27%) patients showed perennial symptoms. Mixed type was found in 60.81%. Itching was present in 59 (79.72%). 72 (97.29%) had papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva. Conclusions: VKC was common in males, during hot climate. Mixed type of VKC was more commonly present.

Prevalence of myopia among school going children.

Background: Poor vision in childhood affects performance in school or at work and has a negative influence on the future life of the child. Moreover planning of a youth’s career is very much dependent on the visual acuity, especially in jobs for navy, military, railways and aviation. This warrants early detection and treatment of refractive errors to prevent permanent disability. Hence present study was planned with the objective to determine, the prevalence of myopia among school children. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was carried out among primary and high school children of 7 – 15 years of age. A total of 4429 children were studied over a period of one year. Visual acuity was performed among all children. Myopic children were referred for further evaluation and management. Data was entered in excel and analyzed using proportions and chi square test. Results: The prevalence of myopia was 6%. It was more among girls 155 (58.27%) than boys 111 (41.73%) were boys. 91.73% had bilateral myopia. Visual acuity improved in 95% of cases after correction. Myopia was more common among social class IV compared to social class VI. Conclusions: Early diagnosis and visual rehabilitation of myopic students can be achieved by periodic eye examination at regular intervals by school teachers and basic health workers and this can help in preventing the development of amblyopia thereby reducing the burden of morbidity due to myopia.

Comparative evaluation of bovine derived hydroxyapatite and synthetic hydroxyapatite graft in bone regeneration of human maxillary cystic defects: A clinico-radiological study.

Introduction: Bone grafts are frequently used in the treatment of bone defects. Bone harvesting can cause postoperative complications and sometimes does not provide a sufficient quantity of bone. Therefore, synthetic biomaterials have been investigated as an alternative to autogenous bone grafts. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare bovine derived hydroxyapatite (BHA) and synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) graft material as bone graft substitute in maxillary cystic bony defects. Patients were analyzed by computerized densitometric study and digital radiography. Materials and Methods: In this study, 12 patients in each group were included randomly after clinical and radiological evaluation. The integration of hydroxyapatite was assessed with mean bone density, surgical site margin, and radiological bone formation characteristics, of the successful graft cases using computer densitometry and radio-visiograph. Statistical analysis was carried out using Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon matched pairs test and paired t-test. Results: By the end of 24 th week, the grafted defects radiologically and statistically showed similar volumes of bone formation. However, the significant changes observed in the formation of bone and merging of material and surgical site margin at 1 st week to 1 st month. The results were significant and correlating with all the parameters showing the necessity of the grafting for early bone formation. However, the bone formation pattern is different in both BHA and SHA group at 3 rd month interval with significant P value. Conclusion: Both BHA and SHA graft materials are biocompatible for filling bone defects, showing less resorption and enhanced bone formation with similar efficacy. Our study showed maximum bone healing within 12 weeks of grafting of defects. The BHA is economical; however, price difference between the two is very nominal.

Three Dimensional Bone Plating System In The Management of Mandibular Fractures - A Clinical Study.

Over the past many years, various bone plating systems have been developed to provide stable fixation for the mandible fractures were proposed and performed. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy of three dimensional (3-D)titanium mini plates in the management of mandibular fractures, and to analyze structural stability of the fractured bone fragments after fixation, to evaluate the biocompatibility of the three dimensional plating system and the morbidity of three dimensional plating system. Patients and Methods: 20 patients with mandibular fractures required open reduction internal fixation of the fractures using three dimensional mini plate osteosynthesis over a period of 2 yrs. prospectively. Conclusions: Three dimensional titanium miniplates provide good stabilization of fractured fragments in three dimensions due to closed quadrangular geometric shape and ease of contouring and adapting. Less surgical exposure of underlying fracture site is needed, with a minimal traction of the surrounding soft tissue. They are biocompatible and no morbidity seen in our study.