Etiology of uveitis in rural and urban areas of mid-eastern Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the frequencies of uveitis etiology in inhabitants of rural and urban areas of mid-eastern Poland. We reviewed the cases of 563 patients (263 males, 300 females; aged 2-87) with uveitis, treated at the 1st Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical Academy in Lublin and at the District Ophthalmic Hospital in Kielce, Poland, from January 1996-December 2000. Anatomical classification of uveitis was used according to the International Uveitis Study Group and etiological classification including uveitis associated with trauma, infection, systemic disease, non-associated with a systemic disease and masquerade syndromes. Data regarding age, gender, place of residence, anatomical location and etiology of uveitis were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, Spearman's rank correlation test and logistic regression. Etiology of uveitis was established in 70.0% of cases. The most common cause of uveitis was infection. Patients from rural areas were significantly more likely to have uveitis of infectious origin whereas patients from urban areas significantly more likely to have uveitis associated with a systemic disease. In conclusion, the pattern of uveitis in mid-eastern Poland confirms the influence of environmental factors on the etiology of this heterogenous disease.

[Activation of the reticulo-endothelial system in a healthy cornea with experimental cryotherapy]. / Pobudzenie aktywnosci ukladu siateczkowo-sródblonkowego w zdrowej rogówce drogq doswiadczalnej krioterapii.

Low temperatures applied to a healthy cornea provokes in its stroma the formation of a limited area deprived of cells. Excited histiocytic cells which obtained the capacity of movement penetrate soon to this area from the surroundings. They demonstrate also ultra-phagocytic capabilities storing silver. This evidences the setting in motion of cells of the reticulo-endothelial system of the healthy cornea caused by the low temperature; these cells replace the cells of the stroma damaged by the cold. The cornea however does not loose its transparency. Recognition of the action of low temperature by creating a cell-free area and by stimulation of the cells of the RE system in a healthy cornea has a significance for a better knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of the influence of low temperature on the cornea.