The association between diabetes status, HbA1c, diabetes duration, microvascular disease, and bone quality of the distal radius and tibia as measured with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography-The Maastricht Study.

In this small cross-sectional study of predominantly well-treated participants with relatively short-term type 2 diabetes duration, HbA1c > 7% (53 mmol/mol) was associated with lower cortical density and thickness and higher cortical porosity at the distal radius, lower trabecular thickness at the distal tibia, and higher trabecular number at both sites. INTRODUCTION: To examine the association between diabetes status and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), bone microarchitecture and strength of the distal radius and tibia as assessed with HR-pQCT. Additionally-in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), to examine the association between HbA1c, diabetes duration, and microvascular disease (MVD) and bone parameters. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 410 (radius) and 198 (tibia) participants of The Maastricht Study (mean age 58 year, 51% female). Diabetes status (normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes, or T2DM) was based on an oral glucose tolerance test and medication history. RESULTS: After full adjustment, prediabetes and T2DM were not associated with vBMD, bone microarchitecture, and strength of the radius and tibia, except for lower trabecular number (Tb.N) of the tibia (- 4%) in prediabetes and smaller cross-sectional area of the tibia (- 7%) in T2DM. In T2DM, HbA1c > 7% was associated with lower cortical vBMD (- 5%), cortical thickness (- 16%), higher cortical porosity (+ 20%) and Tb.N (+ 9%) of the radius, and higher Tb.N (+ 9%) and lower trabecular thickness (- 13%) of the tibia. Diabetes duration > 5 years was associated with higher Tb.N (+ 6%) of the radius. The presence of MVD was not associated with any bone parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In this study with predominantly well-treated T2DM participants with relatively short-term diabetes duration, inadequate blood glucose control was negatively associated with cortical bone measures of the radius. In contrast, trabecular number was increased at both sites. Studies of larger sample size are warranted for more detailed investigations of bone density and bone quality in patients with T2DM.

Adaptive optics imaging of the outer retinal tubules in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy.

PurposeTo study the outer retinal tubules using spectral domain optical coherence tomography and adaptive optics and in patients with Bietti's crystalline dystrophy.MethodsTen eyes of five subjects from five independent families with Bietti's crystalline Dystrophy (BCD) were characterized with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), full-field electroretinography, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). High-resolution images were obtained with the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and adaptive optics (AO).ResultsSD-OCT showed prominent outer retinal layer loss and outer retinal tubulations at the margin of outer retinal loss. AO images displayed prominent macrotubules and microtubules with characteristic features in eight out of the 10 eyes. Crystals were present in all ten eyes. There was a reduction in the cone count in all eyes in the area outside the outer retinal tubules (ORT).ConclusionsThis study describes the morphology of the outer retinal tubules when imaged enface on the adaptive optics in patients with BCD. These findings provide insight into the macular structure of these patients. This may have prognostic implications and refine the study on the pathogenesis of BCD.

Knowledge base and preferred methods of obtaining knowledge of glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To gather information regarding patient's understanding of glaucoma and the manner in which patients wish to learn about the disease with the intent of improving patient education. METHODS: Forty-four of sixty randomly selected ophthalmologists (73%) asked four of their patients consecutively to complete a questionnaire about glaucoma. The selection of questions was based on focus group interviews and suggestions from several experts. Topics included knowledge about glaucoma and its treatment, the need for information, and preferred providers and methods of patient education. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the patients had 49% or less correct answers to questions about glaucoma or its treatment. Per item the correct answers ranged from 5% to 90%. Lack of knowledge was associated with low level of education, short duration of glaucoma, high age, and no preference for the Internet as method of supplying information. These variables, however, did not identify groups with a considerable lack of knowledge sufficiently accurately to target patient education. A high need for information was observed and included information about the patient's own glaucoma. Almost all patients preferred the ophthalmologist and many also a nurse or a representative of the Glaucoma Patient Society as providers of information. Written material was the preferred method. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education should address all patients. A patient education program should cover a wide range of topics with a focus on general information through written material and information tailored to the individual glaucoma patient's needs. The ophthalmologist is a key- person, but others could play an important role in patient education.

Correlation of structure and function of the macula in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To correlate the structure of the macula, as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and function, as measured by microperimetry (MAIA) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and relatively good visual acuity. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, non-intervention study. SUBJECTS: Patients with RP. METHODS: Thirty patients with RP and good central visual acuity were identified. Each patient underwent SD-OCT of the macula and microperimetry. The images were overlaid using the custom-designed software. The retinal sensitivity by microperimetry was correlated with corresponding retinal thickness, as measured by the SD-OCT. ELM, COST, and IS/OS junction were scored as intact, disrupted, or absent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparing the retinal sensitivity on the MAIA with various measurements on the SD-OCT. RESULTS: The retinal sensitivity on the MAIA showed a significant correlation with total retinal thickness and outer retinal thickness on the SD-OCT. There was no association with either the inner retinal thickness or the choroidal thickness. ORT showed a statistically significant correlation with the anatomical classification of ELM (r=-0.76, P<0.001), IS/OS (r=-0.800, P<0.001), and COST (r=-0.733, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study determined that there was a high correlation of the structure and function of the central macula in patients with RP. These studies are important to establish surrogate markers that can be used as end points for various tests in future therapeutic clinical trials.

Musculoskeletal pain in the Netherlands: prevalences, consequences and risk groups, the DMC(3)-study.

The objective of this paper was to present estimates on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain of five different anatomical areas and ten anatomical sites, and their consequences and risk groups in the general Dutch population. Cross-sectional data from a population-based study of a sex-age stratified sample of Dutch inhabitants of 25 years and older were used. With a postal questionnaire data was assessed on musculoskeletal pain, additional pain characteristics (location, duration, course), its consequences (utilization of health care, sick leave and limitation in daily life) and general socio-demographic characteristics. The top three of self-reported musculoskeletal pain (point prevalence (P(p)) with 95% confidence interval (CI)) was: (1). low back pain, P(p)=26.9% (95% CI 25.5-28.3); (2). shoulder pain, P(p)=20.9% (95% CI 19.6-22.2); and (3). neck pain, P(p)=20.6% (95% CI 19.3-21.9). In most cases the pain was described as continuous or recurrent and mild. In every three out of ten cases the complaints about pain were accompanied by limitations in daily living. Between 33 and 42% of those with complaints consulted their general practitioner about their pain. With the exception of persons who are work disabled, general sociodemographic characteristics cannot be used to identify high risk groups. Musculoskeletal pain is common in all subgroups of the population and has far-reaching consequences for health, work and the use of health care.

Study to determine the presence of antipolymer antibodies in a group of Dutch women with a silicone breast implant.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there exists a population of Dutch women with a high prevalence of antipolymer antibodies (APA) and severe health complaints/symptoms, and exposure to a silicone breast implant (SBI). As the antigen-specific nature of the antipolymer antibody has not yet been established, we refer to the term polymer binding immunoglobulins. METHODS: The study population was selectedfrom a voluntary registry of SBI recipients of a Dutch consumers organisation. The final selection was based on the severity of self-reported complaints in a questionnaire. A total of 42 SBI recipients were included in the study, clinically examined and blood samples were obtained. RESULTS: In 12 of 42 SBI recipients an increase in the level of polymer binding immunoglobulins was detected compared to a negative reference sample, 3 of these 12 showing a positive and 9 a weakly positive response. In 3 out of 12 non-SBI recipients, included for control on the performance of the APA assay, an increased level of polymer binding immunoglobulins was demonstrated, 2 of these 3 showing a positive and 1 a weakly positive response. The study population of SBI recipients was categorised in severity subgroups (limited, mild, moderate, advanced) based on the fuctional capacity and the physicians general assessment of pain and disease activity. Most (34 of 42) SBI recipients belonged to the limited severity subgroup. CONCLUSION: Our methods failed to select a group of severely symptomatic Dutch SBI recipients reported to have a high prevalence of polymer binding antibodies. A discrepancy was present between the self reported severe complaints and the observed mild clinical symptoms. In the group of SBI recipients with self reported severe complaints recruited we did not find a high prevalence of polymer binding immunoglobulins. SBI exposure (mean 17 years) did not result in induction of polymer binding immunoglobulins in this minimal symptomatic study group.

The relationship between visual field loss in glaucoma and health-related quality-of-life.

PURPOSE: to investigate the relationship between visual field loss and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional study among 537 OHT and POAG patients from seven hospitals in The Netherlands. Clinical information was obtained from medical files. Patients completed a questionnaire, containing generic HRQOL instruments (EQ-5D and Health Utilities Index mark 3), vision-specific National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25), and glaucoma-specific Glaucoma Quality-of-Life questionnaire (GQL-15). The impact of visual field loss on HRQOL scores was analysed with multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: a relationship between mean deviation (MD) and HRQOL was found after adjusting for age, gender, visual acuity, medication side effects, laser trabeculoplasty, and glaucoma surgery. We found interaction between MD in both eyes for GQL and VFQ-25 scores. The relationship between MD and utility was non-linear, with utility only affected at MD-values below -25 dB in the better eye. Visual acuity, side effects, and glaucoma surgery independently affected HRQOL. Binocular MD and MD in the better eye had similar impacts on HRQOL, whereas MD in the worse eye had an independent effect. HRQOL was affected more by binocular defects in the inferior than in the superior hemifield. CONCLUSION: visual field loss in progressing glaucoma is independently associated with a loss in both disease-specific and generic quality-of-life. It is important to prevent progression, both in early and in advanced glaucoma, especially in patients with inferior hemifield defects and severe defects in either eye.

Cost-effectiveness of early detection and treatment of ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma by the ophthalmologist.

PURPOSE: To determine the most cost-effective case-finding strategy for the ophthalmologist to detect and treat ocular hypertension (OH) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) at an early stage to prevent blindness. DESIGN: A Markov cost-effectiveness simulation model. METHODS: Three case-finding strategies are analysed and compared. The simulated cohort consists of all initial patients of at least 40 years old visiting an ophthalmic practice. All patients undergo ophthalmoscopy, but tonometry is routinely performed to: (1) all initial patients, (2) high-risk patients only, or (3) no one. The population characteristics are based on data of 1000 initial patients. Transition probabilities are taken from the literature. The (direct) costs of diagnosis and treatment represent those for the Netherlands. The time-horizon of the model is 20 years. An annual discount rate of 4% is used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Costs, proportion of patients becoming blind, years of blindness. RESULTS: The costliest strategy (1) leads to least blindness. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which shows extra costs per year of vision saved in comparison to the cheapest strategy (3), is lower for strategy (1) than for strategy (2). It amounts to euro1707, not including extra costs due to blindness (eg associated with the use of disability facilities). When such costs exceed euro1707 per patient per year, which is most likely, then strategy (1) becomes cost saving. CONCLUSION: It is most cost-effective to routinely perform tonometry to all initial ophthalmic patients to prevent blindness due to glaucoma.

Influence of SERTPR and STin2 in the serotonin transporter gene on the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depression: a systematic review.

Large differences in clinical response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are observed in depressive patients with different genotypes. Quantification of these differences is needed to decide if genetic testing prior to antidepressant treatment is useful. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the influence of polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (SERTPR (or 5-HTTLPR) and STin2) on SSRI response. Studies were identified by the use of MEDLINE, EmBase and PsycINFO, references of articles, reviews and information from pharmaceutical companies. Nine studies assessing the influence of SERTPR or STin2 on treatment response were included. Outcome was expressed as the percentage of decrease in depression score (HAM-D or MADRS) or as the percentage of responders (> or =50% reduction on the depression scale). Both study methodologies and study outcomes showed large heterogeneity. Weighted mean decreases in depression score for patients with the s/s, s/l and l/l genotypes were 35.4, 46.3 and 48.0% at week 4, respectively, and 53.9, 54.6 and 48.3% at week 6. Among Caucasian patients, both mean decrease in depression score and response rate were lowest in the s/s group, while among Asian patients, results were inconsistent. Weighted response rates were 36.1% for the 10/12 genotype of the STin2 polymorphism and 80.7% for the 12/12 genotype (chi2=27.8, P<0.001) (only Asians). The available evidence points to a less favourable response to SSRI treatment among Caucasian patients with the SERTPR s/s genotype and among (Asian) patients with the STin2 10/12 genotype. In view of the scarcity and heterogeneity of the studies, however, current information is insufficiently reliable as a basis for implementing genetic testing in the diagnostic work-up of the depressive patient.