Corneal Repair with Adhesive Cell Sheets of Fetal Cartilage-Derived Stem Cells

BACKGROUND@#Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea. @*METHODS@#The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment. @*RESULTS@#The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation. @*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.

Clinical Outcomes between Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue for Pterygium Surgery

Purpose@#We compared clinical outcomes including recurrence rate between amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue and minimal conjunctival sutures for pterygium surgery. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 217 eyes of 198 patients with pterygia who underwent surgery from May 2016 to December 2019. Pterygium excision was performed with conjunctival autograft or AMT, using fibrin glue with both. Recurrence rates and complications were evaluated between the two groups. @*Results@#Postoperative recurrences were noted in one of 185 eyes (0.5%) in the conjunctival autograft group, and in six of 32 eyes (18.8%) in the AMT group. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the conjunctival autograft group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that conjunctival autograft was associated with a significantly lower risk of pterygium recurrence compared to AMT (odds ratio, 0.023; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.206; p = 0.001). No ocular complication was noted in both groups during follow-up. @*Conclusions@#Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue was more effective in preventing recurrence compared to AMT.

Corneal Repair with Adhesive Cell Sheets of Fetal Cartilage-Derived Stem Cells

BACKGROUND@#Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea. @*METHODS@#The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment. @*RESULTS@#The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation. @*CONCLUSION@#These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.

Clinical Outcomes between Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Conjunctival Autograft Using Fibrin Glue for Pterygium Surgery

Purpose@#We compared clinical outcomes including recurrence rate between amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue and minimal conjunctival sutures for pterygium surgery. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 217 eyes of 198 patients with pterygia who underwent surgery from May 2016 to December 2019. Pterygium excision was performed with conjunctival autograft or AMT, using fibrin glue with both. Recurrence rates and complications were evaluated between the two groups. @*Results@#Postoperative recurrences were noted in one of 185 eyes (0.5%) in the conjunctival autograft group, and in six of 32 eyes (18.8%) in the AMT group. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the conjunctival autograft group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that conjunctival autograft was associated with a significantly lower risk of pterygium recurrence compared to AMT (odds ratio, 0.023; 95% confidence interval, 0.003-0.206; p = 0.001). No ocular complication was noted in both groups during follow-up. @*Conclusions@#Pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue was more effective in preventing recurrence compared to AMT.

Comparison of Intraocular Lens Calculation Formulas Measured by Immersion-Type A-Scan Ultrasound and Partial Coherence Interferometry

PURPOSE: To report the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) formulas according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, and mean corneal curvature when performing biometry with an immersion type A-scan with mannual keratomery and an IOL Master®. METHODS: Retrospective medical chart reviews were carried out for 82 eyes of 65 patients who underwent cataract surgery performed by a single surgeon. Biometry was performed using IOL Master®, mannual keratometry, and immersion type A-scan ultrasound in sequence. Prediction diopter was obtained using Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff/Theoretical (SRK-T) and Holladay 1 formulas calculated with the biometric value measured by mannual keratomery and A-scan, and using SRK-T and, Holladay 2 formulas with IOL Master®. The final refractive outcome was determined as manifested refraction at least 7 weeks after the surgery, and it was compared with the preoperative prediction dipoter (D) of the IOL formulas. RESULTS: Mean axial length and mean keratomtric measurements as determined by A-scan with mannual keratomery showed significant statistical differences from those of IOL Master®. However, there was no difference in postoperative mean absolute error between biometric measurements, or among formulas according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, or mean corneal curvature. However, the percentage of actual refraction within ±0.50 D of the intended refraction was dirrerent among the four formalas according to axial length, anterior chamber dept, mean corneal curvature. CONCLUSIONS: Biometry measurement using the immersion-type A-scan with mannual keratomery is as accurate as that using IOL Master® for predicting the postoperative refractive state of cataract surgery. However, it is suggested that the best IOL formula be chosen according to axial length, anterior chamber depth, and mean corneal curvature.

Laser Refractive Surgery Using an Active Eye-Tracking System in Congenital Nystagmus

PURPOSE: Nystagmus is not considered a good indication for laser refractive surgery. However, we report 2 cases with congenital nystagmus that underwent a safe procedure due to improvement of laser firing rate and eye tracker. CASE SUMMARY: Two myopic patients with congenital nystagmus underwent transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with the Schwind Amaris laser platform using an eye tracker. The laser ablations were performed under topical anesthesia without any mechanical eyeball fixation. A 30-year-old man with a history of muscle surgery at 11 years of age had a conjugate, 4 Hz right beating jerk nystagmus. His preoperative refractive error was -8.50 D sph = -0.50 D cyl x 160degrees x 20/30) in the right eye, and -6.00 D sph = -0.75 D cyl x 30degrees x 20/25) in the left eye. A 19-year-old man had a conjugate, 3 Hz pendular nystagmus. His refractive error was -5.25 D sph = -2.50 cyl x 175degrees x 20/30) in the right eye, and -4.25 D sph = -2.50 D cyl x 180degrees x 20/30) in the left eye. Both patients underwent a well-centered laser ablation without any problems. Six months after surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 or better, and refractive error was within +/-0.50 D in all 4 eyes. In addition, the 19-year-old man showed decreased nystagmus amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: In some patients with congenital nystagmus, laser refractive surgery may be safely and accurately performed under topical anesthesia using an active tracking system. The best uncorrected visual acuity may improve in certain patients postoperatively.

Measuring abutment convergence angles using stereovision dental image processing system

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a dental image processing system using a three-dimensional (3D) camera and stereovision technology. The reliability of the system for measuring axial wall convergence angles was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new system predicted 3D coordinate points from 2D images and calculated distances and angles between points. Two examiners measured axial wall convergence angles for seven artificial abutments using a traditional tracing-based method (TBM) and the stereovision-based method (SVBM). Five wax abutment models of simplified abutment forms were made and axial wall convergence angles of wax models were measured by both methods. The data were statistically analyzed at the level of significance, 0.05. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficients showed excellent intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliabilities for both methods. Bland-Altman plots and paired t-tests showed significant differences between measurements and true values using TBM; differences were not significant with SVBM. CONCLUSION: This study found that the SVBM reflected true angle values more accurately than a TMB and illustrated an example of 3D computer science applied to clinical dentistry.

Change of the Tear Film Instability and Subjective Symptoms after Small-Incision Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To investigate corneal surface changes and subjective symptoms after small incision cataract surgery and to compare the changes between clear corneal incision and corneoscleral incision. METHODS: The present prospective randomized study included 18 eyes of 18 patients with corneoscleral incision (Group 1) and 25 eyes of 25 patients with clear corneal incision (Group 2). All patients were examined for tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, cornea and conjunctiva fluorescein staining, and dry eye symptoms using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). All values were compared before surgery and at one day, one week, four weeks, and seven weeks after surgery. RESULTS: BUT decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and fluorescein staining scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) at postoperative day 1. The values of BUT and fluorescein staining returned to the preoperative level at postoperative week 3 in Group 1. In Group 2, fluorescein staining scores returned at one week and BUT returned to the preoperative level at postoperative week 3. Postoperative Schirmer test results were unchanged compared to preoperative values, and there was no difference between the two groups. OSDI scores significantly improved compared to preoperative scores at postoperative one week. In Group 1, the scores improved at postoperative one week (p < 0.05) compared to those in Group 2 at postoperative three weeks (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification with a small incision induced transient corneal surface changes and tear film instability, but the changes returned to the preoperative level at postoperative three weeks. Dry eye symptoms also improved at postoperative one week. The changes lasted longer with clear corneal incision than with corneoscleral incision but returned to the preoperative level at postoperative three weeks in both groups.

Changes in the Serum Level of High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol after Smoking Cessation among Adult Men / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Smoking and obesity are known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, while low serum levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol is an independent risk factor for mortality from ischemic heart diseases. This study examines changes in the serum level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol depending on changes in the state of smoking and body mass index. METHODS: A survey and blood check-up were conducted on medical examination, along with acts of smoking among male adults of 25 years or older who visited the health promotion center of Daegu Medical Center from 2007 to 2010, and the results were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two different groups, current smokers and abstainers, and body mass index, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides for three years were compared in both groups. Changes between the first and second visits in body mass index and lipid profiles of the two groups were compared to analyze changes after abstaining. RESULTS: The subject group which showed a significant increase in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was only abstainers whose body mass index had decreased by more than 0.5 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation increases serum levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. If reduction of body mass index and smoking cessation are combined, the risk of cardiovascular disease will be lower in proportion to the increase in serum high density lipoprotein.

The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Ocular Pulse Amplitude

PURPOSE: To investigate the change of intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measured by dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) after cataract surgery and to identify the influencing factors related with OPA change after cataract extraction. METHODS: The present study included 32 patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery and the non-operated fellow eyes were used as control. IOP was measured by Goldman applanation tonometry (GAT) and Pascal DCT preoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Additionally, OPA was measured by Pascal DCT preoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively. RESULTS: After cataract surgery, IOP by GAT, IOP by DCT, and OPA decreased significantly with a mean decrement of 1.3 mm Hg, 1.6 mm Hg, and 0.5 mm Hg, respectively (p 0.05) postoperatively. The most important factor influencing the decrement of IOP by GAT, IOP by DCT, and OPA after cataract surgery was the preoperative level of their measurements (r = 0.382, p < 0.05 in GAT, r = 0.807, p < 0.001 in DCT, r = 0.627, p < 0.001 in OPA). In addition, the OPA decrement after cataract surgery was significantly correlated with age (r = -0.370, p = 0.037), and was not correlated with AL, ACD, and CCT. CONCLUSIONS: Both IOP and OPA decreased after cataract surgery, which appears to influence the relationship between IOP and OPA. The correlation between OPA decrement and age may be related to increased ocular rigidity with aging.

The Effect of Cataract Surgery on Ocular Pulse Amplitude

PURPOSE: To investigate the change of intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measured by dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) after cataract surgery and to identify the influencing factors related with OPA change after cataract extraction. METHODS: The present study included 32 patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery and the non-operated fellow eyes were used as control. IOP was measured by Goldman applanation tonometry (GAT) and Pascal DCT preoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Additionally, OPA was measured by Pascal DCT preoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively. Axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively. RESULTS: After cataract surgery, IOP by GAT, IOP by DCT, and OPA decreased significantly with a mean decrement of 1.3 mm Hg, 1.6 mm Hg, and 0.5 mm Hg, respectively (p 0.05) postoperatively. The most important factor influencing the decrement of IOP by GAT, IOP by DCT, and OPA after cataract surgery was the preoperative level of their measurements (r = 0.382, p < 0.05 in GAT, r = 0.807, p < 0.001 in DCT, r = 0.627, p < 0.001 in OPA). In addition, the OPA decrement after cataract surgery was significantly correlated with age (r = -0.370, p = 0.037), and was not correlated with AL, ACD, and CCT. CONCLUSIONS: Both IOP and OPA decreased after cataract surgery, which appears to influence the relationship between IOP and OPA. The correlation between OPA decrement and age may be related to increased ocular rigidity with aging.

Influence of Application Methods on Results of Contact Transscleral Nd:YAG Laser Cyclophotocoagulation

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of irradiation methods on the long-term results of contact transscleral Nd:YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation and to evaluate the factors that affect changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and occurrence of ocular hypotony after cyclophotocoagulation. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 36 refractory glaucomatous eyes of 36 patients were observed for at least one year after a cyclophotocoagulation procedure. Contact transscleral Nd:YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation was performed with 7 to 10 Watts of power, a duration of 0.7 seconds, with one or two rows, and ranges of either greater or less than 180 degrees. The change in IOP, the success rate of the procedure, and the occurrence rate of hypotony were analyzed with regard to the methods of cyclophotocoagulation. RESULTS: In this series of patients with refractory glaucoma, the final IOP and success rate were not significantly influenced by the laser application method or by the total energy used. The eyes with ocular hypotony showed significantly decreased IOP one year after cyclophotocoagulation when compared with eyes without ocular hypotony. The IOP percent reduction in the patients with ocular hypotony tended to decrease more rapidly than did that of the patients without hypotony, beginning three months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The application methods of cyclophotocoagulation appear to have no significant influence on success rate, IOP or ocular hypotony rate. The percent reduction in IOP was higher in the hypotony group, including during the early postoperative periods.

Ocular Manifestations of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To analyze ocular manifestations of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and evaluate risk factors and complications affecting visual acuity. METHODS: Ocular, cutaneous, and systemic findings were analyzed retrospectively from the medical records of 81 patients, admitted between 1994 and 2007, to the dermatology department of our hospital for the management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. RESULTS: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus was manifested as eyelid eruption (93%), conjunctivitis (80%), keratitis (67%), iridocyclitis (36%), secondary glaucoma (20%), or extraocular muscle palsy (1%). Some patients had accompanying systemic illnesses, including malignancy, hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and cerebrovascular disease. Patients with decreased vision during the follow-up period were statistically more likely to have presented with keratitis (p=0.032). However, 86% of these patients recovered vision over a 6-month period. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with keratitis upon initial evaluation are at risk for decreased vision and require appropriate ophthalmic evaluation and management.

Effect of Vitrectomy on IOL Calculation for Cataract Surgery : Study of Vitrectomized Eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of vitrectomy in IOL power calculation for cataract surgery in the eyes that previously performed vitrectomy. METHODS: This study comprised 41 eyes of 37consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery after previous vitrectomy. IOL power calculation with the measurement of axial length and corneal power was conducted before vitrectomy and before cataract surgery. Target refractions at each surgery, assuming that the same power of IOL was implanted, were compared to actual manifest refraction after cataract surgery. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant change in both axial length and corneal power after vitrectomy (p>0.05). Before vitrectomy, target refraction was -0.22+/-0.61D compared to -0.37+/-0.52D before cataract surgery. The actual refraction after cataract surgery was -0.47+/-0.94D, and there were no significant differences among the three refractions (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the eyes that underwent vitrectomy, vitrectomy itself does not have an influence on calculating IOL power for cataract surgery.

Ophthalmic Manifestations in Patients With Neurofibromatosis

PURPOSE: To report the ophthalmic manifestations of neurofibromatosis in Korea. METHODS: Ophthalmologic examinations were performed from November 2001 to January 2008 for 153 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with neurofibromatosis according to the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis. A retrospective analysis was performed according to the medical records of these 153 patients. RESULTS: Seventy seven out of the 153 patients were men, 76 were women and the mean age was 20.44 +/- 14.34 years old. One hundred twelve were neurofibromatosis type 1 and six were neurofibromatosis type 2. Remained thirty five were segmental neurofibromatosis type 1. Ophthalmic manifestations of the neurofibromatosis type 1 were Lisch nodule (52.68%), high myopia (14.29%), plexiform neurofibroma in the orbit (4.46%), cafe au lait spots (4.46%) and optic glioma (3.58%). In the neurofibromatosis type 2, epiretinal membrane (33.33%) showed highest incidence and posterior subcapsular opacity (16.67%), Lisch nodule (16.67%), optic disc edema (16.67%), and optic nerve glioma (16.67%) were also noted. Lisch nodule (25.71%) was the most common ophthalmic finding in segmental neurofibromatosis type 1. CONCLUSIONS: Lisch nodule, which was the most common manifestation of the neurofibromatosis type 1, was less manifested in our cases compared to the previous reports of western countries. In the neurofibromatosis type 2, epiretinal membrane and posterior subcapsular cataract showed higher incidence than those of other types of neurofibromatosis.

The Antimydriatic Effect of Brimonidine 0.15% on the Dark-adapted Pupil in Dark Brown Irides

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of the daily use of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% on the dark-adapted pupil diameter in dark brown irides. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy volunteers administered brimonidine tartrate 0.15% to their right eyes once daily for 3 weeks. Infrared digital photographs of the pupil were taken before administration and 1 hour and 4 hours after administration after dark adaptation (at <0.1 lux ambient illumination for 5 minutes). The diameters of both pupils were measured on the first day, on administration days 7 and 21, and on washout day 7. RESULTS: Four hours after the first administration, pupils showed a decrease of 0.95+/-0.74 mm, 1.03+/-0.94 mm, 0.61+/-0.85 mm on the first day, administration day 7, and administration day 21, respectively (p<0.01), compared with baseline data. The anti-mydriatic effect of brimonidine was sustained for 3 weeks, but the proportions of the eyes showing a reduction in pupil diameter by 0.5 mm or more were 84%, 76%, 68%, and 52% at 4 hours on the first day, administration days 7 and 21, and washout day 7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-mydriatic effect of the daily use of brimonidine 0.15% on dark brown irides in a scotopic condition is maintained during the instillation period but has a tendency to fade over time. This point should be considered when using this compound as a miotic agent.

A Case of Toxic Amblyopia Caused by Methanol Intoxication

PURPOSE: To report a case of visual improvement in methanol poisoning treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old man presented with decreasing vision in both eyes after ingesting a car window cleanser. His initial visual acuity was the ability to count fingers in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye. The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone (1.0 gram), slowly over 1 hour. The same dose of methyl prednisolone was repeated on the second and third day. Then, oral prednisolone was given and tapered over a period of 7 weeks. On the 5th day after treatment, there was an improvement in the visual acuity of the right eye to 0.4 but no improvement of vision was observed in the left eye. On 16th day after treatment, the visual acuity was 0.7 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. At 2 months after ingestion, the visual acuity of the right eye returned to 1.0 with no improvement in the left eye. Optic disc pallor was suspected and P100 delay was observed in the left eye with VEP showing a favorable outcome in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: A visual improvement of 1 eye was observed in methanol poisoning treated with intravenous methylprednisolone.

The Effect on Outcome of Amblyopia Treatment in Children with Anisometropic Amblyopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting treatment outcome of children with anisometropic amblyopia. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the treatment outcome of 57 children who were diagnosed as anisometropic amblyopia. The age at initial treatment, initial best corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, amount and type of anisometropia, strabismus and compliance of treatment were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age and standard deviation at initial treatment was 5.3+/-1.8(3-9) years. The absolute average values of spherical and cylindrical anisometropia were 2.87+/-1.99D and 1.87+/-2.24D respectively. While compliance was significantly related to treatment outcome, the age at initial treatment, visual acuity on amblyopic eye, amount and type of anisometropia, and strabismus had no significant influence on treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment compliance was the most significant factor in the treatment of anisometropic amblyopia.

Surgical Treatment of the Pulmonary Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Nodular Lymphoid hyperplasia of the lung has a very low incidence and both the nomenclature and this disease entity have changed since its appearance in the 1960s. It has recently been classified as lymphoid hyperplasia of the B cell associated lymphoid tissue. Ground glass opacity was incidentally diagnosed in the right lower lobe of the a 60 year old male and he underwent right lower lobe lobectomy. The opacified lesion in the chest CT was diagnosed as nodular lymphoid hyperplasia under microscopic examination.

Effects of Preoperative Continuous Use of Aspirin and Plavix in Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The benefits of preoperative use of aspirin and plavix in coronary patients have been well documented. Due to their bleeding tendency, there have been many discussions about when to stop the antiplatelet agent before operation. We evaluated the effects of preoperative continuous use of aspirin and plavix in OPCAB patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 123 patients underwent OPCAB from March, 2004 to Feb., 2005. We divided them into two groups; those who had continuous administration of aspirin and plavix during the preoperative period (n= 45, 36.6%) and those who discontinued them at least one day before the operation (n=78, 63.4%). We then compared the platelet count, hemoglobin/hematocrit level, graft patency, postoperative bleeding and related complications, and operation time between the two groups. The patients were also divided into long-term users (> or =1 month) and short-term users (<1 month), with the aforementioned factors equally compared. RESULT: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding postoperative bleeding, related complications, graft patency, operation time and mortality. Continuous users showed significantly low platelet levels on immediate post operation (p=0.02), postoperative day (POD) #1 (p=0.002) and POD #2 (p=0.021), respectively. But there was no difference on POD #7. Long-term users showed statistically significant difference in pre- and postoperative platelet count, but none in postoperative bleeding and related complications. CONCLUSION: Continuous use of aspirin and plavix did not increase postoperative bleeding or related complications. Also graft patency and mortality had no statistical differences in continuous users. We think that there is no need to stop aspirin and plavix before OPCAB.