A cross-sectional study on the use of near-visual display devices in the Middle-Eastern children population.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study is to highlight the demographics, awareness of hazards, ocular symptoms, and healthy practices associated with the use of near-visual display devices (NVDD) in the Middle-Eastern children population. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty participants aged 4-16 years responded to a questionnaire on demographic aspects, symptoms, awareness of hazards, and healthy practices associated with the use of NVDD. RESULTS: Daily use, prolonged viewing (for 3 h or more), and the use of multiple NVDD (2 or more) were seen in the majority (79.6%, 90%, and 71.5%, respectively). Smartphones, tablets, and iPads were the most used devices. Symptoms were present in 92.3%. The association between appearance of symptoms and duration of exposure to the digital screen was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). Symptoms were itching (40.0%), watery eyes (31.0%), burning sensation (24.0%), headache (22.0%), excessive blinking (20.0%), dry eyes (20.0%), foreign body sensation (10.0%), redness (10.0%), eye or periorbital pain (8.0%), blurry vision (5.0%), and photophobia (3.0%). A low minority (9.2%) were aware of the harmful effects of prolonged use of NVDD and the protective measures against it; schools were not involved in educating students about the proper use of these devices. Sixty percent attended periodic eye checkup, 20.0% set time limit, 6.9% properly adjusted screen brightness, and 15.0% practiced outdoor play daily. CONCLUSION: Majority of the children (90%) were symptomatic when used NVDD excessively. Children are generally uneducated about healthy practices to prevent these symptoms. Spreading awareness among children and parents is important.

Comparative role of pregabalin and carbamazepine regarding efficacy in painful diabetic neuropathy.

Neuropathic pain is the most severe and resistant type of pain which has impact on quality of life and behaviour; it most commonly occurs at night causing disturbed sleep. Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of painful neuropathy. In this study, we are comparing the effectiveness of old treatment Carbamazepine with Pregabalin in painful diabetic neuropathy. The study was an open-label trial conducted in Diabetic Clinic of Medical Unit-III, Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Center, Karachi. The duration of the study was 90 days, from December 2010 to March 2011. The study has been approved from ethical committee of JPMC, Karachi with the reference NO.F.2-81/2010-GENL/195/JPMC. 60 established patients of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy from Diabetic Clinic of Medical Unit-III OPD were included in the 90-day study, irrespective of gender, with duration of diabetes more than 10 years. All subjects are placed into two groups. In group A, comprising of 30 patients (n=30), Pregabalin was administered and in group B, also comprising of 30 patients (n=30), Carbamazepine. The intensity of pain was compared on visual analog scale of McGill pain questionnaire. In group A (Pregabalin), the mean pain score fell from 6.17±0.14 to 3.50±0.15 from day 0 to day 90 (p-value=0.001) and the percentage of change also in visual analog scale of McGill pain questionnaire was -43.31%. In group B (Carbamazepine), the changes in pain score from initially 6.07±0.14 falling to 4.23±0.13 from day 0 to day 90 (p-value=0.001) and the percentage of change was -30.31%. Pregabalin was observed to be more potent. Both drugs were well tolerated by all participants that also completed the entire duration of the trial.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Oman.

Hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) is an integral part of the management of patients with hematologic disorders. The Sultanate of Oman, with a population of 2.3 million, has an HSCT program based in the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) hospital. Initiated in 1995, this two-bed unit continues to be the only program in the country. Between June 1995 and August 2006, a total of 128 patients underwent HSCT in this center, averaging about 10-12 transplants per year. The median age of these patients was 11 years (2 months to 45 years). Hematologic malignancies (49%) and inherited disorders (42%) constituted the major transplant indications, whereas BM failure accounted for the remaining. The majority of transplants carried out so far have been HLA-matched sibling-donor allogeneic HSCTs. Among the inherited disorders, homozygous beta-thalassemia and primary immunodeficiency are important transplant indications in this center. The approximate cost of an uncomplicated transplant in this center is US$50,000. The success of this program has now led to the initiation of a new and larger HSCT complex to provide the opportunity for more patients to benefit from this treatment modality within the country.