Oral pilocarpine for the treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren's syndrome / Pilocarpina oral no tratamento do olho seco de pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of oral pilocarpine (20 mg daily) for the treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome. The frequency of side effects reported during the treatment was also investigated. Methods: In this placebo-controlled crossover study, 32 patients with Sjögren's syndrome were enrolled to receive either oral pilocarpine or placebo for 10 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period, the treatment was inverted for each patient for the same duration. Assessments included the quality of life National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25), dry eye specific questionnaire Ocular Surface Disease Index, non-invasive breakup time, invasive breakup time with fluorescein, corneal and conjunctival staining patterns with the use of fluorescein and rose bengal staining, Schirmer's test, and tear ferning test. Results: According to the NEI-VFQ-25, there was statistically significant improvement in the quality of life following oral pilocarpine. Similar results were observed for ocular discomfort, as determined by the Ocular Surface Disease Index. All clinical tests showed favorable and statistically significant results following the use of oral pilocarpine. Regarding the analysis of tear samples, there was an improvement in the quality of tear film. This was evidenced by the modification of the patterns observed in the tear ferning test. Side effects were reported by 96.8% and 56.2% of the patients who received pilocarpine and placebo, respectively. Sweating was the most frequently reported side effect (67.74% versus 11.11%, respectively). Conclusions: Although the treatment was associated with a high frequency of side effects, oral pilocarpine (20 mg daily) was able to relieve discomfort related to dry eyes in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and induce favorable structural changes in the tear film.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o alívio de sintomas e sinais relacionados à secura ocular e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren tratados com o uso oral de pilocarpina na dose diária de 20mg. A frequência dos efeitos colaterais relatados com o tratamento também foi estudada. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo cruzado e placebo-controlado, que envolveu 32 pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren em uso de pilocarpina oral ou placebo, por dez semanas. Após duas semanas sem medicações, houve a inversão dos tratamentos para cada paciente, por mais dez semanas. As avaliações foram feitas por meio do questionário de qualidade de vida NEI-VFQ-25, questionário olho seco específico Ocular Surface Disease Index, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal não invasivo, tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal com fluoresceína, avaliação da superfície ocular com os corantes fluoresceína e rosa Bengala, teste de Schirmer e teste de cristalização do filme lacrimal. Resultados: Houve melhora estatisticamente significante na qualidade de vida medida pelo questionário NEI-VFQ-25 e no desconforto ocular avaliado pelo Ocular Surface Disease Index, após o tratamento. Todos os testes clínicos sofreram influência favorável e estatisticamente significante durante a fase de tratamento com pilocarpina oral. Em relação à análise de amostras de lágrimas, ocorreram alterações estruturais indicando melhora no padrão de cristalização do filme lacrimal. Os efeitos colaterais com o uso de pilocarpina foram relatados por 96,8% dos pacientes com a pilocarpina e 56,2% com placebo. Sudorese foi o efeito colateral mais frequentemente relatado (pilocarpina = 67,74%; placebo = 11,11%). Conclusões: O uso oral de pilocarpina na dose diária de 20mg foi capaz de aliviar as queixas de desconforto relacionadas ao ressecamento ocular em pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren, produzir impacto positivo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e induzir mudanças estruturais favoráveis no filme lacrimal, embora os efeitos colaterais relatados tenham ocorrido com alta frequência.

Oral pilocarpine for the treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of oral pilocarpine (20 mg daily) for the treatment of dry eye in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome. The frequency of side effects reported during the treatment was also investigated. METHODS: In this placebo-controlled crossover study, 32 patients with Sjögren's syndrome were enrolled to receive either oral pilocarpine or placebo for 10 weeks. Following a 2-week washout period, the treatment was inverted for each patient for the same duration. Assessments included the quality of life National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25), dry eye specific questionnaire Ocular Surface Disease Index, non-invasive breakup time, invasive breakup time with fluorescein, corneal and conjunctival staining patterns with the use of fluorescein and rose bengal staining, Schirmer's test, and tear ferning test. RESULTS: According to the NEI-VFQ-25, there was statistically significant improvement in the quality of life following oral pilocarpine. Similar results were observed for ocular discomfort, as determined by the Ocular Surface Disease Index. All clinical tests showed favorable and statistically significant results following the use of oral pilocarpine. Regarding the analysis of tear samples, there was an improvement in the quality of tear film. This was evidenced by the modification of the patterns observed in the tear ferning test. Side effects were reported by 96.8% and 56.2% of the patients who received pilocarpine and placebo, respectively. Sweating was the most frequently reported side effect (67.74% versus 11.11%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although the treatment was associated with a high frequency of side effects, oral pilocarpine (20 mg daily) was able to relieve discomfort related to dry eyes in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and induce favorable structural changes in the tear film.

Primary Pediatric Keratoplasty: Etiology, Graft Survival, and Visual Outcome.

PURPOSE: Interventional study to evaluate the etiology, visual outcome and survival of corneal transplantation in children and to identify the risk factors associated with graft failure. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional consecutive case series. METHODS: Medical records of every child 7 years of age or younger who underwent primary penetrating keratoplasty at Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo were reviewed. The parameters evaluated were indications for keratoplasty, graft survival, and postoperative visual acuity (VA) improvement. Children underwent ophthalmologic examination before and after corneal graft, including VA, assessed by the preferential looking test and visual evoked potential. The analysis of transplant survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Fifty-six penetrating transplants were performed in 51 eyes of 43 children. The patients were divided into 2 groups: congenital (72.5%) and acquired (17.5%) corneal opacity. The main indication was congenital glaucoma (29.4%). The overall Kaplan-Meier graft survival rates were 64.7% in the postoperative average follow-up period of 24 months. There was no significant difference in graft survival between the congenital and acquired groups (Mantel-Cox P = .1031). There was significant improvement in VA in both groups (P = .0022 for congenital and P < .0001 for acquired). Rejection and diagnosis of congenital glaucoma were risk factors for graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital glaucoma was the main indication for corneal transplantation and despite the difficulties, prolonged survival and improved VA can be achieved in pediatric transplant. Complications such as rejection and early glaucoma were significantly associated with graft failure.

Blau-Jabs Syndrome in a Tertiary Ophthalmologic Center.

In a prospective case series of patients with Blau-Jabs syndrome (BJS) conducted in the Ophthalmology Department/Federal University of Sao Paulo, seven patients with clinical and ophthalmologic manifestations of the disease and a positive genetic test result for the presence of a mutation in the CARD15/NOD2 gene were followed for a minimal period of 1 year. All patients had uveitis, five had nummular corneal subepithelial opacities, and four had multifocal choroiditis. Oral prednisolone was administered to all patients; inflammation was controlled in six patients with at least one immunosuppressive drug. Infliximab (Remicade; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium) and etanercept (Enbrel; Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA) were used to treat two cases refractory to the anti-inflammatory drugs. A subconjunctival dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex; Allergan, Irvine, CA) and a periocular injection of triamcinolone were used in one case to achieve inflammation control. Six patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/25 or better. The authors conclude that periocular treatment with steroid injections might be effective adjuvant therapy to control ocular inflammation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:70-75.].

The effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light on keratocytes cultured in vitro.

PURPOSE: To culture quiescent human keratocytes and evaluate the effects of ultraviolet light and riboflavin on human corneal keratocytes in vitro. METHODS: Keratocytes were obtained from remaining corneoscleral ring donor corneas previously used in corneal transplant surgeries and cultured in DMEM/F12 with 2% FBS until confluence. Characterization of cultured cells was performed by immunofluorescence analysis for anti-cytokeratin-3, anti-Thy-1, anti-α-smooth muscle actin, and anti-lumican. Immunofluorescence was performed before and after treatment of cultured cells with either ultraviolet light or riboflavin. Corneal stromal cells were covered with collagen (200 µL or 500 µL) and 0.1% riboflavin, and then exposed to ultraviolet light at 370 nm for 30 minutes. After 24 hours, cytotoxicity was determined using MTT colorimetric assays, whereas cell viability was assessed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. RESULTS: Cell cultures achieved confluence in approximately 20 days. Expression of the lumican was high, whereas no expression of CK3, Thy-1, and α-SMA was observed. After crosslinking, MTT colorimetric assays demonstrated a low toxicity rate, whereas Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining demonstrated a low rate of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively, in all collagen-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Keratocytes can be successfully cultured in vitro and characterized by immunofluorescence using lumican. MTT colorimetric assays, and Hoechst 33342, and propidium iodide staining demonstrated a higher rate of cell death in cells cultured without collagen, indicating collagen protects keratocytes from the cytotoxic effects of ultraviolet light.

The effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light on keratocytes cultured in vitro / Avaliação do efeito da riboflavina e luz ultravioleta sobre os ceratócitos in vitro

ABSTRACT Purpose: To culture quiescent human keratocytes and evaluate the effects of ultraviolet light and riboflavin on human corneal keratocytes in vitro. Methods: Keratocytes were obtained from remaining corneoscleral ring donor corneas previously used in corneal transplant surgeries and cultured in DMEM/F12 with 2% FBS until confluence. Characterization of cultured cells was performed by immunofluorescence analysis for anti-cytokeratin-3, anti-Thy-1, anti-α-smooth muscle actin, and anti-lumican. Immunofluorescence was performed before and after treatment of cultured cells with either ultraviolet light or riboflavin. Corneal stromal cells were covered with collagen (200 µL or 500 µL) and 0.1% riboflavin, and then exposed to ultraviolet light at 370 nm for 30 minutes. After 24 hours, cytotoxicity was determined using MTT colorimetric assays, whereas cell viability was assessed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. Results: Cell cultures achieved confluence in approximately 20 days. Expression of the lumican was high, whereas no expression of CK3, Thy-1, and α-SMA was observed. After crosslinking, MTT colorimetric assays demonstrated a low toxicity rate, whereas Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining demonstrated a low rate of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively, in all collagen-treatment groups. Conclusion: Keratocytes can be successfully cultured in vitro and characterized by immunofluorescence using lumican. MTT colorimetric assays, and Hoechst 33342, and propidium iodide staining demonstrated a higher rate of cell death in cells cultured without collagen, indicating collagen protects keratocytes from the cytotoxic effects of ultraviolet light.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação da luz ultravioleta e riboflavina sobre ceratócitos da córnea humana in vitro. Métodos: Os ceratócitos foram obtidos a partir das rimas corneoesclerais remanescentes da trepanação de córneas previamente utilizadas em cirurgias de transplante de córnea e cultivadas em meio DMEM/F12 com 2% de FBS até atingir confluência. As culturas de células foram caracterizadas por imunofluorescência com os anticorpos K3 (marcador de células epiteliais), Thy-1 (marcador de fibroblasto) SMA (marcador de miofibroblasto) e Lumican (marcador de ceratócitos). Imunofluorescência também foi feita após o tratamento. As células do estroma da córnea foram cobertas com colágeno (200 µL e 500 µL) e 0,1% de riboflavina e exposta a luz UVA a 370 nm por 30 minutos. Após 24 horas, citotoxicidade foi determinada por ensaio de MTT e a viabilidade celular foi feita por Hoechst 33342/Iodeto de propideo. Resultados: As culturas de células atingiram confluência em aproximadamente 20 dias. Imunofluorescência apontou alta expressão para o marcador de ceratócitos (Lumican) e expressão negativa par os marcadores de células epiteliais (K3), fibroblasto (Thy-1) e miofibroblasto (α-SMA). Após o cross linking a análise de MTT mostrou baixa taxa de toxicidade e com a coloração de Hoechst 33342/Iodeto de propideo baixa taxa de apoptose e necrose respectivamente em todos os grupos que continham colágeno. Conclusão: As culturas de ceratócitos foram obtidas e caracterizadas por imunofluorescência através do marcador Lumican com sucesso. O ensaio de MTT e a coloração por Hoechst 33342 e iodeto de propídio, apresentaram maior índice de morte celular nos grupos que não continham colágeno, provando que protege as células contra os efeitos da luz UVA.

Induction of corneal collagen cross-linking in experimental corneal alkali burns in rabbits.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of riboflavin-ultraviolet-A-induced cross-linking (CXL) following corneal alkali burns in rabbits. Methods: The right corneas and limbi of ten rabbits were burned using a 1N solution of NaOH and the animals were then divided into two groups: a control group submitted to clinical treatment alone and an experimental group that was treated 1 h after injury with CXL, followed by the same clinical treatment as administered to the controls. Clinical parameters were evaluated post-injury at 1, 7, 15, and 30 days by two independent observers. Following this evaluation, the corneas were excised and examined histologically. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in clinical parameters, such as hyperemia, corneal edema, ciliary injection, limbal ischemia, secretion, corneal neovascularization, symblepharon, or blepharospasm, at any of the time-points evaluated. However, the size of the epithelial defect was significantly smaller in the CXL group (p<0.05) (day 15: p=0.008 and day 30: p=0.008) and the extent of the corneal injury (opacity lesion) was also smaller (day 30: p=0.021). Histopathology showed the presence of collagen bridges linking the collagen fibers in only the CXL group. Conclusions: These results suggest that the use of CXL may improve the prognosis of acute corneal alkali burns.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy after palliative surgical procedures for bullous keratopathy: a descriptive comparative study / Biomicroscopia ultrassônica após procedimentos cirúrgicos paliativos na ceratopatia bolhosa: estudo comparativo descritivo

Purpose: To describe quantitative and qualitative features of eyes with advanced bullous keratopathy assessed using ultrasound biomicroscopy, before and after anterior stromal puncture (ASP) or amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) procedures to relieve chronic pain. Methods: The present descriptive comparative study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with chronic intermittent pain due to bullous keratopathy who were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments (AMT or ASP). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (Humphrey, UBM 840, 50 MHz transducer, immersion technique) was used, and a questionnaire about pain intensity was completed preoperatively and postoperatively at days 90 and 180, respectively. Exclusion criteria were age<18 years, presence of concurrent infection, ocular hypertension, and absence of pain. Results: In a 180-day follow-up, the AMT group exhibited mean central corneal thickness (CCT), 899.4 µm preoperatively and 1122.5 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); mean epithelial thickness (ET), 156.4 µm preoperatively and 247.8 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); and mean stromal thickness (ST), 742.9 µm preoperatively and 826.3 µm postoperatively (p=0.005). The ASP group exhibited mean CCT, 756.7 µm preoperatively and 914.8 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); mean ET, 102.1 µm preoperatively and 245.2 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); and mean ST, 654.6 µm preoperatively and 681.5 µm postoperatively (p<0.999). Correlations between CCT and pain intensity in the AMT group (p=0.209 pre- and postoperatively) and the ASP group (p=0.157 preoperatively and p=0.426 at the 180-day follow-up) were not statistically significant. Epithelial and stromal edema, Descemet’s membrane folds, epithelial bullae, and the presence of interface fluid were frequently observed qualitative features. Conclusion: CCT increased over time in both groups. The magnitude of CCT did not correlate with pain intensity in the sample studied. The presence of interface ...

Objetivo: Descrever as características quantitativas e qualitativas da biomicroscopia ultrassônica (UBM) em olhos com ceratopatia bolhosa avançada, antes e após os procedimentos de punção estromal anterior (ASP) ou transplante de membrana amniótica (AMT) para alívio de dor crônica. Métodos: Estudo comparativo descritivo incluindo 40 olhos de 40 pacientes com dor crônica intermitente devido a ceratopatia bolhosa, randomizados em duas modalidades de tratamento (AMT e ASP). Biomicroscopia ultrassônica (Humphrey, UBM 840, transdutor de 50 MHz, técnica de imersão) foi utilizada, e um questionário de avaliação da intensidade da dor foi aplicado no pré-operatório, e após 90 e 180 dias de pós-operatório. Critérios de exclusão foram: idade abaixo de 18 anos, presença de infecção, hipertensão ocular, e ausência de dor. Resultados: No seguimento de 180 dias, o grupo Transplante de membrana amniótica apresentou: média da espessura corneana central (CCT): 899,4 µm (pré), 1.122,5 µm (pós-operatório) (p<0,001); média da espessura epitelial (ET): 156,4 µm (pré), 247,8 µm (pós-operatório) (p<0,001); média da espessura estromal (ST): 742,9 µm (pré), 826,3 µm (pós-operatório) (p=0,005), e, grupo ASP apresentou: CCT média: 756.7 µm (pré), 914,8µm (pós-operatório) (p<0,001); ET média: 102,1 µm (pré), 245,2 µm (pós-operatório) (p<0,001); ST média: 654,6 µm (pré), 681.5 µm (pós-operatório) (p<0,999). A correlação entre intensidade da dor e espessura corneana central no grupo AMT (p=0,209 pré e pós-operatórios) e no grupo ASP (p=0,157 pré-operatório e p=0,426 aos 180 dias de seguimento) não foi significativa. Edema epitelial e estromal, dobras na membrana de Descemet, bolhas epiteliais, e presença de fluido na interface foram características qualitativas frequentemente observadas. Conclusão: A espessura corneana central aumentou ao longo do tempo em ambos os grupos. A magnitude da espessura corneana central não interfere na intensidade da dor ...

Amniotic membrane for reducing the formation of adhesions in strabismus surgery: experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of amniotic membrane in reducing inflammation, fibrosis, adhesion formation, and ocular motility restrictions following strabismus surgery. METHODS: In the first stage of this prospective, randomized study, 17 rabbits underwent superior rectus muscle recession in both eyes. Surgery was performed in the same manner, but human amniotic membrane was placed over the muscle without sutures in the right eye after recession. After 15 days, the rabbits were killed and their orbits were exenterated and evaluated histopathologically to quantify tissue inflammation and fibrosis. In the second stage, 5 rabbits underwent the same procedure but were killed after 30 days. A dynamometer was used to measure the force required to displace all eyes. RESULTS: At 15 days postoperatively, eyes with amniotic membrane exhibited an increased inflammatory response and less fibrosis than eyes without amniotic membrane. At 30 days postoperatively, eyes with amniotic membrane continued to exhibit increased inflammation and less fibrosis than eyes without amniotic membrane. In the dynamometer test, more force was needed to displace eyes without amniotic membrane after 15 days, but there was no significant difference between the forces required at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Human amniotic membrane in rabbits led to an increase in the inflammatory process and a decrease in fibrosis formation following strabismus surgery.

Induction of corneal collagen cross-linking in experimental corneal alkali burns in rabbits / Indução de ligações covalentes de colágeno em queimaduras corneanas experimentais por álcali em coelhos

Objective: To evaluate the effect of riboflavin-ultraviolet-A-induced cross-linking (CXL) following corneal alkali burns in rabbits. Methods: The right corneas and limbi of ten rabbits were burned using a 1N solution of NaOH and the animals were then divided into two groups: a control group submitted to clinical treatment alone and an experimental group that was treated 1 h after injury with CXL, followed by the same clinical treatment as administered to the controls. Clinical parameters were evaluated post-injury at 1, 7, 15, and 30 days by two independent observers. Following this evaluation, the corneas were excised and examined histologically. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in clinical parameters, such as hyperemia, corneal edema, ciliary injection, limbal ischemia, secretion, corneal neovascularization, symblepharon, or blepharospasm, at any of the time-points evaluated. However, the size of the epithelial defect was significantly smaller in the CXL group (p<0.05) (day 15: p=0.008 and day 30: p=0.008) and the extent of the corneal injury (opacity lesion) was also smaller (day 30: p=0.021). Histopathology showed the presence of collagen bridges linking the collagen fibers in only the CXL group. Conclusions: These results suggest that the use of CXL may improve the prognosis of acute corneal alkali burns. .

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de ligações covalentes de colágeno (cross-linking [CXL]) induzidas pelo tratamento com riboflavina e radiação ultravioleta A após queimaduras por álcali em córneas de coelhos. Métodos: Dez coelhos foram submetidos a queimadura ocular direita abrangendo estruturas da córnea e limbo usando uma solução de NaOH a 1N. A seguir, os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: um grupo controle submetido a tratamento clínico pós dano corneano e um grupo experimental que foi tratado com CXL uma hora após o dano, seguido pelo mesmo tratamento clínico administrado aos controles. Os parâmetros clínicos foram avaliados 1, 7, 15 e 30 dias após a lesão, por dois observadores independentes. Na etapa seguinte, foi realizada a excisão e o exame histológico das córneas. Resultados: Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos parâmetros clínicos de hiperemia, edema da córnea, injeção ciliar, isquemia límbica, secreção, neovascularização da córnea, simbléfaro ou blefaroespasmo, em qualquer dos momentos da avaliação. Entretanto, o grupo CXL apresentou um defeito epitelial menor (p<0,05) (dia 15: p=0,008 e dia 30: p=0,008) e menor extensão da lesão na córnea (lesão opaca) (dia 30: p=0,021). O exame histopatológico revelou a presença de pontes de colágeno conectando as fibras de colágeno somente no grupo CXL. Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que o uso de CXL pode melhorar o prognóstico de queimaduras agudas da córnea causadas por alcáli. .

Ultrasound biomicroscopy after palliative surgical procedures for bullous keratopathy: a descriptive comparative study.

PURPOSE: To describe quantitative and qualitative features of eyes with advanced bullous keratopathy assessed using ultrasound biomicroscopy, before and after anterior stromal puncture (ASP) or amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) procedures to relieve chronic pain. METHODS: The present descriptive comparative study included 40 eyes of 40 patients with chronic intermittent pain due to bullous keratopathy who were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments (AMT or ASP). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (Humphrey, UBM 840, 50 MHz transducer, immersion technique) was used, and a questionnaire about pain intensity was completed preoperatively and postoperatively at days 90 and 180, respectively. Exclusion criteria were age<18 years, presence of concurrent infection, ocular hypertension, and absence of pain. RESULTS: In a 180-day follow-up, the AMT group exhibited mean central corneal thickness (CCT), 899.4 µm preoperatively and 1122.5 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); mean epithelial thickness (ET), 156.4 µm preoperatively and 247.8 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); and mean stromal thickness (ST), 742.9 µm preoperatively and 826.3 µm postoperatively (p=0.005). The ASP group exhibited mean CCT, 756.7 µm preoperatively and 914.8 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); mean ET, 102.1 µm preoperatively and 245.2 µm postoperatively (p<0.001); and mean ST, 654.6 µm preoperatively and 681.5 µm postoperatively (p<0.999). Correlations between CCT and pain intensity in the AMT group (p=0.209 pre- and postoperatively) and the ASP group (p=0.157 preoperatively and p=0.426 at the 180-day follow-up) were not statistically significant. Epithelial and stromal edema, Descemet's membrane folds, epithelial bullae, and the presence of interface fluid were frequently observed qualitative features. CONCLUSION: CCT increased over time in both groups. The magnitude of CCT did not correlate with pain intensity in the sample studied. The presence of interface fluid was a qualitative feature specifically found in some patients who underwent AMT.

Distribuição das ceratites infecciosas em hospital terciário no Brasil / Distribution of infectious keratitis in a tertiary hospital in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Investigar sazonalidade de ceratities infecciosas em serviço terciário no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de dados coletados do Laboratório de Microbiologia Ocular do Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo de 2005 a 2009. Foram definidas como ceratites infecciosas aquelas com cultura positiva para o agente. Dados foram distribuídos de acordo com os meses do ano e modelos de regressão linear com variáveis "dummy" foram utilizados para testar sazonalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticados 1.468 casos de ceratite infecciosa durante o período do estudo. Bactérias foram responsáveis por 80,3% dos casos seguidas por fungos (7%), Acanthamoeba (6%) e casos mistos (6,7%). Testes estatísticos não mostraram sazonalidade para bactérias (p=0,064), fungos (p=0,379), Acanthamoeba (p=0,062) ou casos mistos (p=0,441). CONCLUSÃO: Não foi observada sazonalidade nas ceratites infecciosas em nossa amostra.

PURPOSE: To investigate the seasonality of infectious keratitis in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. METHODS: Charts from the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Federal University of Sao Paulo were reviewed from 2005 to 2009. Infectious keratitis were defined as those with positive culture. Data were distributed monthly and linear regressions with seasonal dummy models were used to test for seasonal trends. RESULTS: Total of 1,468 cases of keratitis was diagnosed during the study period. Bacterial keratitis were reponsible for 80.3% of all cases, followed by fungal (7%), and Acanthamoeba (6%); 6.7% were mixed cases. Statistical tests showed that there were no seasonal trends for bacteria (p=0.064), fungi (p=0.379), Acanthamoeba (p=0.062) or mixed infections (p=0.441). Conclusions: No seasonal trends for infectious keratitis were observed in our sample.

Keratoconus and corneal stability after radial keratectomy in the fellow eye: case report.

Keratoconus has usually been described as bilateral but asymmetric disease. Corneal ectasia is one of the long-term complications of modern refractive surgery, especially those submitted to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We describe a patient with keratoconus in the right eye that was submitted to radial keratectomy (RK) in the left eye 19 years ago with no progression of the ectatic cornea and no complications related to the refractive surgery. Because unilateral keratoconus is rare, we believe that RK was performed on an already ectatic cornea (not clinically detected) or with fruste keratoconus. However, neither corneal ectasia progressed, nor ectasia was induced by RK in the fellow eye.

Amniotic membrane transplantation versus anterior stromal puncture in bullous keratopathy: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and anterior stromal puncture (ASP) in the management of pain in patients with symptomatic bullous keratopathy (BK). METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, 40 eyes of 40 patients with symptomatic BK (chronic intermittent pain) were randomised and divided into two groups (AMT and ASP) according to the technique used to treat symptomatic BK. The patients were examined on days 1, 14, 30, 90 and 180 postoperatively. Patients with BK under the age of 18 with raised eye pressure, concurrent ocular surface infection and those without any pain were excluded. RESULTS: At follow-up at 90 and 180 days the presence of a regular epithelial surface was higher in the AMT group (60% and 50%, respectively) than in the ASP group (16.7% and 6. 3%, p=0.006 and p=0.008, respectively). At 180 days follow-up there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the severity (p=0.391) or duration (p=0.715) of pain. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is similar to ASP in the relief of pain in symptomatic BK. However, ASP is a simple outpatient procedure and should cost less than AMT. NCT 00659308.

Keratoconus and corneal stability after radial keratectomy in the fellow eye: case report / Ceratocone e estabilidade corneana após ceratectomia radial no outro olho: relato de caso

Keratoconus has usually been described as bilateral but asymmetric disease. Corneal ectasia is one of the long-term complications of modern refractive surgery, especially those submitted to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We describe a patient with keratoconus in the right eye that was submitted to radial keratectomy (RK) in the left eye 19 years ago with no progression of the ectatic cornea and no complications related to the refractive surgery. Because unilateral keratoconus is rare, we believe that RK was performed on an already ectatic cornea (not clinically detected) or with fruste keratoconus. However, neither corneal ectasia progressed, nor ectasia was induced by RK in the fellow eye.

O ceratocone é descrito como uma doença bilateral porém assimétrica e vários dados na literatura comprovam que a ectasia corneana é uma das complicações de longo prazo da cirurgia refrativa moderna, especialmente do laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Nós descrevemos um caso de uma paciente com ceratocone no olho direito e que foi submetida à ceratotomia radial no olho esquerdo há 19 anos, desde então sem sinais de progressão da ectasia corneana nem de complicações relativas à cirurgia refrativa. Como o ceratocone unilateral é raro, acreditamos que a cirurgia refrativa tenha sido realizada num olho com ectasia corneana não detectada clinicamente ou com ceratocone frustro. Entretanto, a ectasia do olho direito não progrediu e também não houve sinais de ectasia no olho submetido à cirurgia refrativa nesse período de 19 anos de acompanhamento.

[Distribution of infectious keratitis in a tertiary hospital in Brazil]. / Distribuição das ceratites infecciosas em hospital terciário no Brasil.

PURPOSE: To investigate the seasonality of infectious keratitis in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. METHODS: Charts from the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Federal University of Sao Paulo were reviewed from 2005 to 2009. Infectious keratitis were defined as those with positive culture. Data were distributed monthly and linear regressions with seasonal dummy models were used to test for seasonal trends. RESULTS: Total of 1,468 cases of keratitis was diagnosed during the study period. Bacterial keratitis were responsible for 80.3% of all cases, followed by fungal (7%), and Acanthamoeba (6%); 6.7% were mixed cases. Statistical tests showed that there were no seasonal trends for bacteria (p=0.064), fungi (p=0.379), Acanthamoeba (p=0.062) or mixed infections (p=0.441). CONCLUSIONS: No seasonal trends for infectious keratitis were observed in our sample.

Modelo de gestão em bancos de olhos e seu impacto no resultado destas organizações / Management performance of eye banks and its impact on those organizations results

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do modelo de gestão adotado pelo Banco de Olhos de Sorocaba (BOS) e Banco de Olhos da Santa Casa de Campo Grande (BOSC), segundo os critérios do Prêmio Nacional de Gestão em Saúde (PNGS) e demonstrar as características comuns e discordantes entre os dois Bancos de Olhos e um paralelo entre a efetividade do modelo de gestão adotado e o resultado destas organizações na doação de córneas. MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado o questionário "Como estamos progredindo?", disponibilizado pela Fundação Malcolm Baldrige, composto por 40 questões fechadas agrupadas nos sete critérios do PNGS (Liderança, Planejamento Estratégico, Foco no Cliente e no Mercado, Foco em Recursos Humanos, Critério Gestão de Informações, Gestão de Processos, e Resultados) em toda a força de trabalho das duas instituições (21 funcionários do BOS e 8 do BOSC). Os resultados foram analisados utilizando o Teste Exato de Fischer e Teste não-paramétrico U de Mann-Whitney para comparação das médias entre as duas instituições. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 21 funcionários do BOS e 8 funcionários do BOSC). O teste de Mann-Whitney mostrou uma maior concordância às proposições do questionário pelos respondentes do BOS em 6 dos 7 itens estudados (Liderança, Planejamento Estratégico, Foco no Cliente e no Mercado, Foco em Recursos Humanos, Gestão de Processos, e Resultados). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa no Critério Gestão de Informações. A maior diferença entre as duas instituições foi encontrada no critério Gestão de Processos (p<0.001). CONCLUSÃO: O modelo de gestão presente no BOS apresenta aspectos distintos e estatisticamente significantes comparados ao BOSC, em 6 dos 7 critérios estudados pelo questionário aplicado. O BOS é o que mais se aproxima de conceitos internacionalmente aceitos de excelência em gestão baseados nos critérios do PNGS do que o BOSC, sendo um dos motivos prováveis do resultado positivo no número de doações de córnea.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the management of Sorocaba Eye Bank (BOS) and Santa Casa de Campo Grande Eye Bank (BOSC) with distinct results regarding number of donations using Prêmio Nacional Gestão em Saúde (PNGS) criteria for performance excellence. METHODS: All the personel of the two eye banks were submitted to an interview using the 'Are We Making Progress?' questionnaire from Malcolm Baldrige Quality Program. The questionnaire items were organized by the seven criteria categories, as the PNGS's (Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer and Market Focus, Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management, Human Resource Focus, Process Management, Bussiness Results). The findings were studied upon Fischers' exact test and Non parametric U test (Mann-Whitney) to compare the medium scores between the two Institutions. RESULTS: Twenty-one employees from BOS and 08 from BOSC were submitted to the questionnaire. The Mann-Whitney test showed a higher level of agreement to the questionnaire proposals from BOS than the ones from BOSC in 6 out from the 7 items studied (Leadership, Strategic Planning, Costumer and Market Focus, Human Resource Focus, Process Management, Bussiness Results). There wasn't any statisticaly significant difference related to the criteria Measurement, Analysis and Knowledge Management. The highest difference on the concordance level between the two organizations was related to Process Management (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The BOS management performance has distinct and statistically significant aspects compared to BOSC, shown on 6 out of 7 criteria studied by the questionnaire used. These data showed that the BOS performance management is closer to internationally accepted concepts of performance excellence, based on both PNGS Criteria and Malcolm Baldrige Quality Program, than BOSC.

[Characteristics of corneal donors in the Cascavel Eye Bank: impact of the anti-HBc test for hepatitis B]. / Características dos doadores de córneas do Banco de Olhos de Cascavel: impacto do exame anti-HBc para hepatite B.

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of human ocular tissue donors from the Cascavel Eye Bank in the State of Paraná (PR) and investigate the impact of hepatitis B serologic test positivity on discarded ocular tissues. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of data collected between March 2006 and April 2007 at the Cascavel Eye Bank. Information such as age, gender, cause of death, time between death and enucleation, and serologic tests results was collected. Data were used to characterize the study population and stratified according to hepatitis B (anti-HBc) status. RESULTS: Mean age of donors was 54.2 ± 20.6 years and a greater proportion of men (64,7%) was observed. Mean time between death and enucleation was 3.8 ± 2.4 hours, cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of death (34.5%). Positivity of anti-HBc and HBsAg tests was 47.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Hepatitis B was the main reason for discarding corneas. Donors whose serologic tests were positive for anti-HBc had higher mean age compared to those with negative tests (p<0.001). Only 0.8% of all donations tested positive for hepatitis C and donors with positive HIV test were not seen in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Activities of the Cascavel Eye Bank significantly increased the availability of corneas for transplant in the State of Paraná. The main contraindication for availability of ocular tissues was positivity of serologic tests for anti-HBc. Biosafety studies should be performed in order to investigate the potential transmission of hepatitis B virus for donors with positive tests for anti-HBc. The inclusion of these donors would increase the number of corneas available for transplant.

Características dos doadores de córneas do Banco de Olhos de Cascavel: impacto do exame anti-HBc para hepatite B / Characteristics of corneal donors in the Cascavel Eye Bank: impact of the anti-HBc test for hepatitis B

OBJETIVOS: Traçar o perfil dos doadores de tecidos oculares humanos na região de atuação do Banco de Olhos de Cascavel - Paraná (PR) e verificar o impacto da positividade da sorologia positiva para hepatite B (anti-HBc) no descartes dos tecidos oculares. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal de dados do Banco de Olhos de Cascavel do período de março de 2006 a abril de 2007. Informações como idade, sexo, causa de óbito, tempo entre óbito e enucleação e resultados sorológicos de doadores foram coletadas. Dados foram agrupados para caracterização da população de estudo e distribuídos segundo positividade da sorologia para hepatite B (anti-HBc). RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos doadores foi de 54,2 ± 20,6 anos e a maioria era do sexo masculino (64,7 por cento). Tempo médio entre óbito e enucleação foi de 3,8 ± 2,4 horas, a principal causa de óbito foram doenças cardiovasculares (34,5 por cento). Positividade para os marcadores anti-HBc e HBsAg foi de 47,4 por cento e 1,5 por cento, respectivamente, sendo os exames sorológicos para hepatite B a maior causa de descarte dos tecidos oculares doados. Doadores com sorologia positiva para anti-HBc apresentaram maior média de idade comparados com doadores com sorologia negativa (p<0,001). Somente 0,8 por cento das doações apresentaram sorologia positiva para hepatite C. Não houve doações com sorologia para HIV positiva no período do estudo. CONCLUSÕES: Implementação do Banco de Olhos de Cascavel aumentou significativamente a disponibilização de córneas para transplante no Estado do Paraná. A principal contraindicação para disponibilização de tecidos oculares foi a positividade na sorologia para anti-HBc. Estudos de biosegurança devem ser realizados a fim de investigar o potencial de transmissão da hepatite B de doadores positivos para esse marcador. A inclusão desses doadores como doações efetivas acarretaria maior disponibilização de tecidos para transplantes.

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of human ocular tissue donors from the Cascavel Eye Bank in the State of Paraná (PR) and investigate the impact of hepatitis B serologic test positivity on discarded ocular tissues. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of data collected between March 2006 and April 2007 at the Cascavel Eye Bank. Information such as age, gender, cause of death, time between death and enucleation, and serologic tests results was collected. Data were used to characterize the study population and stratified according to hepatitis B (anti-HBc) status. RESULTS: Mean age of donors was 54.2 ± 20.6 years and a greater proportion of men (64,7 percent) was observed. Mean time between death and enucleation was 3.8 ± 2.4 hours, cardiovascular diseases were the main cause of death (34.5 percent). Positivity of anti-HBc and HBsAg tests was 47.4 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. Hepatitis B was the main reason for discarding corneas. Donors whose serologic tests were positive for anti-HBc had higher mean age compared to those with negative tests (p<0.001). Only 0.8 percent of all donations tested positive for hepatitis C and donors with positive HIV test were not seen in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Activities of the Cascavel Eye Bank significantly increased the availability of corneas for transplant in the State of Paraná. The main contraindication for availability of ocular tissues was positivity of serologic tests for anti-HBc. Biosafety studies should be performed in order to investigate the potential transmission of hepatitis B virus for donors with positive tests for anti-HBc. The inclusion of these donors would increase the number of corneas available for transplant.

Rosai-Dorfman disease manifesting as an epibulbar ocular tumour.

The authors report a rare case of extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease without systemic involvement. A 14-year-old girl presented with a slowly progressive, non-tender, well-circumscribed, perilimbal nodule in the right eye. Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis established the diagnosis. Systemic evaluation revealed no other masses. After complete excision of the epibulbar lesion, the patient is asymptomatic and remains on regular follow up with no signs of recurrence. Rosai-Dorfman disease is an infrequent, benign histiocytic disorder that can rarely manifest as an exclusive extranodal mass. We report a case of solitary epibulbar Rosai-Dorfman disease, successfully treated with complete surgical excision of the lesion.