Global causes of blindness and distance vision impairment 1990-2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Contemporary data for causes of vision impairment and blindness form an important basis of recommendations in public health policies. Refreshment of the Global Vision Database with recently published data sources permitted modelling of cause of vision loss data from 1990 to 2015, further disaggregation by cause, and forecasts to 2020.

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we analysed published and unpublished population-based data for the causes of vision impairment and blindness from 1980 to 2014.

Magnitude, temporal trends, and projections of the global prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Global and regional prevalence estimates for blindness and vision impairment are important for the development of public health policies. We aimed to provide global estimates, trends, and projections of global blindness and vision impairment.

Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based datasets relevant to global vision impairment and blindness that were published between 1980 and 2015.

Economic valuation of the impact of a large surgical charity using the value of lost welfare approach.

Background: The assessment of the economic burden of surgical disease is integral to determining allocation of resources for health globally. We estimate the economic gain realised over an 11-year period resulting from a vertical surgical programme addressing cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP).

Methods: The database from a large non-governmental organisation (Smile Train) over an 11-year period was analysed.

Association Between Long-Lasting Intravitreous Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant vs Systemic Anti-inflammatory Therapy and Visual Acuity at 7 Years Among Patients With Intermediate, Posterior, or Panuveitis.

Importance: A randomized clinical trial comparing fluocinolone acetonide implant vs systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppression for treatment of severe noninfectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitides did not result in a significant difference in visual acuity at 2 and 4.5 years; longer-term outcomes are not known.

Objective: To compare the association between intravitreous fluocinolone acetonide implant vs systemic therapy and long-term visual and other outcomes in patients with uveitis.

Risk of Ocular Hypertension in Adults with Noninfectious Uveitis.

Purpose: To describe the risk and risk factors for ocular hypertension (OHT) in adults with noninfectious uveitis.

Design: Retrospective, multicenter, cohort study.

Participants: Patients aged ≥18 years with noninfectious uveitis seen between 1979 and 2007 at 5 tertiary uveitis clinics.

Gastroschisis: Bellwether for neonatal surgery capacity in low resource settings?

Introduction: Economic disadvantage may adversely influence the outcomes of infants with gastroschisis (GS). Gastroschisis International (GiT) is a network of seven paediatric surgical centres, spanning two continents, evaluating GS treatment and outcomes.

Material And Methods: A 2-year retrospective review of GS infants at GiT centres.

Pediatric surgery as an essential component of global child health.

Recent initiatives in global health have emphasized universal coverage of essential health services. Surgical conditions play a critical role in child health in resource-poor areas. This article discusses (1) the spectrum of pediatric surgical conditions and their treatment; (2) relevance to recent advances in global surgery; (3) challenges to the prioritization of surgical care within child health, and possible solutions; (4) a case example from a resource-poor area (Uganda) illustrating some of these concepts; and (5) important child health initiatives with which surgical services should be integrated.

Economic Valuation of the Global Burden of Cleft Disease Averted by a Large Cleft Charity.

Background: This study attempts to quantify the burden of disease averted through the global surgical work of a large cleft charity, and estimate the economic impact of this effort over a 10-year period.

Methods: Anonymized data of all primary cleft lip and cleft palate procedures in the Smile Train database were analyzed and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) calculated using country-specific life expectancy tables, established disability weights, and estimated success of surgery and residual disability probabilities; multiple age weighting and discounting permutations were included. Averted DALYs were calculated and gross national income (GNI) per capita was then multiplied by averted DALYs to estimate economic gains.

Outcome in patients undergoing surgery for spinal injury in an Ethiopian hospital.

Object: The objective of this study was to investigate epidemiology and outcome after surgical treatment for spinal injuries in Ethiopia.

Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent surgery for spine injuries at Myungsung Christian Medical Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between January 2008 and September 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Assessment of outcome and complications was determined from patient consultations and phone interviews.

Laparascopic cholecstectomy at Myungsung Christian Medical Center, Ethiopia: a five-years experience.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a recent entry in the treatment of gall bladder disease in Ethiopia mainly in private hospitals of the capital city, Addis Ababa, and is slowly gaining acceptance. Like all new techniques, it has generated considerable controversy and debate on its merits over the traditional open operation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review our experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Myungsung Christian Medical in, Ethiopia

Material And Methods: A hospital based retrospective cross sectional analysis was conducted in Myungsung Christian Medical Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.