The Ventilatory Changes of Pediatric Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Patients.

Objective: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has proven to be a successful treatment method for achalasia in both adult and pediatric patients. Yet, there is a lack of evidence for anaesthetic management of pediatric patients who underwent POEM procedure. In this study, we aim to present perioperative and postoperative management strategies for pediatric patients with achalasia from in anaesthesia aspect. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for 16 pediatric patients at a single center who underwent POEM procedure for achalasia between 2017 and 2020. Patients' data regarding demographics, preoperative diet, body mass index, perioperative monitoring and vitals, airway management, anaesthesia maintenance, mechanical ventilation settings duration of recovery, length of stay, pain management and adverse events were evaluated. Results: The study cohort included 7 female and 9 male patients with a mean age of 5.5 years. Anaesthesia maintenance was provided with 0.8-1.2 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane in a 40-60% O2-air mixture, Remifentanil infusion and bolus doses of Rocuronium. The median age was 3 years for patients ventilated in pressure controlled ventilation mode and 10 years in volume controlled ventilation mode. Respiration rate and minute ventilation were adjusted to maintain end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) below 45 mmHg. Needle decompression was applied for 14 patients (87.5%) for treatment of capnoperitoneum. The mean procedure duration and recovery room duration were 66 (±22.9) minutes and 62 (±21) minutes, respectively. Postoperative pain management is provided with paracetamol and tramadol in total 8 patients (50%). There was no adverse event during postoperative period and all patients discharged in a mean time of 3 days. Conclusion: POEM has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients. Due to challenging nature of the pediatric patients, it is important to acknowledge that the procedure requires specialized anaesthesia management. Management of perioperative complications of increased ETCO2 requires understanding the physiologic results of pneumo-mediastinum and pneumo-peritoneum. Beside the known anaesthetic management strategies, a tailored approach should be adopted for each patient. Further investigations should be conducted to develop standardized management.

Pushing the boundaries: circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection in distal duodenum.

Video 1Pushing the boundaries: circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection in distal duodenum (7.58 seconds).

Corneal sensitivity and ocular surface health in patients undergoing femtosecond LASIK retreatment for residual refraction.

PURPOSE: To assess corneal sensitivity and the ocular surface in patients undergoing primary femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and those undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment under the same flap due to residual refractive error. SETTING: Ekol Eye Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Nineteen patients with previous FS-LASIK who had myopic and astigmatic refractive error were included in the study group, and 19 age- and sex-matched patients undergoing FS-LASIK for the first time as the control group. Corneal sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Oxford grading scheme for ocular surface staining, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: The mean refractive correction in the study and control groups respectively was 2.18±0.78 D (range: 1.00-3.50) and 2.76±1.20 D (range: 1.00-4.50; p=0.07). Corneal esthesiometry results in the study and control groups respectively were 6.10±12.55 vs. 9.90±11.50 mm at 1 week (p=0.001), 41.95±6.98 vs. 45.09±5.88 mm at 1 month (p=0.004), 56.09±3.37 vs. 56.19±2.52 mm at 3 months (p=0.8), and 58.60±2.01 vs. 58.80±1.39 mm at 6 months (p=0.5). Significant difference between the two groups in Schirmer test score that disappeared at postoperative 3 months and in TBUT and ocular surface staining that disappeared at 6 months, whereas the statistically significant difference in OSDI score persisted at 6 months (p=0.03) was detected. CONCLUSION: Corneal surface sensitivity and ocular surface health are more impaired in patients undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment due to residual refractive error.

Influence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy on toric intraocular lens rotation and change in cylinder power.

PURPOSE: To investigate toric monofocal intraocular lens (TIOL) rotation and associated changes in cylinder power caused by Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy performed due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Ekol Eye Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: 41 eyes of 20 women and 21 men were included in the study. Before and 1 month after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, TIOL tilt and decentration were determined with Scheimpflug camera, and TIOL axial rotation and the change in cylinder power induced by this rotation were measured by ray tracing aberrometry. The time interval between cataract surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was noted. RESULTS: Rotational misalignment of the TIOL was measured as 4.65 ± 2.75 degrees (range 0 to 11 degrees) before vs 6.97 ± 2.92 degrees (range 0 to 13 degrees) after capsulotomy, and absolute rotation was 2.75 ± 1.94 degrees (range 0 to 7 degrees, P = .028). Before and after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, cylinder power was 0.24 ± 0.70 diopter (D) (range 0.00 to 0.63 D) vs 0.56 ± 0.77 D (range 0.02 to 0.91 D), respectively, with an absolute change in cylinder power of 0.34 ± 0.22 D (range 0.01 to 0.90 D, P = .001). After capsulotomy, there was a significant decrease in IOL tilt in the horizontal and vertical planes and an increase in decentration ( P < .05). Time interval (33.02 ± 12.9 months) and IOL horizontal decentration were independent factors affecting IOL rotation after capsulotomy ( P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy may cause TIOL rotation as well as tilt and decentration, resulting in a change in the TIOL's corrective effect on corneal astigmatism. Although this change was clinically insignificant, it may be beneficial to consider that TIOL rotational misalignment may occur in patients undergoing early capsulotomy.

Syrian Refugee and Turkish Women with Breast Cancer: A Comparison on Clinicopathological Features and Survival.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a significant health problem for refugees and host countries. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among refugees. The subject of our study is to examine the clinical and pathological features of Syrian refugees with breast cancer and compare them with Turkish patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Data of patients with breast cancer between January 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and histological features, treatment modalities and overall survival were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total number of 338 women with breast cancer were included in this study. Ninety-nine of the 338 (29.3%) patients were Syrian refugees and 239 patients (70.7%) were Turkish. The median follow-up time was significantly lower in Syrian patients (P<0.001). Median OS was 146 months in Turkish and 116 months in Syrian group (P=0.022). Independent risk factors associated with long survival were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.465; 95% CI 0.234-0.926; P=0.029), adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.372 95% CI 0.182-0.758; P=0.007), and adjuvant hormonotherapy (HR 0.367; 95% CI 0.201-0.669; P=0.001). The rates of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and adjuvant hormonal therapy were significantly lower in the Syrian group (P=0.023, P=0.005, P=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Syrian refugees with breast cancer are more likely to receive suboptimal treatments. They have inferior survival compared to local patients. Our findings highlight the need for the provision of cancer therapy in such vulnerable populations. We suggest that more attention should be paid to breast cancer, as it is the most common cancer among refugees.

The effect of home education on myopia progression in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on myopia progression (MP) in school age children. METHODS: A total of 115 children aged 8-17 years with a diagnosis of myopia who had been followed-up for at least three years, were included in this study with a retrospective and single-centre design. The subjects' age, the history of myopia in the family, the time spent in front of a screen, the digital devices used during home education (computer, tablet, smartphone, television), the time spent in open air (hours/day), the refractive error (RE) (spherical equivalent value) detected before the home education period and the changes in the myopia over the years, were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.06 (±2.29) years. Only the right eyes were included. The glasses use duration was 3.57 (±0.74) years. The annual MP amount 0.49 (±0.26), 0.41 (±0.36) and 0.54 (±0.43) dioptres (D) for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 years before home education, respectively, (p > 0.05), and 0.71 (±0.46) D in 2020, during home education. The increase in MP amount in 2020 compared to the 2019 and 2018 years was statistically significant (p < 0.003). MP was statistically significantly less in children who participated in open-air activities for 2 h a day and those who lived in detached houses (p = 0.004, p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: During home confinement, education programmes of school children should be designed while taking into account preventive measures for MP, in particular for allowing children to spend at least 2 h of outdoor time per day.

Effect of pseudoexfoliation syndrome on lamina cribrosa morphology after uneventful phacoemulsification.

AIM: To evaluate the behavior of the lamina cribrosa (LC) following successful phacoemulsification (PE) surgery in non-glaucomatous PXS cases with cataract. METHODS: A total of 25 bilateral PXS and 56 non-PXS cataract patients were included in this prospective, interventional, and controlled study. The lamina cribrosa thickness (LCt) and anterior laminar depth (ALD) were measured horizontally and vertically from two sections using EDI-OCT. The measurements were taken preoperatively, and the LCt and ALD measurements were repeated at week one (W1), month one (M1), month two (M2), and month three (M3) postoperatively. RESULTS: The baseline horizontal and vertical LCt values were found to be significantly thinner in the PXS group (p = 0.001, p = 0.006 respectively). The horizontal section ALD values were 463.32 ± 98.82 µm and 383.88 ± 85.8 µm (p < 0.001) for the PXS and non-PXS groups, respectively, and this significance continued during follow-up. The vertical ALD values were 469.64 ± 117.83 µm and 390.3 ± 98.1 µm (p = 0.002) in the PXS and non-PXS groups, respectively. There was no significant change in the PXS group for the depth following PE, but a statistically significant depth increase response was observed in the non-PXS group during follow-up. CONCLUSION: It is possible to conclude that the bending capacity of the lamina cribrosa may be lower than seen in the normal population, but we do not know how this lack of flexibility will affect the eye.

Evaluation of the effect of unilateral late blindness on the retina, optic nerve and choroid parameters in the sighted eye.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether unilateral late blindness alters the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal thickness (CT). METHODS: The 17 healthy eyes of 17 monocular patients with late blindness due to isolated eye trauma in one eye and the 19 eyes of 19 healthy individuals were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients with at least 10 years of monocular blindness, a refractive error between + 1.5 and -1.5 D in the sighted eye, a best-corrected visual acuity of at least 20/20 and an axial length (AL) < 25 mm were included in the study. Following ophthalmologic examination, the RNFL, GCC, CMT and CT values were measured with spectral domain optic tomography (SD-OCT). Those with ocular, systemic or neurological disease that could influence the measured parameters were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 17 (14 males, 3 females) monocular patients [mean age 41.00 ± 11.95 (24-64)] and 19 (16 males, 3 females) healthy individuals [mean age 39.79 ± 6.74 (30-56)], similar in age and gender (p = 0.949 and p = 0.881), were included in the study. The mean duration of being monocular was 22.76 ± 11.76 (10-49) years. No difference was present between the RNFL, GCC, CMT and CT measurements of the monocular patients and the healthy individuals (p = 0.692, p = 0.294, p = 0.113, p = 0.623, respectively). No significant correlation was found between the duration of monocularity and the retinal and optic nerve parameters. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate no difference in the optic nerve, retina and choroid OCT findings in the sighted eyes of subjects with long-term monocular blindness compared to subjects with bilateral normal eyes. Although functional and volumetric neuroimaging studies suggest the possibility of compensation in these patients, our findings indicate that this is not at the ocular level.

Evaluation of the Effect of a Novel ß3-Adrenergic Agonist on Choroidal Vascularity.

Purpose: To determine the effect of the new ß3-agonist (mirabegron), which is used for overactive bladder (OAB) treatment, on central retinal thickness (CRT) and choroidal vascularity. Material and Methods: The 26 eyes of 26 cases using 50 mg tablet mirabegron once per day for OAB were included in this prospective case control study. The CRT, choroidal thickness (ChT), and choroidal vascularity were measured at baseline, week 1 (W1), month 1 (M1), month 2 (M2), and month 3 (M3). Subfoveal ChT measurement included the total subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and the small and large choroidal vessel layer (SCVL and LCVL) thickness. The total choroidal area (TCA), lumen area (LA), stromal area (SA), stroma/lumen ratio, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were measured with the Image-J software. Results: The largest SFCT increase compared to baseline was at M1 (26.8 ± 40.8 µm, P = 0.001). The subfoveal SCVL thickness showed a significant decrease at M2 and M3 (-6.0 ± 8.9 µm, P = 0.002; -7.8 ± 13.4 µm, P = 0.046, respectively). LCVL thickness showed a significant increase at W1, M1, and M2, with the largest at M1. CVI showed a significant increase at M1, M2, and M3 (P < 0.05 for all). The TCA, LA, and SA showed a significant increasing trend at all follow-up periods. LA/SA decreased at W1 because of stromal expansion but increased at M3 with more prominent vascular dilatation. CRT values showed no significant change. Conclusions: Mirabegron had a significant effect on choroidal thickness. Choroidal vascular response is in the form of narrowing in the choriocapillaris and enlargement in the Haller's layer.

Challenges in Anesthesia Management for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is used to treat achalasia with efficacy and reliability. However, during the procedure potential complications require attention in terms of anesthesia. This study aimed to investigate complications of the POEM procedure and its effects on arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, peak airway pressures (PIP), hemodynamics, and postoperative analgesia requirements. METHODS: Data from 220 patients who underwent POEM between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively assessed. During the procedure, ABG samples, PIP, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were recorded. The effects of the procedure and paracentesis on ABG, PIP, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, perioperative complications, and postoperative analgesia requirements were assessed. RESULTS: Data from 220 POEM patients were analyzed. During the procedure, the mean PaCO2 was 48.27±6.34 mm Hg, which was significantly higher than the PaCO2 values before and after the procedure. The mean increase in maximum PIP was 5.90±3.49 cmH2O during the procedure. However, there was a significant decrease in PaCO2 and PIP values in cases with paracentesis compared with those without paracentesis. With regards to complications, subcutaneous emphysema (48, 21.8%), pneumoperitoneum requiring decompression (66, 30%), pneumothorax (1, 0.5%), aspiration pneumonia (1, 0.5%), and bronchospasm (5, 2.2%) were observed during the procedure. In the postoperative period, 58 patients (26%) had additional analgesia requirements because of visual analog scale values >3. CONCLUSION: Periprocedural abdominal decompression with veress needle led to a reduction in arterial PaCO2 and PIP, and improved postoperative analgesia. Serious complications because of perioperative aspiration and CO2 insufflation were observed during the POEM procedure.

Determining the factors affecting the gestational length in sheep.

This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score (BCS), body measurements, birth type (single offspring or twin birth), birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep ( n = 111 ). Karayaka sheep raised on a private farm were used in the study. Progeny yield characteristics in sheep were also determined ( n = 139 ). Estrus was monitored daily using teaser rams from August to September 2016. According to our findings, the pregnancy rate, infertility rate, fecundity, and twin and single birth rates were 93.52 %, 6.48 %, 93.52 %, 14.62 % and 85.38 % respectively. The effect of age on the BCS in sheep at mating was found to be significant ( P < 0.05 ): BCS decreased as age increased. It was determined that there was a positive association between the BCS and live weight during the mating period ( P < 0.001 ). The chest circumference, front shin circumference and body length were found to be higher in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 at mating time ( P < 0.01 ). The middle rump width was significantly affected by the BCS ( P < 0.001 ). In this study, the lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90 and 151.41 d respectively. The gestational length in sheep was not found to be affected by age, the BCS, body measurements, sex or birth type ( P > 0.05 ); however, it was observed that the gestational lengths for male offspring and single offspring (non-multiple births) were longer. In addition, it was detected that the gestational length was different in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 . The time spent in the womb is important with respect to obtaining a healthy lamb. For profitable production, a BCS of between 2.5 and 4 is recommended in sheep. It is thought that the use of body condition scoring, which is easy information for the breeder to utilize, will have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on obtaining a healthy lamb. More studies on the gestational length in sheep are required.

Effects of transport and altitude on hormones and oxidative stress parameters in sheep.

In study, it was aimed to determine the stress effects that can be caused by transporting and altitude in sheep. Karayaka sheeps were used in the study. Karayaka sheeps are a valuable breed of meat quality and fleece, which is raised in the Black Sea region. The live weight of the sheep (n = 30) while hungry was determined before transport and sea level. Average live weight was determined as 55.64 ± 4.66 kg. Blood samples were collected just before (sea level) and just after transport (1500 meters above sea level). Transportation distance was approximately 182 km and duration was 5 hours. According to the findings, cortisol was not affected by transport stress and altitude (P>0.05) and Triiyodotironin (T3) (P<0.039) and Tyrosine (T4) (P<0.000) were affected significantly. Malondialchehyche (MDA), which is one of the oxidative stress parameters, was significantly affected (P<0.039) and Protein Carbonyl (PC) values were not affected by transport and altitude (P>0.184). As a result of this study, it was determined that transportation and altitude in sheep causes stress. Stress-reducing measures should be taken in the exposure of sheep to altitude differences and in transportation. Antioxidant nutritional supplements should be made in order not to negatively affect the meat quality in sheep.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal microvascular changes in patients who received hydroxychloroquine by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular changes via optical coherence tomography angiography in patients who received hydroxy-chloroquine. METHODS: In total, 28 eyes of 28 patients (24 females, and 4 males) receiving treatment with hydroxy-chloroquine were assessed in this cross-sectional cohort study (hydroxychloroquine group). The high-and low-risk groups consisted of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine for ≥5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients) and <5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients), respectively. A total of 28 age- and gender-matched volunteers were enrolled as the control group. The macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris), superficial and deep vessel density, foveal avascular zone area, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness parameters were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: The mean age of the 28 patients who received hydroxychloroquine and the 28 age-matched controls was 45.5 ± 11.1 years (range: 29-70 years) and 44.5 ± 13.9 years (range: 28-70 years), respectively. In patients who received hydroxychloroquine, the values for the superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris macular flow areas were 13.578 ± 0.30, 13.196 ± 0.31, and 17.617 ± 0.42, respectively. In controls, these values were 16.407 ± 0.95, 13.857 ± 0.31, and 18.975 ± 0.76, respectively (p<0.05 for all). The superficial, deep, and cho-riocapillaris flow areas were significantly smaller in patients who received hydroxychloroquine than those in controls (p<0.05 for all). Superficial and deep vessel densities were significantly reduced in patients who received hydroxychlo-roquine in all regions (i.e., foveal, parafoveal, temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, significant difference was observed between the groups in the foveal avascular zone area (superficial and deep), central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Retinochoroidal microvascular flow and vessel density of the macular area were significantly decreased in patients who received hydroxychloroquine. Hy-droxychloroquine may damage the retinochoroidal mi-cro-vascular architecture. Optical coherence tomography angiography may contribute to the early detection of hy-dro-xychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity.

Giant IgG4-Related Pseudotumor of the Esophagus Resected with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that has been defined in various organs. The disease is characterized by typical clinicopathological features including a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4 positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, and often an elevated serum IgG4 level. Esophageal IgG4-RD is rare, and its presentation as a solid mass is even more rare. Only 15 previous cases of IgG4-related esophageal disease have been described. We herein present a case of giant IgG4-related pseudotumor of the esophagus resected with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and a review of the literature. The patient was a 67-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital for assessment of progressive dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 9 cm mass in the cervical esophagus. In the previous two hospitals, the patient's mass could not be diagnosed despite repeated biopsies. Because of concerns regarding malignancy, endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed. Histopathological examination showed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with predominant IgG4-positive plasma cells on a sclerotic background. The patient was diagnosed with IgG4-RD. During the follow-up, no residual mass was detected but the patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. We present a unique case of giant IgG4-related pseudotumor of the esophagus. Resection with ESD of such a big mass of IgG4-RD in the esophageal region has never been reported before in the literature.

Vision outcomes with a new monofocal IOL.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the distance, intermediate, and near visual performance of a new IOL (ICB00, Eyhance, Tecnis) and classic monofocal IOL (SN60WF IQ AcrySof, Alcon) after unilateral implantation. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were unilaterally implanted with the ICB00 Eyhance IOL (study group) and 65 patients with the SN60WF IQ AcrySof (control group). Visual performance was assessed with monocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 4 m, corrected intermediate visual acuity (CIVA) and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 60 cm, and corrected near visual acuity (CNVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm. RESULTS: CDVA, UDVA, CNVA, and UNVA values did not differ significantly between the study and control groups (0.02 ± 0.02 vs. 0.03 ± 0.02, p = 0.523; 0.05 ± 0.13 vs. 0.05 ± 0.15, p = 0.637; 0.46 ± 0.17 vs. 0.46 ± 0.15, p = 0.821; and 0.47 ± 0.21 vs. 0.49 ± 0.25, p = 0.612; respectively), whereas the study group showed significantly better results for CIVA (0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.38 ± 0.13, p = 0.001) and UIVA (0.31 ± 0.16 vs. 0.41 ± 0.12, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Eyhance IOL, which features a new optical design based on a continuous power profile, was determined to be superior to a classic monofocal IOL for intermediate visual acuity and not inferior for corrected and uncorrected distance and near visual acuity.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal microvascular changes in patients who received hydroxychloroquine by optical coherence tomography angiography / Avaliação de alterações microvasculares da retina e coroide em pacientes sob hidroxicloroquina através da angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular changes via optical coherence tomography angiography in patients who received hydroxy­chloroquine. Methods: In total, 28 eyes of 28 patients (24 females, and 4 males) receiving treatment with hydroxy­chloroquine were assessed in this cross-sectional cohort study (hydroxychloroquine group). The high-and low-risk groups consisted of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine for ≥5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients) and <5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients), respectively. A total of 28 age- and gender-matched volunteers were enrolled as the control group. The macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris), superficial and deep vessel density, foveal avascular zone area, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness parameters were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. Results: The mean age of the 28 patients who received hydroxychloroquine and the 28 age-matched controls was 45.5 ± 11.1 years (range: 29-70 years) and 44.5 ± 13.9 years (range: 28-70 years), respectively. In patients who received hydroxychloroquine, the values for the superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris macular flow areas were 13.578 ± 0.30, 13.196 ± 0.31, and 17.617 ± 0.42, respectively. In controls, these values were 16.407 ± 0.95, 13.857 ± 0.31, and 18.975 ± 0.76, respectively (p<0.05 for all). The superficial, deep, and cho­riocapillaris flow areas were significantly smaller in patients who received hydroxychloroquine than those in controls (p<0.05 for all). Superficial and deep vessel densities were significantly reduced in patients who received hydroxychlo­roquine in all regions (i.e., foveal, parafoveal, temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, significant difference was observed between the groups in the foveal avascular zone area (superficial and deep), central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (p<0.05 for all). Conclusions: Retinochoroidal microvascular flow and vessel density of the macular area were significantly decreased in patients who received hydroxychloroquine. Hy­droxychloroquine may damage the retinochoroidal mi­cro­vascular architecture. Optical coherence tomography angiography may contribute to the early detection of hy­dro­xychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi de avaliar as alterações microvasculares da retina e da coroide em pacientes sob hidroxicloroquina, através da angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal de coorte que avaliou um total de 28 olhos de 28 pacientes (24 mulheres e 4 homens) submetidos a tratamento com hidroxicloroquina (grupo da hidroxicloroquina). Catorze olhos de 28 pacientes em uso de hidroxicloroquina por mais de 5 anos foram definidos como sendo o grupo de alto risco, ao passo que o grupo de baixo risco consistiu em 14 olhos de 28 pacientes em uso de hidroxicloroquina por menos de 5 anos. Foram ainda incluídos 28 voluntários como grupo de controle, pareados por idade e sexo. Através de angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica, foram medidos os seguintes parâmetros: área do fluxo macular (superficial, profundo e coriocapilar), densi­dade vascular superficial e profunda, área da zona avascular foveal e espessura da coroide subfoveal. Resultados: Foram recrutados para o estudo um total de 28 pacientes sob tratamento com hidroxicloroquina, com idade média de 45,5 ± 11,1 (29-70) anos, e 28 membros do grupo de controle, pareados por idade e sexo, com idade média de 44,5 ± 13,9 (28-70) anos. As áreas superficial, profunda e coriocapilar do fluxo macular foram respectivamente de 13,578 ± 0,30, 13,196 ± 0,31 e 17,617 ± 0,42 nos pacientes em tratamento com hidroxicloroquina e, respectivamente de 16,407 ± 0,95, 13,857 ± 0,31 e 18,975 ± 0,76 no grupo de controle (p<0,05 para todos os valores). As três medições de área do fluxo macular foram significativamente menores nos pacientes em uso de hidroxicloroquina em comparação com os indivíduos do grupo de controle (p<0,05 para todos os valores). As densidades vasculares superficial e profunda mostraram-se significativamente reduzidas em todas as regiões (foveal, parafoveal, temporal, superior, nasal e inferior) nos pacientes em uso de hidroxicloroquina (p<0,05 para todos os valores). Finalmente, também foi observada uma diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação à área da zona avascular foveal (superficial e profunda), à espessura foveal central e à espessura da coroide subfoveal (p<0,05 para todos os valores). Conclusão: O fluxo microvascular retinocoroidal e a densidade vascular da área macular mostraram-se significativamente diminuídos nos pacientes sob hidroxicloroquina. Este fármaco pode danificar a arquitetura microvascular retinocoroidal e a angiografia por tomografia de coerência óptica pode contribuir para a detecção precoce da toxicidade retiniana induzida pela hidroxicloroquina.

Evaluation of retinal vascular structure after epiretinal membrane surgery by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal vascular structure before and after the epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Twenty-two eyes with ERM (study eyes) had been evaluated by OCTA for superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density (VD) at foveal and parafoveal regions and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) before and after ERM removal surgery. Twenty-two fellow eyes were selected as control group. RESULTS: Preoperative VD of SCP and DCP were significantly lower in ERM eyes than in controls in both foveal and parafoveal areas (p < 0.05, for all). The difference regressed in SCP (fovea: 18.04 ± 3.1 vs 19.98 ± 18 p = 0.002 and parafovea: 47.33 ± 3.54 vs 49.71 ± 28 p = 0.001), but persisted in DCP (fovea: 17.25 ± 3.52 vs 17.57 ± 4.01 p = 0.856 and parafovea: 50.12 ± 4.35 vs 50.93 ± 3.24 p = 0.791) in study eyes, postoperatively. Superficial and deep FAZ areas were significantly smaller in study eyes than controls. Postoperatively, superficial FAZ area enlarged (0.288 ± 0.10 vs 0.307 ± 0.08 p = 0.012), whereas deep FAZ area did not (0.324 ± 0.09 vs 0.338 ± 0.07 p = 0.435). FAZ area was correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity in ERM eyes. CONCLUSION: Vascular damage in SCP and DCP was demonstrated by OCTA in eyes with ERM. ERM removal surgery mainly improves superficial changes caused by ERM. Changes in deep retinal flow may be associated with visual outcomes after ERM removal surgery.

Vitamin D Levels in Young Adult Cataract Patients: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether a relationship is present between early cataract formation and vitamin D in young adults. METHODS: A total of 37 cataract patients (18 males and 19 females) and 53 healthy participants (27 males and 26 females) under the age of 60 years were included in this study. The 25-OH vitamin D values were measured in all subjects and the mean vitamin D levels compared between the 2 groups. Additionally, the differences between the vitamin D levels of the genders in both groups were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 48.1 ± 8.5 (range 33-59) years, and the mean age of the control group was 49.3 ± 7.8 (range 31-59) years (p = 0.48 and p = 0.83). The mean vitamin D level was 15.6 ± 8.4 ng/mL in the study group and 20.8 ± 7.1 ng/mL in the healthy subjects (p = 0.002). Among the females, the vitamin D level was 10.6 ± 4.7 ng/mL in the study group and 18.1 ± 6.4 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the groups among the males (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: We found vitamin D deficiency to be associated with early age-related cataract in a statistically significant manner. We believe it is worth investigating the reason for this concurrence with large longitudinal studies.