PREDICTIVE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER PANRETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION IN PEOPLE WITH PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To determine effects of baseline characteristics and laser type performed on outcomes in people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). METHODS: Medical records of all consecutive patients with PDR naïve to PRP, identified using an electronic database, evaluated at the Macula Clinic, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, receiving their first PRP between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, and followed for a minimum of 6 months after stabilization of PDR, were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included time to stabilization after PRP, progression of PDR, and mean change in the best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to the last follow-up. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the effect of baseline characteristics and type of laser on outcomes after treatment. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients (135 eyes) with a mean age of 56.9 (SD: 12.9) years were included, 67% males. People receiving pattern or mixed laser had a statistically significantly delayed stabilization (HR: 0.57, P = 0.020; and HR: 0.44, P ≤ 0.001, respectively) and increased risk of progression (HR: 1.87, P = 0.045; and HR: 1.96, P = 0.028, respectively) when compared with those receiving standard laser. Among other potential predictors in multivariable regression analysis, only vitreous hemorrhage and fibrosis or traction at baseline increased the risk of progression (HR: 1.58, P = 0.047; and HR: 4.29, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). Baseline characteristics and type of laser had no statistically significant effect on vision. CONCLUSION: These findings should be considered when selecting laser treatment, planning surveillance, and counselling patients with PDR undergoing PRP.

A retrospective study of conjunctival lesions in the Paediatric Eye Clinic over 12 years.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric conjunctival lesions are rare and diverse. Though often indolent and asymptomatic, they can in some cases be sight or life-threatening. Awareness of concerning features of conjunctival lesions is key to optimal management. We aim to provide insight into management of paediatric conjunctival lesions though a review of cases in our service in last 12 years. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of our population-based cohort of children with conjunctival lesions presenting to our regional service in Belfast between 2011 and 2022 inclusive. We detail three rare cases of paediatric conjunctival lesions; a congenital intrascleral cyst leading to astigmatic amblyopia, a rapidly changing salmon-pink lesion confirmed as an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and an unusual presentation of a chronic granuloma arising from the caruncle. RESULTS: 85 conjunctival lesions were identified in <16 year olds giving a cumulative incidence of 27 cases per 100,000 population over 12 years. Mean age at presentation was 7 years old. Most common lesions were naevi (40%), limbal dermoids (21%), conjunctival melanosis (14%), conjunctival cysts (7%) and phlycten (6%). When seen at presentation 8% of cases were immediately listed for surgery, 28% were discharged and 64% entered a phase of observation. CONCLUSION: Paediatric conjunctival lesions have potential to cause visual manifestations, whilst some may undergo malignant transformation. Anterior segment photography is crucial in monitoring change and facilitating early discharge in the absence of sinister features. Malignant transformation must be considered in changing lesions which ought to have histological diagnosis obtained to prevent potentially sight and life-threatening conditions.

Genetic Diagnosis of Retinoblastoma Using Aqueous Humour-Findings from an Extended Cohort.

The identification of somatic RB1 variation is crucial to confirm the heritability of retinoblastoma. We and others have previously shown that, when tumour DNA is unavailable, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from aqueous humour (AH) can be used to identify somatic RB1 pathogenic variation. Here we report RB1 pathogenic variant detection, as well as cfDNA concentration in an extended cohort of 75 AH samples from 68 patients. We show cfDNA concentration is highly variable and significantly correlated with the collection point of the AH. Cell-free DNA concentrations above 5 pg/µL enabled the detection of 93% of known or expected RB1 pathogenic variants. In AH samples collected during intravitreal chemotherapy treatment (Tx), the yield of cfDNA above 5 pg/µL and subsequent variant detection was low (≤46%). However, AH collected by an anterior chamber tap after one to three cycles of primary chemotherapy (Dx1+) enabled the detection of 75% of expected pathogenic variants. Further limiting our analysis to Dx1+ samples taken after ≤2 cycles (Dx ≤ 2) provided measurable levels of cfDNA in all cases, and a subsequent variant detection rate of 95%. Early AH sampling is therefore likely to be important in maximising cfDNA concentration and the subsequent detection of somatic RB1 pathogenic variants in retinoblastoma patients undergoing conservative treatment.

Outcomes and Complications of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Tractional Retinal Detachment in People With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Tractional retinal detachment (TRD) occurs in approximately 5% of people with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and poses a threat to vision. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the treatment of choice for TRD. Objective: To determine anatomic and functional outcomes of PPV for the treatment of TRD in people with diabetes (dTRD). Data Sources: MEDLINE and Embase were searched systematically from January 1, 2000, to February 20, 2022. In addition, a reference list of eligible studies were screened. Study Selection: Eligible studies were those published in English, those reporting outcomes of PPV for dTRD, and those that included more than 25 eyes and with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for data extraction/synthesis were followed, and the National Institute for Health quality assessment tool was used to assess risk of bias. Study eligibility was determined independently by 2 reviewers; data extraction was conducted by 1 reviewer and entries checked for accuracy by another. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes included rate of failure of retinal reattachment following 1 surgery and final visual acuity (VA). The association of baseline patient characteristics and surgical maneuvers with postoperative surgical outcomes was investigated. Results: Of the 406 studies identified, 38 (3839 eyes) were eligible and included for analysis. Patients had a median (IQR) age of 52.2 (49.6-55.7) years. In the studies reporting patient sex (31 of 38 studies), 1441 were female individuals (50.1%). The overall failure rate of retinal reattachment after 1 surgery was 5.9% (95% CI, 1.4%-8.3%), and the mean final VA was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.82-1.05) logMAR (approximate Snellen equivalent, 6/53; 95% CI, 6/39-6/71). People with higher preoperative VA achieved higher postoperative vision (0.66 logMAR worse final vision; 95% CI, 0.39-0.84 per 1.0 logMAR worse at baseline; P <.001). On multivariable analysis, no other patient characteristics or surgical variables had a statistically significant association with outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PPV was an effective strategy to achieve retinal reattachment in people with dTRD. Given that higher preoperative VA was the only factor associated with higher postoperative vision, early intervention should be considered and discussed in detail with patients. Overall, final postoperative VA remains low, and patients should be counseled on the guarded prognosis of dTRD.

Retinal Ischaemia in Diabetic Retinopathy: Understanding and Overcoming a Therapeutic Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Retinal ischaemia is present to a greater or lesser extent in all eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Nonetheless, our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, as well as other characteristics of retinal ischaemia in DR is very limited. To date, there is no treatment to revascularise ischaemic retina. METHODS: Review of the literature highlighting the current knowledge on the topic of retinal ischaemia in DR, important observations made, and underlying gaps for which research is needed. RESULTS: A very scarce number of clinical studies, mostly cross-sectional, have evaluated specifically retinal ischaemia in DR. Interindividual variability on its natural course and consequences, including the development of its major complications, namely diabetic macular ischaemia and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, have not been investigated. The in situ, surrounding, and distance effect of retinal ischaemia on retinal function and structure and its change over time remains also to be elucidated. Treatments to prevent the development of retinal ischaemia and, importantly, to achieve retinal reperfusion once capillary drop out has ensued, are very much needed and remain to be developed. CONCLUSION: Research into retinal ischaemia in diabetes should be a priority to save sight.

Comparative Evaluation of the Intranasal Spray Formulation of Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine in Patients Undergoing Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Split Mouth Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective randomized single blinded split mouth study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of intranasal atomised spray formulation of Dexmedetomidine with Midazolam in patients undergoing surgical removal of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in twenty volunteers. Each volunteer underwent the surgical removal of an impacted mandibular third molar at two separate appointments at an interval of two weeks. The first third molar surgery was conducted using either intranasal Midazolam (Group M) or intranasal Dexmedetomidine (Group D). At the second appointment the surgical procedure was performed using the sedative agent not used at the first appointment. The primary testing outcome variables were Plasma oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse and blood pressure and Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scale. These were recorded at predetermined intervals starting 10 min before the administration of local anaesthesia and continued up to 10 min after completion of the procedure. In addition surgeon's opinion regarding the patient cooperation, event amnesia, post operative nausea & vomiting were obtained. RESULTS: The sample composed of twenty patients (M = 9 and F = 11). There was statistically no significant difference between Group M and Group D with respect to mean SpO2. Minor differences were however noted at 20 and 30 min after sedation. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to mean pulse rate, blood pressure, OAA/S, event amnesia, post operative nausea and vomiting and patient cooperation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine are equivalent and can be used in minor oral surgery with minimal complications. These drugs can be used intranasally using nasal atomization device in routine outpatient basis in otherwise normal healthy but anxious patients. All procedures must however be performed in the presence of an anaesthesiologist and with ready availability of emergency drugs and equipment.

Complications in the use of bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps for advanced oral submucous fibrosis.

Surgical management of advanced oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) using bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps is becoming increasingly popular. However no comprehensive analysis of delayed complications using this technique is available in the literature. The authors have conducted a retrospective study to examine the delayed complications of bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps used in advanced oral submucous fibrosis at their institute along with a detailed review of literature on the subject. Thirty-two patients from January 2004 to December 2015 with OSMF and an interincisal distance less than 15 mm were included. All patients were treated with bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flaps for correction of the restricted mouth opening. All patients had postoperative physiotherapy and were followed up for a minimum period of 6 months. All complaints of patients during the follow up phase were included in this study. In this series, complications such as partial necrosis, intra-oral hair growth, unacceptable extra-oral scar, wound dehiscence, orocutaneous fistula, and pincushioning effect were observed. Numerous complications can occur with the use of nasolabial flaps for the management of advanced oral submucous fibrosis. Although most complications are of inconsequential nature the surgeon must observe due diligence when using this flap.