Clinical Applications and Validation of an Innovative Wound Score.

OBJECTIVE: This study demonstrates the applicability of an innovative wound score that summates 5 assessments using 2-point (best) to 0-point (worst) grades based on specific findings to generate a 0- to 10-point wound score for categorizing diabetic foot ulcers as well as validates its effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Long Beach Wound Scores (LBWS) were determined prospectively over an 18-month period in 105 hospitalized patients, with or without diabetes, with lower extremity wounds. Wounds were categorized as healthy, problem, or end-stage from their initial LBWS. Outcomes were graded as good or poor using a 5-level scale. Outcome information was available and statistically analyzed for comparisons with initial evaluation LBWSs in 85 patients. RESULTS: In the healthy category, 66.7% healed or improved and were designated as good outcomes. In the problem category, 83.3% had good outcomes. In the end-stage category, 50.0% had good outcomes. Outliers for poor outcomes in the healthy category were due to the patients' comorbidities, and good outcomes in the end-stage category were explained by successful revascularizations and/or healing of minor amputations. The accuracy of the LBWS for predicting good versus poor outcomes was 75.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The 0- to 10-point LBWS utilizes objective criteria for grading wounds, has validation data to confirm its efficacy for predicting outcomes, categorizes wound management, and is a practical tool to use for Comparative Effectiveness Research of wound care products and quantifying Minimal Clinically Important Improvement.

Bullous Variant of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Expansion of Phenotypic Features Using Multimethod Imaging.

PURPOSE: To define the phenotypic characteristics of the bullous variant of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using multimethod imaging. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one eyes of 14 patients with bullous retinal detachment resulting from CSC (bullous CSC group) and 122 eyes of 84 patients with chronic CSC without bullous retinal detachment (nonbullous CSC group). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of clinical and multimethod imaging data of patients who sought treatment from the authors with bullous retinal detachment resulting from CSC between January 2010 and November 2015. Multimethod imaging comprised color photography, fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and high-resolution optical coherence tomography. Consecutive cases of chronic CSC without bullous retinal detachment, seen during the same period, comprised a comparative group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the choroid, retinal pigment epithelium, and retina were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Mean age of the bullous CSC group was 53.8 years. There was no difference in age, visual acuity, corticosteroid use, or the proportion of white patients and men between the 2 groups (all P > 0.132). Peripheral nonperfusion occurred only in eyes with bullous retinal detachment (38% of cases). Retinal pigment epithelial tears were seen in 95% of eyes in the bullous group and none of the eyes in the nonbullous CSC group. The bullous CSC group demonstrated a greater number of pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) and more eyes demonstrated PEDs with internal hyperreflectivity (both P < 0.016). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness in the bullous CSC group (463.1±83.1 µm) was not different compared with that of the nonbullous CSC group (400.6±100.6 µm; P = 0.993). More eyes in the bullous CSC group demonstrated hyperreflectivity around large choroidal vessels and at the level of the choriocapillaris on OCT (P < 0.001). Retinal folds and subretinal fibrin were identified in a greater proportion of eyes in the bullous CSC group (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bullous retinal detachment is a rare manifestation of chronic CSC and is characterized by a unique constellation of phenotypic and multimethod imaging features.

Quantitative evaluation of anterior chamber parameters using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in primary angle closure mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate different mechanisms of primary angle closure and to quantify anterior chamber parameters in these mechanisms using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in an Asian population. DESIGN: Hospital-based cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight consecutive patients with primary angle closure glaucoma. METHODS: Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination and imaging of nasal-temporal angles with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Images were categorized into four primary angle closure mechanisms: pupil block, plateau iris configuration, Thick peripheral iris roll and exaggerated lens vault. Parameters computed: anterior chamber depth central, anterior chamber depth at 1000 µm and 2000 µm anterior to scleral spur, lens vault, anterior chamber area, angle opening distance, trabecular iris space area and iris thickness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Anterior chamber parameters and primary angle closure mechanisms. RESULTS: Mean values of anterior chamber depths: central (P < 0.001), at 2000 µm (P < 0.001), 1000 µm (P < 0.001), lens vault (P < 0.001), anterior chamber area (P < 0.001), were significantly different among the four groups. Multivariate analysis showed anterior chamber depths: central, and anterior chamber depth at 2000 µm and anterior chamber area were higher in plateau iris and Thick peripheral iris roll and lower in exaggerated lens vault (P < 0.001) as compared to pupil block mechanism, lens vault was greater in exaggerated lens vault (P < 0.001) and lesser in plateau iris and Thick peripheral iris roll as compared to pupil block mechanism. CONCLUSION: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be used for evaluation of underlying primary angle closure mechanism(s) in a patient and tailor the treatment accordingly.

Micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) is an established method of treatment for refractory glaucoma, but is associated with significant complications. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new form of TSCPC using micropulse diode laser and trans-pars plana treatment with a novel contact probe. METHODS: Prospective interventional case series of 40 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with refractory glaucoma treated with micropulse TSCPC with a novel probe. Outcomes measured were success, hypotony and response rates. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 63.2 +/- 16.0 years. The mean follow-up period was 16.3 +/- 4.5 months. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before micropulse TSCPC was 39.3 +/- 12.6 mmHg. Mean IOP decreased to 31.1 +/- 13.4 mmHg at 1 day, 28.0 +/- 12.0 mmHg at 1 week, 27.4 +/- 12.7 mmHg at 1 month, 27.1 +/- 13.6 mmHg at 3 months, 25.8 +/- 14.5 mmHg at 6 months, 26.6 +/- 14.7 mmHg at 12 months and 26.2 +/- 14.3 mmHg at 18 months (P < 0.001 at all time points). No patient had hypotony or loss of best-corrected visual acuity. The overall success rate after a mean of 1.3 treatment sessions was 72.7%. CONCLUSION: Micropulse TSCPC is a safe and effective method of lowering IOP in cases of refractory glaucoma and is comparable with conventional TSCPC.

TLR4 signaling in stromal cells is critical for the initiation of allergic Th2 responses to inhaled antigen.

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory lung disease driven by Th2. We have shown that both Th1 and Th2 sensitization to inhaled OVA depend on the presence and concentration of LPS, where high concentrations (LPS(hi)) induce Th1 and low concentrations (LPS(lo)), Th2. Stromal cells (SCs), such as airway SCs, exacerbate established airway disease; however, little is known about their role early during sensitization. In this study, using bone marrow chimeric mice to restrict TLR4 signaling to either the SC compartment (SC(+)HPC(-)) or the hematopoietic cell (HPC) compartment (SC(-)HPC(+)), we report that HPC TLR4 is necessary and sufficient for Th1 sensitization to OVA-LPS(hi), whereas TLR4 in both compartments is required for Th2 sensitization to OVA-LPS(lo). Surprisingly, although SC(+)HPC(-) mice were unable to generate a Th1 response to OVA-LPS(hi), they instead mounted a robust Th2 response, indicating that in the presence of higher concentrations of LPS, SC TLR4 is sufficient for Th2 sensitization. We show that the SC TLR4 response to LPS leads to induction of Th2-inducing dendritic cells that upregulate Notch ligand Jagged-1 but not Delta-4. Furthermore, airway SCs upregulate thymic stromal lymphopoietin in response to exposure to both OVA-LPS(lo) and OVA-LPS(hi). These studies demonstrate that SC TLR4 signaling is critically involved in Th2 but not Th1 sensitization to inhaled Ag.

Outcomes following acute primary angle closure in an Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding development of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) following acute primary angle closure (APAC) is conflicting. This study looks at outcomes after an APAC episode with a secondary aim to identify any risk factors that could predict progression to PACG. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the charts of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with APAC from December 2003 to June 2006. All were treated in a standard manner with initial intensive medical therapy or laser iridoplasty followed by early laser peripheral iridotomy within 24 h of presentation. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 41 patients were analysed. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 +/- 16.2 months. Nine eyes (21.4%) developed an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) within a mean of 11.9 months (median 5 months) after resolution of APAC. Eight eyes went on to have trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage device. At final follow up, the mean IOP of attack eye was 13.3 +/- 2.92 mmHg. None of the eyes, including those that underwent surgery, required topical medication to control IOP. Thirty-eight eyes (90.5%) have BCVA of 6/6 to 6/12. The duration of symptoms before presentation (P = 0.00) and duration taken to abort the acute attack (P = 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with development of PACG. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that outcomes following successful treatment of APAC may not be as poor as described previously. Early aggressive management of the acute episode may have a role to play in preventing development of PACG after APAC.