Low rates of optical coherence tomography utilization in the diagnosis and management of retinovascular diseases in a lower middle-income economy.

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used as the standard of care in evaluating macular and retinovascular diseases. However, the degree of OCT utilization is yet to be researched in a resource-limited country where wide gaps exist in access to healthcare. Aim: To determine the rate of utilization of the OCT in diagnosis, pre-treatment, and post-treatment evaluation of macular and retinovascular diseases treated with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection (IVI). Patients and Methods: Retrospective, consecutive, and non-comparative case series of eyes diagnosed and treated from Jan 2017 to Jan 2022 for seven macular and retinovascular diseases in five eye clinics in Nigeria. Data extracted include demographics, indication for IVI, eye treated, use or non-use of OCT at the diagnosis (pre-treatment) and after the last IVI (post-treatment), and central macular thickness (CMT) of pre-treatment OCT scans. Results: Seven hundred and forty two eyes were diagnosed with retinovascular and macular diseases (389 right eyes and 353 left eyes).The male to female ratio was 430: 312 eyes. The mean age was, 63.89 years (SD 12.58). Four hundred and fifty two eyes (60.9%) had a pre-treatment OCT, 235 eyes (31.7%) had a post-treatment OCT, and 190 eyes (25.6%) had both pre- and post-treatment OCTs. The rate of pre-treatment OCT varied with the diagnosis (P = 0.000); DME had the highest rate, 74.4%, and HRVO had the lowest, 40%. Post-treatment OCT rate varied with the diagnosis (P = 0.009); non-AMD CNVM had the highest rate, 49.1%, and PCV had the lowest, 24.6%. Pre-treatment OCT rate was influenced by clinic location (P = 0.000); higher in clinics having an OCT. Post-treatment OCT was not influenced by clinic location (P = 0.37). A CRVO eye had the highest maximum CMT (1031 microns) of all the pre treatment eyes and the lowest minimum CMT of all the pre treatment eyes was in a BRVO eye (138 microns). Mean CMT was highest in HRVO (475.33 microns) and lowest in CNVM (307.62 microns). Conclusion: Though OCT is the standard of care for managing retinovascular and macular diseases, this research quantifies the extent of its use in Nigeria and finds it to be low. A post-treatment OCT rate of 32% suggests that urgent steps are required to improve access to OCT for IVI patients.

Patterns of thyroid tumors in Northern Saudi Arabia with a specific focus on CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 tumor markers.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to look at the patterns of thyroid tumors and how thyroid cancer markers showed up in immunohistochemistry in Northern Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study investigated retrospectively 190 patients who attended with thyroid complaints. About 140 thyroid biopsies were diagnosed in the Department of Pathology at King Salman Hospital, Ha'il, from November 2019 to November 2020. RESULTS: Out of the 190 patients who attended with thyroid complaints, 140/190 (73.7%) were detected with thyroid lesions (58 malignant and 82 benign). Benign lesions included goiter 49/82 (60%), follicular adenoma 17/82 (21%), Hashimoto's thyroiditis 13/82 (16%), and toxic goiter 3/82 (3%). 5/6 (83.3%) of males with benign lesions had goiters. CK19 was positive in 68.5% of the cases; 71.8% were papillary, 66.7% were follicular, and 100% were undifferentiated carcinomas. Out of the 26/54 (48%) CD56-positive cases, 18/39 (46%) were papillary, 7/12 (58.3%) were follicular, and 3/3 (100%) were undifferentiated carcinomas. Out of the 35/54 (64.8%) Galectin-3-positive cases, 69.2% were papillary, 7/12 (58.3%) were follicular, and 3/3 (100%) were undifferentiated carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid cancer is prevalent in northern Saudi Arabia, with the predominant type being papillary thyroid carcinoma. Most patients are female and younger. The combined use of CK19, CD56, and Galectin-3 tumor markers assists in the accurate differential diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms.

Normal central foveal thickness in a thousand eyes of healthy patients in sub Saharan Africa using fourier domain optical coherence tomography.

Background: Optical coherence tomography provides high resolution in vivo images of the retina which are essential for diagnosis and follow up of patients with retina disorders like macula edema and exudative age-related macular degeneration. Establishing the normal range of central fovea values in our population provides vital baseline data for comparison. Aim: To report the range of normal central fovea thickness measurements in eyes of healthy hospital patients in sub-Saharan Africa using a commercially available Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. Patients and Methods: A retrospective non-comparative review of case files of a thousand consecutive healthy patients who had retina OCT scans between January 2015 and December 2019 was done. Results: Data from 1000 consecutive eyes of 500 healthy patients were used for the study. There were 181 females and 319 males. The mean central foveal thickness was 239.48 microns (µm), with a minimum thickness of 200.0 µm and maximum thickness of 297.0 µm. Males had significantly (P < 0.001) thicker mean CFT (mean CFT = 241.77 µm) compared with females (mean CFT = 235.43 µm). The mean CFT increased with age of participants by 0.139 µm (P < 0.001) for every year of life below 70. Conclusion: The mean central foveal thickness (CFT) in eyes of healthy patients in our study was 239.48 µm with a range from 200 µm to 297.0 µm. Males had thicker mean CFT compared with females and there was a significant increase in mean CFT by 0.139 µm (P < 0.001) for every year of life below 70.

Vitreous Hemorrhage, Aetiology and Visual Outcome of Vitrectomy in a Black African Population.

BACKGROUND: Information on the causes and outcome of treatment of vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. OBJECTIVES: To determine the causes and postoperative vision after vitrectomy for VH. DESIGN: A retrospective review of records from consecutive eyes, with VH greater than one-month duration, who had vitrectomy and adjunctive treatment in a retina unit in Nigeria. METHODS: We assessed the change between preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, bio data, cause of VH, duration of follow up, and additional treatment. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical package 17.0 to determine the significance of the change in visual acuity for each cause of VH. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 221 eyes of 219 patients, the common causes of VH were trauma 43 eyes, (19.7%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 37 eyes (17.0%) and proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, 30 eyes (13.8%). There was no association between cause and the presenting preoperative visual acuity. There was a statistically significant association between cause of VH and postoperative visual outcome. Postoperative visual improvement was significant for branch retinal vein occlusion, central retinal vein occlusion, proliferative diabetic retinopathy with VH only, proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, and trauma with VH only, p value = 0.000, 0.002, 0.001, 0.039, and 0.000 respectively. Postoperative visual change was not significant in age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (p value = 0.155, 0.428 respectively). CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in visual acuity can be achieved with active treatment of VH in the majority of cases in Nigeria. This information is useful for discussions on prognosis and agrees with previous studies.

CONTEXTE: Les informations sur les causes et les résultats du traitement de l'hémorragie vitréenne (HV) en Afrique subsaharienne sont limitées. OBJECTIFS: Déterminer les causes et la vision postopératoire après une vitrectomie pour une HV. CONCEPTION: Une revue rétrospective des dossiers d'yeux consécutifs, avec une HV de plus d'un mois, qui ont subi une vitrectomie et un traitement d'appoint dans une unité de rétine au Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Nous avons évalué la variation entre l'acuité visuelle préopératoire et postopératoire, les données biologiques, la cause de l'HV, la durée du suivi et le traitement complémentaire. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du progiciel statistique SPSS 17.0 afin de déterminer la signification du changement d'acuité visuelle pour chaque cause de HV. Une valeur p <0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 221 yeux de 219 patients, les causes les plus fréquentes de l'HV étaient les suivantes : traumatisme, 43 yeux (19,7%), rétinopathie diabétique proliférante, 37 yeux (17,0 %) et rétinopathie drépanocytaire proliférante, 30 yeux (13,8 %). Il n'y avait pas d'association entre la cause et l'acuité visuelle préopératoire. Il y avait une association statistiquement significative entre la cause de l'HV et le résultat visuel postopératoire. L'amélioration visuelle postopératoire était significative pour l'occlusion de la veine rétinienne de branche, l'occlusion de la veine rétinienne centrale, la rétinopathie diabétique proliférante avec HV uniquement, la rétinopathie drépanocytaire proliférante et le traumatisme avec HV uniquement, valeur p = 0,000, 0,002, 0,001, 0,039 et 0,000 respectivement. Le changement visuel postopératoire n'était pas significatif dans la dégénérescence maculaire liée à l'âge et la vasculopathie choroïdienne polypoïde (valeur p = 0,155,0,428 respectivement). CONCLUSION: Des améliorations significatives de l'acuité visuelle peuvent être obtenues avec un traitement actif de l'HV dans la majorité des cas au Nigeria. Cette information est utile pour les discussions sur le pronostic et concorde avec les études précédentes. Mots clés: Rétinopathie diabétique, traumatisme oculaire, rétinopathie diabétique proliférante, rétinopathie drépanocytaire, Afrique subsaharienne, hémorragie vitrée, vitrectomie, acuité visuelle.

Expression of ER, PR, HER2, and Cadherin tumor markers in a series of Saudi patients with BC.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) tumor markers have an important implication in the subsequent BC management and survival determinants. Thus, the present study aimed to formulate the expression of ER, PR, HER2, and E-cadherin tumor markers in a series of Saudi patients with BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 133 BC biopsies were retrieved from the Department of Pathology at King Salman Hospital, Hai'l, Northern Saudi Arabia, from November 2019 to November 2020. Out of the 133 biopsies, 50 (37.6%) were diagnosed with BC, including 46 ductal carcinoma, 2 lobular carcinomas, and 2 papillary carcinomas. RESULTS: ER was expressed in 30/44 (68.2%), 2/2 (100%), 2/2 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC, respectively. PR was expressed in 27/43 (63%), 2/2 (100%), 2/2 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC, correspondingly. HER2 was expressed in 13/31 (42%), 0%, and 0% of DC, LC, and PC cases, respectively. Correspondingly, E-cadherin was expressed in 11/21 (52.4%), 0%, 1/1 (100%) of the cases of DC, LC, and PC. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-negative BC and HER2+ve among Saudi women are among the higher globally reported ranges, associated with poorer response to treatment and prognosis. Luckily, only one patient was found with ER-ve PR+ve, the subtype usually associated with poorer survival outcomes. E-cadherin loss is lower among Saudi BC patients, which suggests a less rate of invasion in these patients. The current study's findings may help improve Saudi guidelines for the treatment of breast cancer.

Correlating optical coherence tomography biomarkers with visual acuity in nigerian retinitis pigmentosa patients.

Background: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) has been used for imaging retinitis pigmentosa (RP) eyes and provides useful information on microstructural changes. Aim: To review SD-OCT findings and correlate the central foveal thickness (CFT), outer nuclear layer (ONL), external limiting membrane (ELM), and ellipsoid zone (EZ) with visual function in nonsyndromic RP eyes. Patients and Methods: A multicenter, retrospective review of records from consecutive eyes diagnosed to have RP. Biodata, systemic disease, visual acuity, lens status, intraocular pressure, and SD-OCT images were examined. The CFT was categorized into normal (250-299 microns), atrophic (0-249 microns), and edematous (≥300 microns). The ONL, ELM, and EZ within the subfoveal area was assessed and rated as normal, reduced (if less than normal), or absent (if missing). The status of these biomarkers was correlated with visual acuity and statistical analysis performed using Pearson Chi2, P < 0.05. In addition, the vitreomacular interface was examined for the presence of vitreomacular traction (VMT), vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), and epiretinal membrane (ERM). Results: Fifty-two RP eyes of 27 patients had SD-OCT images that were used for study analysis. There were 17 males and 10 females; 52% of participants were between 31 and 50 years (age range: 22-77 years). An atrophic retina was the most common finding in 42 eyes (81%); the average CFT in the atrophic group was 175 microns (range: 111-245 microns). There were three eyes with cystoid macular edema, and seven eyes were normal. For the OCT biomarkers, a reduction in ONL and ELM occurred in 69% and 46% of eyes, respectively, while an absence was the most common EZ finding (in 50% of eyes). There was a significant correlation between the presence or absence of the three biomarkers and presenting vision: ONL, ELM, and EZ with P values of 0.000, 0.006, and 0.011, respectively. The CFT had no significant correlation with vision; P = 0.522. Other findings on OCT include ERM 17%, VMA 6%, and VMT 2%. Conclusion: This report supports the notion that OCT image reporting on physical retinal structure in RP eyes can be used to predict disease effects on vision. A prospective study to better quantify the degree of structural change and correlate with the degree of functional loss is required for RP gene types in Nigerians and black Africans.

Outcome of vitrectomy for advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy complicating primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment among Nigerians.

AIM: To present the anatomical and visual outcome and compare different techniques in the surgical treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in Nigerians. METHOD: Comparative retrospective review of PVR grade C and D eyes that had vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil between April 2005 and December 2012. Data was extracted from consecutive case notes after exclusion of eyes with PVR associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (PSCR) and eyes with nonuse of silicone oil. A comparison of the outcome of vitrectomy alone (Vit.), versus combined with a scleral buckle (Vit.+SB), versus with retinectomy (Vit.+RT), versus with all three procedures (Vit.+SB+RT) was done. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 software. Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher's exact T-test were used to determine the effect of relationships. RESULTS: 138 eyes of 138 patients had grades C (100 eyes) and grade D (38 eyes) PVR. Surgery involved vitrectomy and membrane peel in 53% of eyes, additional scleral buckle in 22%, and retinectomy was performed in 17%. Retinal reattachment rate was 86% for PVR C eyes and 87% in PVR D eyes. There was no statistically significant difference in anatomical outcome between vitrectomy alone and the combination surgeries. In the vitrectomy only category, the postoperative vision was noted to improve (> preoperative), in 48% of PVR C and in 31% of PVR D. 33% of PVR C and 44% of PVR D eyes had a worse vision (< preoperative). Visual outcome was similarly poor in the combination surgeries with improved vision noted in 12%, 44%, and 33% of the Vit.+SB, Vit. +RT, and Vit.+SB+RT PVR C eyes, respectively. In PVR D eyes, improved vision was seen in 57% and 12% of Vit.+SB and Vit.+RT eyes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Surgery results in anatomical reattachment and there is nonsuperiority of any technique. Visual outcome is poor as previously reported. Recent trials of pharmacological adjuncts may show promise for improved visual outcomes.

Knowledge about Tuberculosis: A Precursor to Effective TB Control-Findings from a Follow-Up National KAP Study on Tuberculosis among Nigerians.

Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes a significant and major public health emergency globally. Nigeria is one of the 22 high burden Tuberculosis countries. A high level of community awareness and positive perception towards TB and its management is crucial for the success of any control strategy. A national baseline survey was conducted in 2008 and a follow-up study in 2012 to measure knowledge of TB among the general population. This study therefore evaluated the knowledge of the target population about Tuberculosis in the follow-up study. A cross-sectional study design was employed with a total of 3,021 respondents interviewed from six states selected randomly from each of the six geopolitical zones in the country. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were adopted. From the findings, about 60% of the respondents were aged between 21 and 40 years and more than half had secondary school education. Over 80% had ever heard about TB. Although there has been a significant improvement in correct knowledge of the cause of TB from baseline (19%) in 2008 to 26.5% in 2012 (p < 0.001), findings showed that prioritized interventions are needed to improve communication and information dissemination on Tuberculosis to the general public, to aid TB control and all prevention efforts.

Refractive aim and visual outcome after phacoemulsification: A 2-year review from a Tertiary Private Eye Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AIM: To review the short-term visual outcome of phacoemulsification in adults with uncomplicated cataracts in Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of records of patients that had phacoemulsification between January 2012 and December 2013 in Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, was done. Preoperative visual acuity, refractive aim, intraoperative complications, postoperative unaided, and best-corrected visual acuity at 1 and 3 months were analyzed. Only eyes of adults that had phacoemulsification for uncomplicated cataracts were included in the study, all pediatric cataracts and eyes with ocular comorbidities were excluded. Common ocular comorbidities excluded were corneal opacity/corneal scar, glaucoma, uveitis, pseudo exfoliation syndrome, moderate and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, macula edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, eye trauma, age-related macular degeneration, previous corneal surgery, glaucoma surgery, and previous or simultaneous vitreoretinal surgery. RESULTS: A total of 157 eyes of 119 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. There were 60 (50.4%) females and 59 (49.6%) males, with age range from 31 to 91 years and a mean of 65.3 ± 11.10 years. Only eyes with available data were analyzed at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. In 112 eyes (85.7%), the refractive aim was met, 21 eyes (14.3%) did not meet their refractive aim, 20 eyes (12.7%) were excluded, the refractive aim could not be determined from the records as surgeons did not specify, and in 4 eyes, the required information was missing from the case files. An unaided visual acuity of 6/18 and better was achieved in 134 eyes (85.4%) at 1 month and 126 eyes (85.9%) at 3 months whereas best-corrected vision of 6/18 and better was achieved by 145 eyes (92.4%) at 1 month and 146 eyes (98.0%) at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcomes after phacoemulsification are comparable with international benchmarks for good outcomes, with 85.4% of eyes achieving within 1 D of spherical equivalent of the refractive aim, 92.4% and 98.0% of eyes also achieving best-corrected visual acuities of 6/18 and better at 1 and 3 postoperative months, respectively. Unaided vision of 6/18 and better was also achieved in 85.4% and 85.9% at 1 and 3 postoperative months, respectively.

Bilateral simultaneous macular infarction with spontaneous visual recovery in genotype ss hemoglobinopathy patient.

To report the rare and dramatic event of bilateral macular infarction in a sickle cell hemoglobinopathy (SS genotype) patient, resulting in bilateral severe reduction in visual acuity. Without any intervention, the patient's vision gradually improved over the follow-up period. Central visual field defects however persisted. A 21-year-old male Nigerian, presented with a 1-week history of bilateral sudden painless loss of vision. His symptom was associated with fever, feeling of heaviness in the chest and head, and a dizzy spell. Visual acuity was reduced to 20/200 in both eyes and near acuity was; right eye: N24, left eye: N36. Funduscopy showed a pale, milky white, thickened retinal patch superotemporal to the fovea in both eyes. Fluorescein Angiograph: revealed features consistent with occlusion of the parafoveal terminal arterioles in both eyes. Although he did not receive any ocular treatment, and exchange blood transfusion was not done, he regained near-normal visual acuity in both eyes over a 17-month follow-up period, central visual field defects persisted in both eyes. Visual recovery in this patient demonstrates that macular function could improve over time following macular ischemia, without any treatment. Patients and caring physicians should be aware of this possibility.

Treatment outcomes among human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis co-infected pregnant women in resource poor settings of South-Western Nigeria

The complex interactions between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) infections may be magnified, in the presence of another potentially stressful condition like pregnancy. Though co-infection among pregnant women is rare, treatment outcomes may depend on accessibility to comprehensive treatment modalities. The objective of this study is to determine treatment outcomes among pregnant HIV and TB co-infected pregnant women in Lagos, South-western Nigeria. This retrospective, analytical study was carried out among ninety four (94) eligible pregnant women co-infected with HIV and TB at selected health-care facilities in Lagos state between January, 2008 and December, 2009. A standard checklist for data collection was used and analysis was carried out using the EPI info software. Mean age of respondents was 30.8 (±3.9) years. Sixteen (17.1%) TB cases were clinically diagnosed for tuberculosis. Among tuberculosis cases identified through sputum microscopy, 60(63.8%) were acid fast bacilli (AFB) positive and 21(22.3%) were identified in the first trimester. The mean percentage adherence to anti-retroviral drugs was 95.9% (±5.3). None of the participant smoked cigarette. Seventy three {73 (77.7%)} had contact with TB infected or suspected person in the last three months. Treatment outcome in mother showed that 74(78.7%) were cured, 8(8.5%) relapsed while 12 (12.8%) had treatment failures. Among the babies, 83(88.3%) were born alive. Women with both poor adherence (<90%) and with positive TB contact, but neither factor alone, were half-fold less likely to be cured compared with women with both good adherence (>95%) and no TB contact (OR=0.59, CI=0.45-0.95 and p=0.014). Cure rate was substantially lower in this study. This calls for extra strategies such as routine TB screening in antenatal clinics, strict adherence to national guidelines in the treatment of HIV/TB co-infections, focused antenatal care and comprehensive Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) care and treatment

Inventory of plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia. IV. Plants of the families Passifloraceae-Zygophyllaceae.

Thirty-seven plants are listed, which are used by traditional healers in the central and southern parts of Somalia. For each species are listed: the botanical name with synonyms, collection number, vernacular name, medicinal use, preparation of remedy and dosage. Results of a literature survey are also reported including medicinal use, substances isolated and pharmacological effects. Three plants which should have been included in Part I of the series have been added and some corrections to that paper have been made. With these additions the series comprises 180 different plant species, distributed in 59 plant families.

Inventory of plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia. III. Plants of the families Lauraceae-Papilionaceae.

Thirty-five plants are listed, which are used by traditional healers in the central and southern parts of Somalia. For each species are listed: the botanical name with synonyms, collection number, vernacular name, medicinal use, preparation of remedy and dosage. Results of a literature survey are also reported including medicinal use, substances isolated and pharmacological effects.

Inventory of plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia. II. Plants of the families Combretaceae to Labiatae.

Fifty-nine plants are listed, which are used by traditional healers in the central and southern parts of Somalia. For each species are listed: the botanical name with synonyms, collection number, vernacular name, medicinal use, preparation of remedy and dosage. Results of a literature survey are also reported including medicinal use, substances isolated and pharmacological effects.

Inventory of plants used in traditional medicine in Somalia. I. Plants of the families Acanthaceae-Chenopodiaceae.

Thirty-eight plants are listed, which are used by traditional healers in the central and southern parts of Somalia. For each species are listed: the botanical name with synonyms, collection number, vernacular name, medicinal use, preparation of remedy and dosage. Results of a literature survey are also reported including medicinal use, substances isolated and pharmacological effects.