Caracterización de la tuberculosis multidrogorresistente y resistente a rifampicina en Colombia / Characterization of rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Caracterizar la población afectada por tuberculosis multidrogorresistente y resistente a rifampicina (TB-MDR/RR) en Colombia. Métodos Estudio transversal a partir de la información nominal de los pacientes con TB-MDR/RR tratados y reportados en Colombia desde 2009 hasta 2020, usando la totalidad de las fuentes de información oficiales. Se compararon, además, las tasas de TB-MDR/RR de diferentes grupos de riesgo con la de la población general y se evaluaron variables asociadas a la TB-MDR/RR extrapulmonar y a resistencias medicamentosas. Resultados La TB-MDR/RR ha aumentado progresivamente durante la última década y se ha concentrado en hombres (64% vs. 36%, p<0,001), edades medias (mediana: 39,5 años; RIC: 27) y zonas de mayor densidad poblacional (59% de los casos en Antioquia, Valle del Cauca y Santiago de Cali). Además, al compararlas con las poblaciones de referencia que aplicaran, se evidenciaron tasas 2, 10 y 200 veces mayores en población indígena (9,45/1 000 000 vs. 4,31/1 000 000; p=0,02), prisioneros (169/1 000 000 vs. 16,9/1 000 000; p<0,001) y habitantes de calle (21/100000 vs. 0,1/100 000; p<0,001), respectivamente. Conclusiones El aumento en los casos de TB-MDR/RR y sus grupos de riesgo deben tenerse en cuenta para la planeación de políticas, distribución de recursos y atención clínica.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the population affected by rifampin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) in Colombia. Methods Cross-sectional study on all the patients treated for RR/MDR-TB in Colombia between 2009 and 2020, using all the official sources of information. In addition, a comparison was made between the rates of RR/MDR-TB in some higher-risk groups and average population. Finally, the variables associated to pulmonary versus extrapulmonary RR/MDR-TB and those associated to resistance to other drugs were evaluated. Results RR/MDR-TB cases have progressively increased during the last decade. These cases were concentrated in men (64% vs. 36%, p<0.001), middle aged adults (median: 39.5 years old; IQR: 27), and in geographic regions with higher population density (59% of cases in Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Santiago de Cali). Also, the rate of RR/MDR-TB was 2, 10 and 200 times higher in indigenous (9.45/1 000 000 vs. 4.31/1 000 000; p=0.02), prisoners (169/1 000 000 vs. 16.9/1 000 000; p<0.001), and homeless population (21/100 000 vs. 0.1/100 000; p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions The increase in RR/MDR-TB cases and their concentration in higher-risk groups must be kept in mind to make better policies, a more efficient distribution of resources, and better patient care.

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN MEXICO CITY: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Regional information regarding the characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is needed for a better understanding of the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study to describe the clinical features of COVID-19 patients diagnosed in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City and to assess differences according to the treatment setting (ambulatory vs. hospital) and to the need of intensive care (IC). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort, including consecutive patients with COVID-19 from February 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. RESULTS: We identified 309 patients (140 inpatients and 169 outpatients). The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 33-54), 59.2% men, and 18.6% healthcare workers (12.3% from our center). The median body mass index (BMI) was 29.00 kg/m2 and 39.6% had obesity. Compared to outpatients, inpatients were older, had comorbidities, cough, and dyspnea more frequently. Twenty-nine (20.7%) inpatients required treatment in the IC unit (ICU). History of diabetes (type 1 or 2) and abdominal pain were more common in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients. ICU patients had higher BMIs, higher respiratory rates, and lower room-air capillary oxygen saturations. ICU patients showed a more severe inflammatory response as assessed by white blood cell count, neutrophil and platelet count, C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, and albumin levels. By the end of the study period, 65 inpatients had been discharged because of improvement, 70 continued hospitalized, and five had died. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbidities, either middle-age obese or elderly complaining of fever, cough, or dyspnea, were more likely to be admitted. At admission, patients with diabetes, high BMI, and clinical or laboratory findings consistent with a severe inflammatory state were more likely to require IC.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with covid-19 in a tertiary care center in Mexico City: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background: Regional information regarding the characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is needed for a better understanding of the pandemic. Objective: The objective of the study to describe the clinical features of COVID-19 patients diagnosed in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City and to assess differences according to the treatment setting (ambulatory vs. hospital) and to the need of intensive care (IC). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort, including consecutive patients with COVID-19 from February 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. Results: We identified 309 patients (140 inpatients and 169 outpatients). The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 33-54), 59.2% men, and 18.6% healthcare workers (12.3% from our center). The median body mass index (BMI) was 29.00 kg/m2 and 39.6% had obesity. Compared to outpatients, inpatients were older, had comorbidities, cough, and dyspnea more frequently. Twenty-nine (20.7%) inpatients required treatment in the IC unit (ICU). History of diabetes (type 1 or 2) and abdominal pain were more common in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients. ICU patients had higher BMIs, higher respiratory rates, and lower room-air capillary oxygen saturations. ICU patients showed a more severe inflammatory response as assessed by white blood cell count, neutrophil and platelet count, C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, and albumin levels. By the end of the study period, 65 inpatients had been discharged because of improvement, 70 continued hospitalized, and five had died. Conclusions: Patients with comorbidities, either middle-age obese or elderly complaining of fever, cough, or dyspnea, were more likely to be admitted. At admission, patients with diabetes, high BMI, and clinical or laboratory findings consistent with a severe inflammatory state were more likely to require IC.

Effect of non-alcoholic beer, diet and exercise on endothelial function, nutrition and quality of life in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of nutritional strategies targeting several variables at once could benefit patients with cirrhosis. Non-alcoholic beer has different compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nutritional properties. AIM: To evaluate the effect of diet + exercise and non-alcoholic beer on nutritional status, endothelial function and quality of life in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: In this randomized open clinical trial, patients with cirrhosis were randomized into two groups: The intervention (non-alcoholic beer + diet + exercise) and control (water + diet + exercise) group. Treatment consisted of 330 mL non-alcoholic beer/day or the same amount of water, plus an individualized dietary plan and an exercise program with a pedometer-based bracelet to reach at least 5000 steps/d and > 2500 above the baseline during 8 wk. Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation, plethysmography), biochemical and nutritional variables and quality of life (CLDQ) were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included in the study, 21 in the control group and 22 in the intervention group. The mean age was 53.5 ± 7.8 years, 60% were women, the median MELD score was 8 (7-10) and most patients were Child-Pugh A (88%). Adherence to the interventions was > 90% in both groups, there were no adverse events and all biochemical parameters remained stable in both groups. Endothelial function improved in both groups. All measured nutritional parameters improved in the intervention group, compared to only 2 in the control group and quality of life improved in both groups; however, more domains improved in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The intervention consisting of non-alcoholic beer, diet and exercise seems to be safe and well tolerated in patients with cirrhosis, and shows improvement in nutritional status, endothelial function, and quality of life. These results need to be further confirmed.

Results of combined resection-recession on a single rectus muscle for incomitant deviations-an alternative to the posterior fixation suture.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of combined resection and recession on previously unoperated single horizontal or vertical rectus muscles in consecutive adult patients with acquired incomitant deviations minimal in primary gaze and maximal in an eccentric gaze position. METHODS: The surgical goal was to decrease the incomitance by 50%, expand the field of binocular single vision, and relieve diplopia. Recessions for the maximal deviations were combined with smaller resections using hang-back, nonadjustable sutures. Pre- and postoperative incomitance was compared using the paired t test. RESULTS: A total of 16 adults were studied (mean age at surgery, 49.3 ± 17.5 years), 12 with incomitant vertical deviations and 4 with incomitant horizontal deviations. Eight patients had preoperative deviations of <2Δ in primary gaze (mean, 9.2Δ ± 10.5Δ; range, 1Δ-35Δ). The mean maximum eccentric gaze deviation was 21.4Δ ± 9.9Δ (range, 10Δ-48Δ). Postoperatively, 12 patients (75%) had a decrease in incomitance of >50%, and all had expansion of the field of binocular single vision. Improvement in postoperative incomitance was highly statistically significant in the vertical incomitant group (P < 0.0001) but not statistically significant in the horizontal group (P = 0.39). The technique corrected downgaze deviations in 4 patients with canine tooth syndrome (93% ± 3.3, P < 0.0001) without worsening the hypotropia in upgaze. CONCLUSIONS: Combined resection-recession single muscle surgery significantly reduces incomitance with minimal effect on primary gaze. It is most effective for treating vertical deviations worse on downgaze with primary gaze deviations of <2Δ and for canine tooth syndrome; the technique was less successful in reducing horizontal incomitance and in cases involving gaze palsies and nystagmus.

Effectiveness of Bilateral Lateral Rectus Resection for Residual Esotropia in Dysthyroid Ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: To report one surgeon's experiences with bilateral lateral rectus resections in dysthyroid ophthalmopathy patients with residual esotropia after initial bilateral medial rectus recession. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series evaluating outcomes. METHODS: Medical records for patients with dysthyroid ophthalmopathy who underwent bilateral lateral rectus resections for persistent esotropia by a single surgeon from June 2012 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had residual esodeviations following initial bilateral medial rectus recession. The goal of surgery was to obtain fusion in primary gaze and the reading position without prism, with a postoperative deviation equal to or less than 8Δ at distance and a phoria at near without diplopia. RESULTS: Seven of the 9 patients were successful in achieving this goal. Preoperative esotropia before resection ranged from 12Δ to 30Δ (23.1Δ ± 10.3Δ) at distance and -2Δ to 40Δ (14.9Δ ± 12.3Δ) at near. No exodeviation was created at near by the resections, but 1 patient had an asymptomatic exophoria both pre- and postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Patients with large horizontal misalignment may have residual esodeviations that are too large for correction with recession alone. Given our findings, we believe resection may be an effective tool in resolving esotropia in certain patients with restrictive strabismus.

Integrating the Internship into Ophthalmology Residency Programs: Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology American Academy of Ophthalmology White Paper.

Future ophthalmologists will need to have broad skills to thrive in complex health care organizations. However, training for ophthalmologists does not take advantage of all of the postgraduate years (PGYs). Although the traditional residency years seem to have little excess capacity, enhancing the internship year does offer an opportunity to expand the time for ophthalmology training in the same 4 PGYs. Integrating the internship year into residency would allow control of all of the PGYs, allowing our profession to optimize training for ophthalmology. In this white paper, we propose that we could capture an additional 6 months of training time by integrating basic ophthalmology training into the intern year. This would allow 6 additional months to expand training in areas such as quality improvement or time for "mini-fellowships" to allow graduates to develop a deeper set of skills.

Frecuencia de algunos signos de provocación para el nervio cubital en el codo en una población sana / Fréquence de quelques signes de provocation du nerf ulnaire au coude dans une population saine / Frequency of some signs of challenge to the ulnar nerve at the elbow in a healthy population

Introducción: el síndrome del túnel cubital en el codo es a menudo subdiagnosticado y confundido con la epicondilitis medial. Presenta, con frecuencia, variabilidad en las pruebas del codo contra gravedad; se determinó la proporción de signos positivos sobre el total de codos examinados. Objetivo: determinar en una población sana asintomática la frecuencia de los signos del síndrome del túnel cubital en el codo. Métodos: en 380 codos de una población voluntaria, se realizaron las pruebas de Tinel, de flexión del codo, de rotación interna y flexión del codo, el scratch-collapse y test de flexión del codo contra gravedad; se determinó la proporción de signos positivos sobre el total de codos examinados. Resultados: en total, 66 personas (34,7 por ciento) tuvieron al menos un test positivo en uno o ambos codos. El 45,4 por ciento de las mujeres y el 20,7 por ciento de los hombres tuvieron al menos un test positivo (p=0,001). La prueba de flexión del codo con estimulo de presión tuvo la mayor frecuencia (13,4 por ciento), luego la prueba de Tinel (8,9 por ciento). El test de flexión del codo contra gravedad (4,2 por ciento) y la prueba scratch-collapse (3,4 por ciento) obtuvieron bajas frecuencias. Conclusiones: el 34,7 por ciento de individuos tuvieron al menos un test positivo en uno o ambos codos, cifra alta que sugeriría una alta tasa de falsos positivos en pacientes con síndrome del túnel cubital. En las mujeres, que tenían el doble que los hombres de positividad, sugiere que algunos factores anatómicos, hormonales y otros desconocidos podrían influenciar en esto. El test de flexión del codo contra gravedad tiene en cuenta el flujo contra gravedad de la circulación arterial del nervio cubital, que sumado a la flexión del codo, reproduciría más rápido los síntomas en un paciente con síndrome del túnel cubital. En población sana se encontró una frecuencia baja (4,2 por ciento), lo cual se sugiere como un nuevo signo para apoyar el diagnóstico clínico. No obstante se requiere de otros estudios en pacientes con esta afección para determinar la sensibilidad y especificidad(AU)

Introduction: cubital tunnel syndrome in the elbow is often sub-diagnosed and confused with medial epicondylitis. Variability has often provocative tests. Objective: determine frequency of signs of cubital tunnel syndrome in the elbow in a healthy asymptomatic population. Methods: 380 elbows in a voluntary population were tested by Tinel tests, elbow flexion, internal rotation and elbow flexion, the scratch test-collapse and elbow flexion against gravity; the proportion of positive signs on total elbows examined was determined. Results: in total, 66 persons (34.7 percent) had at least one positive test on one or both elbows. 45.4 percent women and 20.7 men had at least one positivest (p = 0.001). The elbow flexion test with pressure stimulus had the highest rate (13.4 percent e test (p = 0.001). The elbow flexion test with pressure stimulus had the highest rate (13.4 percent), then Tinel test (8.9 percent). The test of elbow flexion against gravity (4.2 percent) and the scratch-collapse (3.4 percent) had low test frequencies. Conclusions: 34.7 percent of subjects had at least one positive test on one or both elbows. This high number would suggest high rate of false positives in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. In women, they were positive twice as men, suggesting that some anatomical, hormonal and other unknown factors could influence. The test of elbow flexion against gravity takes into account the gravity flow against the arterial circulation of the ulnar nerve, which added to the elbow flexion reproduce faster symptoms in a patient with cubital tunnel syndrome. In the healthy population low frequency (4.2 percent) was found, which is suggested as a new sign to support the clinical diagnosis. However it requires further studies in patients with this condition to determine sensitivity and specificity(AU)

Introduction: le syndrome du tunnel cubital au coude est souvent mal diagnostiqué et confondu avec l'épicondylite médiale. D'habitude, les tests de provocation ont des résultats variables. Objectif: le but de ce travail est de déterminer la fréquence des signes du syndrome du tunnel cubital au coude dans une population saine asymptomatique. Méthodes: dans une population volontaire (380 coudes), on a effectué des tests cliniques tels que le test de Tinel, le test de flexion du coude, le test de rotation interne et flexion du coude, le test de scratch-collapse, et le test de flexion active du coude contre la gravité. On a déterminé la proportion de signes positifs sur le total de coudes examinés. Résultats: au total, soixante-six personnes (34.7 pourcent) ont eu au moins un test positif d'un ou de tous les deux bras. Il y a eu au moins un test positif (p=0.001) dans 45.4 pourcent des femmes et dans 20.7 pourcent des hommes. Le test de flexion du coude à stimulus de pression a été le plus fréquent (13.4 pourcent), suivi par le test de Tinel (8.9 pourcent). Le test de flexion du coude contre la gravité (4.2 pourcent) et le test de scratch-collapse (3.4 pourcent) n'ont pas été assez fréquents. Conclusions: dans 34.7 pourcent des cas, il y a eu au moins un test positif d'un ou de tous les deux coudes. Cette chiffre considérée haute suggère un haut taux de faux positifs chez les patients atteints de syndrome du tunnel cubital. Chez les femmes ayant une positivité deux fois plus haute que chez les hommes, elle suggère que des facteurs anatomiques, hormonaux et d'autres encore inconnus peuvent influer. Le test de flexion du coude contre la gravité tient en compte le flux contra la gravité de la circulation artérielle du nerf cubital qui, conjointement avec la flexion du coude, reproduit plus rapidement les symptômes du syndrome du tunnel cubital chez un patient. Dans une population saine, on a trouvé une basse fréquence (4.2 pourcent), ce qui indique un nouveau signe soutenant le diagnostic clinique. Toutefois, il faut faire de nouvelles études pour déterminer la sensibilité et la spécificité(AU)

Acquired nonparalytic causes of superior oblique dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To conduct a retrospective study to investigate the causes of acquired superior oblique dysfunction, excluding paralysis, in a consecutive series of adult patients and to compare presenting symptoms and clinical findings. METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult patients with superior oblique dysfunction between the ages of 18 and 80 who met the study profile was conducted at Saint Louis University Medical Center between January 2000 and April 2012. The presenting symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment course for each patient was recorded. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of our institution. RESULTS: Acquired forms of nonparalytic superior oblique dysfunction were identified in forty-eight patients. These included superior oblique myokymia (twenty-three patients), superior oblique click syndrome or variable Brown syndrome (nine), canine tooth syndrome (five), spontaneous acquired Brown syndrome (four), iatrogenic or traumatic Brown syndrome (four), and ocular neuromyotonia affecting the superior oblique (three). CONCLUSIONS: Several nonparalytic entities were identified that caused superior oblique dysfunction. Clinical findings may be similar despite entirely different mechanisms. Subjective symptoms may be difficult for the patient to describe or for the examiner to elicit on the day of the examination. Specific techniques can be used in eliciting, differentiating, and documenting the conditions. These included trochlear palpation, modified head tilt technique, interpretation of torsion, and Hess charts.

Nutrición por gastrostomía y desarrollo de infecciones respiratorias bajas en adultos sin ventilación mecánica: un estudio de cohorte prospectiva / Gastrostomy feeding and development of lower respiratory tract infections in adults without mechanical ventilation: a prospective cohort study

Antecedentes: Las infecciones respiratorias bajas nosocomiales son, en cuanto a frecuencia, costos e impacto en la salud, las de mayor importancia en los servicios médicos generales y quirúrgicos. Se han identificado factores protectores o de riesgo; otros han sido asociados, ya que se hallan presentes más a menudoentre los afectados, como en el caso de la nutrición por gastrostomía. Objetivo: Determinar la asociaciónentre la nutrición por gastrostomía y el desarrollo de infecciones respiratorias bajas en pacientes adultos sin ventilación mecánica, y modelar el riesgo de dichas infecciones en función del tiempo. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectiva, con seguimiento intrahospitalario y domiciliario de 90 días a pacientes con nutriciónpor gastrostomía y pacientes no expuestos a dicho soporte nutricional hasta la presencia de infeccionesrespiratorias bajas o censura. Análisis estadístico mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier y el modelo de riesgosproporcionales de Cox. Resultados: Se incluyó en el estudio a 128 sujetos (64 en cada cohorte). El 62,5% delos expuestos y el 32,8% de los no expuestos presentaron durante el seguimiento infecciones respiratoriasbajas (p = 0,0008). La nutrición por gastrostomía aumentó al 180% el riesgo de desarrollar infecciones respiratorias bajas (HR: 2,8; IC 95%: 1,64-4,77; p = 0,0001), en comparación con los no expuestos, asociación que aumentó al ajustarse por variables de confusión e interacción (HR: 4,6; IC 95%: 1,95-8,42; p = 0,0000).Conclusión: La nutrición por gastrostomía representa un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de infeccionesrespiratorias bajas en adultos sin ventilación mecánica, y dicho riesgo varía en función del tiempo

Background: Nosocomial lower respiratory infections are the most frequent and expensive nosocomial infections in general medical and surgical services, and they are the ones which have the greatest impacts on patients’ health. Some risk factors and some protective factors have been clearly identifi ed while others have others have been associated since they are present in greater frequency among those affected. One of these is percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the association between PEG feeding and the development of lower respiratory tract infections in adult patients without mechanical ventilation and to model risk as a function of time. Methods: This study wasa prospective cohort study with follow-up of patients in the hospital and at home for 90 days. Gastrostomyfed patients and patients without PEG feeding were studied to determine whether lower respiratory infectionsdeveloped. The Kaplan Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards model were used for statistical analysis of data. Results: A total of 128 subjects, two cohorts of 64 patients each, were included. 62.5% of the patients with PEG feeding and 32.8% of those without PEG feeding developed lower respiratory infections duringfollow-up (p = 0.0008). PEG feeding increased the risk of developing lower respiratory infections by 180%(HR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.64 - 4.77, p=0.0001) over the risk of patients without PEG feeding. This associationincreased when adjusted for confounding variables and interaction (HR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.95 - 8.42, p=0.0000).Conclusion: PEG feeding represents a risk factor for the development of lower respiratory tract infections inadults without mechanical ventilation. This risk varies over time

Cyclic (alternate day) vertical deviation--possible forme fruste of ocular neuromyotonia.

PURPOSE: Cyclic ocular deviations are relatively uncommon and are seldom seen in adults. We report 3 adult patients with cyclic hypotropia that has clinical characteristics similar to neuromyotonia, suggesting a possible common etiology. METHODS: Three consecutive patients with 48-hour cyclic hypotropia underwent full neuro-ophthalmologic, oculoplastics, and orthoptic evaluations as well as appropriate medical and neurologic studies. Examinations were arranged on consecutive days on multiple visits to document the cyclic pattern. RESULTS: All 3 patients had sustained contraction of a vertically acting extraocular muscle lasting 24 hours and demonstrated characteristics of ocular neuromyotonia. The contraction was absent for the next 24 hours. Two of the patients had thyroid eye disease; the third patient had unilateral ophthalmoparesis and had subsequent frameless robotic radiosurgery for a cavernous sinus schwannoma. Regular cycles lasting 6, 9, or 14 months were documented by all 3 patients. In 2 patients, treatment with carbamazepine and gabapentin effectively reduced or eliminated the cycle. The cyclic deviation in the third patient resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the response of these patients to membrane-stabilizing medications and the behavior noted as the cycle broke each day, we propose that cyclic vertical strabismus and ocular neuromyotonia may be related conditions with similar underlying physiology.

Ocular neuromyotonia: differential diagnosis and treatment.

Ocular neuromyotonia (ONM) is a rare but distinctive clinical entity characterized by involuntary episodic contraction of one or more muscles supplied by the ocular motor nerves. A retrospective review was conducted on all patients with ONM seen by the neuroophthalmology service in the past 20 years. Ten patients were identified with ONM; six affecting vertical muscles (superior oblique; inferior rectus; superior rectus) and four affecting lateral rectus muscles. Case 1 has been reported previously. Most episodes occurred every 10-40 min, lasted a few seconds to several minutes, and were repeated throughout the day. Only two patients had previously undergone cranial radiation. Two had thyroid eye disease. One patient presented with superior oblique myokymia and subsequently developed ONM. Membrane stabilizing medications were prescribed in 7 of the 10 patients with varied success. ONM episodes ceased after extraocular muscle surgery in one patient with thyroid eye disease.

Attitudes toward retirement of ophthalmology department chairs.

PURPOSE: To identify common perceptions and ideas about preparation and planning for retirement of chairs of academic departments of ophthalmology, determining areas of particular stress and proposing ways to better prepare for retirement. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred sixteen chairs of academic departments of ophthalmology in the United States. METHODS: A confidential online survey emailed to ophthalmology chairs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surveys assessed demographics; current work schedule; perceptions, preparation, and planning for retirement; and retirement training for faculty and residents. RESULTS: Ninety-six department chairs responded to the survey (82% response rate). Most chairs anticipate retiring around age 70. Significantly, only 9% are looking forward to retirement. Reasons for delaying retirement include keeping active (37%), income/insurance/benefits (20%), and maintaining lifestyle (17%). The most common concern is financing retirement (46%). Forty percent anticipate their reason for retirement will be because of age or health, whereas 20% anticipate fatigue or burnout. Nearly half of the respondents have no specific plan upon retirement. Most respondents anticipate pursuing other interests (43%); 32% intend to spend time with family, vacationing, and travelling. Younger respondents are more concerned with the financial aspects of retirement while more senior respondents appear to delay retirement to keep active or because they enjoy their work. CONCLUSIONS: Retirement is a source of stress for many ophthalmology department chairs and many indicate financial preparation is their major concern. Despite this, the major reason for putting off retirement is a desire to keep active. Developing a retirement plan eases stress and engenders a feeling of confidence about the future.

Brief report: incidence of ophthalmologic disorders in children with autism.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of ophthalmologic disorders in children with autism and related disorders. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. Four hundred and seven children diagnosed with autism or a related disorder between 1998 and 2006. one hundred and fifty-four of these children completed a comprehensive ophthalmology exam by a pediatric ophthalmologist. RESULTS: Ophthalmologic pathology was found in 40% of patients with autism or a related disorder with 29% having significant refractive errors, 21% demonstrating strabismus, and 10% having amblyopia. CONCLUSIONS: Children with autism or a related disorder will frequently have an ophthalmologic abnormality. Since cooperation with vision screening is understandably limited in these children, a comprehensive eye examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist is recommended for all such children.