Epithelial Downgrowth after Intraocular Surgery Treated with Intracameral 5-Fluorouracil.

Purpose. To present the clinical and histopathologic correlation of two cases of epithelial downgrowth (EDG) after prior intraocular surgery. Methods. Observational case reports. Results. We present two cases of EDG occurring after intraocular surgery. In both cases, after two anterior chamber injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU), the area of EDG initially regressed. In Case 1, a limited area of EDG eventually recurred, and penetrating keratoplasty with cryotherapy was curative. In Case 2, subsequent corneal edema required Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, and the patient remained clinically free of EDG without further treatment. Conclusion. Intracameral 5FU may have a role in the treatment of EDG after intraocular surgery, though its precise utilization and impact remain to be defined.

Anatabine supplementation decreases thyroglobulin antibodies in patients with chronic lymphocytic autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

CONTEXT: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is less prevalent in tobacco smokers. Anatabine, an alkaloid found in Solanaceae plants including tobacco, has been reported to ameliorate a mouse model of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. OBJECTIVE: The effects of anatabine in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were studied. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTION: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multisite study. A total of 146 patients (70 treated with anatabine and 76 with placebo) completed the study. Approximately 50% of patients in each group were taking levothyroxine. Anatabine lozenges (9-24 mg/d) or placebo, each containing vitamins A and D3, were administered orally 3 times a day for 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) levels were assessed. Safety was assessed through adverse events, clinical laboratory evaluations, and vital sign measurements. RESULTS: Anatabine-treated patients had a significant reduction in absolute serum TgAb levels from baseline by study end relative to those receiving placebo (P=.027); however, there were no significant changes or differences in treatment group means for TPOAb or TgAb levels. Mean±SD TgAb values decreased by 46.2±101.1 and 3.9±83.9 World Health Organization units for the anatabine and placebo groups, respectively. Significantly more patients had a >20% drop in TgAb levels in the anatabine than placebo group (P=.023). Overall, the anatabine supplement was safe and well tolerated, although significantly (P<.05) more patients in the anatabine group reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate an immunological effect of anatabine on TgAb levels. Further studies are warranted to determine the longer-term effects and possible actions of anatabine on the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Clinical profile and early surgical complications in the Cornea Donor Study.

PURPOSE: The Cornea Donor Study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of older donor corneal tissue compared with younger donor tissue in recipient eyes at moderate risk to the graft from progressive endothelial failure. Baseline patient data, including indications for transplant, intraoperative complication rates, and early postoperative complication rates are described herein. METHODS: This study was a multicenter prospective, double-masked, controlled clinical trial. RESULTS: Fuchs dystrophy was the most common indication for corneal transplantation (61%). Intraoperative complications occurred in 33 (3%) patients. A persistent epithelial defect was the most commonly reported postoperative complication, occurring in 92 patients (8%). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were low. There was no apparent association between donor or recipient age and either intraoperative or early postoperative complication rates.