Tertiary Care Hospital In Goa Research Articles

CLINICO-MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF DEEP NECK SPACE INFECTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTE: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Deep Neck Space Infections (DNSI) are potentially life-threatening infections and need vigorous management in patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Worldwide, treatment comprises of early initiation of effective empirical anti-microbial treatment with surgical drainage of abscess. Hence, for optimal management one must know the etiology, presentation, anatomical space involvement as well as common microorganisms encountered in DNSI in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Aim: To describe the prevailing clinical and microbiological prole of DNSI in diabetic and non-diabetic patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, observational, descriptive (hospital based) study conducted in Goa Medical College, Goa over a duration of 18 months. Forty-one cases of DNSI with abscess, consisting of 25 non-diabetic and 16 diabetic patients were included in the study. A comparative evaluation of the clinico-microbiological prole was performed. Results: Pain and swelling in the neck (78%) was the most common presenting symptom in both the groups. Most DNSI were of odontogenic origin (44%) and preceded by upper respiratory tract infections (22%). The peritonsillar space was most frequently involved (27%). The most frequently isolated microorganism in non-diabetic patients belonged to Staphylococcus (29%) and Streptococcus spp, (12.5%) while in diabetic patients they belonged to Klebsiella (35%) and Pseudomonas spp (23.5%). Conclusion: DNSI patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus are likely to present with severe disease, should be monitored closely for development of complications and administered empirical antibiotics providing coverage of Klebsiella and Pseudomonas spp.

Clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease: a tertiary care experience

Background: We describe the clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics in children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MISC) temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co-V-2), admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at Goa Medical College, Goa, India. Parameters including demographics, clinical features, laboratory markers, medications and outcomes were obtained from patient hospital records; analyzed for patients treated for MISC (as per WHO case definition) for a period of 11 months from 01 July 2020 to 31 July 2021.Results: 30 patients (18 males) with median age of 7 years (IQR: 2 months – 12 years) were included. The proportion of children with gastrointestinal symptoms was 20 (64.5%), shock was a presenting feature in 15 (48%) and coronary ectasia and/or low ejection fraction was seen in 12 children (38.7%).Conclusions: A high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of MIS-C in children presenting with fever and Kawasaki disease like symptoms or signs of shock is recommended; since early aggressive therapy with Intravenous Immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone can have favourable outcomes.

Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and its Association with the Severity of Liver Disease: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: There exists a complex relation between the thyroid hormones and liver physiology in health and disease. The liver along with the thyroid gland play a significant role in the conversion of inactive Thyroxine (T4 ) to active Triiodothyronine (T3 ). The most common thyroid hormone profile in cirrhosis of liver is a low total T3 and free T3 , secondary to reduced activity of deiodinase type 1 and increased conversion to rT3 . Aim: To assess the association between the thyroid hormone levels and severity of liver disease, expressed in terms of child pugh score in tertiary care hospital in Goa. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional observational study included hundred patients with liver cirrhosis, admitted at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, from October 2019 to September 2020. The thyroid hormone levels were estimated from an early morning fasting blood sample within 24 hours of admission, once the patient satisfied the inclusion criteria. The Child Turgott Pugh scoring system was used to classify patients as per their severity of liver disease. The data was entered and analysed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 14.0. Results: There were 95 males and 5 females. The study showed low mean levels of total T4 and free T3 in patients with cirrhosis of liver, which was significantly associated with Child Pugh classes of liver dysfunction. There was an association between levels of free T3 and the classes of Child Pugh score. The difference in the mean levels of TSH, total T3 and free T4 across the Child Pugh classes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study showed low free T3 levels in patients with cirrhosis of liver as seen in similar studies done in various settings. Thus, Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs) especially free T3 levels have a considerable potential to be used an independent predictor or a proxy to prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.

A study of road traffic injury victims at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India.

While road traffic accidents are declining in many developed countries, fatalities are still on the rise in many developing countries including India. More than half of the road traffic injury (RTI) victims are in the age group of 20-55 years, which constitutes the key wage-earning and child-raising age group. To study the socio-demographic profile of RTI victims and to study the pattern of injury among them. The RTI victims brought to the casualty of Goa Medical College and Hospital were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire following transfer to in-patient wards after initial stabilisation in the casualty. Data are expressed as proportions and presented using graphs and charts. A majority of the RTI victims, i.e., 134 (30.45%) were in the age group of 30-40 years. The findings reveal that 33 (13.04%) RTI victims did not have a valid driving licence, while the use of alcohol within 6 h before accident was seen in 38 (12.75%) RTI victims; 234 (65.36%) victims were not using a seat belt or helmet and 350 (79.55%) victims had grievous injuries. A high number of drivers were driving without a valid driving licence while a good number of RTI victims consumed alcohol putting themselves as well as other commuters at risk. There is a need for increasing awareness among the road users and community regarding road safety. Government authorities should ensure consistent and strict implementation of traffic rules as well as accelerate the implementation of road-safety preventive measures.

Effect of Pre-pregnancy Maternal Body Mass Index on Obstetric Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa, India.

Maternal body mass index (BMI) is a vital predictor of the nutritional status of any pregnant woman. Several developing countries like India are facing the double burden of both obesity and malnutrition due the extreme socioeconomic distribution of our population. Thus, this study was undertaken to study the effect of pre-pregnancy maternal BMI on the obstetric outcomes. A retrospective observational study was conducted during the time period of 1year (December 2018-December 2019), wherein we analysed 3940 women who delivered in Goa Medical College. Depending on the maternal BMI calculated at the first antenatal visit, all the study participants were divided into five BMI groups and their obstetric outcomes were studied. Majority of the study participants were in the normal BMI category (49.8%); however, a large number of women were overweight (37.3%), 3.2% were obese, 0.1% were morbidly obese, and 9.6%were underweight. Antenatal complications like anaemia and IUGR were more common in underweight women, whereas pre-eclampsia, GDM, macrosomia, antepartum haemorrhage and preterm labour were more common in obese women. Increased rate of Caesarean sections and postpartum complications like PPH, wound sepsis and puerperal sepsis were observed in overweight and obese women. Thus, adverse obstetric outcomes were observed in extremes of maternal BMI. Hence, there is a need to provide pre-conception counselling to all women in the reproductive age group so that they can achieve normal BMI prior to conception and thus reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates in our country.

High Level Aminoglycoside resistance in Enterococci in a tertiary care hospital in Goa.

High Level Aminoglycoside resistance in Enterococci in a tertiary care hospital in Goa.

Sociodemographic profile of HIV patients at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India

Background: Despite the improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), India accounts for the third largest cases of HIV in the world. Nearly 86% of reported cases are occurring in sexually active and economically productive age group (15-44 years). The current study was conducted to study the socio demographic profile of newly diagnosed HIV patients attending ART centre at Goa Medical College in Goa.Methods: A hospital based observational retrospective study was carried out in the department of Medicine of Goa Medical College in collaboration with ART centre from October 2015 to January 2016. Patient’s relevant data about the infection was collected from their treatment record card at the ART centre using preformed questionnaire.Results: In the present study out of 211 patients, male patients 112 (53.08%) outnumbered female patients 99 (46.92%). 80.56% of the study group were in the age group of 20-39 years. Although the total number of male HIV positive patients was more, there was also significant increase in the female group. The most common route of transmission was found to be heterosexual (78.67%) followed by blood transfusion route (2.3%). With regard to the level of education, 25%, 69% and 12% of patients had education up to primary, secondary and college level respectively.Conclusions: Rising number of HIV patients in small state of Goa is alarming and they are likely to contribute to spread of the disease due to rise in migrant population. Better awareness of the disease especially among migrants is utmost necessary to prevent increased number of young population from getting infected. Increasing number of female infected patients warrants us to educate housewives regarding safe sexual practices and contraception in preventing the spread of the disease.

Hemoglobin and CD4 count in HIV patients initiating antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Background: Hematological abnormalities are known to be independent predictors of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. The current study was conducted to evaluate the hemoglobin levels and CD4 count at the time of initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients attending ART centre at Goa Medical College.Methods: A hospital based observational retrospective study was carried out in Department of Medicine of Goa Medical College in collaboration with ART centre from October 2015 to January 2016. Patient’s relevant data about the infection was collected from patient’s treatment record card at the ART centre using preformed questionnaire.Results: The prevalence of anaemia in study participants was 66.35%. The prevalence of severe anaemia and mild-moderate anaemia was 9% and 57.3% respectively, while 33.65% of participants were not anaemic. Significant difference was observed in the prevalence of anaemia among immune deficient male participants (CD4 count <500 cells/mm3) and participants with no significant immune deficiency (CD4 count ≥500 cells /mm3) (77.5% versus 50%). Significant difference was also seen in the prevalence of anaemia among immune deficient female participants (CD4 count <500 cells/mm3) and participants with no significant immune deficiency (CD4 count ≥500 cells /mm3) (93.5% versus 56%).Conclusions: The current study revealed high prevalence of anemia in HIV patients prior to the initiation of ART in both males as well as females. Mild to moderate anemia was predominant in the study participants than severe anemia. There was significant difference observed in the prevalence of anemia among immune deficient population and participants with normal CD4 count. Prompt diagnosis of anaemia, identification of the underlying cause of anaemia in HIV patients as well as the implementation of appropriate treatment is essential.

Assessment of musculoskeletal problems among desk job employees of a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability and the most frequent cause of all health-related absence from work. There is lack of information about MSDs among desk job employees.Methods: A cross sectional study, carried out among desk job employees engaged in administrative work at a tertiary care hospital in Goa involved, data collection on MSDs using Standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and workstation ergonomics assessment using NIH (National Institute of Health) checklist.Results: Among 110 respondents, 50 males and 60 females, majority (42.7%) were from age group 31-40 years. As per the NMQ, one-year prevalence of MSDs was highest in lower back (55.5%), followed by neck (48.2%); and the lowest in ankles (4.5%). Regular postural breaks were not taken by 59 (53.6%) of the total participants, of which 41(37.3%) complained of at least one MSD and the association was statistically significant (p=0.001). On ergonomic assessment, 62 (56.4%) had chairs with poor lower back support, of which 44 (40%) complained of lower backache; 20 (18.2%) were uncomfortable during keyboard use and 18 (16.4%) with desk setup. Of the 40 participants with continuous computer use for 4-5 hours, 27 complained of neck pain and there was a significant association found between continuous computer use and neck pain (p=0.003).Conclusions: Based on the findings, ergonomic training workshops should be conducted, and the workstation design needs to be improved to reduce the burden of work-related MSDs.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in Goa, India: A Hospital-based Case-Control Study.

Introduction:Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women worldwide. The objective of the present study was to determine and quantify important modifiable risk factors attributable to colorectal cancer, in order to explore the ways to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in this region.Materials and Methods:A case–control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India. The study subjects were group matched for age and sex so as to include 110 cases and 110 controls. Only incident cases of colorectal cancer were recruited in the study. Predesigned structured questionnaire was utilized for data collection, while anthropometric measurements and laboratory investigations were conducted. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software package. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the institute. Informed written consent was obtained from the study participants.Results:Smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol consumption, red meat consumption, high body mass index (BMI), and the presence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to be the risk factors for colorectal cancer on univariate analysis, while fruit and vegetable consumption were found to be the protective factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified Type 2 diabetes mellitus and high BMI as risk factors for colorectal cancer and consumption of fruits and vegetables as protective factors.Conclusion:Identification of risk factors for colorectal cancer would help in setting of colorectal cancer screening guidelines as well as for creating awareness regarding prevention of colorectal cancer among the general population.

A study of biomedical waste management at a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India

Objectives: To study the management of biomedical waste and to also evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding management ofbiomedical waste among health care personnel at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to study biomedical waste management at the tertiary hospital and to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices among health care personnel. Study participants consisted of 200 health care personnel.To study the management of biomedical waste, different sections of the hospitals were visited and data was recorded on a researcher designed checklist.Knowledge, attitudes and practices were evaluated using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. Approval of the institutional ethics committee was taken prior to the conduct of the study. Results: Overall 96.5% were aware about biomedical waste generation and its various other components. About 96% of the respondents were aware of the need to segregate biomedical waste. Around 34.5% of the participants expressed the opinion that the hospital doesn’t follow correct biomedical waste practices. Safe handling of biomedical waste was not an extra burden on their daily routine work for majority of the study participants (77.5%). Majority of the study participants (86.7%) reported practicing segregation of waste at source. Other findings were improper use of colour coded bins, recapping of needles and non-use of puncture proof containers for sharps. Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude among doctors and interns was higher than other health personnel, while it was lowest among Class IV employees making them vulnerable to infection which can spread through any mishandling of biomedical waste. Keywords: Biomedical waste, Knowledge, Practices, Tertiary hospital.

Awareness of Tuberculosis and RNTCP among Interns at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

Introduction: India is the highest burdened country with Tuberculosis (TB) bearing over one fourth of the global TB burden. HIV and drug resistance have further complicated the scenario. Thorough knowledge about TB, its diagnosis and treatment as well as about HIV-TB and drug resistance is needed to make RNTCP and TB control a success. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 90 medical interns who answered a self-administered semi structured questionnaire consisting of 30 questions, answered over 30 minutes, conducted over a 3-month period from July to September 2019. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS 14.0 software. Results were expressed in percentages and proportions. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: The response rate was 100%. Mean age of interns was 23 to 25 years with 56.6% of them being females. 98.8% of the interns correctly identified the chief symptom of TB. 90% of them knew the role of DOTS centre in TB control. However, the overall knowledge regarding HIV-TB and Drug resistant TB was poor. None of them had received prior RNTCP training. Conclusion: Our study has identified several gaps in the knowledge among medical interns in Goa regarding various aspects of TB diagnosis, RNTCP, HIV-TB and Drug resistant TB. RNTCP training and sensitization must be a mandatory part of the interns training to improve the control of TB in India. How to cite this article:Naik MV, Parrikar AAP, Cacodcar JA. Awareness of Tuberculosis and RNTCP among Interns at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa. Epidem Int 2020; 5(3): 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202019

Awareness regarding Zika Virus Disease among Resident Doctors of a Tertiary Hospital in Goa

Background:Among the emerging diseases, Zika virus (ZIKV) disease, a vector-borne health problem, has recently become a major VBD of international concern in low and middle income countries. In India, the first four proven cases of ZIKV were reported in 2017 followed by major outbreaks in the States of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness of Resident doctors in Goa towards managing ZVD in a tertiary care hospital in Goa. Methods:The present hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Resident doctors of Goa Medical College and Hospital. A total of 188 Resident doctors from various Departments were interviewed to obtain details regarding personal characteristics and their knowledge regarding the Zika virus disease. Result:A high number i.e. 139 (73.9%) of the Resident doctors were aware of the mosquito vector that transmits Zika disease.Only 23 (12.4%) of theResident doctors were aware of the common symptoms and signs seen in cases of Zika virus disease. A majority of the Resident doctors i.e. 154 (81.9%) were aware of the most common adverse outcome of maternal Zika virus infection. A high number i.e. 183 (97.3%) Resident doctors correctly said that Zika virus disease can be prevented and 180 (95.7%) of the Resident doctors were aware of the preventive measures for Zika virus infection. Conclusion:The knowledge of Resident doctors in Goa regarding the Zika virus disease is low especially regarding the modes of transmission, signs and symptoms and diagnosis of the Zika infection. It is necessary that basic knowledge and training regarding the Zika virus disease should be included in the current medical curriculum. Regular CME programs on ZVD for the training of the Resident doctors and trainee medical doctors must be conducted.

A Study of HIV-TB Co-infection and its Determinants at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

A Study of HIV-TB Co-infection and its Determinants at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

Awareness of cervical cancer and pap smear screening among women of reproductive age group at a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Awareness of cervical cancer and pap smear screening among women of reproductive age group at a tertiary care hospital in Goa - IJOGR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-2746 Online ISSN No:- 2394-2754 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijogr.2019.099, Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research-Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res

Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Patients with Stable Biomass Smoke- versus Tobacco Smoke-Associated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease with predominant involvement of neutrophils, macrophages and CD8+ lymphocytes. Eosinophilic airway inflammations are reported in stable state and during acute exacerbations of tobacco smoke-associated COPD (TS-COPD). Women exposed to biomass fuel smoke are known to have eosinophils in sputum. However, little is known about the sputum cellular inflammatory profile in biomass fuel smoke-associated COPD (BMS-COPD). We therefore aimed to compare the sputum cellular inflammatory profile in tobacco smoke- and biomass smoke-associated COPD.Methods.The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Goa, India. A total of 113 patients with stable COPD reporting to the outpatient pulmonary clinic were recruited. All participants were ≥ 40 years of age. Sputum induction studies were performed by the method of Pizzichini et al. after baseline subject characterization. Significant eosinophilia was defined as induced sputum eosinophils ≥ 3%.Results.There were 85 TS-COPD and 28 BMS-COPD patients. The mean age [standard deviation (SD)] was 64.7 (7.8) and 63.0 years (8.3), p = 0.32 in TS and BMS-COPD, respectively. Eighteen subjects (21.1%) were female smokers. The smoking pack-year median [interquartile range (IQR)] was 36 (20, 58) and hour-years of biomass smoke exposure mean (SD) was 192.4 (61). The TS-COPD and BMS-COPD cases showed a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) mean (SD) of 57.9 (17.1), and 62.6 (19.4), p= 0.22, respectively. Both groups had similar symptoms and severity of disease. Induced sputum total cell count per gram of sputum × 106 mean (SD) was 3.05 (1.53) for TS-COPD, and 2.55(1.37) for BMS-COPD p=0.12. The neutrophils % mean (SD) was 86.4 (16.5) and 87.9 (10.2), p = 0.64; eosinophils % median (IQR) was 2.5 (1, 10) and 8 (2, 12.8), p = 0.07; lymphocytes % median (IQR) was 0 (0, 0.75) and 0 (0, 1) p = 0.13; macrophages % median (IQR) was 2.5 (0.75, 5.7) and 1 (0, 4.7) p = 0.13; and significant eosinophilia (eosinophils ≥3%) was 42 (49.4%) and 20 (71%), p=0.04, for TS-COPD and BMS-COPD, respectively.Conclusions.For similar severity of disease and clinical symptoms, significant eosinophilic inflammation was observed in stable BMS-COPD, while both groups had similar neutrophilic inflammation.Participant Consent.Obtained.Ethics Approval.The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Goa Medical College, Goa, India.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Awareness of Ovarian Cancer and Its Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa, India

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in world among women and a leading cause of mortality among all gynaecological malignancies. This is because majority of the ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stage of the disease. The lack of specific symptoms and effective screening techniques makes ovarian cancer an extremely fatal disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the awareness of ovarian cancer; its symptoms, risk factors, treatment and prognosis among women of reproductive-age group admitted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) wards of Goa Medical College. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Goa Medical College, from December 2018 to February 2019. A total of 426 women above 20 years of age admitted in all the obstetrics and gynaecology wards were interviewed and assessed using a structured questionnaire. A score of more than 70% was considered as good level of awareness, 50–69% indicating fair level of awareness and a score of less than 50% indicating poor level of awareness of ovarian cancer. About one-third of the women had ever heard of ovarian cancer; however, only 3.5% women had good level of awareness, 13.4% had fair level of awareness, and 83.1% women had poor level of awareness of ovarian cancer. Most of the respondents (84.5%) were aged < 40 years, married (90.1%), Hindu (76%), had at least secondary education (81.6%)and socio-economic class III and above (78.9%), and were from rural areas (59.2%). Most of the women interviewed (63.4%) had no knowledge about ovaries and their function. Only 14.1% of the women knew about symptoms of ovarian cancer, and hardly 2.8% were aware of its risk factors. The most commonly known symptom of ovarian cancer among these women was abdominal pain (71.8%), while the most commonly known risk factor reported was family history of ovarian cancer (67.6%). A large percentage (43.7%) of women had poor awareness of screening, treatment and prognosis of ovarian cancer. There is poor awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms and risk factors among women in Goa and a high mortality associated with the disease. Health education about the disease among women is the need of the hour in order to facilitate screening, detection and treatment for ovarian cancer.

Profile of Ocular Injuries among Road Traffic Accident Victims at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

Profile of Ocular Injuries among Road Traffic Accident Victims at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Goa

Analysis of outcomes in neonates of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus at a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Background: Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder complicating pregnancy in India. Babies born to diabetic mothers are at increased risk of neonatal complications as well as long term complications with potential of developing type 2 DM in future. Methods: A large prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Goa for a period of 18 months (2014-2016) to study the outcomes among neonates born to mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).Results: Clinical outcomes of neonates born to 424 mothers with GDM were studied and compared with 424 neonates born to mothers without GDM during the same time period. The mean birth weight of neonates born to GDM mothers was 3.17 kg. Macrosomia was found among 1.2% neonates born to GDM mothers. There was no significant difference in Apgar scores at 5 minutes of birth in GDM and non-GDM groups. The rate of admissions to Neonatal Care Unit was significantly higher (32.1%) in neonates born to GDM mother as compared to non-GDM group. Incidence of neonatal complications like respiratory distress syndrome (4.2%) and hypoglycaemia (11%) was significantly higher in neonates born to GDM mothers. There was a significant increase noted in neonatal mortality (3.3%) in the GDM group.Conclusion: Numerous complications are reported among neonates born to mothers with GDM. Hence these mothers with GDM should be delivered in tertiary care centre or district hospitals where fully staffed and well equipped neonatal intensive care units are available for management of these complications.

Clinical profile and visual outcome of pediatric ocular trauma in a tertiary care hospital in Goa

Introduction: Ocular trauma accounts for 8-14% of all the injuries in the pediatric age group, which if managed with timely intervention helps avert permanent visual disability. There are many such studies done in other Indian states which have studied the profile of ocular injuries in that area; however such a study was lacking in Goa. Hence this study was conducted to study the clinical profile and visual outcome of pediatric ocular trauma at a tertiary care hospital in Goa. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-series hospital based study was conducted at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, after Institutional Ethics Committee approval. The medical case records of patients in the pediatric age group, who were admitted in the hospital with ocular injuries during the period between January 2015-December 2017 were reviewed and analyzed. All the relevant data was entered in pre-tested structured proforma. Results: there were 52 cases of ocular trauma among children during the 3 year period. 55.76% were in the age group between 5-10 years, 63.46% were males. 65.38% were from the rural areas. 61.53% had sustained injuries at home. 40.38% had presented to the tertiary care hospital beyond 24hours since the injury. The most commonly encountered injuries were open globe injuries 30 (57.69%), followed by closed globe injuries 19 (36.53%) and chemical injuries 3 (5.76%). 73.07% had a presenting Snellen’s visual acuity worse than 6/60, while at discharge 53.84% had a visual acuity between 6/18-6/60, 42.30% better than 6/18 and 3.84% had visual acuity worse than 6/60. Conclusion: Good parental supervision and immediate medical care in case of ocular injuries is of utmost importance to reduce childhood blindness due to ocular trauma. Keywords: Goa, Ocular trauma, Pediatric.