Fundus topographical distribution patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis

BACKGROUND: To establish topographic maps and determine fundus distribution patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) lesions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who presented with OT to ophthalmology clinics from four countries (Argentina, Turkey, UK, USA) were included. Size, shape and location of primary (1°)/recurrent (2°) and active/inactive lesions were converted into a two-dimensional retinal chart by a retinal drawing software. A final contour map of the merged image charts was then created using a custom Matlab programme. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS: 984 lesions in 514 eyes of 464 subjects (53% women) were included. Mean area of all 1° and 2° lesions was 5.96±12.26 and 5.21±12.77 mm2, respectively. For the subset group lesions (eyes with both 1° and 2° lesions), 1° lesions were significantly larger than 2° lesions (5.52±6.04 mm2 vs 4.09±8.90 mm2, p=0.038). Mean distances from foveola to 1° and 2° lesion centres were 6336±4267 and 5763±3491 µm, respectively. The majority of lesions were found in temporal quadrant (p<0.001). Maximum overlap of all lesions was at 278 µm inferotemporal to foveola. CONCLUSION: The 1° lesions were larger than 2° lesions. The 2° lesions were not significantly closer to fovea than 1° lesions. Temporal quadrant and macular region were found to be densely affected underlining the vision threatening nature of the disease

In vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography follow-up of cysteamine treatment in corneal cystinosis

A 36-year-old female presented initially with photophobia and visual deterioration. After examination and laboratory tests, patient was diagnosed with cystinosis. Cysteamine drops 4 × 1 drops/day was given as treatment for 1 year. During follow-up, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was performed. Photophobia was relieved and IVCM obtained the decrease in size and density of corneal crystals 1 year after. Depth of corneal crystals did not change but crystal density score reduced with cysteamine treatment

In vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography follow-up of cysteamine treatment in corneal cystinosis

A 36-year-old female presented initially with photophobia and visual deterioration. After examination and laboratory tests, patient was diagnosed with cystinosis. Cysteamine drops 4 x 1 drops/day was given as treatment for 1 year. During follow-up, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was performed. Photophobia was relieved and IVCM obtained the decrease in size and density of corneal crystals 1 year after. Depth of corneal crystals did not change but crystal density score reduced with cysteamine treatment

Evaluation of renin and angiotensin II levels in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome has been linked to impaired function of the heart and blood vessels. We conducted a study to investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Methods: The subjects were 14 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 14 healthy controls who underwent cataract extraction. Preoperative 5-ml samples of peripheral venous blood and perioperative aqueous humor were collected from the patients in both groups. Plasma and aqueous humor renin levels were analyzed by an immunoradiometric method, and angiotensin II levels were analyzed by radioimmunassay. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analyses. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results: The mean ages of the patients in pseudoexfoliation and control groups were 71.7 ± 7.1 and 67.4 ± 9.3 years, respectively (p=0.140). The median aqueous humor renin level was 7.73 pg/ml (4.15-21) in the control group and 11.95 pg/ml (3.75-18.54) in pseudoexfoliation group (p=0.022). There were no differences between the two groups in the plasma renin, plasma angiotensin II, or aqueous humor angiotensin II levels. The correlations between plasma and aqueous humor renin levels and between plasma and aqueous humor angiotensin II levels were examined separately for each group; no significant correlations were observed in pseudoexfoliation group (r=-0.440, p=0.115; r=-0.414, p=0.142) or the control group (r=-0.232, p=0.425; r=0.482, p=0.081). Conclusion: Aqueous humor renin levels are higher in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The results indicate a probable role of renin-angiotensin system in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Further studies with larger numbers of cases are needed to clarify the precise association of renin-angiotensin system with the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Comparison of corneal collagen cross-linking (PACK-CXL) and voriconazole treatments in experimental fungal keratitis

Purpose To compare the antifungal efficacy of corneal collagen cross-linking with photoactivated riboflavin (PACK-CXL) and voriconazole in experimental Fusarium solani and Candida albicans keratitis models. Methods Sixty-four corneas of 32 New Zealand rabbits were included and divided into two main groups. Intrastromal injection of Fusarium and Candida suspensions was performed, and it was observed that keratitis was formed on the third day. Both groups were randomly separated into the following four groups: control, PACK-CXL, voriconazole and PACK-CXL combined with voriconazole. PACK-CXL was applied using 0.25\% riboflavin in an accelerated Dresden protocol (total ultraviolet A dose 5.4 J/cm(2)). Voriconazole was applied topically as 7x1/day with a dose of 1\% (10 mg/ml). Corneal buttons were excised on the tenth day, and microbiological and pathological examinations were performed. Results The PACK-CXL and PACK-CXL combined with voriconazole groups each had 100 colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) of reproduced micro-organisms compared with 500 CFU/ml in the voriconazole group and 1500 CFU/ml in the control group (p < 0.001) in the Fusarium keratitis model. The PACK-CXL combined with voriconazole group had 100 CFU/ml, the PACK-CXL group had 150 CFU/ml, and the voriconazole group had 200 CFU/ml of reproduced micro-organisms compared with 4000 CFU/ml in the control group (p < 0.002) in the Candida keratitis model. (p < 0.001). Fewer hyphae and non-specific stromal changes were observed in the pathological cross sections examined in subgroups that used CXL. Conclusion There was less fungus reproduction and a lower keratitis score for Fusarium solani and Candida albicans in the treatment groups compared to the control groups, especially in groups that used PACK-CXL. These results suggest that it is useful to combine PACK-CXL treatment with medical treatment in the fungal keratitis algorithm at the early stage of the disease

Impact of Iontophoresis and PACK-CXL Corneal Concentrations of Antifungals in an In Vivo Model

Purpose: To investigate voriconazole (VRZ) penetration and fungal load in the cornea after applying VRZ therapy with various treatment combinations in a fungal keratitis model. Methods: Fifty-four eyes of 27 young albino rabbits were provided for this experimental study. Twelve corneas were inoculated with Candida albicans, 12 corneas were inoculated with Fusarium solani, and 6 eyes were selected as controls. Infected corneas received various treatment combinations including VRZ 1% drop therapy alone, VRZ 1% plus amphotericin B 1% drop combination therapy, iontophoretic VRZ therapy, and VRZ 1% drop therapy after corneal cross-linking. Fungal load was measured by log reduction, and VRZ levels were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Iontophoresis-assisted VRZ application showed the highest antifungal activity against F. solani keratitis (4-log reduction) and C. albicans keratitis (5-log reduction) compared with other treatment applications. VRZ levels were also found to be the highest in corneas that received iontophoretic VRZ treatment (3.6313 +/- 0.0990 ppb for F.solani keratitis and 1.7001 +/- 0.0065 ppb for C. albicans keratitis) compared with other treatment applications. Conclusions: Iontophoresis seems to provide the highest VRZ concentration and highest antifungal activity in the cornea compared with other treatment applications for C. albicans and F. solani keratitis

Evaluation of renin and angiotensin II levels in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome has been linked to impaired function of the heart and blood vessels. We conducted a study to investigate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.Methods:The subjects were 14 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and 14 healthy controls who underwent cataract extraction. Preoperative 5-ml samples of peripheral venous blood and perioperative aqueous humor were collected from the patients in both groups. Plasma and aqueous humor renin levels were analyzed by an immunoradiometric method, and angiotensin II levels were analyzed by radioimmunassay. SPSS version 16.0 was used for statistical analyses. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.Results:The mean ages of the patients in pseudoexfoliation and control groups were 71.7 +/- 7.1 and 67.4 +/- 9.3 years, respectively (p=0.140). The median aqueous humor renin level was 7.73 pg/ml (4.15-21) in the control group and 11.95 pg/ml (3.75-18.54) in pseudoexfoliation group (p=0.022). There were no differences between the two groups in the plasma renin, plasma angiotensin II, or aqueous humor angiotensin II levels. The correlations between plasma and aqueous humor renin levels and between plasma and aqueous humor angiotensin II levels were examined separately for each group; no significant correlations were observed in pseudoexfoliation group (r=-0.440, p=0.115; r=-0.414, p=0.142) or the control group (r=-0.232, p=0.425; r=0.482, p=0.081). Conclusion:Aqueous humor renin levels are higher in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The results indicate a probable role of renin-angiotensin system in pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Further studies with larger numbers of cases are needed to clarify the precise association of renin-angiotensin system with the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Fundus Topographical Distribution Patterns of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Background: To establish topographic maps and determine fundus distribution patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) lesions.Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who presented with OT to ophthalmology clinics from four countries (Argentina, Turkey, UK, USA) were included. Size, shape and location of primary (1°)/recurrent (2°) and active/inactive lesions were converted into a two-dimensional retinal chart by a retinal drawing software. A final contour map of the merged image charts was then created using a custom Matlab programme. Descriptive analyses were performed.Results: 984 lesions in 514 eyes of 464 subjects (53% women) were included. Mean area of all 1° and 2° lesions was 5.96±12.26 and 5.21±12.77 mm2, respectively. For the subset group lesions (eyes with both 1° and 2° lesions), 1° lesions were significantly larger than 2° lesions (5.52±6.04 mm2 vs 4.09±8.90 mm2, p=0.038). Mean distances from foveola to 1° and 2° lesion centres were 6336±4267 and 5763±3491 µm, respectively. The majority of lesions were found in temporal quadrant (p<0.001). Maximum overlap of all lesions was at 278 µm inferotemporal to foveola.Conclusion: The 1° lesions were larger than 2° lesions. The 2° lesions were not significantly closer to fovea than 1° lesions. Temporal quadrant and macular region were found to be densely affected underlining the vision threatening nature of the disease.Keywords: Choroid; Imaging; Infection; Inflammation; RetinaFil: Hasanreisoglu, Murat. Koc University School of Medicine; Turquía. Gazi University School of Medicine; TurquíaFil: Halim, Muhammad Sohail. Ocular Imaging Research and Reading Center; Estados UnidosFil: Cakar Ozdal, Pinar. University of Health Sciences Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital; TurquíaFil: Ormaechea, Maria Soledad. Universidad Catolica de Las Misiones. Facultad de Cs. de la Salud; ArgentinaFil: Kesim, Cem. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Ozdemir, Huseyin Baran. Universidad Austral. Hospital Universitario Austral. Departamento de Cirugía. Servicio de Oftalmologia.; ArgentinaFil: Uludag, Gunay. University of Stanford; Estados UnidosFil: Sredar, Nripun. University of Stanford; Estados UnidosFil: Cankurtaran, Mahmut. University of Health Sciences Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital; TurquíaFil: Liu, Xiaoxuan. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Reino Unido. University Of Birmingham; . Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Reino UnidoFil: Denniston, Alastair Keith. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust; Reino Unido. University Of Birmingham; . Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Reino UnidoFil: Rudzinski, Marcelo Nicolas. Universidad Catolica de Las Misiones; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Colombero, Daniel N.. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Schlaen, Bernardo Ariel. Universidad Austral. Hospital Universitario Austral; ArgentinaFil: Keane, Pearse Andrew. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Estados UnidosFil: Pavesio, Carlos. Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Estados Unidos. University of Lincoln; Reino UnidoFil: Nguyen, Quan Dong. University of Stanford; Estados Unido

Practice Patterns and Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injection for Retinopathy of Prematurity

To report practice patterns of intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and outcomes data with a focus on retreatments and complications. Multicenter, international, retrospective, consecutive series. Patients with ROP treated with anti-VEGF injections from 2007 to 2021. Twenfty-three sites (16 United States [US] and 7 non-US) participated. Data collected included demographics, birth characteristics, examination findings, and methods of injections. Comparisons between US and non-US sites were made. Primary outcomes included number and types of retreatments as well as complications. Secondary outcomes included specifics of the injection protocols, including types of medication, doses, distance from limbus, use of antibiotics, and quadrants where injections were delivered. A total of 1677 eyes of 918 patients (43% female, 57% male) were included. Mean gestational age was 25.7 weeks (range, 21.2–41.5 weeks), and mean birth weight was 787 g (range, 300–2700 g). Overall, a 30-gauge needle was most commonly used (51%), and the quadrant injected was most frequently the inferior-temporal (51.3%). The distance from the limbus ranged from 0.75 to 2 mm, with 1 mm being the most common (65%). Bevacizumab was the most common anti-VEGF (71.4%), with a dose of 0.625 mg in 64% of cases. Overall, 604 (36%) eyes required retreatment. Of those, 79.8% were retreated with laser alone, 10.6% with anti-VEGF injection alone, and 9.6% with combined laser and injection. Complications after anti-VEGF injections occurred in 15 (0.9%) eyes, and no cases of endophthalmitis were reported. Patients in the United States had lower birth weights and gestational ages (665.6 g and 24.5 weeks, respectively) compared with non-US patients (912.7 g and 26.9 weeks, respectively) (P < 0.0001). Retreatment with reinjection and laser was significantly more common in the US compared with the non-US group (8.5% vs. 4.7% [P = 0.0016] and 55% vs. 7.2% [P < 0.001], respectively). There was no difference in the incidence of complications between the 2 geographic subgroups. Anti-VEGF injections for ROP were safe and well tolerated despite a variance in practice patterns. Infants with ROP receiving injections in the US tended to be younger and smaller, and they were treated earlier with more retreatments than non-US neonates with ROP