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
Articles
Childhood Obesity, Unrecognized Public Health Challenge in Nepal
(Kathmandu University, 2010) Aryal, M
NA
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
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
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