CAN WAIST/HIP RATIO BE USED AS A SIMPLE MEASURE OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN THE ARMED FORCES : RESULTS FROM A FIELD EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

A cross-sectional analytical epidemiologic study was undertaken in the community setting, on 1080 army personnel in a field formation, to study the association between waist/hip ratio (WHR) and certain physiological and biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk. The study revealed that Junior Commissioned Officers, personnel aged 35 years and above, and personnel from Services had an increased probability of having higher WHR. WHR was consistently, linearly and significantly associated with increasing mean values of serum cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. The optimum cut-off point of WHR from the findings of this study seems to be 0.91 and above. Beyond this value of WHR, the cardiovascular risk increases significantly and becomes more dramatic at WHR values of 0.96 and above.KEYWORDS: Cardio-vascular risk, Central adiposity, Obesity, Waist/hip ratio     

Multi-Disciplinary, Problem-based, Self-Directed Training in Occupational Health

A post-professional diploma course in occupational health andsafety has been established at McMaster University in Canadawhich utilizes several unusual approaches to learning. Theseinclude: (a) problem-based, self-directed learning; (b) smallgroup tutorials, and (c) multi-disciplinary student groups.In contrast to the traditional method of teaching which focuseson the teacher and is content based, the problem-based, self-directedmethod is student centred and focuses on learning skills. Thestudent group is purposely selected to reflect the multi-disciplinarynature of the occupational health field. Requests for reprints should be addressed to: Dave Verma, PhD, Occupational Health Program, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Health Sciences Centre - Room 3H50, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5     

Short communication: Hepatitis B viral markers and liver disease in haemophiliacs: A study in an Indian population

Serological evidence of hepatitis B infection was observed in 20 (67%) of 30 haemophiliacs studied. The reason for this relatively low incidence in India, compared with 81–95% in the West, is probably attributed to the mode of treatment given. Single donor products are mostly given in India, rather than multi donor factor VIII concentrates given in the West.     

MANAGEMENT OF CONCURRENT GLAUCOMA AND CATARACT BY PHACOTRABECULECTOMY TECHNIQUE: AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

30 cases of open angle glaucoma with cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, PMMA phaco profile IOL implantation and trabeculectomy through same incision were critically evaluated. The mean controlled, preoperative intra ocular pressure was 20 mm of Hg (range 18 to 35 mm of Hg) by aplanation method. Mean post operative pressure after 12 months was 13 mm of Hg (range 11 to 22 mm of Hg) intra operative hyphaema, post operative uveitis were noted problems. Periodic, post operative optic disc and field evaluation remained static in 66% cases. Visual acuity of 6/12 or better was achieved in 60% cases. Failure to restore glaucoma control without medication was seen in 13.3% cases after 9–12 months. The combined phacotrabeculectomy is an effective single step technique of managing concurrent glaucoma with cataract.Key words: Single incision, Phacotrabeculectomy