No abstract

Indians have high rates of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension (HTN) is an important modifiable risk factor. There are no comprehensive reviews or a nationally representative study of the burden, treatments and outcomes of HTN in India. A systematic review was conducted to study the trends in prevalence, risk factors and awareness of HTN in India. We searched MEDLINE from January 1969 to July 2011 using prespecified medical subject heading (MeSH) terms. Of 3372 studies, 206 were included for data extraction and 174 were observational studies. Prevalence was reported in 48 studies with sample size varying from 206 to 167 331. A significant positive trend (P<0.0001) was observed over time in prevalence of HTN by region and gender. Awareness and control of HTN (11 studies) ranged from 20 to 54% and 7.5 to 25%, respectively. Increasing age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes and extra salt intake were common risk factors. In conclusion, from this systematic review, we record an increasing trend in prevalence of HTN in India by region and gender. The awareness of HTN in India is low with suboptimal control rates. There are few long-term studies to assess outcomes. Good quality long-term studies will help to understand HTN better and implement effective prevention and management programs.

The CREATE-ECLA Randomized Controlled TrialThe CREATE-ECLA Trial Group Investigators* See also pp 427 and 489.

A 15-year-old boy presented with diminution of vision which rapidly progressed to no perception of light. In the ocular fundus, a neuroretinitis-like picture was seen. On CT-scan & ultrasonography, an optic nerve swelling was detected with a shadow of scolex. Medical therapy in the form of steroids along with albendazole was ineffective. Surgical removal by lateral orbitotomy was done and a complete cyst with scolex was removed, which was confirmed histopathologically as a case of retrobulbar optic nerve cysticercosis.

Purpose:To evaluate the subjective and objective cyclodeviational changes following different weakening procedures on superior and inferior oblique musclesDesign:Comparative case seriesMaterials and Methods:In a prospective institution based study, 16 cases of A pattern horizontal strabismus having superior oblique overaction were randomized to superior oblique weakening procedures: either silicon expander or translational-recession. Similarly, 20 cases of V pattern horizontal strabismus with inferior oblique overaction were randomized for inferior oblique weakening procedures: either 10 mm Fink′s recession or modified Elliot and Nankin′s anteropositioning. Cyclodeviation was assessed subjectively with the synoptophore and objectively using the fundus photograph before surgery and 3 months postoperatively. Change in cyclodeviation was measured by subjective and objective methods. The index of surgical effect (ISE) was defined as the net torsional change postoperatively.Results:The difference between the extorsional change induced by the two superior oblique procedures, silicone expander (-6°) and translational recession (-11.3°), was statistically significant (P=0.001). Translational recession caused more extorsional change (ISE=296%) than silicone expander surgery (ISE=107%). The two inferior oblique weakening procedures, Fink′s recession (+2.5°) and modified Elliot and Nankin′s anteropositioning (+4.7°) produced equitable amount of intorsional shift with no statistical difference (P=0.93). Objective measurements were significantly more than the subjective measurements.Conclusions:Different weakening procedures on oblique muscles produce different changes in cyclodeviation, which persists even up to 3 months. Subjective cyclodeviation is less than the objective measurements indicating partial compensation by sensorial adaptations.