Mini-Conjunctival Limbal Autograft (Mini-CLAU) Using Platelet-Rich Plasma Eye Drops (E-PRP): A Case Series.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a new method of limbal stem cell transplantation using autologous platelet-rich plasma (E-PRP) eye drops for unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency. METHODS: Patients with total unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency due to chemical burn underwent mini-conjunctival limbal autograft using autologous E-PRP drops. One small limbal block, measuring 2 × 2 mm, was harvested from the patients' contralateral healthy eye and transplanted to the diseased eye. All patients received E-PRP drops until achieving complete corneal epithelialization. Subsequent corneal transplantation was performed in eyes with significant stromal opacification. Corneal buttons obtained during corneal transplantation underwent immunohistochemistry for the evaluation of limbal stem cell markers (ABCG2 and P63). Visual acuity, epithelial healing, corneal clarity, and regression of corneal conjunctivalization/vascularization were evaluated after surgery. RESULTS: Ten patients with acid (n = 7) or alkali (n = 3) burn were included. The mean follow-up period was 21.7 ± 5.8 months (range, 12-32 months). Corneas were completely reepithelialized within 14.9 ± 3.5 days (range, 11-21 days). Corneal conjunctivalization/vascularization dramatically regressed 1 to 2 months after surgery in all cases, and corneal clarity considerably improved in 7 patients. In the 3 eyes with significant stromal opacification, subsequent optical penetrating keratoplasty was performed. The ocular surface was stable throughout the follow-up period in all eyes. BSCVA improved to 0.60 ± 0.0.32 and 0.46 ± 0.0.25 logMAR in eyes with and without corneal transplantation, respectively, at the final follow-up visit. ABCG2 and P63 markers were detected on corneal buttons after keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our clinical and laboratory findings, mini-conjunctival limbal autograft using E-PRP can be considered as a promising alternative to ocular surface reconstruction.

Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes (LODDS) as an Independent Predictor of Overall Survival Following Radical Cystectomy in Urothelial Bladder Cancer: Time to Rethink Conventional Node Staging.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) with lymph node dissection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and high risk non-MIBC. The American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) node staging and lymph node ratio (LNR) systems are used in estimating prognosis; however, they do not directly factor in negative dissected nodes. In this study, we evaluated the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), a novel measure of nodal involvement, as a predictor of survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-three patients who underwent RC were retrospectively included and their demographic and clinical data were collected. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression were used for survival analyses. RESULTS: Median number of dissected lymph nodes was 13 (range 3-45). ROC curve analysis indicated -0.92 as the optimal LODDS cutoff. LODDS > -0.92 was associated with higher T stage, lymphovascular invasion, and significantly worse overall survival (OS) (mean OS 18.6 vs. 45.1 months, P-value < .001). Furthermore, we evaluated AJCC node staging, LNR, and LODDS in three separate multivariable Cox regression models. Among 3 different measures of nodal disease burden, only LODDS was an independent predictor of OS (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.28-5.73, P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that LODDS is an independent predictor of OS and outperforms AJCC node staging and LNR in forecasting prognosis among patients with urothelial bladder cancer who undergo RC.

Association Between Preoperative De Ritis (AST/ALT) Ratio and Oncological Outcomes Following Radical Cystectomy in Patients With Urothelial Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care for muscle invasive bladder cancer (BC). However, response to treatment varies between patients. Considering the role of hepatic glucose metabolism in urothelial cancer, AST/ALT ratio (De Ritis ratio) has the potential to serve as a prognostic factor for bladder cancer and a predictor for treatment outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent radical cystectomy between March 2016 - March 2019. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on De Ritis ratio (< 1.3 [normal] vs. ≥ 1.3 [high]). Demographics, disease severity, treatment status, and disease outcome (90-day mortality and overall survival [OS]) were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were included, 62.9% of them having a De Ritis ratio of < 1.3 and 37.1% with a De Ritis ratio of ≥ 1.3. Mean OS was significantly higher in patients with normal De Ritis ratio (40.84 vs. 18.28 months, P < .001), and 90-day mortality rate was lower in these patients (8.9% vs. 36.4%, P = .001). Moreover, De Ritis ratio was the sole independent predictor of OS in multivariable regression analysis. CONCLUSION: De Ritis ratio is an independent prognostic factor in BC patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Furthermore, higher De Ritis ratio is associated with worse OS and a higher 90-day mortality rate after surgery, and therefore, has the potential to serve as a predictor of treatment outcome in BC patients.

Ankylosing Spondylitis.

The seronegative spondyloarthropathies are a group of autoimmune inflammatory diseases lacking rheumatoid factor or antinuclear antibody in their serum. They include ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondylitis associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies. Inflammation mostly affects the axial joints, entheses, and extra-articular structures such as uveal tract, gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous tissue, and heart. Uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation. Spondyloarthropathies, especially AS, have a strong association with the presence of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-B27 gene. AS happens earlier in HLA-B27 patients and men are more prone to the disease. Uveitis, typically unilateral non-granulomatous acute anterior uveitis, occurs in up to 50% of the patients with AS. HLA-B27 positivity correlates with more frequent flare-ups. Conjunctivitis and scleritis are rare ocular manifestations of AS. To establish the diagnosis of AS, at least one clinical and one radiologic parameter are required for definitive diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scan can help early detection of the axial skeleton inflammation. The course of eye and joint involvement are not correlated. Short-term treatment with topical corticosteroids and cycloplegic agents control the uveitis attack. In resistant cases, local or systemic therapy with corticosteroids are recommended. NSAIDs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), methotrexate, azathioprine, anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibodies, and TNF-α antagonists are effective treatments for ocular and systemic manifestations of AS. If not treated adequately, uveitis may become recalcitrant and extend posteriorly. Functional impairment due to joint destruction can also occur as a result of under-treatment.

Intermediate Uveitis Associated with Tattooing of Eyebrows as a Manifestation of Systemic Sarcoidosis: Report of Two Cases.

Permanent make-up tattooing as a cosmetic procedure is gaining popularity especially among women. Although it is considered a relatively safe intervention, the ink used can rarely be a trigger of sarcoidosis. Uveitis can occur as part of this inflammatory process. In this study, we describe two ladies presented with tattoo-associated uveitis as the first manifestations of systemic sarcoidosis. They developed intermediate uveitis shortly after skin inflammation several months after permanent make-up tattooing of eyebrows. Lung involvement, high ACE levels, and negative PPD were present. Skin granuloma formation was diffuse over the area of tattoo in one patient and localized in the other one. This is the first report of uveitis following make-up tattoo.

Ocular Neuropathic Pain: An Overview Focusing on Ocular Surface Pains.

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews ocular pain with the main focus on ocular surface discomfort and dry eye pain. Anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, assessment, and treatment are discussed in this paper. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted for studies published from 2000 to 2019 on the anatomy, pathophysiology, epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of ocular pain. Reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials were included. Inclusion criteria focused on ocular surface discomfort, dry eye pain and neuropathic pain. RESULTS: A total of 112 articles were found through searches, 45 of which were selected and studied in this review. DISCUSSION: Pain in general can be acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually a physiologic response to a serious damage to the tissues and alleviates with pain relief treatments. Chronic pain is defined as the persistence of pain for more than three months. From another point of view, pain has been classified into either nociceptive or neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is a physiologic response to a noxious stimulus. Both central and peripheral nervous systems can be involved in the development of a neuropathic pain, which is characterized by positive or negative sensory signs, a pain perceived disproportionate to a noxious stimulus, and/or not responsive to analgesics. Chronic pain usually has a neuropathic component. Ocular surface pain is a well-known complaint after any corneal surgery. This is mainly due to abnormal regeneration of damaged corneal nerve endings and abnormal connections with adjacent nerve endings which produce spontaneous activity. Tear hyperosmolarity and the resultant ocular surface inflammation can also trigger voluntary activity of corneal nerve endings. Referral pain to the first and second division of the trigeminal nerve has been reported. Interference with vision and even sleep, which is out of proportion to the examination are among patients' complaints. All of these elements proposed the new concept of ocular neuropathic pain syndrome. The first step in conventional evaluation of ocular discomfort is search for tear insufficiency. Pathologies of lid and blinking as well as conjunctival irregularities should be addressed. Anti-inflammatory agents and, in resistant cases, systemic neuromodulators are shown to be helpful. Education on behavioral changes and reassurance are essential steps. Considering the neuropathic origin for the ocular pain, treatment modalities used for such pain in other parts of the body can be considered for this syndrome.