Journal Issue:
No 4, Issue 32, OCT-DEC, 2010

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Volume

Number

Issue Date

2010

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

1812-2027

Journal Volume

Journal Volume
Volume: 8

Articles

Publication
Childhood Obesity, Unrecognized Public Health Challenge in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Aryal, M
NA
Publication
Positive Mental Health, Need for Holistic Approach
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Sharma, PP
NA
Publication
Refractive Errors and Visual Anomalies in Schoolchildren in the Kavrepalanchowk District
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Marasini, S; Sharma, R; Sthapit, PR; Sharma, D; Koju, U; Thapa, G; Nepal, BP
ABSTRACT Background Schoolchildren form an important target group for a nation, as any ocular morbidity in this age group has huge physical, psychological and socio-economical implications. Childhood eye disorders can contribute to the burden of blindness in any society. This study aims to highlight the prevalence of ocular morbidity in governmental schools in a sub-urbanised area of Nepal, in relation to ethnic variation. Methods A descriptive study, and the study population used were schoolchildren who were examined in their schools and afterwards referred to the hospital if required. Presenting and best corrected visual acuity, refraction, binocularity assessment, anterior and posterior segment evaluation was carried out. Data was analysed statistically using SPSS software, version 14. Results We examined 1,802 school children. The mean age was 10.78±3.61 years. Ocular abnormality was detected in 11.7%. Low vision and blindness was rare (0.11% and 0.05%). Ocular morbidities were more common in Newar communities (3.71%) followed by Brahamans (3.38%). Lid abnormalities were the most common (3.55%), and morbidities in each ethnicity were followed by refractive errors (3%), conjunctival abnormalities (1.10%), strabismus (0.88%) and amblyopia (0.33%). Refractive errors were most common among Newar communities (1.16%) at almost twice as many Brahamans (0.61%) followed by Mongolians (0.49%). Convergence insufficiency was detected in 2.49% (p<0.01). Conclusions Ocular morbidities are common in children in Kavhrepalanchowk District with lid abnormalities being the most common issue, probably due to a lack of hygienic practice. Ethnic variation of ocular morbidities is an important observation mostly for refractive error and strabismus. Key Words blepharitis, blindness, ethnicity, oculo-visual, visual acuity
Publication
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Complication and Conversion Rate
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Malla, BR; Shrestha, RKM
ABSTRACT Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become standard method for treating gallstone. However, different centres have reported different complications and conversion rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate complications and conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy into open cholecystectomy in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University, Nepal. Methods Files of all patients who had laparoscopic cholecystectomy from January 2005 to December 2009 were reviewed. Out of 119 laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases, 102 were included in the study as complete information was lacking in the rest. Results Out of 102 cases, 80 were female. Symptomatic cholelithiasis were 76.47%. The mean hospital stay was 2.48 days. Postoperative complications occured in 5.88% patients. Conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 3.92%. Conclusions Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a reliable and safe surgery. With growing experience in laparoscopic technique, it is possible to bring complications and conversion rate to minimum. However, there will be no significant improvements once learning curve is reached. Rather, the nature of biliary injury may become more severe. Key Words cholecystectomy, conversion, gallstone, laparascopic
Publication
Reduced Vision and Refractive Errors, Results from a School Vision Screening Program in Kanchanpur district of Far Western Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Awasthi, S; Pant, BP; Dhakal, HP
ABSTRACT Background At present there is no data available on reduced vision and refractive errors in school children of far western Nepal. So, school screening records were used to obtain data useful for planning of refractive services. Methods Data are provided from school screening conducted by Geta Eye Hospital during February/March 2008. The cases with complete data sets on visual acuity, refractive error and age were included and analyzed using computer software. Results Of 1165 children (mean age 11.6±2.5 years) examined, 98.8% (n= 1151) had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/9 and better in at least one eye whereas 1.2% (n= 14) had acuity 6/12 and worse in both eyes. Among them, either eye of 9 children improved to 6/9 and better with correction. However, visual acuity was 6/12 and worse in both eyes of 5 children even after correction. There were 24 children with refractive errors (myopia, 1.54%; n= 18 and hypermetropia, 0.51%; n=6) in at least one eye. The spherical equivalent refraction was not significantly different with age and gender. Conclusions The incidence of reduced vision and refractive errors among school children of this semi rural district were low. Key Words reduced vision, refractive error, school children, school screening

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