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1.
Scand J Med Sci Sports ; 27(9): 925-934, 2017 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27367601

ABSTRACT

Elite synchronized swimmers follow high-volume training regimen that result in elevated rates of exercise energy expenditure (ExEE). While adequate energy intake (EI) is important to optimize recovery, a number of sport-specific constraints may lead to chronically low energy availability (EA = EI-ExEE). This study aimed to quantify changes in EA, endocrine markers of energy conservation, and perceived fatigue in synchronized swimmers, during a week of baseline training followed by 4 weeks of intensified training (IT). EI, ExEE, and body composition were measured in nine swimmers at Baseline, midpoint (ITWK2 ), and end of IT (ITWK4 ). Waking saliva samples were obtained to measure [leptin]s , [ghrelin]s , and [cortisol]s . Fatigue ratings were provided daily. ExEE increased by 27% during IT. Swimmers increased EI from Baseline to ITWK2 , but decreased it significantly from ITWK2 to ITWK4 . EA, fat mass, and [leptin]s decreased from Baseline to ITWK4 , while [ghrelin]s increased significantly. Fatigue at ITWK4 was inversely correlated with Baseline EI and EA. The significant decrease in EA was accompanied by endocrine signs of energy conservation in elite swimmers. As perceived fatigue was associated with low EA, particular attention should be paid to these athletes' energy intake during phases of heavy training.


Subject(s)
Energy Intake , Energy Metabolism , Fatigue/physiopathology , Swimming/physiology , Athletes , Body Composition , Female , Ghrelin/analysis , Humans , Hydrocortisone/analysis , Leptin/analysis , Physical Conditioning, Human , Saliva/chemistry , Young Adult
2.
J Evol Biol ; 25(9): 1792-9, 2012 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22779699

ABSTRACT

Running speed in animals depends on both genetic and environmental conditions. Maximal speeds were here analysed in horses, dogs and humans using data sets on the 10 best performers covering more than a century of races. This includes a variety of distances in humans (200-1500 m). Speed has been progressing fast in the three species, and this has been followed by a plateau. Based on a Gompertz model, the current best performances reach 97.4% of maximal velocity in greyhounds to 100.3 in humans. Further analysis based on a subset of individuals and using an 'animal model' shows that running speed is heritable in horses (h(2) = 0.438, P = 0.01) and almost so in dogs (h(2) = 0.183, P = 0.08), suggesting the involvement of genetic factors. Speed progression in humans is more likely due to an enlarged population of runners, associated with improved training practices. The analysis of a data subset (40 last years in 800 and 1500 m) further showed that East Africans have strikingly improved their speed, now reaching the upper part of the human distribution, whereas that of Nordic runners stagnated in the 800 m and even declined in the 1500 m. Although speed progression in dogs and horses on one side and humans on the other has not been affected by the same genetic/environmental balance of forces, it is likely that further progress will be extremely limited.


Subject(s)
Athletic Performance/physiology , Dogs/physiology , Horses/physiology , Running/physiology , Africa, Eastern/ethnology , Animals , Biomechanical Phenomena , Black People , Dogs/genetics , Environment , Female , Horses/genetics , Humans , Male , Models, Biological , Quantitative Trait, Heritable , Species Specificity , Time Factors
3.
Ophthalmologe ; 109(9): 907-10, 2012 Sep.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22740016

ABSTRACT

This article presents a case of acute bilateral impaired vision and central scotoma in an 11-year-old boy. Looking directly into a laser beam of a laser pointer for only a few seconds can cause retinal damage in the form of lesions of the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptor layer, up to retinal hemorrhage. Patients often complain about impaired vision and a central scotoma of the affected eye.


Subject(s)
Lasers/adverse effects , Retina/injuries , Retina/pathology , Scotoma/diagnosis , Scotoma/etiology , Child , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male
4.
Ophthalmologe ; 109(4): 364-8, 2012 Apr.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22527734

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of idiopathic macular hole (MH) formation is not fully understood and the choroid might be involved in its etiology. Recently published data reported choroidal thickness (CT) to be significantly thinner in eyes with idiopathic MH and in fellow eyes compared to age-matched healthy controls [24]. METHODS: The enhanced depth imaging (EDI) modus of the Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg) was used to measure subfoveal CT in 12 patients with MH of which 2 suffered from bilateral MH. Measurements were manually acquired preoperatively using the horizontal foveal scan of the 7-line scan (5 × 30  perifoveal) with 100 averaged scans per scan, between the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium and the inner scleral border. Additional CT measurements were obtained 8 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Subfoveal CT of the 12 patients with MH (10 ♀, 2 ♂; 68 ± 7 years) was 274 ± 65 µm. The CT of the 10 patients with healthy fellow eyes measured 268 ± 75 µm and CT of the 2 patients with bilateral MH measured 309 ± 34 µm in the non-operated eye. The mean axial length (AL) in eyes with MH was 23.64 ± 0.59 mm and in healthy fellow eyes 23.68 ± 0.54 mm. After surgery MH closure was obvious in all eyes, the postoperative CT at 8 weeks measured 284 ± 77 µm and at 6 months 276 ± 73 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The EDI-OCT procedure enables measurements of CT. In the patients studied a reduced CT could not be found neither in patients with macular holes nor in the fellow eyes. There was no significant change in CT comparing preoperative with postoperative measurements. In contrast to recently published data [24] no reduction in CT in idiopathic macular hole could be demonstrated.


Subject(s)
Choroid/pathology , Retinal Perforations/pathology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Organ Size , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
5.
Mycoses ; 54 Suppl 3: 56-65, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21995664

ABSTRACT

During the last few decades, Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium infections in humans are noted with increasing frequency. Multi-drug resistance commonly occurring in this species complex interferes with adequate therapy. Rapid and correct identification of clinical isolates is of paramount significance for optimal treatment in the early stages of infection, while strain typing is necessary for epidemiological purposes. In view of the development of physiological diagnostic parameters, 570 physiological reactions were evaluated using the Taxa Profile Micronaut system, a semi-automatic, computer-assisted, 384-well microtitre platform. Thirty two strains of the Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium complex were analysed after molecular verification of correct species attribution. Of the compounds tested, 254 proved to be polymorphic. Cluster analysis was performed with the Micronaut profile software, which is linked to the ntsypc® program. The systemic opportunist S. prolificans was unambiguously separated from the remaining species. Within the P. boydii/P. apiosperma complex differentiation was noted at the level of individual strains, but no unambiguous parameters for species recognition were revealed.


Subject(s)
Mycological Typing Techniques/methods , Pseudallescheria/classification , Scedosporium/classification , Automation, Laboratory , Cluster Analysis , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Species Specificity
6.
Ophthalmologe ; 108(1): 46-51, 2011 Jan.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20571807

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Outer lamellar macular holes (OLMH) are very rare compared to inner lamellar macular holes. An OLMH can occur associated with optic pit maculopathy, in the progression of myopic macular retinoschisis, transient in the development of full thickness macular holes or idiopathic. This article reports on infrared imaging of OLMHs. METHODS: Infrared (IR) images in 2 patients aged 22 and 34 years with OLMH were taken using IR reflection at a wavelength of 820 nm with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (Heidelberg Retina Angiograph 2, Heidelberg Engineering). IR images were correlated with linear optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans (Stratus-OCT, Zeiss). Images were acquired during follow-up of up to 30 months and if applicable preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Clear infrared signals were recorded especially in OLMH associated with optic pit maculopathy. Correlation with linear OCT scans showed the enhanced infrared signals to be restricted to the extent of the OLMH. The borders of the OLMH could be clearly delineated. Infrared imaging enables a top view of OLMH and therefore allows an excellent documentation of the course of OLMH. CONCLUSIONS: Infrared reflection is useful for two-dimensional imaging of OLMH. Infrared imaging can provide a supplement to slice imaging for OCT diagnostics and allows monitoring of OLMH over time. The postoperative sequence of OLMH closure in patients with optic pit maculopathy can be studied in more detail using infrared imaging.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Imaging/methods , Infrared Rays , Macula Lutea/pathology , Retinal Perforations/pathology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult
7.
Eur J Ophthalmol ; 19(1): 163-5, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19123169

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Peripapillary choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an uncommon condition and often shows a growth tendency towards the fovea during spontaneous progression that threatens visual acuity. Treatment of peripapillary CNV is difficult. The authors report results of intravitreal bevacizumab therapy for peripapillary CNV. METHODS: Four patients with CNV located in the temporal or superior peripapillary area received intravitreal bevacizumab injections. Ophthalmologic examinations including OCT were performed at baseline and at 6-week intervals. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and depending on clinical and OCT findings. The mean follow-up was 34+/-20 (22-69) weeks. RESULTS: The patients received an average of 3.5+/-3.1 (1-8) injections. In all patients fluorescein angiography showed inactivation of peripapillary CNV. No further increase in size was observed in any of the patients. The OCT showed a decrease of intraretinal and subretinal fluid. No intraocular or systemic side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be efficacious. A progression of peripapillary CNV could be prevented in all patients and the lesion was successfully inactivated. Anti-VEGF treatment with bevacizumab represents a promising therapy option for peripapillary CNV.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Choroidal Neovascularization/diagnosis , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Injections , Male , Optic Disk , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Visual Acuity , Vitreous Body
8.
Ophthalmologe ; 106(4): 356-8, 2009 Apr.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18781307

ABSTRACT

Symptoms resembling endophthalmitis developed 1 day after the seventh injection of bevacizumab in a 76-year-old woman with extrafoveal occult choroidal neovascularization in conjunction with age-related macular degeneration. The diagnosis reached was an immune reaction with pseudohypopyon after repeated bevacizumab injections. The condition resolved completely within 5 days under sole administration of corticosteroids. Treatment was then continued with pegaptanib and no further intraocular irritation occurred.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects , Endophthalmitis/chemically induced , Endophthalmitis/drug therapy , Aged , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Female , Humans
9.
Ophthalmologe ; 106(4): 334-9, 2009 Apr.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18636265

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We present an optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based individual reinjection procedure for bevacizumab treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with active subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularisation in ARMD received a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab and were reinjected based on new or persisting subretinal or intraretinal fluid on OCT. Patient visits were every 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: After a single injection, 74% of patients demonstrated complete retinal fluid absorption, with 44% of patients showing no relapse during a follow-up of 30+/-13 weeks. Fifty-six percent of patients required a second injection after a mean of 19+/-8 weeks, with 82% of patients showing absorption of macular fluid thereafter with regain of their previous achieved best-corrected visual acuity. Thirty-two percent did not require any further injection (follow-up 32+/-12 weeks). Of those patients not showing retinal fluid absorption after the first injection (26%), 44% demonstrated retinal fluid absorption after the second injection. All patients achieved stabilisation of visual acuity during follow-up, with 30% of patients showing a significant gain of >or=3 lines. CONCLUSIONS: OCT-based reinjections of bevacizumab in neovascular ARMD reduce the number of injections and lead to anatomic and functional retinal stabilisation.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Choroidal Neovascularization/pathology , Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Macular Degeneration/pathology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Aged , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Female , Humans , Injections, Intralesional/methods , Male , Treatment Outcome
10.
Ophthalmologe ; 106(6): 527-30, 2009 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18688616

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab as a treatment for choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) due to pathological myopia. METHODS: A consecutive series of 23 patients with mCNV treated with 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab after being thoroughly informed about the off-label character of the treatment. Of the patients 6 received additional photodynamic therapy at the time of first injection. Reinjections were given every 6 weeks if intraretinal or subretinal fluid persisted. RESULTS: The pre-injection mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.25 (0.58 logMAR+/-0.36). During a follow up of 16.6+/-13.7 weeks 1.4+/-0.8 injections were given. Complete resorption of subretinal or intraretinal fluid was achieved in all patients. VA improved by 2.3+/-3.5 lines on average, 9 patients (39.1%) had an increase of >or=3 lines, none lost more than 1 line. Patients with bevacizumab monotherapy (n=17) had an improvement of 2.59+/-3.9 lines, 7 patients (41.2%) had an increase of >or=3 lines. No intraocular or systemic side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this as yet largest series of patients with mCNV treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, the treatment seemed to be effective and safe.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Choroidal Neovascularization/etiology , Myopia/complications , Myopia/drug therapy , Vitreous Body , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Female , Humans , Injections , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome
11.
Ophthalmologe ; 105(9): 836-9, 2008 Sep.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18488230

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Vitrectomy and peeling in patients with lamellar macular hole was evaluated with regard to anatomical and functional outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 10 patients with lamellar macular hole underwent vitrectomy, membrane-peeling (epiretinal membrane [ERM] and internal limiting membrane [ILM]) and gas (n=9) or silicone oil (n=1) endotamponade. In most patients (n=9), cataract surgery was also performed. Pre- and postoperative ocular coherence tomography (OCT) findings, visual acuity (ETDRS), and Birkhäuser near visual acuity were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 15+/-11 months after surgery with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in all patients; the average BCVA gain was 3+/-2 lines. Preoperative mean BCVA was 0.35 (0.45+/-0.23logMAR), and postoperative BCVA was 0.64 (0.19+/-0.21logMAR). Eight of ten patients had a postoperative BCVA > or =20/40, and six patients had a postoperative BCVA > or =20/25. Mean near visual acuity was 0.5+/-0.26 (range 0.2-0.9). Postoperative OCT revealed a closed lamellar macular hole in six patients, with restored foveal contour in three of them. The other four patients showed a persistent inner retinal defect with an intact photoreceptor layer. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment including vitrectomy, ERM-ILM-peeling and endotamponade appears to benefit patients with lamellar macular hole. All patients improved functionally. Surgical treatment can close the lamellar macular hole and restore foveal architecture.


Subject(s)
Retinal Perforations/surgery , Vitrectomy/methods , Aged , Cataract Extraction , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Visual Acuity
12.
Ophthalmologe ; 105(12): 1121-6, 2008 Dec.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18488232

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion can be successfully treated with intravitreal bevacizumab therapy. There is no common recommendation concerning time intervals and criteria for reinjection. METHOD: Sixty-three patients (follow-up 30+/-18 weeks) received intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg bevacizumab. Reinjection was performed only if optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed persistent or recurrent ME. Check-ups were performed every 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: There was complete resolution of macular edema in 31 patients after the first injection (improvement in visual acuity 3.7+/-3.7 lines); 65.2% of these patients developed recurrence of ME within 13.3+/-4.4 weeks, which completely resolved again after a second injection. Visual acuity gained the same level as after the first injection. Another relapse of ME in this group occurred in 69% of patients after another 13.4+/-5.4 weeks. Patients with persistent ME after the first injection (n=32) received a second injection, initially leading to resolution of ME in 33.3%, but all of these patients had a relapse within 13.9+/-4.1 weeks. CONCLUSION: OCT-guided reinjection leads to anatomic and functional stabilization or improvement even if transient recurrence of ME occurs.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Macular Edema/drug therapy , Retinal Vein Occlusion/complications , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Aged , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Humans , Injections , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Recurrence , Retina/drug effects , Retina/pathology , Retinal Vein Occlusion/drug therapy , Retreatment , Visual Acuity/drug effects , Vitreous Body
13.
Ophthalmologe ; 105(6): 538-43, 2008 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18299845

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report on the efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab as off-label therapy in different angiographic subtypes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Seventy-five patients with neovascular AMD and recent disease progression were classified into different angiographic subtypes and were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) at 6-week intervals. Patients with subfoveal classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) also received photodynamic therapy. ETDRS visual acuity, ophthalmic exams, and optic coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before treatment, 1 week after treatment, and then on a 6-week basis. Fluorescein angiographies and medical check-ups were also done. RESULTS: Bevacizumab led to stabilization of visual acuity (loss of less than 15 letters) in all angiographic subtypes during a follow-up of 37+/-13 weeks. Patients with occult extrafoveal CNV (n=6) profited the most and gained 2+/-2 lines. Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab was very well tolerated in all patients, with neither systemic nor intraocular side effects, with the exception of one retinal pigment epithelium tear. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment is efficacious in all angiographic CNV subtypes and leads to reduction of macular edema and stabilization or improvement in visual acuity.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Choroidal Neovascularization/diagnosis , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Injections , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Macular Edema/diagnosis , Macular Edema/drug therapy , Male , Photochemotherapy , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/drug therapy , Recurrence , Retina/drug effects , Retina/pathology , Retinal Detachment/diagnosis , Retinal Detachment/drug therapy , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Visual Acuity/drug effects , Vitreous Body
14.
Klin Monbl Augenheilkd ; 224(7): 603-5, 2007 Jul.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17657696

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A bilateral monofocal detachment of the pigment epithelium (RPE) without any signs of ARMD or other retinal pathology represents a therapeutic challenge. PATIENT: An otherwise healthy 51-year-old woman presented first with a monocular, later a binocular decrease of visual acuity and metamorphopsia. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed a bilateral dome-shaped detachment of the RPE. Pooling beneath the detachment was documented using fluorescein angiography. A choroidal neovascularisation could be excluded by means of indocyanine green angiography (ICG). Due to the binocular decrease of visual acuity from 20/20 to 20/63 on the right eye and 20/100 on the left eye in spite of intensive systemic acetazolamide therapy both eyes were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin. During monthly controls, the visual acuity increased up to 20/20 on the right eye and 20/25 on the left eye. Metamorphopsia was also reduced. CONCLUSION: An idiopathic detachment of the pigment epithelium can effectively be treated using PDT whereas the underlying pathology remains unclear.


Subject(s)
Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation , Retinal Detachment/drug therapy , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Porphyrins/therapeutic use , Retinal Detachment/diagnosis , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Verteporfin , Vision Disorders/diagnosis , Vision Disorders/drug therapy , Visual Acuity/drug effects
15.
Ophthalmologe ; 104(4): 290-4, 2007 Apr.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17387482

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The main object of this study was to find out what treatment methods are currently preferred for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. METHODS: A questionnaire concerning the different medicamentous, surgical and laser treatments available for CRVO and BRVO was developed and sent out to the members of the German Retina Society. RESULTS: This analysis is based on 124 returned questionnaires. We found that 64% of our colleagues recommend isovolemic hemodilution in patients with CRVO. Pentoxyfyllin infusions are endorsed by 32% and 27%, respectively, for CRVO and BRVO. Panretinal photocoagulation is applied only if neovascularization is present by 39% of those responding, whereas 61% perform prophylactic photocoagulation when there is no visible neovascularization, depending on the degree of ischemia. In the case of macular edema due to BRVO 52% recommend macular grid photocoagulation. Sheathotomy is recommended by 51% for BRVO suggest, and 43% advise radial optic neurotomy (RON) for CRVO. Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone is performed for CRVO or BRVO by 58% and 56%, respectively, and para-bulbar injection of triamcinolone by 2% and 3%. Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment is applied by 72% of respondents, the majority (94%) using bevacizumab for this purpose. CONCLUSION: Members of the German Retina Society apply widely differing treatments in patients with CRVO and BRVO. Further clinical studies to evaluate the different therapeutic options seem necessary in order to set up guidelines for the treatment of venous retinal occlusions.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use , Hemodilution/statistics & numerical data , Light Coagulation/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/trends , Retinal Vein Occlusion/epidemiology , Retinal Vein Occlusion/therapy , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Austria/epidemiology , Bevacizumab , Delivery of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Delivery of Health Care/trends , Germany/epidemiology , Hemodilution/trends , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , Switzerland/epidemiology
16.
Ophthalmologe ; 104(4): 285-9, 2007 Apr.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17372737

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Retinal vein occlusion often leads to macular edema as a result of an elevated level of intravitreal VEGF. We report on the anatomic and functional results after intravitreal bevacizumab injections in patients with retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: In a prospective study, 18 patients with central, and 22 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion, all of whom had persistent macular edema (>300 microm) received 2.5 mg intravitreal bevacizumab. ETDRS visual acuity, ophthalmic examination and stratus OCT were performed at baseline, 1 week after injection and then monthly. Further injections were given every 6 weeks in patients with persistent or recurring macular edema. RESULTS: The findings did not deteriorate in any of the 40 patients. The injections (mean of 2.6+/-1.4 injections/patient) were very well tolerated in all cases during a mean follow-up of 23+/-13 weeks. On the last visit, 73.3% of patients with central retinal vein occlusion and 76.5% of those with branch retinal vein occlusion were found to have significantly improved visual acuity (by at least 3 lines). Mean central retinal thickness had decreased from 921+/-264 to 239+/-66.2 microm in patients with central retinal vein occlusion, and from 678+/-221 to 236+/-78 microm in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Neither intraocular nor systemic side-effects were observed in this study after repeated intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg bevacizumab. Current results suggest that intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is a promising option in macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Macular Edema/drug therapy , Macular Edema/etiology , Retinal Vein Occlusion/complications , Retinal Vein Occlusion/drug therapy , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Bevacizumab , Female , Humans , Injections , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome
17.
Ophthalmologe ; 103(11): 922-6, 2006 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16944080

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Main aim of this study was to determine how macular hole surgery is currently being performed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. METHODS: A questionnaire concerning the different aspects of surgery for stage 3 macular hole was developed and sent out to the 380 members of the German Retina Society. RESULTS: This analysis is based on 129 returned questionnaires from colleagues who perform macular hole surgery. A total of 95% (n=123) of the surgeons routinely perform vitrectomy with posterior vitreous detachment, peeling of epiretinal tissue and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Some 86% (n=106) stain the ILM, with 80% of these (n=85) using indocyanine green (ICG) in concentrations ranging from 0.005% up to 10%. Fourteen percent of ICG users perform a fluid-air exchange before applying the dye. Platelet concentrate is used by 8% of the surgeons with 97% (n=125) performing a gas tamponade using SF6 (53%), C3F8 (22%), C2F6 (16%) or just air (5%) (multiple answers: 4%). Simultaneous cataract surgery is routinely performed by 8%; by 73% only if there is significant cataract. CONCLUSIONS: There is common consent on the basic surgical steps, but several surgical details, e.g. ILM staining, are performed in substantially different ways.


Subject(s)
Cross-Cultural Comparison , Retinal Perforations/surgery , Austria , Cataract Extraction/statistics & numerical data , Combined Modality Therapy , Epiretinal Membrane/surgery , Germany , Humans , Retinal Perforations/classification , Retinal Perforations/diagnosis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Switzerland , Vitrectomy/statistics & numerical data , Vitreous Detachment/surgery
18.
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol ; 56(Pt 3): 641-645, 2006 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16514042

ABSTRACT

The taxonomic status of a bacterium isolated from a perianal swab of a patient with a bone marrow transplant was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Chemotaxonomic investigations revealed the presence of cell wall chemotype IV, short chain mycolic acids that co-migrated with those extracted from members of the genus Dietzia, and a dihydrogenated menaquinone with eight isoprene units as the predominant menaquinone. Generic assignment was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that this isolate constitutes a distinct phyletic line within the genus Dietzia, displaying 97.5-98.7% sequence similarity with Dietzia species with validly published names. The isolate could be distinguished from the type strain of Dietzia maris (1.6% sequence divergence) and other species of the genus Dietzia by DNA-DNA hybridization, as well as by using a set of biochemical tests. Genotypic and phenotypic data show that the strain merits classification as a novel species of the genus Dietzia for which the name Dietzia cinnamea sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is IMMIB RIV-399T (= DSM 44904T = CCUG 50875T).


Subject(s)
Actinomycetales/classification , Anal Canal/microbiology , Actinomycetales/genetics , Actinomycetales/isolation & purification , Bone Marrow Transplantation , DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry , Genotype , Humans , Nucleic Acid Hybridization , Phenotype , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA
19.
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol ; 55(Pt 3): 1345-1348, 2005 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15879280

ABSTRACT

The type strain of Nocardia corynebacterioides was the subject of a polyphasic taxonomic study. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was aligned with the sequences of representatives of the genera Corynebacterium, Dietzia, Gordonia, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Skermania, Tsukamurella and Williamsia, and phylogenetic trees were constructed by using maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining methods. It was evident from the phylogenetic analysis that N. corynebacterioides represents a distinct phyletic line within the genus Rhodococcus. Menaquinone analysis showed that the organism contained dihydrogenated menaquinone with eight isoprene units, MK-8(H(2)), as the major isoprenologue. The genealogical evidence, together with chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data from this and previous studies, indicates that N. corynebacterioides DSM 20151(T) (= CIP 104510(T)) should be reclassified in the genus Rhodococcus as Rhodococcus corynebacterioides comb. nov.


Subject(s)
Nocardia/classification , Nocardia/genetics , Rhodococcus/classification , Rhodococcus/genetics , Bacterial Typing Techniques , DNA, Bacterial/chemistry , DNA, Bacterial/isolation & purification , DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry , DNA, Ribosomal/isolation & purification , Genes, rRNA , Molecular Sequence Data , Nocardia/cytology , Nocardia/physiology , Phylogeny , RNA, Bacterial/genetics , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Rhodococcus/cytology , Rhodococcus/physiology , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Vitamin K 2/analysis , Vitamin K 2/isolation & purification
20.
Med Mycol ; 42(4): 373-8, 2004 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15473364

ABSTRACT

A case of a mixed infection due to Candida albicans and the zygomycete Absidia corymbifera in a 38-year-old, previously healthy, Caucasian male is presented. The infection developed following serial rib fractures, and ruptures of kidney, liver and biliary tract as well as a pancreatic contusion resulting from a traffic accident. During intensive care treatment the patient underwent several surgical procedures but subsequently experienced multi-organ failure and sepsis. Some weeks later, fungal growth was observed macroscopically on the patient's skin and wounds. From wound swabs C. albicans and A. corymbifera were grown. Histopathology of abdominal tissue yielded pseudohyphae and coenocytic hyphae. Although surgical debridement and antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine were started immediately, the patient died in therapy-refractory septic multi-organ failure.


Subject(s)
Absidia/isolation & purification , Candida albicans/isolation & purification , Candidiasis/complications , Mucormycosis/complications , Wound Infection/microbiology , Adult , Candidiasis/microbiology , Candidiasis/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , Mucormycosis/microbiology , Mucormycosis/pathology , Wound Infection/pathology
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