9 research outputs found

    Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Infectious Keratitis (PACK-CXL)—A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic and Prognostic Factors Involved in Therapeutic Indications and Contraindications

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    Infectious keratitis is a severe infection of the eye, which requires urgent care in order to prevent permanent complications. Typical cases are usually diagnosed clinically, whereas severe cases also require additional tools, such as direct microscopy, corneal cultures, molecular techniques, or ophthalmic imaging. The initial treatment is empirical, based on the suspected etiology, and is later adjusted as needed. It ranges from topical administration of active substances to oral drugs, or to complex surgeries in advanced situations. A novel alternative is represented by Photoactivated Chromophore Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (PACK-CXL), which is widely known as a minimally invasive therapy for corneal degenerations. The purpose of this review is to identify the main diagnostic and prognostic factors which further outline the indications and contraindications of PACK-CXL in infectious keratitis. Given the predominantly positive outcomes in the medical literature, we ponder whether this is a promising treatment modality, which should be further evaluated in a systematic, evidence-based manner in order to develop a clear treatment protocol for successful future results, especially in carefully selected cases

    Choroidal Thickness Increase after Subliminal Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

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    Background: The purpose of this study is to estimate the success rate of subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for refractory glaucoma and to determine the correlation between the decrease in intraocular pressure and the variation in choroidal thickness. Methods: A pre–post study was conducted over a period of 3 years, including 81 eyes from 67 patients with different types of drug-refractory glaucoma who underwent subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The variables included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and choroidal thickness. Results: We observed the following success rates (defined as IOP < 21 mmHg): 80% at 1 month (65 patients), 74% at 3 months (60 patients), 64% at 6 months (52 patients) and 50.6% at 1 year (41 patients). A strong correlation was noted between the decrease in intraocular pressure and the increase in the average choroidal thickness at 1 year (318.42 µm) compared to the average preoperative thickness (291.78 µm). A correlation of increased choroidal thickness at 1-month with the success rate of the procedure was also observed. Conclusions: We observed a statistically significant correlation between the success rate, decrease in intraocular pressure and choroidal thickness. The correlation of increased choroidal thickness at 1-month with the success rate of the procedure could be used clinically as a predictive factor for the final outcome of patients. Further experimental research is warranted to determine whether the increase in choroidal thickness after subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is indeed evidence of increased uveoscleral drainage

    True Brachial Artery Aneurysm in Patients with Previous Arterio-Venous Fistula Ligation and Immunosuppressant Therapy for Renal Transplantation: Case Report and Literature Review

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    Background/Objective: Brachial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a serious complication in patients with previous arterio-venous fistula (AVF), renal transplantation (RT), and immunosuppressive regimens. Until now, there has been no standard of care for these patients, especially for patients undergoing chronic dialysis and immunosuppressive treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate data from the literature regarding these patients and to suggest recommendations for the best approach to their treatment. Methods: A review of the literature was performed by searching the PubMed database in the English language. The review was accompanied by two case reports. A total of 24 articles with different variables—demographics, renal transplantation, aneurysm size, and type of surgery—were subjected to the review. In addition, two cases are reported. Conclusion: This review suggests that the best treatment for these patients is open surgery, with aneurysmectomy and graft interposition. Results: All patients had RT. The age of patients ranged from 26–77 yo, with a male predominance. The majority had an AVF ligated after RT. The main clinical symptoms were pain, swelling, and pulsatile mass (66%). All patients, except one, were treated through open surgery. The first option for treatment was reversed saphenous vein graft interposition (36%), followed by ePTFE graft (16%)

    Role of Reconstructive Microsurgery in Tubal Infertility in Young Women

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    Aim: Here, we retrospectively analyzed the success rate of reconstructive microsurgery for tubal infertility (RMTI) as a “first-line” approach to achieving tubal reversal and pregnancy after tubal infertility. Patients and Methods: During 9 consecutive years (2005–2014), 96 patients diagnosed with obstructive tubal infertility underwent RMTI (tubal reversal, salpingostomy, and/or tubal implantation) in our centre. The outcomes are presented in terms of tubal reversal rate and pregnancy and correlated with age, level of tubal obstruction, and duration of tubal infertility. Results: The overall tubal reversal rate was 87.56% (84 patients). The 48-month cumulative pregnancy rate was 78.04% (64 patients), of which seven ectopic pregnancies occurred (8.53%). The reversibility rate for women under 35 yo was 90.47%, with a birth rate of 73.01%. The reconstruction at the infundibular segments favored higher ectopic pregnancy rates (four ectopic pregnancies for anastomosis at infundibular level—57.14%, two for ampullary level—28.57%, and one for replantation technique—14.28%), with a significant value for p < 0.05. Conclusions: In the context of IVF “industrialization”, reconstructive microsurgery for tubal infertility has become increasingly less favored. However, under available expertise and proper indication, RMTI can be successfully used to restore a woman’s ability to conceive naturally with a high postoperative pregnancy rate overall, especially in women under 35 yo

    An Observational Study on Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Early and Late Results in Limb Salvage Rate

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    An observational study on 22 patients presenting with acute limb ischemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection, and without any other embolic risk factors, was performed. All patients were classified according to Rutherford classification for acute limb ischemia. The primary goal of this study was to assess the risk of amputation in these patients after revascularization procedures. The secondary goal was to find the correlation between acute limb ischemia (ALI) severity, patient comorbidities, risk of death, and the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were treated by open surgery (18 patients—81.81%) or by the means of endovascular techniques (four patients—18.18%). The amputation-free survival rate was 81.81% in hospital and 86.36% at 1-month follow-up. In this study, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection did not influence the amputation-free survival rate: it was only the risk factor for the arterial thrombosis and the trigger for the acute ischemic event. The application of the standard treatment—open surgery or endovascular revascularization—in patients with acute limb ischemia and SARS-CoV-2 infection represents the key to success for lower limb salvage

    Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation for Glaucoma after Penetrating Keratoplasty

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    The main objective of the article was to assess the surgical outcome of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in patients presenting with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. We conducted a retrospective study that included 26 eyes of 26 patients who presented with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty, and who were treated using micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation between January 2017 and December 2020. The surgeries were performed using the Iridex Cyclo G6 MicroPulse P3 Probe. The intraocular pressure, mean number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, corneal status, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. The success rate after 12 months was 76.9%. The baseline median intraocular pressure was 29 mm Hg and decreased to 18 mm Hg after 12 months. The median number of antiglaucoma medications was also reduced from three preoperatively to one after one year. In seven cases (29.92%), the visual acuity decreased and, in four cases (15.38%), the corneal graft was not transparent. We concluded that micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty

    Intrastromal Injections in the Management of Infectious Keratitis

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    Infectious keratitis is a major global cause of vision loss and blindness. Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing the condition. Topical antimicrobials are the most effective therapy for bacterial keratitis, but they can lead to unsatisfactory results due to ocular perforation, scarring, and melting. Intrastromal injection is a newer technique for delivering antimicrobials directly to the site of infection and has been successful in treating severe, treatment-resistant infectious keratitis, especially when surgery is not recommended. In cases where deep stromal disease is resistant to topical treatment, intrastromal antimicrobial injections may be necessary to achieve higher drug concentration at the infection site. However, the use of intrastromal antibiotics is limited, as topical antibacterial agents have better penetration than antifungal agents. Bacterial and fungal keratitis have been extensively researched for intrastromal medication injections, while there is limited evidence for viral keratitis. This review emphasizes the potential of intrastromal antimicrobial injections as an alternative for managing severe refractory infectious keratitis. The technique offers direct targeting of the infection site and faster resolution in some cases compared to topical therapy. However, further research is needed to determine the safest antimicrobials options, minimal effective doses, and concentrations for various pathogens. Intrastromal injections may serve as a non-surgical treatment option in high-risk cases, with benefits including direct drug delivery and reduced epithelial toxicity. Despite promising findings, more studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach

    A Warning Call for Fertility Preservation Methods for Women Undergoing Gonadotoxic Cancer Treatment

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    Malignant hematological conditions have recognized an increased incidence and require aggressive treatments. Targeted chemotherapy, accompanied or not by radiotherapy, raises the chance of defeating the disease, yet cancer protocols often associate long-term gonadal consequences, for instance, diminished or damaged ovarian reserve. The negative effect is directly proportional to the types, doses, time of administration of chemotherapy, and irradiation. Additionally, follicle damage depends on characteristics of the disease and patient, such as age, concomitant diseases, previous gynecological conditions, and ovarian reserve. Patients should be adequately informed when proceeding to gonadotoxic therapies; hence, fertility preservation should be eventually regarded as a first-intention procedure. This procedure is most beneficial when performed before the onset of cancer treatment, with the recommendation for embryos or oocytes’ cryopreservation. If not feasible or acceptable, several options can be available during or after the cancer treatment. Although not approved by medical practice, promising results after in vitro studies increase the chances of future patients to protect their fertility. This review aims to emphasize the mechanism of action and impact of chemotherapy, especially the one proven to be gonadotoxic, upon ovarian reserve and future fertility. Reduced fertility or infertility, as long-term consequences of chemotherapy and, particularly, following bone marrow transplantation, is often associated with a negative impact of recovery, social and personal life, as well as highly decreased quality of life
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