IFNL4 polymorphism as a predictor of chronic hepatitis C treatment efficiency in Ukrainian patients.

The aim of this study was to examine association between IFNL4 gene ss469415590 and treatment efficiency in group of Ukrainian PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients. Study group consisted of 92 unrelated hepatitis C virus genotype 1 mono-infected patients: case group-29 patients with late or absent virological response; control group-63 patients with sustained virological response. Study material was genomic DNA. Genotyping was performed using amplification-refractory mutation system PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using GenePop and OpenEpi statistical packages. Obtained results show that ss469415590 ΔG/ΔG genotype is associated with poor virological response (OR = 3.62; CI 95%: 1.12-11.67) in PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients from Ukraine.

IFNL4 polymorphism as a predictor of chronic hepatitis C treatment efficiency in Ukrainian patients.

The aim of this study was to examine association between IFNL4 gene ss469415590 and treatment efficiency in group of Ukrainian PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients. Study group consisted of 92 unrelated hepatitis C virus genotype 1 mono-infected patients: case group - 29 patients with late or absent virological response; control group - 63 patients with sustained virological response. Study material was genomic DNA. Genotyping was performed using amplification-refractory mutation system PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using GenePop and OpenEpi statistical packages. Obtained results show that ss469415590 ΔG/ΔG genotype is associated with poor virological response (OR = 3.62; CI 95%: 1.12-11.67) in PEG-interferon/ribavirin-treated chronic hepatitis C patients from Ukraine.

Bilateral cataracts associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) has an essential role in the defense against cellular oxidative injury. In neonates, the most common manifestation of G6PD deficiency is jaundice and hemolysis due to factors causing oxidative stress. Less known are the ocular associations described with G6PD deficiency, including cataracts. Oxidative injury is involved in the pathogenesis of almost all forms of cataracts, causing the lens proteins to undergo modifications, denaturation and form insoluble aggregates resulting in cataracts. Although cataracts in adult males have been reported in several studies, there are few reports of cataracts in infants with G6PD deficiency. We describe a preterm male neonate with G6PD deficiency who developed bilateral cataracts following an episode of neonatal sepsis and severe hemolysis necessitating an exchange blood transfusion.

How long can donor sclera be safely stored?

PURPOSE: To determine whether after prolonged storage of sclera in glycerin, there is any bacteriologic contamination that will reactivate, whether reconstituted sclera retains its tensile strength, and whether sclera retains its microstructural integrity. METHODS: Sixty-six scleral shells stored in glycerin for 9 to 19 years, as well as 11 controls stored for 6 months to 4 years, were studied by cutting a small wedge of tissue from the anterior margin of each and directly inoculating into thioglycolate broth, cutting an equatorial ring and determining its break strength using a tensiometer, and cutting a small piece from the remaining posterior portion and examining by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: After such prolonged storage, bacteriologic contamination was not detected, tensile strength generally increased with increasing duration of storage, and ultrastructural integrity was maintained on scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that storage of scleral shells can be safely prolonged; we hope this can facilitate an increased supply of donated sclera to patients and surgeons.

Studies on associations of antinuclear antibodies with antibodies to an uveitogenic peptide of retinal S antigen in children with uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if, in children with uveitis, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are associated with antibodies to an uveitogenic peptide of a soluble retinal antigen and to the homologous nuclear antigen, histone 3 (H3). ANA occur in most children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and associated uveitis. An uveitogenic segment of retinal soluble antigen (S antigen peptide) is homologous with a similarly uveitogenic peptide of H3. We investigated a possible association between ANA positivity, antibodies to H3, and antibodies to the uveitogenic S antigen peptide. METHODS: The sera of 31 children with uveitis (20 of whom had associated JRA) were tested for the presence of ANA by indirect immunofluorescence. Antibodies to H3 and to an uveitogenic peptide of S antigen (an 18 mer segment having the amino acid sequence DTNLASSTIIKEGIDKTV) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: 19 of 20 children (95%) with JRA and associated uveitis and none of 11 with uveitis not associated with JRA had positive tests for ANA (X2 = 14.97; p < 0.00001). 16 of 19 ANA positive sera from subjects with JRA (84%) displayed reactivity with the chromosomal regions of metaphase cells. 9 of 20 patients with JRA with uveitis (45%) and 2 of 11 patients (18%) with uveitis not associated with JRA had antibodies to H3. Two uveitic patients with JRA (10%) and 2 non-JRA patients with uveitis (18%) reacted with S antigen peptide. Antibodies to H3 occurred significantly more frequently in children with uveitis than in all adult control subjects (X2 = 12.98; p = 0.003) and in adults with uveitis (X2 = 5.62; p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Humoral immune responses to the uveitogenic peptide of S antigen and the homologous H3 antigen appear not to be uniquely important in the immunopathology of uveitis associated with JRA. Antibodies to isolated H3 do not exclusively account for ANA positivity in the uveitic patient with JRA. A unique immunopathogenic mechanism for the development of uveitis associated with JRA is suggested by the observations that (1) children with uveitis associated with JRA are more likely to be ANA positive than children with uveitis not associated with JRA, and (2) children with uveitis associated with JRA are significantly more likely to be ANA positive and to have antibodies to H3 than adults with uveitis.

Ophthalmic complications associated with orthognathic surgery.

Ophthalmic complications are rare following maxillary osteotomies. Potential complications include a decrease in visual acuity, extraocular muscle dysfunction, neuroparalytic keratitis, and nasolacrimal problems involving both an increase or a decrease in tearing. Ophthalmic injuries appear to be primarily mediated through indirect injuries to neurovascular structures occurring from traction, compression, or contrecoup injuries from forces transmitted during the pterygomaxillary dysjunction using an osteotome or from fractures extending to the base of the skull or orbit associated with the pterygomaxillary dysjunction or the maxillary downfracture. A review of the literature of previous ophthalmic complications as well as eight new cases are reported. The possible etiologic basis for these injuries is discussed in detail as well as treatment possibilities when appropriate.