Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents for diabetic cystoid macular oedema.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cystoid macular oedema (CMO) is a condition which involves fluid accumulation in the inner portion of the retina. It often follows changes in retinal blood vessels which enhance the fluid to come out of vessels. Although it may be asymptomatic, symptoms are primarily painless loss of central vision, often with the complaint of seeing black spots in front of the eye.It is reported that CMO may resolve spontaneously, or fluctuate for months, before causing loss of vision. If left untreated or undiagnosed, progression of CMO may lead to permanent visual loss.It has been noted that patients with diabetic retinopathy have elevated inflammatory markers, and therefore it is likely that inflammation aids in the progression of vascular disease in these patients. Several topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ketorolac 0.5%, bromfenac 0.09%, and nepafenac 0.1%, have therefore also been used topically to treat chronic diabetic CMO. Hence this review was conducted to find out the effects of topical NSAIDs in diabetic CMO. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for diabetic cystoid macular oedema (CMO). SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2014, Issue 12), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to January 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to January 2015), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 12 January 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs investigating the effects of topically applied NSAIDs in the treatment of people with diabetic CMO aged 18 years of age or over. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and screened all available titles and abstracts for inclusion. There were no discrepancies and we did not have to contact trial investigators for missing data. MAIN RESULTS: We did not identify any RCTs matching the inclusion criteria for this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review did not identify any RCTs investigating the effects of topical NSAIDs in the treatment of diabetic CMO. Most of the studies identified through the electronic searches had been conducted to analyse the effect of topical NSAIDs for pseudophakic CMO.In the absence of high quality evidence, clinicians need to use their clinical judgement and other low level evidence, such as observational non-randomised trials, to decide whether to use topical NSAIDs in cases of diabetic CMO.More research is needed to better understand the cause of this condition and its pathophysiology. This systematic review has identified the need for well designed, adequately powered RCTs to assess possible beneficial and adverse effects of topical NSAIDs in people with diabetic CMO. Future trials should aim to include a large sample size with an adequate follow-up period of up to one year.

Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) for preventing and treating acute bleeds during pregnancy in women with congenital bleeding disorders.

BACKGROUND: Congenital bleeding disorders can cause obstetric haemorrhage during pregnancy, labour and following delivery. Desmopressin acetate is found to be an effective drug which can reduce the risk of haemorrhage and can also stop bleeding in certain congenital bleeding disorders. Its use in pregnancy has been controversial. Hence beneficial and adverse effects of desmopressin acetate in these groups of pregnant women should be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of desmopressin acetate in preventing and treating acute bleeds during pregnancy in women with congenital bleeding disorders. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Coaguopathies Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant and abstract books of conferences proceedings. We also searched for any randomised controlled trials in a registry of ongoing trials and the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews.Date of most recent search: 28 February 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials investigating the efficacy of desmopressin acetate versus tranexamic acid or factor VIII or rFactor VII or fresh frozen plasma in preventing and treating congenital bleeding disorders during pregnancy were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS: No trials matching the selection criteria were eligible for inclusion. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The review did not identify any randomised controlled trials investigating the relative effectiveness of desmopressin acetate for bleeding during pregnancy in women with congenital bleeding disorders. In the absence of high quality evidence, clinicians need to use their clinical judgement and lower level evidence (e.g. from observational trials) to decide whether or not to treat women with congenital bleeding disorders with desmopressin acetate.Given the ethical considerations, future randomised controlled trials are unlikely. However, other high quality controlled studies (such as risk allocation designs, sequential design, parallel cohort design) to investigate the risks and benefits of using desmopressin acetate in this population are needed.

Anti-D administration after spontaneous miscarriage for preventing Rhesus alloimmunisation.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, a Rhesus-negative (Rh-negative) woman may develop antibodies if her fetus is Rh-positive, which can cause fetal morbidity or mortality in following pregnancies, if untreated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of administering anti-D immunoglobulin (Ig) after spontaneous miscarriage in a Rh-negative woman, with no anti-D antibodies. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 December 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCT) in Rh-negative women without antibodies who were given anti-D Ig following spontaneous miscarriage compared with no treatment or placebo treatment following spontaneous miscarriage as control. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and trial quality. Two review authors extracted data and checked it for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS: We included one RCT, involving 48 women who had a miscarriage between eight to 24 weeks of gestation. Of the 19 women in the treatment group, 14 had therapeutic dilatation & curettage (D&C) and five had spontaneous miscarriage; of the 29 women in the control group, 25 had therapeutic D&C and four had spontaneous miscarriage. The treatment group received 300 µg anti-D Ig intramuscular injection and were compared with a control group who received 1 cc homogenous gamma globulin placebo.This review's primary outcomes (development of a positive Kleihauer Betke test (a test that detects fetal cells in the maternal blood; and development of RhD alloimmunisation in a subsequent pregnancy) were not reported in the included study.Similarly, none of the review's secondary outcomes were reported in the included study: the need for increased surveillance for suspected fetal blood sampling and fetal transfusions in subsequent pregnancies, neonatal morbidity such as neonatal anaemia, jaundice, bilirubin encephalopathy, erythroblastosis, prematurity, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in subsequent pregnancies, maternal adverse events of anti-D administration including anaphylactic reaction and blood-borne infections.The included study did report subsequent Rh-positive pregnancies in three women in the treatment group and six women in the control group. However, due to the small sample size, the study failed to show any difference in maternal sensitisation or development of Rh alloimmunisation in the subsequent pregnancies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There are insufficient data available to evaluate the practice of anti-D administration in an unsensitised Rh-negative mother after spontaneous miscarriage. Thus, until high-quality evidence becomes available, the practice of anti-D Immunoglobulin prophylaxis after spontaneous miscarriage for preventing Rh alloimmunisation cannot be generalised and should be based on the standard practice guidelines of each country.

Zinc supplements for treating thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Haemoglobinopathies, inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis (thalassaemia) or structure (sickle cell disease), are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The WHO estimates that, globally, 5% of adults are carriers of a haemoglobin condition, 2.9% are carriers of thalassaemia and 2.3% are carriers of sickle cell disease. Carriers are found worldwide as a result of migration of various ethnic groups to different regions of the world. Zinc is an easily available supplement and intervention programs have been carried out to prevent deficiency in people with thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia. It is important to evaluate the role of zinc supplementation in the treatment of thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia to reduce deaths due to complications. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of zinc supplementation in the treatment of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of most recent search: 01 February 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised, placebo-controlled trials of zinc supplements for treating thalassaemia or sickle cell disease administered at least once a week for at least a month. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of the included trials, extracted and analysed data and wrote the review. We summarised results using risk ratios or rate ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data. We combined trial results where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS: We identified nine trials for inclusion with all nine contributing outcome data. Two trials reported on people with thalassaemia (n = 152) and seven on sickle cell anaemia (n = 307).In people with thalassaemia, in one trial, the serum zinc level value showed no difference between the zinc supplemented group and the control group, mean difference 47.40 (95% confidence interval -12.95 to 107.99). Regarding anthropometry, in one trial, height velocity was significantly increased in patients who received zinc supplementation for one to seven years duration, mean difference 3.37 (95% confidence interval 2.36 to 4.38) (total number of participants = 26). In one trial, however, there was no difference in body mass index between treatment groups.Zinc acetate supplementation for three months (in one trial) and one year (in two trials) (total number of participants = 71) was noted to increase the serum zinc level significantly in patients with sickle cell anaemia, mean difference 14.90 (95% confidence interval 6.94 to 22.86) and 20.25 (95% confidence interval 11.73 to 28.77) respectively. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin level between intervention and control groups, at either three months (one trial) or one year (one trial), mean difference 0.06 (95% confidence interval -0.84 to 0.96) and mean difference -0.07 (95% confidence interval -1.40 to 1.26) respectively. Regarding anthropometry, one trial showed no significant changes in body mass index or weight after one year of zinc acetate supplementation. In patients with sickle cell disease, the total number of sickle cell crises at one year were significantly decreased in the zinc sulphate supplemented group as compared to controls, mean difference -2.83 (95% confidence interval -3.51 to -2.15) (total participants 130), but not in zinc acetate group, mean difference 1.54 (95% confidence interval -2.01 to 5.09) (total participants 22). In one trial at three months and another at one year, the total number of clinical infections were significantly decreased in the zinc supplemented group as compared to controls, mean difference 0.05 (95% confidence interval 0.01 - 0.43) (total number of participants = 36), and mean difference -7.64 (95% confidence interval -10.89 to -4.39) (total number of participants = 21) respectively. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, there is no evidence from randomised controlled trials to indicate any benefit of zinc supplementation with regards to serum zinc level in patients with thalassaemia. However, height velocity was noted to increase among those who received this intervention.There is mixed evidence on the benefit of using zinc supplementation in people with sickle cell disease. For instance, there is evidence that zinc supplementation for one year increased the serum zinc levels in patients with sickle cell disease. However, though serum zinc level was raised in patients receiving zinc supplementation, haemoglobin level and anthropometry measurements were not significantly different between groups. Evidence of benefit is seen with the reduction in the number of sickle cell crises among sickle cell patients who received one year of zinc sulphate supplementation and with the reduction in the total number of clinical infections among sickle cell patients who received zinc supplementation for both three months and for one year.The conclusion is based on the data from a small group of trials,which were generally of good quality, with a low risk of bias. The authors recommend that more trials on zinc supplementation in thalassaemia and sickle cell disease be conducted given that the literature has shown the benefits of zinc in these types of diseases.

Pathological complete response in locally advanced breast cancer: determinants and predictive significance.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is now the standard approach for most large breast cancers including locally advanced cancers of the breast. The majority of patients respond satisfactorily to chemotherapy with effective downsizing of tumours to consider breast conservation surgery. Pathological complete response (pathCR) is known to be a strong predictor of good outcome; however, many factors are known to influence the extent of response to chemotherapy. It has been observed that smaller the tumour, better is the response achieved in contrast to larger and locally advanced tumours where only one-third may respond well enough to merit breast conservation. Various other clinical, biological and molecular factors are also being evaluated as effective predictors of chemosensitivity. Most of these are either not easily available for all patients in developing countries or are overtly expensive and not applicable for all patients. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and pathological predictors of response to chemotherapy in 1402 women with locally advanced breast cancer. RESULTS: There was a higher rate of pathCR in smaller tumours, younger women and ER-negative as well as triple negative tumours. The presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lymphatic and vascular invasion (LVI) were associated with lower pathCR. CONCLUSION: In the absence of ready availability of expensive molecular and genomic assays, clinical parameters and standard histopathological variables can also be useful indicators of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, they can help identify those who could be eventually conserved or have a better outcome.

A grading system for reproductive and child health indicators in southern India.

This study was carried out to develop a system for grading local government sectors (LGS) in regard to reproductive and child health (RCH). RCH indicators for Udupi District in southern India over a one year period were graded. All 146 LGS in 3 municipalities were ranked using the grading system into one of 5 grades. The grading system is based on 14 RCH indicators. There was a wide disparity in RCH among LGS, even though the overall key RCH indicators were good. Using this new grading system for each of the 146 LGS in Udupi District, Udupi, Karkala and Kundapura administrative divisions were all within the first three grades. This new system of grading care in the LGS based on RCH indicators, can be used as an easy reference tool to assess and compare the performance of each LGS. A similar system could be adapted by other countries using RCH indicators.

Effectiveness of reproductive health education among rural adolescent girls: a school based intervention study in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is the most important and sensitive period of one's life [1] . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee, adolescence is defined as the period between 10 and 19 years, the second decade of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention program on knowledge of reproductive health among adolescent girls. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This educational intervention study was carried out over a period of one year. A total of 791 rural girls in the age group 16-19 years were randomly selected from coastal villages in Udupi District, Karnataka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adolescent girls were educated regarding reproductive health and their awareness levels were evaluated immediately following intervention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 11.0 for Windows. Findings were described in terms of proportions and percentages. Chi square test was used to test the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: A significant increase in overall knowledge after the intervention (from 14.4 to 68%, P < 0.01) was observed regarding contraception. Knowledge regarding ovulation, first sign of pregnancy and fertilization improved by 37.2% (95% CI = (35.2, 39.2), P < 0.001). Knowledge regarding the importance of diet during pregnancy improved from 66 to 95% following the intervention. CONCLUSION: This study clearly showed that an educational intervention program can bring about a desirable change in knowledge among adolescent girls regarding reproductive health.

Acceptability and effectiveness of a breast health awareness programme for rural women in India.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer being one of the leading cancers among women in developing countries, prevention or identification of the disease at an early stage is of paramount importance in saving as well as improving the quality of life. Breast health awareness appears to be a pragmatic method for this. OBJECTIVE: To determine the acceptability and effectiveness of an educational intervention programme on breast health awareness for rural women by trained female health workers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Community based non-randomised educational intervention study carried out over a period of 1 year. Three hundred and sixty rural women in the age group 30--59 years were randomly selected (and age-wise stratified), from a coastal village in Southern India. METHODS: Women were educated on breast health and breast self-examination by specifically trained health workers and their awareness and proficiency levels were evaluated at the end of 1 and 3 months post-intervention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: This was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 10. RESULTS: Following the educational intervention, a significant increase in overall awareness regarding breast cancer (z=-15.807; P< 0.001) as well as in the performance of self-examination of the breast 321/342 (93%) was observed. Forgetfulness or being too busy appeared to be the two most frequently perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: This study clearly shows that a community oriented educational intervention programme emphasizing on proper technique can bring about the desirable behavioural change among women.

Impact of pixel intensity correlations on statistical inferences of expression levels in cDNA microarray experiments.

In a cDNA microarray experiment, the final measurement is intensity ratio at a spot in the microarray chip. The objective of the present study is to estimate the uncertainty associated with the final intensity ratio at each spot in cDNA microarray chips and also to explore the role of pixel intensity correlations in statistical inferences of gene expression levels. We estimate uncertainty at each spot using the theory of error propagation under two different situations: (1) when there is no correlation between pixel intensities and (2) when the pixel intensities are positively correlated. The inverses of these estimated uncertainties are used as weights in downstream analysis to test the significance of each gene. The analysis was verified on a data downloaded from the GEO database. Our study shows that the uncertainty and statistical inference of gene expression levels depend on correlation between pixel intensities within a spot.

Analysis of menstrual records of women immunized with anti-hCG vaccines inducing antibodies partially cross-reactive with hLH.

Menstrual data of 13 control subjects and 88 subjects immunized with three beta-hCG-based vaccine formulations were analysed. Immunization did not change the menstrual regularity; bleeding days were normal (3-7 days) and 89% of the menstrual cycles were within the normal range of 22-35 days. Irregular (short or long) cycles were observed in both immunized and control groups. These were, however, unrelated to prevailing anti-hCG antibody titres or to cross-reactivity of antibodies with hLH.

Reversal reaction in multibacillary leprosy patients following MDT with and without immunotherapy with a candidate for an antileprosy vaccine, Mycobacterium w.

Immunotherapy with a candidate for an antileprosy vaccine, Mycobacterium w, was given in addition to standard multidrug therapy (MDT) to 53 multibacillary lepromin negative patients belonging to BB, BL and LL types of leprosy (vaccine group). An equal control group received MDT and injections of micronized starch as placebo. Both the vaccine and placebo were administered intradermally every 3 months. The patients were evaluated at determined intervals by clinical, bacteriological and histopathological parameters and lepromin testing. Reactional episodes were analysed with reference to incidence, onset, frequency and severity during and after release from treatment (RFT). Incidence of reversal reaction (RR) was marginally higher in the vaccine group (22.6% vaccine group vs 15% control group). All cases with a history of downgrading type 1 reaction developed RR during therapy. Most episodes occurred within the 1st year of the commencement of therapy--50% developing within 3 months. Late reversal reaction (after RFT) were observed in 3.8% of cases in both groups, and 50% of the reactors in the control group and 33% in the vaccine group had repeated reactional episodes. Incidence of neuritis associated with RR as well as isolated neuritis was similar in both groups.

Prevalence of goitre among school children in coastal Karnataka.

OBJECTIVE: A cross sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, KMC, Manipal to find out the prevalence of goitre among school children in the age group of 8-10 years. METHODS: A total of 722 children were selected from the study population by the method of probability proportion to size (PPS) stratified sampling giving due representation to both Government and private schools. Children were clinically examined for the presence of goitre and graded according to WHO guidelines. Urine and salt samples were collected from subsample to estimate the urinary iodine excretion level and iodine content in the salt respectively. RESULTS: Over all prevalence of goitre was 30 percent. Prevalence among males was 28.8 percent and among females it was 31.2 percent. In the both sexes goitre rate increased with the advancement of age. Prevalence of grade I and grade II goitre was 29.4 and 0.6 percent respectively. Prevalence of goitre was significantly higher among children who had urinary iodine excretion level less than optimum (<10 mcg/dl). Estimation of iodine content in the salt sample revealed that 48.3 percent of samples had adequate iodine content (>=15 ppm). There was significant increase in the goitre rate as the iodine content in the salt decreased (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of goitre among school children was high and therefore constituted a public health problem in this region.

Socio-demographic and maternal determinants of low birth weight: a multivariate approach.

A community based study was conducted in the rural areas of Udupi taluk, Karnataka state of South India to identify the socio-demographic, maternal and obstetric determinants of low birth weight. All singleton live births that occurred in the study area during a one year period (October 1991 to September 1992) were included. A total of 2919 singleton child-mother pairs formed the basis of the analysis. Information about social, demographic and economic conditions of the families; maternal factors such as age, parity, quality of antenatal care and previous obstetric history were collected by interviewing the mothers and family members and verifying the available medical records through the field investigators especially recruited and trained for this purpose. Data was analyzed using multiple logistic regression model. Primis, elderly mothers and mothers who had not received good quality antenatal care were found to be more at risk of having low birth weight babies. Other significant determinants were family custom, socio-economic status and environmental sanitation.

Perinatal mortality in a rural district of south India.

Perinatal mortality is one of the most sensitive indices of maternal and child health. The perinatal mortality rate is an indicator of the extent of pregnancy wastage as well as of the quality and quantity of health care available to the mother and the newborn. A community based prospective study carried out on 13,214 births in South Kanara district between Oct. 1991-Sept. 1992 revealed a perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) of 44.65/1000 births. Among the various factors influencing perinatal mortality, breech deliveries and babies of multiple pregnancies had a very high perinatal mortality rate of 180.81/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 4.90) and 128/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 2.64). The previous bad obstetric history of the mother, parity and sex of the newborn were among the other important factors influencing the PNMR.

Influence of parental literacy and socio-economic status on infant mortality.

The influence of parental literacy and socio-economic status (SES) on infant mortality rate (IMR) was studied. This report is only a part of much larger community-based prospective study conducted to determine the factors influencing infant mortality in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, with the financial assistance form IDRC, Canada. A total of 12,857 livebirths during the period of October 1, 1991, to September 30, 1992, where registered and followed up for one year. There were 391 infant deaths which gives an IMR of 30.4 per 1,000 livebirths. Univariate analysis and subsequent stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that, literacy and SES have a very significant role in reducing IMR.

Socio-demographic determinants of antenatal care.

A large scale community-based study in South Kanara district of Karnataka state, India has revealed that, despite a low infant mortality rate (IMR), there is a clear association between IMR and lack of antenatal care (ANC) as well as IMR and poor quality ANC. We analyse the factors which determine the utilization of ANC and show the association between quality of ANC and maternal literacy, occupation, age and parity. Factors which are also significantly associated are socio-economic status, religion and matriarchal system. Characteristically, those who do not receive any ANC are poor, illiterate, multiparous unskilled mothers over 30 years of age and who live far away from a medical facility. This study conclusively demonstrates that even in regions where IMR is low there is enough scope to reduce it further by concentrating our efforts on the high risk population.

Sentinel node biopsy versus low axillary sampling in women with clinically node negative operable breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) was initially conceived as excision of the first station axillary lymph node(s) (LN) identified by radioactive and/or blue dye uptake. The definition was subsequently enlarged to also include palpable lymph nodes in the vicinity of sentinel node(s) (SN). We reasoned that the excision of this combination of nodes might be best achieved by sampling the lower axilla. METHODS: Each patient underwent low axillary sampling (LAS) and identification of SN in the excised specimen followed by complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). LAS was defined as excision of all fibrofatty tissue overlying the second digitation of serratus anterior below the intercostobrachial nerve and was carried out following a pre-operative injection of radioactive colloid and an intra-operative injection of blue dye. Blue and/or hot nodes (B&/HN) in the dissected tissue and remaining axilla, along with any palpable nodes within the sampled tissue, were defined as SN. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare false negative rates (FNR) of SN with that of LAS in predicting axillary LN status (NCT00128362). FINDINGS: The study was performed between March 2004 and December 2011 in 478 women with clinically node negative axilla. On histopathological evaluation the median tumor size was 2.5 cm and axillary nodal metastases were found in 34.1% of patients. The FNR of SNB (12.7%, 95% CI 8.1-19.4) and LAS (10.5%, 95% CI 6.6-16.2) were not significantly different (p = 0.56). The FNR of B&/HN alone, without palpable nodes, (29.0%, 95% CI 22.5-36.6) was significantly inferior to those of SNB (p = 0.0007) and LAS (p = 0.0003). INTERPRETATION: LAS is as accurate as SNB in predicting axillary LN status in women with clinically node negative operable breast cancer. Confining SNB procedure to excision of B&/HN, significantly increases the risk of leaving behind metastatic lymph nodes in the axilla. LAS is an effective and low cost procedure that minimizes axillary surgery and can be implemented widely. Registry Name: Clinicaltrials.gov. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00128362.

Visual outcomes of cataract surgery in a rural population of South India: results from a population-based survey.

We aimed to assess the outcomes of cataract surgery in a rural population of south India. A house-to-house survey was carried out in 15 villages. Out of the 156 eyes operated on for cataract, the outcome was good, borderline and poor in 49.3%, 35.2% and 14.1% of the eyes respectively. There is a need to focus on the quality of cataract surgical services rather than just the number of cataract surgeries to reduce the burden of cataract blindness.