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Biomedical subjects

S Sharma

Publications and source records attributed to S Sharma.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Current popularity of pneumatic retinopexy.

PURPOSE: To compare the popularity of pneumatic retinopexy (PR) in 1997 with its popularity in 1990 among retinal specialists. METHODS: In 1997, a survey was mailed to the 1994-1995 members of the Retina or Vitreous Societies who lived in the United States or Canada, asking how they would manage a hypothetical retinal detachment. The choices were limited to PR, segmental scleral buckling, scleral bucking with encircling, primary vitrectomy, and Lincoff balloon. The results of the survey were compared with those previously reported by a similar survey in 1990. RESULTS: The majority (55%) of respondents selected PR, which is a twofold increase over those who preferred it in 1990 (odds ratio 2.08; 95% confidence interval 1.53, 2.85). The popularity of PR was inversely proportional to the length of time the respondents had been in practice. If the eye with the hypothetical detachment had pseudophakia, only 30% of respondents selected PR. If the eye had additional tears, vitreous hemorrhage, or lattice degeneration, only about one-sixth preferred PR. CONCLUSION: Pneumatic retinopexy was much more popular in 1997 than it was in 1990. Its popularity continues to be influenced by the age of the surgeon and by the complexity of the detachment.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1999

Red cell indices and discriminant functions in the detection of beta-thalassaemia trait in a population with high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia.

Red cell indices and discriminant functions were studied in 463 heterozygous beta-thalassaemics (337 without iron deficiency, 126 with iron deficiency) and 195 patients of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) to ascertain their utility in the detection of betathalassaemia trait (BTT). Majority of traits in both groups had an elevated RBC count (> or = 5.0 x 10(12)/L). The counts were significantly higher than of patients with IDA, only 4.6% of whom had this degree of erythrocytosis. Mean Hb concentration was significantly higher in traits as compared to iron deficient subjects (p < 0.0001). Mean MCV and MCH were significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in traits more so in those with ID as compared to patients of IDA. MCV < 80 fl and MCH < 27 pg were found to be sensitive markers in the detection of traits even in the presence of ID. Of the four discriminant functions studied MCSQ was found to be most sensitive in detection of BTT and it identified 97.9% traits. DF of England and Fraser was most specific for BTT being < 8.4 in only 6.2% patients with IDA. Detection of erythrocytosis especially in the presence of mild anaemia and calculation of discriminant functions derived from red cell indices were found to play an important role in screening for BTT even in the presence of ID and helped identify those patients who required further laboratory evaluation.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗
PubMed1999

Contact lens-induced peripheral ulcers with extended wear of disposable hydrogel lenses: histopathologic observations on the nature and type of corneal infiltrate.

PURPOSE: Contact lens-induced peripheral ulcer (CLPU), a sudden-onset adverse event observed with extended wear of hydrogel lenses, is characterized by a single, small, circular, focal anterior stromal infiltrate in the corneal periphery or midperiphery. The condition is always associated with a significant overlying epithelial loss and resolves in a scar. The aim was to determine, by using histopathologic techniques, the nature and type of the corneal infiltrate of these events. METHODS: Three CLPUs observed in three patients using disposable hydrogel lenses on an extended-wear schedule were examined. The eye was topically anesthetized, and a corneal section including all of the infiltrate was taken. A small triangular piece of conjunctiva immediately adjacent to the infiltrate was sectioned. The tissue was immediately fixed, processed, stained using hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stains, and examined by using light microscopy. RESULTS: The diameter of these three corneal infiltrates varied from 0.3 to 0.6 mm. Histopathology of the corneal sections revealed a focal epithelial loss corresponding to the infiltrated stroma in all three patients. The adjacent epithelium was thinned. Bowman's layer was intact in two patients and had a localized area of loss in the remaining patient. The anterior stroma was densely infiltrated with polymorphonuclear leukocytes and had focal areas of necrosis. The infiltration was most dense in the region immediately underlying Bowman's layer. No other infiltrative cell type was seen in any of the sections. Histopathology of the conjunctiva revealed features consistent with normal conjunctival tissue. CONCLUSIONS: On histopathology of CLPU, distinctive features (i.e., focal corneal epithelial loss, an intact Bowman's membrane, and a localized infiltration of the anterior stroma with polymorphonuclear leukocytes) were seen. These features suggest that the event is an acute inflammatory process and probably noninfective in nature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Current treatment by United States and Canadian pediatric rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVE: To determine current treatment practices for 11 selected pediatric rheumatic diseases. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 224 US and Canadian physicians who were listed in membership directories that included pediatric rheumatologists. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-four questionnaires (78%) were returned. Board certified pediatricians accounted for 86% of respondents. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were the most commonly used medicines for all forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), seronegative enthesopathy and arthropathy syndrome (SEA), and Henoch-Schönlein purpura, whereas oral corticosteroids were most frequently used for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile dermatomyositis, polyarteritis nodosa, and sarcoidosis. Intraarticular corticosteroid injection was the second most common therapy for pauciarticular JRA, but methotrexate (MTX) was second for polyarticular and systemic onset forms of JRA, and sulfasalazine was second for SEA. For all diseases, MTX was administered orally roughly twice as often as subcutaneously. In treating SLE, cyclophosphamide was used more frequently than azathioprine, cyclosporin A, or intravenous immunoglobulin. CONCLUSION: The results from this survey should allow individual practitioners to compare their treatment patterns to pediatric rheumatologists in the US and Canada as a whole.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Evidence-based medicine and cost-effectiveness.

Most available medical management techniques compare the practice patterns of providers with other providers but overlook the inherent value of interventional medical therapies to patients and society. The authors present a methodology for objectively evaluating the quality and cost-effectiveness of medical interventional therapies, and comparing them to each other using the common denominator of cost per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY). Advantages of this methodology include the fact that it: (1) compares the cost-effectiveness of different treatment regimens, (2) incorporates patient preferences, (3) employs evidenced-based medical data, information that is most reliable and reproducible, (4) factors in the effect of treatment on the quality of life and length of life, (5) offers an evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a treatment, (6) identifies both superior and marginal treatments, (7) maximizes the effective use of scarce resources, and (8) simplifies the understanding of health care procedures for consumers, payers, and providers.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed1999

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nimesulide and piroxicam in osteoarthritis with specific reference to chondroprotection: a double blind randomised study.

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy, tolerability and chondroprotection afforded by nimesulide, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and piroxicam in a randomised, double blind, controlled clinical trial in 90 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joint. A significant improvement in the osteoarthritis severity index at 2 weeks (p < 0.01) and an improvement in physicians assessment of global arthritic condition at 4 weeks (p < 0.01) was seen with both the treatments. A significant decrease in articular index of joint tenderness (p < 0.05) at 8 weeks and in self assessment of handicap at 4 weeks (p < 0.05), in comparison to baseline, was observed only in patients receiving nimesulide. Rescue therapy was required by a greater percentage of patients being administered piroxicam. Functional capacity improved in 64% of the patients on nimesulide and 74.5% of the patients receiving piroxicam. Adverse effects were observed in 6 patients on nimesulide and 9 patients receiving piroxicam. No significant difference was found in any of the efficacy and tolerability parameters between the two treatment groups. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the knee joint of 10 patients showed no significant change in the articular cartilage and associated joint structures after 6 months of therapy with both the treatments. The results show that nimesulide and piroxicam are comparable in efficacy and tolerability in patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Tuberculosis: a rare cause of splenic abscess.

Splenic abscess is a rare condition associated with septicemic conditions. Splenic abscess due to tuberculosis is still rarer, mostly diagnosed in immuno-compromised hosts. A case of tubercular splenic abscess without any underlying disease is reported.

Abscess↗