Choroidal Vascularity Index and Treatment Outcomes in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Patients with Macular Edema

Purpose@#To explore the association between the visual and anatomical outcomes and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) post-intravitreal injection in patients with macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 50 patients (27 eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and 23 eyes treated with a dexamethasone implant) with BRVO and macular edema who underwent intravitreal injections from January 2017 to October 2020. We measured the central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness, and CVI of the BRVO eyes and the fellow eyes using optical coherence tomography and then analyzed the correlation between these measurements and visual and anatomical outcomes. @*Results@#After six months of treatment, the best corrected visual acuity improved, and CMT decreased. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that factors associated with best corrected visual acuity improvement at six months were fellow eye CVI (standardized β = 0.346, p = 0.008), ellipsoid zone integrity (standardized β = 0.398, p = 0.001), and initial best corrected visual acuity (standardized β = 0.590, p < 0.001). Initial CMT (standardized β = 0.563, p < 0.001) was the only factor associated with the decrease in CMT at six months. @*Conclusions@#In cases of severe macular edema, accurate evaluation of choroidal vessels can be challenging due to shadowing. We discovered that a larger CVI in the fellow eye was associated with greater visual improvement in patients with BRVO and macular edema. CVI could be a prognostic factor for predicting treatment outcomes in BRVO patients, suggesting that the choroidal vascular status may play a role in the pathophysiology of BRVO.

Short-term Clinical Outcomes after Flanged Intrascleral Fixation of Intraocular Lenses Using Oblique Intrascleral Tunnels

Purpose@#To report the short-term clinical outcomes after intrascleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) using oblique intrascleral tunnels. @*Methods@#We retrospectively studied 17 patients (18 eyes) who underwent flanged intrascleral IOL fixation from October 2019 to October 2021. The patients were divided into those who underwent fixation using horizontal (group A) and oblique (group B) intrascleral tunnels. We compared the best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs), cylindrical powers, refractive errors (the differences between the targeted spherical equivalents [SEs] and postoperative SEs) before and 3 months after surgery, and operating times. @*Results@#At 3 months vs. preoperatively, there were no significant differences in BCVA (-0.83 ± 0.43 vs. -0.48 ± 0.59), refractive error (-0.06 ± 0.97 diopter [D] vs. -0.05 ± 0.80 D), cylindrical power (-0.42 ± 3.81 D vs. -0.33 ± 1.20 D), or operating time (83.33 ± 28.05 minutes [min] vs. 66.33 ± 20.57 min) between groups A and B, respectively. @*Conclusions@#In terms of the short-term clinical outcomes after use of horizontal and oblique intrascleral tunnels, we found no significant differences in any parameters studied. However, use of an oblique intrascleral tunnel may shorten the operating time.

Tractional Retinal Detachment in Eyes with Vitreous Hemorrhage and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Posterior Vitreous Detachment in Fellow Eye

Purpose@#To predict the presence of tractional retinal detachment (TRD) in eyes with dense vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) by evaluating the status of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in fellow eyes using optical coherence tomography (OCT). @*Methods@#A total of 44 eyes from 22 patients who underwent vitrectomy due to dense VH with PDR were enrolled. Using OCT, the PVD status in the fellow eye was divided into two groups (incomplete and complete PVD). The incomplete PVD group included eyes without PVD and eyes with partial PVD. B-scan ultrasonography was performed on eyes with dense VH to evaluate the presence of TRD. Both OCT and B-scan images were reviewed by four ophthalmologists (two novices and two experienced), and the interobserver agreement was evaluated. @*Results@#There was a difference in the interobserver agreement regarding the presence of TRD in eyes with dense VH evaluated by B scan between novice and experienced ophthalmologists (novice, κ = 0.421 vs. experienced, κ = 0.814), although there was no difference between novice and experienced ophthalmologists in the interobserver agreement regarding the status of PVD in the fellow eye evaluated by OCT (novice, κ = 1.000 vs. experienced, κ = 1.000). All observed TRD during vitrectomy occurred in eyes with incomplete PVD in the fellow eye. Logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relation between TRD and the age of the patient (odds ratio [OR], 0.874; p = 0.047), and between TRD and incomplete PVD in the fellow eye evaluated by OCT (OR, 13.904; p = 0.042). @*Conclusions@#Evaluation of the PVD status in the fellow eye using OCT may be a useful predictor for detecting the presence of TRD in eyes with dense VH and PDR.

Full mouth rehabilitation of a worn dentition using digital guided tooth preparation: a case report / 대한치과보철학회지

With the development of digital dentistry, it is being applied in various ways of dental treatment. This case report presents the definitive prosthesis designed in advance with a re-established vertical dimension and the digital technology, which determined the amount of tooth preparation, in order to preserve as much tooth structure as possible in a patient with pathological wear of the posterior teeth and loss of vertical dimension. For accurate tooth preparation, the guides of the occlusal and axial surfaces were digitally and additively manufactured. Then, aesthetics and anterior guidance were established at the provisional stage. The information of the provisional restoration was delivered to the definitive stage by double scanning. The digital technology, including the virtual planning and the guided tooth removal, produced the definitive restorations satisfactory to both the patient and clinician.

Comparative analysis on intaglio surface trueness, wear volume loss of antagonist, and fracture resistance of full-contour monolithic zirconia crown for single-visit dentistry under simulated mastication

PURPOSE@#This analysis aimed to evaluate the intaglio surface trueness, antagonist’s wear volume loss, and fracture resistance of full-contour crowns of (Y, Nb)-stabilized fully-sintered zirconia (FSZ), 4 mol% or 5 mol% yttria-stabilized partially sintered zirconia (4YZ or 5YZ) with high-speed sintering. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A total of 42 zirconia crowns were separated into three groups: FSZ, 4YZ, and 5YZ (n = 14). The intaglio surface trueness of the crowns was evaluated at the inner surface, occlusal, margin, and axial areas and reported as root-mean-square, positive and negative average deviation. Half of the specimens were aged for 120,000 cycles in the chewing simulator, and the wear volume loss of antagonist was measured. Before and after chewing, the fracture load was measured for each group. The trueness values were analyzed with Welch's ANOVA, and the wear volume loss with the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Effect of the zirconia type and aging on fracture resistance of crowns was tested using two-way ANOVA. @*RESULTS@#The intaglio surface trueness measured at four different areas of the crown was less than 50 µm, regardless of the type of zirconia. No significant P in wear volume loss of antagonists were detected among the groups (P > .05). Both the type of zirconia and aging showed statistically significant effects on fracture resistance (P < .05). @*CONCLUSION@#The full-contour crowns of FSZ as well as 4YZ or 5YZ with high-speed sintering were clinically acceptable, in terms of intaglio surface trueness, antagonist’s wear volume loss, and fracture resistance after simulated mastication.

Evaluation of intaglio surface trueness, wear, and fracture resistance of zirconia crown under simulated mastication: a comparative analysis between subtractive and additive manufacturing

PURPOSE@#. This in-vitro analysis aimed to compare the intaglio trueness, the antagonist’s wear volume loss, and fracture load of various single-unit zirconia prostheses fabricated by different manufacturing techniques. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#. Zirconia crowns were prepared into four different groups (n = 14 per group) according to the manufacturing techniques and generations of the materials. The intaglio surface trueness (root-mean-square estimates, RMS) of the crown was measured at the marginal, axial, occlusal, and inner surface areas. Half of the specimens were artificially aged in the chewing simulator with 120,000 cycles, and the antagonist’s volume loss after aging was calculated. The fracture load for each crown group was measured before and after hydrothermal aging. The intaglio trueness was evaluated with Welch’s ANOVA and the antagonist’s volume loss was assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis tests. The effects of manufacturing and aging on the fracture resistance of the tested zirconia crowns were determined by two-way ANOVA. @*RESULTS@#. The trueness analysis of the crown intaglio surfaces showed surface deviation (RMS) within 50 µm, regardless of the manufacturing methods (P = .053). After simulated mastication, no significant differences in the volume loss of the antagonists were observed among the zirconia groups (P = .946). The manufacturing methods and simulated chewing had statistically significant effects on the fracture resistance (P < .001). @*CONCLUSION@#. The intaglio surface trueness, fracture resistance, and antagonist’s wear volume of the additively manufactured 3Y-TZP crown were clinically acceptable, as compared with those of the 4Y- or 5Y-PSZ crowns produced by subtractive milling.

Aqueous Humor Cytokine Levels and Choroidal Thicknesses of Patients with Age‐related Macular Degeneration and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy

Purpose@#We sought correlations between the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) and changes in the levels of aqueous humor cytokines before and after anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) treatment of patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and pachychoroid neovasculopathy. @*Methods@#We measured changes in the SCT and levels of aqueous humor cytokines (VEGF, soluble VEGF receptor‐2 [sVEGFR‐ 2], platelet‐derived growth factor [PDGF]‐AA, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP‐1], interleukin [IL]‐6, and IL‐8) after anti‐ VEGF treatment of 11 eyes of 11 nAMD patients and nine eyes of nine pachychoroid neovasculopathy patients. The aqueous humor cytokine levels were compared between the two groups. @*Results@#After anti‐VEGF treatment, the aqueous levels of VEGF and PDGF‐AA decreased significantly, whereas that of sVEGFR‐2 increased. The amount of change in sVEGFR‐2 concentration before and after anti‐VEGF treatment correlated with the SCT and its change after treatment. nAMD patients with relatively thin SCTs and smaller SCT changes after anti‐VEGF treatment showed greater increases in sVEGFR‐2 levels following treatment. We found significant correlations among the MCP‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels in the nAMD group, and between the sVEGFR‐2 and MCP‐1, and MCP‐1 and PDGF‐AA, levels in the pachychoroid neovasculopathy group. @*Conclusions@#Patients with nAMD exhibited significant increases in aqueous sVEGFR‐2 levels following anti‐VEGF treatment and significant correlations among the levels of the inflammatory cytokines MCP‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐8, suggesting that angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines may affect the pathophysiologies of the two diseases differently.

Long-term HbA1c Variability and Treatment Outcomes of Intravitreal Injection in Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose@#To evaluate the association between long-term glycated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) variability and treatment outcomes ofanti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection in diabetic macular edema patients. @*Methods@#The medical records of 49 eyes (38 patients) that received anti-VEGF injection for diabetic macular edema were reviewedretrospectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) before injection and at onemonth and six months after injection were analyzed. HbA1c variability (HbA1c coefficient of variation [CV]) was calculated usingthe HbA1c results from the year prior to (before) and the year after injection and compared with clinical results. @*Results@#In the group with a low mean HbA1c level before injection, the group with lower HbA1c CV showed greater reduction inmacular edema one month after injection (low HbA1c CV, 122.4 ± 123.2 μm versus high HbA1c CV, 5.2 ± 37.0 μm, p= 0.027).In the group with high mean HbA1c, there was no significant difference between HbA1c variability and clinical features. In a multivariateanalysis, the factor related to the reduction of macular edema was initial CMT (one month adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)0.5, p< 0.001; six months aHR 0.3, p= 0.023). The factor associated with visual gain was initial visual acuity (LogMAR) (onemonth aHR 0.4, p< 0.001; six months aHR 0.4, p< 0.001). The association between mean HbA1c or HbA1c variability and clinicaloutcome was not significant. @*Conclusions@#Unlike initial CMT or BCVA, mean HbA1c and HbA1c variability were not significantly associated with clinical outcomesof anti-VEGF injection in diabetic macular edema patients.

Choroidal Thickness Analysis in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphological features of choroidal vasculature in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) by analyzing choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 39 patients with ED and 19 controls. ED was defined as an erectile function domain score < 26 on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Small-choroidal-vessel-layer (SCVL) thickness was calculated by subtracting large-choroidal-vessel-layer (which corresponded to Haller's layer) thickness from total choroidal thickness. Choroidal thickness was compared between the ED and control groups. RESULTS: SCVL thickness was lesser in the ED group than in the control group (control, 69.8±24.3 µm vs. ED, 55.1±19.9 µm; p=0.017). Among patients without diabetes, the ED group showed significantly lesser SCVL thickness than did the control group (control, 77.1±22.7 µm vs. ED, 56.5±20.9 µm; p=0.021). However, among patients with diabetes, choroidal thickness showed no significant intergroup difference. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that spherical equivalent (standardized coefficient β=0.294; p=0.019) and the IIEF erectile function score (standardized coefficient β=0.315; p=0.012) were significantly associated with SCVL thickness. CONCLUSIONS: SCVL thickness, including the choriocapillaris layer and medium-sized choroidal vascular layer, decreased in proportion to ED severity, suggesting that microvascular changes in choroidal vessels may occur before specific ocular diseases in patients with ED.

Association of Retinal Artery Occlusion with Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We studied 41 patients with non-arteritic RAO without any history or symptoms of CAD, who had undergone coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for systemic atherosclerotic evaluation between 2007 and 2012. The age- and gender-matched control group comprised 4-fold subjects who were randomly selected from asymptomatic subjects who underwent CCTA during general health evaluation. Medical records and CCTA findings were compared between RAO patients and control groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the risk factors associated with CAD. RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly different between RAO patients and control groups. RAO patients showed higher coronary artery calcium score than did control subjects (267.9 ± 674.9 vs. 120.2 ± 289.5). On CCTA, the prevalence of obstructive CAD (diameter stenosis ≥ 50%) in RAO patients was significantly higher than that in controls (29% vs. 15%; odds ratio [OR], 3.0). RAO patients demonstrated a significantly higher segment-involvement score (SIS) (2.6 ± 3.0 vs. 1.6 ± 2.4) and segment-stenosis score (SSS) (3.6 ± 4.8 vs. 2.0 ± 3.3) than did controls. After adjustment of associated factors, RAO showed significant association (OR, 3.0) with obstructive CAD and extensive CAD (SIS > 4: OR, 2.8; SSS > 8: OR, 3.4). CONCLUSION: Patients with RAO had a higher prevalence of subclinical obstructive CAD with a more extensive and heavier burden of coronary artery plaques than did age- and gender-matched controls. Physicians should understand the potential risk of CAD in RAO patients.

Choroidal Osteoma Accompanied by Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

No abstract available.

Association of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Psychosocial Factors is Dependent on Its Phase and Subtype

PURPOSE: To analyze the psychosocial factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) according to its phases and subtypes and to correlate the factors with the extent of choroidal hyperpermeability. METHODS: Age- and sex-matched CSC patients and controls (n = 37 in each group) were enrolled, and their psychosocial factors were compared. CSC was divided into two phases (active and inactive), and active CSC was further divided into two subtypes (acute and chronic). The correlations between the size of the hyperpermeable choroidal lesion identified on indocyanine green angiography and psychosocial factors were examined. RESULTS: Active CSC patients experienced more stressful events (p = 0.030), were more depressive (p = 0.037), and felt less emotional (p = 0.014) and informational (p = 0.014) support than the matched controls, whereas inactive CSC patients were comparable to the matched controls in all psychosocial factors. Among the active CSC patients, acute patients were more depressive (p = 0.029), while chronic patients experienced more stressful events (p = 0.024) than their matched controls. The size of the hyperpermeable choroidal lesion was correlated with the severity of depression in acute patients. CONCLUSIONS: Association of CSC with psychosocial factors was dependent on the phase and subtype of CSC. Psychosocial factors were associated with CSC in the active phase, and severity of depression was correlated with the size of the choroidal pathology in acute active CSC. Further prospective studies to investigate if psychosocial factors can trigger CSC are warranted.

Bevacizumab versus Dexamethasone Implant Followed by Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Macula Edema Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To compare visual and anatomical outcomes of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) treatment for macular edema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab administered monthly on a pro re nata (PRN) basis (26 eyes, IVB group) or an initial 700-µg dexamethasone implant followed by a bevacizumab PRN injection (20 eyes, IVD group) for treatment of macular edema associated with BRVO. We compared best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). We also measured ellipsoid zone recovery rate and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer volume within the center 6 mm zone. A linear mixed model analysis was performed to compare serial changes in BCVA and CMT. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA and significant reduction in CMT. However, BCVA in the first month was significantly better in the IVD group (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, IVD group 0.21 ± 0.26 vs. IVB group 0.39 ± 0.30, p = 0.038) and the 1-month CMT was thinner in the IVD group (IVD group 270.0 ± 62.0 µm vs. IVB group 338.9 ± 122.6 µm, p = 0.028), and these trends were maintained during the 6-month follow-up. The IVD group showed more rapid macular edema resolution (p = 0.049); however, there were no significant differences in ellipsoid zone recovery rate (p = 0.268) or ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer volume between the two groups (p = 0.459). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in final visual or anatomical outcomes between the two groups; however, initial dexamethasone implant injection followed by bevacizumab PRN injection initially showed more rapid improvement in vision and BRVO-associated macular edema resolution compared to intravitreal bevacizumab administered monthly on a PRN basis.

Factors Associated with Pain Following Intravitreal Injections

PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated with pain intensity following intravitreal injection and factors that might be associated with changes in pain intensity in patients who received repeated injections. METHODS: A total of 172 eyes (147 patients) were prospectively enrolled. Patients rated their pain from 0 to 10 using a visual analogue scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with pain score. Sixty-eight patients evaluated their degree of pain more than once and were divided into three groups according to changes in pain during repeated injections. Clinical factors were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Pain scores of women (women, 3.1 ± 1.5 vs. men, 2.4 ± 1.2; p = 0.003), those who received dexamethasone implant injection (dexamethasone implant, 3.5 ± 1.1 vs. anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, 2.7 ± 1.4; p = 0.028), and those who did not undergo anterior chamber paracentesis (ACP) (ACP, 2.6 ± 1.3 vs. no ACP, 3.0 ± 1.6; p = 0.047) were significantly higher than those of the other groups. On multiple linear regression analysis, only female sex and ACP were significantly associated with degree of pain. The waiting time during the second injection was significantly associated with change in degree of pain in patients who received repeated injections. CONCLUSIONS: Women were more prone to perceive pain, and the ACP procedure reduced pain during intravitreal injections. Most patients who received repeated injections felt that pain was similar or decreased compared to that experienced during the previous injection. However, increased waiting time might have been associated with increased discomfort for patients who received repeated injections.

Correlation between Uncorrected Visual Acuity and Macular Distortion in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between degree of retinal abnormalities and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) patients with a small amount of refractive error. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 49 eyes (37 patients) of idiopathic ERM patients. We investigated the association between visual acuity and macular status (central macular thickness [CMT], outer retinal integrity score, and inner retinal irregularity index) that was assessed by optical coherence tomography using multiple linear regression analysis. We defined visual acuity difference (VAD) as the difference between UCVA and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). We divided patients into two groups according to VAD size and compared clinical characteristics between the two groups. We also investigated factors associated with VAD using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: BCVA showed significant association with CMT and outer retinal integrity score, while UCVA showed significant association with CMT and inner retinal irregularity index. Patients with a large VAD showed a similar level of BCVA compared to the small VAD group (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR], large VAD group 0.11 ± 0.11 vs. small VAD group 0.13 ± 0.12, p = 0.585). However, UCVA was worse (logMAR, large VAD group 0.44 ± 0.14 vs. small VAD group 0.18 ± 0.14, p < 0.001) and inner retinal irregularity was higher (large VAD group 1.06 ± 0.04 vs. small VAD group 1.04 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) in patients with a large VAD. On multiple linear regression analysis, the absolute value of spherical equivalent (standardized coefficient β 0.521, p < 0.001) and inner retinal irregularity index (standardized coefficient β 0.448, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with VAD. CONCLUSIONS: UCVA was associated with inner retinal irregularity in idiopathic ERM patients with a mild degree of refractive error. Inner retinal irregularity was also associated with degree of VAD, suggesting that the effect of refractive error correction is greater in patients with more distorted retina.

Contracted Nose after Silicone Implantation: A New Classification System and Treatment Algorithm

BACKGROUND: Silicone implants are frequently used in augmentation rhinoplasty in Asians. A common complication of silicone augmentation rhinoplasty is capsular contracture. This is similar to the capsular contracture after augmentation mammoplasty, but a classification for secondary contracture after augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone implants has not yet been established, and treatment algorithms by grade or severity have yet to be developed. METHODS: Photographs of 695 patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty with a silicone implant from May 2001 to May 2015 were analyzed. The mean observation period was 11.4 months. Of the patients, 81 were male and 614 were female, with a mean age of 35.9 years. Grades were assigned according to postoperative appearance. Grade I was a natural appearance, as if an implant had not been inserted. Grade II was an unnatural lateral margin of the implant. Clearly identifiable implant deviation was classified as grade III, and short nose deformation was grade IV. RESULTS: Grade I outcomes were found in 498 patients (71.7%), grade II outcomes in 101 (14.5%), grade III outcomes in 75 (10.8%), and grade IV outcomes in 21 patients (3.0%). Revision surgery was indicated for the 13.8% of all patients who had grade III or IV outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to clinically classify the deformations due to secondary contracture after surgery and to establish treatment algorithms to improve scientific communication among rhinoplasty surgeons. In this study, we suggest guidelines for the clinical classification of secondary capsular contracture after augmentation rhinoplasty, and also propose a treatment algorithm.

Work-Related Asthma in Korea - Findings from the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program, 2004-2009

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of work-related asthma in Korea. METHODS: During 2004-2009, the Korea Work-Related Asthma Surveillance (KOWAS) program collected data on new cases of work-related asthma from occupational physicians, allergy and chest physicians, regional surveillance systems, and workers' compensation schemes. The incidence was calculated on the basis of industry, occupation, sex, age, and region. In addition, the distribution of causal agents was determined. RESULTS: During the study period, 236 cases of work-related asthma were reported, with 77 cases from more than 1 source. A total of 22.0% (n=52) were reported by occupational physicians, 52.5% (n=124) by allergy and chest physicians, 24.2% (n=57) by regional surveillance systems, and 43.2% (n=102) by workers' compensation schemes. The overall average annual incidence was 3.31 cases/million workers, with a rate of 3.78/million among men and 2.58/million among women. The highest incidence was observed in the 50-59-year age group (7.74/million), in the Gyeonggi/Incheon suburb of Seoul (8.50/million), in the furniture and other instrument manufacturing industries (67.62/million), and among craft and related trades workers (17.75/million). The most common causal agents were isocyanates (46.6%), flour/grain (8.5%), metal (5.9%), reactive dyes (5.1%), and solvents (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of work-related asthma in Korea was relatively low, and varied according to industry, occupation, gender, age, and region. Data provided by workers' compensation schemes and physician reports have been useful for determining the incidence and causes of work-related asthma.

Cerebral Angiographic Findings of Cosmetic Facial Filler-related Ophthalmic and Retinal Artery Occlusion

Cosmetic facial filler-related ophthalmic artery occlusion is rare but is a devastating complication, while the exact pathophysiology is still elusive. Cerebral angiography provides more detailed information on blood flow of ophthalmic artery as well as surrounding orbital area which cannot be covered by fundus fluorescein angiography. This study aimed to evaluate cerebral angiographic features of cosmetic facial filler-related ophthalmic artery occlusion patients. We retrospectively reviewed cerebral angiography of 7 patients (4 hyaluronic acid [HA] and 3 autologous fat-injected cases) showing ophthalmic artery and its branches occlusion after cosmetic facial filler injections, and underwent intra-arterial thrombolysis. On selective ophthalmic artery angiograms, all fat-injected patients showed a large filling defect on the proximal ophthalmic artery, whereas the HA-injected patients showed occlusion of the distal branches of the ophthalmic artery. Three HA-injected patients revealed diminished distal runoff of the internal maxillary and facial arteries, which clinically corresponded with skin necrosis. However, all fat-injected patients and one HA-injected patient who were immediately treated with subcutaneous hyaluronidase injection showed preserved distal runoff of the internal maxillary and facial arteries and mild skin problems. The size difference between injected materials seems to be associated with different angiographic findings. Autologous fat is more prone to obstruct proximal part of ophthalmic artery, whereas HA obstructs distal branches. In addition, hydrophilic and volume-expansion property of HA might exacerbate blood flow on injected area, which is also related to skin necrosis. Intra-arterial thrombolysis has a limited role in reconstituting blood flow or regaining vision in cosmetic facial filler-associated ophthalmic artery occlusions.

Comparison of Surgically-induced Astigmatism after Combined Phacoemulsification and 23-Gauge Vitrectomy: 2.2-mm vs. 2.75-mm Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: The 2.2-mm microincision cataract surgery and small-gauge vitrectomy system is known to result in less surgically-induced astigmatism (SIA) in comparison to conventional surgical methods. We compared the amounts of SIA after combined phacoemulsification and 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (23G-TSV) using the 2.2-mm microincision and 2.75-mm standard incision methods. METHODS: We studied 59 patients (61 eyes) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and 23G-TSV from November 2008 to September 2012. Twenty-eight patients (28 eyes) underwent 2.2-mm microincision coaxial phacoemulsification, and 31 patients (33 eyes) underwent 2.75-mm standard incision phacoemulsification. SIA was evaluated using Naeser's polar method with the simulated keratometric values obtained from corneal topography. Preoperative and 1-week and 1-month postoperative KP (Naeser's polar value along the specific axis) and DeltaKP values were compared between the 2.2-mm microincision and 2.75-mm standard incision groups. RESULTS: One week after surgery, both groups exhibited similar amounts of SIA (-DeltaKP[120], 0.40 +/- 0.41 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.56 diopters [D]; p = 0.390). One month after surgery, however, the amount of SIA was significantly smaller in the 2.2-mm microincision group as compared to the 2.75-mm standard incision group (-DeltaKP[120], 0.31 +/- 0.54 vs. 0.56 +/- 0.42 D; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In combined phacoemulsification with 23G-TSV, 2.2-mm microincision coaxial phacoemulsification induces less SIA than does 2.75-mm standard coaxial phacoemulsification.

The Factors Affecting Physical Fitness Level of Female Flight Attendants / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at obtaining the information on the physical fitness level of female flight attendants at a local airline. METHODS: The subjects are 2,409 female flight attendants who have had medical examination and physical fitness tests at an airline medical center from January 2 to December 30, 2008. The independent variables include socio-demographic & behavioral characteristics, and medical examination results, whereas the dependent variable is their physical strength score representing their fitness level. RESULTS: Factors that affect the fitness strength score are age, flight hours per year, and fasting blood sugar level. It is found that physical fitness level is higher when the subjects are over 35, on board for over 850 hours per year and their fasting blood sugar level is over 100 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that for the improvement of flight attendants' health, more exercise to develop cardio-respiratory endurance and muscular strength is needed, and further study needs to be done to develop fitness enhancement programs considering flight attendants' job characteristics, working years, and flight hours per year, and programs for those returning to their workplace after a long-term leave, and new employees.