Clinical Outcomes of Applying Therapeutic Contact Lenses and Eye Drops after Cataract Surgery

Purpose@#To investigate the safety of applying therapeutic contact lenses and eye drops after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#Immediately after cataract surgery, 947 eyes (group 1) used therapeutic contact lenses and eye drops and 914 (group 2) applied antibiotic ointment and wore a gauze eye patch for the first postoperative day. Clinical outcomes including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, degree of anterior chamber inflammation, wound leakage, and postoperative endophthalmitis were compared in the two groups 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery. @*Results@#There were no significant differences in the mean pre- and postoperative BCVA and IOP at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month between groups 1 and 2. There was no difference in anterior chamber inflammation between the two groups at 1 day (p = 0.302), 1 week (p = 0.437), or 1 month (p = 0.960) after surgery. On the first postoperative day, 10 eyes in group 1 and nine eyes in group 2 had wound leakage (p = 1.000). There was no endophthalmitis in either group. @*Conclusions@#The risk of postoperative complications in group 1 was not higher than in group 2. Therefore, wearing therapeutic contact lenses and using eye drops is a relatively safe management method after cataract surgery.

Surgical Outcomes of the Ahmed Valve Implantation Following Trans-scleral Cyclophotocoagulation

Purpose@#To determine the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and complications of Ahmed valve implantation (AGV) in patients who underwent cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). @*Methods@#Patients who underwent AGV after CPC in group 1, those who underwent CPC after AGV in group 2, and patients who underwent repeated CPC in group 3 were included in this retrospective observational study. Changes in IOP, number of glaucoma eye drops, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analyzed before and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. @*Results@#Eight patients in group 1, 10 patients in group 2, and seven patients in group 3 were included in the analysis. Preoperative IOP was 45.6 ± 15.5, 29.3 ± 5.6, and 43.4 ± 14.4 mmHg in the three groups, respectively, and the number of glaucoma eye drops was 3.8 ± 0.7, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 3.7 ± 1.0 in the three groups, respectively. At 12 months postoperatively, IOP decreased significantly in all three groups compared to preoperatively (all p < 0.05), and the number of glaucoma eye drops was also significantly reduced (all p < 0.05). Among patients with preoperative BCVA of 0.02 decimal or higher, postoperative BCVA decreased in two patients in group 2 and one in group 3 (p = 0.380). Hypotony occurred in one patient in group 1 and two patients in group 3 (p = 0.383), and among them, one patient in group 1 and one patient in group 3 progressed to the phthisis (p = 0.940). @*Conclusions@#In patients whose IOP cannot be controlled after CPC, AGV is expected to be used as a relatively safe and effective treatment method for lowering IOP.

Clinical outcomes of metachronous recurrence of gastric epithelial neoplasia based on Helicobacter pylori infection status and microsatellite stability

Background/Aims@#Helicobacter pylori eradication may prevent the recurrence of gastric epithelial neoplasia after endoscopic treatment. However, H. pylori eradication therapy is unlikely to prevent gastric cancer. This study determined the longterm results and clinical outcomes of patients with gastric epithelial neoplasia based on H. pylori infection status and microsatellite stability (MSS). @*Methods@#Patients diagnosed with gastric epithelial neoplasia who underwent an endoscopic mucosal resection or submucosal dissection between 2004 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. During the follow-up period (range, 4 to 14 years), disease recurrence was monitored, and tissue examinations were conducted for seven sets of microsatellite loci initially linked to the tumour suppressor gene locus. When H. pylori infection was identified, patients underwent eradication therapy. @*Results@#The patients (n = 120) were divided into three groups: H. pylori-negative with MSS, H. pylori-positive with MSS, and microsatellite instability (MSI). After H. pylori eradication, the rate of metachronous recurrence was significantly different in the MSI (28.2%) and MSS groups (3.7%, p < 0.01). The mean duration of recurrence was 77 months (range, 24 to 139) in the MSI group. There was no recurrence after eradication therapy in patients who were positive for H. pylori in the MSS group. @*Conclusion@#H. pylori eradication could help prevent gastric cancer recurrence in patients with stable microsatellite loci. Careful, long-term monitoring is required in patients with unstable microsatellite loci.

Restrictive Strabismus Developing after Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose@#To report a case of diplopia caused by restrictive strabismus developing after conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR).Case summary: A 61-year-old female presented with persistent epiphora after failure to repair ipsilateral canalicular lacerations of the left eye caused by trauma occurred 25 years ago. CDCR was performed and the epiphora improved. Four months later, the patient presented with diplopia on the left gaze. An abduction limitation of -4 and a supraduction limitation of -3 were observed in the left eye. Therefore, Jones tube removal was performed 5 months after CDCR surgery. Two weeks later, as the limitations persisted, adhesiolysis of the conjunctiva and an amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) were performed. This exposed a subconjunctival adhesion at the inferonasal conjunctiva; histopathological examination revealed fibrotic tissues. Three months later, the adhesions recurred and the patient was transferred to another hospital. Conjunctival adhesiolysis, AMT, and a 6.5 mm recession of medial rectus (MR) muscle were performed. One week later, exotropia occurred in the primary position, and the MR muscle of the left eye was advanced by 2 mm. Nine months after the final surgery, the primary gaze was orthotropia. The diplopia within the central 20° of visual field had disappeared. However, a levoelevation limitation of -1.5 remained in the left eye. @*Conclusions@#CDCR is the only treatment method for patients with occlusion of both the upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi. However, rare complications such as restrictive strabismus with diplopia may occur. As preventing adhesion is difficult, sufficient patient notice is required prior to surgery.

Risk and prevention of COVID-19 in ophthalmic practice

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported in China in December 2019. Recent reports have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through secretions of the respiratory tract; however, it remains controversial whether or not COVID-19 affects the eye. This study presents a review of current evidence related to ocular transmission of SARS-CoV-2 for gaining a better understanding of the ocular manifestations of patients with COVID-19. The study also summarizes appropriate measures to be taken to protect healthcare providers in the ophthalmology department from being exposed to infected tears or conjunctival secretions. Some studies reported that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through infected tears and conjunctival secretions of patients with COVID-19.Ocular manifestations such as injection, increased discharge, or epiphora, which are consistent with those of viral conjunctivitis, are more commonly reported. Therefore, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, personnel working in the ophthalmology department should be provided with adequate and appropriate personal protection equipment. The exact mechanism and pathophysiology of ocular transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear, thus warranting further studies.

Usefulness of the Icare ic200 Rebound Tonometer in Korean

Purpose@#To evaluate the efficacy of the Icare ic200 in clinical practice by comparing the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with the Icare ic200 rebound tonometer to the IOP measured with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). @*Methods@#A total of 294 eyes of 294 Korean patients were included. IOP was measured with the Icare ic200 and then measured again with a GAT in all patients. We evaluated the degree of IOP agreement between the two tonometers and analyzed the diagnostic ability of the Icare ic200 for a reading ≥ 22 mmHg with the GAT. We also analyzed whether clinical factors including biometry affected the difference in IOP measured by the two tonometers. @*Results@#The IOP values measured with the Icare ic200 and GAT were strongly correlated (r = 0.875, p < 0.001). The IOP measured with the Icare ic200 was lower than the IOP measured with GAT. The mean difference was 3.07 ± 2.67 mmHg, and 95.24% of patients were distributed within the 95% limits of agreement (-2.16 to 8.30 mmHg) on Bland-Altman plots. The diagnostic ability of the Icare ic200 for IOP ≥ 22 mmHg was 0.959 (area under the receiver operating characterisitic). In multivariate regression analyses, older age (β = 0.034, p = 0.020) and greater corneal curvature (β = 0.213, p = 0.030) were correlated with larger IOP differences between the two tonometers. @*Conclusions@#Although the Icare ic200 was more consistent than the GAT with reasonable diagnostic ability for ≥ 22 mmHg, the IOP measured 3 mmHg lower than the GAT. Therefore, the Icare ic200 might be more useful as a screening test to increase IOP rather than replacing GAT in clinical practice.

Usefulness of the Icare ic200 Rebound Tonometer in Korean

Purpose@#To evaluate the efficacy of the Icare ic200 in clinical practice by comparing the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with the Icare ic200 rebound tonometer to the IOP measured with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). @*Methods@#A total of 294 eyes of 294 Korean patients were included. IOP was measured with the Icare ic200 and then measured again with a GAT in all patients. We evaluated the degree of IOP agreement between the two tonometers and analyzed the diagnostic ability of the Icare ic200 for a reading ≥ 22 mmHg with the GAT. We also analyzed whether clinical factors including biometry affected the difference in IOP measured by the two tonometers. @*Results@#The IOP values measured with the Icare ic200 and GAT were strongly correlated (r = 0.875, p < 0.001). The IOP measured with the Icare ic200 was lower than the IOP measured with GAT. The mean difference was 3.07 ± 2.67 mmHg, and 95.24% of patients were distributed within the 95% limits of agreement (-2.16 to 8.30 mmHg) on Bland-Altman plots. The diagnostic ability of the Icare ic200 for IOP ≥ 22 mmHg was 0.959 (area under the receiver operating characterisitic). In multivariate regression analyses, older age (β = 0.034, p = 0.020) and greater corneal curvature (β = 0.213, p = 0.030) were correlated with larger IOP differences between the two tonometers. @*Conclusions@#Although the Icare ic200 was more consistent than the GAT with reasonable diagnostic ability for ≥ 22 mmHg, the IOP measured 3 mmHg lower than the GAT. Therefore, the Icare ic200 might be more useful as a screening test to increase IOP rather than replacing GAT in clinical practice.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of a Colonic Calcifying Fibrous Tumor

A 49-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further treatment due to the suspicion of a submucosal tumor in a routine screening colonoscopy. On colonoscopy, a 1-cm sized subepithelial mass with normal overlying mucosa in the hepatic flexure was found. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a homogenous hypoechoic lesion arising from the second and third layer. We were unable to make a final diagnosis because the lesion showed a small tumor with atypical macroscopic morphology including EUS findings. Therefore, endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for the diagnostic treatment of the tumor. Submucosal dissection was performed just above the muscle layer, and the tumor was removed completely and reliably without any acute complications such as perforation. Based on histopathological findings, we diagnosed a benign, calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT). The present case is the first report of successful endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of colonic CFT mimicking a submucosal tumor.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Switching Strategy after Failure of Standard Triple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection

Background/Aims@#It is still unknown whether cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 polymorphisms influence Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, especially in eastern Asia. We aimed to evaluate how changes in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) strategies could be used to overcome the effects of CYP2C19 polymorphism on H. pylori eradication rate when it is used as the second-line regimen after the failure of standard triple therapy. @*Materials and Methods@#We performed a retrospective observation study of 675 patients in whom standard triple therapy for H. pylori infection was not effective between January 2009 to December 2018. All patients underwent a classic bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (10 to 14-day regimen), and their eradication rates were evaluated for several years. We compared the eradication rates in patients with or without the second-line PPI switch. Further, we assessed differences in eradication rates with or without the strategy using esomeprazole and rabeprazole, which are not influenced significantly by CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism. @*Results@#The eradication rate was 81.0% in individuals who received the second-line PPI switch, but it was 74.8% without switching (P=0.14). In the strategy using esomeprazole and rabeprazole, the eradication rate was 84.6%, compared to 76.5% in the control group (P=0.03). Finally, in the group of patients who switched to rabeprazole, the eradication rates were 85.6%, compared to 77.6% in the group who switched to pantoprazole (P=0.05). @*Conclusions@#Switching to PPI, which is not influenced by CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism, increases the efficiency of eradication after the failure of standard triple therapy.

Short-Term Surgical Outcome of the Partial Nail Extraction in Ingrown Nail of Military Trainee: Is Matrixectomy Necessary? / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: An ingrown nail is common in military trainees who are exposed to highly demanding activities. Although the matrixectomy procedure has been the main treatment modality, several drawbacks may follow after the procedure, such as infection, periostitis, and continued pain that causes a delayed return to duty. This study examined the outcomes of a simple partial nail extraction with the hypothesis that this procedure may bring an earlier return to duty, lower the perioperative complications, and produce a comparable recurrence rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who had surgical treatment for an ingrown nail in the authors' institution between April 2016 and December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Under the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 patients with a simple partial nail extraction (group A) and 29 patients with a partial nail extraction with matrixectomy (group B) were investigated. As the clinical outcome, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction score, time to return to duty, complications, and recurrence rate were checked and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The VAS scores of group B were significantly higher during the first (p<0.001) and second (p=0.026) follow-up week than group A. The time to return to duty was shorter in group A (7.8 days) than group B (10.1 days), and this difference was significant (p<0.001). Group B had five patients with complications, whereas group A had none (p=0.028). No differences in the recurrence rate (p=0.197) and patient satisfaction (p=0.764) were found between the groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, simple partial nail extraction in military trainees resulted in lower postoperative pain, lower complication rates, and earlier return to duty than the procedure with matrixectomy. Military trainees are temporarily exposed to highly demanding activities. Thus, a satisfactory outcome would be expected with simple partial nail extraction without performing a radical procedure, such as a matrixectomy.

The Burden of Acute Pesticide Poisoning and Pesticide Regulation in Korea

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the burden of acute pesticide poisoning and to determine its trend with recently implemented pesticide regulations. METHODS: Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were calculated as the sum of years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to acute pesticide poisoning using the methods of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. The values of YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs were stratified by sex, age groups, intentionality of poisoning, and causative agents. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2014, DALYs decreased by 69% (from 69,550 to 21,742). The decreasing tendency of DALYs was especially marked from 2011. The total burden of acute pesticide poisoning was mainly caused by YLLs and intentional pesticide poisoning. The highest DALYs due to acute pesticide poisoning occurred in those in their 40s and 50s; however, the decreased rates of DALYs were higher in those aged 10–49 years than in those aged more than 50 years. Herbicides including paraquat contributed to the largest proportion of total DALYs. CONCLUSION: As this is the first study to quantify the burden of acute pesticide poisoning using DALYs, our results provide comprehensive evidence of the importance of using strict regulations to prevent public health hazards due to acute pesticide poisoning.

Normative Values of Physical Examinations Commonly Used for Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish normative values and to identify age-related change in physical examinations that are commonly used while evaluating patients with cerebral palsy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred four healthy volunteers (mean age 36 years, standard deviation 15 years) were enrolled and divided into four age groups: 13−20, 21−35, 36−50, and 51 years and older. The eighteen physical examination tests for CP were selected by five orthopedic surgeons in consensus-building session. The measurements were taken by three orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the measures of physical examination among all the age groups, except for the Staheli test (p=0.002). The post hoc test revealed that the mean hip extension was 2.7° higher in the 13−20-year-old group than in the other age groups. The bilateral popliteal angle had a tendency to increase in those over 36-years-old. There were 31 participants (30%) with a unilateral popliteal angle greater than 40°. CONCLUSION: We documented normative values that can be widely used for evaluating CP in patients 13 years and older.

Reconstruction of Radiation Dose Received by Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic medical radiation workers in Korea have been officially monitored for their occupational radiation doses since 1996. The purpose of this study was to design models for reconstructing unknown individual radiation doses to which diagnostic radiation technologists were exposed before 1996. METHODS: Radiation dose reconstruction models were developed by using cross-sectional survey data and the personal badge doses of 8167 radiologic technologists. The models included calendar year and age as predictors, and the participants were grouped into six categories according to their sex and facility type. The annual doses between 1971 and 1995 for those who were employed before 1996 were estimated using these models. RESULTS: The calendar year and age were inversely related to the estimated radiation doses in the models of all six groups. The annual median estimated doses decreased from 9.45 mSv in 1971 to 1.26 mSv in 1995, and the associated dose variation also decreased with time. The estimated median badge doses from 1996 (1.22 mSv) to 2011 (0.30 mSv) were similar to the measured doses (1.68 mSv to 0.21 mSv) for the same years. Similar results were observed for all six groups. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction models developed in this study may be useful for estimating historical occupational radiation doses received by medical radiologic technologists in Korea.

Effect of Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short and medium effect of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimulation therapy on chronic low back pain compared with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy. METHOD: Twenty-three subjects with chronic low back pain were allocated randomly to repetitive magnetic stimulation group (n=13) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group (n=10). Each treatment consisted of 10-minutes sessions each day, totally 10 sessions over 2 weeks. Subjects were evaluated pre-treatment and post-treatment at 8 hours and 2 weeks. Outcome was measured with the Oswestry disability index, McGill pain questionnaire, and daily mean pain numeric rating scale. RESULTS: At 8 hours and 2 weeks post-treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy group showed a significant improvement in the mean pain numeric rating scale. Two weeks post-treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy group showed a significant improvement in the Oswestry disability index. But there were no significant therapeutic effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation therapy group at all period. CONCLUSION: This study showed that repetitive magnetic stimulation therapy may be less effective than transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening among US Women: Trends from 2000 to 2005 / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study describes trends in the socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer screening among US women aged 40 or over, from 2000 to 2005. We assessed 1) the disparities in each socioeconomic dimension; 2) the changes in screening mammography rates over time according to income, education, and race; and 3) the sizes and trends of the disparities over time. METHODS: Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2000 to 2005, we calculated the age-adjusted screening rate according to relative household income, education level, health insurance, and race. Odds ratios and the relative inequality index (RII) were also calculated, controlling for age. RESULTS: Women in their 40s and those with lower relative incomes were less likely to undergo screening mammography. The disparity based on relative income was greater than that based on education or race (the RII among low-income women across the survey years was 3.00 to 3.48). The overall participation rate and absolute differences among socioeconomic groups changed little or decreased slightly across the survey years. However, the degree of each socioeconomic disparity and the relative inequality among socioeconomic positions remained quite consistent. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the trend of the disparity in breast cancer screening varied by socioeconomic dimension. ontinued differences in breast cancer screening rates related to income level should be considered in future efforts to decrease the disparities in breast cancer among socioeconomic groups. More focused interventions, as well as the monitoring of trends in cancer screening participation by income and education, are needed in different social settings.

Psychological Distress and Occupational Injury: Findings from the National Health Interview Survey 2000-2003 / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether serious psychological distress (SPD) is associated with occupational injury among US employees. METHODS: The employed population aged 18-64 years was examined (n=101,855) using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2000-2003. SPD was measured using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K-6), a screening scale designed to identify persons with serious mental illness. The predicted marginal prevalence of psychological distress and occupational injury with the adjusted odds ratio were estimated using multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The age-adjusted 3-month prevalence of occupational injury was 0.80+/-0.12% in workers with SPD, which was 37% greater than in workers without SPD (0.58+/-0.03%). The odds of occupational injury in workers with SPD were higher compared to workers without SPD (OR=1.34, 95% CI=0.93-1.92), after controlling for sex, age, race, education, occupation, and activity limitation by at least one medical condition. Male, service and blue collar occupation, and activity limiation by co-morbidity showed significantly higher odds of occupational injury for workers with SPD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that SPD accounts for an increased likelihood of occupational injury among US employees. A further longitudinal study is needed to differentiate the mechanism or causal pathways linking individual injury risk at the workplace, SPD, and socioeconomic factors.