Improvement of quality of life in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients using nasal filters, a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a clinical condition that impairs quality of life. The use of traditional drugs in many cases is not enough to improve quality of life in these patients. METHODS: In this pilot study we used the Sanispira Nasal filters in 15 patients (mean age 34,7 years) affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for 18 days. At each follow-up visit, patients were assessed with a specific quality of life questionnaire, a symptoms form and a drugs form that evaluates the use of antiallergic drugs in the last week. Patients sensitive to environmental allergens wore Sanispira nasal filters during the day, while patients sensitive to domestic allergens wore the device during the night. RESULTS: Thirteen patients completed the study. We found an improvement significative (p=0,0241) of the total score of RQLQ of 23,10 points between baseline and 18 days ( total score at baseline prior to nasal filter insertion= 60,60, at 1 week = 42, 28, at 18 days= 34, 10). A significative improvement in the nasal symptoms domain between baseline and 18 days (in particular stuffy nose p=0,047; runny nose p=0,012; sneezing p=0,0021; ) and one item of practical problems domain, the need to repeatedly blow the nose(p=0,082). The total score of symptoms evaluated with the symptoms form improved significantly from baseline to 18 days. Total symptoms score at baseline was 9,7; at 1 week it was 8,1 and at 18 days it was 4,7. The improvement was statistically significant (p=0,0092). Three of the thirteen patients that completed the study eliminated completely the use of drugs during of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SANISPIRA ®, has shown encouraging results, with an improvement in the quality of life in Rhinoconjunctivitis patients specially an improvement in nasal and ocular symptoms.

Pattern of anesthetic diffusion during peribulbar infiltration: a CT evaluation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes undergone by orbital structures during peribulbar anesthesia. METHODS: CT-thin slices were acquired and 8-9 ml of anesthetic, with a small part of low-density non-ionic water-soluble contrast medium were injected under CT guide once to follow extraconal spreading and diffusion to intraconal structures and above all, the surgically important structures such as recti muscles, orbicular and optic nerve sheath. Conjunctival sack involvement was assessed and conjunctival chemosis was rated. Induced ptosis was evaluated, verifying change before and after eyepressure. RESULTS: The results help in optimizing anesthetic technique, above all concerning the site, materials and quantity, and suggest the amount of anesthesia could be reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The peribulbar anesthetic technique proved effective and safe for patients.

Corneal topographic analysis of photorefractive keratectomy in 175 myopic eyes.

Videokeratography is a useful method for postoperative evaluation of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of decentration, the relationship between decentration relative to the corneal apex, postoperative astigmatism, and the relationship between decentration and best corrected Snellen visual acuity. Using the TMS-1 videokeratoscope we analyzed the corneal topography of 175 myopic eyes treated with PRKs ranging between -1.30 D and -15.90 D, performed using the Summit UV200 193-nanometer excimer laser, before and at least 6 months after the procedure. Concerning centration, 122 eyes (75%) were centered within 0.5 mm and 53 eyes (30.3%) were decentered more than 0.5 mm, with nine eyes (5.1%) being decentered more than 1 mm. There was a correlation between best spectacle corrected visual acuity and the amount of decentration. The higher attempted corrections showed greater amounts of decentration. Postoperative induced astigmatism was greater in the group with the highest decentration (1.81 +/- 2.64 D) than in the one with lower decentration (0.09 +/- 0.50 D). The most severe complication induced by a decentered PRK is an increase of postoperative astigmatism.