Predictors of voluntary HIV counselling and testing services utilization among people with disabilities in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

The study investigated HIV testing prevalence and factors associated with the utilization of voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT) services among individuals with disabilities in Addis Ababa. The analysis was based on a survey of 209 men and 203 women with disabilities, aged 15–49, who had ever heard about HIV and AIDS in four sub-cities in Addis Ababa. HIV testing prevalence was 53.2%, with no significant difference between males and females. Comprehensive HIV knowledge, living with spouse, and religious affiliations positively predicted utilization of VCT services among participants. Living with both parents and having physical or mental/intellectual disabilities were negative predictors of VCT services utilization. More research on the predictors of utilization of VCT services by gender and urban/rural divides are needed among people with disabilities.     

The application of clinical registries in ophthalmic trauma—the International Globe and Adnexal Trauma Epidemiology Study (IGATES)

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - Ophthalmic trauma is a leading cause of preventable monocular blindness worldwide. The prevalence of ophthalmic trauma varies...     

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis: incidence of ocular complications and visual acuity loss

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidences of ocular complications and vision loss in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis, to describe risk factors for vision loss, and to describe the association between therapy and complications and vision loss. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: setting: Single-center, academic practice. study population: A total of 75 patients with JIA-associated uveitis evaluated between July 1984 and August 2005. procedures: Clinical data on these patients were analyzed. outcome measures: Occurrence of ocular complications and visions of 20/50 or worse and 20/200 or worse. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of three years, the incidence of any ocular complication was 0.33/eye-year (EY). Rates of vision loss to 20/50 or worse and 20/200 or worse were 0.10/EY and 0.08/EY, respectively. Risk factors at presentation for incident vision loss included presence of posterior synechiae, anterior chamber flare > or = 1+, and abnormal intraocular pressure (IOP). During follow-up, ocular inflammation > or = 0.5+ cells was associated with an increased risk of visual impairment (relative risk [RR] = 2.02, P = .006) and of blindness (RR = 2.99, P = .03). Immunosuppressive drug therapy reduced the risk of hypotony by 74% (P = .002), epiretinal membrane formation by 86% (P = .05), and blindness in the better eye by 60% (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Incident vision loss and complications were common. Presence of posterior synechiae, anterior chamber flare > or = 1+, and abnormal IOP at presentation were associated with vision loss during follow-up. Use of immunosuppressive drugs reduced the risk of some ocular complications and of blindness in the better-seeing eye.     

Donor-Transmitted Malignancy in a Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Donor-transmitted malignancy is a rare complication of organ transplantation. This case illustrates a donor-transmitted adenocarcinoma in a patient 11 months after an orthotopic liver transplant for cryptogenic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Diagnosis of donor-transmitted malignancy may be challenging and can be confused with HCC recurrence. A timely diagnosis is crucial as a delay may limit treatment options. Biopsy of newly found liver lesions and the use of karyotypic and microsatellite analysis may be essential for diagnosis. Protocols should be in place to help recognize and limit the incidence of donor-transmitted malignancy.     

Management of post-photorefractive keratectomy pain

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a refractive procedure gaining popularity that eliminates the risk of ectasia and flap complications that can occur after laser in situ keratomileusis. Post-operative discomfort is a major drawback after PRK and thus the management of pain and discomfort following PRK is of great importance. We summarize corneal pain pathways and summarize current approaches to pain management after PRK.