Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Tacrolimus-Eluting Stent in a Porcine Coronary Artery Model

BACKGROUND@#A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a highly beneficial medical device used to widen or unblock narrowed blood vessels. However, the drugs released by the implantation of DES may hinder the re-endothelialization process, increasing the risk of late thrombosis. We have developed a tacrolimus-eluting stent (TES) that as acts as a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent, enhancing endothelial regeneration. In addition, we assessed the safety and efficacy of TES through both in vitro and in vivo tests. @*METHODS@#Tacrolimus and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were applied to the metal stent using electrospinning equipment. The surface morphology of the stent was examined before and after coating using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The drug release test was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed using smooth muscle cells (SMC).The stent was then inserted into the porcine coronary artery and monitored for a duration of 4 weeks. @*RESULTS@#SEM analysis confirmed that the coating surface was uniform. Furthermore, EDX analysis showed that the surface was coated with both polymer and drug components. The HPCL analysis of TCL at a wavelength of 215 nm revealed that the drug was continuously released over a period of 4 weeks. Smooth muscle cell migration was significantly decreased in the tacrolimus group (54.1% ± 11.90%) compared to the non-treated group (90.1% ± 4.86%). In animal experiments, the stenosis rate was significantly reduced in the TES group (29.6% ± 7.93%) compared to the bare metal stent group (41.3% ± 10.18%). Additionally, the fibrin score was found to be lower in the TES group compared to the group treated with a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). @*CONCLUSION@#Similar to SES, TES reduces neointimal proliferation in a porcine coronary artery model, specifically decreasing the fibrins score. Therefore, tacrolimus could be considered a promising drug for reducing restenosis and thrombosis.

Preclinical Evaluation of an Everolimus-Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Via a Long-Term Rabbit Iliac Artery Model

BACKGROUND@#Biodegradable poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA), a bio safe polymer with a large elastic modulus, is widely used in biodegradable medical devices. However, because of its poor mechanical properties, a PLLA strut must be made twice as thick as a metal strut for adequate blood vessel support. Therefore, the mechanical properties of a drug-eluting metal-based stents (MBS) and a bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were evaluated and their safety and efficacy were examined via a long-term rabbit iliac artery model. @*METHODS@#The surface morphologies of the MBSs and BVSs were investigated via optical and scanning electron microscopy. An everolimus-eluting (EE) BVS or an EE-MBS was implanted into rabbit iliac arteries at a 1.1:1 stent-toartery ratio. Twelve months afterward, stented iliac arteries from each group were analyzed via X-ray angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and histopathologic evaluation. @*RESULTS@#Surface morphology analysis of the EE coating on the MBS confirmed that it was uniform and very thin (4.7 lm). Comparison of the mechanical properties of the EE-MBS and EE-BVS showed that the latter outperformed the former in all aspects (radial force (2.75 vs. 0.162 N/mm), foreshortening (0.24% vs. 1.9%), flexibility (0.52 vs. 0.19 N), and recoil (3.2% vs. 6.3%). At all time points, the percent area restenosis was increased in the EE-BVS group compared to the EE-MBS group. The OCT and histopathological analyses indicate no significant changes in strut thickness. @*CONCLUSION@#BVSs with thinner struts and shorter resorption times should be developed. A comparable long-term safety/efficacy evaluation after complete absorption of BVSs should be conducted.

Development of New Solitary Retinoblastoma Tumors during and after Chemotherapy

Purpose@#To review the occurrence of new solitary tumors during and after intravenous chemotherapy against retinoblastoma. @*Methods@#From 115 eyes of 78 patients with a diagnosis of intraocular retinoblastoma who underwent intravenous chemotherapy and focal treatment without prior treatment, patient demographics, age at diagnosis, laterality, classification (Reese-Ellsworth and International Classification of Retinoblastoma), and treatment options were recorded. In addition, the occurrence of small tumors during and after chemotherapy was documented with a detailed review of medical records and fundus photographs. @*Results@#Of a total of 115 eyes of 78 consecutive patients, new solitary tumors were observed in 50 eyes (50 / 115, 43%) of 40 patients (40 / 78, 51%). Multinominal logistic regression analyses showed that age at diagnosis (before 1 year) and vitreal seeding at diagnosis were linked to the development of isolated and miliary tumors, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that all small tumors developed with 20 months from the start of chemotherapy. Twenty-eight eyes (28 / 34, 82%) were salvaged with additional focal treatment in 34 eyes with isolated tumors. @*Conclusions@#Small tumors were observed during and after chemotherapy against retinoblastoma in patients who underwent intravenous chemotherapy and focal treatment. It is necessary to promptly identify and address small tumors for the preservation of eyeball and vision.

Toward the Clinical Application of Therapeutic Angiogenesis Against Pediatric Ischemic Retinopathy

Therapeutic angiogenesis refers to strategies of inducing angiogenesis to treat diseases involving ischemic conditions. Historically, most attempts and achievements have been related to coronary and peripheral artery diseases. In this review, we propose the clinical application of therapeutic angiogenesis for the treatment of pediatric ischemic retinopathy, including retinopathy of prematurity, familial exudative retinopathy, and NDP-related retinopathy. These diseases are all characterized by the reduction of physiological angiogenesis and the following induction of pathological angiogenesis. Therapeutic angiogenesis, which supplements insufficient physiological angiogenesis, may be a therapeutic approach for ischemic conditions. Various molecules and modalities can be utilized to apply therapeutic angiogenesis for the treatment of ischemic retinopathy, as in coronary and peripheral artery diseases. Experiences with cardiovascular diseases provide a useful reference for the further clinical application of therapeutic angiogenesis in pediatric ischemic retinopathy. Recombinant proteins and gene therapy are powerful tools to deliver angiogenic factors to retinal tissues directly. Furthermore, endothelial progenitor or bone marrow-derived cells can be injected into the vitreous cavity of the eye for therapeutic angiogenesis. Intraocular injections are highly promising for the delivery of therapeutics for therapeutic angiogenesis. We expect that therapeutic angiogenesis will be a breakthrough in the treatment of pediatric ischemic retinopathy.

The Influence of Chronotype and Self-Efficacy on Problem Drinking in Undergraduate Students

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the influence of chronotype and self-efficacy on drinking problem in undergraduate students. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the 177 undergraduate students in D, G, and K city in 2017. The data was analyzed for descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 18.0 program. RESULTS: Chronotype (β=−.31, p<.001), self-efficacy (β=27, p<.001) and religion (β=−.19, p=.005) were identified as the factors influencing drinking problem in the subjects. The model explained 19% of variance in drinking problem (F=11.36, p<.001). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop and apply a program that would consider chronotype and self-efficacy factors to reduce the drinking problem in undergraduate students.

Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu Suppresses Retinal Endothelial Permeability and Choroidal Neovascularization by Inhibiting the VEGF Receptor 2 Signaling Pathway

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in pathologic ocular neovascularization and vascular leakage via activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic mechanisms and effects of the tetrapeptide Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (RLYE), a VEGFR2 inhibitor, in the development of vascular permeability and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), treatment with RLYE blocked VEGF-A-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2, Akt, ERK, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), leading to suppression of VEGF-A-mediated hyper-production of NO. Treatment with RLYE also inhibited VEGF-A-stimulated angiogenic processes (migration, proliferation, and tube formation) and the hyperpermeability of HRMECs, in addition to attenuating VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability in mice. The anti-vascular permeability activity of RLYE was correlated with enhanced stability and positioning of the junction proteins VE-cadherin, β-catenin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, critical components of the cortical actin ring structure and retinal endothelial barrier, at the boundary between HRMECs stimulated with VEGF-A. Furthermore, intravitreally injected RLYE bound to retinal microvascular endothelium and inhibited laser-induced CNV in mice. These findings suggest that RLYE has potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of CNV by preventing VEGFR2-mediated vascular leakage and angiogenesis.

Bilateral Watershed Ischemic Stroke in a Sepsis Patient

No abstract available.

Long-term Lens Complications Following Removal of Persistent Pupillary Membrane

PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term surgical outcome and lens complications in children with persistent pupillary membrane following removal using vitreous scissors. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with persistent pupillary membrane who received surgical treatment from 1987 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The removal was performed using vitreous scissors after instillation of miotics. The minimum follow-up period after surgery was four years. Factors of age, sex, visual acuity, refractive errors, and complications during or after surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 32 eyes of 26 patients were included. The mean age at the initial visit was 22.6 ± 34.7 (range, 0.9 to 141.2) months, and the mean age at surgery was 43.7 ± 36.0 (range, 1.0 to 142.5) months. There were no intraoperative complications using vitreous scissors, and all lesions were completely removed. After a mean follow-up period of 6.5 ± 3.3 (range, 4.0 to 14.8) years, the best corrected visual acuity at the final visit was 0.6 ± 0.9 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, and two eyes (6.3%) presented with lens opacity during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In children with persistent pupillary membrane, there were no intraoperative complications, and only two patients presented with lens change during the long-term postoperative follow-up period. Surgical removal should be considered a safe and effective treatment for patients with visually significant persistent pupillary membrane.

Relationship between Pericytes and Endothelial Cells in Retinal Neovascularization: A Histological and Immunofluorescent Study of Retinal Angiogenesis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between pericytes and endothelial cells in retinal neovascularization through histological and immunofluorescent studies. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were exposed to hyperoxia from postnatal day (P) 7 to P12 and were returned to room air at P12 to induce a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). The cross sections of enucleated eyes were processed with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunofluorescent staining of pericytes, endothelial cells, and N-cadherin was performed. Microfluidic devices were fabricated out of polydimethylsiloxane using soft lithography and replica molding. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, human brain microvascular endothelial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human placenta pericyte were mixed and co-cultured. RESULTS: Unlike the three-layered vascular plexus found in retinal angiogenesis of a normal mouse, angiogenesis in the OIR model is identified by the neovascular tuft extending into the vitreous. Neovascular tufts and the three-layered vascular plexus were both covered with pericytes in the OIR model. In this pathologic vascularization, N-cadherin, known to be crucial intercellular adhesion molecule, was also present. Further evaluation using the microfluidic in vitro model, successfully developed a microvascular network of endothelial cells covered with pericytes, mimicking normal retinal angiogenesis within 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Pericytes covering endothelial cells were observed not only in vasculature of normal retina but also pathologic neovascularization of OIR mouse at P17. Factors involved in the endothelial cell-pericyte interaction can be evaluated as an attractive novel treatment target. These future studies can be performed using microfluidic systems, which can shorten the study time and provide three-dimensional structural evaluation.

Fluorescein Angiographic Abnormalities in the Contralateral Eye with Normal Fundus in Children with Unilateral Coats' Disease

PURPOSE: We report the detection of peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities in the fellow eye with normal fundus in children with unilateral Coats' disease. METHODS: The clinical records of patients diagnosed with Coats' disease were retrospectively reviewed. We recorded the subjects' characteristics and obtained fundus photography and fluorescein angiography (FA) images. The main outcome measure was peripheral vascular abnormalities in the contralateral eye with normal fundus in children with unilateral Coats' disease, observed with FA. RESULTS: Out of 47 patients with Coats' disease, two (4.3%) were diagnosed with clinically bilateral Coats' disease. Of the 45 patients with presumed unilateral Coats' disease, four (8.9%) had bilateral abnormal peripheral vasculature in FA. The mean age of these four patients was 6.4 ± 5.4 years (range, 1 to 14 years), and three patients were male (75%). All four had peripheral retinal nonperfusion, and two (50%) received laser photocoagulation due to peripheral leakage with telangiectatic vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Coats' disease may more often be a bilateral disease with asymmetry than previously thought. Patients with Coats' disease should undergo careful examination of the fellow eye with FA in order to detect and treat vascular abnormalities that are not visible clinically.

Outcomes of Cataract Surgery Following Treatment for Retinoblastoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term visual outcomes and complications of cataract surgery in eyes previously treated for retinoblastoma. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation at Seoul National University Children's Hospital for a secondary cataract that developed after retinoblastoma treatment. RESULTS: During the period between 1990 and 2014, 208 eyes of 147 patients received eye-salvaging treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and local therapy) for retinoblastoma at Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Among these eyes, a secondary cataract was detected in 17 eyes of 14 patients, and five eyes of five patients underwent cataract surgery. The median age of cataract formation was 97 months (range, 38 to 153 months). The medial interval between the diagnosis of retinoblastoma and cataract formation was 79 months (range, 29 to 140 months). All patients received posterior chamber intraocular lens insertion after irrigation and aspiration of the lens through a scleral tunnel incision. Anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulotomy were performed in two eyes and a laser capsulotomy was subsequently performed in one eye. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up after surgery was 36 months (range, 14 to 47 months). The final best corrected visual acuities were improved in all five eyes. No intraocular tumor recurrences or metastases occurred. CONCLUSIONS: After retinoblastoma regression, cataract extraction in our series was not associated with tumor recurrence or metastasis. Visual improvement was noted in every patient.

Clinical Characteristics of Retinoblastoma Patients whose Diagnosis was Difficult due to Atypical Ocular Manifestation

PURPOSE: To report the clinical characteristics of retinoblastoma patients whose diagnosis was difficult due to atypical ocular manifestations. METHODS: Among retinoblastoma patients who were diagnosed and treated from January 1999 to December 2014 at Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 6 patients whose diagnosis was difficult were retrospectively reviewed. Factors including age, sex, family history, initial findings, time to final diagnosis, histopathologic examination, additional treatment, and survival rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 6 patients, 5 were male, and the mean age at the initial visit was 32.9 ± 19.1 months. None of the patients had family history, and all presented with unilateral lesion at the initial visit. The initial diagnoses were Coats' disease and uveitis in 2 patients, respectively, and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and traumatic hyphema in 1 patient, respectively. During an intensive short-term follow-up of 8.3 ± 5.3 weeks, 2 patients showed malignant cells after external subretinal fluid drainage procedure, and 4 patients demonstrated increasing ocular size or calcification in imaging. These patients received enucleation under suspicion of malignancy and were finally diagnosed with retinoblastoma after histopathologic examination. There were 2 patients with optic nerve involvement, and 3 patients underwent additional systemic chemotherapy. Five patients were followed-up for 7.6 ± 6.3 years after enucleation, and the mean age at final follow-up was 10.6 ± 7.4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Retinoblastoma is one of the diseases in which early diagnosis and treatment are important. However, some cases are difficult to diagnose, even for experienced clinicians. If there are no typical manifestations such as mass or calcification and early findings show retinal detachment, glaucoma, pseudohypopyon, or hyphema, intensive short-term follow-up to exclude retinoblastoma is needed.

Expression of Nestin on Endothelial Cells and Pericytes During Retinal Vascular Development in Mouse

PURPOSE: Nestin, a marker of neural stem cells, is expressed in Müller cells during retinal development. However, the role of nestin in retinal vascular development is not well established. Thus, we investigated the expression of nestin in developmental mouse retina and identified which retinal cells are related to the expression of nestin during the retinal vascular development. METHODS: Eyes were enucleated from C57BL/6 mice on postnatal day (P) 4, P8, P12, P16 and P26. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate nestin expression in relation to endothelial cells (isolectin B4), pericytes (neural/glial antigen 2) and astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein). RESULTS: Nestin was strongly expressed from the ganglion cell layer to retinoblast layer at P4. At P8, P12 and P16, the expression of nestin was observed from the upper border of the ganglion cell layer, and vertically penetrating to outer nuclear layer. At P26, the expression of nestin was decreased and confined to the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. Interestingly, there was strong vascular shape expression of nestin at all stages. The superficial, deep and intermediate vascular plexus was completely merged with nestin expression at P4, P8, P12 and P16. In addition, the nestin expression merged with pericytes but not with astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Nestin was expressed in endothelial cells and pericytes during retinal vascular development in the retina. These results suggest that nestin could play an important role in developmental angiogenesis via interplay with endothelial cells and pericytes.

Evaluation of Mobile Health Applications Developed by a Tertiary Hospital as a Tool for Quality Improvement Breakthrough / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mobile health applications (apps) developed by a single tertiary hospital in Korea with a particular focus on quality and patient safety. METHODS: Twenty-three mobile health apps developed by Asan Medical Center were selected for analysis after exclusion of the apps without any relationship with healthcare or clinical workflow, the apps for individual usage, and the mobile Web apps. Two clinical informaticians independently evaluated the apps with respect to the six aims for quality improvement suggested by the United States Institute of Medicine. All discrepancies were resolved after discussion by the two reviewers. The six aims observed in the apps were reviewed and compared by target users. RESULTS: Eleven apps targeted patients, the other 12 were designed for healthcare providers. Among the apps for patients, one app also had functions for healthcare providers. 'My cancer diary' and 'My chart in my hand' apps matched all the six aims. Of the six aims, Timeliness was the most frequently observed (20 apps), and Equity was the least observed (6 apps). Timeliness (10/11 vs. 10/12) and Patient safety (10/11 vs. 9/12) were frequently observed in both groups. In the apps for patients, Patient-centeredness (10/11 vs. 2/12) and Equity (6/11 vs. 0/12) were more frequent but Efficiency (5/11 vs. 10/12) was less frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the six aims were observed in the apps, but the extent of coverage varied. Further studies, evaluating the extent to which they improve quality are needed.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes after Implantation of First- and Second-Generation Overlapping Drug-Eluting Stents to Treat Diffuse Long Coronary Lesions / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite improved revascularization techniques, the clinical outcomes of patients with diffuse coronary artery lesions after percutaneous coronary intervention are unsatisfactory. However, few studies have compared the efficacy of first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with diffuse long coronary artery lesions. METHODS: Between January 2006 and July 2012, 364 patients who were treated with DES for long coronary artery stenosis (> 30 mm) were enrolled in this study and assigned to either Group I (first-generation DES, 62.3 +/- 10.4 years, 136 males, n = 183) or Group II (second-generation DES, 64.3 +/- 10.7 years, 134 males, n = 181). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was compared between the two groups over 2 years of follow-up, and predictive factors associated with MACE were evaluated through a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Although several coronary angiographic characteristics were different between the two groups, most demographic and baseline clinical variables were the same. The cumulative incidence of MACE was significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (25.7 vs. 6.6%; p < 0.001), mainly due to reduced target lesion revascularization (21.9 vs. 2.2%; p < 0.001). According to the results of the multivariate analysis, the use of a paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) (hazard ratio [HR], 5.168; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.515-10.617; p < 0.001), decreased left ventricular function (< or = 45%; HR, 3.586; 95% CI, 1.839-6.990; p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (HR, 2.984; 95% CI, 1.605-5.548; p < 0.001) were independent contributors to MACE. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with diffuse long coronary artery stenosis, the use of second-generation DES improved the clinical outcome compared with first-generation DES. In addition, the use of a PES, left ventricular dysfunction, and diabetes were predictors of MACE after overlapping stenting.

The Association of Socioeconomic Status with Three-Year Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the clinical outcomes were associated with socioeconomic status (SES) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The author analyzed 2,358 patients (64.9 +/- 12.3 yr old, 71.5% male) hospitalized with AMI between November 2005 and June 2010. SES was measured by the self-reported education (years of schooling), the residential address (social deprivation index), and the national health insurance status (medical aid beneficiaries). Sequential multivariable modeling assessed the relationship of SES factors with 3-yr major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and mortality after the adjustment for demographic and clinical factors. During the 3-yr follow-up, 630 (26.7%) MACEs and 322 (13.7%) all-cause deaths occurred in 2,358 patients. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling, the only lower education of SES variables was associated with MACEs (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.91) and mortality (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.16-3.20) in the patients with AMI who underwent PCI. The study results indicate that the lower education is a significant associated factor to increased poor clinical outcomes in patients with AMI who underwent PCI.

Congenital Aniridia: Long-term Clinical Course, Visual Outcome, and Prognostic Factors

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of congenital aniridia and to evaluate prognostic factors for visual outcome after long-term follow-up. METHODS: The medical records of 120 eyes from 60 patients with congenital aniridia were retrospectively reviewed. The prevalence and clinical course of ophthalmic characteristics, systemic disease, refractive errors, and visual acuity were assessed. Prognostic factors for final visual outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Aniridic keratopathy developed in 82 (69%) of 119 eyes. Macular hypoplasia was observed in 70 eyes of 35 patients (91%). Cataract was observed in 63 of 120 eyes (53%). Nystagmus was present in 41 patients (68% of 60 patients) at the initial visit but decreased in five patients (8% of 60 patients). Ocular hypertension was detected in 19 eyes (20% of 93 eyes), six (32% of 19 eyes) of which developed secondarily after cataract surgery. The mean changes in spherical equivalent and astigmatism during the follow-up period were -1.10 and 1.53 diopter, respectively. The mean final visual acuity was 1.028 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution. Nystagmus and ocular hypertension were identified as prognostic factors for poor visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of nystagmus and ocular hypertension was important to predict final visual outcome. Based on the high rate of secondary ocular hypertension after cataract surgery, careful management is needed.

Optimal Timing of the First Screening Examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the suitability of the first screening examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ROP screening records of 459 infants admitted to the NICU of Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 2006 and December 2011 was performed. The first examination was performed at 31-32 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) or 4-5 weeks of postnatal age (PNA), whichever was earlier. The infants were divided into subgroups according to the gestational age (GA), and the time of the first examination, time of onset of ROP, and time of laser surgery were assessed with regard to the PMA and PNA. RESULTS: Of the 459 infants, 139 infants developed ROP, with the mean PMA at onset of ROP being 34+2+/-2+3 weeks. Type I ROP developed in 57 infants, with the median PMA at laser surgery being 36+0 weeks. The median PMAs at the time of onset and the time of surgery did not significantly differ between groups divided according to GA. Infants with a GA of or =26 weeks. None of the infants with a GA of <26 weeks were diagnosed with ROP at the first examination, and none of the patients in either group missed treatment. Six infants developed ROP before 31 weeks of PMA, at which time the first screening for ROP is generally performed. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the timing of the initial examination for ROP should be based on PMA or PNA, whichever is earlier, particularly in infants with GA of <26 weeks.

Capillary-free Vascularized Retina in Patients with Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity and Late Retinal Capillary Formation

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features, clinical course, and treatment outcomes after laser photocoagulation in infants with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) and capillary-free zones in vascularized retina. METHODS: Six patients (12 eyes) with APROP and capillary-free zones in vascularized retina were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve eyes of six infants were included and were treated with laser photocoagulation for avascular retina and for capillary-free zones in vascularized retina, except for the posterior pole, and fundus findings were photographically-documented in sequence. In addition, anatomic and visual outcomes were evaluated with complications of APROP. RESULTS: Among all of the consecutive infants with APROP, capillary-free zones in vascularized retina were demonstrated in 24% of the infants. All of the infants were >27 weeks of gestation age and had birth weights >1,000 g. After laser treatment, 7 eyes (58.3%) had favorable outcomes, and late capillary filling in capillary-free zones of vascularized retina were noted, however 4 eyes (33.3%) progressed to retinal detachment and 1 eye (8.3%) was complicated by a retinal fold-distorting posterior pole. The visual outcomes were associated with anatomic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic outcomes in infants with APROP who had capillary-free zones were comparable to previously reported infants with APROP. The late capillary filling of capillary-free zones in vascularized retina was noted, and angiogenesis was considered to be involved. This process toward normal capillary formation or neovascularization in APROP, might determine its outcome.

Capillary-free Vascularized Retina in Patients with Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity and Late Retinal Capillary Formation

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features, clinical course, and treatment outcomes after laser photocoagulation in infants with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) and capillary-free zones in vascularized retina. METHODS: Six patients (12 eyes) with APROP and capillary-free zones in vascularized retina were retrospectively reviewed. Twelve eyes of six infants were included and were treated with laser photocoagulation for avascular retina and for capillary-free zones in vascularized retina, except for the posterior pole, and fundus findings were photographically-documented in sequence. In addition, anatomic and visual outcomes were evaluated with complications of APROP. RESULTS: Among all of the consecutive infants with APROP, capillary-free zones in vascularized retina were demonstrated in 24% of the infants. All of the infants were >27 weeks of gestation age and had birth weights >1,000 g. After laser treatment, 7 eyes (58.3%) had favorable outcomes, and late capillary filling in capillary-free zones of vascularized retina were noted, however 4 eyes (33.3%) progressed to retinal detachment and 1 eye (8.3%) was complicated by a retinal fold-distorting posterior pole. The visual outcomes were associated with anatomic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic outcomes in infants with APROP who had capillary-free zones were comparable to previously reported infants with APROP. The late capillary filling of capillary-free zones in vascularized retina was noted, and angiogenesis was considered to be involved. This process toward normal capillary formation or neovascularization in APROP, might determine its outcome.