Long-term Outcome of Conjunctival Transposition Flaps for Contracted Sockets.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, and reintervention rate, of a conjunctival transposition technique in the treatment of contracted fornices in anophthalmic sockets. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review of patients with contracted anophthalmic sockets who received a novel conjunctival mucosal transposition flap for augmentation of socket lining. Contracted anophthalmic sockets were categorized as grade 1 (minimal contraction), grade 2 (inferior and/or superior fornix), grade 3 (advanced scarring of the entire upper and lower fornices), and grade 4 (severe palpebral phimosis, recurrent cases, and irradiated sockets). RESULTS: Of 32 patients (56% male), 53% had mild-to-moderate contracted anophthalmic sockets (grades 1 or 2). The transposition flap was combined with secondary ball implantation (3 cases), ball exchange (1 case), primary orbital floor (1 case), or revisional floor (3 cases) implantation. By an average follow up of 9.2 years, 16% (5 cases with grade 3 or 4) required additional relining, with another patient declining further surgery; this yielding an overall anatomic success of 81% (100% in grades 1 and 2; 60% in grades 3 and 4). At the last follow up, 91% of patients had adequate socket lining and 94% reported a comfortable socket with stable prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Having results similar to free grafting but without remote donor-site morbidity, this novel transposition flap satisfactorily addresses mild-to-moderate fornix contracture, and most patients achieve stable and comfortable prosthetic wear. Some patients with severe contracted anophthalmic sockets required further autologous grafting: this generally arose because the transposition flap included tissue from above the socket's horizontal raphé (with later contracture of the upper fornix).

Long-Term Outcome for Primary Papillomas of the Lacrimal Drainage System.

AIMS: To report long-term outcomes after surgery for primary benign papillomas of the lacrimal drainage system. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with primary lacrimal drainage system papillomas, first seen between 1984 and 2021, but excluding lesions with sino-nasal origin or malignant histology. Patients were categorized by tumor histology (squamous, transitional, and mixed cell) and growth pattern (exophytic, endophytic, or mixed). RESULTS: Thirty patients (18 female; 60%) presented at a mean age of 46.1 years (12-79 years). Over an average follow-up of 10.4 years, 30% of patients experienced recurrence, with rates differing slightly by growth pattern: 25% for exophytic tumors and 40% for endophytic and mixed-pattern tumors (p = 0.431). The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival was 67% (± 9% standard error), this being slightly higher for exophytic lesions (75% ± 10%) as compared to 48% (± 19%) for tumors with an endophytic component (p = 0.370). No cases of malignant transformation were observed, and the tumor type at recurrence matched the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Primary benign papillomas of the lacrimal drainage system have a long-term recurrence rate of about one-third, with a higher frequency in those exhibiting an endophytic growth pattern. The study highlights the importance of prolonged surveillance for recurrence, especially for endophytic and mixed growth pattern tumors, and for the potential to undergo malignant transformation. The results support the effectiveness of endoscopic surgical excision or laser thermos-ablation in managing recurrent lacrimal drainage system papillomas after dacryocystorhinostomy.

Presentation of Spontaneous Orbital Hemorrhage.

AIMS: To evaluate the presenting features of patients with nontraumatic orbital hemorrhage (NTOH) based on etiopathological factors. METHODS: A retrospective case-note review for demographics and presenting features of patients with nontraumatic orbital hemorrhage. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: group I with known systemic vascular disease, group II with known or newly revealed orbital vascular anomalies, and group III with no known underlying vasculopathy. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients (68 female; 58%), with 37 (32%) in group I, 47 (40%) in group II, and 33 (28%) in group III. The average age at presentation was 70.9, 30.1, and 49.9 years, respectively, but the incidence peaked in the first decade for patients with underlying local vascular anomalies and in the eighth for those without. Of the group I patients with known cardiovascular disease, 43% were on antithrombotic agents. The most common presenting symptoms were orbital pain (59%), proptosis (56%), and diplopia (45%), while 13% had associated nausea or vomiting. Ipsilateral optic neuropathy occurred in 14% of cases, higher in group II (22%), along with nonaxial globe displacement (25%), reduced eye movements (47%), optic disc swelling (10%), and choroidal folds (9%). Imaging in patients without evident vascular anomalies showed that hemorrhages commonly occurred in the inferotemporal quadrant (32%), with about half of these having a "beached whale" configuration (46%). CONCLUSION: Nontraumatic orbital hemorrhages affect all ages, typically presenting with acute proptosis or pain (over half), various degrees of visual impairment, and reduced motility. About half of those without vascular anomalies had cardiovascular risk factors, imaging often revealing an inferotemporal mass with a "beached whale" appearance.

One-stage Intraconal Volume Modification for Exposed and Nonexposed Ball Implants.

PURPOSE: To assess long-term outcomes and reinterventions for exposed and nonexposed intraconal orbital implants after single-stage socket revisional surgery. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review of patients with exposed or nonexposed orbital ball implants, who underwent a single-stage ball exchange (Group I) or ball removal with dermis-fat graft (Group II); Group I was subdivided as having either exposed (A) or nonexposed (B) implants. Outcomes were compared with similar cohorts undergoing multistage surgery. RESULTS: Of 172 patients (54% male), 153 (89%) underwent ball exchange (Group I) and 19 (11%) had dermis-fat graft (Group II). With a mean follow up of 7.8 years, Group I patients without ball exposure (Group IB) had a slightly higher rate of reintervention for persistent volume deficit (21% vs. 9%; p = 0.163) and implant migration (6% vs. 0%; p = 0.091), while Group IA patients-having surgery for exposed implants-had more reexposures (7% vs. 3%; p = 0.270). Single-stage and 2-stage surgery had similar reintervention rates, with the exception of a trend toward fewer volume enhancements for those with nonexposed implants (17% vs. 30%; p = 0.380), and a shorter time to (re)exposure for exposed implants after 2-stage procedures (mean 0.33 vs. 3.5 years; p = 0.571). Group II patients required further volume enhancement in 32% of 1-stage procedures, and one patient needed graft removal. CONCLUSION: Single-stage volume modification is effective and the results are comparable to staged surgery for either exposed or nonexposed implants. Most patients report a stable prosthesis and satisfactory cosmesis, after a faster rehabilitation.

Repeated Lacrimal Gland Biopsies.

PURPOSE: To examine the indications for repeated lacrimal gland biopsies, and the rate of detection of a new diagnosis. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective review of patients who underwent more than 1 lacrimal gland biopsy, either ipsilateral or contralateral, between 2000 and 2022. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients (80 female; 65%) had repeated lacrimal gland biopsy. The commonest diagnosis on initial biopsy was chronic nonspecific dacryoadenitis (NSD) (49/123; 40%). Indications for repeated biopsy were uncertainty in making a histopathological diagnosis (16/123; 13%), poorly-responsive or recurrent ipsilateral disease (61/123; 50%), new or continued/worsening contralateral disease (30 patients; 24%), and planned tumor resection after initial biopsy (16/123; 13%). Of the 40 patients (33%) with a different histopathological diagnosis after repeated lacrimal biopsy, 4 (10%) had lymphoma, initially reported as NSD (4/49 with NSD; 8%), and 7/40 (18%) (14% of the 49 NSD patients) were reclassified as having specific inflammations (including 2 with granulomatous polyangiitis); of the 7 having reclassification as a specific dacryoadenitis, 6/7 had ipsilateral disease failing to respond to primary treatment, and 1/7 had new onset or progression of contralateral disease. All histology after the primary biopsy of 16 patients with lacrimal gland malignancies retained the same tissue diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Repeated biopsy for lacrimal gland disease in this study revealed a diagnosis of malignancy in 20%, including lymphoma in 8% of those initially diagnosed with NSD. There was a 14% rate of diagnostic progression from "non-specific" dacryoadenitis to a more specific inflammatory disease.

Long-Term Outcome of Staged Socket Surgery for Acquired Anophthalmos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term outcomes of staged volume rehabilitation for acquired anophthalmos. METHODS: Case-note review of patients who had preceding i) eye removal without implant, ii) eye removal with an intraconal implant, but ball-related problems, or iii) removal of exposed implant. Secondary interventions were a) a first-time ball implant, b) dermis-fat graft, c) ball repositioning, d) ball replacement after prior removal, or e) orbital floor implantation. RESULTS: Secondary volume-augmenting surgery was performed in 175 sockets at a mean age of 42.7 years (range 2-91), with 62% secondary ball implants, 3% dermis-fat grafts, 6% ball repositioning, 19% ball replacement after prior removal for exposure, and 10% having orbital floor implantation. After this surgery, further volume enhancement was required in 21% of sockets, this being 40% for spheres ≤18 mm diameter, in contrast to 6% for those ≥20 mm ( p < 0.001). Exposure or malposition of the secondary implant occurred in 8% (12/151) and was unrelated to implant type, size, wrapping, or prior irradiation. Tertiary surgery addressed lining deficiency (18%) or eyelid malposition (25%). Overall, 92/175 (53%) had tertiary surgery to improve cosmesis and comfort, with 49% (36/92) being related to small implants. At a mean follow-up of 9.1 years, 82% of sockets had adequate volume, 79% had excellent lining, and 93% were comfortable. Prosthetic fit was satisfactory in 96% of cases, and 97% reported improved cosmesis. CONCLUSION: Over half of the sockets having planned 2-stage volume enhancement may need further procedures, especially after small-volume secondary implants, but, with meticulous surgery, reasonable long-term results can be achieved with few complications.

A regionally tailored epidemiological forecast and monitoring program to guide a healthcare system in the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, analytics and predictive models built on regional data provided timely, accurate monitoring of epidemiological behavior, informing critical planning and decision-making for health system leaders. At Atrium Health, a large, integrated healthcare system in the southeastern United States, a team of statisticians and physicians created a comprehensive forecast and monitoring program that leveraged an array of statistical methods. METHODS: The program utilized the following methodological approaches: (i) exploratory graphics, including time plots of epidemiological metrics with smoothers; (ii) infection prevalence forecasting using a Bayesian epidemiological model with time-varying infection rate; (iii) doubling and halving times computed using changepoints in local linear trend; (iv) death monitoring using combination forecasting with an ensemble of models; (v) effective reproduction number estimation with a Bayesian approach; (vi) COVID-19 patients hospital census monitored via time series models; and (vii) quantified forecast performance. RESULTS: A consolidated forecast and monitoring report was produced weekly and proved to be an effective, vital source of information and guidance as the healthcare system navigated the inherent uncertainty of the pandemic. Forecasts provided accurate and precise information that informed critical decisions on resource planning, bed capacity and staffing management, and infection prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we have presented the framework used in our epidemiological forecast and monitoring program at Atrium Health, as well as provided recommendations for implementation by other healthcare systems and institutions to facilitate use in future pandemics.

Sal y tensión arterial en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Salt and blood pressure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Salt and blood pressure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Se publica en ingles en: Bull. Pan Am.Health Organ 24(2)

Sal y tensión arterial en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Salt and blood pressure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Salt and blood pressure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Estratégias da medicina preventiva

Este livro reflete o trabalho pioneiro de Geoffrey Rose, que influenciou e impulsionou o desenvolvimento da prática clínica preventiva e das políticas públicas de saúde. Esta edição comentada reúne ao texto clássico de Rose os comentários de Kay-Tee Khaw e Michael Marmot, que acrescentam suas próprias perspectivas sobre a importância das ideias do autor para a medicina atual, trazendo novos exemplos de como essa teoria pode ser aplicada.

Estratégias da medicina preventiva / Strategies of preventive medicine

Este livro reflete o trabalho pioneiro de Geoffrey Rose, que influenciou e impulsionou o desenvolvimento da prática clínica preventiva e das políticas públicas de saúde. Esta edição comentada reúne ao texto clássico de Rose os comentários de Kay-Tee Khaw e Michael Marmot, que acrescentam suas próprias perspectivas sobre a importância das ideias do autor para a medicina atual, trazendo novos exemplos de como essa teoria pode ser aplicada.