RHEOPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the long-term effect of rheopheresis treatment of dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment group consisted of 65 patients and 55 patients in the control group, with a minimum follow-up period of 60 months. The basic treatment consisted of 8 rheopheresis procedures, and the additional treatment (booster therapy) of 2 rheopheresis procedures 1.5-2 years after the basic treatment. We evaluated changes in best corrected visual acuity, anatomical effect, electrical activity of the retina, haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. RESULTS: Rheopheresis treatment contributed significantly: 1) to stabilisation of best corrected visual acuity of the treated patients, which initially showed an insignificant increased during the 2-years follow-up period, and then slightly decreased. By contrast, visual acuity decreased in the control group, to an insignificant degree up to 4 years, then statistically significantly. 2) to an improvement of the morphological findings in 62.4% of treated patients compared to 7.5% in the control group, while disease progression to stage 3 (neovascular form of the disease or geographic atrophy) with a significant decrease of visual acuity occurred in only 7.1% of treated patients, versus 37.0% in the control group. 3) to regression, even to the attachment of drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED). To a reduction of the area of DPED in 80.4% of treated patients, in contrast with an steaincrease in the area of DPED in 47.1% of patients in the control group, and the development of new DPED in only 2 eyes of treated patients compared with 16 eyes of patients in the control group. 4) to a preservation of the integrity of the ellipsoid layer in the fovea in 68.2% of the treated patients, while by contrast we found a damaged ellipsoid layer in the fovea in 66.6% of the control patients. 5) to a stabilisation of the activity of ganglion cells, the pineal system and the activity of the central area of the retina, with eccentricity between 1.8° and 30° in the treated patients, compared to alteration in the control group manifested mainly after 3.5 years of the follow-up period. 6) to a statistically significant improvement in rheological parameters, thereby increasing flow in microcirculation and positively influencing the metabolism in the retina. Also to a positive effect on the classical, alternative and lectin pathway of complement activation, a reduction in the level of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), and thus also the level of LDLcholesterol, and 7) Additional treatment with 2 RHF procedures (so-called "booster therapy") seems to be a safe and suitable method of prolonging the stabilisation phase, or even improving visual acuity, anatomical and functional findings. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated positive changes in anatomical, functional and humoral parameters upon rheopheresis treatment of AMD. Their correlation provides a real possibility to identify patients at risk and to manage an individualised regime of rheopheresis therapy. This method of treatment is effective and safe, with a low percentage of non-serious adverse effects.

RHEOHEMAPHERESIS IN THE TREATMENT OF DRY FORM OF AMD. A CASE REPORT.

AIM: We present a case report of a patient with dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in whom we monitored the effect of rheohemapheresis (RhF) treatment over 6 years. METHODS: A 67-year-old man was examined in April 2014 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital in Hradec Králové for metamorphopsia and decreased visual acuity of the left eye. The patient received general treatment for hypercholesterolemia with Lipfix 10 mg once a day (atorvastatin 10 mg). The cholesterol level in the blood was 3.41 mmol/l, the lipid profile was normal. The patient's previous ocular medical history was unremarkable. The patient reported ocular complaints over the course of the last year, the main symptom of which was image distortion on the Amsler grid on the left eye. Baseline best corrected visual acuity of the left eye was 6/10. Visual acuity in the right eye was 6/6. In both eyes, the findings on the anterior segment corresponded to the patient's age, with the exception of incipient cortical cataract. On the fundus of both eyes, the border of the optic nerve was demarcated, in the macula of the left eye there were a number of soft confluent drusen, in the central periphery there were no pathological changes. On the fundus of the right eye the finding was similar, but to a lesser degree. Optical coherence tomography on the macula of the left eye showed drusoid ablation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), with accumulation of hyperreflectivities below the RPE. Pattern-reversal electroretinography (pERG): showed a slightly prolonged retention of the activity of the central region of the retina (p50 wave) and ganglion cells (N95 wave). Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in the central 30° of the retina was within normal limits. Electroretinography (ERG) demonstrated physiological photopic and scotopic rod activity. The patient was treated with 8 RhF procedures, two per week, with a 2-week interval, and the pulse was repeated 4 times. RESULTS: We noted a gradual resorption of soft drusen in the patient, with attachment to the RPE line according to OCT examination at the following sixmonthly check-ups over the next 6 years. Visual acuity of both eyes was maintained at the baseline values at the last check-up in April 2020, the area of soft drusen was significantly reduced. The function of the rod, cone system and the central region of the retina mfERG fluctuated only to an insignificant degree during the entire follow-up period, with a tendency towards a slight increase in activity after RhF treatment. CONCLUSION: We noted an improvement of the anatomical and functional findings in a patient with dry form of AMD during a 6-year follow-up period after RhF treatment. The visual acuity of the affected eye remained at the baseline values.

Prediction of long-term prognosis of age-related macular degeneration treated by hemorheologic therapy using baseline laboratory indicators - Experimental-clinical model.

BACKGROUND + OBJECTIVE:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of practical blindness in people over 60 years of age in industrialised countries. We formulated a hypothesis that a group of initial laboratory parameters would be suitable for prediction of prognosis of AMD, allowing for individual modifications in treatment intensity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 66 patients with dry form of AMD were treated using rheohaemapheresis with an individual follow-up period of more than 5 years. The patients' initial laboratory data was split in two subgroups based on treatment success and analysed using discriminant analysis (analysis of the linear and quadratic models using the automated and interactive step-wise approach) by means of the Systat 13 software. RESULTS: Prediction of prognosis based on the initial laboratory parameters was correct in 79% of unsuccessfully treated patients, allowing for early detection of high-risk patients. With the use of a quadratic model, the prediction was correct in 100% of unsuccessfully treated patients and in 75% of successfully treated patients. CONCLUSION: Implementation of discriminant analysis is a promising method for prediction of prognosis, especially when the patient is at risk of AMD progression, which allows for early and more intensive monitoring and treatment.

Results of Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy by the Laser System PASCAL.

PURPOSE: To evaluate anatomical, functional and clinical efficacy of the pattern scanning laser (PASCAL®) photocoagulation in patients with diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The cohort included 91 eyes in 50 patients (average age 63 years, 24 men and 26 women) treated at the Clinic of Ophthalmology, Faculty Hospital Ostrava, from 2008 to 2013. All eyes showed the signs of diabetic retinopathy (20.9% of eyes - very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 79.1% of eyes - proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)). All the eyes were "treatment naive". The average duration of diabetes was 18 years, average baseline HbA1c value was 8.2 %. Panretinal photocoagulation was performed with by the means of PASCAL photocoagulator - with patterns and short duration pulses. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), fundus photography, biomicroscopy and complications were evaluated during the minimum of 12 months follow-up period. Statistical analysis using Shapiro-Wilk a Friedman tests with p value less than 0.05 was done. RESULTS: Mean baseline BCVA was 0.13 logMAR. Values 0.12, 0.15 and 0.19 logMAR were observed in the follow-up intervals at the 4th, 6th and 12th month. At the 6th month visit all 91 eyes (100 %) were stabilized, and at the 12th month visit in 5 eyes (5.5 %) progression of the disease was observed. No complications were observed during the first 12 months follow up. CONCLUSION: Laser photocoagulation of the retina with the use of short pulse durations and patterns in patients with DR is an effective and safe method of treatment. Key words: diabetic retinopathy, laser photocoagulation, patterns, low time of impulse, Pascal.

The importance of electrode position in visual electrophysiology.

PURPOSE: The DTL fibre electrode is commonly used to record the electric potentials elicited by stimulation of the retina. Two positions are commonly used: it is placed either on the cornea along the lower lid or in the conjunctival fornix. The PERG and OPs have previously been examined and compared under both conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the ERG, flicker response and on-off responses with differing electrode positions. METHODS: Before recruitment, all subjects underwent an ophthalmological examination. We enrolled 13 normal control subjects into the study aged 13-64 years, all with a visual acuity of ≥1.0. We recorded scotopic and photopic ERGs, flicker and on-off responses, for both electrode positions. On the first day, one eye had the electrode placed on the cornea along the lower lid and the other eye had it positioned in the conjunctival sac. On a second day, the recordings were repeated with the alternative electrode placements. RESULTS: ERG, on-off and flicker responses were all smaller by between 20 and 25% when the DTL electrode was positioned in the conjunctival sac, compared to when it was positioned on the cornea, as did the scatter in the data points. This indicates that there is no advantage clinically for one or the other placement. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm other reports examining the effect of electrode position on electrophysiological potentials. When recording with the DTL electrode, it is important to ensure that it is placed at the same position in repeat recordings or in multicentre trials and that it is stable and does not move during recording.

[Objective Assessment of Postoperative Results of Intraocular Lenses]. / Objektivizace pooperacních výsledku nitroocních cocek.

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare postoperative results of two premium intraocular lenses EnVISTA (Bausch and Lomb) and AcrySof IQ (Alcon), focussing on glistenings and posterior capsule opacification. The evaluation of glistenings was done using Image J software and posterior capsule opacifications were quantified with OSCA system. METHODS: Twenty patients (7 men and 13 women) with bilateral cataract were included. EnVista intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in one eye and AcrySof IQ IOL in the second eye of each patient. Objective evaluation methods were used for assessment. Glistenings was quantified with ImageJ software and PCO using the Open-Access Systematic Capsule Assessment (OSCA) system (Devised by Aslam TM, Edinburgh, United Kingdom). Complete ophthtalmological evaluation including evaluation after pupil dilatation was done and digital images of intraocular lenses were obtained. The results of 2-, 4-, 6- and 12-month follow-up were compared. RESULTS: Twenty patients were analyzed 2 months, 16 patients 4 months, 14 patients 6 months and 13 patients 12 months after cataract surgery. There was only minimal difference in best corrected visual acuity between EnVista and AcrySof group. The glistenings in the EnVista IOLs was objectively lower than in the AcrySof IOLs during whole follow-up period. In contrast to PCO, in eyes with AcrySof IOL was lower PCO score. CONCLUSION: Development of new materials and techniques of cataract surgery is the topic of ophthtalmologists worldwide. Reduction of glistenings and PCO is one of the main aims, objective measurements is important part of assessment of postoperative results after cataract surgery. KEY WORDS: glistenings, posterior capsule opacification, EnVista, AcrySof IQ, Image J software, OSCA system.

Electrophysiology and colour: a comparison of methods to evaluate inner retinal function.

PURPOSE: Several methods are routinely used in the clinic to diagnose and monitor diseases of inner retinal function. In this study, we compare four such methods in patients with diabetes and glaucoma, to determine correlations between their results and to determine which method is most sensitive for detecting disease. METHODS: Twenty control subjects, 12 patients with early glaucoma and eight patients with diabetes mellitus, were enrolled in the study. All underwent four examinations: transient pattern electroretinogram (PERG), multifocal pattern electroretinogram (mfPERG), chromatic contrast threshold measurements (protan and tritan), and blue-on-yellow short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP). RESULTS: For the total cohort of 40 subjects, the results show a significant correlation between the amplitudes of the PERG and those of the mfPERG, as well as between the tritan contrast thresholds and the SWAP MD. Furthermore, ROC analyses reveal that colour contrast thresholds could significantly distinguish between the patient and the control group. Glaucoma patients alone could also be distinguished. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the methods compared in this study show correlations between their results if they are testing same pathway or underling cells, and that the colour contrast threshold is the most sensitive method to detect early functional deficits in diabetic and glaucoma patients.

Changes of the complement system and rheological indicators after therapy with rheohemapheresis.

INTRODUCTION: In the last 10 years, many studies have been published on the role of the complement system in microcirculation disorders. However, as for the changes of complement components after rheohemapheresis, there is still a lack of detailed data in the literature. Complement changes may play an important role in pathogenesis of some microcirculation disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and acute hearing loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rheohemapheresis on the basic complement pathways. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 32 patients were treated with rheohemapheresis, including 16 patients (10 men and 6 women) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), mean age 69.7 ± 6.06 years (range 62-87 years) and 16 patients (11 men and 5 women) aged 56.4 ± 11.5 (range 34-73 years) for acute hearing loss. RESULTS: Rheohemapheresis led to a significant drop of all three complement-activation pathways in both groups of patients. Moreover, complement factor H was also reduced. CONCLUSION: The observed reduction in all three basic complement activation pathways after rheohemapheresis could be clinically important. The search continues both to find substances which influence complement systems and to develop more effective new drugs that require less frequent administration and that provide improved intraocular therapy for AMD patients.

[Long term results of phakic 6 refractive implantation for myopia correction]. / Dlouhodobé výsledky implantace Phakic 6 Refractive pri korekci krátkozrakosti.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and the long term results of anterior chamber phakic lens, Phakic 6 Refractive, for myopia correction. METHODS: In this retrospective study we reviewed the charts of 35 myopic patients (62 eyes) who had implantation of anterior chamber phakic lenses (Phakic 6 Refractive, Ophthalmic Innovations International, California, USA) for correction of myopia. The mean age of patients was 26 years (18 to 45 years). The mean spherical refraction was -9.9 (-4 to -18 D). The best corrected distant visual acuity (BCDVA) was 0.92 (1.2 to 0.3) before surgery. The mean follow-up was 8 years (4 to 10). The mean endothelial cell count was 2481 cells/mm2 and the mean pachymetry was 540 µm before surgery. In those patients who needed a second surgical intervention (explantation or lens reposition) the last follow-up visit is the visit before the lens explantation or reposition. The same surgeon (P. R.) performed all surgeries and used the same technique in each surgery. RESULTS: On the final follow up visit the BCDVA was in the mean 1.02 (1.5 to 0.5). The spherical refraction was in the mean - 0.53 D (-3.0 to +1.0). We noticed a 16% decrease in the mean number of corneal endothelial cells, and no change in the pachymetry values. We had to explant the lenses in 7 eyes (12 %) because of the decreased endothelial cells count. 2 eyes (3.0 %, 1 patient) had to receive treatment for glaucoma, 4 eyes (6.5 %) had to have the artificial lens repositioned, 1 patient had to have photocoagulation therapy for a retinal tear. 93 % of the study eyes had stable refraction during the study period. There was a 10 % increase in the average BCDVA, and there was a 95 % improvement of the original refractive error. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, the implantation of Phakic 6 Refractive anterior chamber lens is a viable option despite it is currently largely abandoned. Key words: Phakic 6 Refractive implantation, myopia correction.

[Clinical findings in members of a Czech family with retinitis pigmentosa caused by the c.2426_2427delAG mutation in RPGR]. / Klinické nálezy u clenu ceské rodiny s retinitis pigmentosa podmínenou mutací v ORF15 genu RPGR.

PURPOSE: To describe the phenotype of members of the first Czech retinitis pigmentosa family with an identified molecular genetic cause (c.2426_2427delAG in RPGR), followed for more than 13 years. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and a detailed ophthalmic examination including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and full-field and multifocal electroretinography (ERG) was performed in two affected males, three female carriers and one unaffected female. RESULTS: A 22-year-old male who denied suffering from nyctalopia had a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.63 in both eyes. Moderate myopia and myopic astigmatism were present bilaterally. Color vision and contrast sensitivity were normal. There was an eccentric constriction of the visual fields that spared the central 20 degrees in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed bilateral pigmentary changes in the mid-periphery. Full-field ERG documented a 10% rod and 20% cone response. The phenotype of his cousin, also aged 22 years, was more severe. He complained of nyctalopia since 12 years of age. His BCVA was 0.3 in the right eye and 0.5 in the left eye. Myopia and astigmatism were present bilaterally. Contrast sensitivity and color vision were severely impaired. Full field ERG was extinct, but some activity on multifocal ERG was still detectable. The constriction of the visual fields reached 5 degrees in both eyes. Fundus examination showed the typical retinitis pigmentosa appearance. All carriers denied that they suffered from nyctalopia, but two of them had decreased BCVA in at least one eye. None exhibited typical bone spicules or a tapetal-like reflex. Significant refractive errors were present in all eyes of the carriers. CONCLUSION: The finding of moderate or high myopia and astigmatism in males with retinitis pigmentosa as well as refractive errors in female relatives indicates possible X-linked inheritance, which may be especially important in pedigrees where the transmission pattern can not be clearly established. Our study highlights the inter-individual variability in phenotype observed in similar aged patients with identical ORF15 RPGR mutations.

Rheohaemapheresis in the treatment of nonvascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the experience with rheohaemapheresis (RH) in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Thirty-eight patients were each treated with 8 procedures of RH (14 males, 24 females). The control group consisted of 34 random patients (30 females, 4 males) with the dry form of AMD but not treated by RH. Our modification of the cascade method (named rheohaemapheresis) was used for plasma separation. After plasma separation (blood cell separator, Cobe Spectra, Denver, CO, USA), the separated plasma was pumped through a rheofilter (Evaflux 4A, Kuraray, Osaka, Japan) to remove lipoproteins and other high-molecular-weight rheologic factors. RESULTS: In treated patients, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased significantly from 0.61 (0.06-1.00) to 0.68 (0.35-1.00) after 2.5 years (p = 0.035). We found no significant changes or differences in scotopic activity, whereas cone response and paramacular activity in the more peripheral region between 14° and 22° of eccentricity were significantly higher in treated patients after 2.5 years. CONCLUSION: RH therapy favourably influenced BCVA. During 2.5 years after the therapy, no progression of dry to wet AMD was observed in our patients. RH reduced the area of drusenoid retinal pigment epithelium detachment (which increased during the natural course of dry form AMD). RH influenced rheological markers and probably improved metabolism in the affected retinal areas which lead to the aforementioned positive results.

[New methods of the treatment of retinal dystrophies]. / Nové moznosti lécby vrozených chorob sítnice.

There is a brief review of actual treatment possibilities of retinal dystrophies in this article. Vitaminotherapy, electrostimulation and gene therapy are used in beginning stages of disorders. The efficiency of neuroprotective substances that are applied intravitreally using encapsulated cell technology is examined, as well as influence of systemic immunotherapy. In advanced stages of retinal diseases that are connected with loss of photoreceptors are used electronic retinal prostheses. Effectivity of treatment with stem cells, transplantation of cells and tissues and optogenetic therapy are evaluated. Key words: new therapeutic methods, retinal dystrophy.

[The coincidence of the junction layer of inner and outer photoreceptors segments (IS/OS) defects localization on SD OCT and functional defects in case of Stargardt disease--a case report]. / Koincidence lokalizace defektu vrstvy junkce IS/OS fotoreceptoru na SD OCT s funkcními poruchami v prípade Stargardtovy choroby.

Case report of the different visual functions of the right and left eye of 60-years old man with Stargardt disease is presented. The difference in best corrected visual acuity between both eyes is accompanied with corresponding various alteration of the central retinal activity using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and asymmetrical defects of the IS/OS photoreceptor junction using HD-OCT.

Successful radiotherapy treatment of lacrimal gland infiltration in patient with Sjögren΄s syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To present a single case report on successful radiotherapy treatment of lacrimal gland infiltration in patient with Sjögren΄s syndrome. BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is occasionally used for the treatment of benign disorders. There is no report on use of radiotherapy for local treatment of the Sjögren΄s syndrome in the literature. METHODS: Female patient with lacrimal gland involvement as a part of Sjögren΄s syndrome with diplopia and visus deterioration was treated by radiotherapy with eye shielding. RESULTS: Regression of the infiltration with full restoration of visus and minimal acute radiation reaction was achieved. CONCLUSION: A case report of successful use of local radiotherapy in the treatment of lacrimal gland affected by Sjögren΄s syndrome is presented (Fig. 3, Ref. 6). Full Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

[Minimal ocular findings in a patient with Best disease caused by the c.653G>A mutation in BEST1]. / Minimální nález u pacienta s Bestovou chorobou podmínenou mutací c.653G>A v genu BEST1.

PURPOSE: To describe the phenotype in an asymptomatic 64-year-old patient with family history of Best disease and to identify the disease causing variant in the BEST1 gene. METHODS: Detailed ocular examination of the proband including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography and electrooculography was performed. Direct sequencing approach was used to screen the whole coding sequence of 11 exons of BEST1. RESULTS: An early vitelliform stage of Best disease presenting as a small yellowish spot in the macula was observed in the right eye. The fundus appearance in the left eye was normal. SD-OCT of the right macula revealed hypodense space between the retinal pigment epithelium and the neuroretinal layer. Arden ratio was bilaterally mildly reduced; 1.36 in the right and 1.3 in the left eye. Molecular genetic analysis identified a heterozygous change c.653G>A (p.Arg218His) as the disease-causing variant. CONCLUSION: Here we report for the first time a phenotype-genotype correlation in a Czech patient with Best disease. SD-OCT is a fast method that may show the presence of small pathological changes. The screening of BEST1 gene enables identification of disease-causing variants in asymptomatic individuals with normal fundus appearance and thus improves counseling to the affected families.

[Contribution to the investigation macular function for the surgical treatment of idiopathic macular holes]. / Príspevek k vysetrování funkce makulární krajiny pri chirurgické lécbe idiopatické makulární díry.

We evaluate annual anatomical and functional results of standard 20G pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole, with peeling MLI (membrana limitans interna) and instillation of gas tamponade (20% SF6 - sulfur hexafluoride). The observed group consisted of 32 eyes of 32 patients (3 men and 29 women), mean age 69 years (range 59-76). There was no other ocular pathology besides idiopathic macular holes (IMD). Objectification of ocular anatomy was done with: anterior segment slit lamp, the biomicroscopy in artificial mydriasis and optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss). For examination of the central area of the retina was evaluated: the best corrected visual acuity in the distance (BCVA) with ETDRS optotype, BCVA in the near (Jaeger charts), multifocal electroretinography (MfERG) and pattern reversal electroretinography (PERG). For the statistical processing of results we used non-parametric Wilcoxon paired test. ANATOMICAL RESULTS: The primary closure of the IMD occurred in 29 (90%), the IMD was not closed, but it's edges were flattened in 2 eyes (6%), and once time the edges of the IMD were not flattened (3%). FUNCTIONAL RESULTS: The initial BCVA ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 (1.0 to 0.3 LogMAR). After one year of operations the visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in 27 eyes (84%), of 3 or more lines in 18 eyes (56%), and 4 or more lines in 5 eyes (16%). PERG amplitudes (N95) in all eyes were between 4 to 9 microV (within the normal range of the laboratory), and was not found statistically significant difference between the values before surgery and 12 months after. Statistically significant difference (improvement) was found in the first and the second central ring of the MfERG. Improvement involved the values of P1 wave amplitude before surgery and 12 months after (Wilcoxon p < 0.01). The difference between the values of N1 and P1 latencies before surgery and month 12 was not statistically significant, as well as changes between the values of the amplitudes of waves N1 preoperatively and 12 months later. Due to the favorable anatomical and functional results we consider surgical treatment of macular holes through PPV with peeling MLI as a safe technique. When the indication to perform peeling is considered, there is a need to think about other factors, especially duration IMD, disease stage, type of intraocular tamponade and the patient's cooperation.

Extracorporeal immunoglobulin elimination for the treatment of severe myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue. Rarely, long-term stabilization is not possible through the use of thymectomy or any known drug therapy. We present our experience with extracorporeal immunoglobulin (Ig) elimination by immunoadsorption (adsorbers with human Ig antibodies). Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChRAs) were measured during long-term monitoring (4.7 +/- 2.9 years; range 1.1-8.0). A total of 474 samples (232 pairs) were analyzed, and a drop in AChRA levels was observed (P = .025). The clinical status of patients improved and stabilized. Roughly 6.8% of patients experienced clinically irrelevant side effects. The method of Ig elimination by extracorporeal immunoadsorption (IA) is a clinical application of the recent biotechnological advances. It offers an effective and safe therapy for severe MG even when the disease is resistant to standard therapy.

[Subjective visual perception after laser treatment of myopia on two types of lasers]. / Subjektivní zrakové vnímání po laserové operaci myopie provedené na dvou typech laseru.

AIM: Comparison of subjective evaluation of patients with low and moderate myopia undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and Laser in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) on two types of excimer lasers: Schwind Esiris and Schwind Amaris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of laser that was used. Group A comprised of 23 patients (14 females, 9 males) of average age 33.1 years (range 21-51 years), with an average spherical equivalent before operation of -3.5D. Using the excimer laser Esiris (Schwind, Germany), 10 patients had undergone PRK and 13 LASIK. Group B comprised of 32 patients (21 females, 11 males), of average age 31.9 years (range 22-48 years). Median spherical equivalent before operation was -3.05D. With the excimer laser Amaris (Schwind, Germany) 17 patients had undergone PRK and 15 LASIK. For the subjective evaluation we set up a questioner consisting of 21 questions that were aimed on the quality of vision under various illumination types and intensities, vision under various distances, activities and also questions concerning superficial sensitivity of the anterior segment of the eye. RESULTS: We detected a 100% satisfaction one year after refractive laser treatment with both laser types. Statistical improvement was evident by one month after treatment in both patient groups and upto 12 months it progressively increased. Statistically significant differences were noted one month after treatment, where patients in group B were more satisfied in questions concerning quality of vision, distance vision, while watching TV and driving during daytime and during the night. During further follow-up, results were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary patient satisfaction treated with laser Amaris is apparently due to the result of a more sparing treatment and thus fewer changes in the corneal stroma.

[Influence of haemorheopheresis in the dry form of the age related macular degeneration]. / Moznost ovlivnení suché formy vekem podmínené makulárni degenerace hemorheoferézou.

INTRODUCTION: The age related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of practical blindness in the population older than 60 years of age. Usually it starts as a dry form with soft drusen.The progression of the dry form is difficult to control-promising seems to be the influence of rheologic factors in the choroid and the retina and thus improvement of their blood flow. AIM: By means of haemorheopheresis to improve blood rheology and thus micocirculation in the choroid and retina. The authors describe the development of the dry form of the ARMD in the sensitive stage with soft drusen and the eventual presence of retinal pigment epithelium detachment (RPED) after haemorheopheresis. The treated patients were compared with a control group (natural course of the ARMD) with the same number of patients. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized study, comprising of 16 patients with the dry form of ARMD were treated with haemorheopheresis (cascade filtration) and 16 patients in the control group. Haemorheopheresis treatment comprised of 8 cycles in 10 weeks. Plasma obtained by separator was filtered by the Evaflux 4A (Japan) separator, where, the defined spectrum of high molecular proteins was captured. This lead to a decrease in blood and plasma viscosity and thus to improvement of rheologic conditions of the retina. RESULTS: Results show a positive influence on the absorption of soft drusen, reduction of the retinal pigment epithelium detachment, and the possibility to improve the visual acuity of the treated patients. CONCLUSION: Comparing to the worsening of clinical signs and visual functions in natural course of the ARMD development, the rheopheresis as well tolerated method may cause the retardation or stop of the unfavorable course of the disease.