RESUMO
Background: Amblyopia is the interocular visual acuity difference of two lines or more with the best correction in both eyes. It is treated with ocular occlusion therapy, but its success depends on neuroplasticity, and thus is effective in children but not adults. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is suggested to increase neuroplasticity. Objective: To determine if combined intervention of bilateral tDCS and ocular occlusion improves visual function in adults with amblyopia. Methods: A double-blind randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted in 10 volunteers with amblyopia. While applying ocular occlusion and performing a reading task, participants received bilateral tDCS (n = 5) or sham stimulation (n = 5), with the anodal tDCS electrode in the contralateral visual cortex and the cathodal in the ipsilateral visual cortex in relation to the amblyopic eye. Visual function (through visual acuity, stereopsis, and contrast sensitivity tests) and visual evoked potential (with checkerboard pattern stimuli presentation) were evaluated immediately after. Results: A total of 30 min after treatment with bilateral tDCS, visual acuity improved by 0.16 (± 0.025) LogMAR in the treatment group compared with no improvement (-0.02 ± 0.02) in five controls (p = 0.0079), along with a significant increase in the amplitude of visual evoked potentials of the amblyopic eye response (p = 0.0286). No significant changes were observed in stereopsis and contrast sensitivity. No volunteer reported any harm derived from the intervention. Conclusion: Our study is the first to combine anodal and cathodal tDCS for the treatment of amblyopia, showing transient improved visual acuity in amblyopic adults.
RESUMO
A gengivite descamativa é uma manifestação dolorosa de algumas desordens autoimunes. O tratamento requer a utilização de corticosteroides tópicos, havendo maior eficácia se for administrado por terapia oclusiva. O objetivo deste estudo é demonstrar a eficácia da terapia oclusiva com corticosteroides no tratamento da gengivite descamativa. Foram selecionados 10 pacientes com quadro clínico de gengivite descamativa com diagnóstico prévio da condição associada. Os pacientes foram instruídos a utilizar moldeiras de silicone com corticosteroide tópico, havendo regressão total em oito pacientes após 30 dias. A terapia oclusiva com corticosteroide tópico é uma opção eficaz para o tratamento da gengivite descamativa. Entretanto, nos casos mais graves, a associação com a medicação sistêmica poderá resultar em melhor controle da doença.
The desquamative gingivitis is a painful manifestation of some autoimmune disorders. Treatment requires the use of topical corticosteroids, with greater efficacy if administered by occlusive therapy. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of occlusive therapy with corticosteroids in the treatment of desquamative gingivitis. We selected 10 patients with clinical desquamative gingivitis with a previous diagnosis of associated condition. Patients were instructed to use silicone trays with topical steroids, with complete regression in eight patients after 30 days. The occlusive therapy with topical steroids is an effective option for the treatment of desquamative gingivitis. However, in severe cases, the association with systemic medication may result in better disease control.