Exploring the unusual: a testosterone-secreting ovarian tumor

ABSTRACT Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare, representing less than 0.1% of all ovarian neoplasms. Among the myriad causes of hirsutism, ovarian tumors account for 1% of the reported cases. We present the case of a 49-year-old parous postmenopausal woman who sought medical attention for hirsutism for 2 years. This case illustrates the unusual and interesting connection between rare ovarian pathology and the clinical manifestation of hirsutism in a postmenopausal patient. Her ultrasonography and MRI showed a right adnexal mass of solid-cystic consistency with thin septations. Her laboratory workup revealed high levels of total testosterone of 256 ng/ml (8.4-48.1ng/ml) and free testosterone of 7.36 pg/ml (0.2-4.1 pg/ml), while DHEAS - 234 µg/dl (35.4-256 µg/dl) and CA125 - 15.8U/L (0.0-35 U/L) were in the normal range. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with a total abdominal hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry conclusively established the presence of a steroid cell tumor, specifically classified as "Not Otherwise Specified"(NOS), in the right ovary.

Randomized comparison between transversus abdominis and erector spinae blocks in cesarean section

Introduction: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block provides somatic analgesia postoperatively in cesarean sections, however erector spinae plane (ESP) block has shown to provide both somatic and visceral analgesia. Objective: To compare the efficacy of TAP and ESP blocks for pain control after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods: In a double-blind superiority trial, pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section were randomized into either bilateral TAP or ESP block groups. Primary outcome was total consumption of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol in the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included time required for first rescue analgesia, post-surgery visual analog score (VAS) for pain, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects. Results: 50 pregnant patients were randomized into TAP and ESP blocks. There was no difference in the amount of PCA tramadol within the first 24 hours between both groups [100mg (63-125) in TAP group vs 75mg (38-100) ESP group]. Pain score at rest and on movement and patient satisfaction were comparable in both groups, with no difference in adverse effects. There was a slight difference in the median time for first rescue analgesia [210min (135-315) in TAP group and 270min (225-405) ESP group] (p=0.03). Conclusions: TAP and ESP blocks provide similar analgesia with comparable consumption of tramadol in the first 24 hours post-cesarean section and no difference in pain scores at rest/on movement.

Introducción: El bloqueo del plano transverso abdominal (TAP - por sus siglas en inglés), ofrece analgesia somática postoperatoria en cesárea; sin embargo, el bloqueo del plano erector de la espina (ESP - por sus siglas en inglés) ha demostrado proporcionar analgesia tanto somática, como visceral. Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia de los bloqueos TAP y ESP para el control del dolor posterior a la cesárea, bajo anestesia raquídea. Métodos: En un estudio de superioridad doble ciego, las pacientes embarazadas sometidas a cesárea se aleatorizaron bien sea al grupo de bloqueo bilateral TAP o ESP? El desenlace principal fue el consumo total de analgesia controlada por la paciente (PCA - por sus siglas en inglés) con tramadol en las primeras 24 horas. Los desenlaces secundarios incluyeron el tiempo transcurrido para la primera analgesia de rescate, el puntaje en la escala visual analógica (EVA) para dolor, la satisfacción del paciente y los efectos adversos. Resultados: 50 pacientes embarazadas se aleatorizaron entre bloqueo TAP y bloqueo ESP. No hubo diferencia en la cantidad de tramadol de la PCA dentro de las primeras 24 horas entre los dos grupos [100mg (63-125) en el grupo TAP vs 75mg (38-100) en el grupo ESP]. El puntaje de dolor en reposo y en movimiento y la satisfacción de la paciente fueron comparables en ambos grupos, sin diferencia en los efectos adversos. Hubo una ligera diferencia en la media de tiempo hasta la primera analgesia de rescate [210 min (135-315) en el grupo de TAP y 270 min (225-405) en el grupo ESP] (p=0,03). Conclusiones: Los bloqueos TAP y ESP ofrecen una analgesia similar, con un consumo comparable de tramadol en las primeras 24 horas posteriores a la cesárea y no hay diferencia en los puntajes de dolor en reposo, o en movimiento.

Effectiveness of VATP on Knowledge Regarding Good and Bad Touch among Mothers of Preschool Children attending Anganawadies

Background: Touch is a fundamental need of human life. The incidence of child sexual abuse is rising day by day. Good and bad touch is a sensitive topic and theme to reduce sexual harassment among children. So, the teaching programme is an effective way to improve knowledge of good and bad touches. Methods: 100 other preschool children are included as the sample. A convenient sampling method was used. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used to gather information. Chi-square analysis uncovered the relationship between knowledge about thyroid disorders and sociodemographic factors. Results: The post-test score (17.09�71) contributes to 56.96% of the total score, and their pre-test knowledge score (9.86�08) represents 32.8%. The efficiency of VATP on good and bad touch was 7.23, with SD�63, accounting for 24.1% of the total score. Conclusion: Finally, the study concluded that VATP was extensively helpful in civilizing the consciousness level of mothers of preschool children regarding Good and bad touches.

Comparison of two different doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine for intracavitary radiotherapy in patients with carcinoma cervix ? A randomized control trial

Background: Subarachnoid block has been used for intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) for carcinoma cervix, but the literature on the appropriate dose of local anesthetic required to achieve the desired effect is lacking. We compared two different intrathecal doses of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (1.2 and 1.5 mL) for providing optimal surgical conditions and readiness to discharge in patients undergoing ICRT for carcinoma cervix. Materials and Methods: This prospective double?blind study was done in 80 patients undergoing ICRT. The patients were randomized into two groups (Groups I and II) to receive 1.2 and 1.5 mL of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine, respectively, for ICRT. The level of sensory achieved, the patient satisfaction score, radiation oncologist score, time to L5 regression, and time to motor recovery (walking unaided) were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 for Windows (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The time taken for the block to regress to L5 (Group I: 134.6 � 32.4 minutes vs. Group II: 143.2 � 43.0 minutes, P = 0.31) were comparable. However, the mean time for walking unaided (Group I: 220.87 � 47.12 minutes versus Group II: 247.00 � 49.83 minutes, P = 0.032) after the subarachnoid block was significantly less in Group I. The patient satisfaction with the procedure and overall satisfaction of the radiation oncologists regarding the operating condition were comparable in both the groups. Conclusions: Hence, a 1.2 mL dose of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine for ICRT provides optimal surgical conditions with hemodynamic stability and ensures the early discharge of the patient.

TRANSIENT STRUCTURES FOR STREET VENDORS: VIABLE DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

The commercial sector in India is ever-changing with a visible divide in different aspects of the operations, this leads to the creation of different sectors of the economy namely the 'formal' and the 'informal sector'. There is a wide disparity in documentation and assessment needs of the commercial setups involved in different types of activities in such 'unorganized' or 'informal' units. The Government of NCT of Delhi data on street vendors indicates that Delhi has an estimate of over 4 lakh vendors who are working in the informal sector as street vendors, roadside tea sellers, small roadside nursery owners, etc. all these setups require a special type of planning & consideration as these vendors have limited resource availability, with many of these street vendors finding accommodations in their mobile carts, and unplanned roadside setups. The state of livelihood and resource access remains limited for these 'informal' vendors. Issues such as the access to 'safe' infrastructure, permits & certification to operate as street vendors limit their social and economic well-being. Such concerns require significant social and design interventions to ensure the social, physical, and economic well-being of the vendors on 'the streets'.

New WHO Recommendations for the Care of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Infants – A Potential Strategy to Transform the Current Healthcare Needs of Neonates

Despite major advances in the field of maternal and child health, preterm and lowbirth neonates still carry a substantial burden of both mortality and morbidity, especially in low and middle-income countries. In view of accumulating new evidence, there was a felt need for updating and expanding the previous World Health Organization recommendations of 2015. The new evidence-based recommendations for care of the preterm or low birthweight infant consist of 25 recommendations and one good practice statement and were published on 15 November, 2022. We herein provide the key recommendations for the benefit of the readers.

Target product profiles for diagnosis of sepsis: Proposing a new approach for diagnostic innovation

Background & objectives: Sepsis, including neonatal sepsis, remains a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries such as India, representing 85 per cent of all sepsis-related deaths globally. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment is challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations and non-availability of rapid diagnostic tests. There is an urgent need for affordable diagnostics with fast turnaround time catering to the needs of end-users. Target product profiles (TPPs) have been found instrumental in developing ‘fit-for-use’ diagnostics, thus reducing the time taken to facilitate development and improving diagnosis. Hitherto, no such guidance or criteria has been defined for rapid diagnostics for sepsis/neonatal sepsis. We propose an innovative approach for developing the diagnostics for sepsis screening and diagnosis which can be utilized by diagnostic developers in the country. Methods: Three-round Delphi method, including two online surveys and one virtual consultation, was adopted to define criteria for minimum and optimum attributes of TPPs and build consensus on characteristics. Expert panel (n=23) included infectious disease physicians, public health specialists, clinical microbiologists, virologists, researchers/scientists and technology experts/innovators. Results: We present a three-component product profile for sepsis diagnosis, (i) screening with high sensitivity, (ii) detection of aetiological agent, and (iii) profiling of antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance, in adults and neonates with an option of testing different considerations. An agreement of >75 per cent was achieved for all TPP characteristics by Delphi. These TPPs are tailored to the Indian healthcare settings and can also be extrapolated to other resource-constraint and high-disease burden settings.

Clinical characteristics & severity profile of children with COVID-19 during the second wave pandemic: An experience from tertiary care hospital in Mumbai

This retrospective observational study was aimed at defining the demographic and clinical characteristics as well as severity profile of COVID-19 disease in children admitted to dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India, during the second wave. COVID-19 infection detected in children (1 month-12 years) by the rapid antigen test or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or TRUENAT from March 1 to July 31, 2021 on throat/nasopharyngeal samples were enrolled and their clinical features and outcomes were studied. During the study period, 77 children with COVID-19 infection were admitted, of whom two-third (59.7%) were <5 yr old. The common presenting symptom was fever (77%), followed by respiratory distress. Comorbidities were noted in 34 (44.2%) children. Most of the patients belonged to the mild severity category (41.55%). While 25.97 per cent of patients presented in severe category and 19.48 per cent were asymptomatic. Admission to intensive care was needed in 20 (25.9%) patients, with 13 patients needing invasive ventilation. Nine patients succumbed while 68 were discharged. The results might help understand the course, severity profile and outcomes of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the paediatric population.

Role of machine learning techniques in classification of peripheral pulse morphology

Recording of peripheral pulse serves as a very important and essential non-invasive tool used widely by doctors for the diagnosis of various diseases. The morphology of pulse is seen to vary as a function of time in a given individual and also from individual to individual. There are many variations in morphological patterns of peripheral pulse in different disease conditions, which lead to difficulty in accurate diagnosis. The peripheral pulse waveforms are extracted from radial arteries as time series data using a peripheral pulse analyzer which is designed on the principle of impedance plethysmography. It was first introduced by Nyober in the mid-nineteen hundreds and ameliorated further by Kubicek. It involves the recording of the instantaneous blood volume by the measurement of electrical impedance as a function of time. Therefore, the study of peripheral pulse morphology has gained much attention in the past few years among researchers. Physiological variability is one of the recent investigations added during the last two decades for the objective assessment of autonomic function and the assessment of prognosis in severe sicknesses namely myocardial infarction, diabetic neuropathy, etc. In addition to heart rate variability studied worldwide, few researchers have studied blood pressure variability and peripheral blood flow variability. In this computer era, artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques have become more important day-by- day, and different types of algorithms were used for the identification of hidden patterns from plethysmographic observations on the radial pulse such as support vector machine as well as crisp and fuzzy clustering. Eight patterns were classified with a yield of 80%–90% and helped with the diagnosis of disorders such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary tuberculosis, coronary artery disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, and bronchial asthma. This paper briefly describes the use of machine learning techniques for the classification of peripheral pulse morphologies.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the external auditory canal

ABSTRACT Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the external auditory canal (EAC) is a rare clinical entity with a few cases reported in the literature. The clinical diagnosis of these lesions can be formidable due to their rarity and unusual location. This tumor occurs at various other anatomical locations apart from the major salivary glands. A 30-year-old female presented with a two-year history of a gradually enlarging and painless mass in the left external auditory canal. The tumor was excised, and histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed a mixed tumor with both epithelial and stromal components of different proportions, recognized and classified today by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pleomorphic adenoma. The post-operative course was uneventful, and at the 10-month follow-up, no recurrence of the pleomorphic adenoma was noted. We highlight the histological features and the immunohistochemical profile of the tumor and review the literature on glandular neoplasms of the EAC and their recent classification, emphasizing on the histogenesis, clinical presentations, and microscopic features of the tumor. In addition, we aim to discuss vital features in differentiating these tumors from other tumors of the external auditory canal to enable clinicians and pathologists to recognize this uncommon benign neoplasm.

Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of an algorithmic approach to uveal effusion syndrome

Purpose: To describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes in spontaneous uveal effusion syndrome (UES). Methods: A 10?year retrospective chart review of UES patients from a tertiary eye center was carried out. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) scans were performed. UES was managed based on presenting best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), symptoms, and fundus findings. Patients with secondary causes of uveal effusion were excluded. Results: Twenty?five eyes of 16 patients were included. Of the 16 patients, 14 (88%) were male and 9 (56%) had bilateral disease. Fifteen of 25 affected eyes had nanophthalmos (axial length (AL) <20.5 mm) and 6 had hyperopia with AL >20.5 mm. The presenting mean distance BCVA was 0.74 ± 0.64 logMAR (mean Snellen: 20/100). Eleven eyes had exudative retinal detachment, and 4 also had exudative choroidal detachment (CD). Choroidal thickness (CT) was increased in 11 eyes on B?scan ultrasonography, and the mean CT was 1.74 ± 0.38 mm. Sub?retinal fluid (SRF) and retinal folds were the most common OCT findings. UBM findings included shallow angles, peripheral CD, and supra?ciliary effusion. A combination of local and systemic corticosteroids was used to successfully treat 12 eyes, 6 needed surgery, and 7 were observed. Partial sclerectomy with anterior chamber maintainer?assisted SRF drainage was the favored surgery. The median period of follow?up was 6.5 months (0.1–76 months), and the mean distance BCVA at the last follow?up was 0.58 ± 0.42 logMAR (mean Snellen: 20/80). Conclusion: UES can be suitably managed both medically and surgically based on clinical presentation

Spindle Cell Carcinoma: A Confirmatory Diagnostic Analysis by Immunohistochemical Studies

Introduction: WHO defines it as a ‘‘carcinoma within which there are some elements resembling a squamous cell carcinoma that are admixed with a spindle cell component. Spindle cell carcinoma is an uncommon poorly differentiated type of SCC com- prising up to 3% of SCC and it is also known as sarcomatoid carcinoma which is a rare biphasic malignant neoplasm. . Case Report: A 20 year old female patient complains of pain and growth in lower front teeth region since 3 months and gave a history of growth 2yrs back in the front teeth region for which she has been operated but it has recurred again. Discussion: The histological features mimicked other connective tissue sarcomas & spindle cell malignancies at light micro- scopic level. Hence, after undergoing immunohistochemistryA careful study based on clinical, radiological and histopathologi- cal and immunohistochemical examination was done and a final diagnosis of spindle cell carcinoma was given.

A randomized comparison between interscalene block and dexmedetomidine for arthroscopic shoulder surgery / Una comparación aleatoria entre el bloqueo interescalénico y dexmedetomidina para la cirugía artroscópica de hombro

Abstract Introduction: Management of intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative analgesia during arthroscopic shoulder surgeries remains a challenge. Although interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) is considered ideal for shoulder anesthesia it requires skill and proficiency unlike intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine. Objective: This randomized trial was performed to observe the efficacy of dexmedetomidine infusion which is less invasive and demands lesser skills than plexus block. Methodology: All patients scheduled for elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were assigned either to group DEX, which received an IV dexmedetomidine bolus of 0.5 mcg/kg over 20 minutes, followed by an infusion of 0.5 mcg/kg/hour that was stopped 30 minutes before surgery the end of surgery or to group BLOCK which received ultrasound guided ISB with 20ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. The primary outcome assessed was intraoperative hemodynamics; the secondary outcomes were immediate postoperative pain, operating condition as assessed by the surgeon, recovery time, and patient satisfaction after 24 hours. Blinded investigator and composite scores were used for the assessment. Results: Both groups displayed equivalent scores for intraoperative hemodynamics whereas ISB resulted in a better post-operative analgesia (p < 0.001). Surgeon's opinion and recovery time were comparable. Overall, the patients had a satisfactory experience with both techniques, according to the quality assessment. Conclusions: IV dexmedetomidine infusion is an effective alternative to ISB for reconstructive shoulder surgeries under general anesthesia.

Resumen Introducción: El manejo hemodinámico intraoperatorio y la analgesia postoperatoria durante la cirugía artroscópica de hombro sigue siendo un desafío. Aun cuando el bloqueo interescalénico del plexo braquial (BIE) se considera ideal para la anestesia del hombro, a diferencia del uso de la dexmedetomidina intravenosa (IV), el BIE requiere destreza y maestría. Objetivo: El presente estudio aleatorizado se llevó a cabo para observar la eficacia de la infusión de dexmedetomidina que es menos invasiva y exige menos destreza que el bloqueo del plexo. Metodología: Todos los pacientes programados para cirugía artroscópica electiva de hombro bajo anestesia general, se asignaron o bien al grupo DEX, para recibir un bolo de dexmedetomidina IV de 0,5 mcg/kg en 20 minutos, seguido de una infusión de 0,5 mcg/kg/hora que se detuvo 30 minutos antes del final de la cirugía; o, al grupo BLOQUEO al cual se le administró un BIE ecoguiado con 20ml debupivacaína 0,25%. El desenlace primario evaluado fue la hemodinamia intraoperatoria; los desenlaces secundarios fueron el dolor postoperatorio inmediato, la condición operatoria evaluada por el cirujano, el tiempo de recuperación y la satisfacción del paciente después de 24 horas. Para la evaluación se utilizaron el investigador ciego y puntajes compuestos. Resultados: Ambos grupos mostraron puntajes equivalentes en la hemodinamia intraoperatoria, en tanto que el BIE dio como resultado una mejor analgesia en el postoperatorio (p < 0.001). La opinión del cirujano y el tiempo de recuperación fueron comparables. En general, la experiencia de los pacientes fue satisfactoria con ambas técnicas, de acuerdo con la evaluación de calidad. Conclusiones: La infusión de dexmedetomidina IV es una alternativa efectiva al BIE para cirugías reconstructivas de hombro bajo anestesia general.

An undiagnosed case of cervical ectopic pregnancy: A case report

Cervical ectopic pregnancy very rarely presents in the second trimester. A 35-year-old female was diagnosed with a rare case of cervical pregnancy intraoperatively at 18 weeks as it was undetected prior. Emergency laparotomy was done as she started bleeding torrentially, and a hysterectomy was done as postpartum hemorrhage was noted. The patient recovered in 1 day and was discharged on day 10 without any postoperative surgical complications.

It is time for more colors!

Retinal drawing with a color-coding system brings uniformity in representation of fundus findings so that clinician can decipher various lesions on a two-dimensional drawing. Existing color coding addresses most of the common retinal pathologies including preretinal, intraretinal, and subretinal lesions. However, with the advent of various imaging modalities there is deeper understanding of microanatomy of retina and associated pathologies. With this, there appears further need of newer set of color coding to include the minute details of fundus findings clinically. Through this article, we discuss few common pathologies at different levels of retina layers with color-coding dilemma which calls for a better preciseness in its clinical representations

Effectiveness and future implications of COVID-19-related risk stratification for managing retinopathy of prematurity: The Indian twin cities retinopathy of prematurity study report number 10

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and future implications of COVID?related risk stratification for managing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center from the beginning of the lockdown in India from 23 March 2020 till the end of the first phase of lockdown on 29 May 2020. We evaluated 200 prematurely born infants (< 34 weeks of gestational age) using the new safety guideline protocols for low?risk babies developed in conjunction with the Indian ROP Society for care during the COVID?19 pandemic. Low risk included babies born at more than 30 weeks of gestational age, post menstrual age 34 weeks or above at presentation, more than 1000 grams of birth weight, and stable systemically with good weight gain. Results: New guidelines were implemented in 106 (53%) infants who were low risk while 94 (47%) infants with high risk were followed up as per the old guidelines. Out of the 106 infants (212 eyes) managed by the new guidelines, good outcome (group 1) was seen in 102 (96.2%) infants. Twenty?seven of the 102 infants had some form of ROP and 5 of these infants needed treatment. None of the low?risk babies with no detachment at presentation managed by new guidelines required surgery later (group 2). Two (1.9%) infants came with retinal detachment at presentation and underwent successful surgery (group 3) and two infants (1.9%) were lost to follow up. Conclusion: New risk stratification during the COVID?19 pandemic was an efficient and safe strategy in managing low?risk ROP babies.

Exudative retinal detachment as an initial presentation of retinopathy of prematurity: Clinical profile and outcomes of a rare presentation

Purpose: To describe the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) presenting with isolated exudative retinal detachment (ERD). Methods: Retrospective interventional case series. Preterm infants diagnosed with ROP with ERD at presentation were included. All demographic details, clinical findings, and treatment given were documented. The anatomical outcome was categorized as good, fair, and poor. Refractive outcome was classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to spherical equivalent at the last visit. Results: Fifteen eyes (8 patients) were included. Mean gestational age was 31.3 weeks, and birth weight was 1462.6 g. All eyes presented with aggressive ROP. Patches of retinal edema in avascular retina were seen in all eyes. A total of 86.6% of eyes had vascular sclerosis while 86.6% of eyes had subretinal exudates. The anatomical outcome was good in all eyes. In addition, 40% of eyes had a mild refractive error. Conclusion: Exudative retinal detachment in ROP is rare. The use of unregulated oxygen can be a contributory factor. Vascular sclerosis is consistent with hyperoxia?induced retinopathy models. Retinal edema and subretinal exudates indicate disrupted inner and outer blood?retinal barrier. Treatment outcomes are good when diagnosed and treated in time.

Evaluation of a revised care plan for babies with retinopathy of prematurity during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India

Purpose: To analyze the impact of a revised care plan for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) during SARS?CoV?2 pandemic in a tertiary eye care facility in eastern India. Methods: In a retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of babies managed for ROP during the peak of the SARS?CoV?2 pandemic, with particular reference to the challenges, and the revised strategies addressing travel restrictions for five months, from April to August 2020. The strategy included selective referral (babies with higher treatment probability), longer follow?up intervals (babies with non?alarming findings), use of locally available workforce, and teleconsultation whenever feasible. Results: In the given period, 222 babies were examined versus 624 in the preceding year (P = 0.001). The average gestational age, birth weight, and postmenstrual age at presentation were 30.4 weeks, 1.31 kg, and 37.7 weeks, respectively. The first examination was on time in 40.1% of babies but was delayed by a median of 23 days in the remaining babies. In the cohort, 56.7% of babies had any ROP, and 27.9% required treatment (versus 8.8% in the previous year; P < 0.001). The intravitreal anti–vascular growth factor (anti?VEGF) injection was more often used than in the previous year (n = 72 vs 36; P < 0.0001). The treatment outcome was comparable before and after the SARS?CoV?2 lockdown period. There was no report of health issues among the care providers attributable to ROP care. Conclusion: The revised strategy resulted in a smaller pool of babies screened but a larger proportion of babies treated for ROP. This strategy could be used more profitably in future ROP care.

Spectrum of bacterial keratitis in North India: A retrospective analysis of six years at a tertiary care eye center

Purpose: To analyze the pattern of bacterial pathogens causing infective keratitis and their resistance to the recommended antibiotics over six years. Methods: It was a retrospective study of 9,357 cases of bacterial keratitis from January 2015 to December 2020, at a tertiary care ophthalmic center. A total of 9,547 corneal specimens were obtained from the study subjects. Demographic details of the patients, pathogenic bacteria isolated, and their antimicrobial susceptibility were noted and analyzed. Results: Bacterial pathogens were identified in 23.52% of the specimens. The most common isolates were coagulase?negative Staphylococci (60.75%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.23%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.92%), gram negative bacilli of the family Enterobacterales (8.64%), Streptococcus spp. (1.72%), Acinetobacter spp. (0.13%), and other non?fermenting gram?negative bacilli (0.57%). In Staphylococci, 55–80% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin, and 40–70% to fluoroquinolones, while no resistance was observed against vancomycin. 40–60% of isolates of P. aeruginosa were resistant to cephalosporins, 40–55% to fluoroquinolones, and 30–60% to aminoglycosides. Also, 40–80% of isolates of Enterobacterales were resistant to cephalosporins, and 50–60% to fluoroquinolones. Most gram?negative isolates were susceptible to carbapenems and polymyxin B. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the largest compilation of microbiological profile of bacterial keratitis from North India. It highlights the current trend of the bacterial pathogens that cause infectious keratitis. Staphylococci and Pseudomonas were found to be the most common pathogens. Increased resistance was seen against some of the commonly prescribed empirical antibiotics. Such evidence is useful for restructuring the empirical prescription practices from time to time.