Effect of surgical timing in 23-g pars plana vitrectomy for primary repair of macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a common, potentially blinding ocular pathology that is considered a surgical emergency. Macular involvement has been identified as a major negative prognostic indicator for visual recovery after RRD correction. It is not currently clear whether early intervention improves visual outcomes, and in practice, there are potential disadvantages to performing early surgery for fovea-involving RRD. Such disadvantages include inadequate assessment of coexisting comorbidities, increased rate of complications related to poorly trained staff or tired surgeons, and anesthetic risk. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study of patients who underwent repair of macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment at the University of Virginia was performed. Variables collected included patient demographics, ocular history, clinical characteristics, and post-operative complications. Patients were excluded if they had a history of congenital or acquired pathology with an effect on visual function, bilateral or repeat rhegmatogenous detachment, age less than 18 years, follow up duration less than 6 months, or if they were repaired using scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, 25- or 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, or any combination of these techniques. A multivariate regression model was used to compare overall outcomes such as post-operative visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure, retina attachment status, and complications among patients of differing timing of surgical repair. These analyses were adjusted for clinical factors known or considered to be associated with worse prognosis in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients undergoing 23-gauge vitrectomy for repair of macula involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachments were included in this study with mean follow up period 17.9 ± 14.1 months. Early surgical repair (< 48 h) was pursued in 26 patients, moderately delayed surgical repair (3-7 days), was performed in 29 patients and late surgical repair (> 7 days) in 49 patients. Our analysis showed no difference in post-operative visual acuity between patients with detachments undergoing early versus moderately delayed repair of RRD. However, mean visual acuity differed between patients undergoing early versus late repair at 3, 6, and 12 months. No significant difference was observed in post-operative complications between the three surgical timepoints including cataract formation, development of glaucoma and re-detachment rate. Use of 360 laser was found to be protective against re-detachment overall (OR 6.70 95% CI 1.93-23.2). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that a moderate delay of 3-7 days from symptom onset for repair of macula-involving retinal detachment may be a safe approach as there are no differences in terms of visual acuity or post-operative complications compared to early repair within 48 h. Delaying surgery for > 7 days however is not recommended due to the loss of recovery of visual acuity observed in this study. Use of 360 laser may prevent risk of re-detachment after primary repair.

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) persistence and reasons for discontinuation in a predominantly male cohort with axial spondyloarthritis.

Although tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) have favorably altered the treatment landscape for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), there is limited data regarding TNFi persistence and reasons for discontinuation. This is an observational time-to-event study utilizing data collected for a prospective multiple-disease registry of US Veterans with axSpA treated with TNFi therapies and recruited over a 10 year period. Clinical, serological, and comorbid parameters were collected. Corporate Data Warehouse Pharmacy files provided courses of the 5 TNFi agents, and response to treatment was documented. Individual TNFi persistence was established utilizing univariate and multivariate Cox proportional models, and reasons for discontinuation were obtained by physician chart review. Two-hundred and fifty-five axSpA patients received 731 TNFi courses. A majority of patients (84.3%) had TNFi persistence at 12 months; 63.5% and 47.1% at 24 and 36 months, respectively. Compared to adalimumab, infliximab demonstrated greater persistence, certolizumab the least. Age, smoking status, BMI, comorbidity burden, inflammatory markers and HLA-B27 did not predict TNFi persistence or discontinuation. Stroke and peripheral arterial disease increased the probability of TNFi discontinuation. Secondary non-response (SNR) was the most common reason for discontinuation (46% of all courses); non-adherence (6%) and clinical remission (2%) were uncommon. Pain score at enrollment, myocardial infarction, African American race and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predicted TNFi response. While initial persistence of TNFi treatment was high, a large proportion of the patients discontinued initial TNFi therapy by 3 years, primarily due to loss of efficacy. While further research identifying potential predictors of TNFi discontinuation in axSpA is warranted, access to alternate disease-modifying therapies is needed.

Prevalence of asteroid hyalosis and systemic risk factors in United States adults.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Asteroid hyalosis (AH) is an uncommon clinical entity of unknown aetiology that is associated with older age. Previous epidemiologic studies have reported various systemic and demographic risk factors for AH but remain limited due to regional constraints of their study populations. Additionally, Hispanic and Non-Hispanic black populations remain under sampled. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of asteroid hyalosis in the United States and identify associated factors at a national level. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study of 5578 subjects aged 40 and older from the 2005 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The primary outcome measured was asteroid hyalosis on retinal imaging in any eye. Evaluated risk factors included patient demographics, medical history, body measures, serum markers, and fundus photography findings. RESULTS: Prevalence of asteroid hyalosis was 0.86% overall, 0.86% in Caucasians, 0.79% in African-Americans, and 0.88% in Hispanics. Asteroid hyalosis was associated with older age (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.12; odds ratio [OR], 1.09) but not ethnicity or sex. After adjusting for age, greater bodyweight (p = 0.049; 95% CI, 0.001-0.04; OR, 1.02), and history of myocardial infarction (p = 0.022; 95% CI, 0.07-1.55; OR, 2.36) were also found to be significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Asteroid hyalosis is a rare entity in the US associated with older age, greater body weight, and prior history of MI. A potential relationship between AH and cardiovascular disease remains plausible.

Clinical Outcomes of 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment Repair.

Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcomes of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) repair of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) of various severities. Methods: This retrospective case series examined the outcomes of 27-gauge PPV to repair diabetic TRD from 2016 to 2020. The effect of medical and ophthalmologic history parameters and baseline detachment characteristics on visual acuity (VA) and retinal reattachment was analyzed. A grading system was established to stage the severity of the baseline vitreoretinal traction or detachment and compare the visual and anatomic outcomes between stages. Results: The study comprised 79 eyes (79 patients). The overall redetachment rate was 10.1% (8/79). The proportion of eyes with severe visual impairment (worse than 20/200) decreased from 81.0% (64/79) preoperatively to 56.9% (37/65) 6 months postoperatively (P < .001). Worse preoperative logMAR VA was associated with greater odds of redetachment (P = .017) and worse postoperative VA (P < .001). Insulin dependence was associated with better VA at 6 months (P = .017). A shorter known duration of diabetes (P = .026) and evidence of neovascularization of the iris (NVI) or angle (P = .004) were associated with worse visual outcomes. Eyes with detachment involving the posterior pole extending beyond the equator had worse VA at 6 months (P = .048). Conclusions: The primary reattachment rate after 27-gauge PPV was 89.9%. There was significant VA improvement, with a roughly 40% reduction in the number of eyes with severe visual impairment by the final follow-up. Insulin dependence, duration of diabetes, presence of NVI before surgery, and baseline posterior pole detachment extending beyond the equator were predictors of visual outcomes.

Asteroid Hyalosis: An Update on Prevalence, Risk Factors, Emerging Clinical Impact and Management Strategies.

Asteroid hyalosis (AH) is a benign clinical entity characterized by the presence of multiple refractile spherical calcium and phospholipids within the vitreous body. First described by Benson in 1894, this entity has been well documented in the clinical literature and is named due to the resemblance of asteroid bodies on clinical examination to a starry night sky. Today, a growing body of epidemiologic data estimates the global prevalence of asteroid hyalosis to be around 1%, and there is a strong established association between AH and older age. While pathophysiology remains unclear, a variety of systemic and ocular risk factors for AH have recently been suggested in the literature and may provide insight into possible mechanisms for asteroid body (AB) development. As vision is rarely affected, clinical management is focused on differentiation of asteroid hyalosis from mimicking conditions, evaluation of the underlying retina for other pathology and consideration of vitrectomy in rare cases with visual impairment. Taking into account the recent technologic advances in large-scale medical databases, improving imaging modalities, and the popularity of telemedicine, this review summarizes the growing body of literature of AH epidemiology and pathophysiology and provides updates on the clinical diagnosis and management of AH.

Perioperative systemic blood pressure parameters and clinical outcomes following 27g vitrectomy for diabetic tractional detachment repair.

BACKGROUND: Extremes in perioperative blood pressures are known risk factors for adverse outcomes after surgical interventions. There is scarce literature studying these parameters as predictors of outcomes after ocular surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-centre interventional cohort analysis to evaluate the relationship between perioperative (preoperative and intraoperative) blood pressure value and variability and postoperative visual and anatomic outcomes. Included were patients who underwent primary 27-gauge (27g) vitrectomy for repair of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (DM-TRD) with at least 6 months of follow-up. Univariate analyses were conducted via independent two-sided t-tests and Pearson's χ2 tests. Multivariate analyses were conducted via generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: 71 eyes of 57 patients were included in the study. Higher preprocedure mean arterial pressure (MAP) was associated with fewer Snellen lines of improvement at postoperative month 6 (POM6) (p<0.01). Higher mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure and MAP were associated with visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 (p<0.05). Patients with sustained intraoperative hypertension had 1.77 times the risk of visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 compared with those without sustained intraoperative hypertension (p=0.006). Higher SBP variability was associated with worse visual outcomes at POM6 (p<0.05). Blood pressure was not associated with macular detachment at POM6 (p>0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Higher average perioperative blood pressure and blood pressure variability are associated with worse visual outcomes in patients undergoing 27g vitrectomy for DM-TRD repair. Patients with sustained intraoperative hypertension were approximately twice as likely to have visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 compared to those without sustained intraoperative hypertension.

Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome-like reaction associated with ipilimumab and nivolumab immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for metastasis of choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To present a rare case of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS)-like presentation associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for metastatic choroidal melanoma. OBSERVATIONS: A 67-year-old non-myopic Caucasian female presented with bilateral worsening vision, flashes, and floaters after receiving two doses of ipilimumab and nivolumab for metastatic class 2 peripheral choroidal melanoma. Fundus imaging of the right eye revealed hypopigmented, extra-foveal scattered chorioretinal lesions with foveal granularity. Fluorescein angiogram and autofluorescence of the right eye demonstrated corresponding hyperfluorescent and hyperautofluorescent lesions in a wreath-like configuration. Optical coherence tomography of the right eye revealed subretinal fluid. Due to concurrent systemic side effects, checkpoint inhibitor therapy was paused and the patient was started on oral prednisone. At her one month follow up visit, her vision in her right eye returned to baseline and subretinal fluid resolved. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of a MEWDS-like chorioretinopathy after two cycles of ipilimumab/nivolumab therapy for metastatic choroidal melanoma. As immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is still an evolving field, more research is needed to characterize ocular side effect profiles of these agents.

Local estrogen for nonsurgical recontouring of auricular cartilage.

INTRODUCTION: 5% of children are born with auricular deformities. Permanent recontouring can be achieved through splinting during early infancy. Beyond this time, splinting is ineffective, and patients require surgical correction. Neonatal cartilage malleability is hypothesized to be secondary to retained maternal estrogens, increasing hyaluronic acid concentration. In this article, we evaluate the efficacy of local estrogen treatments for the nonsurgical recontouring of mature auricular cartilage. METHODS: Ears of New Zealand rabbits were folded and splinted and then were randomly assigned to an experimental group, n = 10 (injected estrogen, topical estrogen, saline, or untreated). Treatment ears received injected estrogen or saline twice weekly or topical estrogen daily for 4 weeks. Two weeks post-treatment, splints were removed, and ear angles were measured. Biopsies were taken for histologic and mechanical analysis, and systemic estrogen levels were assayed. RESULTS: Ear angles stabilized by 9 days post-splinting. Topical estrogen led to a significantly smaller resting angle (121.6° ± 13.5°) compared with saline and control (135.9° ± 11.2° and 145.3° ± 13.0°, respectively). Injected estrogen led to the most pronounced angle decrease (64.5° ± 35.3°). Ears injected with estrogen also showed a significant increase in cartilage thickness. Hyaluronic acid concentration was increased in both estrogen treatment groups compared with saline. At 3 weeks post-treatment, there was no significant differences in the elastic modulus of the cartilage or serum estrogen levels among the groups. CONCLUSION: Results show the potential result of local estrogen treatment to achieve a stable nonsurgical remodeling of mature auricular cartilage. Further study is needed to evaluate the molecular mechanism and improve the transdermal estrogen delivery to optimize treatment regimen.

Stand-Alone Xen Gel Microstent Implantation Compared With Kahook Dual Blade Goniotomy.

PRCIS: Both Xen gel Microstent implantation and Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy are safe and effective as stand-alone procedures, but the Xen Gel Microstent was associated with more postoperative interventions and achieved higher success at a lower intraocular pressure threshold. PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of stand-alone Xen Gel Microstent implantation compared with stand-alone KDB goniotomy for moderate to severe glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, case-series analysis comparing outcomes of Xen Gel Microstent implantation and KDB goniotomy stand-alone cases in 75 eyes. Primary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, glaucoma medication reduction, surgical success, and complications. Surgical success was defined using IOP<21 mm Hg and IOP<18 mm Hg thresholds, with or without glaucoma medications, and without further glaucoma surgery. Subjects were followed for at least 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean baseline IOP was comparable between the Xen Gel Microstent and KDB goniotomy groups (23.7±8.4 and 25.9±7.9 mm Hg, respectively, P =0.32). At 24 months after surgery, the mean IOP after Xen Gel Microstent was 14.7±3.2 mm Hg (32.7% reduction from baseline, P =0.018) and KDB goniotomy was 16.7±3.2 mm Hg (40.4% reduction from baseline, P =0.049). Although the mean IOP was significantly lower during the first month after Xen Gel Microstent implantation, no difference in mean IOP was observed between the 2 treatment groups at 24 months after surgery ( P =0.416). At 24 months after surgery, the percent reduction of IOP from baseline was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean reduction of glaucoma medications from baseline at 24 months was 1.69 drops after Xen Gel Microstent implantation ( P =.008) and 1.67 drops after KDB goniotomy ( P =0.038). Postoperative complications were nonvision-threatening and were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P =0.550). Interventions not included with complications were needling performed in 21 (37%) of eyes in the Xen Gel Microstent group and Nd:YAG goniopuncture in 1 (5.6%) eye after KDB goniotomy. With an IOP threshold <21 mm Hg, surgical success was not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P =0.06). At a lower IOP threshold (<18 mm Hg), surgical success was higher after Xen Gel Microstent implantation compared with KDB goniotomy ( P =0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both stand-alone Xen Gel Microstent implantation and KDB goniotomy can effectively and safely reduce IOP for moderate to severe glaucoma. The Xen Gel Microstent was associated with a higher need for postoperative interventions and achieved greater success at a lower IOP threshold.

Effect of surgical modality on visual outcomes for young patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes of different surgical modalities for correcting primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in patients younger than 50 years of age. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A single-centre, retrospective, cohort study of 754 patients who underwent retinal surgery at the University of Virginia Hospital between 1 July 2012 and 1 July 2020 was conducted. Exclusion criteria were patients less than 18 or over 50 years of age, repeat detachments, second eyes of patients with bilateral detachments and follow-up less than 3 months. A multivariate regression model was used to compare overall outcomes in patients. RESULTS: 86 patients met inclusion criteria and of those, 38 (44%) underwent vitrectomy, 22 (26%) underwent scleral buckling, 13 (15%) underwent pneumatic retinopexy and 13 (15%) underwent combined scleral buckle and vitrectomy repair. Comparison of eye-level parameters among the procedure groups shows difference with respect to macular involvement (p<0.05) but not regarding clock hour involvement or giant tear status (p>0.05). Preoperative visual acuity was superior in the scleral buckle group compared with vitrectomy (p<0.001). Mean postoperative visual acuity improved with all procedures and all repair procedures had comparable rates of complication. The mean overall anatomical success rate was 73% (n=63) and comparable among all modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Vitrectomy, scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy or combined procedures are viable repair options for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in patients younger than 50 years of age. Selection of the repair modality should be guided on baseline clinical features of the patient and detachment.

Ophthalmic Diagnosis and Novel Management of Infantile Refsum Disease with Combination Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cholic Acid.

Infantile Refsum disease is a rare peroxisomal biogenesis disorder characterized by impaired alpha-oxidation and accumulation of phytanic acid in the tissues. Patients often present with fundus changes resembling retinitis pigmentosa, developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, ataxia, and hepatomegaly. Traditionally, mainstay treatment for this condition has been a phytanic acid-restricted diet, although supplementation with either docosahexaenoic acid or cholic acid has rarely been described in the literature. We present a case of infantile Refsum disease in a child with retinitis pigmentosa-like ocular findings, sensorineural hearing loss, and self-resolving hepatic disease, who developed novel findings of macular edema refractory to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. We describe management with a phytanic acid-restricted diet and combination docosahexaenoic acid, and cholic acid therapy, which helped to limit progression of her disease.