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1.
Cureus ; 15(12): e50081, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38186451

ABSTRACT

Group A streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a common organism that can cause upper respiratory infections. We encountered a case where GAS caused infective endocarditis (IE) due to an entry from the vagina. In this case, although echocardiography was negative, we were able to make a diagnosis of IE based on the 2023 Duke International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases Criteria, and we started antimicrobial therapy for IE. However, the patient subsequently developed persistent abdominal pain, which was atypical; hence, we reviewed the differential diagnosis. It is difficult to locate the primary site of infection because GAS rarely causes vaginal infections, and vaginal infections rarely cause IE. This case highlights the significance of revisiting medical history and the value of using a system 3 approach to refine diagnostic directions.

2.
Jpn J Ophthalmol ; 66(6): 511-517, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36149566

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of a 6-month follow-up after switching to brolucizumab from aflibercept to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Japanese patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: We studied 45 consecutive eyes of 42 patients diagnosed with neovascular AMD, who were switched to intravitreal brolucizumab injection (IVBr) after receiving intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVA) using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen. Patients who had brolucizumab-associated intraocular inflammation (IOI) were excluded from the study. The mean changes in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and treatment intervals were evaluated at 6 months after the switch to IVBr. RESULTS: One eye of 1 patient was excluded because of IOI after the switch; 44 eyes of 41 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean logMAR BCVA was maintained throughout the follow-up period when compared with the baseline value (P > .05 at 6 months). However, the mean CFT and CCT at 6 months had decreased significantly (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively). The mean treatment interval was extended from 5.75 to 8.12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Switching to brolucizumab from aflibercept using a TAE regimen might be effective for maintaining functional outcomes and extending intervals in Japanese patients with AMD.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Uveitis , Wet Macular Degeneration , Humans , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , East Asian People , Follow-Up Studies , Intravitreal Injections , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/therapeutic use , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Uveitis/drug therapy , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Visual Acuity , Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Wet Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
3.
Clin Case Rep ; 10(8): e6251, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35999981

ABSTRACT

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe necrotizing infection that occurs predominately among individuals with diabetes mellitus. The mortality rate is >10% only medical therapy. We report a case of emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, precipitated by faulty catheter insertion. The patient recovered after the replacement of catheter and administration of antibiotics.

4.
Sci Rep ; 12(1): 7987, 2022 05 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35568780

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the 1-year visual outcomes and anatomic responses of Japanese patients who received intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) injections for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This was a retrospective study of 17 treatment-naïve eyes with PCV that were treated with IVBr. We evaluated the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT) and number of injections for 1 year. The eradication of polypoidal lesions was also evaluated using by indocyanine green angiography during the 1-year follow-up. Non-infectious intraocular inflammation developed in two (11.8%) eyes; 15 eyes were assessed at the 1-year follow-up examination. The mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.28 at baseline to 0.13 (P < 0.05) at 1 year. The CMT and CCT decreased significantly after 1 year. The mean number of injections was 6.4 ± 0.13. The rate of complete resolution of polypoidal lesions at 1 year was 93.3%. A dry macula was achieved in 13 eyes (86.6%) after the loading phase and in 11 eyes (73.3%) at 1 year. The IVBr injections appeared to be effective for improving both functional and anatomic outcomes in Japanese patients with PCV, with a high regression rate of polypoidal lesions.


Subject(s)
Eye Diseases , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor , Angiogenesis Inhibitors , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Eye Diseases/drug therapy , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Visual Acuity
5.
Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep ; 26: 101397, 2022 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35243149

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate an outbreak of endophthalmitis caused by Fusarium oxysporum after cataract surgery. METHODS: In the present study, we conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of cases of endophthalmitis that developed after cataract surgery. All eyes underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PEA + IOL) at a single eye clinic on the same date. Symptoms of endophthalmitis occurred 21.5 ± 3.4 days after the cataract surgery. RESULTS: Nine eyes of 9 patients with fungal endophthalmitis (5 males and 4 females) were enrolled in the current study. The mean age of the patients was 63.4 ± 8.5 years. Soon after the diagnosis of endophthalmitis, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) had been performed in all the eyes. However, because there was no response to the first PPV plus antibacterial drug therapy, we performed repeat PPV for all the eyes, combined with IOL removal and antifungal therapy (natamycin eye drops plus oral voriconazole or fosfluconazole). After the antifungal drug therapy, no recurrence of endophthalmitis was observed in any of the operated eyes, and good visual outcomes were obtained. Fusarium oxysporum was identified by culture and sequencing analysis. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and appropriate, adequate treatment are needed for successful management of fungal endophthalmitis.

7.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 12246, 2021 06 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34112856

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in Japanese patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A retrospective study of chart review of patients who underwent ≥ 10 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections between April 2009 and December 2019 was conducted. Elevated IOP was defined as IOP ≥ 25 mmHg at one visit. Cases with elevated IOP resulting from IVI were identified. Furthermore, the association between elevated IOP and some parameters, as the risk factors that influence elevated IOP, was investigated. A total of 402 eyes of 370 patients were included in this study. Twenty-eight eyes of 26 patients (7.0%) were identified as cases with elevated IOP after IVI. The mean time of elevation after baseline was 50.6 ± 26.5 months. History of glaucoma (p = 0.021; odds ratio, 5.85), treatment modality (p = 0.019; odds ratio, 6.32), and total number of injections (p = 0.003; odds ratio, 1.03) were significantly associated with elevated IOP. A late complication of elevated IOP is associated with IVI in patients with AMD. Particularly, history of glaucoma and treat and extend regimen with frequent injections were found to be risk factors of elevated IOP.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects , Intraocular Pressure , Macular Degeneration/complications , Macular Degeneration/epidemiology , Ocular Hypertension/epidemiology , Ocular Hypertension/etiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Disease Susceptibility , Female , Humans , Incidence , Intravitreal Injections/adverse effects , Japan/epidemiology , Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Ocular Hypertension/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Tonometry, Ocular
8.
PLoS One ; 16(3): e0249073, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33755707

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A smoking habit can cause various health problems encompassing retinal diseases including central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of smoking on the choroidal structure in patients with CSC. METHODS: The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated using the binarized OCT images. Baseline parameters (age, refractive error [SE], subfoveal choroidal thickness [SFCT] and CVI) were compared between smokers and non-smokers using Wilcoxon rank sum test. Moreover, the associations between SFCT and the baseline parameters were analyzed using a multivariate linear regression followed by the AICc model selection. RESULTS: Among 75 CSC patients, 45 patients were smokers and 30 patients were non-smokers. No significant differences in age and SE were seen between the smoking group and the non-smoking group. A significant difference in the SFCT was seen between two groups (382.0 ± 68.2 µm in the smoking group vs. 339.3 ± 52.3 µm in the non-smoking group, p = 0.0038), while no significant difference was observed in the CVI (p = 0.32). The optimal model for SFCT included the variables of age, SE and past history of smoking among the baseline parameters. Additionally, increased pack years was associated with increased SFCT. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was associated with an increased SFCT in patients with CSC. Thicker choroid in smoking CSC patients may be an important modulator of the disease.


Subject(s)
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy/pathology , Choroid/physiology , Smoking , Adult , Central Serous Chorioretinopathy/diagnosis , Choroid/diagnostic imaging , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Smokers/statistics & numerical data , Tomography, Optical Coherence
9.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun ; 552: 66-72, 2021 05 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33743349

ABSTRACT

Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great promise as a new therapeutic modality for age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. The development of hESC/hiPSC-derived RPE cells as cell-based therapeutic products requires a robust, scalable production for every hiPSC line congruent for patients. However, individual hESC/hiPSC lines show bias in differentiation. Here we report an efficient, robust method that induces RPE cells regardless of the differentiation propensity of the hiPSC lines. Application of the tankyrase inhibitor IWR-1-endo, which potentially inhibits Wnt signaling, promoted retinal differentiation in dissociated hiPSCs under feeder-free, two-dimensional culture conditions. The other tankyrase inhibitor, XAV939, also promoted retinal differentiation. However, Wnt signaling inhibitors, IWP-2 and iCRT3, that target porcupine and ß-catenin/TCF, respectively, did not. Further treatment with the GSK3ß inhibitor CHIR99021 and FGF receptor inhibitor SU5402 induced hexagonal pigmented cells with phagocytotic ability. Notably, the IWR-1-endo-based differentiation method induced RPE cells even in an hiPSC line that expresses a lower level of the differentiation propensity marker SALL3, which is indicative of resistance to ectoderm differentiation. The present study demonstrated that tankyrase inhibitors cause efficient and robust RPE differentiation, irrespective of the SALL3 expression levels in hiPSC lines. This differentiation method will resolve line-to-line variations of hiPSCs in RPE production and facilitate clinical application and industrialization of RPE cell products for regenerative medicine.


Subject(s)
Cell Differentiation , Human Embryonic Stem Cells/cytology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/cytology , Tankyrases/metabolism , Cell Transplantation/methods , Cells, Cultured , Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring/pharmacology , Human Embryonic Stem Cells/drug effects , Human Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism , Humans , Imides/pharmacology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/drug effects , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Macular Degeneration/therapy , Pluripotent Stem Cells/drug effects , Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Quinolines/pharmacology , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/metabolism , Tankyrases/antagonists & inhibitors
10.
Nagoya J Med Sci ; 83(1): 41-49, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33727736

ABSTRACT

The effects of pregnancy on balance with the eyes closed and maximum walking speed remain unclarified. The present study aimed to examine the effect of simulated gestational weight gain on balance, gait, and fear of falling in nulligravid women to enhance understanding of the impact of gestational weight gain. We prospectively evaluated the following outcomes in 24 healthy nulligravid women with and without a maternity-simulation jacket that simulated third-trimester pregnancy. To measure balance, we used the single-leg-stance test with eyes open and closed, and the functional reach test. We evaluated gait function by measuring walking speed, step length, and cadence at self-selected and maximum speeds. We used the timed-up-and-go test as a comprehensive measure of gait and balance, and the modified falls efficacy scale to evaluate fear of falling. Differences in these parameters between a simulated gestational weight gain condition and a "nonpregnant" condition were assessed. Simulated gestational weight gain caused significantly worse performances in the single-leg-stance test with eyes open and closed, functional reach test, walking speed, step length at self-selected and maximum speeds, and timed-up-and-go test. The effect size was larger for the single-leg-stance test with eyes closed than with eyes open. The average score for each modified falls efficacy scale item ranged from 4.7-8.5. In conclusion, balance decreased with simulated gestational weight gain, and balance may be more affected without visual feedback. Simulated gestational weight gain resulted in worse gait function at both self-selected and maximum speeds.


Subject(s)
Fear , Gestational Weight Gain/physiology , Postural Balance , Pregnancy/physiology , Walking Speed , Accidental Falls , Exercise Test , Female , Gait Analysis , Humans , Patient Simulation , Pregnancy Trimester, Third , Prospective Studies , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Young Adult
11.
Curr Opin Ophthalmol ; 32(1): 19-24, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33196545

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review variations of flanged intraocular lens fixation (Yamane technique) and their outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: Sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation has become popular, and many techniques have been reported. Among them, the Yamane technique has been widely used in recent years, and there are many variations. However, there are no reports that systematically compare them. SUMMARY: There are variations of the Yamane technique, such as those used to create a scleral tunnel or to dock needles and haptics. Although few reports have directly compared each technique, small scleral wounds appear to be beneficial for long-term stability of the IOL. A method of fixing a capsule tension segment or iris using a flange has also been reported, demonstrating the diverse range of uses of the flange.


Subject(s)
Lens Implantation, Intraocular/methods , Phacoemulsification , Suture Techniques , Humans , Iris/surgery , Lenses, Intraocular , Needles , Sclera/surgery
12.
J Biosci Bioeng ; 131(2): 207-212, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33051155

ABSTRACT

Finding peaks in chromatograms and determining their start and end points (peak picking) is a core task in chromatography based biotechnology. Construction of peak-picking neural networks by deep learning was, however, hampered from the preparation of exact peak-picked or "labeled" chromatograms since the exact start and end points were often unclear in overlapping peaks in real chromatograms. We present a design of a fake chromatogram generator, along with a method for deep learning of peak-picking neural networks. Fake chromatograms were generated by generation of fake peaks, random sampling of peak positions from feature distributions, and merging with real blank sample chromatograms. Information on the exact start and end points, as labeled on the fake chromatograms, were effective for training and evaluating peak-picking neural networks. The peak-picking neural networks constructed herein outperformed conventional peak-picking software and showed comparable performance with that of experienced operators for processing the widely targeted metabolome data. Results of this study indicate that generation of fake chromatograms would be crucial for developing peak-picking neural networks and a key technology for further improvement of peak picking neural networks.


Subject(s)
Deep Learning , Metabolomics/methods , Chromatography , Software
13.
Sci Rep ; 10(1): 14387, 2020 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32873827

ABSTRACT

Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) sheets derived from human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSC) is a promising cell therapy for RPE degeneration, such as in age-related macular degeneration. Current RPE replacement therapies, however, face major challenges. They require a tedious manual process of selecting differentiated RPE from hiPSC-derived cells, and despite wide variation in quality of RPE sheets, there exists no efficient process for distinguishing functional RPE sheets from those unsuitable for transplantation. To overcome these issues, we developed methods for the generation of RPE sheets from hiPSC, and image-based evaluation. We found that stepwise treatment with six signaling pathway inhibitors along with nicotinamide increased RPE differentiation efficiency (RPE6iN), enabling the RPE sheet generation at high purity without manual selection. Machine learning models were developed based on cellular morphological features of F-actin-labeled RPE images for predicting transepithelial electrical resistance values, an indicator of RPE sheet function. Our model was effective at identifying low-quality RPE sheets for elimination, even when using label-free images. The RPE6iN-based RPE sheet generation combined with the non-destructive image-based prediction offers a comprehensive new solution for the large-scale production of pure RPE sheets with lot-to-lot variations and should facilitate the further development of RPE replacement therapies.


Subject(s)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/cytology , Regenerative Medicine/methods , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/cytology , Tissue Engineering/methods , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Cell Line , Humans , Machine Learning , Macular Degeneration/therapy , Niacinamide/pharmacology , Regeneration/drug effects , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/physiology , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/transplantation , Tissue Transplantation/methods
14.
PLoS One ; 15(8): e0238072, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32822418

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Early detection and treatment are important management strategies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity in detecting neovascular AMD using two wide-field imaging systems: ClarusTM (CLARUS 500™, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and Optos®(Optos California®, Optos PLC, Dunfermline, United Kingdom), compared to conventional digital fundus photographs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 109 eyes of 73 consecutive patients with neovascular AMD, who underwent standard examination and multimodal imaging, including fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Unmasked graders utilized slit-lamp biomicroscopy and OCT to diagnose neovascular AMD. Masked graders evaluated ClarusTM, Optos®, and digital fundus photograph methods to determine the presence of choroidal neovascularization associated with AMD. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed using combined fundoscopy and OCT as the reference standard. RESULTS: Ninety eyes were diagnosed with neovascular AMD and the remaining 19 eyes were normal based on the reference standard. Of these, neovascular AMD was detected using ClarusTM in 94.4% (85/90). The sensitivities of Optos® and digital fundus photographs were 81.1% (73/90) and 87.8% (79/90), respectively. The specificities using ClarusTM, Optos®, and digital fundus photographs were 89.5% (17/19), 94.7% (18/19), and 89.5% (17/19), respectively. CONCLUSION: ClarusTM, with its ability to image high-resolution wide field fundus, was considered superior for diagnosing neovascular AMD with high sensitivity and specificity. It may be a useful screening tool for early detection of neovascular AMD, facilitating prompt referral and treatment.


Subject(s)
Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Fundus Oculi , Humans , Macular Degeneration/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Photography/methods , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Severity of Illness Index , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods
15.
PLoS One ; 15(6): e0235213, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32579608

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the 1-year visual outcomes and anatomical responses of patients who received photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections with those of patients who received PDT combined with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections for treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: We retrospectively studied all treatment-naïve patients with PCV who received PDT combined with either IVR or IVA. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), the number of additional injections, and the presence of polypoidal lesions, as indicated by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), during 1 year were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes were assessed at the 1-year follow-up examination. Of these, 23 were treated with PDT combined with IVR (PDT/IVR group), and 21 were treated with PDT combined with IVA (PDT/IVA group). In both groups, BCVA was shown to be significantly improved 1 year after the initial treatment. CMT and CCT were also significantly decreased after 1 year. There were no significant differences in the changes in BCVA or CMT between the two groups. However, the change in CCT in the PDT/IVA group was significantly larger than that of the PDT/IVR group (P < 0.001). The mean number of additional injections was 0.78 ± 0.21 in the PDT/IVR group and 0.57 ± 0.21 in the PDT/IVA group with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.45). The polyp regression rate at 12 months was 78.2% in the PDT/IVR group and 78.9% in the PDT/IVA group with no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: PDT combined with either IVR or IVA was well tolerated and appeared to improve both vision and anatomy in patients with PCV. PDT/IVA may have a more pronounced effect on macular choroidal thickness at 1-year follow-up.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Choroid Diseases/drug therapy , Ranibizumab/therapeutic use , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/therapeutic use , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Choroid/physiology , Choroid Diseases/pathology , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Lasers , Male , Middle Aged , Photochemotherapy , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Verteporfin/therapeutic use , Visual Acuity
16.
Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol ; 258(6): 1279-1285, 2020 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32236705

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify the functional outcome and evaluate the morphologic changes of patients with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) undergoing intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the 1-year follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all the treatment-naïve PNV patients who were scheduled to undergo combination therapy between September 2017 and November 2018. All the patients received three consecutive monthly injections of 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab as loading doses. Full-dose PDT was performed within 1 week of the first injection. Retreatment was allowed if evidence of clinical deterioration or the presence of fluid on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography examination performed at the 1-month follow-up was noted. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was compared before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the initial treatment. Changes in the central foveal thickness (CFT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and retreatment rate during the maintenance phase were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven eyes were enrolled in this study. Significantly, better BCVA was observed at 12 months than at baseline (P = 0.010). The mean CFT significantly decreased from 331 ± 93 to 237 ± 72 µm at 12 months (P < 0.001). The mean CCT also significantly decreased from 361 ± 74 to 310 ± 83 µm at 12 months (P < 0.001). The mean number of injections per eye was 3.9 ± 1.3 during the follow-up period. A total of 45.5% (5 /11) of the patients required retreatment during the maintenance phase. CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF combined with full-dose PDT was well tolerated and appeared to be effective treatment for patients with treatment-naïve PNV. Combination therapy might also reduce the treatment burden with fewer injections in patients with PNV.


Subject(s)
Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Photochemotherapy , Ranibizumab/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Choroidal Neovascularization/diagnosis , Choroidal Neovascularization/physiopathology , Coloring Agents/administration & dosage , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Indocyanine Green/administration & dosage , Intravitreal Injections , Male , Middle Aged , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Verteporfin/therapeutic use , Visual Acuity/physiology
17.
Int J Dermatol ; 58(1): 54-59, 2019 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30168849

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in moderate to severe psoriasis, but the association between their effects on endothelial function and those on skin lesions has not been well studied. We investigated the association between infliximab effects on endothelial function during the loading phase and those on skin lesions in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We evaluated endothelial function with reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry index (RHI) in 15 patients with psoriasis before the first and third infusions of infliximab. Patients were stratified into two groups; those who maintained Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response for more than 6 months (defined as responders) and the others (defined as nonresponders). RESULTS: Six weeks after the initiation of infliximab (before the third infusion), PASI scores were significantly improved compared with baseline, while RHI values were not altered in the whole patient group. However, when the responders and the nonresponders were analyzed separately, RHI values tended to be decreased before the third infusion compared with baseline in the nonresponders, while being unchanged in the responders. Importantly, the difference in ∆RHI reached a statistical significance between the two groups, and the cutoff value (mean - 2 standard deviation of RHI values in the responders) identified the nonresponders with 67% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in RHI values before the third infusion may serve as a predictor for the long-term unfavorable effect of infliximab on psoriatic skin lesions.


Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects , Infliximab/administration & dosage , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Hyperemia/chemically induced , Male , Manometry , Middle Aged , Psoriasis/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Treatment Outcome , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors , Vasodilation
18.
Jpn J Ophthalmol ; 62(2): 144-150, 2018 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29411171

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept therapy using a treat-and-extend regimen on treatment-naïve pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and Type 1 neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 42 eyes with PNV and 60 eyes with Type 1 neovascular AMD. We assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and total number of injections over 2 years. RESULTS: The BCVA and CMT improvements during the 2-year treatment period did not differ significantly between PNV and AMD; however, CCT decreased significantly in PNV than in AMD (P<0.05). Management of PNV required significantly fewer injections than AMD during the 2-year period (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in BCVA, CMT and CCT changes between PNV with and without polypoidal lesions (28 vs. 14 eyes) during the 2 year period. Significantly fewer injections were needed for PNV with polypoidal lesions than for PNV without (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in BCVA, CMT and CCT changes, or in the number of injections during the 2-year treatment period, between AMD with and without polypoidal lesions (30 vs. 30 eyes). CONCLUSION: Treat-and-extend regimen of intravitreal aflibercept injection may be equally effective in terms of improvement of BCVA and exudative changes both in eyes with PNV and those with Type 1 neovascular AMD requiring fewer injections for the former. Among eyes with PNV, those with polypoidal lesions needed fewer injections than those without polypoidal lesions.


Subject(s)
Choroid/blood supply , Choroidal Neovascularization/drug therapy , Macula Lutea/pathology , Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/administration & dosage , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage , Visual Acuity , Aged , Choroid/diagnostic imaging , Choroidal Neovascularization/diagnosis , Choroidal Neovascularization/physiopathology , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Fundus Oculi , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Macular Degeneration/physiopathology , Male , Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/antagonists & inhibitors , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome
19.
Ophthalmol Retina ; 2(5): 462-468, 2018 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31047326

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal injection of aflibercept using a treat-and-extend dosing regimen on treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the development of macular atrophy. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eyes (n = 137) with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD, including 18 eyes with typical AMD with classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 44 eyes with typical AMD with occult CNV, 58 eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 17 eyes with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). METHODS: Clinical records of eyes with neovascular AMD that underwent 3 consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of aflibercept followed by a treat-and-extend dosing regimen were reviewed, and the corresponding imaging studies were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and the extent of macular atrophy in the macular area during a 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: In all subtypes after 1 and 2 years, CMT and CCT were reduced significantly, whereas macular atrophy showed significant enlargement. At baseline, the extent of macular atrophy was greater in RAP than other subtypes; after 2 years, the macular atrophy enlargement was also greatest in RAP and correlated negatively with CCT (rs = -0.72; P < 0.01). Best-corrected visual acuity showed significant improvement after 1 and 2 years in all subtypes other than RAP. In RAP, BCVA was improved significantly after 1 year, but the magnitude of this improvement lost statistical significance after 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Treat-and-extend with intravitreal aflibercept may be effective for improving BCVA and ameliorating exudative changes in neovascular AMD. However in RAP, choroidal thinning during the treatment regimen may accelerate enlargement of macular atrophy, thereby diminishing the improvement in BCVA after 2 years.

20.
Ophthalmologica ; 238(4): 236-242, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28898873

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen using intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) for typical age-related macular degeneration (tAMD). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 61 treatment-naïve eyes with tAMD. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), number of injections, and complications during 2 years were evaluated. RESULTS: BCVA significantly improved by on average 0.13 logMAR units, and CMT and CCT significantly decreased after 2 years. The number of injections was on average 13.6. In the second year, eyes with classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) needed significantly fewer treatments than eyes with occult CNV. Fourteen eyes, which developed subfoveal fibrosis, showed significantly poorer BCVA after 2 years. Subfoveal fibrosis was significantly common in classic CNV. CONCLUSION: A TAE regimen using IVA for tAMD might be effective for improving BCVA and exudative changes. The exudation may be suppressed with fewer treatments in classic CNV compared to occult CNV.


Subject(s)
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/administration & dosage , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage , Visual Acuity , Wet Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Macula Lutea/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnosis
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