A pilot randomised clinical trial of 670 nm red light for reducing retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation by 670 nm red light in animal models reduced severity of ROP and improved survival. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to provide data on 670 nm red light exposure for prevention of ROP and survival for a larger randomised trial. METHODS: Neonates <30 weeks gestation or <1150 g at birth were randomised to receive 670 nm for 15 min (9 J/cm2) daily until 34 weeks corrected age. DATA COLLECTED: placental pathology, growth, days of respiratory support and oxygen, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis, worst stage of ROP, need for laser treatment, and survival. RESULTS: Eighty-six neonates enrolled-45 no red light; 41 red light. There was no difference in severity of ROP (<27 weeks-p = 0.463; ≥27 weeks-p = 0.558) or requirement for laser treatment (<27 weeks-p = 1.00; ≥27 weeks-no laser treatment in either group). Survival in 670 nm red light treatment group was 100% (41/41) vs 89% (40/45) in untreated infants (p = 0.057). CONCLUSION: Randomisation to receive 670 nm red light within 24-48 h after birth is feasible. Although no improvement in ROP or survivability was observed, further testing into the dosage and delivery for this potential therapy are required.

A case report on late presentation of occult dural lesions.

BACKGROUND: Occult dural injuries are rare and can occur as a result of major or minor head injury. These injuries usually manifest with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea alone, or with meningitis and cerebral abscess, sometimes many years after the original injury. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of occult dural injury with endocranial complications which occurred in a 34 year old man, with a history of head injury forty-three years ago. The patient presented with a triad of findings; meningitis, CSF rhinorrhoea and pneumocephalus. He was managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics and observation and made a full recovery. The presence of acute endocranial symptoms and particularly these three findings in a patient with a previous history of head injury, no matter how long it had been should raise suspicion of the presence of an occult dural injury. CONCLUSION: It need to retain a high index of suspicion for occult dural injury in patients who present with endocranial symptoms of unknown origin, especially if there is a previous history of head injury.