ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A correlation between a thin cornea and the presence of vascular risk factors has recently been reported in normal-tension glaucoma patients. The present study intended to investigate the correlation between central corneal thickness and basal retrobulbar blood flow in glaucoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Corneal pachymetry and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the retrobulbar arteries (ophthalmic, central retinal and cilliary) were performed in 63 glaucoma patients. Linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate the association of central corneal thickness and retrobulbar blood flow. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between central corneal thickness and blood flow in any of the assessed arteries (p = 0.13-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: A statistical relationship between central corneal thickness and retrobulbar blood flow could not be found in the examined sample of glaucoma patients.
Subject(s)
Blood Flow Velocity , Cornea/diagnostic imaging , Cornea/physiopathology , Glaucoma/diagnostic imaging , Glaucoma/physiopathology , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Ophthalmic Artery/physiopathology , Humans , Statistics as Topic , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Since the description of the "multiple evanescent white dot syndrome" (MEWDS) by Jampol et al, choroiditis has been in the focus of interest. But the classical type of MEWDS was an exceptional case in clinical routine. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old female presented to our hospital with a sudden unilateral visual acuity decrease and an extension of the blind spot. Ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed typical multiple grey-white chorioretinal patches of the same stage with lesion areas of about 100 - 200 microm compatible with the diagnose of MEWDS. Although visual acuity increased continuously the patient developed a classical choroidal neovascularization within 4 weeks. She was treated with PDT and visual acuity as well as the ophthalmoscopic diagnosis remained stable. CONCLUSION: In spite of visual improvement in MEWDS, regular control is recommended. In addition we propose to consider the diagnosis of MEWDS if an enlargement of the blind spot and CNV without lesions of the retinal pigment epithelium are diagnosed.
Subject(s)
Choroidal Neovascularization/diagnosis , Choroiditis/diagnosis , Optic Disk/pathology , Vision, Low/diagnosis , Choroid/pathology , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Choroiditis/drug therapy , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation , Humans , Middle Aged , Ophthalmoscopy , Optic Disk/drug effects , Phlebitis/diagnosis , Phlebitis/drug therapy , Pigment Epithelium of Eye/pathology , Vision, Low/drug therapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The relationship between exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens and prevalence of sensitization to these allergens in patients with asthma has been confirmed in many studies. Mite population growth is regulated by humidity. Reducing humidity and removing allergen by efficient vacuuming should control mite allergen and reduce symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effect of mechanical ventilation and high-efficiency vacuuming on HDM numbers and Der p 1 concentrations in the homes of mite-sensitive asthmatic subjects and to evaluate the effect of any reductions on symptoms. METHODS: The homes of 40 HDM-sensitive asthmatic subjects were randomized to receive (1) mechanical ventilation and a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner (HEVC); (2) mechanical ventilation alone; (3) an HEVC alone; and (4) no intervention. Homes and patients were monitored for 12 months. Change in absolute humidity, mite numbers, Der p 1 concentrations, lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and symptom scores were analyzed. RESULTS: Homes with mechanical ventilation achieved significantly lower humidity levels than those without (P <.001), with an associated reduction of mite numbers (P <.05) and Der p 1 concentrations (P <.001 ¿in nanograms per gram, P =.006 ¿in milligrams per square meter) in bedroom carpets and some other mite sources in the ventilated areas of the homes. The addition of a vacuum cleaner enhanced this effect. There was a trend for an improvement in histamine PC(20) (P =.085) in the patients whose homes were ventilated. CONCLUSION: The use of a mechanical ventilation system in suitable homes resulted in some reduction in numbers of HDM and Der p 1 concentrations. The addition of an HEVC slightly enhanced the effect but not sufficiently to see an improvement in symptoms.
Subject(s)
Allergens/immunology , Asthma/immunology , Asthma/prevention & control , Environment, Controlled , Mites/immunology , Ventilation/methods , Adolescent , Animals , Antigens, Dermatophagoides , Asthma/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Dust , Female , Floors and Floorcoverings , Forced Expiratory Volume , Glycoproteins/analysis , Humans , Humidity , Male , Temperature , VacuumABSTRACT
The clinical efficacy and toleration of amikacin was investigated in 22 patients most of whom had chronic urinary tract infections that had already been treated unsuccessfully on several occasions with other antibiotics. Amikacin was administered i.m. in a dosage of 7.5 mg per kg twice daily for an average of 11.4 days. This new aminoglycoside antibiotic proved highly effective in the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis and cystitis, as well as in septicaemia caused by gentamicin-resistant Pseudomonas. The pharmacokinetic studies did not show any retention after a ten day treatment with amikacin. Thorough nephrologic and otologic investigations for side-effects did not show any permanent nephrotoxic or ototoxic damage or delayed damage. The results were compared with the clinical and experimental data in the literature and with the results of experimental studies which have not yet been published.
Subject(s)
Amikacin/therapeutic use , Hearing/drug effects , Kanamycin/analogs & derivatives , Kidney/drug effects , Vestibule, Labyrinth/drug effects , Adult , Aged , Amikacin/administration & dosage , Amikacin/toxicity , Chronic Disease , Clinical Trials as Topic , Drug Evaluation , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Time Factors , Urinary Tract Infections/drug therapyABSTRACT
The efficacy and tolerance of the new oral cephalosporin cefaclor was tested in 61 patients treated for a variety of moderate to severe ENT infections which were not expected to undergo a spontaneous remission without antibacterial therapy. The most frequently isolated pathogens were streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. The dosage consisted of 500 mg cefaclor three times daily, and the treatment lasted between 4 and 43 days (average 14 days). In 35 cases, some of whom had already been treated unsuccussfully with another antibiotic, the results were very good. In 22 patients locally applied medicaments or surgery contributed to the good result. In four patients an unequivocal evaluation was not possible or therapy was not successful. The frequently noted rapid response to treatment with cefaclor was impressive. No relapses were recorded. In pharmacokinetic studies a cefaclor concentration of 2.8 mcg/g was obtained in the tonsils 90 minutes after oral administration of 1000 mg. Clinical examinations in 61 patients and a complete range of laboratory tests in 47 patients did not reveal any case of allergic reaction. One patient only complained of nausea and diarrhoea. In two patients temporary low grade thrombopenia and thrombocytosis respectively were observed. In several patients a slight transitory rise in transaminases was seen. Cefaclor thus proved to be an effective and well-tolerated antibiotic. Its indications in the treatment of ENT infections are discussed.
