Role of ultrasound biomicroscopy in the planning for secondary implantation of intra ocular lens in aphakia.

Purpose This is a prospective investigational study that was performed at Tanta University Eye Hospital, Tanta, Egypt to evaluate the role of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in planning secondary implantation of intra ocular lens (IOL) in aphakia. Methods Preoperative UBM was performed for the assessment of anterior segment of 30 aphakic eyes admitted for secondary IOL implantation with special attention to central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), ciliary sulcus (CS), anatomical changes, and posterior capsular (PC) integrity which had been assessed by measuring the remnants of PC with special attention to the 12, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 o'clock meridians. Results This study involved 30 eyes in 27 patients; 16 males and 11 females. The mean age was 8.39 ± 2.36 years. The causes of aphakia were: congenital cataract extraction in14 eyes (46.7 %); trauma in 14 eyes (46.7 %); and after extracapsular cataract extraction in 2 eyes (6.6 %). The mean CCT was 0.61 + 0.35 mm and the mean ACD was 3.03 + 0.41 mm. The ciliary sulcus was patent in 28 eyes (93.4 %). Posterior synechia was observed in 8 eyes (26.7 %), lens remnants in 11 eyes (36.7 %), corneal scars in 11 eyes (36.7 %), and vitreous in anterior chamber in 1 eye (3.3 %). The integrity of PC was illustrated with a diagram. Conclusions UBM is a useful device to evaluate aphakic eyes before secondary IOL implantation through good evaluation of the anterior segment with special attention to the posterior capsular integrity, ciliary sulcus, anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, and detection of any structural changes in the anterior segment resulting from the remote cause of aphakia.

Immunohistochemical expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase/CD10) in keratoconus.

Recent evidence demonstrated a correlation between apoptosis and neprilysin expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and neprilysin in keratoconic corneas in comparison to normal cadaver corneas to evaluate if such molecules play a role in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. We studied the expression of FasL and neprilysin in corneal specimens removed during penetrating keratoplasty in 15 cases with keratoconus and compared them with 5 normal cadaver corneas. In keratoconus, FasL was expressed in epithelium, endothelium and sub-Bowman's stroma only, while neprilysin was expressed in epithelium, endothelium and all stromal layers. All normal corneas showed weak expression of both markers in basal epithelial layer only. In keratoconus, corneal epithelium with higher expression of FasL may evoke apoptosis in keratocytes, while neprilysin could prevent possible rescue of keratocytes from apoptosis.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Biggest Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Itay Elbaroud City, Behera Province, Egypt.

AIM OF THE WORK: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in the biggest neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Itay Elbaroud City, Behera province, Egypt. METHODS: We studied data of 240 newly born infants with gestational age (GA) ≤34 weeks or birth weight (BW) ≤2000 g or infants with unstable course who were admitted to the biggest NICU in Itay Elbaroud City, Behera province, Egypt, between October 1, 2018 and October 31, 2020. There is no standard screening system in Egypt. Furthermore, we had screened babies more than 1500 g, more than 32 weeks and found signs of ROP, so we decided to expand our inclusion criteria to include babies up to 2000 g of birth weight and up to 34 weeks gestational age in addition to older and heavier babies with unstable course in NICUs. Clinical information about perinatal neonates was collected by reviewing medical charts. The main outcomes are the incidence and severity of ROP. The relationship of clinical risk factors and the development of ROP were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ROP was 34.1%, and the overall incidence of type 1 ROP was 26.3% of infants. ROP was significantly associated with GA (odds ratio; OR: 6.8; (3.7-12.3), BW (OR: 4.1; 2.3-7.3), apnea, supplementary oxygen administration, and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ROP is high in Itay Elbaroud city, Behera Province, Egypt. Immaturity, low birth weight, low gestational age, oxygen administration, apnea, thrombocytopenia, and jaundice are important risk factors for development of ROP.

Comparison of corneal biomechanical changes after LASIK and F-SMILE with CorVis ST.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in corneal biomechanics after LASIK and F-SMILE. SETTING: Elite Eye Center, Tanta, Egypt. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, unmasked, interventional comparative case series. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 eyes were equally divided into two groups; group A: received LASIK and group B: received F-SMILE. Pentacam and CorVis ST parameters were compared before and 6 months after procedures. P ⩽ 0.05 was used for significance of results. RESULTS: bIOP decreased by 0.762 ± 1.211 mmHg in group A (p = 0.092), and by 2.52 ± 1.389 mmHg in group B (p < 0.001) and the difference between groups became significant (p = 0.001). A1 increased significantly in group A only (p = 0.036); while A2 decreased insignificantly in both groups. DAR increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.022), but the difference between groups remained insignificant (p = 0.461). IR increased significantly in group A only (p < 0.001) and the difference between groups became significant (p = 0.026). ARTH decreased in both groups (p = 0.245, p = 0.695) and the difference remained insignificant (p = 0.928). SP-A1 decreased in group A by 8.89 ± 1.38 mmHg/mm (p = 0.637), and by 32.6 ± 4.39 mmHg/mm in group B (p < 0.001) and the postoperative difference between groups was significant (p = 0.013). CBI increased significantly in group A (p < 0.001), but insignificantly in group B (p = 0.098) and postoperative difference between groups was highly significant (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between change in CCT and corresponding changes in DAR, IR, and ARTH after surgery in both groups. CONCLUSION: The significant differences between groups postoperatively as regards bIOP (p = 0.001), IR (p = 0.026), SP-A1 (p = 0.013), and CBI (p < 0.001) indicate stiffer corneas after F-SMILE and suggest less influence on corneal biomechanics than LASIK.

An updated knowledge of Black seed (Nigella sativa Linn.): Review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties.

N. sativa (N. sativa) has been used since ancient times, when a scientific concept about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human illnesses and alleviation of their sufferings was yet to be developed. It has a strong religious significance as it is mentioned in the religious books of Islam and Christianity. In addition to its historical and religious significance, it is also mentioned in ancient medicine. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a number of diseases including asthma, fever, bronchitis, cough, chest congestion, dizziness, paralysis, chronic headache, back pain and inflammation. The importance of this plant led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on N. sativa. Pharmacological studies on N. sativa have confirmed its antidiabetic, antitussive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, gastroprotective, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator activity. The present review is an effort to explore the reported chemical composition and pharmacological activity of this plant. It will help as a reference for scientists, researchers, and other health professionals who are working with this plant and who need up to date knowledge about it.

Influence of diabetes on the outcome of acute coronary syndrome in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the baseline characteristics and management of patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to assess the influence of DM on hospital outcomes and hospital mortality. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from a 6-month observational study (Kuwait Acute Coronary Syndrome Registry) of unselected patients admitted with a diagnosis of AMI over a period of 6 months, from December 2003 through May 2004. RESULTS: Of 1,295 patients enrolled, 609 (47%) were diabetics and 686 (53%) were non-diabetics. Diabetics were more likely to have a past history of coronary artery disease, hypertension and left ventricular systolic dysfunction than non-diabetics. There was less use of beta-blockers and aspirin in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics (62 vs. 71% and 95.5 vs. 97.9%, p < 0.03, for beta-blockers and aspirin, respectively). Left ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock occurred more often in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (16 vs. 7% and 5 vs. 3%, p < 0.001, for left ventricular failure and shock, respectively). The mortality rate was 6% for diabetics and 2% for non-diabetics (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DM is a major health problem among the adult population in Kuwait, and almost half the AMI population suffer from diabetes. Diabetic patients had higher rates of complications, especially left ventricular failure and cardiogenic shock, as compared to non-diabetic patients. The in-hospital mortality among diabetics with AMI was almost triple that of non-diabetics. The results of this study highlight the need to improve adherence to evidence-based treatment in diabetic patients with AMI.

Pattern electroretinogram changes in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in correlation with visual field and optical coherence tomography changes.

PURPOSE: To study the pattern electroretinogram changes in primary open-angle glaucoma patients in correlation with visual field changes and optical coherence tomography measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the peripapillary region in an attempt to evaluate the clinical value of pattern electroretinogram as an objective test of functional deficit in glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 81 eyes of 81 participants: 50 primary open-angle glaucoma patients, 16 primary open-angle glaucoma suspects, and 15 controls. All subjects underwent visual field testing using 24-2 Humphrey standard automated perimetry, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness using the 3.4-mm circular scan of the Heidelberg OCT spectralis and pattern electroretinogram using CSO RetiMax device in accordance with the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision guidelines. RESULTS: We had three main groups: normal, glaucoma suspect, and primary open-angle glaucoma patients, and the last group included three subgroups: mild, moderate, and severe. There was significant difference in the visual field mean deviation, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness, and most pattern electroretinogram measured parameters between the three main groups and in between primary open-angle glaucoma subgroups. There was significant positive correlation between visual field mean deviation and the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness, P50 amplitude, and P50-N95 amplitude (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, and p < 0.001, respectively). Significant negative correlation was also found between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness and N95 amplitude (p < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness and P50-N95 amplitude (p = 0.001). Significant negative correlation was found between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness and N95 amplitude (p = 0.001) and significant positive correlation of retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness with P50-N95 amplitude (p = 0.017) in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. CONCLUSION: Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer average thickness shows significant negative correlation with pattern electroretinogram N95 amplitude and a significant positive correlation with P50-N95 amplitude. In combination with optical coherence tomography, pattern electroretinogram can be used to objectively assess functional loss in glaucoma.

Standard cross-linking protocol versus accelerated and transepithelial cross-linking protocols for treatment of paediatric keratoconus: a 2-year comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy, safety and stability of standard epithelium-off cross-linking (SCXL) versus accelerated epithelium-off cross-linking (ACXL) and transepithelial epithelium-on cross-linking (TCXL) in the treatment of progressive keratoconus (KC) in children. METHODS: This prospective multicentre controlled trial included 271 eyes (136 children) with grade 1-3 progressive KC who were randomized to undergo SCXL (n = 91, as a control group), ACXL (n = 92) or TCXL (n = 88). Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, subjective refraction, pachymetry, keratometry and corneal topography measurements were recorded preoperatively and 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 1 year, there was no significant difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity, refractive sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent or Kmax between the ACXL and SCXL groups; however, during year 2, ACXL regressed while SCXL continued to improve. After 2 years, there were significant differences in all visual, refractive and keratometric components between SCXL and both ACXL and TCXL (p < 0.0001) and between ACXL and TCXL (p < 0.0001). KC progressed in 5.4% of patients who had ACXL and 28.4% of those who had TCXL but in none of those who had SCXL. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was documented in 43.3% of eyes that progressed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: SCXL was more effective for paediatric KC and achieved greater stability than either ACXL or TCXL, and ACXL was superior to TCXL. SCXL also achieved marked improvement in both myopia and spherical equivalent; however, these refractive outcomes were unpredictable and uncontrollable. TCXL had a 28.4% failure rate within 2 years. SCXL is preferable for management of paediatric KC.

Visual and refractive outcomes of posterior chamber phakic IOL in stable keratoconus.

We evaluated the visual and refractive outcomes after phakic visian toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) insertion in stable keratoconus (KC). This retrospective study investigated toric ICL implantation in 14 eyes of 8 patients with stable KC. After 6mo, the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.77 to 0.15 logMAR. The mean best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) improved from 0.18±0.1 to 0.15±0.1 logMAR. Fifty percent of eyes maintained their preoperative BCDVA; 42.8% gained one line. There was no statistical difference in high order or coma aberration. The mean refractive manifest spherical equivalent (MSE), mean refractive manifest spherical error, mean manifest astigmatism decreased significantly postoperatively. At 6mo postoperatively, our achieved mean spherical equivalent was approximately 74%. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Toric ICL implantation was effective, predictable and safe to correct refractive error and improve visual acuity in patients with stable KC.

Analysis of the Outcomes of Combined Cross-Linking with Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation for the Treatment of Pediatric Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the visual and refractive outcomes of combined accelerated cross-linking with femtosecond laser intracorneal ring segment implantation for the treatment of pediatric keratoconus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter noncomparative clinical study included 63 eyes of 37 patients (age, 9-17 years) who underwent between August and September 2016 combined cross-linking with intracorneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus. Preoperative and postoperative (6, 12, and 18 months) uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), subjective refractions, keratometry (K), and pachymetry measurements were compared. RESULTS: The postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was within ±1 D, ±2 D, and ±3 D in 19 (30.2%), 27 (42.9%), and 37 (58.8%) eyes, respectively. Only 27 eyes achieved the attempted preoperative spherical equivalent refraction. The mean spherical equivalent refraction significantly improved from -6.01 ± 2.97 to -3.13 ± 2.78 D postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The mean K average reading significantly decreased from 48.75 ± 4.25 to 46.65 ± 3.89 D postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The mean postoperative myopic, astigmatic, and spherical equivalent corrections were -2.17 ± 2.19, -1.52 ± 2.03, and -2.93 ± 2.35 D, respectively. The mean UDVA and CDVA showed significant improvements (0.89 ± 0.33 to 0.40 ± 0.28, P < 0.0001; 0.35 ± 0.31 to 0.25 ± 0.24, P = 0.004; respectively) at 18 months postoperatively. Keratoconus progression, segment migration, and segment extrusion were seen in four (6.4%), one (1.6%), and three (4.7%) eyes, respectively, probably contributing to the lower mean postoperative CDVA. CONCLUSION: Cross-linking plus is only partially effective for pediatric keratoconus. Despite some improvements in vision and keratometry measures, it resulted in complications such as keratoconus progression, segment extrusion, and segment migration that affected the vision in some patients. These findings suggest an assessment of standard epithelium-off collagen cross-linking as a sole procedure to treat pediatric keratoconus in future studies.

Standard cross-linking versus photorefractive keratectomy combined with accelerated cross-linking for keratoconus management: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of standard 30 min epithelium-off cross-linking (CXL) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) combined with accelerated epithelium-off cross-linking (AXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus (CXL-Plus). METHODS: This study was a prospective multicentre comparative clinical study. A total of 125 eyes of 75 patients with grade 1 keratoconus and documented progression were divided into two groups. Group A included 58 eyes treated with standard CXL. Group B included 67 eyes treated with combined PRK and AXL. The recorded data included UDVA, CDVA, subjective and objective refraction, keratometry and pachymetry using corneal topographies preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: In group A, at 24 months of UDVA and CDVA were improved from 1.12 ± 0.38 and 0.58 ± 0.42 to 0.66 ± 0.20 and 0.20 ± 0.12 (LogMAR±SD). The spherical equivalent was reduced from 4.03 ± 1.18 to 1.78 ± 1.04 D. The cylinder reduction was 0.32 ± 0.19 D. In group B, at 24 months of UDVA and CDVA were improved from 1.26 ± 0.52 and 0.68 ± 0.36 to 0.58 ± 0.28 and 0.20 ± 0.16 (LogMAR ± SD). The spherical equivalent was reduced from 4.23 ± 0.95 to 1.92 ± 0.74 D. The cylinder reduction was ±1.76 D. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly, standard CXL showed close results to CXL-Plus at the 24th follow-up month. Standard CXL acted as a stabilizing procedure associated with a late myopic component reduction. CXL-Plus acted as a refractive and stabilizing procedure with an early effect on both the myopic and the astigmatic component but no later improvements. Standard CXL seems to be more powerful than AXL in its long-term effect. Therefore, in the future, we want to test the combination of PRK with standard CXL.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Cross-Linking Combined With Photorefractive Keratectomy for Treatment of Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined epithelium-off cross-linking (CXL) with photorefractive keratectomy (CXL Plus) for correction of the myopic and astigmatic components of keratoconus. METHODS: Seventy-nine eyes of 46 patients who underwent CXL Plus were enrolled in this retrospective, multicenter, noncomparative clinical study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, and pachymetry measurements were recorded preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months during follow-up. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity were 1.00 ± 0.22 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.62 ± 0.38 logMAR, respectively, and improved to 0.71 ± 0.36 logMAR and 0.32 ± 0.18 logMAR postoperatively. The mean k value, mean corneal thickness at the thinnest location, and mean myopic and astigmatic components decreased from 46.58 ± 0.97 D, 473 ± 29 µm, 3.65 ± 1.72 D, and 1.83 ± 0.69 D preoperatively to 43.79 ± 1.17 D, 431 ± 38 µm, 1.02 ± 0.78 D, and 1.15 ± 0.26 D, respectively, during follow-up. Eleven eyes had delayed epithelial healing, 2 had stromal opacities, 1 had primary herpes simplex keratitis, and 5 showed progression of keratoconus. CONCLUSIONS: CXL Plus improved the refractive status of keratoconus during 18 months of follow-up, despite its potential early postoperative complications of delayed epithelial healing and corneal haze. CXL Plus reduced the myopic component more than the astigmatic component of keratoconus. However, the safety and stability of the procedure were offset by longer-term postoperative complications and a high rate of postoperative progression of keratoconus.

Kuwait acute coronary syndromes registry: baseline characteristics, management practices and in-hospital outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), their hospital management and in-hospital outcomes, through a prospective registry system in Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A registry involving all 7 general hospitals in Kuwait was set up. Consecutive patients diagnosed as having ACS over a period of 6 months were enrolled. RESULTS: Of 2,129 patients enrolled, 718 (34%) had ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 576 (27%) non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 835 (39%) unstable angina (UA). Thrombolytic therapy was used in 556 (77%) patients with STEMI. The median time from diagnostic electrocardiogram to administration of thrombolytic therapy was 38 min. Almost all patients with ACS (2,050, 96%) received aspirin during hospitalization. Only a minority received clopidogrel, 18 (3%) STEMI, 36 (6%) NSTEMI and 96 (12%) UA patients. The use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists was minimal (38 patients, 2%). beta-Blockers were used in 1,473 (69%) patients, while 982 (46%) received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Coronary angiography during hospitalization was performed in 119 (17%), 120 (21%) and 126 (15%) patients with STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, respectively. In-hospital mortality occurred in 31 (4%) myocardial infarction patients and 4 (0.5%) UA patients (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This registry has enabled us to determine the incidence and characteristics of ACS patients in Kuwait. It has also enabled us to identify some barriers that we need to overcome for the full implementation of published guidelines for the management of patients with ACS.

In vitro evaluation of endothelial cell loss using the Neusidl Corneal Inserter.

PURPOSE: To determine the immediate endothelial cell loss (ECL) resulting from insertion of a precut donor button using the Neusidl Corneal Inserter (NCI) and compare it with the previously published ECL resulting from insertion of a folded donor button using non-coapting forceps. METHODS: Ten corneas were precut for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and trephinated to a diameter of 8.0 mm (n = 5) or 8.5 mm (n = 5). Each tissue was placed onto the platform of a new NCI spatula and inserted into a cadaveric whole globe through a 5.2 mm incision. The tissue was carefully removed and stained with trypan blue and alizarin red to detect damaged endothelium. ECL was estimated using Adobe Photoshop planimetry. Mean ECL was compared with previously reported studies of forceps insertion with a one-sample t test, using SPSS v. 19. Geographic patterns of ECL were also documented. RESULTS: Mean ECL was 15.6% (95% confidence interval, 13.8-17.4). We were unable to detect a difference in ECL compared with previous insertion methods studied (P < 0.001). The pattern of damage from the NCI was different than that previously seen with forceps insertion. CONCLUSION: Immediate endothelial damage resulting from use of the NCI for insertion of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty tissue is comparable with that seen with a standard forceps technique, but with a different damage pattern.

"Ultrathin" DSAEK tissue prepared with a low-pulse energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the endothelial cell survival and stromal bed quality when creating deep stromal cuts with a low-pulse energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser to produce "ultrathin" tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: Seventeen corneas were used for this study. Five corneas were cut with the laser at a depth of 420 to 500 µm to produce a tissue thickness of approximately ≤70 µm. Five corneas served as an uncut comparison group. Vital dye staining and computer digitized planimetry analysis were performed on these corneas. The 7 remaining corneas were cut for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. RESULTS: The mean central posterior stromal thickness of cut corneas was 60.6 µm (range, 43-72 µm). Endothelial cell damage in cut and comparison corneas was 3.92% ± 2.22% (range, 1.71%-6.51%) and 4.15% ± 2.64% (range, 1.21%-7.01%), respectively (P = 0.887). Low-magnification (×12) scanning electron microscopy revealed a somewhat irregular-appearing surface with concentric rings peripherally. Qualitative grading of higher magnification (×50) central images resulted in an average score of 2.56 (between smooth and rough). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrathin tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty can be safely prepared with minimal endothelial cell damage using a low-pulse energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser; however, the resulting stromal surface quality may not be optimal with this technique.

Quality of anticoagulation with warfarin across Kuwait.

INTRODUCTION: Warfarin is widely used in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) because it is effective in reducing thromboembolic complications. However, it has a narrow safe therapeutic window. We aimed to examine the frequency of maintaining this therapeutic window in daily practice. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients with non-valvular AF presenting to five busy general hospitals in Kuwait for regular international normalised ratio (INR) testing. Patients were required to be on warfarin for more than 3 months and to have had at least 5 INR measurements. We recorded up to 20 INR measurements per patient. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was assessed by the Rosendaal method and the percentage of INR measurements in the therapeutic range was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients with non-valvular AF underwent 4392 INR measurements. (mean age 62.89 ± 11 years, 56% women, 78% had hypertension and 58% had diabetes). Mean duration of warfarin use was 13 ± 9.1 months. Of all INR measurements, 47% were in the therapeutic range of 2-3 and TTR by Rosendaal method was 52.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of anticoagulation with warfarin in non-selected daily practice in Kuwait is poor. This could have serious implications for patients' outcomes.

Peripheral endothelial cell damage after trephination of donor tissue.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and quantify the degree and pattern of donor endothelial cell damage, which occurs with mechanical trephination of donor corneal tissue. METHOD: Twenty donor corneal-scleral tissues were used for these paired experiments. The tissues were randomized for trephination with 10 tissues trephinated by an 8.0-mm-diameter Barron trephine (Katena, Denville, NJ), and 10 tissues trephinated with an 8.0-mm-diameter UltraFit Coronet trephine (distributed by Angiotech, British Columbia, Canada) by the same investigator. Trephinated corneal buttons were then stained with vital dye stain, and the endothelial layer image captured with digital photography. The images were then analyzed by digital planimetry, and the pattern and quantity of endothelial damage was determined by an investigator who was masked to the specific trephine used for the individual tissue. RESULTS: Trephination created a pattern of circular damage at the edge of the donor button in every case with no break in continuity of the circle, but some portions of the circle were wider than others. Occasional, scattered, peripheral small areas also displayed damage, but no significant striae, stretch, or other central damage was noted in any donor. The mean percent damage in the series was 6.35% +/- 0.90% (range: 4.33%-7.78%). The UltraFit Coronet trephinations averaged damage of 5.64% +/- 0.85% (range: 4.33%-6.69%), and the Barron trephinations averaged damage of 6.50% +/- 0.95% (range: 4.92%-7.78%). Although 8 of 10 experimental pairs of trephinations demonstrated less peripheral endothelial damage with the UltraFit Coronet trephine, the mean damage between each group did not reach statistical significance in this small series. (P = 0.08) CONCLUSIONS: Donor mechanical trephination of full-thickness corneal tissue creates relatively consistent amounts of peripheral edge damage and likely no central endothelial damage. There may exist differences in edge damage between different mechanical trephination systems, and a direct comparison to laser-created trephination is needed.

Endothelial keratoplasty: the influence of insertion techniques and incision size on donor endothelial survival.

PURPOSE: To determine the acute endothelial cell damage from trephination and tissue insertion in endothelial keratoplasty (EK) surgery. The influence of insertion technique (forceps insertion vs "pull-through" insertion) of donor tissue and incision size (3 vs 5 mm length) was assessed. METHODS: Forty precut 8.-mm-diameter donor posterior buttons were used in this study. Thirty-five buttons were inserted through a limbal incision of either 3 or 5 mm length into the anterior chamber of cadaver eyes and then removed through an open sky technique without further trauma. Five buttons that were trephined but not inserted served as a control group. Vital dye staining and computer digitized planimetry were used to analyze the tissue and quantify the total damaged area over the entire endothelial surface. Five buttons for each of 7 insertion techniques were used. The 8 tissue groups evaluated were as follows: group 1: control group of trephination only, with no insertion; group 2: forceps with folded tissue through 5-mm incision; group 3: suture pull through of nonfolded tissue through a 5-mm incision; group 4: forceps pull through of Busin glide folded tissue through a 5-mm incision; group 5: forceps with folded tissue through a 3-mm incision; group 6: suture pull through with folded tissue through a 3-mm incision; group 7: suture pull through with nonfolded tissue through a 3-mm incision; and group 8: forceps pull through of Busin glide folded tissue through a 3-mm incision. RESULTS: The control group demonstrated 9% +/- 2% peripheral cell damage from simple trephination of the tissue but without insertion. In the 5-mm incision surgeries, forceps insertion (group 2) caused 18% +/- 3% loss, suture pull-through insertion (group 3) caused 18% +/- 2% loss, and Busin glide pull through (group 4) caused 20% +/- 5% loss. There were no significant differences in damage between any of the 5-mm incision group techniques (P > 0.99). In the 3-mm incision surgeries, forceps insertion (group 5) caused a 30% +/- 3% loss, pull through with folded tissue (group 6) caused 30% +/- 5% loss, pull through with nonfolded tissue (group 7) caused 56% +/- 4% loss, and Busin glide pull through (group 8) caused a 28%+/- 5% loss. There was no difference in damage among the 3-mm groups (P > 0.96), with the exception of group 7 where pulling the unfolded tissue through a 3-mm incision was significantly worse than all other techniques (P < 0.001). There was significantly greater cell area damage in the 3-mm groups (36%) than in the 5-mm groups (19%) (P <0.001). Large patterns of striae with cell loss were seen in the 3-mm groups emanating from the peripheral traction site, regardless of whether the traction to pull the tissue through the incision and into the chamber was generated by a suture or cross-chamber forceps. Direct forceps insertion caused circular patterns of injury at the tip compression site regardless of incision size, but this damage was multiplied and exacerbated by insertion through a smaller incision. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller size (3 mm) incisions for EK surgery result in greater acute endothelial area damage than larger size (5 mm) incisions. Pull-through insertion techniques through a 5-mm incision seem equivalent in the amount of induced area damage to that of forceps insertion. Compressive injury from the incision appeared less when the tissue was folded than when not folded. Insertion with any technique through a 3-mm incision resulted in larger areas of endothelial damage. All these iatrogenic death zones outside the central endothelial area would be missed clinically by standard early specular microscopy after EK surgery.

Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using corneal donor tissue not acceptable for use in penetrating keratoplasty as a result of anterior stromal scars, pterygia, and previous corneal refractive surgical procedures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using anterior stromal flawed (ASF) donor corneas that were unsuitable for use in full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty as a result of stromal scars, pterygia, or previous corneal refractive surgery and to compare results with DSAEK using standard tissue. METHODS: We conducted a review of our initial 42 (19 with 6-month follow up) consecutive DSAEK surgeries using ASF tissue compared with 357 (199 with 6-month follow up) time-matched controls using standard tissue. Intraoperative and perioperative complications, including dislocations and primary graft failures, were compared. Six-month best spectacle-corrected vision, incidence of rejection episodes, postoperative refractive astigmatism, keratometric values, pre- and postoperative topography-derived surface asymmetry index, and surface regularity index were compared. RESULTS: One surgeon-cut ASF tissue was perforated before surgery and was discarded. No surgeon-cut standard tissue was perforated. No intraoperative complications and no episodes of primary graft failure or pupillary block glaucoma occurred in either group. One (2.4%) postoperative graft dislocation and one (5.2%) graft rejection episode occurred in the study group. There were 10 (2.8%) dislocations and 8 (2.2%) graft rejection in the controls. A statistically similar significant improvement in best spectacle-corrected vision occurred in both groups. Corneal topography, pachymetry, and manifest astigmatism were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Postoperative results of DSAEK using donor tissue excluded from use in penetrating keratoplasty as a result of stromal flaws are equivalent to results using standard donor tissue. Central corneal thickness measurements should be performed before cutting to avoid tissue perforation. The use of ASF tissue for DSAEK will expand the cornea donor pool.

An easy and inexpensive method for quantitative analysis of endothelial damage by using vital dye staining and Adobe Photoshop software.

PURPOSE: We developed a simple, practical, and inexpensive technique to analyze areas of endothelial cell loss and/or damage over the entire corneal area after vital dye staining by using a readily available, off-the-shelf, consumer software program, Adobe Photoshop. The purpose of this article is to convey a method of quantifying areas of cell loss and/or damage. METHODS: Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty corneal transplant surgery was performed by using 5 precut corneas on a human cadaver eye. Corneas were removed and stained with trypan blue and alizarin red S and subsequently photographed. Quantitative assessment of endothelial damage was performed by using Adobe Photoshop 7.0 software. RESULTS: The average difference for cell area damage for analyses performed by 1 observer twice was 1.41%. For analyses performed by 2 observers, the average difference was 1.71%. Three masked observers were 100% successful in matching the randomized stained corneas to their randomized processed Adobe images. CONCLUSIONS: Vital dye staining of corneal endothelial cells can be combined with Adobe Photoshop software to yield a quantitative assessment of areas of acute endothelial cell loss and/or damage. This described technique holds promise for a more consistent and accurate method to evaluate the surgical trauma to the endothelial cell layer in laboratory models. This method of quantitative analysis can probably be generalized to any area of research that involves areas that are differentiated by color or contrast.