bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Autoantibody Repertoires in Sera of Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Joachim S.C. , Grus F.H. , Pfeiffer N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness worldwide. It is usually considered a neurodegenerative disease. There is evidence that an autoimmune mechanism is involved in the development of glaucoma in some patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the IgG autoantibody repertoires in sera of glaucoma patients and healthy subjects. Methods A total of 82 patients were divided into four groups: healthy volunteers without any ocular disorders (CO, n=30), patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, n=19), ocular hypertension (OHT, n=16), and normal tension glaucoma (NTG, n=17). All groups were matched for age and gender. The sera of these patients were tested against Western blots of retinal antigens. Immunodetection was done using 4-chloro-1-naphthol staining. The autoantibody patterns were digitized and subsequently analyzed by multivariate statistical techniques. Results All patients showed different, complex staining patterns of autoantibodies against retinal antigens. There was an increase in the number of peaks in sera of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) compared to healthy subjects (CO). Including all peaks the analysis of discriminance revealed a statistically significant difference between the patterns of POAG compared to all other groups (p<0.01). Sera of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) had no statistically different autoantibody pattern compared to those of control subjects. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated a difference in the IgG autoantibody patterns of primary open-angle glaucoma patients compared to healthy subjects. However, the patterns were not significantly different in normal tension glaucoma compared to control subjects.
Retinopathy of Prematurity: Any Difference in Risk Factors between a High and Low Risk Population?
Authors: Allegaert K. , Casteels I. , Cossey V. , Devlieger H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To document incidence of and risk factors for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a population of low birthweight infants (<1500 g). Methods The authors registered clinical characteristics (birthweight, gestational age (GA), Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB), Apgar score, respiratory characteristics (intubation, ventilation, respiratory support, supplemental oxygen, oxygenation index), prescription of dopamine, and maximal creatinemia) by retrospective chart review in two consecutive CRIB score-based ( Results Incidence of ROP was 65/157 (41%; 76% in <851 g and 22% in 851–1350 g). Incidence of stage 3 ROP was 25/46 (54%) in the <851 g and 4/84 (5%) in the 851–1350 g group. Among other risk factors, maximal creatinemia was a risk factor in the 851–1350 g cohort (p<0.03). In a logistic regression model, only GA (OR 0.42) remained significant in the lowest birthweight category; in the 851–1350 g cohort, GA (OR 0.53) and CRIB score (OR 1.7) were independent risk factors for ROP. Conclusions In relatively more mature infants (851–1350 g), the risk to develop ROP is based on GA and on neonatal severity of disease (CRIB score); in the tiniest infants, GA is the most important risk factor. Microangiopathy might explain the association of maximal creatinemia and the risk of developing ROP.
Two-Stage Procedure for Management of Large Exposure Defects of Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implant
Authors: Salour H. , Owji N. , Farahi A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the results of a newly devised two-stage surgical technique for management of large hydroxyapatite exposure defects. Methods Eight patients with exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implant were treated in two stages. The exposed hydroxyapatite anterior surface was burred down and the defect was directly closed 3 to 13 months after the primary procedure. Then a mucous membrane or dermis-fat graft was added for socket reconstruction. Results Trauma was the primary cause of enucleation in all patients. Hydroxyapatite exposures occurred 1 to 2 weeks after implantation. Mean defect size was 15 mm in the greatest dimension (range 10–21 mm). Socket reconstruction was done in seven patients with mucous membrane graft and in one patient with dermis fat graft 3 to 13 months after direct repair of the defects. All eight patients maintained closure of the defects during a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 9–19 months). Conclusions Management of hydroxyapatite exposures, especially those with large defects, can be difficult. Based on our experience, optimal results can be obtained after direct closure of the defect under minimal tension at the expense of foreshortening the fornices after which the socket can be reconstructed with a mucous membrane or dermis fat graft as a secondary procedure.
Bilateral Parry-Romberg Syndrome Associated with Retinal Vasculitis
Authors: Bellusci C. , Liguori R. , Pazzaglia A. , Badiali L. , Schiavi C. , Campos E.C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe an unusual case of bilateral progressive facial hemiatrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS)) associated with retinal vasculitis. Methods In a 37-year-old man with bilateral PRS, retinal vasculitis of the right eye was evident on fundus examination and fluorescein angiography. Right temporalis muscle biopsy and needle electromyography of the masseter muscles were performed. The patient underwent immunosuppressive therapy and retinal laser photocoagulation. Results Biopsy specimens showed large fibrosis with focal lymphohistiocytic infiltration of the muscle fibers. Electromyographic findings are consistent with a primary muscle disease. Visual acuity improved from 20/25 to 20/20 in the right eye with a follow-up of one year. Conclusions The evidence of retinal vasculitis and the histologic findings of facial changes observed in this PRS case could support the pathogenetic model of a chronic inflammatory process as a plausible explanation for progressive facial hemiatrophy.
Hypo-Estrogenemia in Retinal Vasculopathy Due to Primary Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Authors: Hadid O.H. , Jabir M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report hypo-estrogenemic state in a case of recurrent vitreous hemorrhages due to primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Methods Interventional case report. A 40-year-old woman presented with recurrent vitreous hemorrhages. Treated initially with laser photocoagulation followed by hormone replacement therapy. Results Cessation of vitreous hemorrhage since starting hormone replacement therapy (twenty months ago). Conclusions This is the first documented case of hypo-estrogenemia in lupus anticoagulant retinopathy. The response of this condition to estrogen is worth exploring.
Patient Persistency with Pharmacotherapy in the Management of Glaucoma
Authors: Reardon G. , Schwartz G.F. , Mozaffari E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate persistency with monotherapy in the treatment of glaucoma in patients new to pharmacological management. Methods This population-based, retrospective cohort study, using managed care administrative claims data, included patients who were 20 years of age and older and who initiated monotherapy with betaxolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide, latanoprost, or timolol between May 1999 and January 2001. Follow-up continued through January 31, 2001, and prescription refill records for all ocular hypotensive medications were extracted for the full 21-month study period. The primary outcome measures were discontinuation and change (switching/ adding on) of the index ocular hypotensive medication. Rates of discontinuation and discontinuation/change were compared using Cox regression methods; survival curves were generated. Results In all, 14,539 patients were prescribed any ocular hypotensive drug during the study period, and 2850 patients met all inclusion criteria. Patients treated with betaxolol, brimonidine, dorzolamide, or timolol were significantly (p<0.05) more likely to discontinue and to discontinue/change the index therapy than were those treated with latanoprost. Results were confirmed in analyses adjusted for age and sex. Conclusions Patients initially treated with latanoprost monotherapy are more persistent than those who begin treatment with beta-blockers, brimonidine, or the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dorzolamide. Greater persistency with an initial ocular hypotensive therapy may improve health outcomes and reduce long-term costs to patients and health plans by limiting the increased resource use associated with discontinuations or changes in therapy.
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri): Descriptive Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Visual Outcome in Parma, Italy, 1990 to 1999
Authors: Carta A. , Bertuzzi F. , Cologno D. , Giorgi C. , Montanari E. , Tedesc0 S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To ascertain the annual incidence rate and the clinical features, other than visual outcome, of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in Parma, northern Italy. METHODS Neurologic care of people living in the Parma area is entirely provided by one private and two public hospitals. Medical records related to IIH were retrospectively reviewed for all Parma residents from 1990 through 1999. Results Ten patients (8 women and 2 men) were identified as having IIH according to modified Dandy criteria. Their age ranged from 16 to 53 years with a mean of 36 years at diagnosis. The annual age-adjusted rate per 100,000 is 0.28 for the total population. For women in reproductive age, the annual incidence rate is 0.65/100,000. For overweight women in reproductive age, the annual incidence rate is 2.7/100,000. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rate found in this study is lower than the incidence reported in previous US and Libyan studies. A significant difference in overweight distribution is observed comparing percentage of body weight between US and Parma populations. As overweight and obesity are important factors contributing to IIH development, it is possible that their low percentage in the Parma population may, at least partially, explain the low IIH incidence observed.
Pupil Size in Jewish Theological Seminary Students
Authors: Shemesh G. , Kesler A. , Lazar M. , Rothkoff L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the authors' clinical impression that pupil size among myopic Jewish theological seminary students is different from pupil size of similar secular subjects. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 28 male Jewish theological seminary students and 28 secular students or workers who were matched for age and refraction. All participants were consecutively enrolled. Scotopic and photopic pupil size was measured by means of a Colvard pupillometer. Comparisons of various parameters between the groups were performed using the two-sample t-test, Fisher exact test, a paired-sample t-test, a two-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients as appropriate. Results The two groups were statistically matched for age, refraction, and visual acuity. The seminary students were undercorrected by an average of 2.35 diopters (D), while the secular subjects were undercorrected by only 0.65 D (p<0.01). The average pupil size was larger in the religious group under both scotopic and photopic luminance. This difference was maintained when the two groups were compared according to iris color under both conditions, reaching a level of statistical significance (p<0.0001). There was a significant difference in photopic pupil size between dark and light irises (p=0.049), but this difference was not maintained under scotopic conditions. CONCLUSIONS The average pupil size of young ultraorthodox seminary students was significantly larger than that of matched secular subjects. Whether this is the result of intensive close-up work or of apparently characteristic undercorrection of the myopia is undetermined.
Adult-Onset Primary Glaucoma and Molecular Genetics: A Review
Authors: Frezzotti R. , Renieri A. , Frezzotti P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate recent molecular genetic studies focused on localizing and identifying the genes involved in adult-onset primary glaucoma, characterizing the gene products, and investigating the molecular mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease. METHODS Several studies have aimed at understanding gene expression and protein processing and attempting to correlate the mutations identified in the involved genes, particularly the TIGR/MYOC gene, with the overall spectrum of the disease, ranging from juvenile glaucoma to typical late-onset primary open-angle glaucoma. Genetic research lemains essential until highly specific and sensitive tests have been developed (plausible disease-causing sequence variations, polymorphisms). Results The most effective method for detecting glaucoma clinically is the study of optic nerve and visual field damage, as well as intraocular pressure. In subjects at high risk, in members of families with a strong history of inherited glaucoma, and in families with a MYOC-positive test, the result may represent a marker to assess presymptomatic diagnosis and may be useful as a prognostic marker. CONCLUSIONS OPTN seems to have a role confined to the pathogenesis of normotensive glaucoma with a few exceptions. Presently, the introduction of the expensive and time-consuming OPTN gene test in the current diagnosis of familial glaucoma is not justified.
Regulation of Optic Nerve Head Blood flow in Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Pournaras C.J. , Riva C.E. , Bresson-dumont H. , De gottrau P. , Bechetoille A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the regulation of the optic nerve blood flow (Fonh) in response to an increase of the perfusion pressure (PPm) in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients and in age-matched normal volunteers. METHODS Measurements were performed in 16 eyes of NTG patients and in 10 eyes of age-matched controls. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was applied to calculate the relative flux of red blood cells at the temporal rim of the optic nerve head (ONH) in response to increases in PPm. PPm was raised through an increase in systemic blood pressure induced by isometric exercise. Before being tested, all patients had 3 weeks of washout of any local medication. Results In the NTG group, mean ophthalmic arterial blood pressure increased during isometric exercise from 73 to 89 mmHg (22%), resulting in a 29% increase of the PPm. This increase did not induce any significant change in mean Fonh. For the control group, the 28% increase of PPm also did not significantly affect Fonh. There was a trend for a greater increase in vascular resistance during isometric exercise in the NTG than in the normal control group (47% versus 25%). CONCLUSIONS The LDF parameters, measured in the ONH, did not indicate an abnormal Fonh regulation in response to an increase of the PPm in either normal subjects or NTG patients. The maintenance of constant blood flow is achieved by an increase in local vascular resistance. Our data show a greater percent increase in vascular resistance in the NTG patients compared to the normal subjects for a similar percent increase in PPm in both groups during squatting. This suggests some alteration of the vessel tone regulatory mechanisms in NTG patients.
Clinical Evaluation of Corneal Epithelialization after Photorefractive Keratectomy in Patients Treated with Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) Eye Drops: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Lazzarotto M. , Tomasello E.M. , Caporossi A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) eye drops vs placebo on corneal epithelial healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correction of myopic and myopic-astigmatic defects was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Primary endpoint for efficacy was the evolution of corneal re-epithelialization. Secondary endpoint was the evaluation of PDRN eye drops tolerability. Methods Sixty eyes were enrolled in the study, randomly allocated into standard therapy plus placebo eye drops (30 eyes), or standard therapy plus PDRN eye drops (30 eyes). Checks were carried out preoperatively and at days 1, 2, 3, and 7 of the follow-up. Six eyes dropped out (four in PDRN group, two in placebo group) for reasons unrelated to the study. Results On day 2, the disepithelialized area was 8.4 mm2 ± 9.2 (mean ± SD) in controls and 6.0 mm2 ± 6.8 in PDRN group. On day 3 a complete corneal re-epithelialization was found in 20 out of 26 (77%) eyes of PDRN group and in 17 out of 28 (61%) eyes of placebo group (p<0.05 in percentage terms). On day 7 of follow-up, all eyes appeared to be completely re-epithelialized. The mean score of corneal evaluation on day 3 was 2.9 in PDRN group and 3.75 in control group (p<0.05 between groups). No adverse events occurred during the study. Conclusions The data of the study have shown that after PRK, PDRN stimulates corneal epithelium regeneration. PDRN eye drops administration four times a day is well tolerated by patients during the re-epithelialization stage. A much larger clinical study should be performed in order to prove the results obtained in this pilot study.
Medial Rectus Muscle Incarceration in Pediatric Medial Orbital Wall Trapdoor Fractures
Authors: McCulley T.J. , Yip C.C. , Kersten R.C. , Kulwin D.R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose We describe two cases of orbital trapdoor fractures with medial rectus muscle incarceration. Methods Small interventional case series. Results This is a retrospective university based report of two healthy males (11 and 14 years old) who developed diplopia following blunt orbital trauma. Both patients had decreased horizontal ocular motility of the involved eye with minimal additional evidence of trauma. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated no significant bony displacement; however, the left medial rectus muscle was located within the ethmoid sinus in the first and had an abnormal size and shape in the second case. In both cases, during urgent surgical repair, the incarcerated medial rectus muscle was gently released from linear non-displaced medial wall fractures and ocular motility normalized postoperatively. Conclusions In pediatric patients sustaining blunt orbital trauma, medial rectus incarceration should be considered and managed accordingly.
Congenital Retinal Macrovessel Causes Reduced Retinal Sensitivity at the Macula
Authors: Shah V.A. , Chalam K.V. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of reduced macular sensitivity at the macula due to congenital retinal macrovessel as measured by liquid crystal display (LCD) microperimetry. Methods Case report. Results We present a patient with normal visual acuity OU, with fundus OS revealing a congenital retinal macrovessel. LCD microperimetry of the macular area OS revealed reduced sensitivity of the superior retina (median sensitivity, 13.0 dB) compared to the inferior retina (median sensitivity, 15.0 dB) based on numerical values of the sensitivity. Such a difference of sensitivity was not found in OD which had a normal fundus ezamination. Conclusions The patient's congenital macrovessel may be causing a relative angioscotoma with reduced retinal sensitivity in the superior half of the macula as compared to the inferior half.
Spontaneous Resolution of Vitreomacular Traction Associated with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Lecleire-Collet A. , Muraine M. , Siahmed K. , Brasseur G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Little information is available about the natural history of vitreomacular traction (VMT) associated with diabetic macular edema. A few cases of spontaneous resolution of VMT associated with diabetic macular edema have been described, but have not been documented by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The authors report the spontaneous resolution of VMT associated with diabetic macular edema 1 month after the end of panretinal photocoagulation therapy (PRP). Methods Case report: A 66-year-old woman presented with complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema associated with VMT, documented by OCT, in the right eye. Left eye examination showed complete PRP and ischemic maculopathy. PRP was immediately realized in the right eye in regard to the presence of complicated proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Results One month after the end of PRP, right eye visual acuity improved. OCT examination showed complete release of foveal posterior hyaloid traction, and significant reduction in foveal thickness. The follow-up was 1 year. At the end of follow-up, visual acuity slightly improved again; only a small residual foveal retinal thickening remained. Conclusions The authors report spontaneous resolution of VMT associated with diabetic macular edema, probably facilitated by PRP, with concurrent reduction of macular thickness and visual improvement. As spontaneous resolution may occur in some eyes with diabetic macular edema associated with VMT, a period of observation after the end of the PRP may be considered prior to vitrectomy.
Bilateral Cnv Associated with Optic Nerve Drusen Treated with Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin
Authors: Silva R. , Torrent T. , Loureiro R. , Travassos A. , De Abreu J. Rui Faria 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of bilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with optic nerve drusen (OND) treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin. Methods A 10-year-old girl with juxtapapillary CNV in the right eye and juxtapapillary and juxtafoveal CNV in the left eye associated with OND underwent PDT with verteporfin in both eyes. Results Visual acuity increased from 20/160 to 20/25 in the right eye and from 20/1000 to 20/25 in the left eye after two sessions of PDT and 2 years of follow-up. CNV showed no leakage after two PDT sessions in both eyes and no recurrence was observed. Conclusions Subfoveal CNV is an uncommon complication of OND and excellent anatomic and functional results can be obtained with PDT.
Late Onset Posttraumatic Propionibacterium Acnes Endophthalmitis
Authors: Abu El-Asrar A.M. , Al-Obeidan S.A. , Yeboah E.A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of late onset posttraumatic endophthalmitis secondary to Propionibacterium acnes infection. Methods Interventional case report. Results A 28-year-old man developed endophthalmitis 6 months after a penetrating trauma. The patient underwent pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy along with injection of intravitreal antibiotics. Anaerobic cultures of the vitreous yielded P. acnes. Seven months after surgery, the eye was quiet with a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/60. Conclusions This case emphasizes the importance of considering P. acnes when treating patients with late onset posttraumatic endophthalmitis.
Limitations of Color Doppler Sonography in the Imaging of Ocular Vessels
Authors: Ustymowicz A. , Obuchowska I. , Krejza J. , Mariak Z. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe a case where detection of blood flow in the central retinal artery and the central retinal vein was limited by an artifact evoked by the optic disc drusen. Methods Case report. Results During color Doppler sonography, examination of optic disc drusen may generate an artifact – the so-called twinkling artifact – which can simulate blood flow and make evaluation of the central retinal vessels impossible. Conclusions Twinkling artifact does not allow evaluation of color Doppler sonography in the imaging of ocular vessels.