Prevalence and molecular identification of mediterranean glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Khuzestan Province, Iran

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6Pd] deficiency is the most frequent genetic enzymatic disorder in human, which is inherited as an X-linked gene. It encodes a housekeeping enzyme, which is vital for cell survival. According to previous investigations, Mediterranean mutation [C563T] of g6pd gene is the most prevalent mutation in some provinces of Iran and neighboring countries. We aimed to study the Mediterranean mutation of g6pd gene in Khuzestan province of Iran. A total of 1064 randomly selected male blood samples were selected in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in 2008 and screened for G6PD deficiency using fluorescent spot test method. In order to determine the frequency of G6PD Mediterranean variant, 144 G6PD deficient samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Eighty-one out of 1064 random selected screened samples were G6PD deficient, so a 7.6% frequency was obtained for G6PD deficiency. In addition, 105 out of 144 collected deficient samples had Mediterranean mutation that resulted in a 72.91% allel frequency. Corresponding to other investigations in Middle East countries and some provinces of Iran, we found that the Mediterranean mutation of g6pd gene was the most prevalent variant and G6PD deficiency occurred in a high frequency

Causes and results of vitrectomy for spontaneous non-diabetic vitreous hemorrhage

To determine the visual and anatomical outcomes and complications of vitrectomy for non-traumatic non-diabetic vitreous hemorrhage [NDVH] and to report the causes of the condition among patients at Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran-Iran, from 1993 to 2003. Records of patients who underwent vitrectomy for non-traumatic NDVH with 6 months follow up were reviewed for demographic characteristics, causes of NDVH and results of surgery. Fifty eyes [54.2% right eyes] of 49 patients [51% male] with mean age of 62.7 +/- 10.3 years were enrolled in the study. Mean visual acuity [VA] was 2.36 +/- 0.52 LogMAR and relative afferent pupillary defect [RAPD] was positive in 91.7% of the eyes, preoperatively. Causes of non-traumatic NDVH detected intraoperatively were: branch retinal vein occlusion [56%], central retinal vein occlusion [16%], choroidal neovascularization [12%], and posterior vitreous detachment with break, Eales disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, and Terson syndrome [each in 4%]. Mean VA increased significantly at 6th month [1.38 +/- 0.72 IogMAR] compared to preoperative value. [P<0.0001] The most common causes of decreased VA were: macular pigmentary derangement [26%], optic atrophy [16%], severe lens opacity [12%], and epiretinal membrane [8%]. Despite the statistically significant increase in mean VA following vitrectomy, underlying macular pathology limits significant improvement of central VA in most cases of non-traumatic NDVH

Results of vitrectomy in idiopathic Macular Hole

To evaluate the visual and anatomical outcomes and complications of vitrectomy with or without removal of internal limiting membrane [ILM] in idiopathic macular hole [IMH] at Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran-Iran, 1993-2003. Hospital records of patients who had undergone vitrectomy for IMH and completed 6 months of follow up were reviewed for demographic data and outcomes of surgery .The study was conducted on 30 eyes [46.7% right eyes] of 29 patients [69% female] with mean age of 65.2 +/- 5.6 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 3.2 +/- 3.7 months [66.7% less than 6 months]. Preoperatively macular holes were in stages 2, 3, and 4 in 3.0%, 36.7%, and 33.3%, respectively. ILM removal was performed in 21 eyes [70%]. Mean visual acuity was 099 +/- 0.6 LogMAR preoperatively which reached to 0.87 +/- 0.39 LogMAR postoperatively [P=0.05]. Single operation anatomical success rate was 80% [24 eyes] and final success rate was 86.7% [26 eyes]. Retinal breaks developed in 3 eyes [10%] intraoperatively. ILM removal had no effect on increasing the rate of macular hole closure. ILM removal has no significant role on closure of IMH with less than 6 months of duration

[Vitrectomy in giant retinal tear: anatomic results and influencing factors]

To evaluate the success rate of vitrectomy in giant retinal tears [GTR] and factors influencing it. In an interventional case series, hospital records of 68 eyes of 63 patients operated for GRT were reviewed. Standard three port vitrectomy plus placement of an encircling band, retinopexy, and internal tamponade was performed for all eyes. Possible influencing factors including age, sex, visual acuity, afferent pupillary defect, grade of PVR, size and location of GRT, macular status, extent of RD, interval from onset of symptoms to operation, co-existing eye diseases, surgical technique, post-operative complications, and results after silicone oil removal were evaluated. Anatomic success was classified as complete success, relative success, and failure. Mean age of the patients was 31.2+]-17.2 and 50 patients [79.3%] were male. Underlying ocular disease existed in 39 eyes, of which high myopia was the most prevalent [33.8%]. The eyes were operated after a mean of 30 days from beginning of symptoms. Silicone oil was used for internal tamponase in 64 eyes and was removed from 36 eyes. Patients were followed from 1 to 54.5 months [median 10 months]. Anatomic success rate was 73.7%. Preoperative stage of PVR was the only factor found to be associated with worse anatomic results. Anatomic success rate was comparable to that of other centers and significantly better than results of a previous from our center. Early operation of eyes with GRT before development of PVR results in better anatomic success

Therapeutic effects of laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy in Eales' disease

Eales' disease is an idiopathic obliterative retinal vasculopathy that is treated with laser photocoagulation, and/or vitrectomy. In order to determine visual outcomes and regression of retinal neovascularization following scattered peripheral retinal photocoagulation, and/or vitrectomy in cases with Eales' disease, we did a retrospective study of the records of these patients treated in Labbafinejad Medical Center from 1988 to 1998. We studied the existing data of 67 eyes of 54 patients with complicated Eales' disease who had undergone laser photocoagulation and/or vitrectomy based on their clinical presentations. Our main outcome measure was the visual acuity changes of the eyes following treatment. In 43 eyes, scattered peripheral retinal photocoagulation alone led to complete regression of neovascularization and a VA of 20/30 was obtained in 60.4%. Vitrectomy was finally required in 24 eyes and of these, 37.5% gained a VA of 20/ 30. Although scattered peripheral retinal photocoagulation should be the first line of treatment in Eales' disease, it may not always produce regression of retinal neovascularization. In such cases vitrectomy may further enhance therapeutic success