Ultrasonic evaluation of retinoblastoma

Seventeen children presenting with leucocoria were subjected to complete investigations. Careful A and B mode ultrasonography allowed us to make the correct diagnosis of retinoblastoma in 11 eyes of 9 patients, which was confirmed by histopathology or by response to radiotherapy. The diagnosis of retinoblastoma was not missed ultrasonographically in any of the eyes studied. The "V/W" configuration and absence of vascular pulsations on A mode; the "mixed" pattern and absence of choroidal excavation and orbital shadowing on B mode were found to be essential echographic features in characterizing the tumor and in differentiating it from other conditions including vitreous hemorrhage. The ultrasonographic features of early extraocular extension of retinoblastoma are discussed. Careful ultrasonic evaluation of leucocoria would seem to be invaluable in obviating the possibility of misdiagnosis in such problematic cases.     

Height-weight relationship in young healthy Indian males

Height-weight relationship in young healthy Indian males (19-22 yrs.) has been established. It is concluded that the relationship of the form: log w = 1.18 + 0.35 h fits well to the data on height h (in metres) and weight w (in kilograms) for this group of subjects, the logarithm is taken to the base 10. The results of the present study show that Ehrenberg's equation of the form: log w = 0.8 h + 0.4 cannot be extended beyond the age of 18 years in young healthy Indian males.     

Enzyme studies in GM2 gangliosidiosis,and their application in prenatal diagnosis

Assay of hexosaminidase A and B enzymes in four cases with developmental regression and cherry red spot on fundus examination confirmed that three cases had Tay-Sachs disease, and one case had Sandhoff disease. Prenatal diagnosis was carried out by hexosaminidase enzyme assay in amniotic fluid and cells in one family, and chorionic villus sample in the second family. The fetus was diagnosed to be unaffected in one, and affected in the other family. Assay of hexosaminidase A and B is useful for specific diagnosis of GM₂ gangliosidosis, and for prenatal diagnosis to reduce the burden of these disorders.     

Epidemiology of chronic suppurative otitis media and deafness in a rural area and developing an intervention strategy

Of 613 children evaluated in a village in Haryana 94 (15.3%) were observed to have chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Fifty eight (61.7%) children had hearing impairment. CSOM contributed to 71.6% of the hearing impaired (58/81). On analysis of association of CSOM with literacy and socio-economic status of mothers, and age, sex, and upper respiratory tract infections (URI) in children positive correlation was observed only with URIs (P<0.001). Literacy and socio-economic status of the mothers did not correlate significantly with knowledge about treatment seeking, and ear cleaning practices, probably due to the narrow range of incomes and literacy levels. An intervention program consisting of play, demonstrations, health charts and slogans, and aural cleaning and antibiotic drops was introduced.     

Management of ocular perforations resulting from peribulbar anaesthesia

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical presentation and outcome of treatment for globe perforation secondary to peri-bulbar anaesthesia. METHODS: Eight patients (3 females and 5 males) aged 66-84 years were included in the study. Ocular perforations were suspected in 3 cases before or during surgery, in 4 cases diagnosis was established within one week and in one case at 3 weeks. Three patients underwent indirect argon laser photocoagulation to seal the retinal break, one patient had cryotherapy, 3 patients underwent a pars plana vitrectomy with fluid gas exchange and endo-laser; and one patient refused any further treatment. RESULTS: The final visual acuity after a mean follow up of 14 months was better than 6/9 in 2 patients, between 6/9-6/12 in 4 patients, and perception of light in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: If diagnosed early and treated adequately, a majority of patients with globe perforation during periocular anaesthetic could be saved.     

Disseminated and atypical molluscum contagiosum in an AIDS patient

A case of disseminated molluscum contagiosum (MC) has been reported in a patient suffering from AIDS. Most of the lesions were erythematous papules and nodules with central unbilication. A few giant lesions and lesions over genitalia were also observed.     

Effect of child loss on contraception acceptance

In India, interviews were conducted with 250 couples who had at least 2 living children and at least 1 son so researchers could examine the effect of child loss on contraceptive usage. The interviewees lived in the area served by the rural health center in Pohir. 67 couples had lost a child. The child loss group had an acceptance rate for contraception of 41.7% compared to 44.8% for the group who had not experienced child loss. The difference was insignificant. Caste, literacy, and parity did not affect contraceptive usage. These findings suggest that child loss does not play a crucial role in contraception acceptance. On the other hand, some studies show that it is a barrier to fertility limitation. Additional studies are needed to resolve the issue of child loss and fertility.