Short-term Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection for Treatment-Naive Exudate Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Multicenter Study

Purpose@#To compare short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab injection with aflibercept in treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. @*Methods@#A total of 59 eyes from 59 treatment-naive nAMD patients in three hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Of which, 27 patients underwent intravitreal brolucizumab injections and 32 received aflibercept. After monthly consecutive three injections, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]), central macular thickness (CMT), dry macula achievement rate, and intraocular inflammation (IOI) incidence were compared. @*Results@#After loading-phase treatment, BCVA was significantly increased from 0.48 ± 0.30 logMAR at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.21 logMAR at 3 months in the brolucizumab group (p = 0.002) and 0.40 ± 0.39 logMAR at baseline to 0.33 ± 0.36 logMAR at 3 months in the aflibercept group (p = 0.007). But there was no significant difference in BCVA improvement at 3 months between the two groups. CMT significantly decreased from 429.67 ± 250.59 μm at baseline to 210.67 ± 93.53 μm at 3 months in the brolucizumab group and from 346.69 ± 159.09 μm to 234.52 ± 83.42 μm in the aflibercept group (both p < 0.001). The amount of CMT reduction was significantly greater in the brolucizumab group after 3 months (p = 0.036). In typical AMD eyes, brolucizumab showed similar BCVA improvement but better CMT reduction at 3 months (p = 0.018). Dry macula achievement rate was not significantly different between the two groups. One IOI was observed in the brolucizumab group. @*Conclusions@#Intravitreal injections of brolucizumab and aflibercept showed similar anatomical and functional outcomes. But CMT reduction was greater in the brolucizumab group. One IOI was identified, which was tolerable for topical agents. These results suggest that brolucizumab could be a novel first line treatment option for treating naive nAMD patients.

Clinical Outcomes after Exchange of Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lenses with Monofocal Intraocular Lenses

Purpose@#To determine the clinical outcomes after exchange of diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with monofocal IOLs for patients who complained of dysphotopsia after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#We exchanged the IOLs of patients who visited our clinic complaining that dysphotopsia had not improved after they underwent phacoemulsification and diffractive multifocal IOL implants in local eye clinics. We evaluated the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) before and after operation, the type of preoperative dysphotopsia, postoperative dysphotopsia status, patient satisfaction, and all complications. @*Results@#We enrolled 35 eyes of 27 patients and observed them for 5.7 ± 3.6 months. After 1 month, the CDVA significantly (p < 0.001) improved from 0.131 ± 0.131 logarithm of the minimal angle resolution (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.0328 ± 0.0900 logMAR postoperatively. Patient satisfaction graded on a scale from 1 (very dissatisfied) to 5 (excellent) significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 1.17 ± 0.382 preoperatively to 4.09 ± 0.818 postoperatively. No vision-threatening complications developed. Postoperative cystoid macular edema developed in one eye but resolved after intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®, Genetech, Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA) injections. @*Conclusions@#IOL exchange surgery relatively safely improves the vision of patients suffering from dysphotopsia attributable to the characteristics of diffractive multifocal IOLs.

Refractive Outcomes of Intraocular Lenses with Different Haptic Designs Following Phacovitrectomy with Gas Tamponade

Purpose@#To compare the refractive outcomes of closed C-loop and C-loop intraocular lenses (IOLs) following phacovitrectomy with gas tamponade. @*Methods@#Medical records of 42 patients (43 eyes) who underwent phacovitrectomy with gas tamponade for idiopathic macular holes between January 2021 and June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Closed C-loop (26 eyes; Eyelike K-flex Aspheric®, Koryo Eyetech, Seoul, Korea) and C-loop (17 eyes; Tecnis® ZCB00, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA) IOLs were surgically implanted. The main outcome measures were postoperative prediction error and absolute error. @*Results@#There was no significant difference in mean absolute error at 5 months postoperatively (0.34 ± 0.24 diopters [D] and 0.30 ± 0.25 D in the closed C-loop and C-loop IOL groups, respectively; p = 0.502). The mean prediction error at 5 months postoperatively also showed no significant difference between the groups (-0.28 ± 0.30 D and -0.16 ± 0.36 D, respectively; p = 0.242). Myopic shift was observed in both groups. @*Conclusions@#There was no significant difference in refractive outcomes between closed C-loop IOLs and C-loop IOLs. A myopic shift was observed in both groups; this should be taken into consideration when calculating IOL power following phacovitrectomy with gas tamponade.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol fraction of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora in RAW 264.7 cells / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#Natural medicinal plant extracts have recently attracted attention as health beneficial foods and potential therapeutic agents for prevention of various diseases. This study was undertaken to measure the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol-water fraction obtained from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora, a wild-growing plant in Korea. The final fraction used in this study was the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60), which had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined in previous studies. @*Methods@#The amounts of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to SP60. Western blot was performed to measure the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. @*Results@#SP60 exerted no cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 125 μg/mL. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, were significantly decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells exposed to SP60. In addition, the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and phosphorylated p65 showed a concentration-dependent decrease subsequent to SP60 treatment. These results indicate that SP60 inhibits the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2, by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which is responsible for the expression of inflammatory mediators. @*Conclusion@#The results presented in this study indicate that the H 2 O-EtOH (40:60) fraction (SP60) extracted from the above-ground portion of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora has

Comparision of Hyperreflective Foci after Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema Patients between Intravitreal Injections

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implants and intravitreal bevacizumab injections.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed using 66 patients with DME treated with intravitreal dexamethasone (n = 35; 35 eyes) and intravitreal bevacizumab (n = 31; 31 eyes). Post-treatment changes in hyperreflective foci in the inner and outer retina were characterized using optical coherence tomography, central macular thickness, outer limiting membrane, and photoreceptor inner segment-outer segment junctions. Visual acuities were analyzed 4 weeks after bevacizumab injections and 8 weeks after dexamethasone injections.RESULTS: Both groups showed a decrease in the number of hyperreflective foci after treatment: from 10.6 ± 11.8 to 6.3 ± 5.9 (p = 0.005) in the intravitreal dexamethasone implant group and from 11.6 ± 8.5 to 7.7 ± 6.7 (p < 0.001) in the intravitreal bevacizumab injection group. The mean central macular thickness in the dexamethasone group changed significantly from 586.8 µm to 297.7 µm after treatment and the visual acuity improved significantly from 0.33 logMAR to 0.38 logMAR after treatment (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). The mean central macular thickness in the bevacizumab group showed a significant decrease from 467.1 µm to 353.2 µm after treatment (p < 0.001), but there was no significant change in the visual acuities: 0.34 logMAR to 0.32 logMAR after treatment (p = 0.464).CONCLUSIONS: Both intravitreal dexamethasone implants and bevacizumab treatments in patients with DME showed improved outcomes including a decrease in hyperreflective foci shown by optical coherence tomography.

Comparison of Visual Acuity and Retinal Thickness According to Membranectomy in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

PURPOSE: To compare the visual acuity and retinal thickness in patients with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy and membranectomy using two different methods.METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 77 eyes (32 eyes in the diamond-dusted membrane scraper [DDMS] group, and 45 eyes in the intraocular forceps [IOF] group) of 77 patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and membranectomy. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR) and mean retinal thickness.RESULTS: In the IOF group, the BCVA at postoperative 1 week was significantly lower than at baseline and had improved at 12 weeks after surgery. In the DDMS group, the BCVA at postoperative 1 week showed no significant difference at baseline and had improved at 4 weeks after surgery. The central macular thickness at postoperative 6 months was significantly lower than at baseline (all, p < 0.001); there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.400). The postoperative macular thickness of the DDMS group was significantly lower than that of the IOF group in the inner inferior and outer inferior areas at postoperative 12 weeks and 4 weeks (p = 0.046 and p = 0.039, respectively). Five eyes of the DDMS group and 15 eyes of the IOF group developed cystoid macular edema, 14 eyes of that improved without treatment.CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ERM, the use of DDMS or IOF for vitrectomy and membranectomy both resulted in improved visual acuity and decreased mean retinal thicknesses.

Comparison of Posterior Capsule Rupture Rate during Phacoemulsification by Novice Ophthalmologists: Microscope vs. Intracameral Illumination

PURPOSE: We compared the posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate between microscope versus intracameral illumination in phacoemulsification surgery performed by novice ophthalmologists. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 300 eyes of 211 patients who underwent phacoemulsification by novice ophthalmologists from March 2012 to October 2017. Novice ophthalmologists (n = 6) were divided into those using microscope illumination (n = 4) and intracameral illumination users (n = 2). The first 50 cataract surgery cases of each novice ophthalmologist were reviewed. The results using a phacoemulsification machine and microscopy were the same. The intraoperative complications and learning curve in each case were evaluated. RESULTS: Phacoemulsifications performed by novice ophthalmologists showed a statistically significant difference in PCR rate between the microscope illumination (19.0%, 38/200) and intracameral illumination (4.0%, 4/100) groups (p = 0.001). The incidence of PCR was reduced to 22%, 18%, 16%, 12%, and 8% per 10 cases in the microscope group, while it was 15% in the first 10 cases and 0% in 50 cases thereafter in the intracameral illumination group. CONCLUSIONS: Novice surgeons had a lower PCR rate during cataract surgery using intracameral illumination than using microscope illumination. Both groups showed a tendency for the PCR to decrease with increasing surgical cases, but the intracameral illumination group showed a shorter learning curve.

Comparision between Syndesmotic Screw Fixation and Knotless Tightrope® Fixation on Ankle Fractures with Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: A distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury with an ankle fracture is usually fixed with syndesmotic screws. Knotless Tightrope® has been used as an alternative procedure because of the fewer reported complications. Therefore, this study compared the two surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients, who underwent syndesmotic screw fixation, and 34 patients, who underwent Knotless Tightrope® fixation for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury from February 2014 to February 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, range of motion of ankle at 1 year after surgery, tibiofibular clear space, and tibiofibular interval at preoperative, postoperative and 1 year after surgery were investigated. RESULTS: The VAS score, AOFAS score and radiographs were similar in the two groups. Knotless Tightrope® showed better results in complications and plantarflexion. CONCLUSION: Knotless Tightrope® fixation is a useful treatment that does not show a difference in fixation strength and clinical outcome. Knotless Tightrope® fixation also has an advantage in the range of motion and complications.

Fundus Photography with a Smartphone

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness, convenience, and possibility of using the medical records of fundus photography with a smartphone. METHODS: We used an ophthalmoscope to examine the images using a smartphone (iphone 6, Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) and +20D and +28D condensing lenses. Twenty-four subjects were selected for comparison with the conventional funduscopic camera. The posterior pole of the 45° range of the right eye and the fundus photograph taken using the smartphone were analyzed. We measured the distances between specific points on three photographs taken of the patient and calculated the photographing range. RESULTS: The +20 D lens was 0.80 ± 0.06 times smaller than that of the fundus camera and +1.12 ± 0.06 times bigger than that of the fundus photograph. When the area of the funduscope was converted to 45°, +20 D could visualize an area of 36.10 ± 2.82°, and +28 D could visualize a 50.56 ± 2.68° area. CONCLUSIONS: Without expensive equipment, a smart phone and a condensing lens can be used to easily perform fundus examination without the need for a special technique. Therefore, this technique is not only useful clinically, but also is very convenient for keeping medical records as fundus photographs.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Use of Eye Care Services in South Korea: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2012

PURPOSE: To estimate the factors and prevalence of eye care service utilization in the South Korean population. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study included data from 22,550 Koreans aged ≥5 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. For people aged 5 to 11 years (young children), information was based on self-reports of contact with eye care service in the past year; for people aged ≥12 years (older population), the information was based on the self-reported lifetime contact with eye care service. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the complex sample survey data were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of eye care service use in young children during the past year was 61.1% (95% confidence interval, 58.1%–64.1%), while that in the older population during their lifetime was 73.5%. Subjects aged 7 to 11 years were more likely to have had an eye examination in the past year than subjects aged 5 to 6 years (odds ratio, 3.83; 95% confidence interval, 2.37–6.19). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher monthly household income, being a National Health Insurance holder, and having private health insurance were related to more frequent use of eye care services in young children. For the older population and women, those living in an urban area and those with a best-corrected visual acuity less than 20 / 40 in the worse-seeing eye were more likely to have had an eye examination during their lifetime. Low education level was associated with low lifetime use of eye care services in the older population. CONCLUSIONS: There are sociodemographic disparities with use of eye care services in South Korea. This population-based study provides information that is useful for determining different intervention programs based on sociodemographic disparities to promote eye care service utilization in South Korea.

Posterior Surface Opacification of a Silicone Intraocular Lens in a Patient with Asteroid Hyalosis

PURPOSE: In the present study, a case of posterior surface opacification of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in a patient with asteroid hyalosis (AH) is reported. CASE SUMMARY: 76-year-old male was referred to our clinic with IOL opacification in his left eye. The patient had uneventful cataract surgery 7 years prior with the same silicone IOL implanted in both eyes. Three years after surgery, posterior capsular opacity was observed in his left eye and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capulotomy was performed. After posterior capsulotomy, opacification of the IOL's posterior surface was observed on slit lamp examination. IOL exchange was performed and the explanted IOL was analyzed using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis of the deposits. The calcification was on the posterior surface of the IOL and composed mainly of calcium and phosphorus, the main components of AH. The right eye showed clear IOL with intact posterior lens capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing cataract surgery should consider the possibility of surface calcification of silicone IOLs in eyes with AH before IOL selection for implantation.

Unilateral Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Case Series and Literature Review

PURPOSE: We report 4 cases of unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (URP) with a literature review. METHODS: A retrospective, observational case series of 4 URP patients with no signs of bilateral involvement during the follow-up period of up to 5 years. RESULTS: The subjects were 4 female patients with an average age of 37 years. The mean follow-up period was 7 years. The subjects' blood analysis excluded any infective diseases. History of trauma or any family history of ocular diseases including retinitis pigmentosa was absent. The full-field electroretinograms (ERGs) were normal in the unaffected eyes and the affected eyes showed markedly low or undetectable responses. Computerized visual field examinations were normal in the unaffected eyes, while 3 of the affected eyes had total visual field loss and 1 had concentric narrowing within 20 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: A long term follow-up of at least 5 years is required for diagnosis of URP to exclude a delayed onset in the unaffected eye. ERG is a reliable test to monitor the course of the disease and to confirm the diagnosis when uncertain. The etiology of URP is unknown although several studies regarding genetic causes that resulted in URP have been reported in recent years.

Ocular Manifestations of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the patterns and risk factors of the ocular manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and their correlation with CD4+ count in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: This retrospective study examined 127 AIDS patients who presented to Soonchunhyang University Hospital. Data were collected from patient interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations. Ophthalmologic examinations included the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior segment and adnexal examination, and dilated fundus examination. RESULTS: Of the 127 patients with AIDS, 118 were on HAART and 9 were not. The mean CD4+ count was 266.7 +/- 209.1 cells/microL. There were ocular manifestations in 61 patients (48.0%). The incidence of anterior segment manifestations was higher than posterior segment manifestations at 28.3% and 19.7%, respectively. The mean CD4+ count was significantly (p 35 years were independent risk factors for developing ocular manifestations.

The effect of dexmedetomidine sedation on patient and surgeon satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine sedation on patient's and surgeon's satisfaction during retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia. METHODS: Forty-four patients scheduled for elective retinal surgery under sub-tenon's anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. The patients were divided into Dexmedetomidine (n = 22) and Control (n = 22) groups. Intravenous dexmedetomidine or 0.9% saline via infusion pump were administered continuously to the dexmedetomidine or control group, respectively. Ramsay sedation scale with a target level of 3-4 was used to assess adequacy of sedation. Perioperative pain, hemodynamic and respiratory data were collected, while satisfaction from patients and surgeon were assessed post-surgery using a 5-point satisfaction scale. RESULTS: Patient and surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). The pain associated with sub-tenon's anesthesia and peripheral vitrectomy was lesser in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (P = 0.020). There was significant reduction of heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.001), but only one patient needed treatment with atropine. There was no respiratory effect on both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine sedation during retinal surgery improved satisfaction from both patient and surgeon without respiratory complication. It is a safe and preferable choice of sedation for retinal surgery.

Intraocular Pressure Elevation after 0.7 mg Intravitreal Dexamethasone (Ozurdex(R)) Implantation: A One Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To investigate the percentage and time of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and the factors influencing IOP elevation and treatment. METHODS: Thirty patients (33 eyes) who received intravitreal dexamethasone implantation from July 2012 to December 2013 and followed up more than 1 year were evaluated by measuring Goldmann IOP and confirming changes in IOP. The definition of IOP elevation was IOP above 20 mm Hg or IOP increase greater than 6 mm Hg. RESULTS: In 16 eyes (48.5%), IOP was elevated after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. The first IOP elevation was mean 2.0 +/- 0.7 months. In 21 eyes which received intravitreal dexamethasone implantation more than twice, the mean intervals of implantation were 4.5 months. In steroid responders, IOP after dexamethasone implantation was significantly increased at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 months. IOP increase in the treated eye was significant at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 months after dexamethasone implantation. CONCLUSIONS: After intravitreal dexamethasone implantation, IOP was highest at 2 months. Additionally, IOP was elevated in approximately half of the patients (48.5%). Although the intravitreal dexamethasone implantation is effective against various diseases which occur due to macular edema, thorough identification of suitable patients and frequent IOP control is necessary for long-term treatment.

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

PURPOSE: To report characteristics of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease as observed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. CASE SUMMARY: (Case 1) A 38-year-old female presented with visual impairment in both eyes. On fundus examination, multifocal serous retinal detachment in the posterior pole was observed in both eyes. On enhanced SD-OCT, serous retinal detachment and cystoid macular edema in the outer retina were observed and the intraretinal fluid space was divided by a membranous structure forming an intraretinal compartmentalized cystic space. Under the diagnosis of VKH disease, the patient was treated with intravenous administration of methylprednisolone. After treatment, enhanced SD-OCT images showed decreased serous retinal detachment. (Case 2) A 58-year-old male presented with visual impairment in both eyes. On fundus examination, multifocal serous retinal detachment in the posterior pole was observed in both eyes. On enhanced SD-OCT, choroidal folds were observed and the membranous structure showed continuity with ellipsoid zone, suggesting the membranous structure was part of the outer photoreceptor layer of the adjacent attached retina. The patient was treated with intravenous administration of methylprednisolone. After treatment, enhanced SD-OCT images showed cystic space was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: SD-OCT images of VKH disease demonstrated multiple serous retinal detachments and intraretinal compartmentalized cystic space divided by a membranous structure. The membranous structure may be considered a part of the outer photoreceptor layer of the attached retina.

Arcuate Retinal Nerve Fiber Swelling after Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cause of dark arcuate striae observed in infrared photographs in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and macular hole patients after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. METHODS: Forty patients (41 eyes) of idiopathic ERM and macular hole who underwent trans pars plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade were included in the present study. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at preoperative and postoperative 6 months. Infrared (IR) photography with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were obtained at preoperative and postoperative 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. When abnormal findings were visible on IR photographs, additional SD-OCT was performed at the corresponding sites. RESULTS: Of 40 patients, 4 patients demonstrated dark striae extending from the optic nerve to near macular area in IR photographs at 1 week postoperatively. SD-OCT images of the dark striae region revealed the swelling of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). At postoperative 6 months, however, RNFL swelling previously observed subsided in all 4 cases, while temporal retinal thinning and dimples were observed in 3 cases. The preoperative and postoperative BCVA did not show any statistical difference between the patients with the RNFL swelling and the patients without the swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Swelling of RNFL may occur in idiopathic ERM and macular hole patients after pars plana vitrectomy and ILM peeling, which may present as dark striae in IR photographs.

Serum Concentration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor after Bilateral Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

PURPOSE: This study compared serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration between patients given the bilateral and unilateral intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. METHODS: In a prospective manner, serum VEGF levels in treatment-naive patients with age-related macular degeneration who underwent bilateral or unilateral intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were investigated. After informed consent, peripheral blood was collected from in patients who underwent bilateral or unilateral intravitreal injection of bevacizumab before and 1 month after the injection. Serum VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after centrifugation. In addition, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) before and 1 month after the injection were compared between each group. RESULTS: Twenty patients received bilateral injections (40 eyes) and 20 patients received unilateral injections. The VEGF concentrations (pg/mL) before the bilateral injection were 235.75 +/- 183.16 and 252.53 +/- 233.52 for the unilateral injection. They were significantly reduced to 153.88 +/- 113.26 and 189.42 +/- 251.72 after 1 month, respectively (p = 0.037 and 0.019), which are showing no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.771). And there were no significant intergroup difference in pre- and postoperative BCVA and CRT. CONCLUSIONS: The bilateral simultaneous intravitreal injection of bevacizumab did not differ greatly from unilateral intravitreal injection in the influence on serum VEGF levels and the therapeutic outcome.

Serum Concentration of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor after Bilateral Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab

PURPOSE: This study compared serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration between patients given the bilateral and unilateral intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. METHODS: In a prospective manner, serum VEGF levels in treatment-naive patients with age-related macular degeneration who underwent bilateral or unilateral intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were investigated. After informed consent, peripheral blood was collected from in patients who underwent bilateral or unilateral intravitreal injection of bevacizumab before and 1 month after the injection. Serum VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after centrifugation. In addition, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) before and 1 month after the injection were compared between each group. RESULTS: Twenty patients received bilateral injections (40 eyes) and 20 patients received unilateral injections. The VEGF concentrations (pg/mL) before the bilateral injection were 235.75 +/- 183.16 and 252.53 +/- 233.52 for the unilateral injection. They were significantly reduced to 153.88 +/- 113.26 and 189.42 +/- 251.72 after 1 month, respectively (p = 0.037 and 0.019), which are showing no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.771). And there were no significant intergroup difference in pre- and postoperative BCVA and CRT. CONCLUSIONS: The bilateral simultaneous intravitreal injection of bevacizumab did not differ greatly from unilateral intravitreal injection in the influence on serum VEGF levels and the therapeutic outcome.

Use of the On-Q system for pain management after robot - assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: The robot-assisted transaxillary approach to thyroid surgery is a novel method that has recently been used to improve patient safety and cosmetic outcomes. We evaluated post-operative pain, following robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroid surgery, and pain relief using a continuous wound perfusion system with local anesthetics. METHODS: In a control group of 25 female patients who underwent robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy, the post-operative pain scores and characteristics as well as analgesic use were monitored. Fifty female patients undergoing robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy were given the On-Q system. They were then randomly assigned to receive one of two different local anesthetic doses: Group I (0.25% Ropivacaine, n = 25); and Group II (0.375% Ropivacaine, n = 25). The pain score, pain site, analgesic requirements and side effects of each group were recorded during the 48 hour period post-surgery. RESULTS: Post-operative pain scores and analgesic demand were lower in the On-Q groups than in the control group. No difference was found between Group I and Group II. Until 6-12 hours after surgery, pain was mainly located in the axilla, while after 6-12 hours, the primary location of pain had a tendency to move to the neck. Pain scores gradually decreased in time for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy with an On-Q system injecting 0.25% ropivacaine had lower pain scores, showing the effectiveness of the system. As a potential pain blocker, continuous wound perfusion with the On-Q system attenuates side effects. This could lead to shortened hospital stays after robot-assisted endoscopic transaxillary thyroidectomy.