![]() Duration of symptoms was 1 1/2 years to 4 years. The age varied from 7 years to 30 years with the mean age of 14.3 years. All the cases were residents of hilly areas of the state, the height ranging between 1000 meters to 2500 meters above mean sea level. In addition 25 age and sex matched controls were also studied. ![]() The present study included 25 patients of vernal catarrh attending the eye O.P.D. The seasonal variation, if any was recorded. The incidence of vernal catarrh was calculated on the basis of last five years hospital records. Students `t' test was applied to find out the significance of the results. Serum and tear complements C3C and C4 levels were estimated by using nor-partigen immunodiffusion plates. Tripartigen plates (Hoechst) were used for serum immunoglobulins and low concentration (LC - partigen) immunodiffusion plates (Hoechst) were used for tear immunoglobulins. ![]() Immunoglobulins were estimated in the serum and tears in the study as well as in the control group by single radial immunodiffusion technique of Manicini et a1. Fluorescein staining of the cornea was done for any S.P.K. Simultaneously 25 age and sex matched apparently healthy subjects free from any systemic or other ocular diseases residing in the same environment and geographical conditions were undertaken.Ĭonjunctival scrapings from the area involved by the disease were obtained with a wet cotton swab and spread over a slide and stained with Giemsa stain to demonstrate eosinophils and granules of mast cells. About 300 microlitre sample of tears was collected by glass capillary tubes from the fornices without using any anaesthetic or irritating substance. For this purpose a bright beam of light from a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope depending on patients tolerance to bright light was used. Tear samples were collected by asking the subject to look into a bright source of light. The cases were further differentiated as palpebral, limbal and mixed on the basis of clinical findings.Ģ ml of blood and tear secretions were collected from clinically diagnosed cases of vernal catarrh. General physical and systemic examination along with local examination of the eye was carried out. Relevant personal and family history from each patient was recorded. The objectives of the study were explained to all the subjects and written consent obtained. In the present study, 25 newly clinically diagnosed cases of vernal catarrh, attending the eye out patient department of Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla and were not on any treatment were studied. It was with this in view that the present study has been undertaken. Moreover, no such study has been conducted in the hilly areas having height varying from 1000 - 2500 meters from the mean sea level. At the Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, the disease accounts for 1.2% - 1.5% of patients with ocular problems which is quite high when compared to its incidence in the world. Very few immunological studies in vernal catarrh have been conducted in India and abroad and the results of those studies have further evoked controversy regarding the complete immunological status of these patients. The recent studies, however, point towards an immune mechanism involved in its etiopathogenesis. Since its recognition, various exogenous and endogenous causes have been implicated for its etiopathogenesis. Vernal catarrh occurs with the onset of dry, hot weather conditions and affects children and young adults. Clinico-immunological aspects of vernal catarrh in hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. How to cite this URL: Bisht, Asha G, Thakur, Singh T, Sharma, Vijay, GoyalB. How to cite this article: Bisht, Asha G, Thakur, Singh T, Sharma, Vijay, GoyalB. Derangement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of vernal catarrh is suggested. ![]() The limbal type of vernal catarrh was found to be the most common in this part of the country. However, in no case or control group C3C and C4 were detected in tears. The values of tear IgM, IgE and IgA in these patients were significantly higher than in controls. The IgG was significantly lower in patients with vernal catarrh. The serum IgE level had no significant difference. The values of serum IgA and IgM were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Their immunological status of serum and tears after detailed clinical assessment was studied by single radial immunodiffusion technique of Mancini et al. In the present study 25 patients of vernal catarrh residing at a height ranging between 1000 to 2500 meters above mean sea level have been evaluated. Very few immunological studies in vernal catarrh have been conducted in India and abroad, but none in Himachal Pradesh in spite of its high incidence in the State. ![]()
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