Uveal and conjunctival melanomas: disease course and outcomes in Chinese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies of ocular melanomas have largely focused on Caucasian populations. This study reviewed the course and outcomes of uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CM) in Chinese patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with UM and CM who received treatment in a tertiary eye centre in Hong Kong from January 1994 to December 2019. Data were recorded concerning patient demographics, tumour laterality, tumour characteristics, investigations performed, treatment regimen, and final outcomes. RESULTS: During the 25-year study period, there were 13 patients with UM and 11 patients with CM who did not display nodal or systemic involvement at diagnosis. The mean ± standard deviation ages at diagnosis of UM and CM were 59 ± 15.8 and 57 ± 13.9 years, respectively. There were more men among patients with UM than among those with CM (P=0.042). Most patients with UM underwent primary enucleation (n=12; 92.3%), whereas most patients with CM underwent orbital exenteration (n=9; 81.8%). The prognosis was significantly worse for CM than for UM. The median disease-free survival were 5.2 years (range, 0.7-20.5) and 2.1 years (range, 0.1-24.9) for UM and CM, respectively. Melanoma-related mortality was significantly higher among patients with CM than among those with UM (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Compared with UM, CM has higher rates of systemic metastasis and tumour-related mortality in Hong Kong Chinese patients, regardless of prior definitive treatment.

Update on the association between dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Dry eye disease is one of the most common ophthalmic complaints; it results from the activity of various pathways and is considered a multifactorial disease. An important factor that contributes to the onset of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian gland dysfunction causes a disruption in the tear film lipid layer which affects the rate of tear evaporation. This evaporation leads to tear hyperosmolarity, eventually triggering the onset of dry eye disease. Dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction are strongly associated with each other, such that many of their risk factors, signs, and symptoms overlap. This review aimed to provide an update on the association between dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. A stepwise approach for diagnosis and management is summarised.

Long-term outcomes of punch punctoplasty with Kelly punch and review of literature.

PurposeTo report long-term outcomes of punch punctoplasty utilizing the Kelly punch and to compare the results with other described methods of punctoplasty in literature.Patients and methodsA retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series of patients who underwent punch punctoplasty at the Hong Kong Eye Hospital over an 8-year period. A standard Kelly Descemet's membrane punch was utilized for punctal enlargement in all cases. Patient records and their operative records were reviewed. Anatomical success was defined by well-patent puncta on follow-up. Functional success was considered complete if tearing resolved completely postop and partial if residual tearing remained despite patent puncta and nasolacrimal drainage system. An OVID MEDLINE review was performed to compare success rates of various punctoplasty surgeries in literature.ResultsIn all, 101 punch punctoplasties from 50 patients were performed between January 2008 to January 2016. At a mean follow-up of 34 months (range: 6-86 months), the anatomical success rate was 94% (95 out of 101 puncta), whereas functional success was 92% (54 out of 59 eyes). Two cases experienced postop dry eyes; otherwise no major complication was observed.ConclusionPunch punctoplasty via the readily available Kelly punch is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that demonstrates high anatomical and functional success as a sole primary treatment for simple punctal stenosis.

Hybrid procedure for orbital venous malformation in the endovascular operation room.

PURPOSE: To describe a hybrid procedure for orbital venous malformation in the endovascular operating room (EVOR). METHODS: Five consecutive patients with venous malformation in the periocular and orbital region were included. All patients received a one-stage direct puncture venogram, image-guided glue injection, and surgical resection in the EVOR equipped with a biplane digital subtraction angiography system (BDSAS). RESULTS: The mean age at the time of operation was 37.4 years (range, 22-69 years). The mean operative time was 193 min (range, 138-324 min). No intraoperative complications were noted. The mean follow-up duration was 18.8 months (range, 10-24 months). Three patients had complete removal of the vascular lesions. At the latest follow-up, no recurrence of symptoms related to the lesions was noted. All patients had an uneventful recovery and satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid procedure of orbital venous malformation in the EVOR is a novel application in ophthalmology. It is a safe and well-controlled procedure with real-time high-quality BDSAS surveillance to facilitate surgical resection. Its success requires collaboration between the interventional radiologist, the surgeon, and the ophthalmologist.

Factors associated with gingival inflammation among adults with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with increased gingival inflammation in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, forty-eight adults with SSc received assessment of gingival inflammation using Löe and Silness gingival index (LSGI), measurement of oral aperture and evaluation of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene using the Toothbrushing Ability Test, as well as completion of an oral health-related questionnaire. RESULTS: Three explanatory variables in the final multiple predictor models for the LSGI outcome were statistically significant--manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, flossing in the evening and SSc subtype, with higher (i.e., worse) LSGI score among those with impaired manual dexterity, not flossing in the evening and diffuse form of SSc. In addition, posterior teeth had higher LSGI scores compared with that of the anterior teeth after adjusting for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that dental health professionals take manual dexterity into consideration when educating patients with SSc to improve their oral hygiene and educate them on paying more attention on cleaning their posterior teeth and the importance of flossing in the evening--especially those who only floss once a day or less often.

Factors associated with oral hygiene practices among adults with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with oral hygiene practices in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 178 dentate adults with SSc received an oral examination which included measurement of oral aperture, assessment of manual dexterity to perform oral hygiene, as well as completion of the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale and an oral health-related questionnaire. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression modelling showed male, minority and high CES-D scores (i.e. clinically significant symptoms of depression) were associated with less likelihood of participants brushing teeth at least twice daily, but the presence of self-reported dry mouth symptoms increased the likelihood of toothbrushing. Having a dental visit in the past 12 months and use of an adapted flossing or interdental cleaning device were significantly associated with daily dental flossing; however, having difficulty flossing teeth reduced the likelihood of daily flossing. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, demographic variables were strongly associated with toothbrushing frequency, whereas flossing self-efficacy and barriers were strongly associated with dental flossing frequency in adults with SSc. The results suggest that dental health professionals should take mental health into consideration when educating patients with SSc to improve their oral hygiene and consider making referrals for patients exhibiting suspected clinically significant depressive symptoms to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment. In addition, an appropriate adapted flossing or interdental cleaning device should be recommended to increase dental flossing practices in this patient population.

Effect of a home telecare program on oral health among adults with tetraplegia: a pilot study.

STUDY DESIGN: one group pre- and post-test design. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to examine both the short- and long-term effects of an oral home telecare program on improving gingival health among adults with tetraplegia. METHODS: Eight adults with tetraplegia participated. The oral home telecare program consisted of individualized oral hygiene training in the use of assistive devices (powered toothbrush and adapted flosser and/or oral irrigator) using personal computer-based videoconferencing between each participant and an occupational therapist. Training was conducted on an average of five 15-30 min sessions across 3 months. During these training sessions, supervised practice of oral hygiene, and provision of immediate corrective feedback and positive reinforcement in the use of adaptive oral hygiene devices was emphasized. Gingival health assessment using the Löe-Silness gingival index (LSGI) was conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: From baseline to 6 months, participants showed statistically significant differences (that is, improvement with less gingival inflammation) in their LSGI scores (z=2.18, P=.03). From baseline to 12 months, participants also showed a statistically significant difference (that is, improvement, z=2.03; P=0.04) in their LSGI scores. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that preventive oral home telecare with repeated oral hygiene training in the use of adaptive devices improved gingival health at 6 and 12 months among adults with tetraplegia.

Systematic review of the methodological quality and outcome measures utilized in exercise interventions for adults with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review. OBJECTIVES: The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the methodological quality of exercise intervention studies in adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs); and to classify the reported outcome measures according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Electronic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, Scopus and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials from 2001 to 2011 were performed. Selected studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist. Outcome measures were extracted and linked to categories of the ICF using standardized linking rules. RESULTS: Two-hundred forty abstracts were retrieved, 57 studies met eligibility criteria. The mean methodological quality score was 14.7 ± 3.2 out of 28 on the Downs and Black checklist. Three-hundred seventy four outcome measures were extracted with 333 concepts linked to 35 second-level ICF categories across the four components. CONCLUSION: Studies of exercise interventions for adults with SCI included in this review are generally low in methodological quality, primarily reporting outcomes related to the Body Functions and Body Structures components of the ICF. It is recommended that studies employ more vigorous methodological designs to reduce bias and confounding, and include outcome measures targeting more categories in the Activities and Participation component so as to reflect the potential benefits of exercise on health and functioning in this population.

Using Wii Fit to reduce fatigue among African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study.

Fatigue and physical deconditioning are common, difficult to treat conditions among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program using the Wii Fit system in patients with SLE. Fifteen sedentary African American women with SLE experiencing moderate to severe fatigue participated in a home exercise program using the Wii Fit 3 days a week for 30 minutes each for 10 weeks. A one-group pretest-post test design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. Primary outcome measure was severity of fatigue. Secondary outcome measures were body weight, waist circumference, fatigue-related symptoms of distress, activity level, and physical fitness. At the completion of the 10-week Wii Fit exercise program, participants perceived fatigue severity as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale to be significantly decreased (p = 0.002), and body weight and waist circumference were significantly reduced (p = 0.01). In addition, anxiety level, as measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and overall intensity of total pain experience, as measured by Short-form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Findings provide preliminary evidence that the Wii Fit motivates this population to exercise, which leads to alleviation of fatigue and reduced body weight, waist circumference, anxiety level, and overall intensity of total pain experience.

Activities of daily living performance in dementia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the activities of daily living ADL performance profile of community-living people with dementia and to investigate its relationship with dementia severity. MATERIALS & METHODS: ADL performance of 86 subjects were evaluated using Barthel Index (BI), Lawton and Brody's Instrumental Activities Daily Living (IADL) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Dementia severity was measured by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). RESULTS: Subjects were able to perform most basic ADL (BI mean = 16.4) and some IADL (Lawton and Brody's IADL mean = 4.3). The AMPS process ability measure and the Lawton and Brody's IADL were significantly correlated with CDR (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with mild dementia were able to perform mostly all basic ADL and some IADL. The AMPS process ability measure and the Lawton and Brody's IADL could provide useful information on their ability to live independently in the community.

Late leakage of filtering bleb in a patient with orbital pseudotumor.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of spontaneous late leakage of filtering bleb in a patient with orbital pseudotumor. METHODS: Single case report. RESULTS: A 53-year-old woman developed spontaneous leakage of bleb in her right eye 23 years after trabeculectomy with application of mitomycin-C (MMC). Two weeks later, her symptoms were blurring of vision, increasing redness, and dull ocular pain in the right eye. The inflammatory signs were suggestive of endophthalmitis, orbital cellulites, or pseudo-tumor. Absence of ophthalmoplegia, fever, and raised white cell count, together with the computed tomographic scan finding, confirmed the diagnosis of orbital pseudotumor. She responded well to oral steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital pseudotumor may initially present with spontaneous late leakage in a bleb augmented by MMC. Orbital pseudotumor should be added to the list of differential diagnoses when facing a patient with an inflamed, chemotic, proptotic eye in the presence of a late bleb leak.

Combined orbital irradiation and systemic steroids compared with systemic steroids alone in the management of moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of combined orbital irradiation and systemic steroids in the management of moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. DESIGN: Single-blind randomised prospective study. SETTING: Regional hospital, Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Sixteen patients with active moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy who were randomly assigned to steroid therapy (ST group) or combination therapy of orbital irradiation and systemic steroids (SRT group) between June 2000 and June 2003. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: NOSPECS scoring system, total eye score, subjective eye score, and extra-ocular muscle thickness as determined by either computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scans. RESULTS: The study was completed by 15 of 16 patients. Both groups experienced improvement in total eye score, soft tissue swelling, ocular motility, visual acuity, and subjective eye score at 52-week follow-up. Total eye score improved earlier in the SRT group, achieving statistical significance (P<0.05) at as early as 4 weeks of follow-up. Improvement in ocular parameters was greater and led to a significantly greater reduction in total eye score than in the ST group at weeks 16, 24, and 52. Maximum extra-ocular muscle thickness was significantly reduced in the SRT group only. No change was observed in proptosis in either group. No serious adverse effect was observed with the addition of orbital irradiation to steroid therapy. CONCLUSION: A combination of orbital irradiation and systemic steroids is well tolerated and more effective than steroids alone in the treatment of active moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. It achieves greater and more rapid improvement in soft tissue swelling, ocular motility, and visual acuity.