Omega-3 fatty acids supplements for dry eye - Are they effective or ineffective?

Purpose: To evaluate effectiveness of omega?3 fatty acid supplements in relieving dry eye symptoms and signs in symptomatic visual display terminal users (VDT). Methods: A randomized controlled study was done; eyes of 470 VDT users were randomized to receive four capsules twice daily for 6 months (O3FAgroup), each containing 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid. The O3FA group was compared with another group (n = 480) who received four capsules of a placebo (olive oil) twice daily. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The primary outcome was improvement in omega?3 index (a measure of EPA and DHA ratio in RBC membrane). Secondary outcomes were improvement dry eye symptoms, Nelson grade on conjunctival impression cytology, Schirmer test values, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear film osmolarity. Means of groups (pre?treatment, 1, 3, and 6?months) were compared with repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, 81% patients had low omega?3 index. In the O3FA group, a significant increase in omega?3 index, improvement in symptoms, reduction in tear film osmolarity, and increase in Schirmer, TBUT, and goblet cell density was observed. These changes were not significant in the placebo group. Improvement in test parameters was significantly (P < 0.001) better in patients with low omega3 index (<4%) subgroup. Conclusion: Dietary omega?3 fatty acids are effective for dry eye in VDT users; omega?3 index appears to be the predictor to identify potential dry eye patients who are likely to benefit from oral omega?3 dietary intervention

Síndrome Edematoso Generalizado por citomegalovirus

El síndrome edematoso generalizado o anasarca está presente secundario a un desequilibrio de la homeostasis hídrica, electrolítica y osmolar del organismo, En el adulto el estado de anasarca es más frecuente secundario a insuficiencia cardiaca, en pediatría, el edema que se generaliza está asociado con más frecuencia a bajo aporte proteico, baja síntesis de proteínas o debido a perdida de proteínas de origen gastrointestinal o renal. La disminución de la presión oncótica plasmática genera fuga de líquidos a compartimientos intersticiales de forma generalizada y produce edema. Existen múltiples patologías y mecanismos para la producción del edema generalizado; el conocimiento de la fisiopatología de su desarrollo permite un análisis clínico, de laboratorio y de gabinete que orientan al diagnostico. La infección por citomegalovirus es una causa poco frecuente de edema generalizado, reconocer esta entidad y llegar a un adecuado diagnóstico diferencial es el objetivo de esta revisión.

The generalized edematous syndrome or anasarca is present secondary to an imbalance in the body's water, electrolyte and osmolar homeostasis. In adults, the state of anasarca is more frequent secondary to heart failure; in pediatrics, generalized edema is associated with more frequency due to low protein intake, low protein synthesis or due to protein loss of gastrointestinal or renal origin. The decrease in plasma oncotic pressure generates generalized fluid leakage into interstitial compartments and produces edema. There are multiple pathologies and mechanisms for the production of generalized edema; knowledge of the pathophysiology of its development allows a clinical, laboratory and office analysis that guides the diagnosis. Cytomegalovirus infection is a rare cause of generalized edema; recognizing this entity and reaching an appropriate differential diagnosis is the objective of this review.

Oral mucosa transplantation may improve tear film osmolarity in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca - a preliminary study / [Transplante da mucosa oral na melhoria da osmolaridade do filme lacrimal em cães com ceratoconjuntivite seca - estudo preliminar]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of cyclosporine 1% alone or associated with oral mucosa transplantation (OMT) in dogs with dry keratoconjunctivitis (KCS). Schirmer Tear Test (STT-1) and Tear Film Osmolarity (TFO) were measured in both eyes of 30 adult dogs (before and 45 days after treatment. The animals were divided into three groups (10 dogs for group): control (normal dogs), group I (GI, treated with 1% cyclosporine alone), and group II (GII, treated with 1% cyclosporine and OMT). All STT-1 and TFO values were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and all were normally distributed. STT-1 and TFO values before and after treatment were subjected to the T-Student Test. The STT­1 and TFO values of the right eye were subjected to Repeated Measures ANOVA followed by a Tukey Test for comparison between groups I and II. Means with a value of p≤0.05 were considered significant. There was a decreased osmolarity in both groups after treatment. Mean osmolarity in GII (322.60±16.56 mOsm/L) was significantly lower than GI (336.40±5.66 mOsm/L). The OMT associated with cyclosporine 1% improved the osmolarity of the tear film in dogs with KCS with a seeming synergism between the clinical and surgical treatments.(AU)

Avaliou-se o uso de ciclosporina 1% isolada ou associada ao transplante de mucosa oral (TMO) em cães com ceratoconjuntivite seca (CCS). O teste lacrimal de Schirmer (TLS-1) e a osmolaridade do filme lacrimal (OFL) foram medidos em ambos os olhos, em 30 cães adultos, antes e 45 dias após o tratamento. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos (10 cães por grupo): controle (cães saudáveis), grupo I (GI, tratados apenas com ciclosporina 1%) e grupo II (GII, tratados com 1% de ciclosporina associada ao TMO). Todos os valores do TLS-1 e da OFL foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk, e todos foram distribuídos normalmente. Os valores de TLS-1 e OFT antes e depois do tratamento foram submetidos ao teste T-Student. Os valores TLS-1 e OFT do olho direito foram submetidos à ANOVA de medidas repetidas, seguida por um teste de Tukey para comparação entre os grupos I e II. Valor de P≤0,05 foi considerado significativo. Houve uma diminuição da osmolaridade em ambos os grupos após o tratamento. A osmolaridade média no GII (322,60±16,56 mOsm/L) foi significativamente inferior à no GI (336,40±5,66 mOsm/L). O TMO associado à ciclosporina 1% melhorou a osmolaridade do filme lacrimal em cães com CCS, com uma sinergia aparente entre os tratamentos clínicos e cirúrgicos.(AU)

Disnatremias: un enfoque preciso, macizo y conciso / Dysnatremia: a precise, solid and concise approach / Disnatremia: uma abordagem precisa, sólida e concisa

Resumen: La disnatremia es la alteración electrolítica más frecuente en el paciente en estado crítico, con repercusión en la morbimortalidad. El sodio es el electrolito regulador más importante de la osmolaridad sanguínea; la relación inherente con la molécula del agua hace que esta dupla tenga una proporción interdependiente y recíproca. A través de esta revisión no sistemática de la literatura se pretende exponer la fisiología de sodio y la interacción con el agua, los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que conllevan a los extremos en la concentración sérica, así como los algoritmos diagnósticos y terapéuticos; para que de una manera precisa, maciza y concisa se puedan tomar decisiones médicas.

Abstract: Dysnatremia is the most frequent electrolyte alteration in critically ill patients, with repercussions on morbidity and mortality. Sodium is the most important regulating electrolyte of blood osmolarity; the inherent relationship with the water molecule makes this pair have an interdependent and reciprocal ratio. Through this unsystematic review of the literature, the aim is to expose the physiology of sodium and the interaction with water, the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to extremes in serum concentration, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms; so that medical decisions can be made in a precise, solid and concise manner.

Resumo: A disnatremia é o distúrbio eletrolítico mais comum em pacientes críticos, com repercussões na morbidade e mortalidade. O sódio é o eletrólito regulador mais importante da osmolaridade do sangue; a relação inerente com a molécula de água faz com que este par tenha uma proporção interdependente e recíproca. Por meio desta revisão não sistemática da literatura, pretende-se expor a fisiologia do sódio e sua interação com a água, os mecanismos fisiopatológicos que levam a extremos na concentração sérica, bem como algoritmos diagnósticos e terapêuticos; para que de forma precisa, sólida e concisa as decisões médicas possam ser tomadas.

Prevalencia y severidad de Hiponatremias en niños internados en el Hospital Pediátrico: estudio de cohorte / Prevalence and severity of hyponatremia in children admitted to a pediatric hospital: a cohort study

Introducción: Para disminuir la aparición de hiponatremias en los últimos años se aumentaron las concentraciones de sodio en las soluciones de mantenimiento, llegando a recomendarse las isotónicas, con mejoras de laboratorio pero con dudoso impacto clínico. En el Hospital Garrahan se utiliza una solución estándar hipotónica con cloruro de sodio 0,45%. Antes de reemplazar la solución según recomendaciones internacionales se decidió establecer la prevalencia de hiponatremia en pacientes internados, y su asociación con la solución estándar de hidratación. Población y métodos: Pacientes de 1 mes a 18 años, internados en el Hospital Garrahan. Estudio prospectivo y observacional. Se registró si el paciente recibía hidratación parenteral y la concentración de sodio. Se consideró hiponatremia significativa la presencia de sodio sérico menor a 130 mEq/L. y/o la presencia de síntomas compatibles con hiponatremia. Resultados: En 3003 internaciones la prevalencia global de hiponatremias diagnosticadas fue 4.4%, y asciende a 6.3% si se consideran solo los pacientes que fueron estudiados con ionograma (se le extrajo ionograma al 70,6% de los pacientes internados). La prevalencia de hiponatremias significativas fue de 1.5% (n=44) de los internados, y las hiponatremias significativas en internados que recibían la solución hipotónica estándar de mantenimiento fue de 0.3% (n=9). Conclusiones: En una población donde se utiliza una solución estándar con cloruro de sodio 0,45% -pero se modifica individualmente para las necesidades de cada paciente- la prevalencia de hiponatremias totales y significativas fue similar e incluso inferior a la publicada en otras series. (AU)

Introduction: To reduce the appearance of hyponatremia, in recent years, sodium concentrations were increased in maintenance solutions, and isotonic solutions were recommended, leading to improvements in laboratory studies, but with a doubtful clinical impact. A standard hypotonic solution with 0.45% sodium chloride is used at Garrahan Hospital. Before replacing the solution according to international recommendations, it was decided to determine the prevalence of hyponatremia in inpatients and its association with the standard hydration solution. Population and methods: Patients from 1 month to 18 years old, hospitalized at Garrahan Hospital. Prospective and observational study. Parenteral hydration of the patient and the sodium concentration were recorded. Significant hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium less than 130 mEq/L, and/or the presence of symptoms of hyponatremia. Results: In 3003 hospitalizations, the overall prevalence of diagnosed hyponatremia was 4.4%, increasing to 6.3% if only patients in whom a ionogram was performed were included (a ionogram was performed in 70.6% of the inpatients). Of all inpatients, 1.5% (n=44) had significant hyponatremia, and 0.3% (n=9) of the patients receiving the standard maintenance hypotonic solution had significant hyponatremia. Conclusions: In a population in whom a standard solution with 0.45% sodium chloride is used - but which is individually modified according to the needs of each patient - the prevalence of total and significant hyponatremia was similar and even lower than that reported in other series (AU)

Recommendation of an ideal mixed fluid preparation to be used as partial parenteral nutrition in surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: This study was conducted to assess the role of Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) and a specially prepared 'mixed fluid formula' used as PPN in sick surgical neonates.Methods: This single institution based Randomised Control Trial was performed in Surgical NICU of a tertiary care Centre. Surgical neonates who required bowel rest for >3 days like Esophageal Atresia (22), Duodenal Atresia (38), Jejuno-Ileal Atresia (50), Necrotising Enterocolitis (29) and others (11), were chosen. As a CONTROL population half (75) neonates were allowed maintenance fluid only (Isolyte P) and rest (75) were given a combination of maintenance fluid (Isolyte P) and PPN (specially prepared mixed fluid). This mixed fluid each 100 ml was prepared with 65ml Isolyte P, 15 ml 25% Dextrose, 10 ml Normal Saline, 7 ml Astymin 3, 2 ml Multivitamin and 1 ml Injection KCl. Fluid was continued till enteral feeding was established.Results: Neonates according to their body weight were divided in three groups <1 kg (50), 1-2.5 kg (71) and >2.5 kg (29) and their post-operative outcome was assessed as Clinical Positive/Negative and Laboratory Positive/Negative. Results were separately assessed in 3 body weight groups under 'Control' and 'Study' which showed both Clinical and Biochemical improvement in 'Study group'.Conclusions: The composition of mixed fluid, its nutritional value, calorie supplementation, compatible osmolarity for peripheral venous administration and most importantly its easy and cost-effective preparation were assessed thoroughly and we recommend this 'mixed fluid' preparation as a very useful PPN for sick surgical neonates.

Effects of SSRI antidepressant sertraline on ocular surface function in patients with postpartum depression / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the effect of SSRI antidepressant sertraline on ocular surface function in patients with postpartum depression.METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study. Forty-three patients diagnosed as postpartum depression receiving sertraline for the first time were investigated with the HAMD, OSDI, TBUT, SIT, FL, tear osmolarity and IL-6, MMP-9 before medication and 2 months after medication. The changes of dry eye indexes before and after medication were compared.RESULTS:After 2 months of medication, HAMD score was significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences (P0.05). After 2 months of medication, OSDI score increased, TBUT time shortened significantly, tear secretion decreased, FL score increased, tear osmolarity increased. The differences were statistically significant (P0.05), which indicated that tear osmolarity, tear inflammatory factor and tear metalloproteinase expression level increased when dry eye occurred. CONCLUSION:Sertraline can effectively relieve and cure postpartum depression, but long-term administration can cause damage to ocular surface function, leading to an increase in the incidence of dry eye.

Prevalence of voluntary dehydration according to urine osmolarity in elementary school students in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of voluntary dehydration based on urine osmolarity in elementary school students from two public educational institutions in the metropolitan region of São Paulo and evaluate whether there is a relationship between voluntary dehydration and nutritional status or socioeconomic status. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study with students from two public schools in the city of Osasco. The determination of urine osmolarity was performed using the freezing method of the Advanced® Osmometer Model 3W2. Urine osmolarity greater than 800 mOsm/kg H2O was considered voluntary dehydration. During data collection, the weights and heights of the students, environmental temperatures and air humidity levels were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 475 students aged six to 12 years were evaluated, of whom 188 were male. Voluntary dehydration occurred in 63.2% of the students and was more frequent in males than in females. The prevalence of voluntary dehydration was more frequent in males aged six to nine years than in females. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between males and females aged 10 to 12 years. No association was found between voluntary dehydration and nutritional status or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of voluntary dehydration was high in elementary school students and was more frequent in males. No association was found between voluntary dehydration and nutritional or socioeconomic status.

Ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler na avaliação renal de cães submetidos à tomografia computadorizada após administração intravenosa de diferentes meios de contraste iodado / B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography in the renal evaluation of dogs undergoing computed tomography after intravenous administration of different iodinated contrast media

A nefropatia induzida por contraste (NIC) é uma doença de caráter agudo, secundária à administração intravascular de meios de contraste iodado (MCI). Dentre os mecanismos fisiopatológicos desta enfermidade destacam-se a vasoconstrição intrarrenal prolongada, consequente redução da perfusão renal, hipóxia e isquemia medulares, associada ao dano tubular renal devido à citotoxicidade do contraste. Frente à existência de poucas informações relacionadas a estes mecanismos na literatura médico-veterinária, objetivaram-se comparar os efeitos renais da administração intravenosa de MCI não iônicos de diferentes osmolaridades, em grupos de cães com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da NIC, por meio das avaliações ultrassonográficas modo B, Doppler colorido, de amplitude e pulsado, pareada aos exames laboratoriais, a fim de estimar indiretamente o potencial nefrotóxico de cada contraste. Constituíram-se dois grupos de acordo com o MCI utilizado: o grupo GIH [11 cães receberam iohexol (baixa osmolaridade)] e o grupo GID [sete cães receberam iodixanol (isosmolar)]. Administrou-se a dose de 600mgI/kg/IV em ambos. Avaliaram-se os seguintes aspectos renais antes da administração do MCI (momento basal) e após 1h30min, 24 horas e 48 horas: morfometria (comprimento e volume), morfologia, ecogenicidade cortical e perfusão renais e resistência vascular intrarrenal (índices hemodinâmicos de resistividade e pulsatilidade). Realizou-se ainda exame de urina e se mensuraram as razões gama-glutamil transferase:creatinina (GGT:C) e proteína:creatinina (RPC) urinárias e a concentração sérica de creatinina. Os grupos apresentaram comportamentos similares para comprimento, volume, RPC, exame de urina e creatinina sérica. Em relação ao índice de pulsatilidade (IP), os grupos apresentaram comportamentos não similares, mas sem diferenças significantes entre o momento basal e os demais. Para o índice de resistividade (IR) e a razão GGT:C urinária, os grupos revelaram comportamentos não similares e se constataram aumentos significantes do IR e da razão GGT:C urinária no período de 1h30min após a administração do contraste, somente para o grupo que recebeu iohexol. Concluiu-se que o IR pode ser utilizado para monitorar a hemodinâmica intrarrenal, visto que junto com a razão GGT:C urinária, demonstrou a existência de maior potencial nefrotóxico do iohexol, quando comparado ao iodixanol. Dessa forma, considera-se o uso do iodixanol, opção favorável para cães com fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento da NIC.(AU)

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute disease, secondary to intravascular administration of iodinated contrast media (ICM). The most important mechanisms of this nephropathy are intrarenal prolonged vasoconstriction, medular hypoxia, and ischemia associated with renal tubular damage due to contrast cytotoxicity. Owing to the limited information available in veterinary literature regarding these mechanisms this study aims to compare the renal effects of intravenous administration of two nonionic ICM of different osmolarities in groups of dogs with risk factors for CIN development, by using a B-mode, color, power- and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography, and other laboratory tests, in order to indirectly estimate the nephrotoxic potential of each contrast. The following two groups were established according to the nonionic ICM used: the GIH group [11 dogs administered iohexol (low osmolarity)] and the GID group [seven dogs administered iodixanol (iso-osmolarity)]. Both the groups were administered the same dose (600mgI/kg/IV). The following renal aspects were evaluated before administration of ICM (baseline) and after 1h30min, 24h, and 48h: renal morphometry (length and volume), renal morphology, cortical echogenicity, renal perfusion, and intrarenal vascular resistance (resistive and pulsatility indices); in addition, urinalysis was performed, and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase:creatinine ratio (GGT:C), urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC), and serum creatinine were also measured. Both groups showed similar characteristics with respect to the length, volume, UPC ratio, urinalysis, and serum creatinine levels. No similarity was observed with respect to the pulsatility index (PI) in both the groups and there were no significant differences between baseline and 1h30min, 24h and 48h time points. With respect to the IR and urinary GGT:C, both groups showed no similarity, and significant increases were observed in the resistive index (RI) and urinary GGT:C only in the GIH group, 1h30min after contrast administration. In conclusion, RI can be used to monitor intrarenal hemodynamics, and along with the urinary GGT:C, revealed that iohexol had higher nephrotoxic potential than iodixanol. Thus, iodixanol is considered a favorable option for dogs with risk factors for CIN development.(AU)

Correlation between Tear Osmolarity and Other Ocular Surface Parameters in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between tear osmolarity and other ocular surface parameters and to determine the diagnostic value of tear osmolarity in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) using tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test, and cornea/conjunctiva staining. METHODS: We included 310 eyes of 155 patients diagnosed with dry eye disease (39 primary SS and 116 non-Sjögren dry eye disease) at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from August 2010 to January 2015. All subjects completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and underwent ocular examinations including tear osmolarity (TearLab Osmolarity System), Schirmer I test, slit lamp examination for tear film break-up time, and corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining. We used the mean value of both eyes for all parameters. Fluorescein staining was assessed using the Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance ocular staining score (OSS). RESULTS: In primary SS patients (n = 39), the mean subject age was 52.5 ± 11.9 years, and 94.9% of the subjects were women. Mean tear osmolarity in SS was 311.1 ± 16.4 mOsm/L, with 16 (41.0%) subjects having values ≥316 mOsm/L. In SS, there was a positive correlation between mean tear osmolarity and OSDI score (ρ = 0.405, p = 0.011) and OSS (ρ = 0.592, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between mean tear osmolarity and the Schirmer I test (ρ = −0.625, p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between mean tear osmolarity and tear film break-up time in SS (ρ = 0.110, p = 0.505). CONCLUSIONS: Tear osmolarity measurements using the TearLab Osmolarity System can reflect both symptom severity (OSDI) and objective signs (Schirmer test and OSS) in SS.

Clinical Significance of Tear Film Osmolarity for Non-Sjögren Dry Eye Diagnosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of tear film osmolarity for non-Sjogren dry eye syndrome through measuring the correlation between tear osmolarity and several conventional dry eye parameters. METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, 274 patients (274 eyes) with non-Sjogren dry eye syndrome were examined using tear film osmolarity and the following conventional dry eye parameters: Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal staining score. The correlations between tear film osmolarity and each conventional dry eye parameter were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The mean tear film osmolarity of the study population was 296.34 ± 21.08 mOsm/L. The tear film osmolarity was significantly negatively correlated with the Schirmer's test value (r = -0.431, p < 0.001) and tear break-up time (r = -0.131, p = 0.031), while it was significantly positively correlated with the OSDI scores (r = 0.191, p = 0.001) and corneal staining scores (r = 0.150, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Tear film instability was significantly correlated with other conventional dry eye parameters. However, additional studies are required to determine its feasibility as a stand-alone diagnostic tool.

Correlations between Tear Osmolarity and Ocular and Systemic Parameters in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between tear osmolarity and various parameters for ocular and systemic disease in primary Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS: The medical records of 53 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome were reviewed. Tear osmolarity using a TearLab® (TearLab™ Corp., San Diego, CA, USA) osmometer as well as other dry eye parameters such as tear break-up time, ocular staining score (Sjögren's International Collaboration Clinical Alliance [SICCA] ocular staining score, SICCA score), Schirmer-I score, symptoms with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were obtained. Systemic laboratory data and medication history were also collected. The correlations between the parameters were analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: 53 patients with a mean age of 54.1 ± 13.2 years and female predominance (96.23%) were enrolled. The majority of patients (28.3%) were receiving systemic therapy for severe Sjögren's syndrome. The tear osmolarity in Sjögren's syndrome patients was 307 ± 13.6 (mOsm/L). Higher tear osmolarity was associated with lower tear film break-up time (BUT) scores and with higher SICCA scores. Tear osmolarity and the Schirmer test results were not significantly related. Higher tear osmolarity was paradoxically associated with lower VAS scores and lower OSDI scores. Neither current medication nor the salivary gland focus score showed significant associations with tear osmolarity. Although tear osmolarity was not associated with the SSA-Ro or SSA-LA titer, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) level and serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) level showed positive correlations with tear osmolarity. CONCLUSIONS: Tear osmolarity is positively correlated with the severity of dry eye and was associated with lower symptom severity. The significant associations of tear osmolarity with IgG and ESR suggest that high tear osmolarity may be correlated with autoantibody load and the systemic inflammatory state.

Dry eye - a review.

Of the myriad reasons for visits to an ophthalmologist, one of the most common maladies afflicting patients is Dry Eye Disease (DED), which can cause mild discomfort in the early stages and endstage ocular surface damage in its more severe forms. Dry eye is a problem of utmost importance, more in the developed rather than developing nations. Various aspects of the manifestation, including the tear osmolarity, ocular surface homeostasis and the role of ocular surface epithelial stem cells in maintaining the ocular surface homeostasis have been discussed. The objective tests to assess and grade dry eye have been noted. A systematic approach to the affected eye and the patient has also been outlined. The major categories of medications used along with the methods of delivery are specified in this review. A systematic approach in understanding the type and grade of Dry Eye Disease is mandatory for good clinical response. Along with clinical management the doctor should also stress on environmental changes that exaggerates dryness.

Effect of Diet and Water Intake on Aquaporin 2 Function

Appropriate control of diet and water intake is important for maintaining normal blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in the body. It is relatively understood that the amount of sodium and potassium intake directly affects blood pressure and regulates ion transporters; Na and K channel functions in the kidney. However, little is known about whether diet and water intake regulates Aquaporin (AQP) function. AQPs, a family of aquaporin proteins with different types being expressed in different tissues, are important for water absorption by the cell. Water reabsorption is a passive process driven by osmotic gradient and water permeability is critical for this process. In most of the nephron, however, water reabsorption is unregulated and coupled to solute reabsorption, such as AQP1 mediated water absorption in the proximal tubule. AQP2 is the only water channel founded so far that can be regulated by hormones in the kidney. AQP2 expressed in the apical membrane of the principal cells in the collecting tubule can be regulated by vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) controlling the final volume of urine excretion. When vasopressin binds to its receptor on the collecting duct cells, it stimulates the translocation of AQP2 to the membrane, leading to increased water absorption via this AQP2 water channel. However, some studies also indicated that the AQP2 is also been regulated by vasopressin independent mechanism. This review is focused on the regulation of AQP2 by diet and the amount of water intake on salt and water homeostasis.

Research advances of tear osmolarity / 中华实验眼科杂志

Tear osmolarity is an important factor in maintaining tear film stability.With the development of testing technology for tear osmolarity,more researches on tear osmolarity and related diseases were reported, and the advantages of tear osmolarity in diagnosing dry eye and related diseases appear to be obvious.The testing technology of tear osmolarity and the tear osmolarity critical value in dry eye diagnosis are concerned by many ophthalmologists.The effects of some factors on diagnosis of eye diseases including gender, age, eye side, diurnal variation, sampling position and collecting time of tear have been researched.The research progress in the relationship between tear osmolarity and dry eye diagnosis, diabetes,pterygium, coneal contact lens were summarized.

Changes in Ocular Surface after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of dry eye in patients before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) and changes in ocular surface in the acute stage after aHSCT. METHODS: We evaluated 56 eyes of 28 patients after aHSCT at a tertiary hospital. All patients underwent a full ophthalmic examination at 1 month before aHSCT (baseline) and 1, 2 and 3 months after aHSCT and answered the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire to assess ocular involvement in the form of dry eye syndrome or any other ocular manifestation at each visit. Subjects were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence of dry eye at baseline. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test, tear osmolarity and OSDI questionnaire. RESULTS: Dry eye was already present in 40 eyes of 20 patients (71.4%) suffering from hematological disease before aHSCT. Tear osmolarity was significantly increased at 1, 2 and 3 months after aHSCT compared with baseline in the dry eye group (each p < 0.01). Tear osmolarity also increased at 2 months after aHSCT and tear break-up time decreased at 3 months after aHSCT, which were statistically significant (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Other changes in ocular surface indices were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the acute stage, changes in ocular surface indices such as Schirmer test and OSDI were not statistically significant. However, significant changes in tear osmolarity in both groups indicate that ophthalmic examination 1 or 2 months after aHSCT is recommended. Additionally, aggressive treatment is warranted when patients have dry eyes at baseline.

lnflammatory mechanisms in ocular surface damage of dry eye / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?Dry eye is a multi-factorial disease of tear film and ocular surface, and it can result in discomfort, visual disturbance and tear film instability and potential damage of ocular surface, accompanied by hyper osmolarity of tears and ocular surface inflammation. lnflammation is the key factor to dry eye. Many kinds of immune cells and inflammatory factors are involved in the occurrence and development of dry eye syndrome. Cell apoptosis, nerve dysregulation, disorders of sex hormones also play an important role in pathologic process of dry eye. Recently, while illustrating the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of dry eye has been made some progress, there is still no single standard. The possible mechanisms of ocular surface inflammation and tear dysfunction of dry eye were reviewed in this article.

The Effect of Topical Cyclosporine 0.05% on Tear Osmolarity for Dry Eye Syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of topical cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis; Allergan, Irving, CA, USA) on tear osmolarity in patients with dry eye disease. METHODS: The present study was a single-center, randomized, prospective, and longitudinal trial. Patients who had been using artificial tears to treat dry eye disease were prescribed cyclosporine 0.05% and evaluated using tear osmolarity, tear break-up time, ocular surface staining score, Schirmer test, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index for symptomatic improvement. Clinical measurements of commonly used objective tests were performed at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: At the end of the study, patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in tear break-up time (6.26 +/- 1.26 sec at 3 months vs. 4.41 +/- 1.63 sec at baseline, p = 0.022) and OSDI (34.98 +/- 20.19 at 3 months vs. 45.02 +/- 22.38 at baseline, p = 0.032) only at 3 months. Other measures such as Schirmer test, ocular surface grade, and tear osmolarity also showed improvement. However, the differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 6-month period, topical cyclosporine 0.05% showed beneficial effects on symptoms and other commonly used signs of dry eye disease for 3 months; however, the tear osmolarity values were not significantly improved.

Concentración de electrolitos en el sudor del Caballo Criollo Colombiano / Concentration of sweat electrolytes in Colombian Creole Horses / Concentração de eletrólitos no suor do Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano

Resumen Se midió la concentración de sodio, cloro y potasio en el sudor del Caballo Criollo Colombiano luego de la realización de una actividad física de moderada intensidad y larga duración. Se seleccionaron al azar 40 caballos, quienes se sometieron a una actividad física de moderada intensidad de 156 pulsaciones por minuto (ppm) en promedio y larga duración (40 minutos), en condiciones ambientales neutras. Después del ejercicio, se recolectó del tercio superior del cuello una muestra de sudor, para lo cual se delimitó el área de la toma de la muestra con vaselina previa limpieza, se colocó una gasa protectora en el cuello y después del ejercicio, se retiró para proceder a aplicar papel filtro para análisis cuantitativo Filter-Lab® sobre la piel empapada de sudor, el cual se transportó al laboratorio en frasco de vidrio estéril. Se midió la concentración de sodio, potasio y cloro del sudor en m-equiv/L con un Osmómetro Digital de Presión de Vapor. Los datos se analizaron mediante el software SPSS®. Los valores promedio de electrolitos encontrados en el Caballo Criollo Colombiano presentan normalidad estadística y son similares a los datos reportados en la literatura en otras razas equinas: el promedio de concentración de sodio fue de 252,25 ± 59,7 m-equiv/L, el de potasio fue de 65,35 ± 18,5 m-equiv/L y el de cloro fue de 280,6 ± 70,2 m-equiv/L. Se propone una corrección hidro-electrolitica de la deshidratación por sudor después de una sesión de trabajo con bebidas orales que contengan sales.

Concentration of sodium, chlorine, and potassium in the sweat of Colombian Creole Horses after performing a physical activity of moderate intensity and long duration was measured. Forty randomly selected horses were subjected to physical activity of moderate intensity, average 156 beats per minute (bpm) and long duration (40 minutes) under neutral environmental conditions. After exercise, sweat samples were collected from the upper third of the neck. Sample collection included cleaning of the area, delimiting the area with Vaseline and placing a protective gauze on the neck. The gauze was retired after exercise to proceed to apply filter paper for filter-lab® quantitative analysis on the sweat-soaked skin. The filter papers were transported to the laboratory in sterile glass jars. Concentration (m-equiv/L) of sodium, potassium and chlorine from sweat was measured with a digital vapor pressure osmometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS ® software. The average electrolytes values found had statistical normality and were similar to data reported in the literature for other horse breeds. The average sodium concentration was 252.25 ± 59.7 m-equiv/L, potassium concentration was 65.35 ± 18.5 m-equiv/L, and chlorine was 280.6 ± 70.2 m-equiv/L. We propose a water-electrolytic correction of sweat dehydration should be considered by administering oral beverages containing salts after a working session.

Mediou-se a concentração de sódio, cloreto e potássio no suor de Cavalos Crioulos Colombianos, após a realização de uma atividade física. Selecionaram-se ao acaso 40 cavalos, os quais someteram-se a exercício de moderada intensidade (156 pulsações por minuto –ppm- em média) e longa duração (quarenta minutos), em condições ambientais neutras. Após o exercício, pegou-se do tercio superior do pescoço uma amostra de suor, para o qual delimitou-se a área da toma da amostra com vaseline após uma limpeza previa, colocou-se uma gaza protetora no pescoço e depois do exercício se retirou a gaza para proceder a aplicar papel de filtro Filter-Lab® para a análise quantitativa sobre a pele empapada de suor, o qual transportou-se até o laboratório em frasco de vidro estéril. Mediou-se a concentração de sódio, potássio e cloreto do suor em m-equiv./L com um Osmómetro Digital de Pressão de Vapor. Os dados analisaram-se mediante o programa SPSS®. Os valores médios de eletrólitos encontrados no Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano apresentam normalidade estadística e são similares aos dados reportados na literatura em outras raças equinas: a média de concentração de sódio foi de 252,25 ± 59,7 m-equiv./L, a de potássio foi de 65,35 ± 18,5 m-equiv./L e a de cloreto foi de 280,6 ± 70,2 m-equiv./L. Propõe-se uma correção hidroeletrolítica da desidratação pelo suor após de uma sessão de trabalho com bebidas orais que tenham sais.

Mielinolisis central y periférica de la protuberancia: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Central and peripheral pontine Myelinolysis: case report and review of literature

Resumen La mielinolisis central de la protuberancia o síndrome de desmielinización osmolar, es un padecimiento que se asocia a pacientes con hiponatremia grave, a los cuales se les realiza una corrección brusca del sodio4. Se manifiesta como parálisis pseudobulbar que se presenta con: tetraparesia, encefalopatía que en ocasiones se puede presentar con rigidez, ataxia y movimientos anormales. Se trata de una desmielinización no inflamatoria secundaria al edema neuronal intenso tanto a nivel del puente como en otras zonas extrapontinas10. Es una patología infrecuente, sin embargo tiene mal pronóstico y la terapia con rehabilitación es el único tratamiento. El objetivo de la presente comunicación es informar el caso de un hombre de 63 años con cuadro de déficit neurológico progresivo posterior a un evento quirúrgico y corrección rápida de hiponatremia que presentó en días posteriores, mielinolisis pontina y extrapontina con diagnóstico por imagen y resonancia magnética. El paciente ameritó un largo periodo de hospitalización y rehabilitación, sin embargo las secuelas neurológicas actuales no son incapacitantes. Es imprescindible reconocer la hiponatremia y corregirla de manera correcta para evitar este tipo de complicaciones.

Abstract Central pontine myelinolysis or osmolar demielinization syndrome is a very wellknown disorder in patients with severe hyponatremia that undergo to a rapid sodium replacement. It is clinically described as a pseudobulbar palsy, with tetraparesis, and encephalopathy, that can also show generalized rigidity, ataxia and the presence of abnormal movements. It consists of a non-inflammatory demielinization secondary to neuronal swelling or edema, at the pontine level and in other extrapontine locations. It is an infrequent pathology that carries a bad prognosis and where the only available treatment is prolonged rehabilitation. Herein we inform the case of a 63 year old male, with a progressive neurological deficit following a surgical intervention and rapid replacement of a severe hyponatremia. The patient required a prolonged in hospital stay and further rehabilitation, although the neurological sequels actually are not disabling. It is essential to recognize hyponatremia and to perform an adequate correction of sodium levels to avoid this complication.