Management of children with persistent group A streptococcal carriage.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic GAS carrier state is best defined as the prolonged presence of group A ß-haemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) in the pharynx without evidence of infection or inflammation. Chronic GAS carriers have a low risk of immune mediated complications. Persistent pharyngeal carriage often raises management issues. In this study, we review the evidence on the management of persistent GAS carriage in children and propose a management algorithm. Areas covered: Chronic GAS pharyngeal carriage is quite common affecting 10-20% of school-aged children. Pathogenesis of carriage has been related to the pharynx microflora and to special properties of GAS, but several aspects are yet to be elucidated. Management greatly depends on whether the individual child belongs to a 'high-risk' group and might benefit from eradication regimens or not, when observation-only and reassurance are enough. Penicillin plus rifampin and clindamycin monotherapy have been recommended for eradication; limited evidence of effectiveness of azithromycin has been reported. Surgical intervention is not indicated. Expert commentary: GAS infection is a common reason for antibiotic use and abuse in children and asymptomatic carriers constitute the major reservoir of GAS in the community. Several aspects are yet to be elucidated and well-designed studies are needed for firm conclusions to be drawn.

Corneal stromal demarcation line determined with anterior segment optical coherence tomography following a very high intensity corneal collagen cross-linking protocol.

PURPOSE: To evaluate corneal stromal demarcation line depth after very high intensity (18 mW/cm) ultraviolet-A irradiation for a 5-minute corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) protocol with the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography. METHODS: This prospective interventional study enrolled 14 patients (18 eyes) with progressive keratoconus who underwent CXL with an ultraviolet-A irradiation intensity of 18 mW/cm for 5 minutes. One month postoperatively, corneal stromal demarcation line depth was measured with the use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography by 2 independent observers. The rate of reepithelialization and endothelial cell density at a 3-month follow-up period were also evaluated. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. No statistically significant difference between the 2 observers' measurements was observed (P = 0.989). Mean corneal stromal demarcation line depth was 223 ± 32 µm (range, 159-265 µm). The mean endothelial cell density decreased from 2714 ± 174 preoperatively to 2671 ± 192 at 3 months postoperatively; however, this decrease was not statistically significant (P = 0.221). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal stromal demarcation line depth after a very high intensity 5-minute CXL protocol seems to be shallower than the standard Dresden protocol.