A study on management of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with lateral percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation

Background: Supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children is a common injury encountered in orthopaedic practice. Undisplaced fractures can be managed conservatively, however displaced fractures need proper reduction and adequate fixation for attainment of optimal functional and cosmetic outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lateral percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire fixation in the management of displaced supracondylar fractures in relation to achievement of union and functional results.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on 70 patients of either sex with an average age of 5.98 years, presenting to the Orthopaedic Department of S.H.K.M. Government Medical College Hospital, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana between February 2016 and February 2018, with displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus. All the patients were managed by closed reduction and percutaneous lateral K wire fixation. The patients were followed up for a period of 1 year. The patients were analyzed for union and functional results.Results: All the fractures united with an average time of union of 3.8 weeks. Functional results were assessed using Flynn’s criteria, which were excellent in 58 (82.86%), good in 7 (10%), fair in 3 (4.28%) and poor in 2 (2.86%) patients.Conclusions: Thus results of our study demonstrate that the lateral percutaneous K wire fixation is a safe and effective method of treatment of displaced paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

Allergic contact dermatitis to eye drops

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) occurs due to a milieu of allergens and involves different anatomical sites, including eyelids, and periorbital areas. Topically applied ophthalmic drugs are a potential cause of ACD of the periorbital region. Here we describe the report of a patient who developed ACD to eye drop preparations

Awareness of family physicians towards antihistamines

Background: Antihistamines are one of the commonly prescribed groups of drugs for allergic disorders and pruritus. They are broadly grouped into two generations, the second-generation ones being more effective and with less side effects. The family physicians frequently use antihistamines as patients contact them initially for their problem. It will be interesting to know the mode of selection of antihistamines by them. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on a sample of 100 family physicians. Primary data were collected from them after taking informed consent. A pre-validated questionnaire regarding knowledge, awareness, and prescribing schedule of antihistamines was filled up. The data were then analyzed with suitable statistical tests. Results: Almost 73% of physicians prescribed second-generation antihistamines, while 27% prescribed the first-generation ones. Only 15% of them were aware about the ARIA and GA2LEN guidelines and their recommendations for prescribing second-generation antihistamines over the older first-generation antihistamines, while 85% had not heard about them previously. A minimum 7% of practitioners revealed that they updosed the same drug four times in the treatment of urticaria, while 93% did not do it. Conclusion: Even though a sizeable percentage of family physicians prescribed second-generation antihistamines, most of them were not aware of their dosing guidelines

Pattern of skin diseases and occupational dermatoses in veterinarians and veterinary workers of Kashmir

Background: Across the globe, skin disorders represent a frequent occupational concern for many health professionals including veterinarians and there is a serious impact of skin diseases on their lives and careers. But little is known about the prevalence and distribution of skin diseases (especially occupational) within this important professional group across Asia, especially India. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study carried out over a period of one year in which veterinarians and veterinary workers of Kashmir valley were screened for various skin diseases and occupational dermatoses. Results: The study group comprised 910 veterinarians and associated workers working across the valley with the majority being males; 846 workers (93%). The mean age of the group was 38.53 years. Out of these, 267 veterinarians and associated workers (29.3%) were found to have skin lesions. Of the 267 cases, 165 (61.80%) had non-infectious lesions, while the rest had 102 (38.20%) had infectious skin diseases. The main non-infectious lesions included friction-related disorders, eczemas, pigmentary disorders, papulosquamous disorders, and many others; while the infectious lesions were of fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic etiology. Fungal infections, eczemas, and melasma were more common in them, indicating an occupational etiology. Conclusion: A huge group of skin diseases was seen in veterinarians and veterinary workers, with some diseases showing an occupational nature. To reduce the burden of skin diseases in this particular group, proper prevention measures need to be instituted at work places by veterinary governing bodies of the state

Common contact allergens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and impact of their avoidance on dermatology life quality index: A hospital-based study

Background: Scalp psoriasis and psoriasis limited to palms and/or soles have been referred to as difficult to control psoriasis. Contact allergy has long been suspected to aggravate existing lesions and cause resistance to therapy in these psoriasis variants. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess common contact allergens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and the impact of their avoidance on dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Materials and Methods: A total of 54 patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis were patch tested with Indian Standard Series. The patch test results were read on day 2 and day 4. DLQI was calculated before patch testing and at 1 month and 3 month in patch test positive patients after instructing allergen avoidance. Results: Sixteen out of fifty-four patients (29.62%) showed positive patch test reactions. Metal antigens like nickel and cobalt were the most common sensitizers identified. Statistically significant improvement in DLQI was observed at 1 month and at 3 month of allergen avoidance. Conclusion: Patch testing is a useful test to determine the triggering or aggravating antigens in patients with palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis and subsequent allergen avoidance should be stressed on

Recurrent erythema multiforme with arthritis – A rare association

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated, self-limiting mucocutaneous condition characterized by distinctive target lesions. The etiology is diverse and numerous diseases have been associated with EM. However, arthritis has been rarely reported with it. We report a rare association between EM, localized mainly over the joints, and polyarthritis in a male patient, who responded successfully to oral acyclovir

Clinicoepidemiological and mycological study of tinea capitis in the pediatric population of Kashmir valley: A study from a tertiary care centre

Background: Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection that predominantly affects the pediatric population. The etiological factors vary from region to region, and the exact incidence remains obscure. The clinicoepidemiological and mycological aspects of this dermatophytosis were studied in a tertiary care centre in Kashmir valley. Aim: To determine the clinicoepidemiological aspects and mycological findings of dermatophytes involved in tinea capitis cases in Kashmir valley. Materials and Methods: Wood's lamp examination, KOH examination, and fungal culture were performed in one hundred fifty clinically diagnosed cases of tinea capitis with patients' age upto 14 years over a period of 6 months. The epidemiological factors associated with the disease were also evaluated.Results: Tinea capitis was predominant in the 3–6 and 6–9 years age groups with a male preponderance. Grey patch tinea capitis was the most common variant. KOH positivity was 76%, and Trichophyton tonsurans was the most common fungal isolate. Conclusion: Tinea capitis is a very common fungal infection in our setting. Early detection and diagnosis is mandatory to prevent its spread in the community as well as the development of scarring alopecia in the affected individual