Keratometry using hand-held and automated keratometers with and without speculum in Indian pediatric cataract – A comparative study

To study the keratometry of Indian pediatric eyes, the effect of speculum on keratometry reading, the concordance of hand held and automated keratometry and the effect of unilateral and bilateral cataract on keratometry and IOL power calculation. This was conducted as a cross- sectional observational study on 101 eyes of children in the age range of 41 post-conceptional weeks to 144 months. All cooperative patients were subject to automated keratometry followed by keratometry using hand held keratometer with and without speculum. Hand held keratometer with and without speculum documented significantly increased average K as well as astigmatism and decreased calculated IOL power when compared to automated keratometry (p<0.01). No significant difference in K readings was observed between unilateral and bilateral cataracts and among males and females (p>0.05). As the age increased, astigmatism increased significantly (R=0.07; p=0.007) whereas no such correlation was observed for keratometry (p>0.05). Hand held keratometry offers the convenience of obtaining accurate keratometry, astigmatism and IOL power measurements in children.

Disease Burden Due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Indian Pediatric Population: A Literature Review

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections in young children. Globally, there is huge disease burden, high treatment cost, and health impact beyond acute episodes due to RSV which necessitate development and implementation of preventive strategies for the control of RSV infection. The disease burden due to RSV in pediatric population across India is still not clearly understood so this literature review was therefore conducted to gather data on disease burden due to RSV in Indian pediatric population. Systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Google search with different medical subject headings from 2007 to 2020. Studies performed in Indian pediatric population were selected for review. Literature review revealed that in India, epidemiology of RSV infection is well documented in young children (0-5 years) as compared to children from other age groups. The rates of RSV detection in various studies conducted in younger children (0-5 years) vary from 2.1% to 62.4% in India which is higher as compared to children from other age groups. In India, RSV mainly peaks around rainy to early winter season, that is, during months of June through October while smaller peak was noted during December, January, and February. In 2020, higher RSV-associated disease burden was reported among children (<5 years) in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Considering significant disease burden due to RSV in young Indian children, availability of RSV vaccine would be crucial to prevent RSV infections in children and its spread in the community.

Knowledge and Awareness on Silver Diamine Fluoride among Paediatric Dentists and Post Graduates in India - A Survey

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topically applied liquid that has been used to treat tooth hypersensitivity and arrest cavitated carious lesions. Lesion arrest can be achieved by painting the cavitated lesion with the SDF liquid without removing any infected soft dentin. SDF can serve as an alternative, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate traditional dental treatment, and can reduce the need for dental care to be performed under general anesthesia, with its associated health risks. The aims of this study were to assess Indian pediatric dentist’s SDF educational experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior and to explore the relationships among these constructs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 paediatric dentists and post graduates by asking them to take up a survey. All dentists from India. were invited to participate in the survey. An online multiple-choice and fill-in response questionnaire was created in Google Forms. Questions. The data obtained were compiled systematically and then statistically analyzed. Survey responses were received from 100 members. The data showed that 41% percent of respondents under 40 years of age in our study. Out of the 100 respondents were male (53%) than female (47%). The respondents ranged in age from 26 to 65 years; they had graduated from their BDS /MDS program. A lack of self-reported knowledge was most frequently reported concerning whether a restoration must be placed after SDF treatment even if SDF is being reapplied twice per year, whether SDF can be used on root caries lesions, and under which codes SDF treatment can be billed.

Awareness, Perception, Attitude Regarding CoViD -19 and Infection Control among Indian Pediatric Dentists: A Cross Sectional Study

Aim: The rapid and extensive spread of CoViD -19 pandemic has become a major source of concern for healthcare system including pediatric dentists. The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness, perception and attitude regarding CoViD – 19 and infection control among Indian pediatric dentists. Study design: A total of 1009 Indian Pediatric dentists completed questionnaire based survey on the awareness, perception and attitude regarding CoViD – 19 infection and its control. Descriptive statistics have been used in the study to analyze the findings. Mean and standard deviation and proportion have been used to estimate the results of the study. Results: 65.75% Indian pediatric dentists had answered questions regarding CoViD – 19 infection correctly. The present survey found a positive perception among Indian pediatric dentist regarding CoViD – 19 and infection control. However the attitude among Pediatric dentist regarding the same was not encouraging. Conclusion : As the global threat of CoViD-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the awareness, perceptions and attitude of pediatric dentists. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach pediatric dentists beyond borders, and further studies are warranted.