Baerveldt implant versus trabeculectomy as the first filtering surgery for uncontrolled primary congenital glaucoma: a randomized clinical trial / Implante de Baerveldt versus trabeculectomia como primeira cirurgia fistulizante no glaucoma congênito primário não controlado: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Purpose: Our initial goal was to compare the efficacy and safety of a glaucoma drainage device and trabeculectomy for children with primary congenital glaucoma after angular surgery failure. However, we discontinued the study due to the rate of complications and wrote this report to describe the results obtained with the two techniques in this particular group. Methods: This was a parallel, non-masked, controlled trial that included patients aged 0-13 years who had undergone previous trabeculotomy or goniotomy and presented inadequately controlled glaucoma with an intraocular pressure ≥21 mmHg on maximum tolerated medical therapy. We randomized the patients to undergo either placement of a 250-mm2 Baerveldt glaucoma implant or mitomycin-augmented trabeculectomy. The main outcome measure was intraocular pressure control. We calculated complete success (without hypotensive ocular medication) and qualified success (with medication) rates. We defined failure as uncontrolled intraocular pressure, presence of serious complications, abnormal increase in ocular dimensions, or confirmed visual acuity decrease. Results: We studied 13 eyes of 13 children (five in the glaucoma drainage device group; eight in the trabeculectomy group). Both surgical procedures produced a significant intraocular pressure reduction 12 months after intervention from the baseline (tube group, 22.8 ± 5.9 mmHg to 12.20 ± 4.14 mmHg, p=0.0113; trabeculectomy group, 23.7 ± 7.3 mmHg to 15.6 ± 5.9 mmHg, p=0.0297). None of the patients in the tube group and 37.5% of those in the trabeculectomy group achieved complete success in intraocular pressure control after 12 months of follow-up (p=0.928, Chi-square test). Two patients (40%) had serious complications at the time of tube aperture (implant extrusion, retinal detachment). Conclusions: Both the tube and trabeculectomy groups presented similar intraocular pressure controls, but complete success was more frequent in the trabeculectomy group. Non-valved glaucoma drainage devices caused potentially blinding complications during tube opening. Because of the small sample size, we could not draw conclusions as to the safety data of the studied technique.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo inicial era comparar a eficácia e a segurança do implante de drenagem e a trabeculectomia em crianças com glaucoma congênito primário após falência de cirurgia angular. Como o estudo foi descontinuado devido à taxa de complicações, o objetivo deste artigo foi descrever os resultados das duas técnicas neste grupo específico. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, não mascarado, incluindo pacientes com idade de 0 a 13 anos previamente submetidos à goniotomia ou trabeculotomia. Os pacientes, que apresentavam glaucoma não controlado com pressão intraocular ≥21 mmHg em terapia medicamentosa máxima, foram randomizados para o implante de drenagem de Baerveldt 250 mm2 (Grupo Tubo) ou trabeculectomia com mitomicina (grupo TREC). O principal desfecho avaliado foi o controle da pressão intraocular. Sucesso completo (sem medicação ocular hipotensora) e sucesso qualificado (com medicação) foram descritos. A falência foi baseada na pressão intraocular não controlada, presença de complicações sérias, aumento anormal das dimensões oculares e diminuição confirmada da acuidade visual. Resultados: Treze olhos de 13 crianças foram estudados (cinco no grupo Tubo e oito no grupo TREC). Ambos os procedimentos reduziram a pressão intraocular em relação às medidas iniciais após 12 meses da intervenção (grupo Tubo 22.8 ± 5.9 mmHg para 12.20 ± 4.14 mmHg, p=0.0113; grupo TREC, 23.7 ± 7.3 mmHg para 15.6 ± 5.9 mmHg, p=0.0297). Nenhum paciente no grupo Tubo e 37.5% do grupo TREC alcançaram o sucesso completo após 12 meses de acompanhamento (p=0.928, teste qui-quadrado). Dois pacientes (40%) apresentaram sérias complicações no momento da abertura do tubo (extrusão do implante e descolamento de retina). Conclusão: Os dois grupos estudados apresentaram resultados semelhantes quanto ao controle da pressão intraocular, mas o sucesso completo foi mais frequente no grupo da trabeculectomia. Implantes de drenagem não valvulados podem cursar com potenciais complicações visuais no momento da abertura do tubo. Devido ao pequeno tamanho da amostra, não foi possível determinar quaisquer dados de segurança conclusivos em relação à técnica estudada.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of the New Susanna Glaucoma Drainage Device in Refractory Glaucomas: Short-term Results.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of the new Susanna glaucoma drainage device (SGDD) in patients with neovascular and refractory glaucomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with neovascular glaucoma or refractory glaucomas (defined as eyes with previous trabeculectomy failure) were enrolled. All eyes had to have intraocular pressure (IOP) above 21 mm Hg despite maximum tolerated topical medication, or recent documentation of anatomic and/or functional progression. Patients underwent glaucoma surgery with the new SGDD in a standardized manner. Postoperative visits were performed at days 1 and 7; months 1, 3, and 6; and every 6 months thereafter. Preoperative and postoperative IOP, number of antiglaucoma medications, surgical complications, and any subsequent related events were recorded. Success criteria were: (I) IOP≥6 and ≤21 mm Hg; (II) IOP≥6 and ≤18 mm Hg. Each criterion was classified as complete (without medication) or qualified (with medication). RESULTS: A total of 58 patients with a mean age of 64.3±11.5 years were included [19 with neovascular glaucoma (group 1) and 39 with failure of first trabeculectomy (group 2)]. Overall, mean follow-up was 7.1±3.8 months, and mean IOP was reduced from 31.5±1.6 (range, 18 to 68) mm Hg to 12.6±0.7 (range, 2 to 28) mm Hg at the last follow-up visit (P<0.01). The mean number of antiglaucoma medications used was reduced from 3.4±0.9 to 1.4±1.5 (P<0.01). At 6 months postoperatively, qualified success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 73% and 86%, respectively (considering the stricter criterion). Main complications were 2 cases of conjunctival erosion and 2 cases of late hypotony. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial findings suggest that the new SGDD is an effective alternative for managing neovascular and refractory glaucomas, with minor postoperative complications in the short-term.

Direct cyclopexy surgery for post-traumatic cyclodialysis with persistent hypotony: ultrasound biomicroscopic evaluation.

Cyclodialysis is a relatively rare condition usually caused by ocular injury; however, it can also be caused iatrogenically during intraocular surgery. Hypotony maculopathy is the most important complication and the primary reason for visual loss. Clinical diagnosis using gonioscopy may be difficult, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) can be an alternative. There are different kinds of treatments, and the optimal one remains controversial. Here we describe a case of traumatic cyclodialysis with persistent ocular hypotony treated by direct cyclopexy, as illustrated by UBM performed before and after surgery.

Direct cyclopexy surgery for post-traumatic cyclodialysis with persistent hypotony: ultrasound biomicroscopic evaluation / Ciclopexia direta em ciclodiálise pós-traumática com hipotonia ocular persistente -acompanhamento por biomicroscopia ultrassônica (UBM)

Cyclodialysis is a relatively rare condition usually caused by ocular injury; however, it can also be caused iatrogenically during intraocular surgery. Hypotony maculopathy is the most important complication and the primary reason for visual loss. Clinical diagnosis using gonioscopy may be difficult, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) can be an alternative. There are different kinds of treatments, and the optimal one remains controversial. Here we describe a case of traumatic cyclodialysis with persistent ocular hypotony treated by direct cyclopexy, as illustrated by UBM performed before and after surgery.

Ciclodiálise é uma condição relativamente rara, geralmente devido a um trauma ocular, mas também pode ser causada iatrogenicamente como consequência de cirurgia intraocular. A maculopatia hipotônica é a complicação mais importante e a principal razão para a perda visual nessa situação. O diagnóstico clínico por gonioscopia pode ser difícil e a biomicroscopia ultrassônica (UBM) pode ser uma alternativa. Existem diferentes tipos de tratamentos e algumas controvérsias sobre a melhor opção. Neste relato, nós descrevemos um caso de ciclodiálise traumática com hipotonia ocular persistente tratado por cyclopexia direta avaliado por UBM antes e depois da cirurgia.

Evaluation of magnocellular pathway abnormalities in schizophrenia: a frequency doubling technology study and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: Visual processing deficits have been reported for patients with schizophrenia. Previous studies demonstrated differences in early-stage processing of schizophrenics, although the nature, extent, and localization of the disturbance are unknown. The magnocellular and parvocellular visual pathways are associated with transient and sustained channels, but their respective contributions to schizophrenia-related visual deficits remains controversial. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate magnocellular dysfunction in schizophrenia using frequency doubling technology. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with schizophrenia and 34 healthy volunteers were examined. Frequency doubling technology testing was performed in one session, consisting of a 15-minute screening strategy followed by the C-20 program for frequency doubling technology. RESULTS: Schizophrenic patients showed lower global mean sensitivity (30,97 ± 2,25 dB) compared with controls (32,17 ± 3,08 dB), p<0.009. Although there was no difference in the delta sensitivity of hemispheres, there was a difference in sensitivity analysis of the fibers crossing the optic chiasm, with lower mean sensitivity in the patient group (28,80 dB) versus controls (30,66 dB). The difference was higher in fibers that do not cross the optic chiasm, with lower mean sensitivity in patients (27,61 dB) versus controls (30,26 dB), p<0.005. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there are differences between global sensitivity and fiber sensitivity measured by frequency doubling technology. The different sensitivity of fibers that do not cross the optic chiasm is consistent with most current etiological hypotheses for schizophrenia. The decreased sensitivity responses in the optic radiations may significantly contribute to research assessing early-stage visual processing deficits for patients with schizophrenia.

Visual field loss in schizophrenia: evaluation of magnocellular pathway dysfunction in schizophrenic patients and their parents.

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the visual pathway deficits in schizophrenic patients, compared with their parents and healthy controls, using Matrix frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry. Matrix FDT is an ophthalmic test used to detect visual field loss. METHOD: A total of 13 patients, 13 parents, and 12 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Participants were subjected to Matrix FDT perimetry in a single test session. We analyzed the mean deviation for each eye and used a generalized estimated equation to evaluate differences among the groups and correct the dependency between the eyes. RESULTS: The global mean deviation (presented as the mean of both eyes) was significantly lower in the schizophrenic patients than in their parents or controls. Analysis of the general sensitivity of the fibers crossing the optic chiasm showed a difference between the groups (P = 0.006), indicating that the sensitivity of the fibers crossing the optic chiasm was lower than those which did not cross. But when we analyzed the specific groups, the difference between the fibers was not considerable. Comparison of the right and left hemispheres showed that general sensitivity was lower for the left hemisphere, but when we analyzed specific groups, the difference was not significant (P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: These findings are suggestive of a lower global sensitivity in schizophrenic patients and their parents compared with controls. This difference may be an endophenotype of schizophrenia. The present study adds to a growing body of research on early-stage visual processing deficits in schizophrenia.

Evaluation of magnocellular pathway abnormalities in schizophrenia: a frequency doubling technology study and clinical implications / Avaliação das alterações da via magnocelular na esquizofrenia usando FDT e suas implicações clínicas

BACKGROUND: Visual processing deficits have been reported for patients with schizophrenia. Previous studies demonstrated differences in early-stage processing of schizophrenics, although the nature, extent, and localization of the disturbance are unknown. The magnocellular and parvocellular visual pathways are associated with transient and sustained channels, but their respective contributions to schizophrenia-related visual deficits remains controversial. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate magnocellular dysfunction in schizophrenia using frequency doubling technology. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with schizophrenia and 34 healthy volunteers were examined. Frequency doubling technology testing was performed in one session, consisting of a 15-minute screening strategy followed by the C-20 program for frequency doubling technology. RESULTS: Schizophrenic patients showed lower global mean sensitivity (30,97 ± 2,25 dB) compared with controls (32,17 ± 3,08 dB), p<0.009. Although there was no difference in the delta sensitivity of hemispheres, there was a difference in sensitivity analysis of the fibers crossing the optic chiasm, with lower mean sensitivity in the patient group (28,80 dB) versus controls (30,66 dB). The difference was higher in fibers that do not cross the optic chiasm, with lower mean sensitivity in patients (27,61 dB) versus controls (30,26 dB), p<0.005. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there are differences between global sensitivity and fiber sensitivity measured by frequency doubling technology. The different sensitivity of fibers that do not cross the optic chiasm is consistent with most current etiological hypotheses for schizophrenia. The decreased sensitivity responses in the optic radiations may significantly contribute to research assessing early-stage visual processing deficits for patients with schizophrenia.

HISTÓRICO: Déficits de processamento visual foram relatados em pacientes com esquizofrenia. Estudos anteriores demonstraram diferenças no estágio inicial de processamento de esquizofrênicos, embora a natureza, extensão e localização do distúrbio são desconhecidas. As vias magnocelulares e parvocelular visuais são associados com canais transitórios e sustentado, mas suas respectivas contribuições para a esquizofrenia relacionados com déficits visuais permanece controverso. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a disfunção magnocelular na esquizofrenia usando a tecnologia de frequência dupla. MÉTODOS: Trinta e um pacientes com esquizofrenia e 34 voluntários saudáveis ​​foram examinados. Tecnologia de frequência dupla foi realizada em uma sessão, consistindo de uma estratégia de rastreio de 15 minutos, seguido do programa de C-20 para tecnologia de frequência dupla. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes esquizofrênicos apresentaram sensibilidade média inferior global (30,97 ± 2,25 dB), em comparação com os controles (32,17 ± 3,08 dB), p<0,009. Embora não tenha ocorrido diferença na sensibilidade do delta de hemisférios, houve uma diferença na análise de sensibilidade das fibras que atravessam a quiasma, com menor sensibilidade média no grupo de pacientes (28,80 dB) versus controlos (30,66 dB). A diferença foi maior em fibras que não cruzam o quiasma óptico, com menor sensibilidade média em pacientes (27,61 dB) versus controles (30,26 dB), p<0,005. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que há diferenças entre a sensibilidade global e sensibilidade da fibra medida pela tecnologia de frequência dupla. A sensibilidade diferente de fibras que não cruzam o quiasma óptico é compatível com a maioria das atuais hipóteses etiológicas para a esquizofrenia. As respostas diminuição da sensibilidade nas radiações ópticas podem contribuir significativamente para pesquisar a avaliação em estágio inicial déficits de processamento visual em pacientes com esquizofrenia.

Analysis of the correlation between ophthalmic examination and quality of life outcomes following intracorneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus / Avaliação dos fatores que influenciam na qualidade de vida de pacientes com ceratocone após implante de anel intraestromal

PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation between quantitative measurements outcomes and keratoconus patients' vision related quality of life (v-QoL) following intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation. METHODS: The NEI-RQL (National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life) was administered to patients requiring intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation, before and after surgery, wearing best correction for 40 days minimum. Visual acuity, refraction, corneal topography, aberrometry data (VOL-CT. software) and contrast sensitivity were recorded before and 3 months after surgery. The main outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity, refraction, steep keratometric value (Kmax), aberrometry, contrast sensitivity and v-QoL. RESULTS: There were 42 keratoconic patients (69 eyes): 19 male and 23 female, mean age 24.9 ± 5 years in this prospective study. Binocular best corrected visual acuity improved (0.13 ± 0.03 before to -0.01 ± 0.01 logMAR after surgery, p<0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in mean spherical refraction (2.81 ± 0.44 to 1.71 ± 0.31), cylinder component (3.89 ± 0.22 to 1.82 ± 0.21), spherical equivalent (4.55 ± 0.46 to 2.40 ± 0.30), Kmax (55.92 D ± 0.62 to 52.16 D ± 0.58 D) and root mean square low order (p<0.001). Contrast sensitivity (CS) improved at all spatial frequencies: at 6 cpd improvement was higher. Root mean square higher order did not improved p=0.422. There was significant improvement across all NEI-RQL scales after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that gender (males more satisfied than females), cylinder (1 D reduction improves 5 points in general NEI-RQL scores) and normal contrast sensitivity at 3 and 6 cpd were correlated with v-QoL. Other variables such as best corrected visual acuity, root mean square low order, root mean square higher order and Kmax did not show influence on NEI-RQL scores. CONCLUSIONS: The best patient response predictors with the NEI-RQL instrument were gender, normal CS at 3 and 6 cpd and cylinder reduction. The use of this questionnaire was crucial to assess the influence of optical tests on v-QoL in keratoconus patients who were referred for intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a correlação entre fatores relacionados aos pacientes com ceratocone e suas medidas quantitativas e os resultados da qualidade de vida com o implante do anel intraestromal (ICRS). MÉTODOS: O questionário de qualidade de vida relacionado a visão (QdV-v) NEI-RQL (National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life) validado na língua portuguesa foi administrado a pacientes com indicação de implante do anel intraestromal antes e depois da cirurgia quando eles já estavam usando a correção por pelo menos 40 dias. Acuidade visual com a melhor correção, topografia de córnea, aberrometria e sensibilidade ao contraste foram medidos antes e três meses após a cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo 42 pacientes (69 olhos): 19 homens e 23 mulheres com idade média de 24,9 ± 5 anos. Houve melhora estatisticamente significante na acuidade visual com a melhor correção binocular (0,13 ± 0,03 antes para -0,01 ± 0,01 logMAR após a cirurgia, p<0,001), na refração esférica média (2,81 ± 0,44 para 1,71 ± 0,31), no componente cilíndrico (3,89 ± 0,22 para 1,82 ± 0,21), no equivalente esférico (4,55 ± 0,46 para 2,40 ± 0,30), na ceratometria máxima (55,92 D ± 0,62 para 52,16 D ± 0,58 D) e no RMS (root mean square) de baixa ordem (p<0,001). O RMS de alta ordem não teve melhora significante p=0,422. A sensibilidade ao contraste (SC) melhorou significativamente em todas as frequências especialmente na de 6 cpg. Houve melhora significante em todas as escalas do NEI-RQL após a cirurgia. A análise multivariada mostrou que sexo (homens com melhores índices de QdV-v que as mulheres), cilindro (1 D de redução aumenta em 5 pontos a escala geral do NEI-RQL) e SC normal nas frequências de 3 e 6 cpg são os fatores que interferem nos escores de QdV-v dos pacientes com implante de anel intraestromal. As outras variáveis como acuidade visual com a melhor correção, aberrometria e ceratometria máxima não influenciaram nos escores do NEI-RQL. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores que se correlacionam a melhores pontuações na QdV-v dos pacientes com implante de anel intraestromal são: sexo, SC normal nas frequências de 3 e 6 cpg e diminuição do cilindro. A análise das medidas objetivas em conjunto com o NEI-RQL foi fundamental para identificar os fatores que influenciam nos resultados subjetivos dos pacientes com ceratocone e implante de anel intraestromal.

Color Doppler imaging of the ophthalmic artery in patients with chronic heart failure / Ultrassonografia Doppler em cores da artéria oftálmica em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica

Purpose: To evaluate the ophthalmic artery hemodynamics in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: Doppler parameters of ophthalmic artery of 18 patients with chronic heart failure in different stages of the disease were compared with 21 healthy volunteers (control group). These parameters were also correlated with echocardiographic assessments and clinical cardiologic status. Results: Mean diastolic velocity was 5.14 ± 2.4 cm/s in the chronic heart failure group and 7.44 ± 3.5 cm/s in the control group (p=0.007). Mean resistance index of the ophthalmic artery was 0.76 ± 0.08 in the chronic heart failure group and 0.70 ± 0.08 in the control group (p=0.04). Mean systolic velocity of the ophthalmic artery was 22.03 ± 7.7 cm/s in the chronic heart failure group and 25.32 ± 9.2 cm/s in the control group (p=0.24). There was a negative correlation between the resistance index of the ophthalmic artery and systemic blood pressure of patients with chronic heart failure (r= -0.47, p=0.007). Diastolic velocity of the ophthalmic artery correlated positively with systemic blood pressure (r=0.44, p=0.02). Conclusion: Lower diastolic velocity and higher resistance index were observed in the ophthalmic artery of chronic heart failure patients when compared to the control group, which probably reflects the presence of orbital vasoconstriction in response to low cardiac output. Therefore, the influence of these findings on the structure and function of the optic nerve head deserves investigation.

Objetivo: Avaliar o fluxo sanguíneo da artéria oftálmica em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica. Métodos: Parâmetros da ultrassonografia Doppler em cores da artéria oftálmica de 18 pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica em diferentes estágios da doença foram comparados com 21 voluntários saudáveis (grupo controle). Estes parâmetros foram também correlacionados com avaliação ecocardiográfica e quadro clínico cardiológico. Resultados: A média da velocidade diastólica foi 5,14 ± 2,4 cm/s no grupo insuficiência cardíaca crônica e 7,44 ± 3,5 cm/s no grupo controle (p=0,007). O índice de resistência da artéria oftálmica foi de 0,76 ± 0,08 no grupo insuficiência cardíaca crônica e 0,70 ± 0,08 no grupo controle (p=0,04). A média de velocidade sistólica da artéria oftálmica foi 22,03 ± 7,7 cm/s no grupo insuficiência cardíaca crônica e 25,32 ± 9,2 cm/s no grupo controle (p=0,24). A pressão arterial sistêmica dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica correlacionou-se negativamente com o índice de resistência da artéria oftálmica (r= -0,47, p=0,007) e positivamente com a velocidade diastólica da artéria oftálmica (r=0,44, p=0,02). Conclusão: Velocidade diastólica mais baixa e índice de resistência mais alto foram observados na artéria oftálmica de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca crônica quando comparados ao grupo controle, o que provavelmente reflete a presença de vasoconstrição orbital em resposta ao baixo débito cardíaco. Portanto, a influência desses achados sobre a estrutura e função da cabeça do nervo óptico merece ser investigada.

Intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion during hemodialysis.

AIM: To evaluate the intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure during a hemodialysis. METHODS: Sixty-seven eyes from thirty-five patients were evaluated at the beggining of hemodialysis, 2 hours and 4 hours after initiation. Intraocular pressure was evaluated using a Tonopen. Systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were measured with a manual sphygmomanometer. The ocular perfusion pressure was estimated by measuring the difference between 2/3 of the mean arterial pressure and the intraocular pressure values. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the difference between the repeated measurements using the appropriate correction for inter-eye dependency. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in ocular perfusion pressure, in intraocular pressure (p=0.93) and in systolic arterial pressure (p=0.92) at the three time points (p=0.69). But, when analyzing the extreme values, some patients exhibited lower diastolic perfusion pressures at all time points. CONCLUSION: Our results did not support the view that significant changes in ocular perfusion pressure and intraocular pressure occur during hemodialysis session. However, we observed that some patients exhibited lower diastolic perfusion pressures, which could be a poor prognostic factor for glaucoma patients.

The potential neuroprotective effects of weekly treatment with glatiramer acetate in diabetic patients after panretinal photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of weekly glatiramer acetate (GA) on retinal structure and function in diabetic patients who underwent panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: patients with severe nonproliferative or early diabetic proliferative retinopathy and no previous laser treatment were randomly divided into two groups: (1) those who received four GA treatments and (2) those who received placebo treatment. The subcutaneous injections were administered 1 week prior to laser and weekly in the subsequent three sessions of PRP in both groups. All patients underwent a full ophthalmic examination (best-corrected logMAR visual acuity, slit lamp examination, applanation tonometry, fundus biomicroscopy and indirect fundus examination); functional examination (standard automated perimetry, electroretinography and frequency-doubling technology C-20 visual field) and anatomic examination (color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Heidelberg retinal tomography). The examinations were performed before the photocoagulation and repeated 1,3,6, and 12 months after treatment (in a double-masked manner). To compare the two groups, generalized estimating equation models were performed to account for the dependence between eyes of the same patient. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (23 eyes) were included in the study group and 13 patients (24 eyes) were included in the control group. OCT showed a statistically significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the inferior peripapillary region and average thickness with thinner measurements in the control group at 1-year post-PRP. Functional analysis demonstrated a difference between groups, but it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that weekly GA treatment has a potential neuro-protective effect on the RNFL following photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy.

Intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion during hemodialysis / Pressão intraocular e perfusão ocular durante hemodiálise

AIM: To evaluate the intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure during a hemodialysis. METHODS: Sixty-seven eyes from thirty-five patients were evaluated at the beggining of hemodialysis, 2 hours and 4 hours after initiation. Intraocular pressure was evaluated using a Tonopen. Systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were measured with a manual sphygmomanometer. The ocular perfusion pressure was estimated by mea suring the difference between 2/3 of the mean arterial pressure and the intraocular pressure values. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the difference between the repeated measurements using the appropriate correction for inter-eye dependency. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in ocular perfusion pressure, in intraocular pressure (p=0.93) and in systolic arterial pressure (p=0.92) at the three time points (p=0.69). But, when analyzing the extreme values, some patients exhibited lower diastolic perfusion pressures at all time points. CONCLUSION: Our results did not support the view that significant changes in ocular perfusion pressure and intraocular pressure occur during hemodialysis session. However, we observed that some patients exhibited lower diastolic perfusion pressures, which could be a poor prognostic factor for glaucoma patients.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a pressão intraocular e a pressão de perfusão ocular durante uma sessão de hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e sete olhos de trinta e cinco pacientes foram avaliados no início, após 2 horas e após 4 horas do início de uma sessão de hemodiálise. A pressão intraocular foi avaliada usando o aparelho Tonopen. Pressões arteriais sistólica e diastólica foram aferidas usando esfigmomanômetro manual. A pressão de perfusão ocular foi estimada por meio do cálculo da diferença entre 2/3 da pressão arterial média e valores da pressão intraocular. Equações de estimação generalizada foram usadas para avaliar a diferença entre medidas repetidas usando correção apropriada para dependência entres olhos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na pressão de perfusão ocular, PIO (p=0,93) e na pressão arterial sistólica (p=0,92) nos três períodos medidos da hemodiálise (p=0,69). Mas, quando analisados valores extremos, alguns pacientes exibiram pressões diastólicas menores em todos os períodos aferidos. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados não apontaram mudanças significativas na pressão de perfusão ocular e pressão intraocular durante a hemodiálise. No entanto, foi observado que alguns pacientes exibiram pressões diastólicas menores, o que pode ser um fator de prognóstico ruim para pacientes com glaucoma.

Glaucoma anterior chamber morphometry based on optical Scheimpflug images / Morfometria da câmara anterior no glaucoma avaliada pelas imagens de Scheimpflug

Purpose: To compare the performance of gonioscopy and noncontact morphometry with anterior chamber tomography (High Resolution Pentacam - HR) using optical Scheimpflug images in the evaluation of the anterior chamber angle (ACA). Methods: Transversal study. 112 eyes from 74 subjects evaluated at the Glaucoma Department, Fluminense Federal University, underwent gonioscopy and Pentacam HR. Using gonioscopy, the ACA was graded using the Shaffer Classification (SC) by a single experienced examiner masked to the Pentacam HR findings. Narrow angle was determined in eyes in which the posterior trabecular meshwork could not be seen in two or more quadrants on non-indentation gonioscopy (SC Grade 2 or less). Pentacam HR images of the nasal and temporal quadrants were evaluated by custom software to automatically obtain anterior chamber measurements, such as: anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Results: Based on gonioscopy results, 74 (60.07 percent) eyes of patients classified as open-angle (SC 3 and 4) and 38 (33.93 percent) eyes of patients classified as narrow-angle (SC 1 and 2). Noncontact morphometry with Scheimpflug images revealed a mean ACA of 39.20 ± 5.31 degrees for open-angle and 21.18 ± 7.98 degrees for narrow-angle. The open-angle group showed significant greater ACV and ACD values when compared to narrow-angle group (ACV of 193 ± 36 mm³ vs. 90 ± 25 mm³, respectively, p<0.001; and ACD of 3,09 ± 0,42 mm vs. 1,55 ± 0,64 mm, respectively, p<0.0001.). In screening eyes with open-angle and narrow-angle with the Pentacam ACA of 20º (SC Grade 2) using the ROC curves, the analysis showed 52.6 percent of sensitivity and 100 percent of specificity. Conclusions: The Pentacam showed ability in detecting eyes at risk for angle closure analyzing ACV and ACD.

Objetivo: Comparar os resultados da gonioscopia com as medidas morfométricas do segmento anterior obtidas pela tomografia (Pentacam High Resolution - HR), utilizando imagens ópticas de Scheimpflug na avaliação do ângulo da câmara anterior (ACA). Métodos: Realizado estudo transversal com avaliação de 112 olhos de 74 pacientes avaliados no Setor de Glaucoma da Universidade Federal Fluminense, submetidos ao exame da gonioscopia e do Pentacam HR. Na gonioscopia o ACA foi classificado utilizando a Classificação de Shaffer (SC), realizado por um único examinador experiente, e seus resultados foram comparados às medidas do Pentacam HR. Ângulos estreitos foram classificados nos olhos em que a malha posterior trabecular não foi observada em dois ou mais quadrantes na gonioscopia tradicional (SC Grau 2 ou menor). As imagens dos quadrantes nasal e temporal obtidas pelo Pentacam HR foram avaliadas por um software personalizado que obtêm automaticamente as seguintes medidas da câmara anterior: ângulo da câmara anterior (ACA), volume da câmara anterior (ACV) e profundidade da câmara anterior (ACD). Resultados: Com base nos resultados gonioscopia, 74 (60,07 por cento) olhos foram classificados como ângulo aberto (SC 3 e 4) e 38 (33,93 por cento) olhos foram classificados como ângulo estreito (SC 1 e 2). A morfometria de não contato com as imagens Scheimpflug revelou uma média de ACA 39,20 ± 5,31 graus nos ângulos abertos e 21,18 ± 7,98 graus nos ângulos estreitos. O grupo classificado como ângulo aberto mostrou medidas significativamente maiores de ACV e ACD quando comparado ao grupo de ângulo estreito (ACV de 193 ± 36 mm³ vs 90 ± 25 mm³, respectivamente, p <0,001 e ACD de 3,09 ± 0,42 mm vs 1,55 ± 0,64 mm, respectivamente, p<0,0001). Na diferenciação dos olhos com ângulo aberto e olhos com ângulo estreito no Pentacam, a análise das curvas ROC demonstraram que na medida de 20º (SC Grau 2) resultaram em 52,6 por cento de sensibilidade em 100 por cento de especificidade. Conclusões: O Pentacam HR mostrou habilidade em detectar os olhos com risco de fechamento angular na analise do ACV e do ACD.

Simulated cup/disc ratio: a tool for ophthalmologists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the observers' ability to measure simulations of cup/disc ratios (CDR) as concentric and non-concentric circles. METHODS: In a prospective, random, and masked setting, 43 images representing the CDR spectrum from 0.2 to 0.9 for vertical and horizontal CDR measurements were developed and presented on a computer screen to 171 participants. RESULTS: There were satisfactory agreements according to the kappa coefficient (0.755 and 0.730 for horizontal and vertical cup disc ratios, respectively) and Lin's concordance correlation (R=0.88 and R=0.86 for horizontal and vertical measurements, respectively). However, very poor agreement was found for intermediate CDR values. The worst agreement occurred when the CDR was between 0.4 and 0.6 for both the horizontal and vertical values. The kappa coefficient was 0.37 and 0.39 for 0.4 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively), 0.39 and 0.38 for 0.5 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively) and 0.45 and 0.41 for 0.6 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite a good general agreement between the gold standard and the participants' responses, the absolute agreement for intermediate CDR values was very poor for both horizontal and vertical values.

Factors affecting the variability of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III measurements in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with the test-retest variability of optic nerve head (ONH) topography measurements with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) in newly diagnosed glaucomatous patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma were prospectively enrolled. Patients presenting with any ocular disease other than glaucoma were excluded. All patients underwent CSLO using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) in one randomly selected eye (three consecutive scans; performed by the same examiner). For each Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameter, repeatability was assessed using within subject standard deviation (Sw) and coefficient of variation (CVw), repeatability coefficient (RC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Scatter plots and regression lines were constructed to identify which factors influenced test-retest measurement variability. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were included (mean age, 65.4 ± 13.8 years). Most patients were female (65%) and white (50%). Among all Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameters evaluated, rim area and mean cup depth had the best measurement repeatability. Vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR, as determined by optic disc stereophotograph examination) was significantly associated (R²=0.21, p<0.01) with test-retest measurement variability. Eyes with larger CDR showed less variable measurements. Other factors, including age, disc area, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significant (p>0.14). CONCLUSION: Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III showed good test-retest repeatability for all ONH topographic measurements, mainly for rim area and mean cup depth. Test-retest repeatability seemed to improve with increasing CDR. These findings suggest that HRT-III topographic measurements should be cautiously interpreted when evaluating longitudinally glaucoma patients with early structural damage (small CDR).

Simulated cup/disc ratio: a tool for ophthalmologists / Razão escavação/disco simulada: uma ferramenta para oftalmologistas

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the observers' ability to measure simulations of cup/disc ratios (CDR) as concentric and non-concentric circles. METHODS: In a prospective, random, and masked setting, 43 images representing the CDR spectrum from 0.2 to 0.9 for vertical and horizontal CDR measurements were developed and presented on a computer screen to 171 participants. RESULTS: There were satisfactory agreements according to the kappa coefficient (0.755 and 0.730 for horizontal and vertical cup disc ratios, respectively) and Lin's concordance correlation (R=0.88 and R=0.86 for horizontal and vertical measurements, respectively). However, very poor agreement was found for intermediate CDR values. The worst agreement occurred when the CDR was between 0.4 and 0.6 for both the horizontal and vertical values. The kappa coefficient was 0.37 and 0.39 for 0.4 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively), 0.39 and 0.38 for 0.5 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively) and 0.45 and 0.41 for 0.6 CDR (horizontal and vertical, respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite a good general agreement between the gold standard and the participants' responses, the absolute agreement for intermediate CDR values was very poor for both horizontal and vertical values.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a habilidade de observadores em medir a razão escavação/disco (CDR) por meio de figuras esquemáticas. MÉTODOS: Em um estudo prospectivo, randomizado e mascarado, 43 imagens representado CDR horizontais e verticais entre 0,2 e 0,9 foram desenvolvidas e apresentadas em uma tela de computador para 171 participantes. RESULTADOS: Para todos os intervalos de CDR a concordância foi satisfatória para análise kappa (0,755 e 0,730 para CDR horizontais e verticais, respectivamente) e para concordância de Lin (R=0,88 e R=0,86 para medidas horizontais e verticais respectivamente). No entanto, a concordância foi fraca para valores intermediários de CDR. A pior concordância ocorreu para CDR horizontais e verticais entre 0,4 e 0,6. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da boa concordância geral entre as respostas corretas e as respostas dadas pelos participantes, a concordância absoluta para valores intermediários de CDR mostrou-se muito fraca tanto para figuras horizontais como verticais.

Factors affecting the variability of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III measurements in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients / Fatores associados com a variabilidade das medidas do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III em pacientes com glaucoma recém-diagnosticados

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with the test-retest variability of optic nerve head (ONH) topography measurements with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) in newly diagnosed glaucomatous patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma were prospectively enrolled. Patients presenting with any ocular disease other than glaucoma were excluded. All patients underwent CSLO using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) in one randomly selected eye (three consecutive scans; performed by the same examiner). For each Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameter, repeatability was assessed using within subject standard deviation (Sw) and coefficient of variation (CVw), repeatability coefficient (RC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Scatter plots and regression lines were constructed to identify which factors influenced test-retest measurement variability. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were included (mean age, 65.4 ± 13.8 years). Most patients were female (65 percent) and white (50 percent). Among all Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III parameters evaluated, rim area and mean cup depth had the best measurement repeatability. Vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR, as determined by optic disc stereophotograph examination) was significantly associated (R²=0.21, p<0.01) with test-retest measurement variability. Eyes with larger CDR showed less variable measurements. Other factors, including age, disc area, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were not significant (p>0.14). CONCLUSION: Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III showed good test-retest repeatability for all ONH topographic measurements, mainly for rim area and mean cup depth. Test-retest repeatability seemed to improve with increasing CDR. These findings suggest that HRT-III topographic measurements should be cautiously interpreted when evaluating longitudinally glaucoma patients with early structural damage (small CDR).

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores associados à variabilidade (teste-reteste) das medidas topográficas da cabeça do nervo óptico (CNO) utilizando a oftalmoscopia confocal de varredura a laser (CSLO) em pacientes com glaucoma recém-diagnosticados. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto recém-diagnosticados foram prospectivamente incluídos. Aqueles que apresentassem outras doenças oculares (exceto glaucoma) foram excluídos. Todos os pacientes incluídos no estudo foram submetidos à CSLO usando o aparelho Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III (HRT-III) em um olho aleatoriamente selecionado (três exames consecutivos realizados pelo mesmo examinador). Para cada parâmetro do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III, a repetibilidade foi avaliada através dos seguintes indicadores: desvio padrão (DP) e coeficiente de variação (CV) individual, coeficiente de repetibilidade (CR) e coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Diagramas de dispersão e linhas de regressão foram construídos para identificar quais fatores poderiam influenciar a variabilidade das medidas. RESULTADOS: Trinta e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo (idade média, 65,4 ± 13,8 anos). A maior parte era composta por mulheres (65 por cento) e pacientes brancos (50 por cento). Dentre os parâmetros de Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III avaliados, a área da rima e a profundidade média da escavação apresentaram os melhores valores de repetibilidade. A relação escavação/disco (E/D) vertical (baseada na análise de estereofotografia do disco óptico), foi significativamente associada (R²=0.21, p<0.01) com a variabilidade teste-reteste. Pacientes com relação E/D maiores apresentaram medidas menos variáveis. Outros fatores como idade, área do disco, espessura corneana central e pressão intraocular não foram significativas (p>0,14). CONCLUSÃO: O Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III mostrou boa repetibilidade (teste-reteste) para todos os parâmetros topográficos da CNO avaliados, principalmente em relação à área da rima e à profundidade média da escavação. A repetibilidade teste-reteste apresentou melhores resultados com o aumento da relação E/D. Esses achados sugerem que as medidas topográficas do Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III devem ser interpretadas com cautela quando avaliarmos longitudinalmente pacientes glaucomatosos com dano estrutural inicial (relação E/D menor).

Glaucoma anterior chamber morphometry based on optical Scheimpflug images.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of gonioscopy and noncontact morphometry with anterior chamber tomography (High Resolution Pentacam - HR) using optical Scheimpflug images in the evaluation of the anterior chamber angle (ACA). METHODS: Transversal study. 112 eyes from 74 subjects evaluated at the Glaucoma Department, Fluminense Federal University, underwent gonioscopy and Pentacam HR. Using gonioscopy, the ACA was graded using the Shaffer Classification (SC) by a single experienced examiner masked to the Pentacam HR findings. Narrow angle was determined in eyes in which the posterior trabecular meshwork could not be seen in two or more quadrants on non-indentation gonioscopy (SC Grade 2 or less). Pentacam HR images of the nasal and temporal quadrants were evaluated by custom software to automatically obtain anterior chamber measurements, such as: anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and anterior chamber depth (ACD). RESULTS: Based on gonioscopy results, 74 (60.07%) eyes of patients classified as open-angle (SC 3 and 4) and 38 (33.93%) eyes of patients classified as narrow-angle (SC 1 and 2). Noncontact morphometry with Scheimpflug images revealed a mean ACA of 39.20 ± 5.31 degrees for open-angle and 21.18 ± 7.98 degrees for narrow-angle. The open-angle group showed significant greater ACV and ACD values when compared to narrow-angle group (ACV of 193 ± 36 mm³ vs. 90 ± 25 mm³, respectively, p<0.001; and ACD of 3,09 ± 0,42 mm vs. 1,55 ± 0,64 mm, respectively, p<0.0001.). In screening eyes with open-angle and narrow-angle with the Pentacam ACA of 20º (SC Grade 2) using the ROC curves, the analysis showed 52.6% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The Pentacam showed ability in detecting eyes at risk for angle closure analyzing ACV and ACD.