Insights into Visual Outcomes and Determinants in Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To investigate the long-term visual outcome and their determinants after an operation in Thai pituitary adenoma (PA). Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on PA patients who underwent surgery at Rajavithi Hospital. Baseline characteristics and visual parameters, including visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF), were analyzed in relation to the visual prognosis outcome. The outcome was defined as VA improvement at 1-year postoperatively. Visual parameters were measured at each follow-up visit and compared. Factors for improved visual prognosis were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: A total cohort of 87 patients (64.37% female), 62.07% showed improvement in visual outcome. Most improvement occurred immediately after surgery, evident at the 1-month visit. The mean follow-up time was 47.45 months (±28.49 SD), mean difference in VA improvement at 1-year was -0.56 logMAR (95% CI -0.73, -0.47). In multivariable logistic regression model, prolonged onset duration was associated with a reduced odds of improved visual outcome, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.946 (95% CI 0.899-0.996, p = 0.034). Baseline characteristics, tumor volume, Hardy and Knops classification, and surgical approaches were not identified as significant predictors. Conclusion: Both TSS and transcranial approaches are effective for pituitary adenoma. A prompt operation is recommended for patients with prolonged onset duration, with thorough discussion on poor postoperative visual outcomes.

Orbital CT scan parameters in dysthyroid optic neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Addressing Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy (DON) is crucial due to its debilitating impact in thyroid eye disease (TED). Prompt treatment can preserve vision. Despite lacking definitive diagnostic criteria, computed tomography's (CT) parameters are commonly used for diagnosis. However, these parameters exist without consensus on their diagnostic performance. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing orbital CT diagnostic performance for DON in adults with TED. We searched various databases including Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE, and others electronic databases, until July 2023. Evaluated CT parameters includes Barrett index (BI), fat prolapse via superior-orbital-fissure (SOF), superior-ophthalmic-vein-dilatation (SOVD), and the Nugent score. Diagnostic Test Accuracy analysis (DTA) was performed using R. RESULTS: A total of 9 articles with documented target parameters, collectively analysed 212 orbits with DON. Nugent score exhibited highest diagnostic ability with a log diagnostic odd ratio (logDOR) of 2.64 (95% CI, 2.02, 3.25). Another significant DON indicator was a BI ≥ 50%, with a logDOR of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.17; 2.77). Conversely, fat prolapse via SOF and SOVD proved less sensitive, with a logDOR of 1.42 and 1.09 respectively. Regarding the SROC curve, Nugent score and the BI have the greatest AUC. Variations in study locale, participant demographics, and measurement methods accounted for heterogeneity in meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Nugent score and a BI ≥ 50% prove to be significant diagnostic parameters for DON, distinguishing them from fat prolapse via SOF and SOVD. Prioritizing these parameters can lead to prompt treatment and thus enhanced visual outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023446376.

Factors predictive of poor visual outcome in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The gold standard treatment for indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (ITON) has not yet been conclusively established, and it is essential to gain an understanding of visual prognosis and to counsel patients regarding the predictive risk factors of poor visual outcomes. Currently, there is limited information regarding ITON in Thai populations; therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk factors of poor visual outcome in patients with this condition. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all ITON cases diagnosed at Rajavithi Hospital and Sawanpracharak Hospital between January 2016 and December 2022 in order to determine clinical characteristics and evaluate associated risk factors of poor visual prognosis using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of this cohort of 101 patients was 36.17 years, with a male predominance of 73.3 %. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of ITON, with a statistically significant 79.2 % of cases. The patients were categorized into an "improved group" of 29 patients and an "unimproved group" of 72. The unimproved group had a significantly older mean age and poorer initial visual acuity of 20/200 (p-values 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). There was no significant difference between Computed Tomography (CT) findings in the two groups. The improved group had significantly better visual acuity (VA) at 1-month and final follow-up visit than the unimproved group (both p < 0.001). Differences between gender, Glasgow coma score, associated underlying diseases, and duration from trauma to intravenous glucocorticoids therapy in the two groups were not statistically significant. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified patient age of 40 years or more (Odds ratio (OR) 3.447, 95 % CI, 1.085-10.955, p = 0.036) and poor baseline VA (OR 6.628, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI), 2.308-19.036, p < 0.001) as significant risk factors for poor visual outcome in ITON patients. CONCLUSIONS: No clear benefit was found of intravenous glucocorticoids in treatment of ITON. Patients aged 40 years or more and/or with poor baseline visual status should be advised that they are at increased risk of poor final visual outcomes.

Predictive factors of development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy among individuals with thyroid-eye disease.

PURPOSE: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a severe visual loss condition in thyroid eye disease (TED). This study aimed to identify factors affecting moderate-to-severe TED or DON in Thai populations. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 230 TED patients at Rajavithi Hospital between January 1, 2017, and October 31, 2022. RESULTS: Mild, moderate-to-severe TED, and DON were found in 60.43%, 22.61%, and 16.96% of participants, respectively. Female predominance was noted in all groups. The proportion of older age, hyperthyroidism, current smokers, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participants were significantly higher in the DON group. Multivariable logistic-regression analysis revealed that hyperthyroidism and current smoking significantly increased the risk of developing moderate-to-severe TED (OR = 3.001, p = 0.010, and OR = 4.153, p = 0.015, respectively). Exophthalmos was the strongest predictor (OR = 6.834, p < 0.001). Regarding DON risk factors, older age (≥55 years) had OR = 3.206 (p = 0.003), hyperthyroidism had OR = 3.228 (p = 0.005), and being a current smoker had OR = 3.781 (p = 0.011). T2DM posed the greatest risk of DON development (OR = 4.111, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthyroidism and current smoking are significant risk factors for moderate-to-severe TED and DON. TED patients with diabetes mellitus or older age should be closely monitored and informed about their risk of developing DON.

A Comparison of Autorefraction and Subjective Refraction in an Academic Optometry Clinic.

BACKGROUND:  Refractive error is the most common cause of decreased visual acuity. Refractive measurement in adults consists of cycloplegic (objective) and manifest (subjective) refraction. Although the effectiveness of autorefraction is a crucial factor, there needs to be more information on its accuracy and precision on each autorefractor compared with subjective measurement in Thai patients. OBJECTIVE:  To compare the accuracy and precision of the two autorefractors' findings in Rajavithi Hospital, OptoChek Plus, and TOMEY Auto Refractometer RC-5000, with each other and with those of the subjective method. MATERIALS & METHODS:  An observational study was conducted at the Ophthalmology clinic in Rajavithi Hospital from March 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. All subjects were tested using the two autorefractors (OptoChek Plus and TOMEY Auto Refractometer RC-5000) and subjective refraction. One eye per subject was included in the study. RESULTS:  Forty-eight patients (48 eyes) were enrolled in the study. The difference between spherical powers obtained by OptoChek and subjective refraction was not significantly different; however, there was a significant difference between those calculated by Tomey and the subjective method (p=0.77, p=0.04 respectively). The variations between cylindrical powers arrived at by the two autorefraction techniques and those calculated by the subjective method were significantly different (OptoChek and Tomey p-=0.01, p-value<0.001, respectively). In addition, 95% of the limit of agreement (95% of LOA) was low in the cylindrical measurement of each autorefractor compared with subjective refraction. (84.61%, 86.36%, respectively). No statistically significant difference between the spherical equivalent calculated by the two autorefractors and that of subjective refraction was observed in the present study (OptoChek: p-value=0.26 and Tomey: p-value=0.77). CONCLUSIONS:  There was a clinically significant difference between the cylindrical power calculated by the two autorefractors and those obtained from subjective refraction. Patients with high astigmatism should be monitored closely when measured by autorefractors, as there can be a slightly lower agreement between objective and subjective refraction.

Age of onset and factors affecting treatment responses in ocular myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND: Ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is an autoimmune disease which causes ptosis, diplopia, or both. It can be categorized as early or late onset, with differing presenting characteristics and prognoses. Currently, there is limited information available to compare characteristics and outcomes in onset groups in Thailand. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare baseline characteristics and outcomes in OMG patients classified by onset groups and to investigate the factors associated with the disease, especially in terms of treatment responses classified according to the MGFA Post-Intervention Status (MGFA-PIS). METHODS: OMG patients diagnosed between January 2014 and March 2021 at Rajavithi Hospital, Thailand, were categorized into 2 groups based on age of onset, and baseline characteristics were analyzed and compared. The treatment responses of each group in terms of time to achievement of minimal manifestations (MM) were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (38 with early and 43 with late onset) were included, and the mean (SD) follow-up time was 35.85 months (17.25). There was no significant difference between the baseline characteristics of the two groups. A low dose of pyridostigmine was more commonly used in the early-onset group (p = 0.01), while the mean dose of corticosteroids was significantly lower in the late-onset patients (p < 0.001). We found that seropositivity of acetylcholine receptor antibody decreased the odds ratio of achievement of MM (OR 0.185, 95% CI 0.043-0.789, p = 0.023) and receiving a high dose of pyridostigmine (≥ 120 mg/day) increased the odds ratio of achieving it (OR 8.296, 95% CI 2.136-32.226, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A higher dose of pyridostigmine may be necessary for achievement of favorable treatment response. AChRAb seropositivity is a predictor for unfavorable treatment response in Thai populations.

A 10-Year Single-Center Study of the Clinical Characteristics of Optic Neuritis-Related NMOSD, MS, and Double Seronegative Optic Neuritis, Together with Factors Predicting Visual Outcomes.

The clinical characteristics of three types of optic neuritis (double seronegative optic neuritis; DN-ON, Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-related optic neuritis; NMOSD-ON, and multiple sclerosis-related optic neuritis; MS-ON) were examined in order to identify factors that may affect good visual recovery in Thai patients. The study included patients diagnosed with three types of optic neuritis at Rajavithi Hospital between 2011 and 2020. Visual acuity at the end of 12 months was used as the treatment outcome. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate potential predictors of good visual recovery. Of the 76 patients, 61 had optic neuritis, with DN-ON as the most common subtype (52.6%). MS-ON patients were significantly younger (28.3 ± 6.6 years, p = 0.002) and there was a female predominance in all subgroups (p = 0.076). NMOSD-ON patients had a significantly higher proportion of poor baseline VA (p < 0.001). None of the NMOSD-ON patients achieved 0.3 logMAR visual recovery in the 12-month period (p = 0.022). A delay in treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) for more than 7 days increased the risk of failure to gain 0.3 logMAR visual recovery by five times (OR 5.29, 95% CI 1.359-20.616, p = 0.016), with NMOSD-ON as the strongest predictor (OR 10.47, 95% CI; 1.095-99.993, p = 0.041). Early treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone may be important for achieving at least 0.3 logMAR visual recovery in Thai patients with optic neuritis.

A single-center analysis of visual outcomes and associated factors after intravenous methylprednisolone treatment for dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a serious threatening vision loss in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Although the European Group on Graves' Ophthalmopathy (EUGOGO) recommend intravenous methylprednisolone therapy for first line treatment, some characteristics predicting the response are still inconclusive. AIM: To study the efficacy of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (IVMP) in treating dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) and to identify factors predicting poor response to the treatment. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with DON between January 2010 and December 2021 at Rajavithi Hospital, Thailand, receiving IVMP 1 g/ day for 3 consecutive days were analyzed. The efficacy at 1 week and 3, 6, 12-months in terms of improvement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and proptosis were compiled. RESULTS: Of the entire 57 DON cases that received IVMP, 50.9% gained at least 0.2 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) at 1 week, and the improvement from initial to 1-week BCVA was 0.63 ± 0.63 logMAR (p < 0.001) and the decrease in proptosis was 1.8 ± 1.36 mm (p < 0.001). The remaining 23 orbits underwent orbital decompression and were excluded from the long-term efficacy analysis. In the last 12-months' follow-up time, there was an improvement of BCVA (0.53 ± 0.47 logMAR) and proptosis (0.59 ± 0.66 mm) (both p < 0.001). At last visit, there was an improvement of BCVA (0.2 logMAR) and proptosis (2 mm) in 76.5, and 5.9% respectively. Significant predictive factors of poor treatment response were age ≥ 55 years (odds ratio [OR]: 8.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.368-50.121, p = 0.021); longer onset duration before treatment (OR: 5.10, 95%CI: 1.061-24.501, p = 0.042); and proptosis at baseline (OR: 9.31, 95%CI: 1.872-46.280, p = 0.006). The strongest risk factor for predicting poor response to IVMP was poor initial visual acuity (OR: 10.26, 95%CI: 1.363-77.234, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: IVMP is effective for both short- and long-term treatment to improve visual acuity greater than proptosis. Older age, longer disease duration, poor initial visual acuity, and proptotic orbits were identified as risk factors for predicting poor response to IVMP treatment in Thai population. DON patients having those risk factors should be suspected, and treated early with IVMP to preserve their future vision.

Factors Associated With Visual Acuity in Non-arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Patients: A Five-Year Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a common cause of optic neuropathy in elderly patients. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for this condition, and the factors influencing visual outcomes have not yet been conclusively identified. In this study, we aimed to evaluate factors that affect visual outcomes and those that are predictors of the development of NAION in a Thai population. Methods All patients diagnosed with NAION at the Rajavithi Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the improvement in their best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and determine the factors that are predictive of visual outcomes. Results The 80 patients reviewed were predominantly male (55%) with a mean age of 55.8 ±9.89 years. Their most common comorbidities were dyslipidemia (DLP) (67.5%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (61.3%), and hypertension (HT) (48.8%). At the 12-week follow-up visit, there was a significant improvement of at least 0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) in BCVA (p=0.001). A significantly greater percentage of patients with higher age, DM, and HT was observed in the unfavorable visual recovery (UVR) group (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.005 respectively). In contrast, neither baseline visual acuity nor cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) affected the result of visual recovery (p=0.275 and p=0.076, respectively). In multivariate logistic analysis, older age increased the odds of worse visual recovery [odds ratio (OR): 4.014; 95% CI: 1.038-15.515; p=0.044], as did having DM (OR: 3.809; 95% CI: 1.168-12.421; p=0.027), and HT (OR: 4.577; 95% CI: 1.491-14.049; p=0.008). Conclusions None of the baseline visual status parameters (visual acuity, CDR, or visual field defect) was able to determine the outcome of visual recovery at 12 weeks in our NAION patients. Regarding systemic vascular diseases, diabetes and HT are significant risk factors and also predictors of poor visual improvement in Thai populations. NAION patients who are elderly or have vascular diseases such as DM or HT should be closely followed up and advised about the likelihood of having inferior visual recovery.

Diagnostic Ability of Barrett's Index and Presence of Intracranial Fat Prolapse in Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy.

Background: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is one of the most serious visual loss threats for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Barrett's index (BI) and intracranial-fat prolapse have been used in diagnosing DON. However, these parameters are rarely used in Southeast Asian populations with a variety of cut-off values. Objective: To evaluate the performance of BI and fat prolapse in diagnosing of DON, and to study the correlation between their parametric values with visual acuity (VA) and visual field defect (VF). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2020, orbits affected by GO were retrospectively reviewed and classified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of DON. All orbital-computed-tomography (CT) scans were measured for BI and fat prolapse. Diagnostic performance of BI and fat prolapse was analyzed and evaluated in relation to visual outcome. Results: We included orbits with DON (23 orbits) and the absence of DON (61 orbits). BI was significantly higher in patients in the DON group (47.68 ± 12.52%) compared to the absence of DON (37.55 ± 10.88%), p < 0.001. The presence of fat prolapse was significantly higher in the DON group (p = 0.003). BI at 40% provided best diagnostic performance with sensitivity of 78.3%/specificity of 63.9%. The presence of fat prolapse 4.5 mm via the superior-ophthalmic-fissure (SOF) had a lower sensitivity compared with fat prolapse 2.5 mm. Comparison between area under the curve (AUC) of BI and fat prolapse revealed no statistically significant difference (AUC 0.742 and 0.705 in BI and fat prolapse, respectively, p = 0.607). A negative correlation between the BI and fat prolapse with VA and VF was observed (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Measurement of BI is a simple diagnostic method for detecting DON in Thai populations. The presence of fat prolapse (2.5 mm) provides a lower sensitivity compared with a BI at 40%. A slightly larger BI or fat prolapse should be suspected of DON for early treatment.

Ocular manifestation and generalization after ocular onset in ocular myasthenia gravis: A 5-year analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ocular Myasthenia Gravis (OMG) is an autoimmune disease which causes ptosis, diplopia, or both. There is very limited information on the presenting symptoms, treatment trends, factors influencing generalization, and treatment outcome in Thai populations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics of the presenting symptoms, associated factors for conversion to Generalized-MG (GMG), and treatment outcome in OMG patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients diagnosed with OMG between January 2015 and December 2020 at Rajavithi Hospital, Thailand. We investigated disease generalization in time-to-event analysis and compared factors associated with disease generalization using a Cox-proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: Of the 155 consecutive patients, 106 (68.4%) were female and their mean (SD) age was 49.3 years (15.51). There were 123 (79.35%) and 32 (20.6%) patients in the remained OMG and GMG groups respectively. Ptosis was the presenting symptom in 147 (94.8%) patients, diplopia alone was found in 8 (5.2%), and both symptoms were present in 53 (34.2%) patients. GMG patients had a higher proportion of combined ptosis and diplopia (p = 0.01), and positive AChR-Antibody test (p = 0.013). Overall, 32 (20.65%) patients converted to GMG, mostly in the first 48 months. Multivariate Cox-proportional-hazard model identified positive AChR-Ab test as a risk factor for generalization (HR, 5.32, 95% CI; 1.02-27.84). CONCLUSIONS: The conversion rate to GMG in our study was 20.65%. The presence of AChR-Ab was identified as a risk factor for generalization of the disease; therefore, patients with OMG should be advised to test for AChR-Ab for both diagnosis and prognosis purpose.