Comparabilidad del autorrefractómetro portátil Retinomax K-plus 3 en modo rápido versus autorrefractómetro de sobremesa en modo estándar / Comparability of the Retinomax K-plus 3 handheld autorefractometer in quick mode versus on-table autorefractometer in standard mode

I ntroducción Este estudio analiza la comparabilidad de las medidas tomadas por un autorefractómetro portátil Retinomax K-plus 3 en modo Quick (rápido) y un autorrefractómetro de sobremesa Topcon KR-800 en modo estándar sobre la población pediátrica, y establece su correlación. Método Es un estudio comparativo retrospectivo. Se midieron las variables potencia dióptrica esférica (SPH), potencia dióptrica cilíndrica (CYL), ángulo del eje cilíndrico (AX) y equivalente esférico (SE) con el Retinomax en modo Quick y con el Topcon en modo estándar. Cada paciente fue evaluado en condiciones ciclopléjicas y no ciclopléjicas por ambos autorefractómetros. Se realizó la prueba t de Student entre ambos instrumentos para SPH, CYL y SE. Se calculó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y se representó la dispersión mediante gráficas de Bland-Altman, evaluándose también el subgrupo de pacientes menores de 4 años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los porcentajes de medidas que diferían. Resultados Incluyó 98 ojos de 49 sujetos (rango de edad: 3-16 años). Los datos de SPH sin cicloplejia son prácticamente idénticos, mientras que con cicloplejia hay un sesgo hipermetrópico de +0,5 dioptrías medidas con Retinomax. Los resultados de CYL son muy similares con y sin cicloplejia. Existe una gran correlación de Pearson para ambos instrumentos (>0,91) y un bajo grado de dispersión en los gráficos de Bland-Altman bajo cicloplejia. Conclusión Los datos del Retinomax fueron consistentes con los obtenidos por el Topcon. El Retinomax es un instrumento útil para detectar errores de refracción en niños de entre 3 y 16 años (AU)

Introduction This study analyzes the comparability of measurements taken by a Retinomax K-plus 3 handheld autorefractometer in quick mode and a Topcon KR-800 on-table autorefractometer in standard mode on the pediatric population, and establishes their correlation. Methods It is a retrospective comparative study. Spherical diopter power (SPH), cylindrical diopter power (CYL), angle of cylindrical axis (AX), and spherical equivalent (SE) were measured with the Retinomax in quick mode and with the Topcon in standard mode. Each patient was evaluated in cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic conditions by both autorefractometers. Student's t-test was performed between the two instruments for SPH, CYL, and SE. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and the dispersion was represented using Bland-Altman graphs, also evaluating the subgroup of patients under 4 years of age. A descriptive analysis of the percentages of measures that differed was performed. Results It included 98 eyes of 49 subjects (age range: 3-16 years). The data for HPS without cycloplegia are virtually identical, whereas with cycloplegia there is a hyperopic bias of +0.5 diopters measured with Retinomax. CYL results are very similar with and without cycloplegia. There is a high Pearson correlation for both instruments (>0.91) and a low degree of dispersion in the Bland-Altman plots under cycloplegia. Conclusion The Retinomax data were consistent with those obtained by Topcon. The Retinomax is a useful instrument for detecting refractive errors in children between 3 and 16 years of age (AU)

Comparability of the Retinomax K-plus 3 handheld autorefractometer in quick mode versus on-table autorefractometer in standard mode.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzes the comparability of measurements taken by a Retinomax K-plus 3 handheld autorefractometer in Quick mode and a Topcon KR-800 on-table autorefractometer in standard mode on the pediatric population, and establishes their correlation. METHODS: It is a retrospective comparative study. Spherical diopter power (SPH), cylindrical diopter power (CYL), angle of cylindrical axis (AX), and spherical equivalent (SE) were measured with the Retinomax in Quick mode and with the Topcon in standard mode. Each patient was evaluated in cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic conditions by both autorefractometers. Student's t-test was performed between the two instruments for SPH, CYL, and SE. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and the dispersion was represented using Bland-Altman graphs, also evaluating the subgroup of patients under 4 years of age. A descriptive analysis of the percentages of measures that differed was performed. RESULTS: It included 98 eyes of 49 subjects (age range: 3-16 years). The data for HPS without cycloplegia are virtually identical, whereas with cycloplegia there is a hyperopic bias of +0.5 diopters measured with Retinomax. CYL results are very similar with and without cycloplegia. There is a high Pearson correlation for both instruments (>0.91) and a low degree of dispersion in the Bland-Altman plots under cycloplegia. CONCLUSION: The Retinomax data were consistent with those obtained by Topcon. The Retinomax is a useful instrument for detecting refractive errors in children between 3 and 16 years of age.

El efecto del uso prolongado y nocturno de las lentes de contacto en la córnea. A propósito de un caso de descompensación corneal y descenso del recuento endotelial / The effect of prolonged and nocturnal use of contact lenses on the cornea: About a case of corneal decompensation and decreased endothelial count

El edema corneal y la disminución del recuento de células endoteliales son complicaciones relacionadas con la hipoxia crónica de bajo grado, que experimentan los usuarios de lentes de contacto, principalmente debido al uso prolongado y nocturno. Este caso muestra el ejemplo de un paciente que presenta problemas de visión borrosa en ambos ojos, y a quien se le realizó un examen oftalmológico completo que incluyó fotografías, topografía corneal y conteo de células endoteliales. Posteriormente se revisa el metabolismo corneal, la etiopatogenia y las complicaciones derivadas del uso de lentes de contacto (AU)

Corneal edema and decreased endothelial cell count are complications related to chronic low-grade hypoxia experienced by contact lens wearers, primarily due to prolonged and overnight wear. This case shows the example of a patient who has blurred vision problems in both eyes and who underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination that included photographs, corneal topography and endothelial cell count. Subsequently, the corneal metabolism, the etiopathogenesis and the complications derived from the use of contact lenses are reviewed (AU)

The effect of prolonged and nocturnal use of contact lenses on the cornea: about a case of corneal decompensation and decreased endothelial count.

Corneal edema and decreased endothelial cell count are complications related to chronic low-grade hypoxia experienced by contact lens wearers, primarily due to prolonged and overnight wear. This case shows the example of a patient who has blurred vision problems in both eyes and who underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination that included photographs, corneal topography and endothelial cell count. Subsequently, the corneal metabolism, the etiopathogenesis and the complications derived from the use of contact lenses are reviewed.

Repetibilidad y comparabilidad de un nuevo tomógrafo con tecnología SS-OCT en biometría óptica / Repeatability and comparability of a new swept-source optical coherence tomographer in optical biometry

Objetivo Evaluar la reproducibilidad en la medición de los parámetros biométricos utilizando un nuevo biómetro por tomografía de coherencia óptica con fuente de barrido y compararlo con un biómetro por reflectometría óptica de baja coherencia. Diseño Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal. Método Se incluyeron 45 ojos derechos de 45 pacientes, a los que se realizó tres mediciones consecutivas con el biómetro Anterion y una con el biómetro Lenstar LS900. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: longitud axial (AXL), profundidad de cámara anterior (ACD), K plana (K1), K curva (K2), grosor corneal central (CCT), grosor del cristalino (LT) y distancia blanco-blanco (WTW). Para evaluar la repetibilidad se calculó el coeficiente de Pearson «R» y la desviación estándar intrasujeto (Sw). Para evaluar la comparabilidad entre los biómetros se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de concordancia (CCC) y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI). Además, se realizaron gráficos de Bland-Altman para cada variable. Resultados El coeficiente de Pearson fue excelente y estadísticamente significativo en la evaluación de la repetibilidad para todas las variables. Los valores más altos fueron 0,987 (AXL), 0,983 (CCT) y 0,942 (ACD). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las repetidas mediciones con Anterion para todas las variables. Los valores de CCC y CCI fueron excelentes en la evaluación de las variables AXL, CCT y ACD, y fueron altos para las variables K1, K2, LT y WTW. Conclusiones La realización de una biometría óptica ocular con el biómetro SS-OCT Anterion es un procedimiento reproducible y comparable con el biómetro Lenstar LS900 (AU)

Purpose To evaluate the reproducibility in the measurement of ocular biometric parameters using a new swept-source optical coherence tomographer and its comparability with an optical low coherence reflectometry biometer. Design An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Methods 45 right eyes of 45 patients diagnosed with cataract were included. Three successive biometric measurements with Anterion and one with Lenstar LS900 were performed on each patient. The following variables were collected: axial length (AXL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), flat K (K1), steep K (K2), central corneal thickness (CCT), lens thickness (LT) and white-to-white distance (WTW). The intrasubject standard deviation (Sw) and the coefficient of Pearson «R» were calculated in order to assess the repeatability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were obtained to evaluate the comparability between devices. A Bland–Altman plot was performed for each variable. Results The coefficient of Pearson was excellent and statistically significant in the evaluation of the repeatability in all the variables. The highest values were 0.987 (AXL), 0.983 (CCT) and 0.942 (ACD). There were no statically significant differences between repeated measurements with Anterion in all the parameters. The ICC and CCC were excellent in the evaluation of AXL, CCT and ACD, and were also good in regard to K1, K2, LT and WTW. Conclusions Performing biometry with the SS-OCT Anterion is a reliable and reproducible procedure, and it is comparable with the Lenstar LS900 (AU)

Lesión permanente de las capas internas de la retina en una paciente con migraña: un caso diferente de maculopatía paracentral aguda media / Permanent damage of the inner retinal layers in a patient with migraine: A different case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy

Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 20 años que consultó por un escotoma paracentral en su ojo izquierdo que no había desaparecido después de una crisis de migraña 2 días antes. La exploración realizada evidenció la presencia de 2 áreas de palidez retiniana sugestivas de isquemia aguda. Tras descartar varias causas de isquemia retiniana aguda, se llegó al diagnóstico de un síndrome vasoespástico retiniano. Un año después, la paciente presenta una atrofia de las capas internas de la retina afectada y sufre un escotoma paracentral crónico en su ojo izquierdo. Los vasoespasmos retinianos pueden provocar un daño irreversible y crónico debido a la destrucción tisular por la isquemia. Este inusual caso describe una lesión permanente secundaria a un vasoespasmo arterial tras una crisis de migraña. El hallazgo de lesiones retinianas características y la historia de migraña hacen el diagnóstico compatible con un episodio de maculopatía paracentral aguda media (AU)

We report the case of a 20-year-old patient who presented a paracentral scotoma in her left eye that had not disappeared after a migraine attack 2 days before. Ocular examination showed 2 pale paracentral areas suggesting an acute ischemia insult. Several causes of retinal ischemia were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with secondary retinal vasospasm. One year later, the patient suffers an atrophy of the inner layers of the affected retina and has a paracentral chronic scotoma in her left eye. Retinal vasospasms can result in irreversible lesions and chronic symptoms due to ischemia and cell destruction. This unusual case reports a permanent damage due to retinal vasospasm secondary to migraine attack. The finding of typical lesions and the history of migraine could be compatible with the diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (AU)

Permanent damage of the inner retinal layers in a patient with migraine: a different case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy.

We report the case of a 20-year-old patient who presented a paracentral scotoma in her left eye that had not disappeared after a migraine attack two days before. Ocular examination showed two pale paracentral areas suggesting an acute ischemia insult. Several causes of retinal ischemia were ruled out and the patient was diagnosed with secondary retinal vasospasm. One year later, the patient suffers an atrophy of the inner layers of the affected retina and has a paracentral chronic scotoma in her left eye. Retinal vasospasms can result in irreversible lesions and chronic symptoms due to ischemia and cell destruction. This unusual case reports a permanent damage due to retinal vasospasm secondary to migraine attack. The finding of typical lesions and the history of migraine could be compatible with the diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM).

Repeatability and comparability of a new swept-source optical coherence tomographer in optical biometry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility in the measurement of ocular biometric parameters using a new swept-source optical coherence tomographer and its comparability with an optical low coherence reflectometry biometer. DESIGN: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. METHODS: 45 right eyes of 45 patients diagnosed with cataract were included. Three successive biometric measurements with Anterion and one with Lenstar LS900 were performed on each patient. The following variables were collected: axial length (AXL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), flat K (K1), steep K (K2), central corneal thickness (CCT), lens thickness (LT) and white-to-white distance (WTW). The intrasubject standard deviation (Sw) and the coefficient of Pearson "R" were calculated in order to assess the repeatability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were obtained to evaluate the comparability between devices. A Bland-Altman plot was performed for each variable. RESULTS: The coefficient of Pearson was excellent and statistically significant in the evaluation of the repeatability in all the variables. The highest values were 0.987 (AXL), 0.983 (CCT) and 0.942 (ACD). There were no statically significant differences between repeated measurements with Anterion in all the parameters. The ICC and CCC were excellent in the evaluation of AXL, CCT and ACD, and were also good in regard to K1, K2, LT and WTW. CONCLUSIONS: Performing biometry with the SS-OCT Anterion is a reliable and reproducible procedure, and it is comparable with the Lenstar LS900.

Límites de la precisión en el resultado refractivo tras la cirugía de cataratas / Limits of the precision in refractive results after cataract surgery

Antecedentes y objetivo Para mejorar los resultados refractivos en cirugía de cataratas con implante de lente intraocular es importante conocer las fuentes de error, así como el límite de mejora de dicho proceso. Por tanto, el objetivo del presente trabajo es aproximar el límite teórico en la precisión en el resultado refractivo tras cirugía de cataratas con los medios disponibles en la actualidad y valorar el impacto de distintas fuentes de error en dicho proceso. Materiales y métodos Realizamos una búsqueda de la bibliografía para determinar la variabilidad aportada por cada componente del proceso. Tomando como base la fórmula de Barrett Universal-II realizamos un análisis de propagación de errores. El límite teórico fue definido como la situación en la que el resultado refractivo únicamente está afectado por la variabilidad en los parámetros introducidos en la fórmula, la tolerancia de la lente intraocular y la refracción subjetiva. Resultados Los principales contribuidores al error fueron: 1. La variabilidad intraoperatoria y postoperatoria, variables no consideradas por las fórmulas (49,33%). 2. La refracción subjetiva postoperatoria (38,29%). 3. La queratometría media (5,98%), y 4. la variabilidad en el etiquetado de la potencia de la lente intraocular (5,09%). El límite teórico obtenido para el cálculo de lente intraocular con los medios disponibles actualmente fue del 91,9% de los ojos entre + -0,50D. Conclusiones El límite teórico de la precisión es de 91,92% de los ojos entre + - 0,5D. Para aproximarnos al límite de precisión descrito en el estudio requiere de la utilización de biometría óptica y fórmulas de última generación, una técnica quirúrgica reproducible y la compensación de los errores sistemáticos mediante el ajuste de constantes (AU)

Background and objective In order to improve refractive results in cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant, it is important to know the sources of error as well as the limit of this process. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to approximate the theoretical limit in the precision in the refractive result after cataract surgery with the currently available means and to assess the impact of different sources of error in this process. Materials and methods We conducted a search of the literature to determine the variability provided by each component of the process. Based on the Barrett Universal-II formula, we performed an error propagation analysis. The theoretical limit was defined as the situation in which the refractive result is only affected by the variability in the parameters introduced in the formula, the tolerance of the intraocular lens and the subjective refraction Results The main contributors to the error were: 1. Intraoperative and postoperative variability variables not considered by the formulas (49.33%). 2. Postoperative subjective refraction (38.29%). 3. Mean keratometry (5.98%), and 4. the variability in the labelling of the power of the intraocular lens (5.09%). The theoretical limit obtained for the intraocular lens calculation with the means available today was 91.9% of the eyes between + -0.50D. Conclusions We found a theoretical limit for the intraocular lens calculation of 91.9% of the eyes between + -0.50D. Approaching the precision limit described in the study requires the use of optical biometrics and state-of-the-art formulas, a reproducible surgical technique, and the compensation of systematic errors by adjusting constants (AU)

Limits of the precision in refractive results after cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In order to improve refractive results in cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant, it is important to know the sources of error as well as the limit of this process. Therefore, the objective of the present work is to approximate the theoretical limit in the precision in the refractive result after cataract surgery with the currently available means and to assess the impact of different sources of error in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a search of the literature to determine the variability provided by each component of the process. Based on the Barrett Universal-II formula, we performed an error propagation analysis. The theoretical limit was defined as the situation in which the refractive result is only affected by the variability in the parameters introduced in the formula, the tolerance of the intraocular lens and the subjective refraction. RESULTS: The main contributors to the error were (1) intraoperative and postoperative variability variables not considered by the formulas (49.33%), (2) postoperative subjective refraction (38.29%), (3) mean keratometry (5.98%) and (4) the variability in the labelling of the power of the intraocular lens (5.09%). The theoretical limit obtained for the intraocular lens calculation with the means available today was 91.9% of the eyes between ±0.50D. CONCLUSIONS: We found a theoretical limit for the intraocular lens calculation of 91.9% of the eyes between ±0.50D. Approaching the precision limit described in the study requires the use of optical biometrics and state-of-the-art formulas, a reproducible surgical technique, and the compensation of systematic errors by adjusting constants.

Posterior bilateral lens luxation in an agitated patient: Cause or consequence? / Luxación posterior bilateral del cristalino en una paciente agitada, ¿causa o consecuencia?

Complete posterior lens dislocation is an infrequent clinical entity. Trauma is the first cause of secondary lens dislocation. Most of the cases are unilateral, and bilateral cases are unusual. We report the uncommon case of a 70-year-old woman with evidence of a posterior bilateral dislocation of the lens in the context of an acute onset of confusional syndrome. We discuss about sensory deprivation as a trigger for acute confusion and agitation in patients with predisposing conditions. In addition, we describe the benefits that, in our experience, the refloating technique with perfluorocarbon liquid provides for the surgical approach to these cases.

Optical neuropathy due to inhaled cocaine, causality or chance. / Neuropatía óptica secundaria a consumo de cocaína inhalada. Causalidad o casualidad.

A 44-year-old man, active cocaine consumer, who referred decrease in visual acuity in the right eye in 24 hours of evolution, being 0,05 in that eye and 1 in the left eye. The examination showed a relative afferent pupil defect and a swelling head of optic nerve. The systemic studies performed were normal, except the nuclear magnetic resonance of the brain that showed a thickening of the maxillary and frontal sinus mucosa, compatible with sinusitis. Hospital admission and the start of intravenous corticosteroid treatment were decided, with a favourable evolution, a visual acuity of 1.0 in both eyes and an anatomical improvement of the optic nerve head. Due to the medical history of the patient and the assessment of other plausible alternative diagnoses, we established the diagnosis of optical neuropathy due to inhaled cocaine abuse.

Eye lid and canalicular laceration due to obstetric trauma. Case report. / Laceración palpebral y canalicular asociada a trauma obstétrico. Descripción de un caso.

Ocular injuries associated with birth trauma are rare. Their incidence increases in cases of instrument-assisted delivery, emergency cesarean section, and abnormal presentation of the fetus. We present the clinical case of a premature Asian male baby, aged 33+2 weeks and weighing 1,500g. The infant was born out of a twin pregnancy and was delivered by emergency cesarean section. Following delivery, a 5mm long lower eyelid laceration was observed in the inner corner of the left eye, with injury to the inferior canaliculus. A Mini-Monoka® (FCI, Issy-Les Moulineaux, France) monocanalicular intubation stent was inserted on the seventh day with anastomosis of the proximal and distal ends of the canaliculus laceration. The skin was then sutured with a polyglactin 8/0 (Vicryl 8/0, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson S. A., Madrid, Spain) suture. The postoperative treatment consisted of tobramycin and dexamethasone eye drops four times per day for 10 days. A good progression was observed, the position of the inferior lacrimal punctum was adequate, and syringation was normal. The Mini-Monoka® was removed after 14 weeks.

The role of pharmacological steroid therapy in preservation of renal function in severely injured patients requiring massive transfusion.

PURPOSE: Glucocorticoids (GC) attenuate the post-insult inflammatory response and have been observed to confer end-organ protection following a variety of ischemic insults. We aim to assess this benefit on renal perfusion and function in injured patients requiring massive transfusion. METHODS: The effect of pharmacologic methylprednisolone (MP) therapy was studied in 118 patients (pts), of whom 60, by random, received 1 g MP intraoperatively and 15 mg/kg for an additional 3 days. Postoperative measurements were made of effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), glomerular filtration by inulin (CIn), creatinine clearance (CCr) and clearances of osmoles (CCosm), sodium (CNa), and free water ([Formula: see text]). Continuous variables were compared between the two groups using the student's t test. RESULTS: Enrolled pts on average received 13.5 units of PRBCs with no differences in the resuscitation regimen. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative renal function as measured by ERPF (p = 0.57), CIn (p = 0.84), CCr (p = 0.99), CNa (p = 0.07), COsm (p = 0.95), and [Formula: see text] (p = 0.33). The incidence of renal compromise, as determined by an inulin clearance of <25 mL/min or serum creatinine greater than 3.0 mg/dL, was also similar. Three patients in the MP treatment group had renal compromise compared to one in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of larger studies, this study demonstrates that GC likely have no role in preserving renal function in severely injured patients.

Upper GI foreign body: an adult urban emergency hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of flexible endoscopy by a single endoscopist in the therapy of foreign body ingestion was assessed at an adult urban emergency hospital. METHODS: Fifty-one adult patients with upper GI foreign body ingestion treated at Detroit Receiving Hospital from 1988 to 2004 were identified. Endoscopic and hospital medical records were reviewed to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcomes for these patients. RESULTS: The etiology was related to eating in 38(75%) patients, most of whom were eating meat; phytobezoars were seen in four, often after previous upper GI surgery. True foreign bodies were found in 13 patients (25%) and included a screwdriver, a ballpoint pen, spoons, coat hanger pieces, batteries, and latex gloves. Dysphagia was the most common symptom (75%); pain was common in patients with true foreign bodies, and 62% of this group had psychiatric difficulties or problems with drug abuse. Nearly 80% of the food-related group had post-surgical or other upper GI pathology. One patient had an esophageal stricture secondary to previous Sengstaken-Blakemore tube insertion. Flexible endoscopy was successful in extracting the foreign body in almost all (49) patients, with snare extraction the most common therapeutic modality. Both failures were of true foreign bodies that could not be safely removed. In one of these cases, it became necessary to employ the gallstone lithotripter, and the overtube was required in patients with metallic or sharp foreign bodies to protect the upper aerodigestive structures. CONCLUSIONS: Most upper GI foreign bodies are related to food impaction, with meat most often found. Underlying pathology is the rule and should be dealt with immediately. Flexible endoscopy is the treatment of choice for upper GI foreign body removal with near perfect success.

The effect of trauma program registry on reported mortality rates.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses the relationship that the brand of trauma program registry (TPR) has on mortality rate (MR) in the reports prepared by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT) trauma center (TC) site surveyors. METHODS: Data from 242 ACSCOT adult TC survey reports (88 Level I, 115 Level II, and 39 Level III) were analyzed for annual trauma volume, injury severity score (ISS), MR, and TPR. Six TPR (A through F) were identified; group F was a composite of several infrequently used TPRs. This report focuses on the ISS range 16-24 because of the likelihood that the mean for each TC would be near 20 and MR is high enough so that a difference, if present, could be statistically documented. RESULTS: For the total group, MR showed no correlation with TC volume or TC level for ISS 16-24. MR was significantly different according to which TPR was used by the TCs. The MR is less (4.8%) for 14 high volume TCs (over 1200 admits) using TPR A compared with 33 low volume TCs (below 800 admits) using TPR A (6.34%). CONCLUSION: The MR for ISS 16-24 in ACSCOT-surveyed TCs differs within subgroups based on type of TPR utilized. This may reflect improper use of the software programs. Enhanced skill in the application of software programs designed to generate ISS scores is essential if meaningful studies on the effects of improved trauma care on MR are to be conducted. Hand scored ISS by trained personnel may circumvent this problem.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for stenosis of the sphincter of Oddi.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is one of the causes of postcholecytectomy syndrome and biliary pain. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is recommended in some cases for patients refractory to conservative treatment. By the Milwaukee classification, patients with biliary pain can be divided into three groups. Group I patients show all the objective signs suggestive of a disturbed bile outflow-i.e., elevated liver function tests, dilated common bile duct (CBD), and delayed contrast drainage during endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). Group II patients have biliary-type pain along with one or two of the criteria from group I. Group III patients have only biliary pain, with no other abnormalities. This study confirms the effectiveness of EST for the relief of symptoms in group I patients (papillary stenosis). METHODS: Between 1989 and 1999, we treated eight patients clinically diagnosed as having group I papillary stenosis by EST. Their ages ranged from 52 to 73 years. In addition to biliary pain, all patients were found to have dilated CBD, elevated enzyme levels, and delayed contrast drainage at ERCP. None of the patients had CBD stones or other causes of obstruction. Sphincter of Oddi manometry was not performed. RESULTS: EST was successfully performed in eight patients. Each patient had a very large papilla. A false orifice was found in one patient. In five patients, endoscopic cannulation of the bile duct was very difficult. The use of a long, tapered catheter and guidewire papillotomy was necessary in four patients. A precut papillotomy was performed in one patient. All patients achieved resolution of their symptoms after EST. There were no complications. The average length of the follow-up period was 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: SOD is a real entity that continues to pose a diagnostic dilemma. EST is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of papillary stenosis (group I patients). SOD manometry is not necessary before EST in group I patients.