Efficacy of Repeated Transrectal Prostate Biopsy in Men Younger Than 50 Years With an Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration (>3.0 ng/mL): Risks and Benefits Based on Biopsy Results and Follow-up Status

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 50 years. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations are standard screening methods for detecting prostate cancer. We retrospectively investigated the risks and benefits of repeated transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate needle biopsies in relation to the follow-up status of men younger than 50 years with a consistently high PSA concentration (>3.0 ng/mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2000 through February 2013, we reviewed patient's ages, dates of procedures, DRE results, frequencies of biopsies, results of the biopsies, periods of follow-up, PSA concentrations, and prostate volumes in Chonbuk National University Hospital records. We conducted telephone interviews in patients who did not undergo regular follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 44.7 years, and the mean PSA concentration was 8.59 ng/mL (range, 3.04-131 ng/mL) before biopsy. The PSA concentration was significantly different (p3.0 ng/mL).

Incidence and Risk Factors of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome During Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: The present study included 981 eyes of 655 patients who underwent cataract surgery and development and grade of IFIS were recorded. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the IFIS and risk factors such as alpha1-adrenergic antagonist (tamsulosin, terazosin, alfuzosin), benzodiazepine, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, age, gender, hypertension, diabetes and glaucoma. RESULTS: IFIS developed in 178 eyes (18.1%) out of 981 eyes. There was a correlation between the development of the IFIS and alpha1-adrenergic antagonist and benzodiazepine and male gender; however, there was no correlation with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, age, gender, hypertension, diabetes and glaucoma. IFIS grade tended to be higher as the cumulative dosage of the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist increased. Odds ratio of the patients using tamsulosin was the highest among the other risk factors, which was 3.8 times higher than the patients using terazosin, 9.0 times higher than the patients using alfuzosin and 11.1 times higher than the patients using benzodiazepine. Among patients who underwent cataract surgery on both eyes and who were confirmed with IFIS in 1 or both eyes, no significant grade differences between the 2 eyes were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist and benzodiazepine were risk factors for the development of the IFIS, and as the cumulative dosage of the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist increased, the probability of developing a higher grade of IFIS increased. Therefore, predicting and preparing for potential IFIS in patients who have the above-mentioned risk factors are necessary before planning cataract surgery. Additionally, the IFIS aspect of the first eye could be utilized as a predictive value for developing IFIS profile of the fellow eye.

A Case of Herpetic Simplex Keratitis after Application of 0.015% Tafluprost Eye Drops

PURPOSE: To report a single case of herpes simplex keratitis after application of 0.015% tafluprost eye drops. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old male presented with left eye discomfort, epiphora, decreased visual acuity and hyperemia. The patient was diagnosed with glaucoma 6 weeks prior and started on 0.015% tafluprost eye drops in left eye and 0.15% brimonidine in both eyes. On slit lamp examination dendritic epithelial defect was observed and the patient was diagnosed with herpes simplex keratitis. The 0.015% tafluprost treatment was discontinued and 0.15% brimonidine was applied in both eyes twice a day. The herpetic keratitis in his left eye resolved completely in 2 weeks with acyclovir ointment and oral antiviral agent. No further recurrence was observed in the following 3 months.

Reactivation of Herpetic Keratitis in a Patient after Using Two Different Prostaglandin Analogues

PURPOSE: To report a case of herpetic keratitis after administration of two different prostaglandin analogues. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old female with a history of herpetic keratitis in her right eye after using latanoprost seven years previous presented with redness, mild ocular pain and tearing in the same eye. She had also been prescribed travoprost eye drops for both eyes for uncontrolled glaucoma one month earlier. The cornea in her right eye showed a dendritic epithelial defect with focal epithelial erosions. Travoprost treatment was discontinued, and the herpetic keratitis recovered completely in ten days with acyclovir ointment and oral agent. No further recurrence was observed in the following six months.