The effect of celecoxib on the development of diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumors in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors in the world, and it typically has a poor prognosis. Extensive studies have examined the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs selective to COX-2 on the chemoprevention of various tumors. The objective of this study is to observe the effect of celecoxib on the development of liver tumors in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced in a group of 75 rats with the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine. The animals were divided into 5 groups. Three groups received various doses of celecoxib, one group received indomethacin, and a control group received no non-steroidal selective anti inflammatory drugs. RESULTS: The experimental model was considered to be successful because 78% of the rats in the control group developed liver tumors. The number of neoplastic lesions was similar among the celecoxib, indomethacin and control groups, although the nodule diameter of the lesions was smaller in the celecoxib group. Better results were observed in animals that received celecoxib at doses of 6 and 9 mg/kg/ day; 4 rats in these groups did not show any neoplastic histological lesions, and a greater proportion of the nodules in the other animals in these groups were benign than in the groups that did not use celecoxib. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that celecoxib may play a role in modifying the natural history of hepatocellular carcinoma development.

The influence of gestational age on the dynamic behavior of other risk factors associated with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

BACKGROUND: Improved survival of preterm neonates has increased the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in many middle-income countries. AIM: This study aimed to verify the main risk factors for the development of ROP according to different gestational age (GA) groups. METHODS: A prospective cohort study including infants weighing < or =1,500 g or GA < or =32 weeks at birth was conducted. The main clinical outcomes were the occurrence of any stage of ROP and severe ROP. The perinatal variables considered for the study were: birth weight; GA; gender; to be small for GA (SGA); weight gain from birth to the sixth week of life; use of oxygen in mechanical ventilation or nasal CPAP; multiple gestations; therapeutic use of surfactant, indomethacin, and erythropoietin; occurrence of sepsis, meningitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and patent ductus arteriosus; need for and volume of blood transfusion; and 10-min Apgar score. The patients were divided into three groups according to GA: (group 1) infants of GA < or =28 weeks at birth (n = 100); (group 2) infants of GA = 29-31 weeks at birth (n = 215); and (group 3) infants of GA > or =32 weeks at birth (n = 152). RESULTS: A total of 467 newborn infants were included. Mean BW and GA in the total cohort were 1,216.5 g (+/-278.3) and 30.3 weeks (+/-2.2), respectively. Gestational age groups were not matched for BW and SGA. Any stage of ROP occurred in 111 patients (23.8%) and 24 (5.1%) patients developed severe ROP. Only BW and volume of blood transfusion were significant factors for the occurrence of any stage of ROP in all groups. In group 1, GA, the twin situation, and use of erythropoietin were statistically significant factors. In group 2, only GA and need for blood transfusion were significant. In group 3, use of oxygen in mechanical ventilation, sepsis, and need for blood transfusion were significant for ROP onset. The logistic regression determined that patients in groups 2 and 3 were less likely to develop ROP than patients in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in groups 1 and 2 developed ROP due to general immaturity, whereas bigger babies, of GA > or =32 weeks, developed ROP because they were "sicker" babies with more comorbidities.

[Margin reflex distance measure by computerized image processing in rigid contact lens wearers]. / Medida da distância reflexo margem por meio de processamento computadorizado de imagens em usuários de lentes de contato rígidas.

PURPOSE: To measure the MRD (margin reflex distance) in rigid contact lens wearers and controls by a new method, based on computerized image processing. METHOD: The patients were selected from the Contact Lens Sector of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre", and they were divided into two groups: the first was formed of rigid contact lens wearers (63 eyes) and the second of patients without previous history of contact lens wear (30 eyes). All patients were photographed with a digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 4300). The margin reflex distance was measured by a computerized image processing using the Image J program. The study excluded patients that underwent any kind of intraocular or eyelid surgery, patients with congenital ptosis and patients with giant papillae conjunctivitis. RESULTS: The method utilized to measure margin reflex distance seems simple and more accurate. The average value of the margin reflex distance in the case group was 2.46 mm and in the control group 2.72 mm. The study shows that there is a tendency of decreasing the margin reflex distance with contact lens wear although the data were not statistically significant (p=0.22). The margin reflex distance values show a greater variability in the case group (41.46%) than in the control group (28.96%), that is more homogeneous. CONCLUSION: This study introduced a new method to measure the margin reflex distance using computerized image processing. This method is accessible and could help in follow-up of the margin reflex distance in contact lens wearers, specially those rigid.

[Blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers]. / Blefaroptose em usuários de lentes de contato.

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of acquired blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 50 contact lens wearers being followed at the Contact Lenses Section of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre" between April and November 2004. The margin reflex distance (MRD) was evaluated for the 99 eyelids of contact lens wearers and for the 52 eyelids of controls. A patient whose measurement was less than 2 mm or with an assymetry of margin reflex distance greater or equal to 2 mm were considered with blepharoptosis. The contact lens type and duration of contact lenses wear were evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients presented ptosis, all of them were hard contact lens wearers, one had bilateral and four had unilateral ptosis. The study shows that the contact lens wearers had the margin reflex distance 0.88 mm smaller than the non-wearers. The margin reflex distance values decreased progressively in the studied groups: controls, gelatinous contact lens wearers and rigid contact lens wearers. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that contact lens wearers have alterations in the margin reflex distance values, especially the rigid contact lens wearers.

[The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiogenesis and diabetic retinopathy]. / Papel do fator de crescimento vascular endotelial na angiogênese e na retinopatia diabética.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a DM microvascular complication, is the leading cause of blindness. Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of DR. VEGF-A is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that acts through the receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expressed in the vascular endothelium and causing increased vascular permeability and neovascularization stimulation in both physiological and pathological processes. The expression of VEGFR-1 is upregulated by hypoxia and is less responsive to VEGF compared to VEGFR-2 which is the main mediator mitogenic, angiogenic, and increased vascular permeability. VEGF polymorphisms have been studied in DR susceptibility and progression. Significant association between the polymorphism 634C / G and the presence of RD is reported mainly in relation to allele C. The homozygous CC is associated to proliferative RD and to increased vitreous and serum levels of VEGF suggesting that the presence of the C allele is an independent risk factor for RD. The knowledge of VEGF lead to the development of anti-VEGF drugs (pegaptanib, ranibizumab and bevacizumab) aiming to prevent pathological neovascularization. The anti-VEGF therapy is a reality in practice medical treatment of DR.

Postconceptional age at the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in inborn and referred preterm infants from the same institution.

PURPOSE: The outcomes of the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) seem to be better in inborn patients than in those patients who were referred for ROP treatment. This study aims to investigate the timing of treatment and the outcomes in inborn patients and in patients referred for treatment to the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: An institutional prospective cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2010 and included in group 1 all inborn preterm neonates treated for retinopathy of prematurity and in group 2 all babies referred for treatment to the same institution. All of the included patients presented birth weight (BW) ≤1,500 g and/or gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks. Main outcomes were postconceptional age at the treatment and one year follow-up outcomes in both groups. The considered variables were: BW, GA, stage and location of retinopathy of prematurity at treatment. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised 24 inborn patients. Mean BW and GA at birth were 918 ± 232 g and 28.2 ± 2.1 weeks, respectively, and median post-conceptional postconceptional age at treatment was 37 weeks. Group 2 comprised 14 infants transferred for treatment. Mean BW and GA at birth were 885 ± 188 g and 28.2 ± 2.4 weeks, respectively, and median postconceptional age at treatment was 39 weeks. Mean BW and GA were similar in both groups (P=0.654 and P=0.949, respectively), but the difference among the postconceptional age was significant (P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Inborn patients were treated for retinopathy of prematurity during the 37(th) week of postconceptional age while transferred patients were treated, usually, after the 39(th) week postconceptional age. The worst outcomes observed among referred patients could be partially explained by the delayed time for treatment.

Is being small for gestational age a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity? A study with 345 very low birth weight preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: A prospective cohort study included preterm infants with birth weight (BW) < or = 1,500 grams and gestational age (GA) < or = 32 weeks, divided into two groups: AGA or SGA. Prevalences and risk factors for ROP were determined in both groups. Logistic regression was used for the significant variables after univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients were examined: 199 included in the AGA group and 146 in the SGA. Mean BW and GA in the whole cohort (345 patients) were 1,128.12 grams (+/-239.9) and 29.7 weeks (+/-1.9), respectively. The prevalence of any stage ROP and severe ROP (needing treatment) was 29.6 and 7.0%, respectively. ROP in any evolutive stage developed in 66 AGA (33.2%) and in 36 SGA (24.7%) (p = 0.111). Severe ROP occurred in 15 AGA (7.5%) and in nine SGA (6.2%) (p = 0.779). After adjusted logistic regression, weight gain from birth to sixth week of life and need for blood transfusions were found to be significant risk factors for ROP in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that being SGA was not a significant risk factor for any stage ROP or for severe ROP in this cohort and, also, that the risk factors for ROP were similar among SGA and AGA very-low-birth-weight preterm babies.

Late afternoon blood pressure increase is associated with diabetic retinopathy in normotensive type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

AIMS: To identify if the variability of blood pressure (BP) is associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in normotensive type 2 DM patients. METHODS: Sixty-five normotensive type 2 DM patients that had 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were grouped according any degree of DR. RESULTS: Fourteen (21%) patients had DR. Office BP and 24-h BP parameters did not differ between groups. At late afternoon period, patients with DR had higher increment in both systolic (11.3+/-12.7mmHg vs. 1.0+/-11.4mmHg, P=0.006) and diastolic (6.7+/-8.6mmHg vs. -0.73+/-10.0mmHg, P=0.017) BP levels than those without. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed with DR as a dependent variable. Each 1mmHg increment in systolic BP at the late afternoon period was associated with a 10.2% increase in DR prevalence [OR 1.102 (CI 95% 1.011-1.202, P=0.027)], after adjustments for A1C test, DM duration, age, albuminuria and current smoking. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in normotensive type 2 DM patients, BP increase at late afternoon is associated to DR independently from confounder factors or other ABPM parameters.

Papel do fator de crescimento vascular endotelial na angiogênese e na retinopatia diabética / The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in angiogenesis and diabetic retinopathy

A retinopatia diabética (RD) é uma complicação microvascular do diabetes melito, sendo importante causa de cegueira adquirida. Fatores angiogênicos, como o vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estão envolvidos na patogênese da RD. O VEGF-A é uma citocina potente e multifuncional que atua por meio dos receptores VEGFR-1 e VEGFR-2 expressos no endotélio vascular causando aumento da permeabilidade vascular e estímulo à neovascularização em processos fisiológicos e patológicos. O VEGFR-2 é o principal mediador mitogênico, angiogênico e do aumento da permeabilidade vascular. Alguns polimorfismos do VEGF têm sido estudados na suscetibilidade e risco de progressão da RD. Importante associação entre o polimorfismo 634C/G e a presença de RD é relatada principalmente em relação ao alelo C. A homozigose CC estaria relacionada à RD proliferativa (RDP) e a níveis sérico e vítreo aumentados de VEGF, sugerindo que a presença do alelo C seja um fator de risco independente para RD. Os conhecimentos sobre o VEGF levaram ao desenvolvimento de agentes antiVEGF com o objetivo de inibir a neovascularização patológica e são uma realidade na prática médica do tratamento da RD.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a DM microvascular complication, is the leading cause of blindness. Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are involved in the pathogenesis of DR. VEGF-A is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that acts through the receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expressed in the vascular endothelium and causing increased vascular permeability and neovascularization stimulation in both physiological and pathological processes. The expression of VEGFR-1 is upregulated by hypoxia and is less responsive to VEGF compared to VEGFR-2 which is the main mediator mitogenic, angiogenic, and increased vascular permeability. VEGF polymorphisms have been studied in DR susceptibility and progression. Significant association between the polymorphism 634C / G and the presence of RD is reported mainly in relation to allele C. The homozygous CC is associated to proliferative RD and to increased vitreous and serum levels of VEGF suggesting that the presence of the C allele is an independent risk factor for RD. The knowledgement of VEGF lead to the development of anti-VEGF drugs (pegaptanib, ranibizumab and bevacizumab) aiming to prevent pathological neovascularization. The anti-VEGF therapy is a reality in practice medical treatment of DR.

Postconceptional age at the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in inborn and referred preterm infants from the same institution / Idade pós-concepção no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade em pré-termos nascidos e em transferidos para o tratamento em uma mesma instituição

PURPOSE: The outcomes of the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) seem to be better in inborn patients than in those patients who were referred for ROP treatment. This study aims to investigate the timing of treatment and the outcomes in inborn patients and in patients referred for treatment to the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: An institutional prospective cohort study was conducted from 2002 to 2010 and included in group 1 all inborn preterm neonates treated for retinopathy of prematurity and in group 2 all babies referred for treatment to the same institution. All of the included patients presented birth weight (BW) <1,500 g and/or gestational age (GA) <32 weeks. Main outcomes were postconceptional age at the treatment and one year follow-up outcomes in both groups. The considered variables were: BW, GA, stage and location of retinopathy of prematurity at treatment. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised 24 inborn patients. Mean BW and GA at birth were 918 ± 232 g and 28.2 ± 2.1 weeks, respectively, and median post-conceptional postconceptional age at treatment was 37 weeks. Group 2 comprised 14 infants transferred for treatment. Mean BW and GA at birth were 885 ± 188 g and 28.2 ± 2.4 weeks, respectively, and median postconceptional age at treatment was 39 weeks. Mean BW and GA were similar in both groups (P=0.654 and P=0.949, respectively), but the difference among the postconceptional age was significant (P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Inborn patients were treated for retinopathy of prematurity during the 37th week of postconceptional age while transferred patients were treated, usually, after the 39th week postconceptional age. The worst outcomes observed among referred patients could be partially explained by the delayed time for treatment.

OBJETIVOS: Os resultados do tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) parecem ser melhores em pacientes nascidos na mesma instituição onde o tratamento foi praticado do que naqueles pacientes transferidos para o tratamento em centros de referência. Este estudo tem como objetivos investigar o momento do tratamento e seus resultados em pacientes nascidos e em pacientes transferidos para o tratamento em uma mesma instituição. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte institucional e prospectivo conduzido de 2002 a 2010 e incluiu no grupo 1 todos os prematuros tratados para a retinopatia da prematuridade nascidos na instituição e no grupo 2 todos os prematuros tratados para a retinopatia da prematuridade transferidos para o tratamento. Todos os pacientes incluídos tinham peso de nascimento (PN) <1.500 gramas e/ou idade gestacional (IG) <32 semanas. As principais consideradas foram a idade pós-concepção (IPC) por ocasião do tratamento e os resultados do tratamento ao final do 1º ano de vida dos pacientes nos 2 grupos. As variáveis consideradas foram: peso de nascimento, idade gestacional, estadiamento e localização da retinopatia da prematuridade por ocasião do tratamento. RESULTADOS: O grupo 1 incluiu 24 prematuros nascidos na instituição. As médias do PN e da IG foram 918 ± 232 gramas e 28,2 ± 2,1 semanas, respectivamente. A mediana da idade pós-concepção ao tratamento foi de 37 semanas. O grupo 2 incluiu 14 pacientes transferidos para o tratamento. As médias do PN e da IG foram 885 ± 188 gramas e 28,2 ± 2,4 semanas, respectivamente. A mediana da idade pós-concepção ao tratamento foi de 39 semanas. As médias dp PN e da IG eram similares nos dois grupos (P=0,654 e P=0,949, respectivamente), mas a diferença entre a idade pós-concepção ao tratamento foi significativa entre os 2 grupos (P=0,029). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes nascidos na instituição foram tratados para a retinopatia da prematuridade durante a 37ª semana de idade pós-concepção enquanto os pacientes transferidos foram tratados após a 39ª semanas de idade pós-concepção em média. Os piores resultados do tratamento assim como do seguimento de um ano observados entre os pacientes do grupo 2 podem ser explicados, em parte, pelo tempo maior decorrido para o tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade.

Ser pequeno para a idade gestacional é um fator de risco para a retinopatia da prematuridade?: estudo com 345 pré-termos de muito baixo peso / Is being small for gestational age a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity?: a study with 345 very low birth weight preterm infants

OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência e os fatores de risco para a retinopatia da prematuridade entre pré-termos pequenos para a idade gestacional e pré-termos apropriados para a idade gestacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo, incluindo pré-termos com peso de nascimento ≤ 1.500 g e idade gestacional ≤ 32 semanas divididos em dois grupos: apropriados para a idade gestacional ou pequenos para a idade gestacional. As prevalências da retinopatia da prematuridade e os fatores de risco foram estudados nos dois grupos. Regressão logística foi utilizada após análise univariada. RESULTADOS: Foram examinados um total de 345 pacientes: 199 no grupo apropriados para a idade gestacional e 146 no grupo pequenos para a idade gestacional. As médias do peso de nascimento e da idade gestacional na coorte de 345 pacientes foram 1.128,12 g (±239,9) e 29,7 semanas (±1,9), respectivamente. A prevalência da retinopatia da prematuridade em qualquer estadiamento e da retinopatia da prematuridade severa (necessitando tratamento) foi 29,6 e 7 por cento, respectivamente. A retinopatia da prematuridade em qualquer estadiamento ocorreu em 66 apropriados para a idade gestacional (33,2 por cento) e em 36 pequenos para a idade gestacional (24,7 por cento) (p = 0,111). A retinopatia da prematuridade severa ocorreu em 15 apropriados para a idade gestacional (7,5 por cento) e em nove pequenos para a idade gestacional (6,2 por cento) (p = 0,779). Após regressão logística ajustada, o ganho ponderal do nascimento até a sexta semana de vida e a necessidade de transfusões sanguíneas foram fatores de risco significativos para a retinopatia da prematuridade nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que ser pequenos para a idade gestacional não foi um fator de risco significativo para o surgimento da retinopatia da prematuridade e que os fatores de risco para a retinopatia da prematuridade são semelhantes em pré-termos pequenos para a idade gestacional...

OBJECTIVE: To analyze prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: A prospective cohort study included preterm infants with birth weight (BW) ≤ 1,500 grams and gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks, divided into two groups: AGA or SGA. Prevalences and risk factors for ROP were determined in both groups. Logistic regression was used for the significant variables after univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients were examined: 199 included in the AGA group and 146 in the SGA. Mean BW and GA in the whole cohort (345 patients) were 1,128.12 grams (±239.9) and 29.7 weeks (±1.9), respectively. The prevalence of any stage ROP and severe ROP (needing treatment) was 29.6 and 7.0 percent, respectively. ROP in any evolutive stage developed in 66 AGA (33.2 percent) and in 36 SGA (24.7 percent) (p = 0.111). Severe ROP occurred in 15 AGA (7.5 percent) and in nine SGA (6.2 percent) (p = 0.779). After adjusted logistic regression, weight gain from birth to sixth week of life and need for blood transfusions were found to be significant risk factors for ROP in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that being SGA was not a significant risk factor for any stage ROP or for severe ROP in this cohort and, also, that the risk factors for ROP were similar among SGA and AGA very-low-birth-weight preterm babies.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para a retinopatia da prematuridade: estudo com 450 pré-termos de muito baixo peso / Prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity: study with 450 very low birth weight preterm infants

OBJETIVO:Analisar prevalência e fatores de risco para a retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) entre pré-termos com peso de nascimento (PN) d"1.500 gramas e/ou idade gestacional (IG) d"32 semanas admitidos em uma instituição hospitalar universitária de nível terciário. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte institucional, prospectivo e descritivo, realizado entre outubro de 2002 e julho de 2008, incluindo todos os pré-termos com PN d"1.500 gramas e/ou com IG d"32 semanas, que sobreviveram até a 42ª semana de IG corrigida. Foram determinadas a prevalência da ROP em seus vários estadiamentos evolutivos. Os principais fatores de risco para o surgimento da ROP no período pós-natal foram comparados por análises uni e multivariadas entre os pacientes que desenvolveram e os que não desenvolveram a doença. Para a análise das variáveis contínuas entre os dois grupos, foi usado o Teste t (Student) para amostras independentes e para a comparação das variáveis categóricas, o Qui-Quadrado. A regressão logística incluiu as variáveis com significância após a análise univariada. RESULTADOS:Foram estudadas 450 crianças cuja média de PN e IG foram 1.213,50 gramas (± 277,4) e 30,3 semanas (± 2,2), respectivamente. A ROP, em qualquer estadiamento, afetou 24,2 por cento das crianças. Doença limiar, necessitando de tratamento pela fotocoagulação, ocorreu em 24 pacientes (5,3 por cento). Após análise univariada, a IG, o PN, o ganho ponderal do nascimento até a 6ª semana de vida, o uso de oxigenioterapia em ventilação mecânica e de indometacina, as ocorrências de sepse e hemorragia intraventricular e a necessidade de transfusões sanguíneas, estiveram associados com a ROP. A regressão logística confirmou a importância da IG (OR: 0,856; IC95 por cento: 1,141-1,447; P=0,014), do baixo ganho ponderal (OR: 0,997; IC95 por cento: 0,996-0,999; P<0,001), do uso de ventilação mecânica (OR: 1,770; IC95 por cento: 1,029-3,046; P=0,039), além da necessidade de transfusões sanguíneas...

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among preterms with birth weight (BW) d"1,500 grams and/or gestational age (GA) d"32 weeks, admitted in an University level 3 institution. METHODS: An institutional, prospective and descriptive cohort study including all preterms with BW d"1,500 grams and/or GA d"32 weeks, who survived from birth to the 42nd week of postmentrual age, was carried out from October 2002 to July 2008. The prevalence of any stage ROP and the main risk factors of postnatal period for ROP were compared by uni and multivariate analysis. Continuous variables were analysed by Student's t - Test. Chi-square was used to compare cathegoric variables. To the logistic regression were included all of the significant variables after univariate analysis. RESULTS:Retinopathy in any evolutive stage has affected 24.2 percent of the babies. Threshold disease needing treatment has appeared in 24 patients (5.3 percent). After univariate analysis, GA, BW, use of mechanical ventilation and indomethacin, occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage and sepsis, and need of blood transfusions, have been associated with ROP. Logistic regression has confirmed the great importance of GA (OR: 0,856; IC95 percent: 1,141-1,447; P=0,014), low weight gain from birth to the 6th week of life (OR: 0,997; IC95 percent: 0,996-0,999; P<0,001), use of mechanical ventilation (OR: 1,770; IC95 percent: 1,029-3,046; P=0,039), and need of blood transfusions (OR: 1,285; IC95 percent: 1,141-1,447; P<0,001), as independent risk factors for developing of ROP among preterms with BW d"1,500 grams. CONCLUSION: This study has shown prevalence of ROP and need of treatment among this institution's preterms comparable to other international studies. The main risk factors for ROP in this cohort were related with the BW, the postnatal low weight gain, and therapies like mechanical ventilation and blood transfusions.

Medida da distância reflexo margem por meio de processamento computadorizado de imagens em usuários de lentes de contato rígidas / Margin reflex distance measure by computerized image processing in rigid contact lens wearers

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um método novo, baseado no processamento computadorizado de imagens, para quantificar a distância reflexo margem (MRD). MÉTODOS: Selecionamos para o estudo pacientes do Setor de Lentes de Contato do Serviço de Oftalmologia da Santa Casa de Porto Alegre que foram divididos em dois grupos: o primeiro foi composto por pacientes usuários de lentes de contato rígidas (63 olhos) e o segundo por pacientes que foram encaminhados para adaptação de lentes de contato sem história prévia de uso das mesmas (30 olhos). Todos os pacientes foram fotografados com o auxílio de uma câmera fotográfica digital (Nikon Coolpix 4300). A distância reflexo margem foi medida por processamento computadorizado de imagens utilizando o programa Image J. Foram excluídos do estudo pacientes submetidos a cirurgias intra-oculares ou palpebrais, pacientes apresentando ptose congênita e pacientes que ao exame biomicroscópico apresentavam conjuntivite papilar gigante. RESULTADOS: O método utilizado para quantificar distância reflexo margem parece bastante simples e aparentemente mais sensível e específico. O valor médio da distância reflexo margem no grupo caso foi 2,46 mm e no grupo controle 2,72 mm. Dessa forma, observou-se uma tendência de diminuir a distância reflexo margem com o uso de lentes rígidas, embora esses dados não tenham sido estatisticamente significativos (p=0,22). Observa-se também que os valores de distância reflexo margem apresentam uma variabilidade muito maior no grupo caso (41,46 por cento) do que no controle (28,96 por cento), que se apresenta mais homogêneo. CONCLUSÃO: Esse estudo introduziu uma metodologia inovadora para medir a distância reflexo margem utilizando o processamento computadorizado de imagens. Esse método é acessível e pode auxiliar no acompanhamento da distância reflexo margem de pacientes usuários de lentes de contato, especialmente rígidas.

PURPOSE: To measure the MRD (margin reflex distance) in rigid contact lens wearers and controls by a new method, based on computerized image processing. METHOD: The patients were selected from the Contact Lens Sector of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre", and they were divided into two groups: the first was formed of rigid contact lens wearers (63 eyes) and the second of patients without previous history of contact lens wear (30 eyes). All patients were photographed with a digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 4300). The margin reflex distance was measured by a computerized image processing using the Image J program. The study excluded patients that underwent any kind of intraocular or eyelid surgery, patients with congenital ptosis and patients with giant papillae conjunctivitis. RESULTS: The method utilized to measure margin reflex distance seems simple and more accurate. The average value of the margin reflex distance in the case group was 2.46 mm and in the control group 2.72 mm. The study shows that there is a tendency of decreasing the margin reflex distance with contact lens wear although the data were not statistically significant (p=0.22). The margin reflex distance values show a greater variability in the case group (41.46 percent) than in the control group (28.96 percent), that is more homogeneous. CONCLUSION: This study introduced a new method to measure the margin reflex distance using computerized image processing. This method is accessible and could help in follow-up of the margin reflex distance in contact lens wearers, specially those rigid.

Incidência da retinopatia e a participação da enfermagem na prevenção da cegueira pela Retinopatia da Prematuridade no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre: estudo prospectivo observacional descritivo / Incidence of retinopathy and neonatal nurse practioner's role in prevention of blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil: prospective observational descriptive study

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity is a leading cause of blindness in children in middle-income countries. Recent improvements in the intensive neonatal cares allied with better personal qualification for assistance to the pre-term neonate increased survival rates among very low birth weight infants. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of the disease in premature children born at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - Brazil, and also to describe the neonatal nurse practioner's in prevention of blindness at this institution. Methods: A prospective observational descriptive study was conducted on 329 premature children born with birth weight ≤ 1.500 grams and/or ≤ 32 weeks of gestational age between October of 2002 and October of 2006. All of the children were examined by indirect binocular ophthalmoscopy after pupil dilation with association of Tropicamide 0.5% and Phenylephrine 2.5%, eye drops. The ophthalmological examination was first conducted between the 4th and the 6th weeks of life and repeated according the findings based in the international classification.Results: Retinopathy was diagnosed in 84 of the neonates with an incidence rate of 25.5% (84/329). Eighteen of the 329 screened children (5.5%) reached threshold disease and 17 of them needed diode laser treatment to prevent the disease progression. One patient missed the treatment.Conclusions: The incidence of retinopathy was similar to other international results as well as the occurrence of 5.2% of treatable disease. Only one of the infants developed the disease up to the most serious stage (ROP 5), resulting in a 0.3% of blindness due to the retinopathy at the institution since 2002.

A Retinopatia da Prematuridade é a maior causa de cegueira infantil nos países em desenvolvimento. Grandes avanços no conhecimento e na tecnologia da Neonatologia além da melhor qualificação assistencial nas unidades neonatais têm permitido uma maior sobrevivência de pretermos de risco. Os objetivos deste trabalho são: estudar a incidência da retinopatia num hospital universitário da Região Sul do Brasil e alguns aspectos da participação do profissional de enfermagem no programa de triagem neonatal da instituição. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional descritivo incluindo todos os pretermos admitidos na instituição com peso de nascimento ≤ 1.500 gramas ou com idade gestacional ≤ 32 semanas entre outubro de 2002 e outubro de 2006. O exame oftalmológico inicial foi realizado sob oftalmoscopia binocular indireta após dilatação das pupilas com associação de colírios Tropicamida 0,5% e Fenilefrina 2,5% entre a 4ª e a 6a semana de vida. Realizou-se cálculo de incidência com nível de confiança de 95%. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 329 pretermos. Foi identificada a retinopatia em 84 pacientes num percentual de 25,5%. A doença limiar atingiu 5,5% dos casos (18/329). Apenas uma das crianças no estudo atingiu a doença em estadiamento 5 num percentual de 0,3% (1/329). Conclusões: A incidência de retinopatia foi similar ao de outros trabalhos internacionais. Apenas um dos pretermos desenvolveu perda severa da visão sem possibilidade de tratamento gerando um percentual de 0,3% de cegueira pela retinopatia neste estudo. A permanente colaboração entre neonatologistas, oftalmologistas e a equipe de enfermagem, conforme conseguido nesta instituição, contribuiu para a eficiência da triagem neonatal na busca da doença.

Blefaroptose em usuários de lentes de contato / Blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers

OBJETIVO: Investigar a freqüência de blefaroptose adquirida em usuários de lentes de contato. MÉTODOS: Avaliação prospectiva de 50 pacientes, usuários de lentes de contato, do Setor de Lentes de Contato do Serviço de Oftalmologia do Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, durante o período de abril a novembro de 2004. A distância reflexo-margem (MRD) foi avaliada em 99 pálpebras de usuários de lentes de contato e para as 52 pálpebras de controle. Pacientes cuja medida da distância reflexo-margem se apresentou inferior a 2 mm ou com assimetria de distância reflexo-margem maior ou igual a 2 mm foram considerados portadores de blefaroptose. Foram avaliados o tipo de lente de contato utilizada e o tempo de uso das mesmas. RESULTADOS: Cinco pacientes apresentaram ptose, todos eles eram usuários de lentes de contato rígidas, um com ptose bilateral e quatro, unilateral. A distância reflexo-margem dos pacientes usuários de lentes de contato foi, em média, 0,88 mm inferior aos não usuários. Os valores de distância reflexo-margem foram progressivamente decrescentes nos grupos estudados: controles, usuários de lentes gelatinosas e de lentes rígidas. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo sugere que os usuários de lentes de contato possuem alteração dos valores de distância reflexo-margem, principalmente os que usam lentes rígidas.

PURPOSE: To investigate the occurrence of acquired blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 50 contact lens wearers being followed at the Contact Lenses Section of the Ophthalmology Service at the "Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre" between April and November 2004. The margin reflex distance (MRD) was evaluated for the 99 eyelids of contact lens wearers and for the 52 eyelids of controls. A patient whose measurement was less than 2 mm or with an assymetry of margin reflex distance greater or equal to 2 mm were considered with blepharoptosis. The contact lens type and duration of contact lenses wear were evaluated. RESULTS: Five patients presented ptosis, all of them were hard contact lens wearers, one had bilateral and four had unilateral ptosis. The study shows that the contact lens wearers had the margin reflex distance 0.88 mm smaller than the non-wearers. The margin reflex distance values decreased progressively in the studied groups: controls, gelatinous contact lens wearers and rigid contact lens wearers. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that contact lens wearers have alterations in the margin reflex distance values, especially the rigid contact lens wearers.

A erradicação do Helicobacter pylori em pacientes com úlcera duodenal provoca maior incidência de esofagite de refluxo? / Does eradication of helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer cause higher incidence of reflux esophagitis?

Os autores propuseram-se avaliar a relação entre a erradicação do helicobacter pylori (HP) em pacientes com úlcera duodenal (UD) e o desenvolvimento de esofagite de refluxo. Para tanto, avaliaram prospectivamente, com duas endoscopias realizadas com intervalo de seis meses cada, 29 pacientes comUD e Hp positivo, tratados com esquema tríplice de antibióticos. No final do seguimento de 12 meses observou-se incidência de esofagite péptica em 25por cento dos casos. Concluiu-se, a despeito do pequeno número de casos e do curto seguimento, que a incidência de esofagite endoscópica é elevada em pacientes com UD após tratamento eo HP.