The use of fibrin glue in pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane transplantation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of fibrin glue versus sutures in pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane transplantation. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Guidelines. An electronic search identified all studies comparing the outcomes of using fibrin glue versus sutures in pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane transplantation. Conjunctival inflammation, postoperative pain and discomfort, pterygium recurrence, pyogenic granuloma, and surgical time were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included amniotic membrane transplant outcomes, time to recurrence, graft loss, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Fixed and random-effects models were used for the analysis. RESULTS: Four studies enrolling 180 patients were identified. Conjunctival inflammation (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, P = 0.0005) demonstrated a significant difference favoring the fibrin glue group. Despite the trend favoring the use of fibrin glue, there were no significant differences in terms of postoperative pain and discomfort (OR = 0.46, P = 0.25), pterygium recurrence (OR = 0.74, P = 0.48), pyogenic granuloma (OR = 0.47, P = 0.38), and surgical time (mean difference = -17.52, P = 0.13). For secondary outcomes, fibrin glue had significantly fewer cases of graft loss compared with sutures. No statistically significant difference was found in amniotic membrane graft outcomes, time to recurrence, and subconjunctival hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue is comparable to the sutures used in pterygium surgery with amniotic membrane transplantation as it significantly improves conjunctival inflammation and does not increase postoperative pain and discomfort, pterygium recurrence, pyogenic granuloma, and surgical time.

Extended Depth of Focus Versus Trifocal for Intraocular Lens Implantation: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the extended depth of focus (EDOF) vs trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients undergoing IOL implantation. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to include studies comparing EDOF vs trifocal IOLs. Refraction and visual acuity were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included defocus curves, intraocular aberrations, contrast sensitivity (CS), quality of vision (QoV) questionnaire score, haloes and glare, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies enrolling 2200 eyes were identified. Trifocal IOL showed a significant improvement in sphere (mean difference [MD] = -0.23; P = .001) and spherical equivalence (MD = -0.11, P = .0001) compared to EDOF IOL. No difference was observed in cylinder (MD = -0.03, P = .25) or astigmatism. Trifocal IOL had superior near visual acuity outcomes, namely uncorrected near visual acuity (MD = 0.12, P < .00001) and distance-corrected near visual acuity (MD = 0.12, P = .002). Postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (MD = -0.01, P = .01) was significantly improved for the EDOF group, although no difference was noted in postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (MD = 0.00, P = .84), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (MD = 0.01, P = .68) or distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (MD = -0.01, P = .39). Defocus curve favored trifocal IOLs at near vision and EDOF IOLs at intermediate vision. Ocular aberration, CS, haloes (odds ratio = 0.64, P = .10), glare, and patient satisfaction were not statistically significant between the groups. The trifocal IOL was associated with an improved QoV questionnaire score (MD = 1.24, P = 0.03) and spectacle independence (odds ratio = 0.26, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Trifocal IOLs improved uncorrected near visual acuity compared to EDOF IOLs. Uncorrected distance and intermediate visual acuity, halos, and glare were not statistically different between both groups.

Diclofenac Versus Corticosteroids Following Strabismus Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The purpose of the current study was to compare outcomes of diclofenac versus corticosteroids following strabismus surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An electronic search was performed to include comparative studies of diclofenac versus corticosteroids following strabismus surgery. The analysis was based on fixed and random effect models. Primary outcomes included discomfort, chemosis, inflammation, conjunctival gap, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival injection. Secondary outcomes were conjunctival congestion, discharge, and drop intolerance. Eight studies with a sample of 469 eyes were included. At weeks 1 and 4 postoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences between the diclofenac and corticosteroid groups, except for conjunctival injection at week 1 (mean difference [MD] = -0.21, P = .04) favoring diclofenac. Interestingly, all primary outcomes significantly favored diclofenac at week 2: discomfort (MD = -0.34, P = .03), conjunctival chemosis (MD = -0.16, P = .04), conjunctival inflammation (MD = -0.16, P = .02), conjunctival gap (MD = -0.17, P = .002), intraocular pressure (MD = -2.53, P < .00001), and conjunctival injection (MD = -0.30, P = .03). Moreover, conjunctival congestion was significantly improved for dexamethasone, whereas discharge and drop intolerance was not statistically different. Diclofenac is comparable to various corticosteroids when used following strabismus surgery. However, it is important to note that diclofenac yielded significant improvements in discomfort, conjunctival chemosis, inflammation, conjunctival gap, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival injection, mainly at 2 weeks postoperatively. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(5):312-322.].

Full thickness skin graft versus split thickness skin graft in paediatric patients with hand burns: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our objective was to compare the outcomes of full thickness skin grafts versus split thickness skin grafts in paediatric hand burn patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines, and an electronic search was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials and non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of full thickness skin grafts versus split thickness skin grafts in paediatric hand burn patients. Primary outcomes included development of post-graft contracture and the necessity for surgical release. Secondary outcomes consisted of evaluation of function, cosmesis and colour, scar and feeling, hair growth, and other complaints. For the analysis, fixed effects modelling was applied. Results: ten non-randomised trials with a total of 532 grafts were found. Full thickness skin grafts exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the development of post-graft contracture (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.35, P = 0.0001) and later surgical releases (OR = 0.06, P = 0.00001). For secondary outcomes, full thickness skin grafts outperformed split thickness skin grafts in post-operative functional ability. However, split thickness skin grafts, showed to be superior in scar, aesthetic, and colour assessments, and less hair growth was observed for split thickness skin grafts. No significant difference was seen in sensation and donor or recipient site complaints. Overall, full thickness skin grafts are a better alternative for paediatric hand burns than split thickness skin transplants because they are linked with reduced post-graft contracture and the requirement for surgical release.

Mycophenolate versus Methotrexate in Non-infectious Ocular Inflammatory Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) versus methotrexate (MTX) in non-infectious ocular inflammatory disease (NIOID). METHODS: The study was performed as per the PRISMA Guidelines. A search identified all studies comparing MMF versus MTX in NIOID. Treatment result and side effects were primary outcomes. RESULTS: Four studies enrolling 905 patients were identified. There was no significant difference between MMF and MTX groups in overall treatment success (OR = 0.97, P = .96), treatment failure (OR = 0.86, P = .85). MTX showed a significantly improved effect in cases involving posterior uveitis and panuveitis (OR = 0.41, P = .003). In addition, MTX was associated with a faster median time to treatment success and had less side effects when compared to MTX, however this was not significant. For secondary outcomes, no significant difference was found in visual acuity and resolution of macular oedema. CONCLUSION: MMF is comparable to MTX in the treatment of NIOID.

Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Protocols for Progressive Keratoconus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of 18 mW/cm 2 (5 minutes) versus 9 mW/cm 2 (10 minutes) accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking protocols in patients with progressive keratoconus. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, and electronic information was searched to identify studies comparing the outcomes of 5- versus 10-minute protocols in patients with progressive keratoconus. Mean changes in uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, cylinder (diopters), thinnest corneal thickness, corneal keratometry values (K1 and K2), corneal high-order aberration (HOA), spherical aberration, coma, and trefoil were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in central corneal thickness and postoperative complications. Random effects modeling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Four studies that enrolled 329 eyes were included. The 10-minute protocol had significantly improved outcomes compared with the 5-minute protocol for the mean changes in K1 and K2 ( P < 0.00001), corneal total HOA ( P = 0.0002), and corneal coma ( P = 0.00001). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the 2 protocols in uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, cylinder, thinnest corneal thickness, spherical aberration, or trefoil. The 5-minute protocol was associated with a significantly lower mean change in the central corneal thickness for secondary outcomes. In addition, no significant differences were found between the 2 protocols for postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The 10-minute protocol had better K1, K2, and HOA outcomes than the 5-minute protocol, but no statistically significant differences in the other outcomes.

Inferior Oblique Anterior Transposition versus Myectomy for Inferior Oblique Overaction: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) versus inferior oblique myectomy (IOM) in patients with primary inferior oblique overaction (IOOA) or secondary IOOA to superior nerve palsy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines and an electronic search was conducted to identify studies comparing IOAT versus IOM for IOOA. Residual inferior oblique function, reduction in hypertropia and post-operative complications were identified as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included superior oblique function, head tilt improvement, effect on the contralateral eye, operation time and macular changes. The analysis was based on fixed or random-effects modelling. Eleven studies enrolling 729 patients were identified. Inferior oblique function was not significantly different between both interventions, namely the elimination of IOOA (Odds Ratio[OR] = 0.97, P = 0.97), reduction in IOOA (Mean Difference[MD] = -0.06, P = 0.68), post-operative inferior oblique under-action (OR = 1.06, P = 0.83) and residual overaction (OR = 0.71, P = 0.15). Similarly, no significant difference was noted between both groups in reducing hypertropia. Regarding post-operative complications, no significant difference was observed, including the incidence of anti-elevation syndrome (P = 0.10). No significant difference was noted regarding superior oblique function, improvement in head tilt, effect on the contralateral eye and macular changes, although surgical time was shorter in the IOM group. In conclusion, IOAT and IOM are both effective surgical procedures in the management of IOOA as they produced comparable outcomes in the improvement in hypertropia, post-operative inferior oblique function and incidence of complications.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) versus ultrasound therapy (UST) in plantar fasciitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. An electronic search identifying studies comparing ESWT and UST for plantar fasciitis was conducted. Primary outcomes were morning and activity pain, functional impairment, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale score. Secondary outcomes included the fascial thickness, primary efficacy success rate, activity limitations, pain intensity, and satisfaction. Seven studies enrolling 369 patients were identified. No significant difference was found between ESWT and UST for functional impairment (mean difference [MD] = -2.90, P = 0.22), AOFAS scale score (MD = 35, P = 0.20), and pain in the first steps in the morning (MD = -4.72, P = 0.39). However, there was a significant improvement in pain during activity for the ESWT group (MD = -1.36, P = 0.005). For secondary outcomes, ESWT had improved results in terms of primary efficacy success rate, activity limitations, and patient satisfaction. The reduction of plantar fascia thickness showed no significant difference. Pain intensity after treatment had varied results amongst included studies. In conclusion, ESWT is superior to UST for plantar fasciitis as it improves pain activity and intensity, primary efficacy success rate, and activity limitations.

Public awareness of early symptoms of acute myocardial infarction among Saudi population.

INTRODUCTION: Globally speaking, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality, with coronary artery disease (CAD) contributing to half of the cases. A major complication of CAD is myocardial infarction (MI). The clinical outcomes of MI are predominantly time-dependent; therefore, it is paramount that the general public is familiar with the early symptoms of MI. AIM: The main objective is to gauge the local public awareness of the early symptoms of MI, and their knowledge of the best course of action to be taken from the onset of symptoms. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using google forms. Participants were randomly selected through multiple social media platforms. The study included Saudi citizens who were 18 years or older, with no current or prior experience in the health care field. The questionnaire assessed the participants' awareness of 14 risk factors for CAD. The variables investigated were participants' knowledge of the symptoms, causes, appropriate course of action to be taken, and the risk factors of CAD. RESULTS: A total of 1689 participants were involved in this study. Sixty percent were females, and 29.2% were in the age group of 18-24 years. Seventy-three percent of the participants knew the definition of heart attack, and 90% knew that chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack. Approximately, 75% of the participants recognized that hypertension, cigarette smoking, and high cholesterol are the risk factors of MI. In terms of knowledge, Al Madinah province obtained the highest score when compared with other regions. CONCLUSION: This study showed the overall knowledge and awareness of CAD was suboptimal, indicating that awareness initiatives and patient education of CAD need more work in Saudi Arabia, especially in high-risk groups and lower education groups. More studies are needed to identify the efficiency and population access of different approaches for CAD awareness.

The impact of the English medical curriculum on medical history taking from Arabic speaking patients by medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Medical education in Saudi medical colleges is delivered to students through a completely English language curriculum, whereas the practice that students face in the hospital is generally conducted in Arabic language settings. We suggest that the linguistic gap between the adopted medical curriculum and actual practice could influence students' confidence and level of difficulty in history taking in Arabic. The study aimed to identify the effects of learning history taking in the English language on applying it in the medical student's native language. METHODS: This cross-sectional design study was held in the College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS). The targeted sample size was 377 medical students from the fourth to the sixth year, and stratified random sampling was used. The questionnaire used was self-developed, validated, and pilot tested in other medical colleges. The questionnaire asked about students' confidence, the difficulty of Arabic history taking, and suggested strategies to improve the current curriculum. RESULTS: The response rate was 290 participants (76.9%), males were 205 (71%), and 136 (47%) were in the fourth year. Agreement on feeling confident while taking history taking in Arabic was 98 (33.8%), 102 (35.2%) were neutral, and 90 (31%) disagreed. Moreover, 138 (47.6%) of students preferred training for Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Arabic more than English, 86 (29.7%) were neutral, while 66 (22.8%) disagreed. The mean level of difficulty was 2.1 ± 0.7 (range 1- 5). Additionally, 198 (68%) of students suggested adding short Arabic history courses. CONCLUSION: Students considered history taking in Arabic as easy, even though they were not completely confident. Further efforts are needed to uplift students' of confidence to optimal levels. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Communication is the cornerstone of medical education as well as clinical practice. The study explores the impact of instruction language on the physician-patient communication dynamic, providing better infrastructure for evidence-based educational practice. APPLICATION TO PATIENT CARE: This study gives insight into the students' level of preparation to practice in their local community and language. Furthermore, the study addresses strategies to enhance students communication skills and alleviate linguistic barriers in the physician-patient encounter.

Diclofenac Versus Dexamethasone Following Strabismus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To compare outcomes of diclofenac versus dexamethasone in patients after strabismus surgery. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of diclofenac versus dexamethasone poststrabismus surgery were included. An extraction spreadsheet for data collection and Review Manager 5.3 were used for data analysis based on the fixed and random effects models. Discomfort, inflammation, chemosis, conjunctival gap, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes included conjunctival congestion and injection, discharge, and drop intolerance. Fixed and random effects models were used for the analysis. Results: Five RCTs enrolling 248 subjects were enrolled. At week 2 postoperatively, there was a significant difference favoring diclofenac over dexamethasone in terms of discomfort (mean difference [MD] = -0.37, P = 0.02), conjunctival inflammation (MD = -0.16, P = 0.02), conjunctival chemosis (MD = -0.16, P = 0.04), and postoperative conjunctival gap (MD = -0.17, P = 0.002). In terms of IOP, there were no significant differences. However, no statistically significant differences were noted at weeks 1 and 4 postoperatively. For secondary outcomes, dexamethasone had significantly improved conjunctival congestion; however, diclofenac had significantly less injection at the site of muscle attachments at week 2. No significant difference was noted in terms of discharge and drop intolerance. Conclusion: Diclofenac is comparable to dexamethasone when used following strabismus surgery. However, a significant difference favoring diclofenac in terms of discomfort, inflammation, conjunctival chemosis, and conjunctival gap was only noted at 2 weeks postoperatively. The authors suggest conducting further studies to support the effectiveness of diclofenac as an alternative to corticosteroids following strabismus surgery.

Polyurethane Versus Calcium Alginate Dressings for Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Herein, we compare the outcomes of polyurethane and calcium alginate dressings for split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted with a search of electronic databases to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the outcomes of polyurethane dressing versus calcium alginate for STSG donor sites. Primary outcomes were pain intensity, convenience for staff and patients, and adverse effects (namely, excessive exudate, infection rate, and hematoma). Secondary outcome measures included the assessment of healing, dressing changes, cosmetic appearance, and cost. Fixed and random-effect models were used for the analysis. Four RCTs enrolling 127 subjects were identified. There was no significant difference between polyurethane and calcium alginate in terms of pain intensity on Day 1 (mean difference (MD) 0.13, P = 0.80) and Day 5 (MD = 0.20, P = 0.38), as well as the ease of application (odds ratio (OR) = 3.08, P = 0.47). However, there was a statistically significant improvement in patient comfort, favouring the polyurethane group (OR = 44.11, P < 0.00001). In addition, no statistically significant differences were noted in terms of adverse effects between the two dressings. In terms of cost, the calcium gluconate dressing had an overall higher cost compared to polyurethane. Polyurethane is a more favourable dressing compared to calcium alginate for STSG donor sites in terms of patient comfort, healing, and cosmetic outcomes. However, comparable results were noted in terms of pain intensity, ease of application, and adverse effects profile. Cost-effectiveness analysis studies are required to justify its routine use.

The addition of silver nitrate cautery to antiseptic nasal cream for patients with epistaxis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of the addition of silver nitrate cautery versus antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis. Treatment success and persistence of bleeding were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included treatment side effects. Fixed effects modelling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Four studies enrolling 240 patients were identified. There was no significant difference between silver nitrate cautery group and antiseptic cream alone group in terms of complete resolution (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.07, P = 0.81), the partial resolution (OR = 1.02, P = 0.96) and persistence of bleeding (OR = 0.91, P = 0.71). For secondary outcomes, antiseptic nasal cream was associated with few side effects such as rash in one case and several complaints of bad smell or taste. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of silver nitrate cautery is not superior to the use of antiseptic cream alone in paediatric patients with recurrent epistaxis as it does not improve treatment success or persistence of bleeding.