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1.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 47(3): 102164, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38594154

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the changes in keratometry measurements and refraction in patients having the thermo-mechanical periorbital skin treatment, Tixel®, to treat dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: A multi-centre, prospective, non-masked study was conducted. DED patients were recruited in 3 international centres and were evaluated in 5 visits separated by an interval of 2 weeks except for the last visit which took place after 18 weeks from visit 1. The same clinical examination was performed at all visits: OSDI questionnaire, tear stability, keratometry, best corrected visual acuity and refraction. Tixel® treatment was applied at the first 3 visits. RESULTS: 89 participants (24 males/65 females; mean age: 55.0 ± 14.2 years) were included: 20 presented moderate DED symptoms and 69 severe DED symptoms. Significant differences were found for the spherocylindrical refraction (vector analysis) between visit 1 and visits 2 and 3. Following cumulative analysis, 11.86 % and 16.94 % of participants had more than 0.5 dioptre (D) change in mean keratometry and keratometric astigmatism, respectively, at 3 months post-treatment. A total of 5.40 % had a sphere and cylinder change greater than 0.50D and 16.21 % had the axis changed more than 10 degrees (vector analysis). These changes were particularly significant in patients with severe DED symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Keratometry readings and refraction can change following thermo-mechanical skin treatment for DED, especially in those patients with severe DED symptoms. This should be considered as potential errors in intraocular lens calculations may be induced.


Subject(s)
Cataract Extraction , Dry Eye Syndromes , Refraction, Ocular , Visual Acuity , Humans , Dry Eye Syndromes/physiopathology , Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy , Dry Eye Syndromes/diagnosis , Female , Middle Aged , Male , Prospective Studies , Refraction, Ocular/physiology , Visual Acuity/physiology , Aged , Adult , Cornea/physiopathology
2.
Eye (Lond) ; 38(6): 1084-1090, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38135774

ABSTRACT

Over 180,000 Cambodian people are blind and a further 10,000 suffer avoidable blindness each year. Ninety percent of this blindness is avoidable, 79% is curable and 11% is preventable. Three-quarters of this blindness is due to cataracts and the remainder is due to uncorrected vision, glaucoma, corneal scarring and pterygium. The Khmer Sight Foundation (KSF) is a charity reincarnated by Professor Sunil Shah and Sean Ngu. Its mission is to deliver a sustainable eye care model for the country. KSF takes a three pronged approach to this. It is working to develop sustainable eye-care within the country through building physical infrastructure. The second approach is to impact the current cataract backlog of over 300,000 patients with the aid of international support. Thirdly, KSF is paving the way for the next generation through the development of an optometry education programme and training of Cambodian ophthalmologists. Here we present the workings of KSF, clinical cases we have encountered and elaborate upon the future goals of this charity.


Subject(s)
Cataract , Ophthalmology , Southeast Asian People , Humans , Cambodia , Blindness/prevention & control
3.
JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc ; 61(261): 432-436, 2023 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37203896

ABSTRACT

Introduction: HIV affects mental health in multiple ways, including its direct pathophysiological effects, associated stigma, impacts on social, and economic dimensions, medications used for long durations and multiple secondary physical health issues that affect the clients and comorbid substance use. In the post-COVID era, in our socio-cultural and geographical context, depression among these populations needs assessment to evaluate their mental health care needs. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of depression among people living with HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary care centre. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre from December 2021 to November 2022 after taking ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 078/79-006) from the same institute. Convenience sampling method was used. Clients 18 years and above under antiretroviral therapy were included and those acutely medically ill were excluded. The PHQ-9 was used as a self-administered, valid, screening tool for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 183 participants, the prevalence of depression was 19 (10.4%) (5.98-14.82, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: Depression was found higher among people living with HIV/AIDS as compared to the other studies done in similar settings. Assessment and timely management of depression could be an important step in improving lives and the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS intervention efforts, ultimately improving access to mental health care and universal health coverage. Keywords: depression; HIV; prevalence.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Tertiary Care Centers , Depression/epidemiology , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology
4.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 343, 2023 02 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36793012

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: South and Southeast Asian countries (SSEA) account for the highest burden of anemia globally, nonetheless, progress towards the decline of anemia has almost been stalled. This study aimed to explore the individual and community- level factors associated with childhood anemia across the six selected SSEA countries. METHODS: Demographic and Health Surveys of SSEA countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal) conducted between 2011 and 2016 were analyzed. A total of 167,017 children aged 6-59 months were included in the analysis. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of anemia. RESULTS: The combined prevalence of childhood anemia across six SSEA countries was 57.3% (95% CI: 56.9-57.7%). At the individual level, childhood anemia was significantly higher among (1) mothers with anemia compared to non-anemic mothers (Bangladesh: aOR = 1.66, Cambodia: aOR = 1.56, India: aOR = 1.62, Maldives: aOR = 1.44, Myanmar: aOR = 1.59, and Nepal: aOR = 1.71); (2) children with a history of fever in the last two weeks compared to those without a history of fever (Cambodia: aOR = 1.29, India: aOR = 1.03, Myanmar: aOR = 1.08), and; (3) stunted children compared to those who were not (Bangladesh: aOR = 1.33, Cambodia: aOR = 1.42, India: aOR = 1.29, and Nepal: aOR = 1.27). In terms of community-level factors, children with mothers in communities with a high percentage of community maternal anemia had higher odds of childhood anemia in all countries (Bangladesh: aOR = 1.21, Cambodia: aOR = 1.31, India: aOR = 1.72, Maldives: aOR = 1.35, Myanmar: aOR = 1.33, and Nepal: aOR = 1.72). CONCLUSION: Children with anemic mothers and stunted growth were found vulnerable to developing childhood anemia. Individual and community-level factors identified in this study can be considered to develop effective anemia control and prevention strategies.


Subject(s)
Anemia , Mothers , Female , Humans , Child , Multilevel Analysis , Risk Factors , Asia, Southeastern , Anemia/epidemiology , Prevalence
5.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye ; 46(2): 101811, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36635105

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a thermo-mechanical action-based peri-orbital fractional skin treatment (Tixel®) on dry eye disease. METHODS: This prospective, controlled, open labelled study was conducted at two study centres: Midland Eye, Solihull, UK, and Vallmedic Vision, Andorra. Participants were screened at the baseline visit (visit-1), received three Tixel® treatments at 2-weeks intervals including further assessment (visits 2, 3 and 4). Participants were followed up for three months post-treatment (visit 5). Vision, intraocular pressure (IOP), dry eye symptomatology were assessed, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and tear osmolarity as well as detailed ophthalmic assessments. RESULTS: Seventy-four participants (41 in Birmingham and 33 in Andorra) with periorbital wrinkles and moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED) were enrolled. The mean age was 59.3 ± 13.3 years and 57 were females. No adverse events, no change in vision (p = 0.310) or IOP (p = 0.419) were observed. Tixel treatment was associated with clinically and statistically significant improvement in the DED symptoms, which was supported by a reduction of 21.40 ± 15.08 (P < 0.001) of the OSDI index. Non-invasive tear break-up time improved by 2.10 ± 0.91 s (p < 0.001) in the Birmingham cohort and 6.60 ± 2.13 s (p < 0.001) in the Andorra cohort. Tear osmolarity reduced from 299.8 ± 13.3 mOsm/L to 298.8 ± 15.6 mOsm/L following the Tixel treatment (p = 0.271). CONCLUSIONS: Thermo-mechanical action-based peri-orbital fractional skin treatment Tixel® could be an attractive, safe and effective treatment for DED. This treatment is associated with high clinical and statistically significant improvement in DED signs and symptoms with no adverse events.


Subject(s)
Dry Eye Syndromes , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy , Dry Eye Syndromes/drug therapy , Prospective Studies , Tears , Treatment Outcome
6.
Antibiotics (Basel) ; 11(5)2022 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35625343

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of an ultraviolet-C (UVC) device against microorganisms implicated in contact lens related adverse events. An UVC device with an emitting 4.5 mm diameter Light Emitting Diode (LED; 265 nm; 1.93 mJ/cm2) was used. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium solani, and Candida albicans agar plate lawns were exposed to the device beams for 15 and 30 s at 8 mm distance. Following the exposure, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was recorded. Contact lenses made of Delfilicon-A, Senofilicon-A, Comfilicon-A, Balafilicon-A, Samfilicon-A and Omafilicon-A and a commercially available contact storage case was used. They were exposed to bacterial and fungal strains for 18 h at 37 °C and 25 °C respectively. After this, the samples were exposed to UVC for 30 s at 8 mm distance to determine the antimicrobial efficacy. Samples were then gently washed and plated on appropriate agar for enumeration of colonies. The UVC exposure reduced microbial growth by 100% in agar lawns, and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial contamination to contact lenses and cases, ranging between 0.90 to 4.6 log. Very short UVC exposure has high antimicrobial efficacy against most of the predominant causative microorganisms implicated in contact lens related keratitis. UVC could be readily used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment for lens disinfection.

7.
Eye (Lond) ; 36(12): 2286-2293, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34839362

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes of tacrolimus immunosuppression after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in very young children. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive, cohort study of children undergoing PK at a tertiary children's hospital between 2005 and 2016. Oral tacrolimus immunosuppression was given for 2 years, followed by topical tacrolimus. RESULTS: Fourteen children (20 eyes) had 24 PKs; nineteen eyes had primary PKs, five eyes had repeat PKs. Mean age at primary graft was 95 days (3.1 months) for anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), 430 days (14.3 months) for non-ASD children. Eleven children (15 eyes) had ASD. Three children (five eyes) had non-ASD: two children (three eyes) had glaucoma-related corneal opacity and one child (two eyes) had congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED). One-year rejection-free survival rates following primary PK was 80% for ASD (n = 15) and 100% for non-ASD (n = 4). At final review, 5/15 of primary grafts for ASD were clear. 10/15 failed after a mean of 19 months, specifically attributable to infection (n = 2), rejection (n = 2) and glaucoma (n = 2). 4/4 primary non-ASD grafts are clear at final review (mean follow-up = 77 months). All repeat grafts (n = 5), failed after a mean of 38.25 months. Considering all grafts, 15/24 (62.5%) failed: 5/15 due to infection, 2/15 due to rejection, 8/15 due to glaucoma, phthisis, perforation or vascularised with no rejection. At last review (mean = 58.1 months, range 28-84), overall cohort survival is 37.5%. Final visual acuities range between 0.86 and 2.4 LogMAR. CONCLUSION: We compare our results to published literature: 1-year graft survival was higher than previously reported, with lower failure due to rejection. Overall infection rates did not increase, however, proportionally, severe infections were higher. Overall graft survival is at least comparable to reported literature.


Subject(s)
Glaucoma , Keratoplasty, Penetrating , Humans , Child , Infant , Child, Preschool , Infant, Newborn , Keratoplasty, Penetrating/methods , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Cohort Studies , Graft Survival , Glaucoma/surgery , Follow-Up Studies , Immunosuppression Therapy , Graft Rejection
8.
JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc ; 59(238): 589-592, 2021 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34508404

ABSTRACT

Pure autonomic failure is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system which clinically presents with orthostatic hypotension. It is a diagnosis of exclusion after detailed clinical examinations and relevant investigations. Here, we discuss a case of 68 years old male who had complaints of multiple episodes of loss of consciousness on standing from a sitting position for the last 3 years. The diagnosis was considered by clinical examinations revealing autonomic dysfunctions with normal appropriate investigations. The patient was treated successfully with midodrine, fludrocortisone, and other non-pharmacological interventions. We focused on doing various autonomic dysfunction tests in the evaluation of a patient with recurrent orthostatic hypotension. We suspect that pure autonomic failure might not have been considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent orthostatic hypotension and suggest that it is to be kept as a differential in such a scenario. Midodrine has an effective role in syncope due to sympathetic vasoconstrictor failure.


Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases , Hypotension, Orthostatic , Pure Autonomic Failure , Aged , Autonomic Nervous System , Autonomic Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Hypotension, Orthostatic/diagnosis , Hypotension, Orthostatic/therapy , Male , Pure Autonomic Failure/complications , Pure Autonomic Failure/diagnosis , Pure Autonomic Failure/therapy
9.
Cureus ; 13(7): e16713, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34513353

ABSTRACT

Medulloblastoma (MB) is an aggressive malignant tumor of the posterior fossa of the CNS that mainly affects children younger than 15 years of age. It is uncommon in the adult population compared to children. Any adult patient presenting with cerebellar mass must be evaluated with brain tissue biopsy to rule out MB. Our patient is a 27-year-old female who presented with sudden onset of frontal headache and was diagnosed with MB.

10.
Cureus ; 13(9): e17682, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34513536

ABSTRACT

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a thrombo-hemorrhagic condition that commonly accompanies life-threatening illnesses in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment of underlying conditions, hemodynamic support, and replacement therapy with blood components is the mainstay of DIC management. Limited research studies have supported the use of antithrombin (AT), recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM), and protein C concentrates (PrCC). Although there have been several studies and advancements in the DIC treatment in adults, data in pediatric patients are limited, and the consensus is lacking. Evidence validating the use of diagnostic scoring systems in the pediatric population is also limited. Since the hemostatic system differs significantly in children, especially in neonates, management of DIC is also different in children from that of adults, and there is a dire need for good quality research studies in this aspect. We reviewed more than 100 articles in PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar. This traditional review article discusses different scoring systems for diagnosing DIC in pediatric patients, and different pharmacological treatment options for acute DIC in this population. This study mainly focuses on papers published from 1990 to 2021 and includes papers in all languages involving humans only.

11.
Cureus ; 13(6): e15989, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34336480

ABSTRACT

Shark fin electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern, also known as 'Lambda-wave', 'giant R waves', or 'triangular QRS-ST-T waveform' is a dangerous ECG pattern associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It is formed by the fusion of QRS, ST, and T waves and predicts the high risk of mortality due to cardiogenic shock and ventricular fibrillation. The management should be aggressive with reperfusion via thrombolysis or percutaneous intervention, ideally in the intensive care unit with ventricular assist devices. This ECG pattern may be misdiagnosed as wide complex tachycardia or the ECG changes of hyperkalemia. Thus, differentiating it from other conditions causing similar ECG changes and prompt management is highly important to save the patient from serious complications. Here we have presented a case of STEMI with shark fin ECG associated with pulmonary edema (Killip class III acute myocardial infarction).

12.
Cureus ; 13(6): e15990, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34336481

ABSTRACT

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of CNS tumor. Immunosuppression is the most important risk factor of PCNSL, but few immunocompetent individuals are also affected. The most common clinical feature of PCNSL includes dizziness and ataxia. Our patient was a 71-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with progressive ataxia, imbalance, and dizziness for one year. A homogenous enhancing lesion was found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. One month later, on a follow-up MRI, a significant increase in the tumor size with surrounding edema was seen. The patient underwent craniotomy and resection of the mass. Subsequently, a diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma was made on pathology examination. Guideline-directed treatment options were discussed. This case highlights that the prognosis of patients with PCNSL highly depends on the factors such as age and physical status. Early diagnosis by accurate interpretation of imaging and management is crucial for better health outcomes.

13.
Cureus ; 13(7): e16241, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34373804

ABSTRACT

Wellens syndrome is a pre-infarction stage due to the critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending artery. It is characterized by intermittent chest pain with classical ECG changes. The cardiac biomarker is within the normal limit or only slightly elevated in this condition. Early recognition and cardiac intervention are important to prevent adverse cardiac outcomes. We report this rare case of Wellens syndrome in a 70-year-old male with intermittent chest and epigastric pain associated with belching for five days. The patient presented characteristic T-wave changes, symmetric deeply inverted T-waves, in precordial leads (V2-V4). Cardiac biomarkers, including troponin, were negative. He underwent cardiac catheterization and found a clot in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, which required a catheter-directed thrombectomy and drug-eluting stent placement. It is important to recognize this condition early and referred on time from primary health centers to higher centers, especially in developing countries like the Maldives, since delays in transfer may lead to a serious outcome.

14.
Cureus ; 13(6): e15471, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34262809

ABSTRACT

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute rheumatological illness usually affecting children between six months and five years of age. It is a vasculitis syndrome of medium-sized vessels that has typical clinical characteristics such as fever, rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, and mucosal changes. However, sometimes, it may present with the features of shock when it is known as Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). The actual etiology of this disease is still unknown. The primary treatment of this disease is aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The most common and serious complication of KD is cardiac complications which can be avoided by IVIG if given on time. KDSS is the other rare but serious early complication that can be presented to the ED as an initial presenting feature. Early diagnosis of KDSS in the ED and its treatment is very important to prevent early and late complications, including cardiac complications of this disease. Although the usual age group for this disease is under five years, here we have presented a rare case of KDSS in a nine-year-old female child.

15.
Cureus ; 13(6): e15616, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34277234

ABSTRACT

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant that prevents the peroxidation of lipid in vitro. The antioxidant role of vitamin E in preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes is controversial as some studies support it, while others reject it. Therefore, this review aims to determine whether there is an association between vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). An electronic search was done to find out relevant articles. Papers were shortlisted after the initial title and abstract screen. A full-text study was done, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied before the quality assessment of each paper was done. Only high-quality papers were selected for analysis. Full-text articles of the last ten years were included, while non-English articles, gray literature, and animal studies were excluded. The majority of the papers, including 75% of the total population in this review, suggested no role of vitamin E in preventing CVD and CVD mortality. Some studies also suggested that a high level of vitamin E can be associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Thus, one should be prudent about taking vitamin E supplementation for cardiovascular risk prevention.

16.
PLoS One ; 16(7): e0254954, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34288965

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity is a serious social and public health problem which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic especially in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. However, there is a paucity of evidence at local levels. This study aims to explore food insecurity among people from the disadvantaged community and low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic in Province-2 of Nepal. METHODS: The semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted virtually among purposively selected participants (n = 41) from both urban and rural areas in eight districts of Province 2 in Nepal. All the interviews were conducted in the local language between July and August 2020. The data analysis was performed using thematic network analysis in Nvivo 12 Pro software. RESULTS: The results of this study are grouped into four global themes: i) Impact of COVID-19 on food security; ii) Food insecurity and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, iii) Food relief and emergency support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and iv) Impact of COVID-19 and food insecurity on health and wellbeing. Most participants in the study expressed that families from low socioeconomic backgrounds and disadvantaged communities such as those working on daily wages and who rely on remittance had experienced increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants used different forms of coping strategies to meet their food requirements during the pandemic. Community members experienced favouritism, nepotism, and partiality from local politicians and authorities during the distribution of food relief. The food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families has affected their health and wellbeing making them increasingly vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: Food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families was found to be a serious problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the relief support plan and policies should be focused on the implementation of immediate sustainable food security strategies to prevent hunger, malnutrition, and mental health problems among the most vulnerable groups in the community.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Food Insecurity , Income/statistics & numerical data , Pandemics/economics , Vulnerable Populations/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Female , Housing/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nepal/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
17.
Ophthalmology ; 128(11): 1561-1579, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33961969

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The prevalence of myopia is increasing around the world, stimulating interest in methods to slow its progression. The primary justification for slowing myopia progression is to reduce the risk of vision loss through sight-threatening ocular pathologic features in later life. The article analyzes whether the potential benefits of slowing myopia progression by 1 diopter (D) justify the potential risks associated with treatments. METHODS: First, the known risks associated with various methods of myopia control are summarized, with emphasis on contact lens wear. Based on available data, the risk of visual impairment and predicted years of visual impairment are estimated for a range of incidence levels. Next, the increased risk of potentially sight-threatening conditions associated with different levels of myopia are reviewed. Finally, a model of the risk of visual impairment as a function of myopia level is developed, and the years of visual impairment associated with various levels of myopia and the years of visual impairment that could be prevented with achievable levels of myopia control are estimated. RESULTS: Assuming an incidence of microbial keratitis between 1 and 25 per 10 000 patient-years and that 15% of cases result in vision loss leads to the conclusion that between 38 and 945 patients need to be exposed to 5 years of wear to produce 5 years of vision loss. Each additional 1 D of myopia is associated with a 58%, 20%, 21%, and 30% increase in the risk of myopic maculopathy, open-angle glaucoma, posterior subcapsular cataract, and retinal detachment, respectively. The predicted mean years of visual impairment ranges from 4.42 in a person with myopia of -3 D to 9.56 in a person with myopia of -8 D, and a 1-D reduction would lower these by 0.74 and 1.21 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The potential benefits of myopia control outweigh the risks: the number needed to treat to prevent 5 years of visual impairment is between 4.1 and 6.8, whereas fewer than 1 in 38 will experience a loss of vision as a result of myopia control.


Subject(s)
Myopia/prevention & control , Refraction, Ocular/physiology , Risk Assessment/methods , Disease Progression , Global Health , Humans , Incidence , Myopia/epidemiology , Myopia/physiopathology , Risk Factors
18.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 21(1): 174, 2021 Feb 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33627115

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges and threats to the health care system, particularly affecting the effective delivery of essential health services in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. This study aimed to explore community perceptions of COVID-19 and their experiences towards health services utilization during the pandemic in Province-2 of Nepal. METHODS: The semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among purposively selected participants (n = 41) from a mix of rural and urban settings in all districts (n = 8) of the Province 2 of Nepal. Virtual interviews were conducted between July and August 2020 in local languages. The data were analyzed using thematic network analysis in NVivo 12 Pro. RESULTS: The findings of this research are categorized into four global themes: i) Community and stakeholders' perceptions towards COVID-19; ii) Impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on health services delivery; iii) Community perceptions and experiences of health services during COVID-19; and iv) COVID-19: testing, isolation, and quarantine services. Most participants shared their experience of being worried and anxious about COVID-19 and reported a lack of awareness, misinformation, and stigma as major factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Maternity services, immunization, and supply of essential medicine were found to be the most affected areas of health care delivery during the lockdown. Participants reported that the interruptions in health services were mostly due to the closure of health services at local health care facilities, limited affordability, and involvement of private health sectors during the pandemic, fears of COVID-19 transmission among health care workers and within health centers, and disruption of transportation services. In addition, the participants expressed frustrations on poor testing, isolation, and quarantine services related to COVID-19, and poor accountability from the government at all levels towards health services continuation/management during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that essential health services were severely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic in all districts of Province-2. It is critical to expand and continue the service coverage, and its quality (even more during pandemics), as well as increase public-private sector engagement to ensure the essential health services are available for the population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Facilities and Services Utilization/statistics & numerical data , Pandemics , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nepal/epidemiology , Qualitative Research , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data , Stakeholder Participation , Urban Population/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult
19.
Am J Ophthalmol ; 225: 27-37, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33412122

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate stability and performance of a new monofocal anterior capsulotomy-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) (FEMTIS; Teleon Surgical B.V., Spankeren, Netherlands) after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, interventional, noncomparative case series. METHODS: FLACS with FEMTIS IOL was performed in 336 eyes of 183 cataract patients with fixation of the IOL to the anterior capsulotomy followed up for 12 months. Examination included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best-corrected visual acuity (CDVA), subjective refraction, IOL centration, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and investigators' satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: At 12 months, mean IOL rotation was 1.50 ± 1.76 degrees and decentration 0.14 ± 0.14 mm from baseline (day of surgery). Mean horizontal IOL tilt was 0.70 ± 0.60 degrees and vertical 1.15 ± 1.06 degrees relative to the baseline (crystalline lens). Mean distance between IOL and iris was 0.32 mm to 0.36 mm for all measured meridians. Mean UDVA was 0.12 ± 0.14 logMAR (range -0.20 to 0.54 logMAR), mean CDVA -0.01 ± 0.09 logMAR (range -0.30 to 0.20 logMAR). Mean spherical equivalent was 0.35 ± 0.53 diopter (D) and 98% of eyes (n = 235) were within ±1.0 D. Median PCO score was 1 with an Nd:YAG laser rate of 3.1% after 12 months. Most surgeons were very satisfied (median score: 1) with surgery and implanted IOL. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of FEMTIS IOL provided excellent visual and stable refractive outcomes. IOL decentration was very low compared to other published studies and showed an exceptional high in-the-bag stability over a 12-month period. This lens benefits from femtosecond laser capsulotomies. It can be positioned very predictably and offers an optimal platform for toric and multifocal IOL optics.


Subject(s)
Anterior Capsule of the Lens/surgery , Artificial Lens Implant Migration/physiopathology , Cataract Extraction , Lens Implantation, Intraocular/methods , Lenses, Intraocular , Visual Acuity/physiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Capsule Opacification/physiopathology , Corneal Topography , Female , Humans , Laser Therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Ophthalmoscopy , Prospective Studies , Pseudophakia/physiopathology , Refraction, Ocular/physiology , Treatment Outcome
20.
JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc ; 59(242): 1063-1065, 2021 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35199697

ABSTRACT

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an invasive endoscopic procedure done more often for therapeutic rather than diagnostic purposes. There are various complications of this procedure like pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage, perforation and other rare adverse events. In this case report, we discuss a case of a 40 years female who was referred to our center for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. After the procedure she complained of bilateral loss of vision which was an unknown complication to us. But after looking back to literature we found two such case reports attributed to isolated bilateral lateral geniculate body infarct.


Subject(s)
Cholangitis , Pancreatitis , Cholangiography/adverse effects , Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde/adverse effects , Cholangitis/etiology , Female , Hemorrhage/etiology , Humans , Pancreatitis/etiology
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