Vascular endothelial growth factor as an indicator of severity of diabetic retinopathy

To evaluate vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] as an indicator of severity in diabetic retinopathy. The study included 120 patients divided equally into 3 groups [proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR] group, non proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR] group and non diabetics control group]. Vitreous and blood samples were collected from all patients. VEGF concentrations were determined using enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay and correlated with retinopathy grading. Vitreous concentrations were statistically significant higher than serum concentrations in both retinopathy groups with strong positive correlation [r = 0.927 at p < 0.001 in PDR and r = 0.646 at p < 0.001 in NPDR]. Serum and vitreous VEGF concentrations in diabetics were statistically significant higher than control group [p<0.01]. Both increased with the progression of retinopathy. Very mild NPDR patients had the lowest vitreous concentration [mean = 20.33 ng / ml] but still higher than controls [mean = 4.53 ng / ml]. PDR patients with tractional detachment had the highest vitreous concentration [mean = 225.18 ng / ml]. VEGF concentrations were statistically significant higher in NPDR patients with maculopathy than NPDR patients without maculopathy. There is a strong direct positive correlation between VEGF concentrations and retinopathy grading

Rift Valley Fever: ocular manifestations

Ocular manifestations resulting from Rift Valley Fever [RVF] infection were studied in 42 patients. All complain of sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes following acute febrile illness. The characteristic lesion is macular or paramacular white lesion with ill defined edges [infarcet retinitis]. Vasculitis, vascular occlusion, hemorrhage and edema are common in most of eyes. Patients were monitored during a 6-month convalescence. Approximately, more than one-half of the patients showed a permanent loss in the visual acuity