Optical coherence tomography angiography in healthy children: normative data and age-related changes in microvascular structure of the optic disk and macula.

PURPOSE: To determine normative data and reference ranges according to age groups by measuring the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial capillary plexus vascular density (SCP-VD), deep capillary plexus vascular density (DVP-VD), radial peripapillary capillary plexus vessel density (RPC-VD), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (ppRNFL) in healthy children and to determine the age and sex-related changes of these values. METHODS: This prospective study included data from 370 eyes of 370 healthy children (202 girls, 168 boys) aged 7-18 years. Participants were divided into four groups according to their age. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements were taken using AngioVue (Avanti; Optivue). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of FAZ, SCP-VD, DCP-VD, RPC-VD, and ppRNFL thickness values according to the age groups (except the RPC-VD superior) (p > 0.05 for all). VDs in all deep parafoveal regions in groups 1 and 2 were higher in girls. While FAZ values were higher in girls in all age groups (statistically significant in groups 1, 3, and 4), ad SPD and DPD values were higher in boys in all age groups (statistically significant in group 1 and 2 for SPD, and group 1 and 3 for DPD). CONCLUSIONS: We report normal reference ranges for macula and disk vessel density and ppRNFL parameters in healthy children aged 7-18 years using OCTA. These normative values could be useful in diagnosing retina and optic disk disease early in childhood.

Post-exposure Rabies Prophylaxis for Children in Southern Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prophylaxis practices used on children with animal exposures in a major southern city of Turkey, close to the Syrian border. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Emergency and Outpatient departments, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Turkey between September 2017 and September 2018. METHODOLOGY: The demographic data of the patients, who presented due to animal contact; the interval between animal contact and hospital presentation; species of exposed animals, type, and apparent condition of the animals; risk categories based on national assessment scale; the number of rabies vaccines and anti-rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) administrations; administration of tetanus prophylaxis; adherence of patients to the follow-up schedule; vaccine refusals; and development of rabies disease (if any), were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 2,068 presentations after animal exposure, 906 (43.8%) were children, mostly boys (62%), and the mean age was 97.15 ± 57.68 months. Risky contact was most frequently caused by cats (52.8%) and dogs (45.6%). Exposure to stray animals was the most common (58.5%). For serial prophylaxis vaccinations, 761 (83.99%) families were in full compliance and 145 (16%) families had discontinued vaccinations. The discontinuation rate of the immigrant population was significantly higher (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Risky contacts were mostly due to stray animals. Efforts to minimise the stray animal population should be increased. The rate of discontinuation of rabies prophylaxis follow-ups was 16%. Significantly higher prophylaxis discontinuation among the immigrant population was noted. Key Words: Rabies, Vaccines, Prophylaxis, Turkey.