Analysis of Serum Homocysteine and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate levels of serum homocysteine in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and the association between serum homocysteine levels and risk of coronary heart disease. METHODS: From March 2013 to September 2013, 37 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 59 age-matched patients (control group) were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum homocysteine levels were compared between the 2 groups. We compared the estimated 10-year risk of coronary heart disease based on Framingham risk score between the 2 groups. Additionally, we analyzed correlations between risk of coronary heart disease and serum homocysteine levels. RESULTS: The mean homocysteine level of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was significantly higher than the control group (13.3 ± 6.8 µmol/L vs. 10.0 ± 5.2 µmol/L, p = 0.009). The rate of high risk defined as a 10-year coronary heart disease risk >20% in the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was significantly higher than in the control group (21.4% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.048). Correlation between serum homocysteine levels and estimated 10-year risk of coronary heart disease was statistically significant (r = 0.578, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperhomocysteinemia and high risk of coronary heart disease were observed in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Therefore, we suggest efforts to prevent coronary heart disease in pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients with hyperhomocysteinemia are necessary.

The Effect of Unilateral Superior Rectus Recession for Dissociated Vertical Deviation (DVD)

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the outcome of unilateral superior rectus recession in patients with asymmetrical dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) in terms of effectiveness and influence on the fellow eye. METHODS: Medical records of 40 patients (40 eyes) who had undergone unilateral superior rectus recession for the treatment of asymmetrical DVD were retrospectively reviewed from February 1993 to March 2009. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: The overall success rate in the operated eye was 97.5% at 12 months and 90% at the last follow-up. However, a DVD larger than 10 PD developed in the fellow eye in 20% (8) of the patients. In patients who preoperatively had DVD in their fellow eyes, 50% developed DVD postoperatively in their fellow eyes. In patients who preoperatively did not have DVD in their fellow eyes, 14.7% developed DVD postoperatively in their fellow eyes. Furthermore, the angle of the DVD in the fellow eye increased with the surgical dosage. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral SR recession is effective in patients with asymmetrical DVD. However, a high incidence rate of DVD in the fellow eye should be considered, especially when preoperatively there is a small DVD in the fellow eye or a large DVD angle in the operated eye, whenever monocular superior rectus recession surgery is performed.

Simultaneous Upper and Lower Eyelid Reconstruction for Eyelid Defects Following a Dog Bite

PURPOSE: While the principles of eyelid reconstruction are well established, the rapid choice of a method of upper and lower eyelid defect reconstruction is difficult. The authors present a successful case of simultaneous reconstruction of upper and lower eyelid defects with a modified paramedian forehead flap resulting from a dog bite. CASE SUMMARY: The authors report a case of a 77-year-old woman with total hyphema and extensive skin defects involving the forehead, cheek, and upper and lower eyelid resulting from a dog bite. The wound on the left periorbital area was treated with microimplantation and skin grafts from the left thigh and groin. In the weeks following, sequential failure of the flap and skin graft was observed, and exposed keratitis worsened, resulting in corneal perforation. Evisceration with hydroxyapatite implantation and paramedian forehead flap was performed. After 3 weeks, division of the pedicle, transverse division of the flap, and socket reconstruction were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of large, full thickness defects of both upper and lower eyelids with a paramedian forehead flap is associated with a good cosmetic outcome. Paramedian forehead flap should be considered as an effective choice for simultaneous upper and lower eyelid reconstruction.