Prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma in Upper Egypt

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) is a recognized risk factor for developing cataract, glaucoma and lens dislocation. PXF is also associated with increased risk of complications during cataract surgery due to poor mydriasis and zonular weakness. The aim of this study is to report the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation among Upper Egyptians attending the ophthalmology clinic of Assiut University Hospital.</p> <p>Methodology</p> <p>A retrospective, chart review study conducted in the period from February 2002 to August 2009. A total of 7738 patients aged 40 years or older attending the general ophthalmic clinics were included in this study. A detailed evaluation including ophthalmic and general history, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy and dilated eye examination were performed. Patients with pseudoexfoliative material on the anterior lens surface and ⁄ or the pupillary margin in either or both eyes were labeled as having PXF.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of the 7738 patients included, three hundred twenty (4.14%) subjects had PXF. Mean age of PXF group was 68.15 years (SD 8.16, range 40-92 years). PXF was bilateral in 82.2% of cases. It was significantly associated with cataract, glaucoma and hearing loss. Of the PXF patients, 65% had cataract, 30.3% had glaucoma and 8.1% had hearing loss.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Pseudoexfoliation appears to be a common disorder in older individuals in Upper Egypt.</p

Keratoconus patients at Jordan University Hospital: a descriptive study

Mohammed A Abu Ameerh, Rola M Al Refai, Muawya D Al BdourOphthalmology Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, JordanPurpose: To study a sample of keratoconus patients, who were referred to Jordan University Hospital for possible penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), and provide basic epidemiological analysis.Method: A descriptive study; we reviewed the medical records of 308 keratoconus patients referred for possible PKP. The following parameters were collected and analyzed: sex predilection, age at presentation, best corrected visual acuity, severity, bilaterality of the disease, and its association with vernal catarrh.Results: Males constituted 61.6% while females constituted 38.4% of the study group. The mean age at presentation for males and females was 19.1 and 19.9 years, respectively. The best corrected visual acuity on evaluation was &amp;le;6/60 in 60.4% of males&amp;rsquo; eyes and 57.9% of females&amp;rsquo; eyes; &amp;gt;6/60 and &amp;lt;6/12 in 30% of males&amp;rsquo; eyes and 28.5% of females&amp;rsquo; eyes; and &amp;ge;6/12 in 9.6% of males&amp;rsquo; eyes and 13.6% of females&amp;rsquo; eyes. Regarding the severity, 72.3% of males&amp;rsquo; eyes and 71.8% of females&amp;rsquo; eyes had severe keratoconus; 17.3% of males&amp;rsquo; and 28.2% of females&amp;rsquo; eyes had moderate keratoconus; and 10.4% of males&amp;rsquo; eyes had mild keratoconus, which was not recorded in females. 90.5% of male patients and 93.2% of female patients had bilateral disease and vernal catarrh was recorded in 33.7% of males and 35.6% of females.Conclusion: Keratoconus was found to be more prevalent in Jordanian males referred for PKP than females, keeping in mind that this doesn&amp;rsquo;t reflect the real sex predilection in the general population. Males also presented at a younger age. We didn&amp;rsquo;t find any association between gender and bilaterality, nor association with vernal catarrh.Keywords: Jordan, keratoconus, penetrating keratoplasty, vernal keratoconjunctiviti

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population