Mapping the thickness changes on retinal layers segmented by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the posterior pole program in glaucoma. / Mapeo de los cambios de grosor en el glaucoma de las capas retinianas maculares segmentadas usando el programa de polo posterior de la tomografía de coherencia óptica de dominio espectral.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in retinal layers of the macula (mRLs) using OCT posterior pole program (PPP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 128 patients with POAG and 103 healthy controls who had PPP maps (macular grid 8×8) drawn by SD-OCT. Only one eye per patient was studied. The 9 mRLs were automatically segmented by prototype software, obtaining: a macular retinal nerve fibre layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform+nuclear layer, photoreceptor layer, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), outer retina and RPE+outer retina. Thickness values were obtained on 64 cells of the grid for each mRL, and mean thickness of superior and inferior hemispheres were calculated. Comparisons of mean thickness of these hemispheres and thickness of each cell between groups were determined. Differences in the cell by cell comparisons were represented quantitatively by heat maps for each mRL. RESULTS: Photoreceptors and RPE were found in POAG group when comparing thickness of hemispheres, thinning of mRNFL, GCL, IPL, and thickening of INL. Heat maps showed symmetrical thinning patters between superior and inferior hemispheres in inner retinal layers (except for INL) and asymmetrical thickening patters in outer retinal layers in GPAA group. CONCLUSIONS: There are thickness changes in all mRLs in POAG, when studied by PPP. Thinning of inner layers (except for INL), and thickening of outer layers in POAG show different symmetry patterns in relation to horizontal meridian.

Identification of new candidate genes for retinopathy in type 2 diabetics. Valencia Study on Diabetic Retinopathy (VSDR). Report number 3. / Identificación de nuevos genes candidatos para la retinopatía en diabéticos tipo 2. Estudio Valencia sobre Retinopatía Diabética (EVRD). Informe n.° 3.

OBJECTIVE: To identify genes involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), among which include oxidative stress, extracellular matrix changes, and/or apoptosis, in order to evaluate the risk of developing this retinal disease in a type2 diabetic (DM2) population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out on 81 participants from the Valencia Study on Diabetic Retinopathy (VSDR) of both genders, with ages 25-85years. They were classified into: (i)DM2 group (n=49), with DR (+DR; n=14) and without DR (-DR; n=35), and (ii)control group (GC; n=32). The protocols included a personal interview, standardised ophthalmological examination, and blood collection (to analyse the DNA for determining the gene expression (TP53, MMP9, and SLC23A2) in the study groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS v22.0 program. RESULTS: The TP53 and MMP9 genes showed a higher expression in the DM2 group compared to the GC, although the difference was only significant for the MMP9 gene (TP53: 10.40±1.20 vs. 8.23±1.36, P=.084; MMP9: 1.45±0.16 vs. 0.95±0.16, P=.036), and the SLC23A2 gene showed a significant lower expression in the DM2 vs CG (5.58±0.64 vs. 11.66±1.90, P=.026). When sub-dividing the DM2 group according to the presence of retinopathy, the expression of the TP53, MMP9 and SLC23A2 genes showed significant differences between the DM2-RD, DM2+RD and GC groups (TP53: 9.95±1.47 vs. 11.52±2.05 vs. 8.23±1.36, P=.038; MMP9: 1.47±0.20 vs. 1.41±0.27 vs. 0.95±0.16, P=.021; SLC23A2: 5.61±0.77 vs. 5.51±1.21 vs. 11.66±1.90, P=.018). CONCLUSIONS: Genes involved in extracellular matrix integrity (MMP9) and/or apoptosis (TP53), could be considered potential markers of susceptibility to the development/progression of NPDR. Interestingly, the SLC232A2 gene (ascorbic acid transporter) can be considered a protector of the risk of the development/progression of the retinopathy.

Biomarkers of lipid peroxidation in the aqueous humor of primary open-angle glaucoma patients. / Biomarcadores de peroxidación lipídica en el humor acuoso de pacientes con glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lipid peroxidation (PEROX) processes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and whether this mechanism may be related to disease progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, non-experimental, and analytical study was conducted on a case and a comparison group, consisting of 175 surgical patients divided into: 1) POAG group (GG; n=88) and 2) comparison group of patients with cataracts (CG; n=87). Demographic data, patient characteristics, lifestyle data, as well as ophthalmological examination were registered in an Excel spreadsheet. Biochemical data were obtained by processing the aqueous humor collected at the beginning of surgery. Determination of malondialdehyde/thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA/TBARS) and total antioxidant activity (AAO) was assayed using enzymatic-colorimetric methods in the aqueous humor samples. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: Aqueous humor MDA/TBARS levels were significantly higher (P<.001) and the AAO significantly lower (P<.001) in the GG than in the GC. The MDA/TBARS directly correlated with intraocular pressure (IOP) values and the cup-to-disc ratio (CDR). Decreased AAO activity correlated inversely with IOP and CDR. Differences between groups were noticeably higher in the GG as regards obesity, alcohol consumption, anxiety, depression, and sedentary lifestyle. In the multivariate analysis, the variables that showed a better predictive ability were: MDA/TBARS, PIO, AAO, CDR, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The POAG patients have a PEROX background that is reflected in the aqueous humor by variations in MDA/TBARS and AAO. Moreover, both the MDA/TBARS and AAO correlated with IOP values and the CDR. We propose that determination of MDA/TBARS and AAO in the aqueous humor of POAG patients can be used as biomarkers for monitoring the disease, as well the changes in lifestyle and other related risk factors.

Genetic systems for a new approach to risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy. / Sistemas genéticos para un nuevo abordaje del riesgo de progresión de la retinopatía diabética.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using new strategies to obtain genetic information in type 2 diabetes (T2D) based on interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective multicentre case-control study of 132 participants was distributed into: T2D with (+DR) or without (-DR) (T2DG; n=77), and a control group (CG; n=55). After an eye examination and personal interview, tears were collected for molecular analysis (expression of microRNAs [miRNAs] (miRCURY ™ ARN Isolation Kit, Qiagen)]. Libraries, 137 vs. 140bp (GeneMapper, Applied Biosystems), were obtained in 18 samples (T2DG+DR=6; T2DG-DR=6; CG=6) by performing next-generation sequencing (NGS). SPSS 15.0 statistical program was used to perform data analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 67±12 years in the T2DG vs. 55±21 years in the CG. Distribution men/women: 25/30 in T2DG vs. 51/28 in CG. A family history of DM, diet compliance, smoking, drinking and exercise, showed significant differences between groups (P<.001). A 20-25 microlitre sample of tears contained a mean of 9.42±3.30 ng/mL of purified ARN, with significant differences between T2DG/CG (P=.002) and T2DG+RD/CG (P=.004). Tear expression of miARNs in T2DG directly correlated with age/obesity/T2D duration (P<.05), and indirectly with visual acuity (P<.05). A total of 14 miRNAs related to the presence, pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors for the progression of diabetic retinopathy, were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We propose to use tears as a source of genetic information for DM. Specific miRNAs involved in DR development and/or progression can be used as molecular biomarkers, and based on these, for developing future biotherapies.

Anesthetic considerations in HELLP syndrome.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) is an obstetric complication with heterogonous presentation and multisystemic involvement. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes by intravascular breakdown of fibrin in hepatic sinusoids and reduction of platelet circulation by its increased consumption. METHODS: In terms of these patients' anesthetic management, it is essential to consider some details: (1) effective, safe perioperative management by a multidisciplinary approach, and quick, good communication among clinical specialists to achieve correct patient management; (2) neuroaxial block, particularly spinal anesthesia, is the first choice to do the cesarean if there is only moderate, but not progressive thrombocytopenia; (3) if a general anesthesia is required, it is necessary to control the response to stress produced by intubation, especially in patients with either severe high blood pressure or neurological signs, or to prevent major cerebral complications; (4) invasive techniques, e.g., as tracheostomy, arterial, and deep-vein canalization, should be considered; (5) if contraindication for neuroaxial anesthesia exists, rapid sequence intubation with general anesthesia should be regarded as an emergency in patients with full stomach; (6) increased risk of difficult airways should be taken into account. RESULTS: Optimal patient management can be chosen after considering the risks and benefits of each anesthetic technique, and based on good knowledge of these patients' pathophysiological conditions. CONCLUSION: Later, close patient monitoring is recommended for potential development of hemorrhagic complications, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or eclampsia.

Subdural hygroma accompanied by parenchymal and subarachnoid haemorrhage after epidural analgesia in an obstetric patient.

BACKGROUND: Anaesthetists need to know the different causes of persistent headache or a change in level of consciousness following epidural analgesia for labour. Failure to recognise these neurological complications can lead to delayed diagnoses, with subsequent serious implications. METHODS: We present a patient who was re-admitted for postural headache resulting from an unrecognised dural puncture during an epidural for pain relief while in labour. During the interview, the patient confirmed drug use (cocaine), so she was evaluated by a psychiatrist with possible post-partum psychosis or drug withdrawal syndrome. Afterwards, the patient deteriorated neurologically, showing impaired consciousness and seizures. RESULTS: The cranial computed tomography showed bilateral frontoparietal subdural collections with intraparenchymal and subarachnoid haemorrhaging. She improved by burr hole drainage of subdural hygroma and a blood patch. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological signs should alert the clinician to the possibility of subdural collection and other possible complications such as sinking of the brain in order not to delay the request for imaging tests for diagnoses and effective treatments.