Influencing factors of iron metabolism assessment in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: A retrospective study / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of iron metabolism assessment in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Methods: MRI and/or DECT were used to detect liver and cardiac iron content in 181 patients with MDS, among whom, 41 received regular iron chelation therapy during two examinations. The adjusted ferritin (ASF) , erythropoietin (EPO) , cardiac function, liver transaminase, hepatitis antibody, and peripheral blood T cell polarization were detected and the results of myelofibrosis, splenomegaly, and cyclosporine were collected and comparative analyzed in patients. Results: We observed a positive correlation between liver iron concentration and ASF both in the MRI group and DECT groups (r=0.512 and 0.606, respectively, P<0.001) , only a weak correlation between the heart iron concentration and ASF in the MRI group (r=0.303, P<0.001) , and no significant correlation between cardiac iron concentration and ASF in the DECT group (r=0.231, P=0.053) . Moreover, transfusion dependence in liver and cardiac [MRI group was significantly associated with the concentration of iron in: LIC: (28.370±10.706) mg/g vs (7.593±3.508) mg/g, t=24.30, P<0.001; MIC: 1.81 vs 0.95, z=2.625, P<0.05; DECT group: liver VIC: (4.269±1.258) g/L vs (1.078±0.383) g/L, t=23.14, P<0.001: cardiac VIC: 1.69 vs 0.68, z=3.142, P<0.05]. The concentration of EPO in the severe iron overload group was significantly higher than that in the mild to moderate iron overload group and normal group (P<0.001) . Compared to the low-risk MDS group, the liver iron concentration in patients with MDS with cyclic sideroblasts (MDS-RS) was significantly elevated [DECT group: 3.80 (1.97, 5.51) g/L vs 1.66 (0.67, 2.94) g/L, P=0.004; MRI group: 13.7 (8.1,29.1) mg/g vs 11.6 (7.1,21.1) mg/g, P=0.032]. Factors including age, bone marrow fibrosis, splenomegaly, T cell polarization, use of cyclosporine A, liver aminotransferase, and hepatitis antibody positive had no obvious effect on iron metabolism. Conclusion: There was a positive correlation between liver iron concentration and ASF in patients with MDS, whereas there was no significant correlation between cardiac iron concentration and ASF. Iron metabolism was affected by transfusion dependence, EPO concentration, and RS.

Associations of depression and anxiety with cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV/AIDS in Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#As HIV/AIDS is becoming a chronic disease, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV/AIDS is rising. Anxiety and depression, which are common among people living with HIV/AIDS, have been linked with CVD. This study investigated the risk of CVD in people living with HIV/AIDS and explored the effects of depression and anxiety on CVD risk. @*METHODS@#Data were collected for 457 people enrolled in the Korea Cohort HIV/AIDS study after 2010. Framingham risk scores were calculated to quantify the 10-year risk of developing CVD. Depression and anxiety variables were re-coded as a single combined variable. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), duration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity after entry into the cohort, and depression/anxiety. @*RESULTS@#Participants with both depression and anxiety were 2.28 times more likely than those with neither depression nor anxiety to have moderate/high-risk CVD risk. The 10-year risk of developing CVD was affected by LDL cholesterol, TG, age, and duration of HIV infection. LDL cholesterol and TG levels change according to the duration of HIV infection, and metabolic disorders affect the risk of CVD. Thus, a longer duration of HIV infection is associated with a higher risk of developing CVD. @*CONCLUSIONS@#Screenings for depression and anxiety need to be provided regularly to assess the severity of those symptoms. To help decrease their risk of developing CVD, people living with HIV/AIDS should be offered behavioral modification interventions aimed at developing healthy lifestyle habits.

Research Progress in the Role of Tim3/galectin-9 in Hematological Malignancy--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

The incidence of hematological malignant tumor is increasing year by year, and seriously affecting the human health. In addition to the traditional radiation and chemotherapy, immunotherapy has achieved a certain effect in the treatment of blood tumor, but it is limited by exhaustion of CD8

Associations of depression and anxiety with cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV/AIDS in Korea / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#As HIV/AIDS is becoming a chronic disease, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV/AIDS is rising. Anxiety and depression, which are common among people living with HIV/AIDS, have been linked with CVD. This study investigated the risk of CVD in people living with HIV/AIDS and explored the effects of depression and anxiety on CVD risk. @*METHODS@#Data were collected for 457 people enrolled in the Korea Cohort HIV/AIDS study after 2010. Framingham risk scores were calculated to quantify the 10-year risk of developing CVD. Depression and anxiety variables were re-coded as a single combined variable. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), duration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity after entry into the cohort, and depression/anxiety. @*RESULTS@#Participants with both depression and anxiety were 2.28 times more likely than those with neither depression nor anxiety to have moderate/high-risk CVD risk. The 10-year risk of developing CVD was affected by LDL cholesterol, TG, age, and duration of HIV infection. LDL cholesterol and TG levels change according to the duration of HIV infection, and metabolic disorders affect the risk of CVD. Thus, a longer duration of HIV infection is associated with a higher risk of developing CVD. @*CONCLUSIONS@#Screenings for depression and anxiety need to be provided regularly to assess the severity of those symptoms. To help decrease their risk of developing CVD, people living with HIV/AIDS should be offered behavioral modification interventions aimed at developing healthy lifestyle habits.

Research Advances on Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment of Patients with Hematological Malignancies--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Bone marrow (BM) microenvironment appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. Apart from soluble factors and direct cell-cell contact, the extracellular vesicles (EVs) were identified as a third mediator for cell communication within BM microenvironment. Recently, more and more evidences have demonstrated that EVs are also involved in the dysregulation of the BM microenvironment in patients with hematological malignancies. Therefore this review focuses on the biological characteristics of EVs, the clinical value of EVs as biomarkers, the BM microenvironment reprogramming in hematological malignancies by EVs, and the potential role of EVs in drug resistance and therapy of hematological malignancies.

Prognostic scoring of myelodysplastic syndromes / 天津医药

@#Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disease derived from the hematopoietic stem cells, with a high degree of heterogeneity and complexity. The prognostic evaluation of MDS is a core problem of this disease, mainly because the complex pathogenesis (genomics, epigenetics, bone marrow microenvironment and immune factors) determines the heterogeneity of clinical characteristics (heterogeneity of age, infection, risk of bleeding, and comorbidities) and differential clinical outcome (bone marrow failure and leukemia transformation). Therefore, how to comprehensively consider various prognostic factors to establish a prognostic score system to predict the prognosis and clinical outcome of patients with MDS is very important. In the past two decades, many MDS scholars have devoted themselves to the study of various MDS prognostic scoring systems. Typical prognostic scoring systems such as the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and its revisions (IPSS-R) have been widely used. In addition, based on these new prognostic factors, the prognostic scoring system has also showed good prognostic value with the discovery of many clinical markers and molecular changes. This review summarizes the prognostic scoring system and new prognostic factors of MDS in recent years for reference in clinical practice.

Effects of Abnormal Iron Metabolism on EPO-STAT5 Signaling Pathway in Anemia Patients / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effects of iron metabolism abnormality on EPO-STAT5 signaling pathway in anemia patients.@*METHODS@#According to diseases, the patients were divided into 3 groups: lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) group (30 cases) including 14 cases of non-iron over load and 16 cases of iron over load, 12 cases of them were treated by iron chelation therapy; anemia of chronic disease (ACD) group (12 cases) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) group (12 cases). In addition, the healthy control group was selected. The iron metaloslism index (SF, SI, TIBC), serum level of EPO, plasma level of P-STAT5 and STAT-5 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells were detected and compared in different groups. Moreover, the effects of iron metabolism abnormality on the expression of EPO and STAT5 in anemia patients were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#compared with non-iron over load group, the EPO level in iron over load group significantly increased (P<0.05), the expression of STAT5 mRNA and P-STAT5 significantly decreased (P<0.05). After iron chelation therapy, the EPO level in serum significantly decreased (P<0.05), the expression of STAT5 mRNA and P-STAT5 was up-regulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with healthy control group, the expression of EPO in ACD group was down-regulated significantly, while the expression of STAT5 mRNA was not different, but the P-STAT5 expression was down-regulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the healtly control group, the EPO expression in IDA group was enhanced significantly (P<0.05), the expression of STAT5 mRNA and P-STAT5 were also significantly enhanced (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The excessive iron load or chronic inflammation may inhibit the activation of EPO-STAT5 signaling pathway and aggravate the anemia.

Novel Cell Permeable Peptide Based on Multi Basic Furin-dependent Cleavage Site of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein

Cell permeable peptide (CPP) is able to transport itself or conjugated molecules such as nucleotides, peptides, and proteins into cells. Since short peptide of human immunodeficiency virus-1 Tat has been discovered as CPP, it has been continuously studied for their ability to transport heterologous cargoes into cells. In this study, we have focused on the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which has six basic amino acids in multi basic furin-dependent cleavage site (MBFCS) required to be cationic CPP. To develop more efficient CPP, the sequence, which linked two MBFCS, was synthesized (called RS-CPP). To assess cell permeable efficiency of RS-CPP or MBFCS, the peptides was conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate, and cell permeable efficiency was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Cell permeability of RS-CPP or MBFCS was increased in a dose-dependent manner, but RS-CPP showed more efficient cell permeability than MBFCS in MDCK, HeLa, Vero E6, and A549 cells. To evaluate whether RS-CPP can transport its conjugated functional peptide (VIVIT) in CD8+ T cell, it was confirmed that IL-2 and β-galactosidase expression were significantly inhibited through selective block of nuclear factor activated T-cell. To investigate endocytic pathways, Cre-mediated DNA recombination (loxP-STOP-loxP-LacZ reporter system) was investigated with divergent endocytosis inhibitors in TE671 cells, and RS-CPP endocytosis is occurred via binding cell surface glycosaminoglycan and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, or macropinocytosis. These results indicated that RS-CPP could be a novel cationic CPP, and it would help understanding for delivery of biologically functional molecules based on viral basic amino acids.

Development of External Quality Controls for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antigen/Antibody Tests in Korea

BACKGROUND: Quality control is important for accurate diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and proficiency testing with external quality controls is an important part of quality control. This study intended to develop and supply customized external quality controls for HIV antigen/antibody testing fitted with currently used reagents for standardization of HIV infection diagnosis and evaluation of HIV testing competency of laboratories in Korea. METHODS: Serological tests and inactivation were performed on the obtained HIV antibody positive plasma. To manufacture quality controls having the required antibody titers, dilution ratio was searched using VIDAS (bioMérieux, France), Architect (Abbott Laboratories, USA), and Cobas 8000 (Roche Diagnostics, Germany) analyzers. Diluted source plasma was divided into aliquots after filtering. Homogeneity and stability of the produced external quality controls were evaluated. RESULTS: The collected HIV antibody positive plasma was confirmed by Western blot. Dilution ratios for source plasma were produced for each analyzer showing signal-to-cut-off 2–3, 5–7, and 15–16 reactivity. Diluted plasma was made to 1 mL aliquots and total set of 1,500 external quality controls for HIV antigen/antibody were manufactured. Produced controls satisfied the required criteria of homogeneity and showed less than 10% coefficient of variation for stability except negative controls. CONCLUSIONS: Customized external quality controls were developed and qualified for HIV testing reagents used in Korea. Continuous external quality control assessment for HIV tests with controls would be required.

Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor Recepter Type I in CD34 Cells of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression level of insulin-like growth facter (IGF-IR) in CD34 cells of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of IGF-IR in the CD34 cells of 100 MDS patients and 18 normal controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average IGF-IR expression level in the CD34 cells of 100 MDS patients (41.0±28.1)% was statistically and significantly elevated in comparison with the corresponding level in normal controls(4.3±1.8)%,(P<0.0001). The average expression level of 22 cases in high-risk groups was very significantly increased, compared with that in 78 cases of low-risk groups[(66.5±27.8)% vs (34.5%±24.9)%](P<0.0001), and the average expression level in 23 patients with chromosome abnormality was very significantly increased in comparison with that in rest 77 patients [(56.0±30.9)% vs (36.9%±26.2)%](P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The over-expression of IGF-IR in CD34 cells of MDS patients suggests that the IGF-IR may involve in the origin, occurrence and progress. The average IGF-IR expression level is markedly elevated in high-risk groups and the patients who showed chromosome abnormality, this trend revealed that IGF-IR correlates with malignant clonal proliferation in MDS patients, thus providing a basis for their prognosis and outcome evaluation.</p>

Anti-Tumor Effect of Rigosertib on HEL and K562 Cells and Its Related Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of rigosertib on the apoptosis, proliferation and cell cycle of HEL and K562 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The HEL and K562 cells were treated with different concentration of rigosertib at different time points, the cell apoptosis, proliferation and cycle were determined by using flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining, WST-1 method and 7-AAD assay, respectively. Intracellular signaling proteins were detected by flow cytometry (FCM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Rigosertib induced obvious apoptosis in HEL and K562 cells, and the apoptotic effect was both time-dependent and dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The low dose of rigosertib inhibited obviously the proliferation of HEL and K562 cells after treatment from 6 to 54 h, Rigosertib arrested HEL and K562 cells into G/M phase. In addition, Rigosertib obviously increased the expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved caspase 3 and PARP, and reduced the proliferation-related proteins such as BCL-2 and Cyclin D1. Rigosetib inhibited the activation of AKT-GSK signaling through decreasing the expression of AKT, pAKT(Ser473) and GSK-3α/β (S21/9).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rigosertib inhibites proliferation, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in G/M phase of HEL and K562 cells. This agent may have potential application prospect in leukemia therapy.</p>

Inhibitory Effect of Decitabine on Proliferation of MDS-L Cells and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effect of decitabine (DAC) in various dosages on the proliferention of MDS-RAEB cell line MDS-L and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>LC-MS/MS method was used to test the blood DAC concentration of 2 groups of MDS patients being treated with DAC 20 and 15 mg/m×5 d. In according to the various blood DAC concentration levels, the MDS-L cells were treated with different DAC dosages for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. The CCK-8 method was applied to determine the cell proliferation, the flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle and cell apoptosis changes, the P15DNA methylation status was measured by methylation specific PCR using EZ DNA Methylation-Gold Kit.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The blood DAC concentration of MDS patients treated with DAC 20 mg/m×5 d was 174.08±80.15(84.7-311) ng/ml, which was significantly higher than 89.87±32.94(43.2-165)ng/ml for the group treated with 15 mg/m×5 d (P=0.014). DAC could notably inhibit the proliferation of MDS-L cells, and the effect was in dose- and- time-dependent manner(r=0.786). However, when DAC concentration was ≥0.1 µg/ml, the proliferation inhibition rates were not significantly different between various dosages. After DAC treatment, MDS-L cells in Gphase increased notably, while cells in S phase decreased significantly. Also, the P15DNA methylation status of MDS-L cells decreased after being treated with DAC for 96 h, but the difference was not significant between various dosages.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DAC can significantly suppress MDS-L cell proliferation, block MDS-L cells in Gphase and induce the apoptosis at low concentration (0.1-0.2 µg/ml).</p>

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Renal Insufficiency among Korean HIV-Infected Patients: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Renal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there are very few published studies about renal insufficiency in HIV-infected persons in Asia, especially in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of renal insufficiency, defined as <60 mL/min/1.73 m², in subjects in the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study enrolled from 19 institutions between December 2006 and July 2013. Data at entry into the cohort were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 454 enrolled subjects, 24 (5.3%) showed renal insufficiency at entry into the cohort. The mean age of patients in the renal insufficiency group was 5.28 years and the majority were male subjects (91.7%). All the patients were receiving antiretroviral agents, mostly protease inhibitor-based regimens (76.4%), for an average of 19 months. In univariate analysis, older age (P = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.0002), unknown route of transmission (P = 0.007), and taking indinavir (P = 0.0022) were associated with renal insufficiency. In multivariable analysis, older age [odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.12, P = 0.002], DM [OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.17–7.82, P = 0.022], unknown route of transmission [OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.77–21.33, P = 0.004], and taking indinavir [OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.17–8.05, P = 0.023] were independent risk factors of renal insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of renal insufficiency in HIV-infected subjects in this study was relatively low, similar to that in other countries. Aging, DM, and taking indinavir were significantly associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, unknown route of transmission was an independent risk factor, which was interpreted as a reflection of patient compliance. Further studies on the incidence and risk factors of renal insufficiency during HIV infection using follow-up cohort data are necessary.

Causes of HIV Drug Non-Adherence in Korea: Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study, 2006-2015

We aimed to determine the initial adherence of HIV cohort patients to ART (antiretroviral therapy), and reasons for non-adherence. Patients who received ART at the time of enrollment in the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort were included in this study. Treatment adherence was determined at the baseline interview by self-reported questionnaire. Eight-hundred thirty two HIV-infected patients received ART. Of these, 253 (30.4%) patients skipped ART more than once a month. The most common reason of skipping medication was “simply forgot” (60.4%).

Metabolic Complications among Korean Patients with HIV Infection: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

Currently, metabolic complications are the most common problem among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, with a high incidence. However, there have been very few studies regarding metabolic abnormalities published in Asia, especially in Korea. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic abnormalities in 1,096 HIV-infected patients of the Korea HIV/AIDS cohort study enrolled from 19 hospitals between 2006 and 2013. Data at entry to cohort were analyzed. As a result, the median age of the 1,096 enrolled subjects was 46 years, and most patients were men (92.8%). The metabolic profiles of the patients were as follows: median weight was 63.8 kg, median body mass index (BMI) was 22.2 kg/m², and 16.4% of the patients had a BMI over 25 kg/m². A total of 5.5% of the patients had abdominal obesity (waist/hip ratio ≥ 1 in men, ≥ 0.85 in women). Increased levels of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were present in 10.4%, 6.0%, 5.5%, and 32.1% of the patients. Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were observed in 44.2% of the patients. High systolic blood pressure was present in 14.3% of the patients. In multivariate analysis, high BMI and the use of protease inhibitors (PIs) were risk factors for dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients. In conclusion, proper diagnosis and management should be offered for the prevalent metabolic complications of Korean HIV-infected patients. Further studies on risk factors for metabolic complications are needed.

Trend of CD4+ Cell Counts at Diagnosis and Initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART): Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study, 1992-2015

BACKGROUND: CD4+ cell counts reflect immunologic status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Recommended CD4+ cell counts for the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has increased over the past several years in various HIV treatment guidelines. We investigated the trend of CD4+ cell counts at diagnosis and treatment start using data from the Korea HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) Cohort Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study started in 2006 and enrolled HIV patients from 21 tertiary and secondary hospitals in South Korea. The data for CD4+ cell counts at diagnosis and HAART initiation from these HIV patients were analyzed by three-year time intervals and presented by number of CD4+ cells (≤100, 101-200, 201-350, 351-500 and >500 cells/mm³). The HIV-RNA titer at diagnosis and HAART initiation were presented by 3-year intervals by groups ≤50,000, 50,001-100,000, 100,001-200,000, 200,001-1,000,000, and >1,000,000 copies/mL. RESULTS: Median values of CD4+ cell count and HIV-RNA titer at initial HIV diagnosis were 247 cells/mm³ and 394,955 copies/mL, respectively. At time of initiating HAART, median values of CD4+ cell count and HIV-RNA were 181 cells/mm³ and 83,500 copies/mL, respectively. Patients with low CD4+ cell count (CD4+ cell count ≤200 cells/mm³) at diagnosis (31-51%) and initiation of HAART accounted for the largest proportion (30-65%) over the three-year time intervals. This proportion increased until 2010-2012. CONCLUSION: CD4+ cell count at initiation of HAART was found to be very low, and the increase in late initiation of HAART in recent years is of concern. We think that this increase is primarily due to an increasing proportion of late presenters. We recommend early detection of HIV patients and earlier start of HAART in order to treat and prevent spread of HIV infection.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis Virus Coinfection among HIV-Infected Korean Patients: The Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Despite declines in mortality and morbidity rates of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as the result of highly active antiretroviral therapy, liver diseases due to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a leading cause of death among HIV-infected patients. However, HIV and HBV or HCV coinfection is still poorly documented, and more information is needed to better understand the characteristics of HIV-infected patients in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate clinical characteristics and prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in HIV patients enrolled in the Korea HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cohort study from 17 institutions between December 2006 and July 2013. RESULTS: Among the 1,218 HIV-infected participants, 541 were included in this study. The prevalence of HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV coinfection was 5.0% (27/541) and 1.7% (9/541), respectively. There was no patient who was positive for both HBs antigen and HCV antibody. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, HBV unvaccinated status was a significant risk factor for HBV-HIV coinfection (odds ratio = 4.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.43–17.13). CONCLUSIONS: HBV and HCV infection was more common in HIV-infected persons enrolled in the Korean HIV/AIDS cohort, than in the general population in Korea.

Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness Change of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy after Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

PURPOSE: To investigate the peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to evaluate their responses to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). METHODS: Thirty eyes with PCV and 25 eyes with exudative AMD who were treatment naïve were included in this study. PCT and subfoveal choroidal thickness were evaluated both before and after intravitreal anti-VEGF. RESULTS: The initial mean PCT of PCV (153.78 ± 56.23 µm) was thicker than that of exudative AMD (88.77 ± 23.11 µm, p < 0.001). Temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior PCTs of PCV were all thicker than those observedin exudative AMD (all p < 0.05). After anti-VEGF, the mean PCT of PCV was significantly reduced (134.17 ± 41.66 µm, p < 0.001), but the same was not true not in exudative AMD (86.87 ± 22.54 µm, p = 0.392). PCTshowed a similar tendency in all quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: PCV exhibits a thick choroid in the peripapillary region. PCT decreases after anti-VEGF in PCV but not in exudative AMD. In exudative AMD, subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased, but that in the peripapillary region did not.

Angiographically Documented Macular Ischemia after Single Bevacizumab for Macular Edema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

This report describes a case of angiographically documented foveal avascular zone (FAZ) enlargement after a single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). A 71-year-old female was treated with an intravitreal bevacizumab injection for macular edema following CRVO. Despite successfully decreased edema one month after injection, the postinjection best-corrected visual acuity immediately decreased from 20/40 to 20/1000 (Snellen equivalent). The FAZ area increased from 0.37 mm² to 3.11 mm² (8.4-fold increase). While intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor is effective and should be considered as a first-line treatment for macular edema secondary to CRVO, it may aggravate macular ischemia.

Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Rescue Treatment for Bevacizumab Refractory Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic factors and outcomes of dexamethasone intravitreal implant (DEX implant) for intravitreal bevacizumab refractory macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: This was a retrospective, interventional case series. Medical records were reviewed, and a total of 38 eyes that were treated with DEX implant for macular edema secondary to BRVO that did not respond to at least two consecutive intravitreal bevacizumab injections (IBIs) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness, and central subfoveal choroidal thickness were evaluated at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months after DEX implantation. RESULTS: Patients had undergone an average of 6.32 ± 4.66 prior IBI treatments. The average BCVA improved from 0.53 ± 0.26 to 0.41 ± 0.25 and 0.44 ± 0.23 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The average central subfield macular thickness was 504.00 ± 121.54 µm at baseline and changed to 293.21 ± 74.17 µm and 427.28 ± 119.57 µm at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Average central subfoveal choroidal thickness was 237.46 ± 92.21 µm at baseline and changed to 204.75 ± 74.74 µm and 226.86 ± 90.77 µm at 2 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.455). Twenty-two eyes (58%) gained ≥0.1 logMAR at 2 months, while 16 eyes showed no improvement. Low BCVA at symptom presentation, low baseline BCVA, and shorter duration of macular edema were correlated with increased BCVA after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The DEX implant improves functional and anatomical outcomes for up to 6 months in about half of the patients treated with IBI refractory macular edema secondary to BRVO, particularly in patients with low initial and baseline BCVA.