Retinal vascular abnormalities in myotonic dystrophy assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography - Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to detect the changes in retinal and choroidal vasculature via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) by comparing the quantitative OCTA parameters in patients with and without myotonic dystrophies (DM). MATERIAL: The cross-sectional study. Forty-one consecutive patients affected by DMs were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were molecular diagnosis of DM types 1 and 2. To avoid the age effect on microvascular changes and to justify a comparison between DM1 and DM2 patients, two control groups matched for sex and age were established. RESULTS: The vascular density was found to be significantly decreased in the DM groups compared to the controls in the macular, parafoveal and perifoveal zone of superficial capillary plexus (p < 0.001 for the DM1 group, and p = 0.001, p = 0.005 and p = 0.026, respectively, for the DM2 group), as well as in the macular zone in the deep capillary plexus for DM1 (p = 0.002) and deep macular and perifoveal zone for DM2 (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, respectively). The foveal avascular zone showed no significant differences between DM1 and DM2 compared to their control groups (p = 0.320 and p = 0.945, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results show that DM is associated not only with the classic pigmentary changes but also with superficial and deep retinal microvasculature abnormalities, suggesting that these changes may be related to local hypoperfusion. Optical coherence tomography angiography is a useful tool for the diagnosis and characterization of retinal changes in DM and should be part of the standard evaluation of these patients.

Intraocular pressure in patients suffering from Wilson's disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) levels in patients suffering from Wilsons disease. METHODS: In observational, cross-sectional, non-interventional study, IOP was measured by applanation tonometry in 52 patients with Wilson's disease (WD), and compared to 52 healthy controls (HC). RESULTS: Patients with Wilsons disease had significantly lower IOPs, compared to control group (CG) (13.20 ± 2.5 versus 14.98 ± 2.0, p < .000, t test). CONCLUSIONS: We found that IOP is significantly lower in patients with WD.

Evaluation of ocular pulse amplitude changes after the retinal detachment repair.

Purpose: The study was conducted to determine the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) changes, measured with a dynamic contour tonometer (DCT), after surgical retinal detachment repair. Methods: This was a prospective and comparative study. Thirty patients (30 eyes) who had undergone uncomplicated unilateral scleral buckling and encircling procedures for quadrant or half-retinal rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were referred for DCT one day before the surgery was performed, on the 1st, 7th, and 30th postoperative day. Methods of descriptive (arithmetical mean, standard deviation) and analytical statistics (analysis of variance) were used to analyze the data and evaluate the significance of the difference. A value of P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The data were evaluated for normality with the single-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: OPA values decreased significantly after scleral buckling procedures (p < 0.0001), but regained near to preoperative values one month after the surgery. Conclusion: OPA tends to decrease after retinal detachment surgery. Restoring patients' vision with scleral buckling and encircling procedures gives early changes in blood supply to the choroid and ocular nerve, and since OPA is an indirect parameter of choroidal vascularization, measuring these values can help make an insight into ocular hemodynamics.

Association of GSTO1, GSTO2, GSTP1, GPX1 and SOD2 polymorphism with primary open angle glaucoma.

It is becoming increasingly evident that oxidative stress has a supporting role in pathophysiology and progression of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of our study was to assess the association between polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in redox homeostasis, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) and glutathione transferases (GSTs) with susceptibility to POAG. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in GST omega (GSTO1rs4925, GSTO2 rs156697), pi 1 (GSTP1 rs1695), as well as GPX1 (rs1050450) and SOD2 (rs4880) were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 102 POAG patients and 302 respective controls. The risk for POAG development was noted in carriers of both GSTO2*GG and GSTO1*AA variant genotypes (OR = 8.21, p = 0.002). Individuals who carried GPX1*TT and SOD2*CC genotypes had also an increased risk of POAG development but without significance after Bonferroni multiple test correction (OR = 6.66, p = 0.005). The present study supports the hypothesis that in combination, GSTO1/GSTO2, modulate the risk of primary open angle glaucoma.

Optical coherence tomography in patients with Wilson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to copper accumulation and deposition in different organs, frequently affecting visual pathways. Recent studies have detected morphological changes of the retina in patients with WD using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Measuring the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) with OCT provides an objective assessment of integrity and morphological abnormalities of the retina. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OCT parameters and form of the disease, therapy and symptoms duration, as well as severity of neurological impairment. METHODS: The study comprised of 52 patients with WD and 52 healthy controls (HC). All the patients were on a regular and stable chelation therapy and/or zinc salts. Patients were divided into two groups, with neurological (NWD) or hepatic form of the disease (HWD). OCT was performed to assess the RNFL thickness. RESULTS: The WD patients had significantly lower intraocular pressure in both eyes and lower RNFL thickness than the HC. There were no differences between NWD and HWD in any of the ophthalmologically tested parameters. No significant correlations were found between clinical features and retinal thickness parameters. Stratification of the cohort according to the disease duration showed that disease duration did not influence the RNFL thickness. CONCLUSION: We found that involvement of the retina represented a subclinical finding in neurologically intact patients in the HWD group. Nevertheless, the value of OCT as a biomarker for the assessment of the clinical course and progression of WD still remains uncertain.

Cross-cultural validation of the Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (RetTSQs) in Serbian community: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural translation and validation of the Serbian version of the Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (RetTSQs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted between June 2017 and June 2018 at tertiary care centre in Serbia, Belgrade. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 101 patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) were included. All subjects were evaluated in two consecutive visits, the first during the initial contact to the clinic, while the second 4-6 weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Validation of Serbian version of the RetTSQs was the major outcome. RESULTS: Cronbach alpha coefficient of the subscales ranged from 0.783 (positive scale) to 0.811 (negative scale) and for all domains it was excellent at α=0.829. The intraclass correlation coefficient was greater than 0.8 for all of the subscales. Univariable analyses revealed that age, gender, education, marital status and working status did not affect the RetTSQ scores, whereas participants with non-proliferative DR reported significantly higher treatment satisfaction (TS) than those with proliferative retinopathy (p=0.001). The group who received laser treatment scored significantly lower than the group without it (p=0.004) regardless of type of performed laser. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between the RetTSQ score and most of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 subscales. CONCLUSION: Translated Serbian adaptation of the RetTSQs showed adequate psychometric characteristics as an acceptable, reliable and valid questionnaire. It was well understood by Serbian diabetic patients and it promises to be used in daily clinical work as an instrument for the assessment of TS for patients with DR.

The clinical features in patients with newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma in Serbia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and compare them with those pertaining to newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma as well as pseudoexfoliation syndrome. METHODS: This case-control study involved 306 participants, including patients with newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, age- and sex-matched normal controls, patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma, and subjects with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The study was conducted at the Glaucoma Department of Clinic for Eye Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, as the referral center for glaucoma in Serbia. RESULTS: The mean age in the pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and normal control groups was 73.61 ± 8.46, 65.50 ± 8.97, 74.81 ± 6.80, and 73.58 ± 9.34 years, respectively (pseudoexfoliative glaucoma vs primary open-angle glaucoma, p < 0.001). Unilateral pseudoexfoliative glaucoma was diagnosed in 35 patients (42.2%). The intraocular pressure was higher in the eyes affected by pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (32.0 ± 9.5 mmHg) than that in the primary open-angle glaucoma eyes (28.8 ± 5.9 mmHg) (p < 0.001). In pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma eyes, glaucoma severity was determined via the vertical cup-to-disk ratio (C/D) 0.65 (0.45-1.0) versus 0.60 (0.45-1.0), p = 0.048 and visual field mean deviation -5.68 (-1.58 to -30.9) versus -4.70 (-1.39 to -31.0), p = 0.045. Alzheimer's was the only systemic disease associated with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma in the study sample, with an odds ratio of 0.021 (95% confidence interval = 0.00-21.52, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: At the time of diagnosis, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma exhibits different clinical features compared with primary open-angle glaucoma. Higher intraocular pressure, narrow or occludable angle, increased trabecular pigmentation, phacodonesis, and poorer pupillary dilatation emerged as the factors associated with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by trained providers and shorter time to emergency medical team arrival increased patients' survival rates in Istra County, Croatia: a retrospective study.

AIM: To assess the effect of the time for emergency medical services (EMS) arrival on resuscitation outcome in the transition period of the EMS system in Istra County. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the data from 1440 patients resuscitated between 2011 and 2017. The effect of demographic data, period of the year, time for EMS arrival, initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provider, initial cardiac rhythm, and airway management method on CPR outcome was assessed with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Survivors were younger than non-survivors (median of 66 vs 70 years, P<0.001) and had shorter time for EMS arrival (median of 6 vs 8 min, P<0.001). The proportion of non-survivors was significantly higher when initial basic life support (BLS) was performed by bystanders without training (83.8%) or when no CPR was performed before EMS team arrival (87.3%) than when BLS was performed by medical professionals (66.8%) (P<0.001). Sex, airway management, and tourist season had no effect on CPR outcome. CONCLUSION: Since the time for arrival and level of CPR provider training showed a significant effect on CPR outcome, further organizational effort should be made to reduce the time for EMS arrival and increase the number of individuals trained in BLS.

Nailfold capillary morphology and platelet function in patients with exfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the nailfold capillary morphological features in patients with exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and compare them with those pertaining to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal controls and subjects with exfoliation syndrome (XFS). The second purpose was to investigate all parameters related to platelet function on the hemogram, including the platelet count (PLT), the mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT) in patients with XFG. These parameters were subsequently compared with those belonging to normal controls, POAG and XFS subjects. METHODS: This case control study involved 152 consecutive patients that were examined at the Glaucoma Department of Clinic for Eye Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, as the referral center for glaucoma in Serbia, between June 2016 and December 2017. RESULTS: Regarding capillaroscopic characteristics, statistically significant difference was found in capillary diameter and tortuosity between the XFG and POAG group (p = 0.050 and p = 0.035) and the XFG and NC group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.044), as well as in the distribution of capillary loops and avascular zones between the XFG and NC group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.004). The subjects with XFG had lower PLT values compared to POAG patients (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first attempt to evaluate capillary morphology as well as to investigate all parameters related to platelet function on the hemogram, in patients with newly diagnosed XFG. Our findings revealed nailfold capillary morphological vascular changes in XFG patients. The subjects with XFG had lower PLT values and a higher MPV serum parameter compared to normal controls and patients with POAG. Further research in this field should therefore aim to evaluate the consequences of the aforementioned microvascular abnormalities in patients with XFG.

Serum heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate concentrations in patients with newly diagnosed exfoliative glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) is typically classified as a high-pressure type of secondary open-angle glaucoma that develops as a consequence of exfoliation syndrome (XFS). Exfoliation syndrome is an age-related, generalized disorder of the extracellular matrix characterized by production and progressive accumulation of a fibrillar exfoliation material (XFM) in intra- and extraocular tissues. Exfoliation material represents complex glycoprotein/proteoglycan structure composed of a protein core surrounded by glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS). The purpose of the present study was to investigate HS and CS concentrations in serum samples of patients with newly diagnosed XFG and compare the obtained values with those pertaining to newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal controls (NC) and subjects with XFS. METHODS: This case-control study involved 165 subjects, including patients with newly diagnosed XFG, patients with newly diagnosed POAG, subjects with XFS and age- and sex-matched NC. The study was conducted at the Glaucoma Department of Clinic for Eye Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, as the referral center for glaucoma in Serbia. RESULTS: The mean age in the XFG, POAG, XFS and NC groups was 73.3 ± 9.0, 66.3 ± 7.8, 75.5 ± 7.0 and 73.5 ± 9.5 years, respectively, XFG vs. POAG, p < 0.001. Mean serum HS concentrations in the XFG, POAG, NC and XFS groups were 3,189.0 ± 1,473.8 ng/mL, 2,091.5 ± 940.9 ng/mL, 2,543.1 ± 1,397.3 ng/mL and 2,658.2 ± 1,426.8 ng/mL respectively, XFG vs. POAG, p = 0.001 and XFG vs. NC, p = 0.032. Mean serum CS concentrations in the XFG, POAG, NC and XFS group were 43.9 ± 20.7 ng/mL, 38.5 ± 22.0 ng/mL, 35.8 ± 16.4 ng/mL and 43.3 ± 21.8 ng/mL, respectively, XFG vs. NC, p = 0.041. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed greater HS and CS concentrations in XFG patients and XFS subjects compared to those without XFM. Implications of HS and CS in the pathophysiology of XFS and glaucoma should be studied further. Serum is easily accessible and should thus be explored as rich sources of potential biomarkers. Further research should aim to identify XFG biomarkers that could be utilized in routine blood analysis tests, aiding in timely disease diagnosis.

Glaucoma Symptom Scale: Psychometric properties of the Serbian version.

PURPOSE: The study aim was to translate and validate the Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) in Serbian language. METHODS: Clinical parameters and socio-demographic data were collected for each of the 177 enrolled glaucoma patients. Each eye was classified according to the Glaucoma staging system by Mills into 6 stages. Patients filled out the GSS and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25). The GSS comprises 10 complaints common for glaucoma patients on a topical treatment, grouped into two subscales: SYMP-6 (non-visual) and FUNC-4 (visual problems). The GSS was translated following the customary methodology and its psychometric properties were assessed by using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the Serbian GSS for the whole scale was very good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81). On factor analysis items were clustered into 2 factors (48.92% of variance) which corresponded to the original scale. The total and subscale GSS scores correlated significantly with measures of disease severity and also with total score and analogous NEI-VFQ 25 subscale scores. In Rasch analysis we obtained adequate item reliability index (0.90). Almost all items had infit and outfit mean squares in the accepted range. However, measurement precision was poor (low person separation reliability) and targeting revealed a ceiling effect. CONCLUSION: When analyzed with CTT the Serbian version of the GSS seems to be a valid instrument, but Rasch analysis revealed some serious measurement flaws, therefore it should not be used in its current format. Further studies to modify and improve GSS are needed prior to its application for Serbian glaucoma patients.

Validation of the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 Questionnaire in Serbian language.

AIM: To translate the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) to Serbian language and asses its validity and reliability in the population of Serbian patients. METHODS: The study included 177 glaucoma patients. Clinical parameters (visual acuity, mean defect and square root of loss variance of visual field) and socio-demographic data were collected. Patients were stratified according to the Nelson's glaucoma staging system as mild, moderate and advanced glaucoma. All patients filled out the GQL-15 and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25). The GQL-15 was translated following the internationally-accepted methodology, and its psychometric properties were assessed by using classical test theory and Rasch analysis. RESULTS: The mean total score for the GQL-15 was 20.68±7.31. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale was 0.89 (central and near vision, α=0.24; peripheral vision, α=0.85; glare and dark adaptation, α=0.83). Factor analysis established 4 factors (70.3% of variance): two corresponding to the original factors and two new factors specific for the Serbian population. The GQL-15 score correlated positively with almost all clinical parameters and NEI-VFQ 25 proving good criterion validity. Correlation of the GQL-15 total score on test-retest confirmed appropriate scale reproducibility (ρ=0.96, P<0.001). The GQL-15 discriminated well advanced from mild and moderate glaucoma. In Rasch analysis we obtained adequate item (0.95) reliability index. Almost all items had infit and outfit mean squares in the accepted range. CONCLUSION: Serbian version of the GQL-15 demonstrates adequate reliability and validity. This version of the GQL-15 is a valid instrument for evaluation of quality of life among Serbian speaking patients with glaucoma and can be applied in daily clinical work.

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 - Data from the Serbian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a multisystem disorder, mostly presented with mild but heterogeneous spectrum of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to provide detailed sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data of a large DM2 cohort from the Serbian registry. METHODS: In 2008, we started to prospectively enter data of all DM patients. We also retrospectively collected data of patients hospitalized from 1990 until 2008. RESULTS: At the end of 2017, registry comprised 87 (68%) of 128 genetically confirmed DM2 patients in Serbia, i.e. 1.2 registered cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Female subjects were more prevalent (63%). The diagnostic delay was 11.8±11.3 years. The most common first symptoms in our patients were lower limb weakness, handgrip myotonia and limb pain, although some percentage of patients presented with cataracts or extrapyramidal symptoms and signs. Lens opacities were present in 75% of patients. Severe ECG abnormalities were noted in 8% and pacemaker was implanted in 5% of DM2 subjects. Pulmonary restriction was observed in 10% of DM2 patients. Insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus were frequent in our cohort (21% and 17%, respectively). Male subjects more frequently had snoring, baldness, sterility, polyneuropathy, lower HDL and higher glycaemia, while waddling gait and increased muscle reflexes were more common in females. CONCLUSIONS: This registry offers a spectrum of different features presented in Serbian DM2 population, which could be at service of earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Is the Use of Refrigerated Fixed Combination of Dorzolamide 2%-Timolol 0.5% (COSOPT) Associated with Less Ocular Discomfort: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that the use of refrigerated fixed combination of dorzolamide 2% plus timolol 0.5% solution (COSOPT®) is associated with less ocular discomfort compared with the use of this solution kept at room temperature. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, 30 primary open-angle patients and 30 healthy subjects filled in the questionnaire on symptoms (Ocular Surface Disease Index) and subjective stinging feeling scale (1-10), at the start of study and 30 days after continuous use of refrigerated fixed combination or placebo eye drops. Results were processed by applying the methods of descriptive (arithmetical mean, standard deviation) and analytical statistics for evaluation of significance of the difference (Student's t-test). RESULTS: Ocular discomfort parameters were significantly lower after the use of refrigerated fixed combination of dorzolamide 2% plus timolol 0.5% solution (t-test, P < 0.0001). Breakup time, Schirmer 1 test, and intraocular pressure values did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: The use of refrigerated fixed combination of dorzolamide 2% plus timolol 0.5% (COSOPT) solution is associated with less ocular discomfort than the use of the same fixed combination at room temperature.

Ocular pulse amplitude after panretinal photocoagulation in normotensive eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of panretinal laser photocoagulation on ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in normotensive eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Prospectively, we performed unilateral argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in 30 patients with diabetes mellitus type II and previously untreated bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Before and 7 and 30 days after the treatment, OPA was measured using dynamic contour tonometer. RESULTS: Compared with the untreated contralateral eyes, laser photocoagulation led to a reduction of OPA. Ocular pulse amplitude did not significantly differ in photocoagulated eyes 7 days after the treatment, but there was a significant difference in OPA 30 days after the treatment. The decrease in OPA values was 15% 7 days after PRP and 40% 30 days after PRP. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular pulse amplitude reduction after PRP indirectly informs us about choriocapillary closure, already reported in previous studies.

Relationship between blood pressure and retrobulbar blood flow in dipper and nondipper primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery, and short posterior ciliary artery and 24-hour blood pressure (BP) measurements in dipper and nondipper patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted on consecutive patients, referred or recruited, attending the outpatient service of our ophthalmology department. Ambulatory BP monitoring, Doppler imaging, and ocular pulse amplitude measurements were performed on the same day. Patients with nocturnal BP decrease up to 10% of the diurnal BP were defined as dippers and those with BP decrease less than 10% were defined as nondippers. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients (36 nondippers and 78 dippers) were included in the study. The end-diastolic velocity was significantly lower and the resistivity index (RI) was significantly higher in the dippers than in the nondippers (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The RI in the OA was significantly correlated with daytime and nighttime systolic BP and with the daytime mean arterial pressure in the dippers. CONCLUSIONS: The RI in the OA significantly correlates with BP in patients with POAG with nocturnal BP dips. Additionally, retrobulbar blood flow parameters are reduced in dippers as compared with nondippers with POAG.

Spectral analysis of intraocular pressure pulse wave in ocular hypertensive and primary open angle glaucoma patients.

CONTEXT: In attempt to find an alternative way to determine conversion from ocular hypertension to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (besides visual field and optic disc changes), we analyzed intraocular pressure (IOP) pulse wave in spectral domain. AIMS: The aim of this study was to test the potential differences in spectral content of IOP pulse wave between ocular hypertension and POAG patients, which could indicate conversion. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study designed to test the differences in the spectral content of pressure pulse wave between nontreated ocular hypertensive and nontreated, freshly diagnosed POAG patients. METHODS: The total of 40 eyes of 40 subjects was included: 20 previously untreated ocular hypertensive patients, and 20 previously untreated POAG patients. Continuous IOP measuring gained by dynamic contour tonometry was submitted to fast Fourier transform signal analysis and further statistical data processing. Statistics Analysis Used: Ocular and systemic characteristics of the tested subjects were compared by analysis of variance appropriate for this study design. A P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Higher spectral components of the IOP pulse wave was discerned up to the fifth harmonic in both of the tested groups. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the tested harmonic amplitudes. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences in the spectral content of IOP pulse wave between ocular hypertensive and primary open angle glaucoma patients which could be indicative for conversion.

Quantitation of brinzolamide in dried blood spots by a novel LC-QTOF-MS/MS method.

In the current study, a rapid and sensitive LC-QTOF-MS/MS method for the determination of brinzolamide in dried blood spots (DBS) was developed and validated. This novel sample collection, storage and transfer technique was suitable for analyzing a drug with high distribution into red blood cells and negligible plasma levels. The method included an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol and 10mM ammonium formate (90:10, v/v) and detection in positive electrospray mode (ESI+). The flow rate was adjusted to 0.350mL/min yielding retention times of 1.7min for both brinzolamide and internal standard (IS) rabeprazole on a Cyano analytical column, respectively. The validation of the proposed method over the concentration range 0.500-20.0µg/mL was performed in compliance with EMEA and FDA guidelines, assessing all major performance characteristics. Inter- and intra- assay precisions were less than 14%, while inter- and intra- assay accuracies varied from 92.2 to 111%. No matrix effect was observed and the mean brinzolamide extraction recovery was 93.5%. The method was successfully applied to real DBS samples from patients in steady state condition, receiving brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension 1% (w/v) for several months. Initial concentrations were corrected due to hematocrit effect, using image processing algorithm written in Matlab.

The Role of 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Hypertensive Patients with Normal-tension Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: Extreme dippers are patients with a nocturnal fall of blood pressure (BP) of more than 20%, dippers have normal diurnal rhythm and decrease of BP of 10-15%, while patients with a nocturnal BP fall of less than 10% are considered to be non-dippers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring results of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients with NTG suspects, as well as to determine whether NTG patients are more prone to daytime/nighttime systemic arterial BP and heart rate oscillations in comparison to NTG suspects. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional and observational study of 57 hypertensive patients (39 female and 18 male), all examined at the Eye and the Cardiology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade, between November 2011 and March 2012. Before 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, complete ophthalmological examination was performed (intraocular pressure was measured with both Goldmann applanation and dynamic contour tonometer, as well as with computerized perimetry and Heidelberg retinal tomography). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between NTG patients and NTG suspects both in systolic daytime (131.86-141.81 mmHg, SD=±l 4.92 vs. 129.67-141.83 mmHg, SD=±l3; p=0.53) and nighttime measurements (117.1-129.7 mmHg, SD=±l 8.96 vs. 112.11-127.59 mmHg, SD=±16.53; p=0.53) as well as diastolic daytime (74.55-80.37 mmHg, SD=±8.72 vs. 75.19-82.41 mmHg, SD=±7.72; p=0.58) and nighttime measurements (65.66-71.48 mmHg, SD=±8.73 vs. 67.12-73.78 mmHg, SD=±7.1 1; p=0.34). There was no statistically significant difference between NTG patients and NTG suspects in heart rate during the day (72.73-76.36 beats per minute [bpm], SD=±5.44 vs. 72.15-76.45 bpm, SD=±4.59; p=0.43) nor during the night (64.4-71.9 bpm, SD=±6.74 vs. 68.02-72.48 bpm, SD=±4.76; p=0.11). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was found between NTG patients and NTG suspects in regard to their systolic and diastolic BP measured both during daytime and nighttime. NTG patients had fall (both systolic and diastolic) than NTG suspects.

Human external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae)--a green bottle fly.

Ophthalmomyiasis externa is the result of infestation of the conjunctiva by the larval form or maggots of flies from the order Diptera. If not recognized and managed appropriately, it can be complicated by the potentially fatal condition ophthalmomyiasis interna. Ophthalmomyiasis externa is mainly caused by the sheep bot fly (Oestrus ovis). We present the first case, to our knowledge, of ophthalmomyiasis externa in an elderly woman from Belgrade caused by Lucilia sericata Meigen--a green bottle fly.