The effect of uneventful cataract surgery on Schlemm's canal and the trabecular meshwork in cases with pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on Schlemm's canal (SC) and the trabecular meshwork (TM) in cases with pseudoexfoliation (PX). METHODS: In this prospective study, 37 PX and 37 normal eyes, who underwent cataract surgery, were included. The PX group was further divided into two subgroups: PX syndrome (PXS) and PX glaucoma (PXG). Preoperative complete ophthalmologic examination, anterior segment (AS) imaging using a Scheimpflug camera, and measurements of SC length and area and TM thickness and length using AS optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were performed in all cases. All measurements were repeated at the first and third months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), AS parameters, SC, and TM values showed no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). After surgery, there was a significant increase in AS parameter values and a significant decrease in IOP values in both the PX and control groups (p < 0.05). The nasal and temporal SC area showed a significant increase in the PX group after surgery (p = 0.007, p = 0.003, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the only significant change in the nasal and temporal SC area was in the PXS group (p = 0.006, p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery resulted in an increase in the SC area in patients with PXS. This increase may be due to multiple mechanisms including the IOP-lowering effect of cataract removal, change in AS, and removal of intraocular PX material after surgery.

Clinical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG). METHODS: The patients who underwent AGV implantation for POAG and PEXG between January 2015 and December 2021 in a single tertiary center eye clinic were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-one eyes with the diagnosis of POAG constituted Group 1 and 40 eyes with the diagnosis of PEXG constituted Group 2. The primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after AGV implantation and surgical success at the last visit. We evaluated complete and qualified surgical success using the following three criteria: (1) IOP ≤ 21mmH g, (2) IOP ≤ 18 mmHg, and (3) IOP ≤ 15 mmHg, as well as the absence of any serious complications, such as light perception loss and phthisis bulbi, and additional de novo glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up times were 25.2 (± 21.4) months and 27.6 (± 19.8) months for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p > 0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, the mean preoperative IOPs were 31.9 ± 9.4 mmHg and 32.3 ± 8.4 mmHg, respectively, which significantly reduced to 14.5 ± 0.7 mmHg and 11.6 ± 0.6 mmHg, respectively at the last postoperative visit (p < 0.001 for both). The mean IOP value at the last visit was statistically significantly lower in Group 2 (p = 0.006). At the last visit, the number of eyes with qualified success according to criteria 1, 2, and 3 was 26 (83.9%), 25 (80.6%), and 18 (58.1%), respectively, in Group 1 and 39 (97.5%), 39 (97.5%), and 32 (80%), respectively, in Group 2. The comparison of the qualified success rates showed statistically significantly higher rates in Group 2 for criterion 2 (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: AGV implantation had high success rates in both POAG and PEXG, but at the final visit, lower IOP levels were reached in the latter.

Nonsuperotemporal quadrant implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve using modified long scleral tunnel technique for intraocular pressure control.

PURPOSE: As superotemporal implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve is not always feasible in cases of refractory glaucoma, this study examined the characteristics and surgical outcomes of cases in which the valve was implanted in a nonsuperotemporal quadrant using a modified long scleral tunnel technique. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 37 eyes with nonsuperotemporal quadrant--Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 1 and 69 eyes with superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 2. The demographic characteristics of these groups, surgical outcomes, including complications, further surgical interventions, and surgical success rates were compared. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure not exceeding 21 mmHg, accompanied by a minimum reduction of 20% in intraocular pressure from the baseline without any additional intraocular pressure-lowering procedures, and the absence of light perception loss or phthisis bulbi. RESULTS: Group 1 had significantly higher numbers of eyes with secondary glaucoma and preoperative surgical procedures than Group 2 (p<0.05). Both groups had mean preoperative intraocular pressure values, and mean intraocular pressure values at the last visit of 34.2 and 27.9 months, 35.5 ± 1.5 and 35.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, and 14.5 ± 5 and 14.9 mmHg, respectively. Although both groups had 70.2% and 75.8% as their five-year cumulative probability of success, respectively, the rates of complications, revisional surgery, and additional surgical procedures did not differ significantly (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The modified long scleral tunnel technique for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in nonsuperotemporal quadrants achieves intraocular pressure control and complication rates comparable to superotemporal implantation.

Factors Affecting the Results of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Diabetic Neovascular Glaucoma With or Without Previous Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with or without a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) history and to analyze the factors affecting surgical failure. Methods: Patients with NVG secondary to PDR undergoing AGVI at a single center were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical failure rates and post-operative complications were compared between eyes with (PPV-AGVI group) and without previous PPV (AGVI group). Failure was defined as loss of light perception or intraocular pressure (IOP) >17 mmHg despite maximum medication, or need of additional intervention for IOP control or for the management of complications. Survival analysis was investigated by Kaplan-Meier test. The possible factors for failure were analyzed with logistic regression analysis. Results: The failure rates were 21.9% during the mean follow-up of 27.56±15.38 months and 14.3% during 23.63±12.38 months, in PPV-AGVI group (n=32) and in AGVI group (n=49), respectively (p=0.37). The frequency of complications and surgical intervention need for management of post-operative complications was similar between groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in survival analysis (p=0.13). The history of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection before AGVI was significantly associated with failure (odds ratio = 26.941, p=0.02). Conclusion: The results of AGVI performed with long scleral tunnel technique were comparable in terms of failure rates, between NVG patients with and without previous diabetic vitrectomy. The only significant factor for failure was intravitreal anti-VEGF pre-treatment. This may be related to the necessity of anti-VEGF therapy in aggressive PDR, and also, anti-VEGF agents may increase fibrosis in the anterior chamber angle.

Trends in Causative Organisms and Antimicrobial Resistance in Late-onset Neonatal Sepsis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance of microorganisms isolated in cases of culture-positive nosocomial late-onset neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between October 2015 and June 2022 were retrospectively screened. A total of 458 different cultures from 386 sepsis incidents in 250 infants were analyzed. Over an 8-year period, 407 cases of culture-positive nosocomial late-onset neonatal sepsis were reviewed in a total of 4244 infants. Twenty-one cases were excluded due to insufficient data. The incidence of culture-positive nosocomial sepsis was 6.3%. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common gram-positive bacteria found in cultures. Resistance to ampicillin and cephalosporin treatments was high, while resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid was low. Klebsiella spp. were the most frequent gram-negative bacteria isolated in cultures and showed high resistance to non-carbapenembased regimens. The only fungal microorganisms isolated in cultures were Candida spp., which had a high mortality rate despite their low resistance profile. The mortality rate due to nosocomial sepsis was 19.6%. Our study demonstrated that microorganisms and their antibiotic resistance profiles changed over time in the newborn intensive care unit. Gram-negative pathogens exhibited high antibiotic resistance, while fungi had high mortality rates. It is essential to adjust empirical antibiotic regimens for nosocomial sepsis based on thorough surveillance.

Neurological and Visual Outcomes in Infants and Toddlers Following Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: The majority of studies have investigated neurodevelopmental outcomes, whereas visual impairment is less explored in children with a history of neonatal (hypoxic-ischemic) encephalopathy. Our aim was to perform a detailed neurological and visual assessment and also to investigate the presence of cerebral visual impairment in infants and toddlers with neonatal encephalopathy. METHODS: Thirty participants with a history of neonatal encephalopathy, who had been hospitalized for therapeutic hypothermia, underwent a detailed neurological examination at age five to 36 months. Age-matched, 30 healthy children were also enrolled as a control group. All children in the study and control groups received neurological and a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, including visual field and visual acuity. Presence of cerebral visual impairment was also evaluated clinically. RESULTS: Rates of cerebral palsy, severe motor impairment, cognitive impairment, epilepsy, and cerebral visual impairment were found to be 20%, 10%, 15.3%, 10%, and 20%, respectively. When compared with healthy controls, oculomotor functions, pupillary light response, refractive parameters, anterior/posterior segment examinations, ocular visual impairment rates, and last, visual acuities were found similar. However, we found a statistically significant increase in visual field defects in our study group. CONCLUSIONS: It could be better to perform a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination including visual field, visual acuity, and oculomotor functions by a pediatric ophthalmologist to accurately diagnose neurovisual deficits in infants following therapeutic hypothermia. Early identification and rehabilitation of the visual deficits might improve the neurodevelopment in these children.

Nonsuperotemporal quadrant implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve using modified long scleral tunnel technique for intraocular pressure control

ABSTRACT Purpose: As superotemporal implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve is not always feasible in cases of refractory glaucoma, this study examined the characteristics and surgical outcomes of cases in which the valve was implanted in a nonsuperotemporal quadrant using a modified long scleral tunnel technique. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 37 eyes with nonsuperotemporal quadrant--Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 1 and 69 eyes with superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in Group 2. The demographic characteristics of these groups, surgical outcomes, including complications, further surgical interventions, and surgical success rates were compared. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure not exceeding 21 mmHg, accompanied by a minimum reduction of 20% in intraocular pressure from the baseline without any additional intraocular pressure-lowering procedures, and the absence of light perception loss or phthisis bulbi. Results: Group 1 had significantly higher numbers of eyes with secondary glaucoma and preoperative surgical procedures than Group 2 (p<0.05). Both groups had mean preoperative intraocular pressure values, and mean intraocular pressure values at the last visit of 34.2 and 27.9 months, 35.5 ± 1.5 and 35.8 ± 1.2 mmHg, and 14.5 ± 5 and 14.9 mmHg, respectively. Although both groups had 70.2% and 75.8% as their five-year cumulative probability of success, respectively, the rates of complications, revisional surgery, and additional surgical procedures did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Conclusion: The modified long scleral tunnel technique for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in nonsuperotemporal quadrants achieves intraocular pressure control and complication rates comparable to superotemporal implantation.

Simultaneous posterior eyelid ptosis repair and strabismus surgery: a single-stage approach / Cirurgia reparadora simultânea de blefaroptose posterior e de estrabismo: abordagem de estágio único

ABSTRACT Purpose: Blepharoptosis with coexisting strabismus can be observed in adults, and both these conditions affect cosmetic appearance and have psychosocial effects. Both also commonly require surgery, which is typically performed using a sequential approach. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy and strabismus surgery in adult patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus. Methods: Patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus who underwent simultaneous Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy and horizontal strabismus surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Analysis included measurement of the angle of deviation in prism diopters, margin reflex distance, eyelid height asymmetry, and complications following surgery. Success of Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy was defined as a margin reflex distance of ≥3.5 and ≤5 mm with a difference between the two upper eyelids of <1 mm. Strabismus success was defined as alignment with ±10 prism diopters of orthotropia. Results: The patients comprised three women and five men with a mean age of 37.12 years (range, 22-62 years). The strabismus stage of the surgery was performed first in all patients. Upper eyelid symmetry outcomes were assessed as perfect (<0.5 mm) in four patients and good (≥0.5 mm, <1 mm) in four patients. Success of Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy was achieved in six of eight patients (75%), and strabismus success was achieved in all patients. No revision eyelid or strabismus surgery was required following simultaneous surgery in any of the patients. Conclusion: Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with or without tarsectomy combined with strabismus surgery may be an alternative approach for use in patients with ptosis and coexisting strabismus.

RESUMO Objetivo: Blefaroptose e estrabismo podem ser coexistentes em adultos e ambos afetam a aparência estética e o domínio psicossocial. Ambos também geralmente requerem cirurgia, realizada tradicionalmente em uma abordagem sequencial. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da execução simultânea da ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem cirurgia de tarsectomia, e da cirurgia de estrabismo em pacientes adultos com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes. Métodos: Foram retrospectivamente avaliados pacientes com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes submetidos simultaneamente à ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem tarsectomia, e à cirurgia de estrabismo horizontal. A análise incluiu a mensuração do ângulo de desvio das dioptrias de prisma, a distância do reflexo à margem, a assimetria da altura palpebral e quaisquer complicações após a cirurgia. A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem sucesso na tarsectomia, foi considerada bem-sucedida com uma distância reflexo-margem medindo entre 3,5 e 5 mm, e uma diferença entre as duas pálpebras superiores menor que 1 mm. O sucesso da cirurgia de estrabismo foi definido como um alinhamento com ± 10 dioptrias prismáticas de ortotropia. Resultados: Os pacientes foram 3 mulheres e 5 homens, com média de idade de 37,12 anos (faixa de 22 a 62 anos). A parte de estrabismo da cirurgia foi realizada primeiro em todos os pacientes. Os resultados da simetria palpebral superior foram avaliados como perfeitos (<0,5 mm) em 4 pacientes, bons (≥0,5 mm, <1 mm) em 4 pacientes e regulares (≥1 mm) em nenhum. A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem sucesso na tarsectomia, teve sucesso em 6 dos 8 pacientes (75%) e a intervenção para o estrabismo foi bem-sucedida em todos os pacientes. Não foi necessária cirurgia de revisão da pálpebra ou do estrabismo após a cirurgia simultânea em nenhum paciente. Conclusão: A ressecção musculoconjuntival de Müller, com ou sem tarsectomia, pode ser combinada com a cirurgia de estrabismo em uma abordagem alternativa para pacientes com ptose e estrabismo coexistentes.

Influence of the epiretinal membrane on ranibizumab therapy outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema / Influência da membrana epirretiniana sobre os resultados da terapia de ranibizumab em edema macular diabético

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the influence of the epiretinal membrane (ERM) on intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: This retrospective study included 56 eyes of 48 patients with DME divided into two groups: the DME with ERM (study) and only DME (control) groups. Changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. Results: In the study group, although the CMT was significantly reduced following the first injection (p<0.001), BCVA did not improve significantly (p=0.296). However, after the first injection, the control group exhibited both a significant decrease in CMT (p<0.001) and improvement in BCVA (p<0.001). However, the improvement in BCVA in the control group was not significantly different from the outcome of the study group. Conclusions: We observed a negative short-term influence of the ERM on IVR treatment for DME.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência da membrana epirretiniana (ERM) na terapia intravítrea com ranibizumab (IVR) para o edema macular diabético (DME). Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo consistiu de 56 olhos de 48 pacientes com DME que foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo DME com ERM (estudo) e o grupo só DME (controle). Foram avaliadas alterações na espessura central de macular (CMT) e melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA). Resultados: No grupo de estudo, embora a CMT tenha sido significativamente reduzida após a 1ª injeção (p<0,001), a acuidade visual não melhorou significativamente (p=0,296). Após a 1ª injeção, o grupo controle apresentou diminuição significativa no CMT (p<0,001) e melhora na acuidade visual (p<0,001). No grupo controle, embora a mudança de CMT tenha sido significativa (p<0,001), a melhora da acuidade visual não foi significativa quando comparada com o grupo de estudo. Conclusões: No curto prazo, observou-se uma influência negativa da ERM sobre o IVR em DME.