Evaluation of Blood Coagulation Parameters and ADMA, NO, IL-6, and IL-18 Serum Levels in Patients with Neovascular AMD before, during, and after the Initial Loading Phase of Intravitreal Aflibercept.

We evaluated the effect of intravitreal injections of aflibercept (IVA) on blood coagulation parameters including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT), as well as asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 18 (IL-18) serum levels in patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD). Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients with nAMD were included. Parameters were evaluated before and 2-3 days after the first IVA injection, and then immediately before and 2-3 days after the third IVA injection. We revealed prolongation of the TT after the initial loading phase of IVA (p = 0.041) and a significant increase in IL-18 serum concentration immediately before the third IVA administration compared to baseline (p = 0.037). There were no statistically significant differences of other parameters and PT, APTT, ADMA, NO, and IL-6 values remained within the normal range at each of the time points of the study. Our results suggest that repeated IVA administration may affect the common blood coagulation pathway, which manifests as a prolongation of the TT value. Furthermore, we showed a significant increase in serum concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokineIL-18during the initial loading phase of IVA.

Steroid vs. antibiotic impregnated absorbable nasal packing for wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study / Tampão nasal absorvível embebido em esteroides versus antibióticos para cicatrização de feridas após cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal: estudo randomizado, duplo cego, placebo controlado

Abstract Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery can lead to crusting or synechiae formation, which can affect the healing process. Objective: The aim of our study was to compare the influence of steroid versus antibiotic versus saline solution impregnated absorbable nasal spacers on postoperative wound healing and patient satisfaction. Methods: Eighty patients, 33 women and 47 men, were enrolled in this study. At the end of the surgery, two pieces of 4 cm biodegradable material were applied in each ethmoid cavity. One of them was impregnated with saline solution, while the second one with steroid, or with antibiotic. Results: We observed statistically significant differences in the Lund-Kennedy score between the control and both treatment groups: for the Antibiotic-group on days 10 and 30 (p = 0.009; p = 0.009) and for the Steroid-group on day 90 (p = 0.008). The extended endoscopic appearance of nasal mucosa indicated statistically significant differences in crust formation on day 10 comparing the steroid and control dressing (p = 0.025), in secretion type on days 10 and 30 comparing the antibiotic and control dressing (p = 0.003; p = 0.016) and additionally for steroid and control on day 90 (p = 0.046). On Day 90 we observed statistically significant differences in the absence of mucosal edema in the S-group compared to controls (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The results of this study reveal the significant positive influence of steroid- and antibiotic-impregnated biodegradable nasal packing on the postoperative healing process and patient satisfaction compared to the saline soaked dressing.

Resumo Introdução: A cirurgia endoscópica nasossinusal pode levar à formação de crostas e sinéquias, o que pode afetar o processo de cicatrização. Objetivo: O objetivo do nosso estudo foi comparar a influência do espaçador nasal absorvível embebido em esteroide versus antibiótico versus solução salina na cicatrização de ferida pós-operatória e na satisfação do paciente. Método: Oitenta pacientes, 33 mulheres e 47 homens, foram incluídos neste estudo. Ao final da cirurgia, dois tampões de material biodegradável de 4 cm foram aplicados em cada cavidade etmoidal. Um deles foi embebido em solução salina, enquanto no segundo foi utilizado esteroide, ou antibiótico. Resultados: Observamos diferenças estatisticamente significantes no escore de Lund-Kennedy entre os grupos controle e ambos os grupos tratamentos: para o grupo antibiótico nos dias 10 e 30 (p = 0,009; p = 0,009) e para o grupo esteroide no dia 90 (p = 0,008). O aspecto endoscópico da mucosa nasal indicou diferenças estatisticamente significantes na formação de crostas no dia 10, na comparação do esteroide com o curativo controle (p = 0,025), no tipo de secreção nos dias 10 e 30, na comparação do antibiótico com o curativo controle (p = 0,003; p = 0,016) e adicionalmente para esteroide e controle no dia 90 (p = 0,046). No dia 90, observamos diferenças estatisticamente significantes na ausência de edema da mucosa no grupo E (esteroide) em relação aos controles (p = 0,007). Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo revelam uma influência positiva significante no uso de tampão nasal biodegradável embebido em esteroides e antibióticos no processo de cicatrização pós-operatória e satisfação do paciente em comparação com o curativo embebido em solução salina.

Steroid vs. antibiotic impregnated absorbable nasal packing for wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sinus surgery can lead to crusting or synechiae formation, which can affect the healing process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the influence of steroid versus antibiotic versus saline solution impregnated absorbable nasal spacers on postoperative wound healing and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Eighty patients, 33 women and 47 men, were enrolled in this study. At the end of the surgery, two pieces of 4cm biodegradable material were applied in each ethmoid cavity. One of them was impregnated with saline solution, while the second one with steroid, or with antibiotic. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant differences in the Lund-Kennedy score between the control and both treatment groups: for the Antibiotic-group on days 10 and 30 (p=0.009; p=0.009) and for the Steroid-group on day 90 (p=0.008). The extended endoscopic appearance of nasal mucosa indicated statistically significant differences in crust formation on day 10 comparing the steroid and control dressing (p=0.025), in secretion type on days 10 and 30 comparing the antibiotic and control dressing (p=0.003; p=0.016) and additionally for steroid and control on day 90 (p=0.046). On Day 90 we observed statistically significant differences in the absence of mucosal edema in the S-group compared to controls (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reveal the significant positive influence of steroid- and antibiotic-impregnated biodegradable nasal packing on the postoperative healing process and patient satisfaction compared to the saline soaked dressing.

Association between serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and acute angle closure: What is known?

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are widely used antidepressants with a relatively safe profile. One of the complications associated with this group of drugs is acute angle closure. The mechanisms linking serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and acute angle closure are complex and may be interlinked with the effects of the drug on the inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake, as well as pseudo-anticholinergic effects, dopaminergic effects, and idiosyncratic reactions with the drug molecule in the eye. Individual characteristics, such as polymorphisms of the gene encoding the 2D6 subunit of cytochrome P450, may affect the metabolism of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, whereas the combination with other drugs may lead to an increased risk of iridocorneal angle closure and may further exacerbate other mechanisms. Improved knowledge of the mechanisms linking serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and acute angle closure and of the risk factors predisposing to patients to acute angle closure will reduce the number of patients affected by this dangerous complication.

Scheimpflug Camera Measurement of Optical Density of the Corneal Epithelium, Stroma, and Endothelium in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The present study evaluated the optical density of particular layers of the cornea and anterior lens capsule in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients with cataract and PEX (mean age 76.6±5.6 years, range 62-88 years) were compared to 55 controls with cataract without PEX syndrome (mean age 76.3±6.09 years, range 62-90 years; P>0.05). The anterior segment of one eye was examined in each patient using Pentacam HR by Oculus before the planned cataract surgery. RESULTS The average optical density of the corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium was 25.3±6.09% and 19.9±3.41% (P<0.001), 23.1±5.5% and 19.2±3.6% (P<0.0001), and 14.6±3.4% and 12.3±2.1% (P<0.0001) in the PEX and control groups, respectively. The optical density of the anterior lens capsule was 13.6±4.2% in the PEX group and 9.74± 2.23% in the control group (P<0.0001). The average thickness of the cornea was 555 µm and 556 µm and the average optical density of endothelial cells 2240/mm² and 2323/mm² in the PEX and control groups, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In patients with PEX, increased optical density was observed not only in the structures with pseudoexfoliative material detectable by a slit-lamp), but also in the corneal epithelium and stroma. The increased optical density was not associated with reduced endothelial cell density or increased central cornea thickness.

Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery / Complicações oftálmicas da cirurgia endoscópica dos seios nasais

Abstract Introduction: The proximity of the paranasal sinuses to the orbit and its contents allows the occurence of injuries in both primary or revision surgery. The majority of orbital complications are minor. The major complications are seen in 0.01-2.25% and some of them can be serious, leading to permanent dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the risk and type of ophthalmic complications among patients operated due to a chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 1658 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps or mucocele. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia in all cases and consisted of polyps' removal, followed by middle metal antrostomy, partial or complete ethmoidectomy, frontal recess surgery and sphenoid surgery if necessary. The ophthalmic complications were classified according to type, frequency and clinical findings. Results: In our material 32.68% of the patients required revision surgery and only 10.1% had been previously operated in our Department. Overall complications occurred in 11 patients (0.66%). Minor complications were observed in 5 patients (0.3%) with the most frequent being periorbital ecchymosis with or without emphysema. Major complications were observed in one patient (0.06%) and were related to a lacrimal duct injury. Severe complications occurred in 5 cases (0.3%), with 2 cases and referred to a retroorbital hematoma, optic nerve injury (2 cases) and one case of extraocular muscle injury. Conclusions: Orbital complications of endoscopic nasal surgery are rare. The incidence of serious complications, causing permanent disabilities is less than 0.3%. The most important parameters responsible for complications are extension of the disease, previous endoscopic surgery and coexisting anticoagulant treatment.

Resumo Introdução: A proximidade dos seios paranasais à órbita e seu conteúdo tornam possível a ocorrência de lesões tanto na cirurgia primária como na de revisão. A maioria das complicações orbitais são menores. As maiores são observadas em 0,01%-2,25% e algumas delas podem ser graves levando a disfunção permanente. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o risco e o tipo de complicações oftalmológicas em pacientes operados devido a rinossinusite crônica. Método: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo com 1.658 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica sinusal devido a rinossinusite crônica com ou sem pólipos ou mucocele. As cirurgias foram realizadas sob anestesia geral em todos os casos e consistiram de remoção de pólipos, seguida de antrostomia meatal média ou etmoidectomia parcial ou completa, cirurgia de recesso frontal e cirurgia de esfenoide se necessário. As complicações oftalmológicas foram classificadas de acordo com o tipo, frequência e achados clínicos. Resultados: Em nosso material 32,68% dos pacientes necessitaram de cirurgia de revisão e apenas 10,1% haviam sido anteriormente operados em nosso departamento. As complicações gerais ocorreram em 11 pacientes (0,66%). Complicações menores foram observadas em 5 pacientes (0,3%), sendo que a mais frequente foi equimose periorbital com ou sem enfisema. Complicações maiores foram observadas em um paciente (0,06%) e atribuída à lesão do ducto lacrimal. Complicações graves ocorreram em 5 casos (0,3%) e foram referidas como hematoma retrorbital (2 casos), lesão do nervo óptico (2 casos) e um caso de lesão muscular extraocular. Conclusões: As complicações orbitais da cirurgia endoscópica nasal são raras. A incidência de complicações graves que causam incapacidade permanente é de menos de 0,3%. Os parâmetros mais importantes responsáveis por complicações são extensão da doença, cirurgia endoscópica anterior e tratamento anticoagulante coexistente.

Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic sinus surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The proximity of the paranasal sinuses to the orbit and its contents allows the occurence of injuries in both primary or revision surgery. The majority of orbital complications are minor. The major complications are seen in 0.01-2.25% and some of them can be serious, leading to permanent dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the risk and type of ophthalmic complications among patients operated due to a chronic rhinosinusitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 1658 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps or mucocele. Surgeries were performed under general anesthesia in all cases and consisted of polyps' removal, followed by middle metal antrostomy, partial or complete ethmoidectomy, frontal recess surgery and sphenoid surgery if necessary. The ophthalmic complications were classified according to type, frequency and clinical findings. RESULTS: In our material 32.68% of the patients required revision surgery and only 10.1% had been previously operated in our Department. Overall complications occurred in 11 patients (0.66%). Minor complications were observed in 5 patients (0.3%) with the most frequent being periorbital ecchymosis with or without emphysema. Major complications were observed in one patient (0.06%) and were related to a lacrimal duct injury. Severe complications occurred in 5 cases (0.3%), with 2 cases and referred to a retroorbital hematoma, optic nerve injury (2 cases) and one case of extraocular muscle injury. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital complications of endoscopic nasal surgery are rare. The incidence of serious complications, causing permanent disabilities is less than 0.3%. The most important parameters responsible for complications are extension of the disease, previous endoscopic surgery and coexisting anticoagulant treatment.

[Sarcoidosis of the lacrimal sac as a cause of dacriostenosis]. / Sarkoidoza woreczka lzowego jako przyczyna niedroznosci dróg lzowych.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. The course of sarcoidosis ranges from asymptomatic to severe. It could affect people of all ages. The disease affects predominantly the lungs and lymph nodes, skin, abdominal organs or eyes. Sarcoidosis of lacrimal sac is very uncommon. We describe a young man with lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa sarcoidosis present with epiphora. Few years before the onset of dacriocystitis the patient was treated because of lymph nodes sarcoidosis. The lacrimal sac sarcoidosis developed five years after systemic disease remission. An endoscopic dacriocystorhinostomy with intubation of nasolacrimal duct was performed. We used postoperatively systemic and local steroids for 3 months period. The patient is under observation for over four years with good health. The abnormal looking nasal or lacrimal sac mucosa could be associated with granulomatous disease as sarcoidosis and Wegener's or malignancies. If the sarcoidosis is established, it could be the first manifestation of sarcoidosis leading to future systemic sarcoidosis development or it may develop many years after the onset of systemic disease. Endoscopic dacriocystorhinostomy with intubation followed by intensive therapy with systemic and local corticosteroids may be helpful to maintain lacrimal drainage patency.

[Papilloma of the lacrimal sac]. / Brodawczak plaskonablonkowy woreczka lzowego.

The benign lesions of the lacrimal sac are very rare. The most typical epithelial tumor is squamous papilloma. This tumors often present with symptoms of dacryostenosis and dacriocystitis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known to be causative agent in the development of epithelial tumor. Lacrimal sac tumors could transform to malignant neoplasms, especially if they are developed of coexisting HPV infection. We present a patient with a squamous papilloma of the lacrimal sac and discussed the method of treatment. The patient was suffered from epiphora and recurrent dacriocystitis. An endoscopic surgery with dacriocystorhinostomy and local resection of the tumor could be an effective method of choice. The usage of a shaver for wide removal of the lacrimal sac wall is recommended to prevent local recurrence. The histopathology examination showed squamous papilloma. The patient is free of the disease over 8 months of follow up. Primary lacrimal sac papilloma require long term follow up for recurrence or malignant transformation. HPV infection could be associated with the development of lacrimal sac papillomas.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction after toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis also known as Lyell's syndrome is acute dermatomyositis as an adverse drug reactions. It is characterized by erosions of skin over 30% of total body surface area and is associated with significant mortality of 25%-50% of cases. The conjunctival mucosa involvement could result in cornea erosion and ulceration. Other ocular complications are: purulent conjunctivitis with pseudomembrane formation, entropion, symblefaron and synechiae with nasolacrimal duct obstruction or punctual stenosis. The authors present a very rare complication of nasolacrimal duct obstruction after toxic epidermal necrolysis in young girl. The endoscopic dacricystorhinostomy with one lacrimal point intubation was performed. Early ophthalmic assessment and frequent follow-up could be helpful to avoid metaplasia of epithelium, vascular neoplasia in conjunctiva and cornea. This will protect from dysfunction of tears secretion causing nasolacrimal duct or lacrimal point obliteration. If there is a permanent epiphora the endoscopic dacriocystorhinostomy, with silicone tube intubation could be the method of choice. A satisfactory results are also obtained after opening a passage of only one occluded lacrimal point.

[Giant tumor of the orbit--a case of hidradenoma]. / Olbrzymi guz oczodolu--przypadek gruczolaka potowego o rzadkiej lokalizacji.

Orbital tumors are very differential group of lesions. The most common symptoms are ophthalmology dysfunction as: exophthalmus, eye movement dysfunction and visual loss. More often a benign lesions is found than malignant. They are originated mostly from lacrimal glands. We present a case of 62 years old man with large expansion of benign tumor of the orbit with exophthalmus, eye movement disability and complete blindness. The authors performed radical surgery with removing of the orbit content. Histopathology described a very rare tumor of the orbit-hidradenoma.