Assessing the validity of flap motility sign in predicting the extent of anterior capsular tears in phacoemulsification

Capsulorhexis is an integral step of cataract surgery, and continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis is crucial during phacoemulsification to prevent intraoperative complications. However, sometimes during phacoemulsification in complicated and hard cataract cases, rhexis extension may occur, resulting in posterior capsular rent, nucleus drop, cortex drop, and aphakia. It may not always be possible to continue with phacoemulsification in all cases. In this perspective, the authors describe a novel flap motility sign (FMS) to predict the extent of anterior capsular tear during phacoemulsification. A total of 21,678 patients underwent phacoemulsification for three years, from July 2016 to June 2019. One hundred and twenty-one patients had an anterior capsular tear. There were 102 cases (84.3%) with pre-equatorial tears and 19 cases (15.70%) with postequatorial tears. All pre-equatorial flaps were everted and fluttering, and all postequatorial flaps were inverted and nonfluttering. Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) was observed in all 19 cases of postequatorial flaps (100%). No PCR was observed in patients with fluttering and everted flaps (0%). In-the-bag and scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantations succeeded in pre-equatorial and postequatorial tears, respectively. There was no case of a nucleus drop. This study validates FMS as a predictor for identifying the extent of anterior capsular tears, thereby determining the endpoint of safe phacoemulsification and the site for intraocular lens implantation. Pre-equatorial tears allow for the continuation of safe phacoemulsification and in-the-bag intraocular implantation. Postequatorial tears necessitate timely conversion to small-incision cataract surgery or extracapsular cataract extraction.

Correlation between different retinal layers with visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy patients with clinically significant macular edema

Purpose: To study the corelation between outer retinal layer thickness (ORL), outer photoreceptor segment thickness (PROS), and central macular thickness (CMT) with best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients having clinically significant macular edema (CSME) and compare these parameters with normal patients. Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, observational, comparative study done during the period of January to May 2019. The study included 60 eyes of 36 patients. The patient population was segregated into two Groups: Group ? (30 normal eyes of 15 normal patients) and Group ?? (30 eyes of 21 diabetic patients) with CSME. The comparison between ORL, PROS, and CMT was made between both the groups, and the correlation between ORL thickness, PROS thickness, and CMT with BCVA in Group ?? was studied. Results: The mean age in Group I was 52.6+10.66 years, and 53.42+8.15 years in Group II. The male/ female ratio was 1.1:1 in Group I and 4:3 in Group II. The mean CMT was greater in Group ?? (330.13 ± 37.01) than in Group ? (222.20 ± 12.30). The mean ORL thickness was greater in Group ? (97.73 ± 6.92) than in Group ?? (80.63 ± 9.03). The PROS thickness was statistically significant in Group ? (35.05 ± 3.4) than in Group ?? (28.57 ± 3.53). There was a strong correlation between BCVA and ORL thickness (r = ?0.580, P < 0.001) and more strong correlation between BCVA and PROS thickness in Group ?? (r = ?0.611, P < 0.000). There was a moderate correlation between BCVA and CMT (r = 0.410, P < 0.025), and all results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Both ORL and PROS thickness were greater in healthy normal eyes than in eyes with CSME. BCVA was strongly correlated with PROS and ORL thickness and moderately associated with CMT.

Adoption, implementation, definitions, and future of blockchain technology in ophthalmology

In this era of cutting-edge research and digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly penetrated all subspecialties, including ophthalmology. Managing AI data and analytics is cumbersome, and implementing blockchain technology has made this task less challenging. Blockchain technology is an advanced mechanism with a robust database that allows the unambiguous sharing of widespread information within a business model or network. The data is stored in blocks that are linked together in chains. Since its inception in 2008, blockchain technology has grown over the years, and its novel use in ophthalmology has been less well documented. This section on current ophthalmology discusses the novel use and future of blockchain technology for intraocular lens power calculation and refractive surgery workup, ophthalmic genetics, payment methods, international data documentation, retinal images, global myopia pandemic, virtual pharmacy, and drug compliance and treatment. The authors have also provided valuable insights into various terminologies and definitions used in blockchain technology.

A clinical trial on phakic intraocular lens for the treatment of refractive amblyopia in children and adolescents

Purpose: To analyze the demographics and clinical outcomes of posterior chamber phakic intraocular (IOL) implantation for refractive amblyopia in children and adolescents. Methods: A prospective interventional study was performed on children and adolescents with amblyopia at a tertiary eye care center from January 2021 to August 2022. Twenty?three eyes of 21 anisomyopic and isomyopic amblyopia patients operated for posterior chamber phakic IOL (Eyecryl phakic IOL) as a treatment for amblyopia were included in the study. Patient demographics, pre? and postoperative visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, anterior and posterior segment examination, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, contrast sensitivity, endothelial count, and patient satisfaction scores were evaluated. Patients were followed up at day 1, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery, and visual outcomes and complications were documented. Results: The mean age of patients was 14.16 ± 3.49 years (range: 10–19 years). The mean intraocular lens power was ? 12.20 diopter spherical (DS) in 23 eyes and ? 2.25 diopter cylindrical (DC) in four patients. The mean unaided distant visual acuity (UDVA) and best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 1.39 ± 0.25 and 0.40 ± 0.21 preoperatively on the log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) chart. Postoperatively, the visual acuity improved by 2.6 lines in 3 months period and maintained till 1 year. Postsurgery, contrast sensitivity in the amblyopic eyes significantly improved, and the average endothelial loss recorded was 5.78% at 1 year, which was statistically insignificant. Patient satisfaction score was statistically significant, with 4.736/5 recorded on the Likert scale. Conclusion: Posterior chamber phakic IOL is a safe, effective, and alternative method for treating amblyopia patients who are noncompliant with glasses, contact lenses, and keratorefractive procedures.

Non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS)/Nesidioblastosis as the underlying cause of recurrent hypoglycemia in a diabetic adult

ABSTRACT Non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS), without previous bariatric surgery, is a rare form of hypoglycemia in adult patients and is associated with nesidioblastosis. Adult-onset nesidioblastosis in diabetic patients is rare and histologically identical to "non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS)". Nesidioblastosis is rare in adults and clinically and biochemically mimics Insulinoma. In the literature, there have only been four cases of adult nesidioblastosis that followed diabetes mellitus. We report a case of nesidioblastosis in a 36-year-old diabetic female presenting with dizziness, sweating, and palpitations for three years. Selective non-invasive techniques failed to detect a tumor. Based on the pursuit of an insulinoma, a distal pancreatectomy specimen was received at our laboratory, and a diagnosis of nesidioblastosis was made. She is currently on follow-up with a favorable outcome. The definitive diagnosis of nesidioblastosis is made on a histological basis. The preferred form of treatment is pancreatic surgical resection. Nesidioblastosis should be taken into consideration in cases where diabetes transforms into hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.

Do motivational cards really benefit sibling screening of primary open-angle glaucoma probands?

Purpose: To compare the impact of Sibling Motivational Card (SMC) and oral counseling in screening siblings of primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) probands. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-four newly diagnosed POAG probands were randomized to receive either oral counseling or SMC to motivate their siblings for a glaucoma screening at a tertiary eye care hospital in South India from July 2015 and June 2017. A total of 116 probands were orally counseled with a standard template of dialogs about the importance of family screening to motivate their siblings for a screening. One hundred and eighteen probands were randomized to receive SMC, bearing the details of the proband, sibling, and a message stressing the importance of family screening, in addition to oral counseling. We assessed the response rate in each group. Additionally, we evaluated the prevalence of POAG in the siblings. Results: A total of 95 siblings of 234 POAG probands were screened. The mean age distribution was 53.33 ± 10.9 years (range 28–79 years). The male to female ratio was 3:4. The percentage of siblings screened was more in the oral counseling group (63.2%) than in the SMC group (36.8). About 43 (45%) siblings had some form of glaucoma, and 13.6% had POAG. An additional 22.1% were disk suspects, and 5.2% had ocular hypertension. Conclusion: SMC did not have an additional benefit over the standard oral counseling in promoting sibling screening. Our study stresses the importance of sibling screening in POAG probands. Targeting siblings of POAG probands with oral counseling may offer a relatively inexpensive way of detecting glaucoma

Assessment of optic disk by disk damage likelihood scale staging using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography in diagnosing primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose: The current study was aimed at assessment of optic disk by disk damage likelihood scale (DDLS) staging using slit?lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in diagnosing primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Methods: This was a cross?sectional observational study of 106 POAG patients, which was conducted from April 2017 to April 2018. All patients underwent slit?lamp fundoscopy with a +78 D lens and high?definition (HD)?OCT, and the vertical cup disk ratios (VCDRs) were recorded. Disk size and neuroretinal rim assessment were done, and the disk was then staged using the recent version, which stages the optic nerve head (ONH) from 1 to 10 as read from the DDLS nomogram table. DDLS scores >5 indicate glaucomatous damage. Pearson coefficient was used to correlate the DDLS staging by slit?lamp biomicroscopy with best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), disk size, and VCDR and VCDR, mean deviation, and DDLS staging by HD?OCT. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.54 ± 6.61 years. The male: female ratio was 2:1. The mean IOP was 16.04 ± 1.97 mmHg, and BCVA was 0.72 ± 0.13 LogMAR units. The mean VCDR on 78 D slit?lamp biomicroscopy was 0.76 ± 0.09 (standard deviation [SD]) (range 0.1–0.77), whereas on HD?OCT, the mean VCDR was 0.81 ± 0.09 (SD) (range 0.07–0.81). The mean deviation on visual field testing in decibels was ?14.43 ± 3.31 (SD). The correlation coefficient between DDLS staging by slit?lamp biomicroscopy and DDLS staging by HD?OCT parameters was r = 0.96. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the DDLS system of optic disk evaluation on slit?lamp biomicroscopy and most of the HD?OCT evaluation parameters

Comparison of corneal endothelial cell loss during manual small-incision cataract surgery using viscoelastic-assisted nucleus removal versus continuous balanced salt solution plus technique - Randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the endothelial cell loss during manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) using the viscoelastic-assisted nucleus removal versus basal salt solution plus technique. Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial of 204 patients who underwent MSICS using viscoelastic-assisted nucleus removal (Group 1- OVD) versus basal salt solution plus technique (Group 2- BSS) at a tertiary eye care hospital in North India from January 2018 to 2021. Of these 204 patients, 103 (50.5%) and 101 (49.5%) were allocated to Group 1 and 2, respectively. The parameters assessed were detailed history, demographics, and anterior and posterior segment details. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), keratometry, pachymetry, and endothelial cell density were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1 and 30. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.5 � 8.2 years (range 48� years). There were 129 (63.2%) males and 75 (36.8%) females. The mean LogMAR visual acuity for both groups on day 1 (Group 1- 0.3 � 0.1, Group 2- 0.5 � 0.2) and day 30 (Group 1- 0.1 � 0.2, Group 2- 0.1 � 0.1) was statistically significant (P < 0.001), and the mean IOP value showed a statistically significant value (P < 0.009) on day 1 in Group 2 (15.0 � 2.4 mmHg) and on day 30 (P < 0.001) in both the groups (Group 1- 13.6 � 1.8 mmHg, Group 2- 13.5 � 2 mmHg). The horizontal and vertical k values also showed a statistically significant difference on day 1 and day 30 (P < 0.001). The mean percentage change of central corneal thickness (CCT) in Group 1 was 17.7% and in Group 2 was 17.4% on day 1, and it was 1.1% on day 30 in both the groups, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001) compared to preoperative values. The percentage change in endothelial cell density on day 1 was 9% in Group 1 and 4.6% in Group 2, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). On day 30, it was 9.7% and 4.8%, respectively, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study highlights statistically significant endothelial cell loss with viscoelastic-assisted nuclear delivery compared to BSS-assisted nuclear delivery during MSICS in a short follow-up of 1 month. The CCT values showed a slight increase, and the keratometry and IOP were unaffected compared to the preoperative parameters in both the groups

Analysis of hesitancy and motivational factors for COVID-19 vaccination among patients presenting to eye care hospitals – A multicenter questionnaire-based survey

Purpose: To analyze the hesitancy and motivational factors related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) vaccination among patients visiting for eye care. Methods: A telephonic survey was conducted using validated questionnaires consisting of 36 questions in five sections from July 1 to July 31, 2021. Patients visiting six tertiary centers and one secondary center of our eye hospitals were interviewed over their phones, and their responses were entered onto the Google forms. The responses were recorded as demographics, health status, awareness about vaccination, factors contributing to hesitancy or acceptance to vaccinate, and general perception about the vaccine. Results: A total of 5033 patients were surveyed. The mean age was 49.0 ± 14.2 years. A total of 563 (11.2%) patients gave a history of symptoms or were tested positive for COVID?19; 2225 (44.2%) patients were already COVID?19 vaccinated. Around 2883 (56%) patients were aware of getting infection despite vaccination, and 4092 (81.3%) perceived vaccination should be compulsory. The main reason for vaccination hesitancy was the fear of side effects (n = 487, 17.3%). The fear of getting infected was the most common reason for vaccination (n = 911, 40.9%). Factors associated with a lower proportion of vaccinated individuals included younger age (P < 0.001), female gender (P < 0.001), lower education (P < 0.001), lower income (P < 0.001), and rural residence (P = 0.33). Conclusion: Creating awareness about the minor side effects and reassurance can allay an individual’s fears. The fear associated with the rapid spread of infection and associated mortality needs to be utilized to increase vaccination acceptance. A targeted approach toward groups with poor uptake of vaccination is necessary.

Mentor–mentee relationship in ophthalmology – Following the footsteps of stalwarts

Mentor? mentee relationship in any discipline is a professional and interpersonal relationship. It associates a mentor with a protégé or a mentee. Mentoring is a serious business in Ophthalmology, both academically and surgically. The mentors act as role models for future generations by acting as a friend, coach, or guide to the mentee. They do so by giving valuable advice, moral support, and inculcating skills in a mentee. It is difficult to pinpoint the precise function of the mentor?mentee relationship, but the final goal is to achieve personal and professional objectives. In the current article, the authors have shed light on the imperative aspect of one’s Ophthalmology career, i.e., the mentor?mentee relationship. This article describes various aspects of mentoring, the traits of a perfect mentor and mentee, the pre?requisites for a good mentee? mentor relationship, the hindrances and obstacles in a good relationship, and the impact of COVID?19 on the same. The potential goal of this article is to ignite the constructive spirit of the mentor?mentee relationship, encourage potential mentors to become ideal mentors, and potential mentees to gain from serious mentors

Evaluation of biphasic hydroxapatite and ?-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft material in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects – A clinical and digital radiological measurement study

Aims and Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate 2 bone graft materials, that is, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ??tricalcium phosphate, in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects. In term of attachment level, probing depth and radiographic bone level changes. Also, a new digital method of radiographic assessment was used for measurement of vertical bone defect. Material and Methods: Ten subjects with periodontitis and having two or more vertical bony defects were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified randomly into 2 groups. Group I consisted of the experimental site where defect was filled with biphasic hydroxyapatite and ??tricalcium phosphate graft and Group II consisted of control site where only the open flap debridement (OFD) was carried out. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months; Radiographs were taken at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Results: Overall, by the end of 6 months, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ??tricalcium phosphate and OFD treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in probing depth almost by 75% and gain in clinical attachment level at follow?up. In the biphasic hydroxyapatite and ??tricalcium phosphate group, radiographic bone level gain appeared to be greater than in the OFD group. Conclusion: In the present study, biphasic hydroxyapatite and ??tricalcium phosphate have shown promising results and have showed reduction in probing depth, a resolution of osseous defects and gain in clinical attachment level when compared to open flap debridement.

Analysis of COVID-19 publications in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology during two years of the pandemic and their impact on ophthalmic literature

Purpose: To perform a comprehensive analysis of COVID?19 publications published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO) during the two years of the pandemic and to study their impact on ophthalmic literature. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all expedited COVID?19 articles published in IJO from April 2020 to March 2022. The data was obtained from the official website of IJO, editor IJO monthly emails, and PubMed database. The data was then extracted as XML into Microsoft Access for scientometric analysis. The expedited articles were segregated into different categories: original, review, case report/series, letter to the editor, commentary, current ophthalmology, consensus criteria, perspective, innovations, ophthalmic images, photoessays, research methodology, and surgical techniques. The monthly data was analyzed and COVID?19 articles were assessed for subspecialty?wise distribution, number of citations, monthly growth rate, and their impact on ophthalmic literature. Results: A total of 431 COVID?19 related articles were published during the study period. The majority of the articles were letters to the editor (158, 36.65%) followed by original articles (97, 22.50%), and commentaries (53, 12.29%). The least were perspectives and ophthalmic images (2, 0.46%) each followed by consensus criteria (1, 0.23%). The maximum publications came in July 2020 (44, 10.20%) followed by December 2021 (37, 8.58%) and October 2021 (36, 8.35%), and the least were in April 2020 (1, 0.23%). Considering subspecialty, a majority of the articles were related to general ophthalmology (156, 36.19%), and the least was in oncology (2, 0.46%). The maximum number of citations were attracted by original articles (97, 1146 (11.81)), which were approximately 1.5 times higher than the letters to the editor (158, 743 (4.70)) and 3 times higher than review articles (9, 387 (43)). Among specialties, the maximum number of citations were gathered by general ophthalmology (156, 1320 (8.46)) followed by oculoplasty (36, 592 (16.44)) due to the concurrent mucormycosis epidemic. Conclusion: IJO opened a window of opportunity for authors by publishing quality expedited articles. Evidence?based orbital mucormycosis and general ophthalmology publications gathered most of the attention due to their heterogeneous presentation. The peak of the first wave (June–July 2020) and the October and December 2021 issues had maximum number of COVID?19 articles.

Risk Factors of Unfavourable TB Treatment Outcomes in Hulu Langat, Selangor

@#Introduction: Over the last decade, tuberculosis (TB) has remained the main cause of death from communicable diseases in Malaysia. This study was aimed to determine the risk factors of unfavourable treatment outcomes (UTO) among new TB cases in Hulu Langat. Methods: A cohort study was prospectively conducted among the new TB cases registered in the government health clinics of Hulu Langat district. The event was defined as any one of the UTO (default, transferred out, treatment failure and death) whichever came first. This data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Survival pattern was assessed by Kaplan-Meier plots and Log rank test. Hazard ratios of unfavourable TB treatment outcomes among the new TB cases at 95% confidence interval and level of significance set at 0.05 were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Of the 321 patients analysed, 80.4% (n=258) had favourable treatment outcomes and 19.6% (n=63) had UTO with 10.9% (n=35) transferred out, 6.9% (n=22) defaulted and 1.9% (n=6) died. There was no treatment failure. The mean survival time was 5.2 (SD=0.09) months. The risk factors of hazard probability of UTO were male, ethnicity type Others, positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and not done sputum at 2 months of treatment. Conclusion: Transferred out and default formed the bulk of the UTO in Hulu Langat. New interventions to improve the existing TB prevention and control program should be planned in the first three months of treatment.

Computational identification of maize miRNA and their gene targets involved in biotic and abiotic stresses

Plant interactions with biotic and abiotic stresses are complex and entail changes at the transcriptional, cellularand physiological level. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (*20–24 nt), non-coding RNAs that play a vital rolein wide range of biological processes involved in regulation of gene expression through translation inhibitionor degradation of their target mRNAs during stress conditions. Therefore, identification of miRNAs and theirtargets are of immense value in understanding the regulatory networks triggered during stress. Advancement incomputational approaches has opened up ways for the prediction of miRNAs and their possible targets withfunctional pathways. Our objective was to identify miRNA and their potential targets involved in both bioticand abiotic stresses in maize. A total of 2,019,524 downloaded ESTs from dbEST were processed and trimmedby Seq Clean. The program trashed 264,000 and trimmed 284,979 sequences and the resulting 1,755,534sequences were submitted for clustering and assembled to RepeatMasker and TGICL. A total of 30 miRNAswere found to hybridize with the potential targets of gene families such as CoA ligase, lipoxygenase 1,Terpenoideyclases, Zn finger, transducing, etc. Ten of the identified miRNAs targeted cytochrome c1 family.Zm_miR23 class targeted 11 different genes. The identified targets are involved in the plant growth anddevelopment during biotic and abiotic stresses in maize. These miRNAs may be further used for functionalanalysis. Furthermore, four and two of the miRNA targets were validated in response to waterlogging toleranceand southern leaf blight resistance, respectively, to understand the miRNA-assisted regulation of targetmiRNAs. The functional annotation of the predicted targets indicated that these stress-responsive miRNAsregulate cellular function; molecular function and biological process in maize at the post-transcriptional level.The present results have paved way towards better understanding the role of miRNAs in the mechanism ofstress tolerance in maize.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is Associated with Higher Prevalence of Thyroid Abnormalities- A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The relationship between thyroid abnormalities and rheumatoid arthritis is a debatable subject. Studies show a higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities in patients with RA. It is widely observed that disorders with an autoimmune pathogenesis occur with increased frequency in patients with a history of another disease. RA is a systemic disorder that can affect any organ in the body, it could be speculated that abnormal thyroid functions are due to thyroid activity of the autoantibodies produced in this disease. Objectives:-Present study was doneto study the prevalence and correlation between Rheumatoid Arthritis and thyroid dysfunction; hypo as well as hyperthyroidism and to find whether thyroid disorders are found with increased frequency in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients as compared to general population. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted on 50 patients of RA (diagnosed according to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria) attending outdoor or admitted in wards at Rajindra hospital Patiala. Age and sex matched 50 persons from general population were taken as control group. These patients were evaluated for thyroid abnormalities using thyroid function test T3, T4, TSH. Results: Thyroid abnormalities were found among 28% cases of RA as compared to 8% among controls. Percentage of clinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and clinical hyperthyroidism in cases was 10%, 16%, 2% respectively. In controls percentage of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism observed was 2% and 6% respectively. Females with RA had two fold enhances prevalence of thyroid abnormalities as compared to males with RA (31.6% females and 16.7% males with RA had thyroid abnormalities). Conclusion: The asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic clinical course of thyroid diseases in RA patients may be masked by underlying disease, posing hazards of late diagnosis and treatment. So higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities in RA patients in comparison to controls indicate the need for screening by thyroid function tests.

Gabapentin Versus Dexamethasone for Prophylaxis of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the commonest complications in anaesthesia accounting for 20-30% cases but number may rise to 70% in laparoscopic surgeries.1,2 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is carried out as day care surgery but PONV prolongs hospital stay. Several studies have documented role of Gabapentin and Dexamethasone for prophylaxis of PONV but none has compared them for the same. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of oral gabapentin and dexamethasone for prophylaxis of PONV and need for rescue anti-emetics in first 24 hours. Methods: This prospective, single blind randomized trial enrolled 100 ASA physical status I and II patients assigned into two groups: Group G (Gabapentin group, n=50) received 600 mg of Gabapentin oral formulation with sip of water on the morning of surgery whereas Group D (Dexamethasone group, n=50) received 8 mg of Dexamethasone oral formulation with sip of water on the morning of surgery. Following parameters were noted: time to first rescue anti-emetic drug (Injection Ondansetron), total number of rescue anti-emetic doses, complications if any. Results: The two groups i.e the Gabapentin group and the dexamethasone group were comparable with regards to the demographic profile (age, weight and sex). However the mean duration of surgery was more in Gabapentin group compared to Dexamethasone group, the difference being statistically significant (P< 0.05). Time between extubation and first rescue antiemetic was also comparable in the two groups the results being statistically non significant (P > 0.05). The mean of total number of rescue antiemetics in 24 hours as well as grading of Wilsons score for PONV in the two groups was also statistically non significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both the drugs gabapentin and dexamethasone are equally effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Evaluation of the Effect of Ondansetron on Haemodynamics under Spinal Anaesthesia

Spinal anaesthesia related hypotension and bradycardia is not rare. One of the causes for post spinal hypotension is thought to be bezold-jarisch reflex (BJR) which is mediated by serotonergic 5-HT3 receptors. Ondansetron, one of the reliable drugs for nausea and vomiting, is 5-HT3 antagonist. Effect of ondansetron to attenuate hypotension has been studied in caesarean section but there is paucity of literature for general population. Aim and Objectives: In this study we aimed at evaluating the efficacy of ondansetron on haemodynamics of patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia. Methods: This prospective study enrolled 200 ASA I and II patients assigned into 2 groups: Group O (Ondansetron group, n=100) received injection ondansetron 0.1mg/kg intravenous, diluting the drug to make volume 10 ml 5 minutes prior to spinal anaesthesia(SA). Group P (Placebo group, n=100) received injection normal saline 10 ml intravenous 5 minutes prior to spinal anaesthesia. Results: Demographic data were comparable in both the groups. There was no significant difference in MAP (mean arterial pressure), HR(heart rate) & SpO2 (oxygen saturation) values in group O whereas in group P statistically significant variations in MAP, HR & SpO2 values were observed. Fewer interventions using intravenous atropine & ephedrine were required in group O as compared to group P. Conclusion: In conclusion, intravenous administration of ondansetron 5 minutes before spinal anaesthesia attenuates the decrease in mean arterial pressure.

Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) - A Prospective Study in Tertiary Care Hospital in Solan District (HP)

Spinal Anaesthesia is widely practiced anaesthetic technique for sub - umbilical surgical procedures. However the technique is not without complications and Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) remains important amongst such complications. Aims and Objectives: The present study was prospective , was conducted to study the overall incidence of PDPH using 26 G Quincke type spinal needle and to establish its relations( if any) with the age of patient, type of surgery and time to ambulate following the surgery. Methods: A total of 500 patients of ASA I and II were studied. These patients underwent various orthopaedic, general surgical, obstetrical/ gynaecological surgical procedures under Spinal Anaesthesia using 26 G Quincke type spinal needle. All the patients were followed upto 72 hours post operatively for evaluation of PDPH. Results: The incidence of PDPH in the present study was 1.6%. The incidence was higher in female patients (75%). Among the female patients, 50% of patients were those who underwent Caesarean Section. Conclusion: The present study concludes free and widespread use of 26 G Quincke type needle in all patients who require Spinal Anaesthesia irrespective of type of surgery

Spontaneous adverse drug reaction monitoring in oncology: Our experience.

BACKGROUND: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring is slowly developing as an important aspect of healthcare. The aim of the study was to study the pattern of adverse drug reactions in the Oncology department of a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted in the Oncology department of a tertiary care hospital in which ADRs were reported spontaneously. The ADRs were noted from 1st January, 2007 to 30th June, 2011. Following were noted: demographics, premedication (if any), diagnosis, chemotherapy (regimen, cycles), medication history, and alteration in the treatment or co morbidities, ADRs (severity and management). Adverse drug reactions were noted by patient interview, collaborating with information on file, recording changes in the prescribing chart and investigations, consulting the doctor on duty. RESULTS: During this study period, there were total of 14,475 visits of patients from which 2500 ADRs were recorded. Maximum number of ADRs were noted with platinum compounds (25.52%) followed by pyrimidine antagonists (19.88%). The most common malignancy reported in our hospital was Carcinoma breast (20%) followed by leukemia (12%) and Ca ovary (12%). Alopecia (27.76%) was the most common ADR followed by anemia (7.48%), thrombocytopenia (6.96%) and constipation (6.16%). CONCLUSION: Alopecia is the most common ADR and platinum compounds were responsible for the maximum number of ADRs. The most common carcinoma reported during this period was carcinoma breast.