bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal umbilical vein blood flow changes in normal and growth‐retarded fetuses
Authors: Di Naro Edoardo , Raio Luigi , Ghezzi Fabio , Franchi Massimo , Romano Francesco , Addario Vincenzo D' 
Published: March 2003

Objective.  To explore whether the umbilical vein blood flow of growth‐retarded fetuses with normal Doppler parameters changes over time differently to that of normally grown fetuses.Methods.  Fifteen consecutive women whose fetus was diagnosed to be growth restricted were compared with 30 women whose fetus was normally grown. Two ultrasonographic evaluations were conducted at 2‐weekly intervals (± 2 days) in all cases. At each sonographic evaluation, umbilical vein blood flow parameters were obtained by digital color Doppler velocity profile integration. To allow comparisons among fetuses, the umbilical vein blood flow per minute was normalized for abdominal circumference.Results.  The absolute vein blood flow was lower in growth‐retarded than in normally grown fetuses (209 ml/min ± 73 vs. 313 ml/min ± 72, p < 0.01). The median (range) umbilical vein blood flow normalized for abdominal circumference was significantly lower in growth‐retarded than in normally grown fetuses at the first [0.70 (0.32; 1.15) vs. 1.11 (0.65; 2.07), p < 0.05] and at the second [0.71(0.30; 1.09) vs. 1.14 (0.69; 2.05), p < 0.05] sonographic evaluation. The difference in umbilical vein blood flow normalized for abdominal circumference between the second and the first examination was significantly lower in growth‐retarded than in appropriate for gestational age fetuses [−0.005 (− 0.08; 0.06) vs. 0.02 (− 0.08; 0.1), p < 0.05].Conclusion.  This study demonstrates that umbilical vein blood flow normalized for biometric parameters is lower in growth‐retarded fetuses than in healthy fetuses even in the absence of umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities.
Intermittent progestin administration as part of hormone replacement therapy: long‐term comparison between estradiol 1 mg combined with intermittent norgestimate and estradiol2 mg combined with constant norethisterone acetate
Authors: Ylikorkala Olavi , Wahlström Torsten , Caubel Patrick , Lane Rosanne 
Published: March 2003

Background. To decrease exposure to progestin during hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a novel oral regimen consisting of constant 17β‐estradiol (E2) daily plus intermittent norgestimate (NGM) has been developed.Methods. A multicenter study compared the safety and efficacy of E2 1 mg daily plus intermittent NGM 90 µg (3 days off, 3 days on) (n = 150) vs. a continuous oral dose of E2 2 mg plus norethisterone acetate (NETA) 1 mg (n = 172) daily, for a period of 2 years. Endometrial biopsies were performed at 1 and 2 years. Subjects recorded the occurrence of vasomotor symptoms, uterine bleeding, and adverse events on diary cards.Results. At 2 years' follow‐up, no subject had developed endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Endometrial atrophy was seen in 75% of subjects using the intermittent NGM regimen and in 78% of women using the constant NETA regimen. Both groups maintained a 96% reduction in vasomotor symptoms up to 2 years. The rates of bleeding and/or spotting showed no difference between the groups, and at 2 years' follow‐up, 73% of women in the intermittent NGM group and 83% of subjects in the constant NETA group were amenorrheic. There was a lower incidence of progestin‐associated side‐effects, such as abdominal discomfort, edema, painful bleeding episodes, and breast symptoms, with the intermittent progestin regimen vs. the constant progestin regimen. Intermittent NGM use was associated with an elevation in HDL‐ and HDL2‐cholesterol, whereas constant NETA reduced these lipoproteins.Conclusions. The intermittent administration of a progestin, such as NGM, provides a new, well‐tolerated regimen to achieve endometrial safety, an adequate rate of amenorrhea, and effective reduction of vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Cytokine concentrations in the amniotic fluid during parturition at term: correlation to lower uterine segment values and to labor
Authors: Kemp Birgit , Winkler Matthias , Maas Anja , Maul Holger , Ruck Peter , Reineke Thorsten , Rath Werner 
Published: March 2003

Background.  In previous studies a significant increase in interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 concentrations in the lower uterine segment parallel to cervical dilatation at term could be found, however only a weak correlation to duration of labor was detected. This study compares amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 with those in the lower uterine segment, and the duration of labor.Methods.  Amniotic fluid and lower uterine segment specimens were obtained from 29 patients during cesarean section at term. The patients were divided into groups according to cervical dilatation (< 2 cm, 2–3.9  cm, 4–6 cm, > 6 cm) and to labor (0 h, > 0–12 h, > 12 h). Interleukin‐6 and IL‐8 concentrations were determined by enzyme immunoassay.Results.  Amniotic fluid IL‐6 already increased at 2–3.9 cm (p = 0.02), while the steepest increase in IL‐8 was observed at > 6 cm (p = 0.003). No correlation with lower uterine segment values was observed for either of the cytokines. However, the amniotic fluid IL‐6 concentration correlated with labor (p = 0.0008).Conclusion.  The increase in the concentration of IL‐6 in the amniotic fluid earlier than its increase in the lower uterine segment supports the hypothesis that IL‐6 plays a crucial role for the promotion of labor in the first place, and afterwards for the biochemical degradation processes in the lower uterine segment. The fact that the greatest increase in IL‐8 concentration occurs only at > 6 cm indicates that this chemotactic cytokine has only minor significance in the initiation of parturition by its concentration in the amniotic fluid.
Bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy may predispose for preterm birth and postpartum endometritis
Authors: Jacobsson Bo , Pernevi Peter , Chidekel Lene , Jörgen Platz‐Christensen Jens 
Published: March 2003

Background.  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported to be associated with spontaneous preterm delivery and infectious morbidity after birth in non‐Swedish populations. Our intention was to investigate the situation in a Swedish population.Methods.  In this cohort study, 924 patients were enrolled consecutively. A Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, which included a posterior fornix sample, was obtained at the first visit (median: 12 weeks and 1 day) at the two antenatal care units in central Göteborg 1990–91. Clue cells in the Pap smear were considered to be consistent with BV. The principal outcome variables were spontaneous preterm birth (< 37 weeks) and postpartum endometritis. A relative risk (RR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval.Results.  The prevalence of BV was 15.6%. An association was seen between BV in early pregnancy and postpartum endometritis [RR 3.26 (1.38–7.71)]. A non‐significant association was found between BV and spontaneous preterm birth [RR 2.10 (0.90–4.94)]. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for primi‐/multiparity and antibiotics during pregnancy and the odds ratio was 2.16 (0.87–3.64).Conclusions.  The prevalence of BV was 15.6% in this Swedish pregnant population. The risk for postpartum endometritis was tripled among women with BV in early pregnancy. The risk for spontaneous preterm birth among women with BV was doubled but non‐significant, although the samples were obtained early in pregnancy.
Lacrimal canalicular stenosis associated with systemic 5‐fluorouracil therapy
Authors: Prasad Somdutt , Kamath Girish G. , Phillips Russell P. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: Ocular side effects of systemic 5‐fluorouracil therapy include excessive lacrimation which often resolves on cessation of therapy. Permanent stenosis of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi is rare. This report highlights this uncommon complication of 5‐fluorouracil therapy.Methods: Report of two cases and review of literature.Results: Severe stenosis of puncta and canaliculi may be associated with prolonged systemic 5‐fluorouracil therapy.Conclusion: It is important for both the oncologist and ophthalmologist to be aware of the potential ocular toxicity of 5‐fluorouracil. Surgical management to relieve the epiphora is often challenging, and early intervention may be beneficial.
Bilateral necrotizing scleritis and blindness in the myelodysplastic syndrome presumably due to relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Loeffler Karin U. , McLean Ian W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report a case of bilateral blindness, bilateral necrotizing scleritis, and bilateral deafness in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In such a patient, the possibility of relapsing polychondritis (RPC) associated with MDS must be considered.Case Report/Methods: A 66‐year‐old patient suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Shortly before his death, he became bilaterally blind and deaf. A biopsy was taken from the conjunctiva and the bone marrow, and both eyes were obtained after death for further investigation. Findings of the clinical and laboratory work‐up for the patient's hematologic disorder as well as an examination of the eyes by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry are presented.Results: Ocular sections showed a diffuse necrotizing scleritis with moderate uveitis and no identifiable infectious agent. Neither was there any evidence of a leukemic infiltration. – The deafness had been due to inner ear failure, and the patient died of a cardiac failure.Conclusions: Non‐infectious scleritis associated with inner ear deafness is a strong indication of relapsing polychondritis (RPC). Furthermore, RPC can be associated with MDS. Thus, in addition to leukemic infiltration and infection involving ocular structures, ophthalmologists and otolargyngologists should be aware of the association between MDS and RPC and the potential complications.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and the MTHFR C677T mutation in central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Larsson J. , Hultberg B. , Hillarp A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a factor that predisposes to thrombosis, and the C677T mutation in methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is known to give increased plasma homocysteine. We wanted to investigate if these factors were overrepresented in a group of patients with central retinal vein occlusion.Methods: 116 patients with a history of central retinal vein occlusion were examined for the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia and the MTHFR C677T mutation.Results: Compared to the control groups, there was no significant increase, neither in plasma homocysteine nor in the frequency of the MTHFR C677T mutation in the patients. Even when we looked selectively at the young patients, age less than 50 years, no difference could be detected.Conclusion: It seems that neither hyperhomocysteinemia nor the MTHFR C677T mutation is an important risk factor for the aetiology of central retinal vein occlusion.
Iris indocyanine green angiography in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and capsular glaucoma
Authors: Parodi Maurizio Battaglia , Bondel Elvio , Saviano Sandro , Ravalico Giuseppe 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: The iris vasculature shows typical changes in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) revealed by iris fluorescein angiography (IFA), such as hypoperfusion, microneovascularisation, and anastomotic vessels. Iris indocyanine green angiography (IICGA) can visualize more precisely details of the iris vascular pattern, especially as regards hypoperfusion and capillary dilatations.The aim of the present study is to describe the angiographic features of PXS on IFA and IICGA, comparing eyes affected with those not affected by capsular glaucoma.Methods: In a prospective study 42 consecutive patients affected by PXS underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination including IFA and IICGA. Thirty‐two eyes were affected by capsular glaucoma. IICGA was performed using IMAGEnet System H1024.Results: IFA can easily detect the microneovascularisation, whereas IICGA allows a better recognition of iris hypoperfusion and anastomotic vessels, and it can reveal iris pigment epithelium defects. While the degree of hypoperfusion was similar in the two subgroups, eyes affected by capsular glaucoma more frequently showed signs of both microneovascularisation (marked stromal tufts and marked plexi), and of anastomotic vessels (peripheral loop, lesser circle and oblique vessels), with statistically significant difference. A clear correlation between hypoperfusion, microneovascularisation, and anastomotic vessels as regards site and extent was not noticed.Conclusions: A different angiographic pattern can be detected in PXS eyes with capsular glaucoma in comparison with eyes without it. Further studies are needed to correlate angiographic features revealed by IFA and IICGA, with clinical features.
Markers of thrombophilia in retinal vein thrombosis
Authors: Hansen Lene , Kristensen Hanne Lene , Bek Toke , Ingerslev Jørgen 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To study the prevalence of risk factors for systemic thromboembolism in patients with retinal vein thrombosis (RVT).Methods: Fifty‐four patients younger than 70 years, diagnosed with a retinal vein thrombosis at the Department of Ophthalmology, Århus University Hospital, were examined for the presence of venous thrombosis risk factors.Results: 23 patients had a central RVT, 26 had a branch RVT, and 4 had a macular RVT. Nineteen (35.2%) of the patients displayed increased levels of plasma homocysteine, one patient (1.9%) the Factor V Leiden mutation, and one patient (1.9%) displayed an antiphospholipid antibody. All other tests for thrombophilia rendered normal. In 15 of the patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, folic acid substitution returned plasma homocysteine to a normal value in 12 cases.Conclusion: A surprisingly high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in this cohort of RVT patients, clearly superseding the prevalence of around 17% found in patients suffering venous thromboembolism in other vascular compartments. Our finding points to the likelihood that hyperhomocysteinemia may be a significant risk factor for retinal vein thrombosis.
Functional and structural measurements in a multifactorial glaucoma risk model
Authors: Polo Vicente , Abecia Emilio , Pablo Luis E. , Pinilla Isabel , Larrosa Jose M. , Honrubia Francisco M. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between a multifactorial probability risk model of developing glaucomatous visual field defects and the assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and short‐wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in glaucoma suspects.Methods: 157 eyes of 157 glaucoma suspects were included in the study. The risk of developing glaucomatous defects was assessed by applying a multifactorial model that included intraocular pressure, vertical cup‐to‐disk ratio, age and family history. Photographs of the RNFL and SWAP were performed.Results: The SWAP was abnormal in 54 cases (34.3%); 21% of abnormal perimetries were obtained in the low‐risk group, 37% in the moderate risk group and 56% in the high risk group. The nerve fiber layer evaluation in the different risk stages showed a pattern similar to the results obtained with SWAP. Multiple regression analyses, performed with the four variables included in the model with SWAP and RNFL evaluation, showed the relationship between the risk factors and the presence of glaucomatous damage – evaluated by RNFL and SWAP (p<0001).Conclusions: The probability model showed a good correlation between the risk scale and the RNFL and SWAP assessment.
Normative measurements of Korean orbital structures revealed by computerized tomography
Authors: Lee Jong Soo , Lim Dae Won , Lee Sang Hyup , Oum Boo Sup , Kim Hak Jin , Lee Hak Jong 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to establish criteria for the diameters of normal extraocular muscles, the width of the optic nerve, and the globe position as revealed by CT, and to investigate the effects of age and sex on these parameters in the Korean population.Subjects and Methods: Diameters of extraocular muscles (medial, lateral, superior complex, and inferior rectus), distance from the interzygomatic line to the posterior margin of the globe, width of the optic nerve‐sheath complex, and length of the interzygomatic line were calculated for 214 patients on axial and direct coronal CT images, and the effects of age and sex were analyzed.Results: Normal range for the diameters as given by mean±2SDs of extraocular muscles were medial rectus, 2.2–5.4 mm; lateral rectus, 2.1–4.9 mm; inferior rectus, 2.5–5.7 mm; and superior complex group, 2.6–6.4 mm. The mean optic nerve‐sheath complex was 4.1 mm and the values ranged from 2.9 mm to 5.3 mm. The mean length of the interzygomatic line was 103.8 mm. The normal posterior position of the globe as here designed was 11.2 mm behind the interzygomatic line (range, 6.4–15.3 mm). All parameters under study were a little larger in males than females. Statistically, however, there was no significant difference between males’ and females’ results, nor between the various age groups (p>0.05).Conclusion: Our CT results may help clinical ophthalmologists to accurately assess enlargement of the extraocular muscles and the optic nerve as well as aiding in the evaluation of exophthalmos.
Ocular and orbital cysticercosis
Authors: Pushker Neelam , Bajaj Mandeep S. , Chandra Mahesh , Neena  
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: To study the demographic factors, clinical diagnosis, results of investigation, modalities of treatment and their outcome in ocular and extraocular cysticercosis.Method: A total of 20 patients were recruited for the study. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were done for all the patients. Serial ultrasound was obtained in patients receiving medical treatment. Therapy was individualized according to the location of the cyst.Results: The commonest clinical presentation was proptosis (9 of 20) with restriction of ocular movements, followed by subconjunctival cyst, subretinal cyst, papilloedema, atypical optic neuritis, lid nodule and intraretinal cyst. Ultrasonography was comparable with computed tomographic scan for detection of scolex. Two of the twenty patients had associated cysts in the brain parenchyma. Medical or surgical therapy as indicated, had a satisfactory outcome.Conclusion: Cysticerci can lodge themselves in any part of the ocular and extra ocular tissue. Associated brain parenchyma involvement is quite rare. The clinical presentation, treatment and outcome mainly depends on the location of the cyst.
The development of myopia in Hong Kong children
Authors: Goldschmidt Ernst , Lam Carly S. Y. , Opper Sylvia 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: The purpose of this two and one‐half year follow‐up study is to evaluate the relationship between early academic activities and the development of myopia.Methods: 128 children randomly selected from 51 pre‐schools completed an education and vision assessment study. At the end of the period, the children were 8.5 years old. Data were collected on developmental performance in the areas of cognition, language, social, academic and motor skills. The prevalence of myopia, mean refraction and change of refraction over this period were described in terms of the gender, geographical areas, type of pre‐schools and type of primary schools.Results: The prevalence of myopia shifted towards a higher proportion of myopia in all the above categories. The mean refraction at the initial visit was 0.5 D and became about −0.50 D at the follow‐up visit. There was no difference in the changes of refraction in relation to the type of pre‐school or primary school. The change of refraction was also not related to the educational scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the academic scores, in particular the reading scores, between the activity and conventional primary schools. There was also gender difference in language scores between the girls and the boys of the activity schools. There was no difference in all scores between the myopes and non‐myopes.Conclusion: The present study did not demonstrate a relationship between early academic activities and development of myopia. However, the higher reading scores and the slightly faster progression rate in the conventional schools may indicate an influence of the curriculum on the refractive development. A longer follow‐up study may elucidate a clearer trend.
Risk factors for corneal graft failure and rejection in penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Inoue Kenji , Amano Shiro , Oshika Tetsuro , Tsuru Tadahiko 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT. Purpose: To evaluate risk factors for graft failure and allograft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Methods: We retrospectively studied clinical results of PKs in terms of graft survival and rejection‐free graft survival rates. PKs were done on 271 eyes between 1987 and 1997. Clinical results were analyzed by Kaplan‐Meier’s life table method and the log‐rank test. Relative risks and adjusted survival probabilities for each value of the factor were compared with the risk for a specified reference value.Results: The overall rates of graft survival and rejection‐free graft survival in 10 years after PK were 79.3% and 77.9%, respectively. Higher relative risk of graft failure was associated with corneal vascularization (relative risk for within one quadrant=1.67, two quadrants=2.37, three or more quadrants=3.39), regraft (relative risk for one failed previously graft=2.08, two or more failed previously graft=2.65), aphakia (relative risk=2.17) or pseudophakia (relative risk=3.02), presence of anterior synechia (relative risk=2.91), presence of posterior synechia (relative risk=2.56), long (more than 85 minutes) operation time (relative risk=2.20), and older (more than 50 years) recipient age (relative risk=2.38). Higher relative risk of rejection was associated with corneal vascularization (relative risk for within one quadrant=2.35, two quadrants=2.03, three or more quadrants=2.63), long (more than 85 minutes) operation time (relative risk=1.47), and younger (less than 60 years) donor age (relative risk=2.10). There was no association between graft failure or allograft rejection and graft size or suture technique, respectively.Conclusion: The risk factors for graft failure after PK were corneal vascularization, regraft, aphakia or pseudophakia, presence of anterior synechia, presence of posterior synechia, long operation time, and older recipient age. The risk factors after PK for allograft rejection were corneal vascularization, long operation time, and younger donor age.