Improved Visual Outcomes With Dedicated Retina Call Block Time in Primary Retinal Detachment Repair.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate visual outcomes for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD) compared to macula-on RRDs based on duration from diagnosis to surgical repair performed by a single surgeon with access to a retina call block system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study reviewing the visual acuity (VA) after surgical repair in consecutive macula-off (n = 127) and maculaon (n = 63) RRD comparison eyes that underwent primary RRD repair performed by a single surgeon with dedicated retina call block time. RESULTS: Our results revealed significantly improved VA in macula-off RRD eyes repaired within 3 days of diagnosis at 3, 6, and 12 months/last follow-up, and that duration from diagnosis to surgery is a predictor of VA at 3- and 12-month/last follow-up postoperative visits. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of mechanisms that improve access to operating room time, such as a retina call block system, to expedite surgical repair access. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Comparison of Ergonomics in Vitreoretinal Surgery With Heads-up Visualization Versus the Standard Operating Microscope as Measured by a Wearable Device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional heads-up display (HUD) systems have emerged as an alternative to standard operating microscope (SOM) in the operating room. The goal of this study was to quantitatively measure vitreoretinal surgeon posture across visualization methods. METHODS: Ergonomic data was collected from 64 cases at two tertiary eye care centers. Surgeons wore an Upright Go 2TM posture training device while operating either using the NGENUITY 3D heads-up display visualization system or the SOM. RESULTS: Total percentage of time with upright posture as primary surgeon was significantly higher in surgeries performed using HUD (median 100%, interquartile range [IQR], 85.1% to 100.0%) as compared to surgeries performed using the SOM (median 60.0%, IQR 1.8% to 98.8%) (P = 0.001, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Percent time with upright posture was significantly higher in surgeries performed using HUD for two of the three surgeons when assessed independently across systems. Results remained significant when accounting for length of surgery (P < 0.001, multiple linear regression). CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic positioning was improved for surgeons operating using HUD. Given the high prevalence of back and neck pain among vitreoretinal surgeons, increased use of HUD systems may limit musculoskeletal pain and long-term disability from poor ergonomics. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Global Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, Surveillance, Treatment Allocation, and Outcomes of Alcohol-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although the burden of alcohol-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing with rising alcohol consumption, clinical presentation and outcomes of alcohol-associated HCC have not been systematically assessed. We aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, surveillance rates, treatment allocation, and outcomes of alcohol-associated HCC. METHODS: Medline and Embase were searched from inception to January 2023. Proportional data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. The odds ratio (OR) or mean difference comparing alcohol-associated HCC and other causes was obtained with pairwise meta-analysis. Survival outcomes were evaluated using a pooled analysis of hazard ratios. RESULTS: Of 4824 records identified, 55 articles (86,345 patients) were included. Overall, 30.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24.0%-37.7%) of HCC was alcohol associated, with the highest proportion in Europe and the lowest in the Americas. People with alcohol-associated HCC were more likely male but were similar in age and comorbidities compared with other causes. A total of 20.8% (95% CI, 11.4%-34.9%) of people with alcohol-associated HCC underwent surveillance compared with 35.0%, 31.6%, and 21.4% in hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and metabolic dysfunction-associated HCC, respectively (all P < .05). Alcohol-associated HCC had a lower likelihood of Barcelona Clínic Liver Cancer C stage (0/A) (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9; P = .018) and curative therapy (24.5% vs 33.9%; OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = .003), and higher mortality (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; P = .012) when compared with other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-associated HCC is associated with lower surveillance rates, more advanced BCLC stage, lower likelihood of receiving curative therapy, and poorer survival. These data call for measures to reduce heavy alcohol consumption and improve strategies for effective HCC surveillance in high-risk individuals.

Contrast Sensitivity Better Reflects Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Vascular Metrics Among Healthy Eyes Compared to Visual Acuity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) and visual function in healthy eyes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven eyes of 45 patients were evaluated with visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and WF SS-OCTA (3 × 3, 6 × 6, and 12 × 12 mm images) on the same day. Mixed-effects multivariable regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Contrast sensitivity metrics, including CS between 6 to 18 cycles per degree (cpd) and area under the logarithm CS function, were significantly associated with vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonized density (VSD), whereas VA was not. The largest effect size was between CS at 18 cpd and VD (ß = 0.41, P = 0.007) and VSD (ß = 0.42, P = 0.006) on 12 × 12 mm images. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced VSD and VD on WF SSOCTA was significantly associated with decreased CS, whereas VA was not. These results suggest CS could serve as a screening tool for early stage retinal and neurologic disorders. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:494-502.].

Sex-based Disparities in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Impact of the Growing Burden of NASH.

Background: The cause of liver disease is changing, but its impact on liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in women and men is unclear. We performed a nationwide study to assess the prevalence and posttransplant survival outcomes of the various causes of liver disease in women and men with HCC. Methods: Data were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2000 to 2022. Data related to the listing, transplant, waitlist mortality, and posttransplant mortality for HCC were extracted. The proportion of HCC related to the various causes of liver disease among LT candidates and recipients and posttransplant survival were compared between women and men. Results: A total of 51 721 individuals (39 465 men, 12 256 women) with HCC were included. From 2000 to 2022, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was the fastest-growing cause of liver disease among female LT candidates with HCC (P < 0.01), followed by alcohol-associated liver disease. NASH overtook chronic hepatitis C as the leading cause of liver disease in 2020 and 2022 among waitlisted women and men with HCC, respectively. Female patients with HCC spent a significantly longer time on the LT waitlist compared with male patients (ß: 8.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.91-14.54). Female patients with HCC from alcohol-associated liver disease also have a lower probability of receiving LT (subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99). Among transplant recipients with NASH HCC, female sex was associated with lower posttransplant mortality compared with male sex (hazard ratio: 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.89; P < 0.01). Conclusions: Women have a significantly longer waitlist duration compared with men. NASH is now the leading cause of liver disease among both female and male LT candidates and recipients with HCC.

Associations of quantitative contrast sensitivity with vascular metrics on widefield swept-source OCT angiography across stages of diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate structure-function associations between contrast sensitivity (CS) and widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) vascular metrics across stages of non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), without diabetic macular oedema. METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study in 140 eyes of 99 patients: 33 mild NPDR, 24 moderate/severe NPDR, 15 PDR, 33 diabetic without DR (DMnoDR) and 46 control eyes. Mixed-effects multivariable regression models to evaluate associations between quantitative contrast sensitivity function (Adaptive Sensory Technology) and vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonised density (VSD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) on same-day imaging with WF SS-OCTA (Plex Elite 9000, Carl Zeiss Meditec). RESULTS: Standardised ß coefficients for area under the logarithm of contrast sensitivity function curve (AULCSF) versus visual acuity (VA) at 3×3 mm scans: SCP VSD (ß=0.32, p<0.001 vs -0.18, p=0.044), DCP VSD (ß=0.30, p<0.001 vs -0.21, p=0.02), SCP VD (ß=0.25, p=0.004 vs -0.13, p=0.129), DCP VD (ß=0.26, p=0.003 vs -0.19, p=0.034). AULCSF was significantly reduced in mild NPDR (ß=-0.28, p<0.001) and DMnoDR (ß=-0.19, p=0.005) versus controls, while VA was not significantly different. AULCSF performed better than VA in differentiating between controls and DMnoDR (0.69 vs 0.50), controls and mild NPDR (0.76 vs 0.61) and controls and moderate/severe NPDR (0.89 vs 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: DR-induced microvascular changes on OCTA are associated with larger changes on CS than in VA. CS is affected earlier than VA in the course of DR and performed better in discriminating between controls, DMnoDR and across DR stages.

Assessment of Microvascular Changes After Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair Using Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate retinal microvascular changes and visual outcomes following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 116 eyes of 111 patients with macula-off (n = 68) or macula-on (n = 48) RRD treated with a single successful procedure, 79 fellow eyes, and 183 eyes of control patients imaged with WF SS-OCTA (3 ×3, 6 ×6, and 12 ×12 mm images). Mixed-effects multiple linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonized density (VSD) of the superficial capillary plexus (3 ×3 mm scans) and full-thickness retina (12 ×12 mm) were significantly reduced in RRD eyes compared to fellow and control eyes. Decreased VSD and VD in all layers (3 ×3 mm and 6 ×6 mm) were significantly associated with greater preoperative extent of retinal detachment (P < 0.05) and poorer postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in RRD eyes (P < 0.05). Macula-off status was associated with increased foveal avascular zone irregularity (12 ×12 mm, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased VD on WF SS-OCTA is associated with poorer postoperative BCVA following RRD repair. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:310-317.].

Extensive Endolaser During Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Is Associated With Epiretinal Membrane Formation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, a common complication following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, is associated with vision loss and metamorphopsias. Although laser retinopexy is generally associated with ERM formation, the correlation between the extent of laser treatment and ERM formation during PPV is not well established. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ERM formation including extend of endolaser retinopexy after PPV for primary RRD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational case series of 181 consecutive patients (185 eyes) who underwent PPV for primary RRD repair by a single surgeon was performed. Charts were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and de-identified data including patient characteristics and intraoperative findings such as number of laser spots placed were recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative ERM formation occurred in 75 eyes (40.5%) of which 68 (90.6%) were Stage 1, two (2.6%) were Stage 2, three (4%) were Stage 3, and two (2.6%) were Stage 4. Only one patient required secondary PPV for visually significant ERM. Patients with ERM had significantly more laser spots compared with patients with no ERM, with a mean of 807 and 519 laser spots respectively (95% CI: 387.6 to -187.3; P < 0.0001). Univariable analysis identified ≥750 endolaser spots (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.0 to 8.4; P < 0.0001), ≥4 retinal tears (OR = 2.8, 95%: CI 1.4 to 6.4; P = 0.005), and female sex (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.7; P = 0.02) as significantly associated factors. After adjusting for potential confounding factors (ie, age, sex, macula status, lattice degeneration, length of symptoms, vitreous hemorrhage, number of endolaser spots, number of retinal tears) in multivariable logistic regression, ≥ 750 endolaser spots (OR = 2.4; P = 0.04) and female sex (OR = 2.4; P = 0.03) persisted as significant independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified ≥ 750 laser spots and female sex as independent risk factors for ERM formation following PPV for RRD with an OR of 2.4 each. Although the incidence of ERM formation was generally high (40.5%), only one case required secondary PPV with ERM peeling, and visual outcomes were comparable between patients with and without ERM at final follow up. While endolaser photocoagulation is critical for successful RRD repair, consideration of the risk of ERM formation with extensive laser exposure is warranted. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:326-333.].

Widefield, Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Metrics as Predictors of Anti-VEGF Treatment in Retinal Vein Occlusions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess baseline widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SSOCTA) microvascular metrics as predictors for the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and visual acuity (VA) at 12-months follow-up in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study including 49 RVO eyes from 49 patients who had not received an anti-VEGF injection for at least 3 months prior to imaging. Microvascular metrics from 6×6-mm and 12×12-mm angiograms were assessed using linear regression models, adjusting for age. RESULTS: Reductions in the vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonized density (VSD) vascular metrics were associated both with a higher number of anti-VEGF injections at all follow-up time points and reduced VA 12 months after imaging in all RVO eyes. CONCLUSIONS: WF SS-OCTA VD and VSD micro-vascular metrics at baseline can prognosticate VA and number of anti-VEGF injections required at 3, 6, and 12 months in RVO eyes. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:374-382.].

Changes in wider field swept-source OCT angiography vascular metrics with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of anti-VEGF therapy on vascular metrics in eyes with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) using wider field swept-source OCT angiography (WF SS-OCTA). METHODS: We included 23 eyes with macular edema associated with non-ischemic CRVO from 22 patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy (median number of injections: 5 [2-9]). Changes in vessel density (VD), vessel skeletonized density (VSD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters were measured using WF SS-OCTA. Visual acuity (VA) and central subfield thickness (CST) were also measured. RESULTS: Median CST decreased significantly from 369 µm (305-531) to 267 µm (243-300, p < 0.001). VD and VSD parameters in 12 × 12 mm images showed significant reductions. For instance, VSD in the whole retina decreased from a median of 13.37 (11.22-13.74) to 11.29 (9.36-12.97, p = 0.013). Additionally, a significant increase in FAZ circularity was found, suggesting improved microvascular integrity. Significant inverse correlations were found between the number of anti-VEGF injections and all VSD and VD parameters on the 12 × 12 mm images (p < 0.05). Notably, the reductions in VSD and VD on 12 × 12 mm angiograms in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) after each injection significantly correlated with increased logMAR VA (worse VA). CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF therapy in CRVO patients not only mitigates macular edema but also alters the overall microvascular morphology and functionality as revealed by WF SS-OCTA.

Associations of quantitative contrast sensitivity with wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate associations between contrast sensitivity (CS) and vascular metrics on wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF-SS-OCTA) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: This prospectively recruited, cross-sectional observational study included RVO patients who underwent quantitative CS function (qCSF) testing and WF-SS-OCTA using 3 × 3, 6 × 6, and 12 × 12 mm angiograms on the same day. The study measured several qCSF outcomes and WF-SS-OCTA vascular metrics, including vessel density (VD), vessel skeletonized density (VSD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). The data were analyzed using multivariable regression analysis controlling for age and central subfield thickness (CST). RESULTS: A total of 43 RVO eyes of 43 patients and 30 fellow eyes were included. In RVO eyes, multiple vascular metrics were associated with CS outcomes but not visual acuity (VA). On 12 × 12 images, CS thresholds at 1 cpd, 1.5 cpd, and 3 cpd were significantly associated with VD and VSD, but VA was not. When comparing standardized regression coefficients, we found that vascular metrics had a larger effect size on CS than on VA. For instance, the standardized beta coefficient for FAZ area and CS at 6 cpd (ß* = - 0.46, p = 0.007) was larger than logMAR VA (ß* = 0.40, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Microvascular changes on WF-SS-OCTA in RVO had a larger effect size on CS than VA. This suggests CS may better reflect the microvascular changes of RVO compared to VA. qCSF-measured CS might be a valuable adjunct functional metric in evaluating RVO patients.

Widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography metrics associated with neovascular glaucoma in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To explore the association between widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) metrics, including nonperfusion area (NPA) and neovascularization (NV), and presence of neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to February 2020. A total of 85 eyes of 60 PDR patients without NVG and 9 eyes of 8 PDR patients with NVG were included. Retinal ischemic parameters (NPA; ischemia index [NPA/total retinal area]) and NV features (NV number; NV area; NV vessel density) were evaluated. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular thickness/volume, and choroidal thickness/volume were obtained using the Zeiss ARI Network. WF SS-OCTA retinal and choroidal metrics, systemic, and ocular parameters were screened using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression for variable selection. Firth's bias-reduced logistic regression (outcome: presence of NVG) was subsequently used to identify parameters associated with NVG. RESULTS: After LASSO variable selection, 8 variables were significantly associated with the presence of NVG: DM duration (years), insulin (yes/no), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR), IOP, ischemia index, skeletonized vessel density, macular thickness (inner inferior, outer temporal regions). Firth's bias-reduced logistic regression showed ischemia index (odds ratio [OR]=13.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]:5.3-30.7, P<0.001) and BCVA (OR=5.8, 95%CI:1.2-28.8, P<0.05) were associated with the presence of NVG. NV metrics, FAZ, and choroidal parameters were not related to NVG. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal ischemia but not NV was associated with the presence of NVG in patients with PDR using WF SS-OCTA. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to validate imaging biomarkers associated with diabetic NVG.

Rising global burden of cancer attributable to high BMI from 2010 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: High body mass index (BMI) is a major risk factor for cancer development, but its impact on the global burden of cancer remains unclear. METHODS: We estimated global and regional temporal trends in the burden of cancer attributable to high BMI, and the contributions of various cancer types using the framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, there was a 35 % increase in deaths and a 34 % increase in disability-adjusted life-years from cancers attributable to high BMI. The age-standardized death rates for cancer attributable to high BMI increased over the study period (annual percentage change [APC] +0.48 %, 95 % CI 0.22 to 0.74 %). The greatest number of deaths from cancer attributable to high BMI occurred in Europe, but the fastest-growing age-standardized death rates and disability-adjusted life-years occurred in Southeast Asia. Liver cancer was the fastest-growing cause of cancer mortality (APC: 1.37 %, 95 % CI 1.25 to 1.49 %) attributable to high BMI. CONCLUSION: The global burden of cancer-related deaths attributable to high BMI has increased substantially from 2010 to 2019. The greatest increase in age-standardized death rates occurred in Southeast Asia, and liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer mortality attributable to high BMI. Urgent and sustained measures are required at a global and regional level to reverse these trends and slow the growing burden of cancer attributed to high BMI.

The incidence of adverse outcome in donors after living donor liver transplantation: A meta-analysis of 60,829 donors.

The scarcity of liver grafts has prompted developments in living donor liver transplantations (LDLT), with previous literature illustrating similar outcomes in recipients compared to deceased donor transplants. However, significant concerns regarding living donor morbidity and mortality have yet to be examined comprehensively. This study aims to provide estimates of the incidence of various outcomes in living liver donors. In this meta-analysis, Medline and Embase were searched from inception to July 2022 for articles assessing the incidence of outcomes in LDLT donors. Complications in the included studies were classified into respective organ systems. Analysis of incidence was conducted using a generalized linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals. Eighty-seven articles involving 60,829 living liver donors were included. The overall pooled incidence of complications in LDLT donors was 24.7% (CI: 21.6%-28.1%). The incidence of minor complications was 17.3% (CI: 14.7%-20.3%), while the incidence of major complications was lower at 5.5% (CI: 4.5%-6.7%). The overall incidence of donor mortality was 0.06% (CI: 0.0%-0.1%) in 49,027 individuals. Psychological complications (7.6%, CI: 4.9%-11.5%) were the most common among LDLT donors, followed by wound-related (5.2%, CI: 4.4%-6.2%) and respiratory complications (4.9%, CI: 3.8%-6.3%). Conversely, cardiovascular complications had the lowest incidence among the subgroups at 0.8% (CI: 0.4%-1.3%). This study presents the incidence of post-LDLT outcomes in living liver donors, illustrating significant psychological, wound-related, and respiratory complications. While significant advancements in recent decades have contributed towards decreased morbidity in living donors, our findings call for targeted measures and continued efforts to ensure the safety and quality of life of liver donors post-LDLT.

Characterizing Macular Neovascularization in Myopic Macular Degeneration and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Swept Source OCTA.

Purpose: Visual prognosis and treatment burden for macular neovascularization (MNV) can differ between myopic macular degeneration (MMD) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We describe and compare MNV associated with MMD and AMD using swept-source (SS)-OCTA. Patients and Methods: Adult patients with documented MNV associated with MMD or AMD were consecutively recruited. Qualitative and quantitative features were assessed from 6x6mm angiograms, including the MNV area and vessel density (VD). Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were carried out. Results: Out of 75 enrolled eyes with diagnosed MNV (30 MMD-MNV and 45 AMD-MNV; mean age 55±19 and 75±8 years, respectively), 44 eyes had discernible MNV (11 MMD-MNV and 33 AMD-MNV) on SS-OCTA at the time of the study and were included in the analysis. The MMD-MNV group exhibited a three-fold smaller sized MNV (p=0.001), lower greatest linear dimension (p=0.009) and greatest vascular caliber (p<0.001) compared to AMD-MNVs, and had a higher prevalence of tree-in-bud pattern. Eyes with AMD showed a higher prevalence of type 1 MNVs with medusa pattern. There was no difference in the location of the MNV, shape's regularity, margins, presence of core vessel, capillary fringe, peripheral loops, or perilesional dark halo (p>0.05) between both conditions. After adjustment, decreased MNV area and increased VD were associated with the tree-in-bud pattern, whereas the diagnosis did not significantly influence those parameters. Conclusion: While larger studies are warranted, this study is the first to describe and compare MMD-MNV and AMD-MNV using SS-OCTA, providing relevant clinical insight on MNV secondary to MMD and AMD. These findings also further validate OCTA as a powerful tool to detect and characterize MNV non-invasively.

Comparative study of widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in eyes with concomitant age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We sought to evaluate widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA) among eyes with concomitant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetes mellitus or diabetic retinopathy (DM/DR). METHODS: This cross-sectional, comparative study consisted of three study groups: eyes with (1) AMD and DM/DR, (2) AMD alone and (3) DM/DR alone. WF SS-OCTA (3×3, 6×6 and 12×12 mm) images were captured. Vascular metrics included foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density (VD) and vessel skeletonised density (VSD). Mixed-effects multivariable regression models adjusted for age were performed by cohort and subgroup based on AMD and DR stages. RESULTS: Our cohort included 287 eyes from 186 patients with an average age of 64±14.0 years old. Results revealed significantly reduced vascular metrics in concomitant AMD and DM/DR eyes (N=68) compared with AMD-only eyes (N=71) on all angiograms but not compared with DM/DR-only eyes (N=148). For example, when compared with AMD-only eyes, AMD and DM/DR eyes had significantly reduced VD (ß=-0.03, p=0.016) and VSD (ß=-1.09, p=0.022) on 12×12 mm angiograms, increased FAZ perimeter (ß=0.51, p=0.025) and FAZ area (ß=0.11, p=0.015) on 6×6 mm angiogram, and reductions in all VD and VSD metrics on 3×3 and 6×6 mm angiograms. However, only 3×3 mm angiogram FAZ metrics were significantly different when comparing DM/DR eyes with concomitant AMD and DM/DR eyes. CONCLUSION: WF SS-OCTA revealed significant reductions in retinal microvasculature metrics in AMD and DM/DR eyes compared with AMD-only eyes but not compared with DM/DR-only eyes.

Impact of Pretransplant Diabetes on Outcomes After Liver Transplantation: An Updated Meta-analysis With Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Preliver transplant diabetes mellitus (pre-LT DM) is a common comorbidity in LT recipients associated with poorer post-transplant survival. However, its relationship with other important outcomes, including cardiovascular and renal outcomes, remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to provide an updated analysis of the impact of pre-LT DM on key post-LT outcomes. METHODS: A search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases for articles comparing the post-transplant outcomes between patients with and without pre-LT DM. Pairwise analysis using random effects with hazard ratios (HRs) was used to assess the longitudinal post-LT impacts of pre-LT DM. In the absence of HR, pooled odds ratios analysis was conducted for secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-two studies involving 77,615 LT recipients were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of pre-LT DM amongst LT recipients was 24.79%. Pre-LT DM was associated with significantly lower overall survival (HR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.81; P<0.01) and significantly increased cardiovascular disease-related mortality (HR, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.85; P=0.03). Meta-regression of other patient characteristics identified Asian ethnicity and hypertension to be significant predictors of worse overall survival, whereas African-American ethnicity was associated with significantly improved overall survival in patients with pre-LT DM. Further analysis of secondary outcomes revealed pre-LT DM to be a significant predictor of post-LT cardiovascular events and end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSIONS: The present study illustrates the impact of pre-LT DM on post-LT survival, and cardiovascular and renal outcomes and provides a sound basis for revision of preoperative management of pre-LT DM.

Follow-Up Adherence After Community Health Vision Screening Programs: A Review of the Literature.

Objective Although the purpose of community eye screening programs is to reduce health care disparities, the effectiveness of these programs is limited by the follow-up adherence of their participants. The aim of this review is to investigate factors that may promote or hinder participants from attending follow-up ophthalmological exams after community eye screenings and identify interventions to increase follow-up rates. Methods For literature review, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Proquest/Global Health Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies of community eye screenings published between January 2000 and May 2023. Data from these articles were analyzed to identify barriers and facilitators of follow-up adherence after community eye screenings in the United States and to examine strategies used to increase follow-up rates. Only published manuscripts were included. We excluded studies of school screenings and clinic-based screenings. Results A total of 28 articles were included. Follow-up rates ranged from 12.5 to 89%. Nineteen articles reviewed facilitators and barriers to follow-up. Eighteen articles were non interventional and seven (see Table 1 and 2 , respectively) articles described interventions that were tested to improve follow-up rates after screening. Interventions included prescheduled appointments, transportation assistance, patient education, and patient navigators. Conclusion Several interventions are promising to increase follow-up adherence in community eye screenings, but more evidence is needed. Future research should focus on randomized trials of isolated interventions to improve follow-up adherence of disadvantaged populations, although this may be limited given ethical considerations and documented lack of follow-up after screening.

Quantitative Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Visual Outcomes in RAO.

Purpose: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is an ophthalmic emergency that can lead to poor visual outcomes and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular events. Wide-field swept-source OCT-A (WF SS-OCTA) can provide quick and non-invasive angiographic information with a wide field of view. Here, we looked for associations between OCT-A vascular imaging metrics and vision in RAO patients. Methods: Patients with diagnoses of central (CRAO) or branched retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) were included. 6mm × 6mm Angio and 15mm × 15mm AngioPlex Montage OCT-A images were obtained for both eyes in each patient using Zeiss Plex Elite 9000 WF SS-OCTA device. Each 6mm × 6mm image was divided into nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) subfields. Non-perfusion area (NPA) was manually measured using 15mm × 15mm images. A linear regression model was utilized to identify correlation between imaging metrics and vision. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Twenty-five subjects were included. For RAO eyes, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between retinal thickness as well as superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD) and vision. An inverse correlation was found between deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD and vision without statistical significance. There was a positive correlation between choroidal thickness as well as choroidal volume and vision without statistical significance. No significant correlation was found between the metrics and vision in contralateral eyes. For NPA and vision, no significant correlation was identified. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the utility of WF SS-OCTA in RAO and to demonstrate correlations between retinal vascular imaging metrics and visual outcomes. The results of this study provide a basis to understand the structural changes involved in vision in RAO and may guide management of RAO and prevention of cerebral stroke and cardiovascular accidents.

Patterns in Cancer Incidence Among People Younger Than 50 Years in the US, 2010 to 2019.

Importance: Emerging data suggest that the incidence of early-onset cancers, defined as cancers diagnosed in people younger than 50 years, is increasing, but updated data are limited. Objective: To characterize the patterns in the incidence of early-onset cancers in the US from 2010 to 2019 and provide granular data on the cancers with the fastest-growing incidence rates. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cohort study analyzed data from 17 National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. Age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 people were extracted for early-onset cancers, with rates age adjusted to the US standard population. A total of 562 145 patients with early-onset cancer between 2010 and 2019 were identified and included. Data were analyzed from October 16, 2022, to May 23, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were incidence rates and descriptive epidemiological data for people younger than 50 years with cancer. The annual percentage change (APC) of the age-standardized incidence rate was estimated using the Joinpoint regression program. Results: Among 562 145 patients (324 138 [57.7%] aged 40-49 years; 351 120 [62.5%] female) with early-onset cancer, 4565 (0.8%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 54 876 (9.8%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 61 048 (10.9%) were Black, 118 099 (21.0%) were Hispanic, 314 610 (56.0%) were White, and 8947 (1.6%) were of unknown race and/or ethnicity. From 2010 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate of early-onset cancers increased overall (APC, 0.28%; 95% CI, 0.09%-0.47%; P = .01) and in female individuals (APC, 0.67%; 95% CI, 0.39%-0.94%; P = .001) but decreased in male individuals (APC, -0.37%; 95% CI, -0.51% to -0.22%; P < .001). In contrast, the age-standardized incidence rate of cancers in individuals aged 50 years and older decreased over the study period (APC, -0.87%; 95% CI, -1.06% to -0.67%; P < .001). In 2019, the highest number of incident cases of early-onset cancer were in the breast (n = 12 649). From 2010 to 2019, gastrointestinal cancers had the fastest-growing incidence rates among all early-onset cancer groups (APC, 2.16%; 95% CI, 1.66%-2.67%; P < .001). Among gastrointestinal cancers, those with the fastest-growing incidence rates were in the appendix (APC, 15.61%; 95% CI, 9.21%-22.38%; P < .001), intrahepatic bile duct (APC, 8.12%; 95% CI, 4.94%-11.39%; P < .001), and pancreas (APC, 2.53%; 95% CI, 1.69%-3.38%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, the incidence rates of early-onset cancer increased from 2010 to 2019. Although breast cancer had the highest number of incident cases, gastrointestinal cancers had the fastest-growing incidence rates among all early-onset cancers. These data may be useful for the development of surveillance strategies and funding priorities.