Comparison of efficacy and side effects of multispot lasers and conventional lasers for diabetic retinopathy treatment

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Conventional laser (CL) therapy is performed in one or more sessions in single spot mode. Visual disabilities have been reported after treatment with CL, including central vision loss due to macular edema and peripheral visual field loss resulting from extensive inner retinal scarring. Multispot laser (MSL) photocoagulation has recently been introduced to clinical practice. Studies comparing PRP conducted with MSL and CL have reported that MSLs resulted in less retinal tissue damage and pain, and greater patient comfort compared to CL. The aim of this review was to compare the efficacy and side effects of MSLs and CLs for diabetic retinopathy treatment

The effect of concept cartoons-assisted problem-based learning method on conceptual understanding levels and problem solving skill perceptions of students [Kavram karikatürleri destekli probleme dayali öğrenme yönteminin öğrencilerin kavramsal anlama düzeyleri ile problem çözme becerisi algilari üzerine etkisi]

[No abstract available

Renal Behçet's Disease: An Update

PubMed ID: 18221990Objective: The aims of this study are (1) to report 33 patients with Behçet's disease (BD) having various renal manifestations, and (2) to update current data using our patients and published papers about BD and renal manifestations. Methods: The PubMed database was searched using the terms BD or Behçet's syndrome. We found reports of 94 patients (including ours) with BD and specific renal diseases (amyloidosis, 39; glomerulonephritis [GN], 37; renal vascular disease, 19; interstitial nephritis, 1). Results: The presentation of renal disease was edema/nephrotic syndrome in 12 patients (36%). Renal disease was incidentally diagnosed by routine urine analysis and measurement of serum creatinine level in 20 patients (61%). Renal failure was present in 23 patients (70%) and 5 of them have had cyclosporine treatment. The frequency of renal disease among BD patients has been reported to vary from less than 1 to 29%. Conclusions: The clinical spectrum of renal BD shows a wide variation. Amyloidosis (AA type), GN, and macroscopic/microscopic vascular disease are the main causes of renal BD. Patients with vascular involvement have a high risk of amyloidosis and amyloidosis is the most common cause of renal failure in BD. Several types of glomerular lesions are seen in BD. Current treatment options for renal BD are not evidence based. Radiological vascular intervention combined with immunosuppressive drugs can be useful in selected cases. Routine urine analysis and measurement of serum creatinine level are needed for early diagnosis of renal BD. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved