O Desenvolvimento Docente na FMRP-USP: contexto histórico / Faculty Development at Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine at University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP): A contextualized historical review

O objetivo desse artigo é contextualizar historicamente as ações de desenvolvimento docente realizadas na Facul-dade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP) desde sua fundação até a criação do Centro de Desenvolvimento Docente para o Ensino (CDDE) para as Profissões da Saúde, que foi a primeira unidade formal da instituição para a educação para o ensino dos seus professores e preceptores. Apresentamos um pano-rama sobre o conceito atual de desenvolvimento docente, o papel de fundações internacionais de fomento e de regulamentações governamentais locais na consolidação dessas atividades no país, além de ações dos diretores e professores da Faculdade de Medicina, visando a capacitação profissional para o exercício da docência desde a sua fundação. Finalmente, abordamos o contexto de criação do CDDE, os profissionais participantes e dados da partici-pação docente nas cinco primeiras edições do "Módulo Básico" de ensino para as profissões da saúde na FMRP-USP, o primeiro e mais importante programa estruturado de capacitação docente oferecido pelo centro. (AU)

The objective of this article is to historically contextualize Faculty Development (FD) actions carried out at the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine at University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), since its foundation up until the creation of the Center for Faculty Development (CDDE) in Health Professions Education (HPE). CDDE is the first formal unit of the institution with the mission to support educators (Faculty Members and Preceptors) to improve their educa-tional practices: to teach, facilitate learning, assess, design curriculum, and evaluate programs. We present here an overview for the concept of Faculty Development, the role of international funding foundations and local govern-ment regulations in the consolidation of these activities in Brazil. We also describe the school administration actions and pioneer Faculty members that created the foundations for the first Faculty Development Center at FMRP-USP. Finally, we address the context of the creation of the CDDE and the describe participants characteristics of the first five editions of the Essentials Skills Module on HPE. (AU)

Trinta anos da criação do Centro de Apoio Educacional e Psicológico da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - contexto histórico e realizações dos primeiros tempos / Thirtieth anniversary of the Center for Educational and Psychological Support of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School: establishment and early years

RESUMO: O artigo tem por objetivo historiar o contexto da criação e o desenvolvimento do Centro de Apoio Educacional e Psicológico (CAEP) da FMRP-USP em seus anos iniciais. São destacados aspectos estruturais, como: constituiçãoda Equipe Técnica, Apoio Administrativo e Grupo de Consultores; infraestrutura e relações institucionais do CAEP com colegiados e a Administração da Unidade. Também é descrito o contexto da elaboração do Regimento Interno do CAEP, com ênfase na apresentação dos princípios que nortearam as atividades desenvolvidas por este Centro. (AU)

RESUMO: O artigo tem por objetivo historiar o contexto da criação e o desenvolvimento do Centro de Apoio Educacional e Psicológico (CAEP) da FMRP-USP em seus anos iniciais. São destacados aspectos estruturais, como: constituiçãoda Equipe Técnica, Apoio Administrativo e Grupo de Consultores; infraestrutura e relações institucionais do CAEP com colegiados e a Administração da Unidade. Também é descrito o contexto da elaboração do Regimento Interno do CAEP, com ênfase na apresentação dos princípios que nortearam as atividades desenvolvidas por este Centro

Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among adults in a small Brazilian city.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years or more, selected from patients of the local health unit and home visits in urban and rural areas. Each participant completed a survey with questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Variables that proved to be independent predictors of infection were age, low levels of education, and previous diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological markers in this adult population highlights the need to promote preventive practices, especially those directed toward women of childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.

Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among adults in a small Brazilian city

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years or more, selected from patients of the local health unit and home visits in urban and rural areas. Each participant completed a survey with questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Variables that proved to be independent predictors of infection were age, low levels of education, and previous diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological markers in this adult population highlights the need to promote preventive practices, especially those directed toward women of childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.

Characteristics of role models who influenced medical residents to choose surgery as a specialty: exploratory study

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Choosing a medical specialty and making decisions concerning a career are difficult processes for medical students and newly graduated physicians.This exploratory study aimed to investigate the influence of role models on the choice of surgery as a career, and to determine the most influential model characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative analysis on responses to a self-administered questionnaire, in different teaching-learning settings. METHODS: Residents from all years of various surgical subspecialties in a university hospital were included in a survey about the factors that determined their choice of surgery. The questions included items on whether a role model had influenced them in choosing surgery, and the personal or professional characteristics of the models that had been most influential. The responses were subjected to qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-four out of 96 medical residents participated. Fifty-three residents (82.8%) acknowledged the influence of role models. Sixteen model characteristics were indicated as important, with 136 mentions. Characteristics classified as technical skills (55%), such as"medical knowledge"and "manual dexterity" predominated over humanistic characteristics (35%), such as "patient-physician relationships" and "ethical behavior". However, this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher test, P = 0.11).There were no age differences regarding the proportions mentioning "technical" and "non-technical" attributes, but female residents mentioned significantly more technical skills than their male colleagues did. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of role models seems to be an important factor determining the choice of surgery as a career. The influential characteristics of the models include not only technical but also humanistic qualities.

Characteristics of role models who influenced medical residents to choose surgery as a specialty: exploratory study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Choosing a medical specialty and making decisions concerning a career are difficult processes for medical students and newly graduated physicians.This exploratory study aimed to investigate the influence of role models on the choice of surgery as a career, and to determine the most influential model characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative analysis on responses to a self-administered questionnaire, in different teaching-learning settings. METHODS: Residents from all years of various surgical subspecialties in a university hospital were included in a survey about the factors that determined their choice of surgery. The questions included items on whether a role model had influenced them in choosing surgery, and the personal or professional characteristics of the models that had been most influential. The responses were subjected to qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-four out of 96 medical residents participated. Fifty-three residents (82.8%) acknowledged the influence of role models. Sixteen model characteristics were indicated as important, with 136 mentions. Characteristics classified as technical skills (55%), such as"medical knowledge"and "manual dexterity" predominated over humanistic characteristics (35%), such as "patient-physician relationships" and "ethical behavior". However, this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher test, P = 0.11).There were no age differences regarding the proportions mentioning "technical" and "non-technical" attributes, but female residents mentioned significantly more technical skills than their male colleagues did. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of role models seems to be an important factor determining the choice of surgery as a career. The influential characteristics of the models include not only technical but also humanistic qualities.

Safety and feasibility of the use of a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture as an adjunct to glaucoma surgery: a pilot study.

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, has been suggested as a potential healing therapeutic following glaucoma surgery. Here, we aimed to improve the bioavailability of bevacizumab when used as an adjunct therapy to non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (DS) by using a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture (BMM). Ten previously non-operated eyes in ten patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma underwent DS with a subconjunctival injection of 0.3 ml of BMM (bevacizumab 3.75 mg incorporated into 4% methylcellulose) at the surgical site. Bevacizumab release was evaluated in vitro using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb morphology, corneal endothelial cell count (CECC), and complications were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. Using HPLC, bevacizumab was detected in BMM for up to 72 h. Moreover, all surgical blebs remained expanded with hyaline material during the first week. A significant IOP reduction (mean ± SD= -10.3 ± 5.4 mmHg, P<0.001) and diffuse blebs were observed at the final follow-up period. Although CECC was slightly reduced (-7.4%), no complications were observed. In conclusion, bevacizumab was released from BMM, and the use of this innovative mixture yielded good results following DS with no complications. Further studies are required to determine its efficacy prior to establishing BMM as an adjunct treatment for penetrating and non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries.

Safety and feasibility of the use of a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture as an adjunct to glaucoma surgery: a pilot study / Segurança e viabilidade do uso de uma mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose como terapia adjuvante à cirurgia anti-glaucomatosa: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, has been suggested as a potential healing therapeutic following glaucoma surgery. Here, we aimed to improve the bioavailability of bevacizumab when used as an adjunct therapy to non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (DS) by using a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture (BMM). Ten previously non-operated eyes in ten patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma underwent DS with a subconjunctival injection of 0.3 ml of BMM (bevacizumab 3.75 mg incorporated into 4% methylcellulose) at the surgical site. Bevacizumab release was evaluated in vitro using size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb morphology, corneal endothelial cell count (CECC), and complications were evaluated at 6 months after surgery. Using HPLC, bevacizumab was detected in BMM for up to 72 h. Moreover, all surgical blebs remained expanded with hyaline material during the first week. A significant IOP reduction (mean ± SD= -10.3 ± 5.4 mmHg, P<0.001) and diffuse blebs were observed at the final follow-up period. Although CECC was slightly reduced (-7.4%), no complications were observed. In conclusion, bevacizumab was released from BMM, and the use of this innovative mixture yielded good results following DS with no complications. Further studies are required to determine its efficacy prior to establishing BMM as an adjunct treatment for penetrating and non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries.

RESUMO O bevacizumabe (um agente anti-fator de crescimento endotelial vascular) tem sido sugerido como potencial modulador cicatricial na cirurgia do glaucoma. Este estudo objetivou melhorar a biodisponibilidade do bevacizumabe, investigando a viabilidade de uma nova mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose (BMM) como terapia adjuvante para a esclerectomia profunda não-penetrante (DS). Dez olhos sem cirurgias prévias de 10 pacientes com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto foram submetidos à DS associada à uma injeção subconjuntival de 0,3 ml da mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose (bevacizumabe 3,75 mg incorporado em metilcelulose 4%) no sítio cirúrgico. A liberação de bevacizumabe foi avaliada in vitro através de cromatografia líquida de alta performance por exclusão de tamanho (HPLC). A pressão intraocular (PIO), a morfologia da ampola de filtração, a contagem de células endoteliais da córnea (CECC) e as complicações foram estudadas aos seis meses de seguimento. O bevacizumabe foi detectado a partir da mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose por meio do HPLC até 72 horas. Além disso, todas as ampolas cirúrgicas permaneceram expandidas com material hialino durante a primeira semana. Uma redução significativa da pressão intraocular (média ± DP= -10,3 ± 5,4 mmHg, P<0,001) e ampolas difusas foram observadas ao final do período de seguimento. Embora a contagem de células endoteliais da córnea se mostrou discretamente diminuída (-7,4%), nenhuma complicação foi observada. Neste estudo, o bevacizumabe foi liberado da mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose e o uso desta nova mistura se associou com bons resultados cirúrgicos e nenhuma complicação. Estudos futuros serão necessários para determinar sua eficácia, antes de se estabelecer a mistura de bevacizumabe-metilcelulose como um tratamento adjuvante às cirurgias penetrantes e não-penetrantes para o glaucoma.

Human leucocyte antigen profile in patients with aids and cytomegalovirus retinitis with and without macular involvement

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is one of the ocular manifestations of AIDS. The objective of the present study was to determine possible associations of class I and II HLA antigens and alleles in patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV-R) with and without macular involvement. Method: The study population consisted of 22 patients with AIDS and CMV-R with macular involvement (Group I), 19 patients with AIDS and CMV-R without macular involvement (Group II), and 202 individuals with negative serology for human immunodeficiency virus (Group III - control). Class I HLA antigens were typed by classical serology. Class II alleles were identified using sequence-specific oligonucleotide primers hybridized with amplified DNA. Results: HLA-DRB1*14 and HLA-DRB1*10 specificities were more frequent among patients with macular involvement, possibly indicating greater susceptibility to this condition. In contrast, the HLA-B35 antigen may be associated with protection against macular involvement since it was significantly more frequent among patients without this involvement. Conclusions: The HLA-DRB1*14 and HLA-DRB1*10 alleles may favor the development of CMV-R with macular involvement, whereas the HLA-B35 subtype may be associated with protection against macular involvement...

Experimental closed system surgical procedures and intraocular pressure fluctuation.

PURPOSE: To determine the behavior of intraocular pressure and its relationship with infusion pressure in vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification surgeries in rabbits. METHODS: Intraocular pressure fluctuation was measured in 24 eyes of 12 rabbits submitted to vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification procedures (eight eyes per group). The procedures were divided according to the force of aspiration of the instrument. Intraocular pressure was monitored with a computerized polygraph by means of a cannula introduced into the vitreous chamber. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure showed a mean variation from 33 mmHg (maximum) to 6 mmHg (minimum). Vitrectomy showed the greatest difference between weak and strong aspiration. The greatest fluctuations occurred during procedures with strong aspiration, with phacoemulsification showing the widest variation, with maximum peaks almost reaching 50 mmHg. The infusion pressure varied less than the intraocular pressure, especially at the lowest pressures. CONCLUSIONS: The fluctuation of intraocular pressure during ocular surgeries was not great. The higher the aspiration pressure, the higher the intraocular pressure. The infusion pressure did not show a good correlation with intraocular pressure.

Experimental closed system surgical procedures and intraocular pressure fluctuation

PURPOSE:To determine the behavior of intraocular pressure and its relationship with infusion pressure in vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification surgeries in rabbits.METHODS:Intraocular pressure fluctuation was measured in 24 eyes of 12 rabbits submitted to vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification procedures (eight eyes per group). The procedures were divided according to the force of aspiration of the instrument. Intraocular pressure was monitored with a computerized polygraph by means of a cannula introduced into the vitreous chamber.RESULTS:Intraocular pressure showed a mean variation from 33 mmHg (maximum) to 6 mmHg (minimum). Vitrectomy showed the greatest difference between weak and strong aspiration. The greatest fluctuations occurred during procedures with strong aspiration, with phacoemulsification showing the widest variation, with maximum peaks almost reaching 50 mmHg. The infusion pressure varied less than the intraocular pressure, especially at the lowest pressures.CONCLUSIONS:The fluctuation of intraocular pressure during ocular surgeries was not great. The higher the aspiration pressure, the higher the intraocular pressure. The infusion pressure did not show a good correlation with intraocular pressure.(AU)

Experimental closed system surgical procedures and intraocular pressure fluctuation

PURPOSE: To determine the behavior of intraocular pressure and its relationship with infusion pressure in vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification surgeries in rabbits. METHODS: Intraocular pressure fluctuation was measured in 24 eyes of 12 rabbits submitted to vitrectomy, phacofragmentation and phacoemulsification procedures (eight eyes per group). The procedures were divided according to the force of aspiration of the instrument. Intraocular pressure was monitored with a computerized polygraph by means of a cannula introduced into the vitreous chamber. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure showed a mean variation from 33 mmHg (maximum) to 6 mmHg (minimum). Vitrectomy showed the greatest difference between weak and strong aspiration. The greatest fluctuations occurred during procedures with strong aspiration, with phacoemulsification showing the widest variation, with maximum peaks almost reaching 50 mmHg. The infusion pressure varied less than the intraocular pressure, especially at the lowest pressures. CONCLUSIONS: The fluctuation of intraocular pressure during ocular surgeries was not great. The higher the aspiration pressure, the higher the intraocular pressure. The infusion pressure did not show a good correlation with intraocular pressure. .

Perioperative conjunctival inflammation and trabeculectomy outcome.

PURPOSE: To correlate subclinical conjunctival inflammation and trabeculectomy results. METHODS: Prospective case series of 28 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (28 eyes) under topical anti-glaucoma medication who underwent trabeculectomy. During surgery, a sample from the inferior bulbar conjunctiva was collected and the expression of HLA-DR together with the presence of inflammatory cells was correlated with trabeculectomy outcomes after 24 months. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure between 6 and 20 mmHg irrespective of the use of anti-glaucoma medication. RESULTS: Five patients missed follow-up visits and were removed from the study. Ten eyes (43.5%) were HLA-DR(+), but no significant differences were observed between eyes with successful and failed surgeries (p = 0.214). There was no significant association between the number of neutrophils and surgical outcomes (p = 0.353). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of inflammatory cells and expression of the inflammation marker HLA-DR in the conjunctiva did not correlate with the prognosis of trabeculectomy in this study.

Correlation between cup-to-disc ratio and cup/retrobulbar optic nerve diameter proportion assessed by high-resolution ultrasound in glaucomatous eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the measurements of the cup/retrobulbar optic nerve diameter (C/OND) proportion obtained by high-resolution 20-MHz B-mode ultrasound (US) and those of the cup/disc ratio (C/D) obtained by fundus biomicroscopy (BIO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 glaucomatous patients with any C/D proportion were studied. All patients underwent examination of the vertical C/D by BIO with a 78D lens and time-domain OCT analysis, as well as the vertical C/OND proportion using 20-MHz US measurements. All data were analyzed by correlation and agreement tests. RESULTS: The Spearman test showed a strong correlation between C/D results obtained by BIO and the measurements of C/OND (US) (r=0.788, p<0.0001), and with C/D obtained by OCT (r=0.8529, p<0.0001). However, comparison of C/D results obtained with OCT to those obtained by with C/OND (US) showed only a moderate correlation (r=0.6727, p<0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis did not show good agreement between C/D (BIO) and C/OND (US). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that B-mode ultrasound examination with a 20 MHz probe can be a good additional method for the evaluation of the C/D ratio in glaucomatous patients, and may be considered as an alternative gross tool in glaucomatous patients with optic media opacities.

Correlation between cup-to-disc ratio and cup/retrobulbar optic nerve diameter proportion assessed by high-resolution ultrasound in glaucomatous eyes / Correlação entre relação escavação/disco e proporção escavação/diâmetro do nervo óptico retrobulbar obtida pela ultrassonografia de alta resolução em olhos com glaucoma

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the measurements of the cup/retrobulbar optic nerve diameter (C/OND) proportion obtained by high-resolution 20-MHz B-mode ultrasound (US) and those of the cup/disc ratio (C/D) obtained by fundus biomicroscopy (BIO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 glaucomatous patients with any C/D proportion were studied. All patients underwent examination of the vertical C/D by BIO with a 78D lens and time-domain OCT analysis, as well as the vertical C/OND proportion using 20-MHz US measurements. All data were analyzed by correlation and agreement tests. RESULTS: The Spearman test showed a strong correlation between C/D results obtained by BIO and the measurements of C/OND (US) (r=0.788, p<0.0001), and with C/D obtained by OCT (r=0.8529, p<0.0001). However, comparison of C/D results obtained with OCT to those obtained by with C/OND (US) showed only a moderate correlation (r=0.6727, p<0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis did not show good agreement between C/D (BIO) and C/OND (US). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that B-mode ultrasound examination with a 20 MHz probe can be a good additional method for the evaluation of the C/D ratio in glaucomatous patients, and may be considered as an alternative gross tool in glaucomatous patients with optic media opacities.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a correlação entre os achados da relação escavação/diâmetro do nervo óptico retrobulbar (E/DNO) obtidos pelo exame de ultrassom (US) modo B de alta resolução com sonda de 20 MHz e a relação escavação/disco (E/D) obtidos pela biomicroscopia de fundo de olho (BIO) e pela tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT). MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 30 olhos de 15 pacientes com diagnóstico de glaucoma com qualquer proporção da relação E/D. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao exame de BIO, com lente 78D, e de OCT, com tecnologia de domínio temporal, para a análise da relação E/D vertical e exame de US modo B, com sonda de 20 MHz, para determinação da proporção E/DNO vertical. Todos os resultados foram analisados por métodos de correlação e concordância. RESULTADOS: Observou-se forte correlação entre as medidas E/D obtidas pela BIO, e as medidas E/DNO (US) (r=0,788; p<0,0001), e com as medidas E/D obtidas pelo OCT (r=0,8529; p<0,0001). Porém, a análise entre as medidas E/DNO (US) e E/D (OCT) mostrou apenas níveis moderados de correlação (r=0,6727, p<0,0001). O teste de Bland-Altman não mostrou bons níveis de concordância entre E/D (BIO) e E/DNO (US). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram que o exame de US modo B com sonda de 20 MHz pode ser um bom método adicional para avaliar a relação E/D de pacientes com glaucoma, a ser considerado como uma ferramenta alternativa na avaliação de pacientes glaucomatosos com opacidades dos meios ópticos.

Bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane subconjunctival implants: effects on experimental glaucoma filtration surgery.

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may contribute to the scarring process resulting from glaucoma filtration surgery, since this cytokine may stimulate fibroblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to describe a new bevacizumab-loaded polyurethane implant (BPUI) and to evaluate its effectiveness as a new drug delivery system of anti-VEGF antibody in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery. METHODS: An aqueous dispersion of polyurethane was obtained via the conventional process. Bevacizumab (1.5 mg) was then incorporated into the dispersion and was subsequently dried to form the polymeric films. Films with dimensions of 3×3×1 mm that either did (group BPUI, n=10) or did not contain bevacizumab (group PUI, n=10) were implanted in the subconjunctival space, at the surgical site in 1 eye of each rabbit. The in vitro bevacizumab release was evaluated using size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the in vivo effects of the drug were investigated in a rabbit experimental trabeculectomy model by examining the bleb characteristics and collagen accumulation, and by performing immunohistological analyses of VEGF expression. RESULTS: HPLC showed that only 10% of the bevacizumab in the implants had been released by postoperative day 5. In vivo studies demonstrated that the drug had no adverse effects; however, no significant differences in either the bleb area score or the collagen deposit intensity between the group PUI and the group that BPUI were observed. Moreover, the group BPUI presented a significantly lower proportion of VEGF-expressing fibroblasts than group PUI (0.17±0.03 vs. 0.35±0.05 cells/field, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that bevacizumab release from the BPUIs only occurred for a short time probably from the surface of the films. Nevertheless, they were well tolerated in rabbit eyes and reduced the number of VEGF-expressing fibroblasts.

Comparison of dynamic contour tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry in relation to central corneal thickness in primary congenital glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained with dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and to investigate their relationship to central corneal thickness (CCT) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) eyes. METHODS: Thirty-one eyes of 31 PCG patients (25.7 ± 7.2 years old) were examined. PCG was defined as elevated IOP, enlarged corneal diameter (buphthalmos), Haab's striae and abnormal findings at gonioscopy. The mean of three measurements of GAT, DCT (quality scores 1 and 2), and CCT were obtained and assessed for agreement by means of Bland-Altman plot and for Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Mean CCT was 534 ± 72.3 µm (range: 430 to 610 µm). Mean IOP measurements were 15.1 ± 4.2 mmHg (range: 5.5 to 22.7 mmHg) for DCT and 14.5 ± 5.6 mmHg (range: 7.0 to 34.0 mmHg) for GAT (P = 0.244). Spearman correlation tests showed that IOP difference (DCT - GAT) was not correlated with CCT (r (2) = 0.023, P = 0.417). IOP measurements by DCT were weakly but statistically correlated with those obtained with GAT (r(2) = 0.213, P = 0.0089). Bland-Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between DCT and GAT readings, considering the 95 % confidence intervals of ± 10.45 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between DCT and GAT readings were not influenced by CCT in this series of patients. Considering the weak correlation and the poor agreement observed between GAT and DCT measurements and that they both may be affected by corneal biomechanical changes, these methods should not be used interchangeably, and may possibly give no meaningful IOP values in PCG patients.

Risk factors for blindness in patients with open-angle glaucoma followed-up for at least 15 years.

PURPOSE: To determine the proportion of blindness and investigate the relationships between risk factors based on clinical characteristics and development of blindness in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated for at least 15 years. METHODS: A retrospective observational chart review was performed with 403 patients referred to a tertiary level hospital, each with a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma, treated for at least 15 years. Blindness attributable to glaucoma was defined based on visual acuity and/or visual field tests. Variables considered to be possible risk factors for blindness were evaluated using odds ratio (OR), confidence interval (95% CI), and univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients became blind [13/53 (24.5%) - unilaterally and 18/53 (34%) - bilaterally] during the follow-up period of treatment (19.5 ± 4.6 years, range 15-31 years). Multivariate statistics with regression analysis revealed that persistency on initial therapy ≤6 months was significantly associated with blindness, both unilateral (OR: 8.4; 95% CI: 1.3-56.4) and bilateral (OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 1.3-39.6). Other potential factors such as race, age, gender or number of medications were not associated with blindness. CONCLUSION: Blindness from primary open-angle glaucoma was not uncommon in this population of treated patients after the long follow-up period proposed. Persistence rates with the first therapy, as measured by a medical decision to change, were low. Persistence ≤6 months was statistically associated with the development of unilateral and bilateral blindness from glaucoma.

Conjunctival inflammation in patients under topical glaucoma treatment with indication to surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of conjunctival HLA-DR expression (a surrogate marker for inflammation) in eyes treated with topical prostaglandin analogues versus eyes treated with other topical antiglaucomatous drugs. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma presenting indication for trabeculectomy were divided in groups according to the use or not of prostaglandin analogues. All subjects were treated with the maximum tolerated dose of antiglaucomatous drugs until the date of the surgery. At the beginning of the surgical procedure, a 5 x 5 mm biopsy of the bulbar conjunctiva was collected, incubated with monoclonal anti-HLA-DR antibody and processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: Of the 31 eyes included (31 patients), 25 were under topical prostaglandin analogues (Group 1) and six under other topical pharmacological agents (Group 2). Fourteen eyes of Group 1 (56%) and three of Group 2 (50 %) were positive for the inflammatory marker HLA-DR (P=1.0). The percentage of stained cells ranged from 15.49 to 48.09% (median: 27.61) in Group 1, and from 18.35 to 28 (median: 20.71) in Group 2, with no differences statistically significant (p=0.33). CONCLUSION: The use of prostaglandin analogues did not increase conjunctival expression of HLA-DR compared to other topical antiglaucomatous agents.