Endothelial function, arterial wall mechanics and intima media thickness in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of children which might persist into adulthood. Systemic inflammation seen in adult RA patients has been shown to be associated with alteration in endothelial function, arterial wall mechanics and intima media thickness. Our study was planned to assess similar changes in JIA patients. METHODS: Thirty-one newly diagnosed JIA patients and a similar number of age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow mediated dilation and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. To assess arterial stiffness, various arterial wall mechanic parameters such as cross-sectional compliance, cross-sectional distensibility, shear stress and elastic modulus were derived. Intima media thickness of the common carotid artery was measured as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The brachial artery diameter at rest was found to be slightly lower in the patients than controls (0.258 ± 0.042 vs. 0.264 ± 0.039; p=0.54). No significant difference was found in flow mediated dilation (17.71 ± 9.26 vs. 16.31 ± 8.23; p=0.53), GTN mediated dilation (25.25 ± 10.02 vs. 23.66 ± 9.79; p=0.53) or FMD: GTN mediated dilation ratio (0.730 ± 0.432 vs. 0.717 ± 0.280; p=0.89) between the cases and controls. There was also no significant difference in carotid artery intima media thickness (0.065 ± 0.0068 vs. 0.068 ± 0.007; p=0.084) between cases and controls. Cases in different subsets of JIA were also analysed separately with regards to FMD, GTN mediated dilation and cIMT but no difference was found between cases in each subset and their controls. Cross-sectional compliance was significantly lower in cases than controls (0.0016 ± 0.0005 vs. 0.002 ± 0.001; p=0.034). Cross-sectional distensibility (0.009 ± 0.003 vs. 0.011 ± 0.006; p=0.14) was also found to be lower whereas diastolic wall shear stress (299.9 ± 47.08 vs. 294.9 ± 59.5; p=0.72) and elastic modulus (1138.5 ± 1085.8 vs. 911 ± 453; p=0.19) were found to be higher in cases as compared to controls. But these differences were not statistically significant. When the subsets were analysed separately for vessel wall indices, cross-sectional compliance was found to be significantly lower in systemic arthritis patients as compared to controls. A high level of intra- and inter-observer agreement was found for all the ultrasonographically evaluated parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial wall indices were found altered in JIA patients indicating increased arterial stiffness. Larger studies are required to assess endothelial dysfunction, intima media thickness and arterial stiffness in each subset of JIA patients.

Association of systemic risk factors with the severity of retinal hard exudates in a north Indian population with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The various risk factors for diabetic retinopathy and its spectrum are still poorly understood in the Indian population. AIMS: To study the association of various systemic risk factors with retinal hard exudates in type 2 diabetic north Indian patients and to measure the incidence of dyslipidemia in them. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A tertiary-hospital-based cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational case-study which included 180 type 2 diabetic patients (180 eyes) of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) with clinically significant macular edema (CSME). In these patients the retinal hard exudates were graded on a central 500 fundus picture using modified Airlie House classification and divided into three groups of absent or minimal hard exudates (Group 1), hard exudates present (Group 2) and prominent hard exudates (Group 3). Their association with various risk factors, namely the age of onset of diabetes and its duration, gender, insulin therapy, and various systemic parameters like hypertension, blood hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum (s.) creatinine levels, 24-h proteinuria and complete lipid profile including total s. cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) and s. triglyceride (TG) was studied. The incidence of dyslipidemia was also calculated among these groups of patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA test, linear regression analysis and Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the retinal hard exudates were significantly associated with s. creatinine (P=0.016), systolic blood pressure (P=0.014), s. cholesterol (P < 0.001), s. LDL (P=0.008) and s. TG (P=0.013) levels. While on linear regression analysis, s. cholesterol (P < 0.001) and s. LDL cholesterol (P=0.028) were found to be independent risk factors affecting the density of retinal hard exudates. On Spearman's correlation test, the retinal hard exudates showed a significant positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (P=0.019), s. cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL (P=0.002) and TG (P=0.014) levels. The incidence of dyslipidemia varied from as high as nearly 70% among patients of Group 3 compared to as low as 18% among Group 1 patients. CONCLUSION: Serum cholesterol and LDL are independent risk factors for retinal hard exudates in type 2 diabetic north Indian patients who suffer from a remarkably high incidence of dyslipidemia.

Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) evaluation of small bowel obstruction: pictorial review.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is one of the most perplexing clinical situations encountered by a surgeon in the emergency room. The decision to operate or not depends upon many factors including the probable cause and chances of bowel strangulation/ischemia. The clinical, biochemical and radiological features help the surgeon in making this decision. Plain X-rays have been the mainstay in the radiological diagnosis of SBO and its complications. In the last 20 years, CT scan has ushered in a revolution in establishing the diagnosis of SBO, its causes and complications earlier than the traditional methods and has helped in reducing morbidity and mortality. Here, we have summarised the role of multidetector CT scan in diagnosing various aspects of SBO.

Correlation between microaneurysm closure rate and reduction in macular thickness following laser photocoagulation of diabetic macular edema.

AIM: To correlate the microaneurysmal closure rate measured on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) with reduction in macular thickness observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT) following laser photocoagulation of diabetic macular edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational case series. Fifty patients (50 eyes) of type II diabetes mellitus with clinically significant macular oedema (CSME) underwent focal/grid laser photocoagulation. OCT and FFA were performed at baseline and at 2 and 12 weeks following laser photocoagulation to measure the change in macular thickness and the number of leaking microaneurysms respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using paired-ttest and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: A significant reduction in macular thickness was seen at both 2 (P=0.02) and 12 weeks (P<0.0001), most remarkably in the central 1 mm quadrant. However, microaneurysm closure was only 0.67% at 2 weeks, which increased to 89.6% by 12 weeks. The change in retinal thickness correlated significantly with the decrease in the number of leaking microaneurysms at 12 weeks (r=0.597, P<0.0001), but not at 2 weeks (r=-0.228, P=0.112). On OCT, the final reduction in retinal thickness achieved at 12 weeks from baseline correlated significantly with the initial decrease in retinal thickness at 2 weeks (r=0.66, P<0.0001). However, on FFA, the final closure rate of leaking microaneurysms at 12 weeks from baseline did not correlate with the initial closure rate at 2 weeks (r=-0.039, P=0.413). CONCLUSION: Following laser photocoagulation for CSME, an OCT at 2 weeks is more informative and better correlates with the final outcome than an FFA at 2 weeks.

The Auckland Cataract Study: 2 year postoperative assessment of aspects of clinical, visual, corneal topographic and satisfaction outcomes.

AIM: To assess clinical, visual, computerised corneal topographic, and subjective satisfaction with visual acuity, in a cohort of subjects 2 years after phacoemulsification surgery in a public hospital in New Zealand. METHODS: Prospective study of a representative sample of 97 subjects (20%) randomly selected from 480 subjects in the original Auckland Cataract Study (ACS) cohort. The clinical assessment protocol was identical to the ACS and included an extensive questionnaire to enable direct comparisons to be made between the two groups. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly female (66%) with a mean age of 76.3 (SD 9.9) years. New systemic and ocular disease affected 18.4% and 10.3% of subjects respectively, and 10.3% required referral to either a general practitioner (2.1%) or ophthalmologist (8.2%). Mean best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 0.2 (0.2) logMAR units (6/9 Snellen equivalent), with mean spherical equivalent -0.37 (1.01) dioptres (D) and astigmatism -1.07 (0.70) D 2 years postoperatively, compared to mean BSCVA 0.1 (0.2) logMAR units (6/7.5 Snellen equivalent), spherical equivalent -0.59 (1.07) D, and astigmatism -1.14 (0.77) D 4 weeks after surgery. 94.9% of subjects retained a BSCVA of 6/12 or better, irrespective of pre-existing ocular disease. The overall posterior capsule opacification (PCO) rate was 20.4% and this was visually insignificant in all but 3.1% of eyes that had already undergone Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy. Orbscan II elevation technology demonstrated corneal stability 2 years after uncomplicated phacoemulsification. Although corneal astigmatism was eliminated in approximately half of the subjects 1 month postoperatively, astigmatism showed a tendency to regress towards the preoperative level with local corneal thickening at the site of incision 2 years after cataract surgery. Of fellow eyes, 61.2% had undergone cataract surgery. Overall, 75.3% of subjects were moderately to very satisfied with their current level of visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Two years after cataract surgery subjects are generally satisfied with their current level of vision and distance BSCVA is 6/12 or better in the majority of eyes. Although only a minority of eyes develop sufficient PCO to require capsulotomy 10.3% of eyes develop new vision threatening ocular pathology.

The use of adult isolation facilities in a UK infectious diseases unit.

The emergence and re-emergence of communicable infections, especially those due to antibiotic resistant nosocomial pathogens, is likely to increase the burden on the limited isolation facilities of the UK. It was our perception, however, that isolation beds are not always used optimally; with patients requiring isolation sometimes being housed in open-bay beds, whilst other non-communicable patients are unnecessarily isolated. The main aim of this study was to test this hypothesis in a regional infectious diseases (ID) unit. A secondary aim was to provide useful data in the development of guidelines for the admission of patients to the new Dundee ID unit. One-third of patients (32% of all patients and 34% of total bed days) admitted to an isolation room in the current Dundee ID unit over a four-month period, were found to have low-risk or non-communicable conditions. In addition, 21 patients initially considered an infection risk, used 102 bed days following resolution of their infection. Evidence for the presence of patients with 'alert' infections housed in the open-bay beds of other wards, whilst low-risk or non-communicable patients are unnecessarily exposed to isolation in the ID unit, is presented. The findings suggest suboptimal use of the current Tayside University Hospitals' isolation facilities. Given the likelihood of high demand for the isolation of patients in the new Dundee ID unit, it is vital that these facilities are used appropriately, thereby minimizing the risk of nosocomial infection transmission and the unnecessary isolation of low-risk patients.

Functional, psychological, and satisfaction outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia.

PURPOSE: To identify factors that motivate patients to seek laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatment for myopia and establish subjective levels of functional improvement and satisfaction across a range of indices after LASIK surgery. SETTING: The Corneal Diseases and Excimer Laser Research Unit, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland. METHODS: In this questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study, an anonymous 34-item questionnaire was forwarded to 50 consecutive patients in a prospective study who had had LASIK for high myopia by a single surgeon at a single center. The questionnaire used visual analog scales, anchored at each end by an adjectival descriptor. The mean preoperative myopia was -10.7 diopters +/- 4.4 (SD). Seventy-six percent of eyes (83% of patients) achieved post-LASIK uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 6/12 or better; 1 eye lost 2 lines of corrected Snellen visual acuity. RESULTS: A 98% reply rate was achieved. The most common motivating factor for pursuing LASIK was to improve UCVA (88%); only 21% rated improved cosmesis as an important motive. Most patients (81% to 100%) reported functional improvement across the spectrum of visual tasks assessed, although 8.8% reported difficulty with nighttime driving. Ninety-six percent felt their UCVA was as good as anticipated, 97.9% were satisfied with the speed of visual improvement, 93.8% achieved the goals for which they had surgery, 97.9% reported an improved quality of life, and 97.9% were satisfied with the overall outcome of LASIK. CONCLUSIONS: Using an anonymous, wide-ranging questionnaire, high levels of functional improvement and satisfaction with the speed of visual recovery and outcome were reported by patients after LASIK for high myopia. Nighttime driving symptoms of variable severity were, however, noted by 8.8% of patients, despite high levels of satisfaction with other aspects of visual function.

Percutaneous atherectomy of occlusive peripheral vascular disease: stenoses and/or occlusions.

Percutaneous atherectomy was performed using the Simpson Atherocath on 131 patients (87 male, 66%) with a mean age of 65 years. Clinical characteristics included evidence of significant coronary disease in 50%, hypertension in 46%, diabetes in 41%, and prior neurologic deficit in 32% of patients. The indication for atherectomy was claudication in 114 (87%) and rest pain, gangrene, or ulcer in 17 patients (13%). Atherectomy was successfully performed in 136/139 stenoses (98%) and in 56/56 occluded vessels with or without prior balloon angioplasty. No serious complications resulting in limb loss or emergency vascular surgery were encountered. Histopathology of retrieved specimens showed that 66% had atheromatous plaque, 45% had tunica media, and 30% had a form of thrombus. Material obtained from an occluded vessel was more likely to have thrombus and tunica media present than that from a stenosis (P less than 0.02 and P less than 0.05, respectively). Early angiographic follow-up (mean time, 17 weeks) showed a relatively low (17%) lesion recurrence rate. Percutaneous atherectomy can be successfully utilized in stenotic and occluded peripheral arteries with good success and no serious complications; stenoses appear to have a low recurrence rate.

Percutaneous aspiration of a thromboembolus.

Percutaneous aspiration of a thromboembolus was successfully performed in 12 out of 13 patients with in situ thrombosis (4 patients), distal embolization (7 patients), or both (2 patients). The flow was improved from TIMI 0 (10 patients, no flow) or TIMI 1 (2 patients, impaired flow) to TIMI 3 (10 patients, normal flow) or TIMI 2 (2 patients, normal but slower flow). A custom-made 8 F Teflon-coated sheath was introduced in the superficial femoral and proximal below-the-knee arteries to aspirate the debris. Distal embolization in below-the-knee arteries was concomitantly treated with short-term intraarterial Urokinase in nine patients. Complications included one in-hospital (not procedure related) death, two patients with below-the-knee amputations (above-the-knee amputation averted), and one transmetatarsal amputation (prior established gangrene present and below-the-knee amputation avoided). The remaining nine patients left the hospital with improved limb status and peripheral pulses. This technique is a rapid, reliable, and efficient method to treat in-situ clot or procedure-related distal embolization as an adjuvant or complement to lytic treatment.

Sickle cell heart disease. Two-dimensional echo and Doppler ultrasonographic findings in the hearts of adult patients with sickle cell anemia.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a commonly diagnosed condition in the black population in the United States. With better medical management, patients with SCA are living longer and what were previously uncommon sequelae are being recognized frequently, including those involving the cardiovascular system. Previous reports on the cardiovascular effects of SCA have focused predominantly on children, but the conclusions remain controversial. To study this question further, 40 adult patients with documented SCA were examined using two-dimensional and Doppler cardiac ultrasound. Valvular structures were normal despite an increased incidence of flow murmurs. Abnormalities were found more frequently in the left heart than the right, as manifested primarily by increased left ventricular mass, and left ventricular and left atrial dilatation with preservation of systolic function. Pulmonary hypertension, which was present in two thirds of the sample, was minimal to moderate as assessed by our Doppler technique. The effects of SCA on the heart seem to be minimal and similar to those of other anemias, predominantly confined to the left atrium and ventricle with passive elevation of pulmonary pressures. Clinical murmurs were most often physiologic; there was no association with myxomatous valvular degeneration or mitral valve prolapse.