Inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity in ocular Behçet's disease / Integridade da junção do segmento ınterno e externo (linha IS/OS) na doença de Behçet ocular

Purpose: In this study, we examined the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular Behçet's disease (OB) in patients with inactive uveitis. Specifically, we analyzed the inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity and the effect of disturbed IS/OS line integrity on visual acuity. Methods: Patient files and OCT images of OB patients who had been followed-up between January and June of the year 2013 at the Dicle University Eye Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Sixty-six eyes of 39 patients were included the study. Results: OCT examination of the patients with inactive OB revealed that approximately 25% of the patients had disturbed IS/OS and external limiting membrane (EML) line integrity, lower visual acuity (VA), and lower macular thickness than others. Linear regression analysis revealed that macular thickness was not an independent variable for VA. In contrast, the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the integrity of the IS/OS line in OB patients. .

Objetivo: Neste estudo, examinamos os achados da tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) de domínio espectral na doença de Behçet ocular (OB) em pacientes com uveíte inativa. Especificamente, analisamos a integridade da junção dos segmentos interno e externo (linha IS/OS) e o efeito da alteração da integridade da linha IS/OS na acuidade visual. Métodos: Avaliamos retrospectivamente os prontuários e as imagens de OCT dos pacientes com OB examinados entre janeiro e junho de 2013 na Dicle University Eye Clinic. Sessenta e seis olhos de 39 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados: Análise das imagens de OCT dos pacientes com OB inativa revelou que aproximadamente 25% dos pacientes tinham alterações da integridade da linha IS/OS e da membrana limitante externa (ELM), e apresentavam acuidade visual (VA) e espessura macular menor do que os outros. A análise de regressão linear revelou que a espessura macular não é uma variável independente para VA. Por outro lado, a integridade da linha IS/OS foi uma variável independente para VA em pacientes com OB inativa. Conclusão: Neste estudo, nós mostramos que a integridade da linha IS/OS foi uma variável independente para a VA em pacientes com OB inativa. Precisamos de mais estudos prospectivos para avaliar a integridade da linha IS/OS em pacientes com OB. .

Vision-related quality of life in patients after ocular penetrating injuries / Qualidade de vida relacionada à visão em pacientes após ferimentos oculares penetrantes

Purpose: To measure and investigate visual functioning and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients after ocular penetrating injuries (OPI). Methods: Fifty-four adult patients with OPI and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) were administered. Sociodemographic and clinical data also were collected. The primary outcome measures were comparisons and multivariate analysis among groups for the NEI VFQ-25 and SF 36 subscale scores. Results: All NEI VFQ-25 scores, except general health, were significantly lower in the OPI group than those in the control group. All SF 36 scores were significantly lower in the OPI group than in the control group. The NEI VFQ-25 subscale item scores showed no significant differences with respect to age, educational level, or visual acuity in the injured eye. The SF 36 subscale item scores revealed no significant differences according to gender or educational level. Conclusions: Patients with OPI have increased psychological symptoms and lower levels of QOL than healthy control subjects have. Deteriorations in QOL should be kept in mind when managing patients with OPI. .

Objetivo: Medir e investigar a função visual e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QOL) em pacientes após ferimentos ocular penetrantes (OPI). Método: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes adultos com OPI e 26 indivíduos saudáveis (controles) foram incluídos no estudo. O questionário de função visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ-25) e a avaliação curta de 36 itens (Short Form Health Survey - SF 36) foram administrados. Dados sociais, demográficos e clínicos também foram coletados. As comparações e análise multivariada entre os grupos para as subescalas do NEI VFQ-25 e do SF 36 foram consideradas como resultados primários. Resultados: Todos os índices do NEI VFQ-25, exceto saúde geral, foram significativamente menores no grupo OPI do que aqueles no grupo controle. Todos os índices do SF 36 foram significativamente menores no grupo OPI do que no grupo controle. Os índices das subescalas do NEI VFQ-25 não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação à idade, escolaridade, ou acuidade visual no olho ferido. Os índices das subescalas do SF 36 não revelaram diferenças significativas de acordo com o nível de escolaridade ou sexo. Conclusões: Pacientes com OPI apresentaram sintomas psicológicos aumentados e níveis mais baixos de qualidade de vida que os indivíduos saudáveis. Deteriorações na qualidade de vida devem ser consideradas ao gerenciar pacientes com OPI. .

Ophthalmic short- and long-term outcomes for premature infants results of an extended follow-up program in Saudi Arabia

Study the ophthalmic morbidities for infants born prematurely at a Tertiary care center in Riyadh city. Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at King Fahad Medical City for premature infants born at gestational age [GA] /= 0.75 D] was equal in both ROP and no-ROP groups [p = 0.56]. Myopia [spherical equivalent >/= 0.75D] and astigmatism >/= 1.00D were diagnosed more frequently in the ROP group [p < 0.0001 and 0.04, respectively]. A higher incidence of ROP was observed in this cohort compared to some Saudi Arabian centers. It is recommended that the screening criteria be maintained and that the effects of further control of blood transfusion be assessed in a prospective study. The authors recommend an extra ophthalmic evaluation at the age of 18-24 months for all premature infants born with GA

Pilomatrixoma: A Diagnostic Pitfall on Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Benign ‘Neck Metastases’

Pilomatrixoma is a benign tumour that originates from the matrix of the hair root. This rare tumour is usually managed by the dermatologists. The commonest location of this tumour is in the head and neck region; hence, it can be encountered by any doctors with interest in this area. When presented in the neck, this hard tumour may pose a diagnostic challenge. A case report of pilomatrixoma misdiagnosed as a metastatic neck disease from fine-needle aspiration cytology is presented. The mistake in the diagnosis has led to a more aggressive and high morbidity surgery than necessary. It is important that head and neck doctors be aware of this condition and includes it in the differential diagnosis of hard masses presenting in the neck.

One year results of anti-VEGF treatment in pigment epithelial detachment secondary to macular degeneration / Resultados após um ano de tratamento anti-VEGF para o descolamento do epitélio pigmentado secundário à degeneração macular

PURPOSE:Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) may be seen in all stages of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and may lead to poor prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively examined the effect of anti-VEGF treatments in ARMD patients with vascularized PED. METHODS:Medical records of 15 patients with PED secondary to ARMD were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of PED was made with fundoscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or/and bevacizumab and followed up for a minimum of one year. PED height and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained before the first intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and again at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after the injection. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVA was 0.71 ± 0.48 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) unit and the mean baseline PED height was 361 ± 153 µ. The mean injection count per eye was 3.9 ± 2.9. There was a significant reduce in mean PED height (247 ± 177 µ) also in 2 eyes PED completely resolved at the end of the follow up period. The mean BCVA at 12th month (0,69 ± 0,37) were not different from the baseline record. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series showed that intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy preserved vision and reduced PED height in PED patients in a one-year follow-up period.

OBJETIVO: O descolamento do epitélio pigmentado (DEP) pode ser observado em todas as fases da degeneração macular relacionada com a idade (ARMD) e pode propiciar um mau prognóstico. Neste estudo, analisamos retrospectivamente o efeito dos tratamentos anti-VEGF em pacientes com DMRI e DEP vascularizado. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados ​​prontuários de 15 pacientes com DEP secundário à DMRI. O diagnóstico do DEP foi feito por meio de fundoscopia, angiofluoresceínografia e tomografia de coerência óptica. Os pacientes foram tratados com injeção intravítrea de ranibizumab e/ou bevacizumab e acompanhados por um período mínimo de um ano. A altura do DEP e a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (AVCC) foi obtida antes e no primeiro, terceiro, sexto e 12º mês após a primeira injeção. RESULTADOS: A média inicial da AVCC foi de 0,71 ± 0,48 (logaritmo do ângulo mínimo de resolução unidade - logMAR) e a média inicial da altura do DEP foi 361 ± 153 µ. A contagem média de injeções por olho foi de 3,9 ± 2,9. Houve uma significativa redução na altura média do PED (247 ± 177 µ) e, em dois olhos, o DEP estava completamente resolvido ao final do período de acompanhamento. A acuidade visual média aos 12 meses (0,69 ± 0,37) não foi diferente da inicial. CONCLUSÕES: Esta série de casos retrospectiva mostrou que a injeção intravítrea de terapia anti-VEGF preservou a visão e a reduziu a altura do DEP em pacientes com DMRI por um período de seguimento de um ano.

Transport characteristics of patients on automated peritoneal dialysis may not affect their lipid profile

Introduction: End-stage renal disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis usually have significant hyperlipidemia. The peritoneal membrane permeability and residual renal function [RRF] may affect lipid profile in these patients

Objective: To study the correlation of lipid profile with peritoneal membrane transport characteristic and RRF as well as cancer antigen [CA]-125 in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis [APD]

Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of forty end-stage renal disease patients on APD. Lipid profile [total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein], serum albumin and CA-125 were correlated with various peritoneal membrane transporters, assessed by peritoneal equilibration test [PET]. Lipid profile was also correlated with residual renal function and KT/V

Results: The study included 21 female and 19 male patients on APD. The duration of peritoneal dialysis was 18-70 months. There was no significant difference in lipid profile at baseline and at one year in patients with different peritoneal transporter status. There was no correlation between lipid profile and residual renal function as well as CA-125

Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is no relation of lipid profile with peritoneal membrane transporter status and residual renal function in patients maintained on automated peritoneal dialysis

Massive hemorrhage from spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma controlled by isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate: a case report

To report a case of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma with massive hemoperitoneum which was successfully controlled with isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate. A 46-year-old Bangladeshi gentleman presented to our casualty complaining of acute abdominal pain and distension, associated with jaundice. Bedside abdominal ultrasound showed multiple focal lesions in the liver with fluid in the abdomen. The patient was vitally unstable, so he was resuscitated and underwent emergency laparotomy for massive hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured tumor nodule. Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate was applied to the ruptured nodule which stopped bleeding within 1-2 min. This case shows the effectiveness of isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate in controlling bleeding in ruptured liver tumors

Childhood lymphomas in Yemen. Clinicopathological study

To find out the frequency of childhood lymphomas in all ages, and to describe patterns of lymphomas in relation to gender and site in Yemen. This is a descriptive record-based study of 1167 cases of lymphomas diagnosed by 3 pathologists in the Department of Pathology, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen from 1st January 2004 to 30th December 2007. The diagnoses were made on hematoxylin and eosin stained, and categorized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL] according to the National Cancer Institute Working Formulation classification, and Hodgkin's disease [HD] according to Rye classification. Out of 1167 lymphomas, 801 [68.6%] were NHL, and 366 [31.4%] were HD, amongst these 347 [29.7%] were patients aged

Treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. the unconventional way!

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HIT is a potentially devastating complication of heparin therapy. The severe form of HIT has been associated with both venous and arterial thrombosis manifested by myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular occlusion, skin necrosis or limb ischemia. Several agents are now available as alternatives to heparin in patients with suspected HIT, including the thrombin specific inhibitors lepirudin and argatroban as well as the low molecular weight heparinoid known as danaparoid. When lacking these agents, here we report the use of plasmapheresis to create an artificial state of anticoagulation; exchanging patient's plasma with albumin rather than fresh frozen plasma, to allow the safe introduction of warfarin

Clinical and experimental evaluation of the effect of khat-induced myocardial infarction

To evaluate the effect of Khat-induced myocardial infarction [MI] in Yemen. One hundred and twenty patients with MI, admitted to Al-Thawra Hospital, Sana'a City, Yemen, during the year 2001 and 120 volunteer controls were collected for this study. On the other hand, we used 48 adult male rabbits for this study and divided it into 8 groups. Each group was consist of 6 animals; group I was used as normal control, group II was given adrenaline 60micro g/kg intravenous infusion, group III and IV were given Khat 1g/kg once daily for 2 months, group V and VI were given Khat 1g/kg 3 times daily for 2 months, group VII and VIII were given Khat extract equivalent to 1g/kg intravenous infusion, 4 hours after the last dose of Khat and adrenaline 60micro g/kg intravenous infusion was given to groups IV, VI and VIII. The animals were killed by decapitation. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit for determination of their creatinine kinase-iso enzyme [CK-MB] lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase enzymes. Also, hearts were dissected out rapidly for histopathological study. Seventy-nine% of patients with MI were Khat chewers and only 20.8% were non-Khat chewers. Experimental study shows that Khat in a dose of 1g/kg 3 times a day for 2 months, Khat extract equivalent to 1g/kg intravenous infusion alone and in combination with adrenaline 60micro g/kg intravenous infusion significantly increased cardiac enzymes [CK-MB, aspartate transaminase, LDH], also, the histopathological study for the same groups revealed multiple areas of infarction. The present study has demonstrated that Khat chewing may be considered as a risk factor for the occurrence of MI especially in persons who are susceptible to the disease. It is therefore, recommended that Khat chewing should be avoided in persons who have any cardiovascular problems

Antibodies to somatic L3 antigen not protective against Brugia malayi infection.

Western blot analysis of infective larvae (L3) antigen of Brugia malayi were performed on 200 sera from six groups of individuals: 36 samples from B. malayi microfilaremic individuals; 10 samples from individuals with elephantiasis; 50 and 20 samples from amicrofilaremic individuals in a B. malayi endemic area with no anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies (towards microfilaria and adult worm antigens) and samples with high titres of the anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies respectively; 50 samples from non-endemic normals and 34 samples from geohelminth-infected individuals. After protein transfer, PVDF membrane strips were successively incubated with blocking solution, human sera, monoclonal anti-human IgG4 antibody-HRP and developed with luminol chemiluminescence substrate. 28/36 (78%), 1/10 (10%) and 16/20(80%) of sera from individuals with microfilariae, elephantiasis and amicrofilaremic individuals with high titers of anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies respectively recognized L3 antigenic epitopes; the dominant and consistent antigenic bands were of approximately MW 43 kDa, 14 kDa, 15 kDa and 59 kDa. The rest of the sera were unreactive. This study showed that microfilaremics may or may not mount a notable antibody response to somatic L3 antigens, thus lending evidence that antibody response to this antigen is not protective against establishment of Brugia malayi infection.