Pentosidine - a biochemical marker in diabetic retinopathy

This study was done to evaluate the role of Pentosidine in predicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy. This study included 30 subjects with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [Type 1] and 10 healthy control individuals. A case control study was done. Full ophthalmological examination together with laboratory investigations [blood glucose level, HbA[1]C and blood Pentosidine level corrected to blood total protein values were measured] were done in all subjects included in this study. The level of Pentosidine was correlated with the duration of diabetes and the stage of retinopathy. All data were analyzed and reported. Significant elevation of Pentosidine was found in patients during the earliest detectable phase of diabetic retinopathy [early non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy] and more elevation at the pre-proliferative stage of retinopathy, returning to lower levels at the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy. Pentosidine can be used as a biochemical marker for early occurrence of diabetic retinopathy and as an alarming factor in the pre-proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy, thus help to decrease ocular complications

Evaluation of dryness in external ocular surface in rheumatoid arthritis using impression cytology

To evaluate the degree of dryness in external ocular surface and any cellular damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using impression cytology technique. Forty female patients with rheumatoid arthritis were included in this study, all were from Ain Shams University hospital, out-patient clinic and of the same social class and age group [45-50 years]. Impression cytology was done bilateral in each patient and the finding were classified according to Tseng [1985]. Any other cytological changes found were recorded. Dry eye was found to be a common finding in all, our cases. Increase in severity of ocular surface damage was found in periods of exacerbation of the disease, which was different from one patient to another. The prevalence of mucousstrands was obvious. Dry eye is a common finding in Rheumatoid arthritis patient. Ophthalmological examination in these cases must be a routine to avoid ocular complications. Impression cytology is a useful tool in diagnosis and prognosis of dry eye

Needle revision of failed filtering blebs using mitomycine C in congenital glaucoma

To evaluate efficacy and safety of needling procedure in management of failed bleb [either flat or encapsulated] after SST [subscleral trabeculectomy] in most cases and Ahmed Glaucoma valve in some cases in patients with congenital glaucoma. 26 eyes of 20 patients with bleb failure in 24 eyes bleb failure after SST and 2 eyes bleb failure after Ahmed Glaucoma valve [7.7%]. All were from Ain Shams University Hospital. Out patient clinic and of the same social class and age group [9 months to 5 years]. Needling procedure with adjunctive use of MMC. Amixture of 0.01 ml of MMC [0.4 mg/ml] and 0.02 ml of lidocain 1% with epinephrine was injected subconjuctivally before needling procedure which done under general anesthesia in all cases. A 30- gauge needle was used to perforate the area of subconjunctival fibrosis and reestablish flow. Gonioscopy was done in all cases, patients with internal ostium obstruction were excluded from. study. In 26 eyes of 20 patients followed up for 6 months or more. 21 [80.7%] of 26 eyes received one needle revision and 5 [19.3%] of 26 received two needle revisions. Only one of 5 cases [20%] succeeded and the remaining 4 cases had been failed [80%]. Intaocular pressure decreased from 27.08 +/- 2.95 mm Hg [range 22-32 minHg] before surgery to 16.54 +/- 3,25 mm Hg [range 12-24 mm Hg] at last follow up antiglaucoma medications decreased from 1.46 +/- 0.508 preoperativelv to 0.615 +/- 0.752 post operatively. Complications include significant subconjunctival hemorrhage in [6 cases]. Bleb leak observed in 2 cases intra operatively. Hypotony from choroidal detachment observed in one case minimal hyphema observed in one case. Mitomycine needle bleb revision appears to be an extremely effective way to revive failed filtration surgery either after SST or Ahmed Glaucoma value in patients with congenital glaucoma. This technique is efficient for proper reduction of IOP with preservation of the remaining of the conjunctive in case of further surgery becomes necessary

Evaluation of ocular surface cytological changes in jaundice

The aim of our work is to evaluate any cytological changes in the ocular surface in Jaundice. Thirty patients with Jaundice due to different causes were included in this study. All cases were from Ain-Shams University Hospital, outpatient clinic, of different age group and of the same social class. Full ophthalmological and Physical examination were done for each patient, in addition to conjunctival Impression C'ytology technique to roll out any Cytological Changes. All data were recorded. Thirty Jaundiced patient were included in this study, with Peak age 31, of the same social class and of different sexes. Full physical examination revealed presence of constitutional symptoms with different mode of onset and with presence of mild abnormalities in general examination in some cases. Full ophthalmological examination revealed no abnormalities other than the yellowish discoloration of the sclerae and conjunctiva. Impression cytology shows a striking criterias in the cytological picture. Impression cytology is a useful tool to find out any ocular surface cytological changes to avoid complications

Conjunctival impression cytology for detection of early vitamin A deficiency in children and its prognosis after therapy

Conjunctival impression cytology [CIC] was used to detect subclinical deficiency of vitamin A and to monitor the outcome after therapy in children at high risk. One hundered child aged two to seven years were included in this study. All cases were from Ain-Shams University Hospital, out-patient clinic, of the same social class and of different sex. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed using Millipore[TM] filter paper and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain, in addition to Periodic Acid Schiff. Impression cytology was repeated after vitamin A supplementation in suspected cases. All data were recorded and analysed. Conjunctival impression cytology was normal in 38% of cases, while 62% of samples showed variable cytological changes. The repeated cytology after vitamin A Supplementation in abnormal cases showed reversal to normal cytology. In children at high risk of developing vitamin A deficiency, it is suggested to do Conjunctival impression cytology for detection and monitoring it