Correlation Between Blue Fundus Autofluorescence and SD-OCT Measurements of Geographic Atrophy in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To compare fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of geographic atrophy (GA) area and to analyze lesion area changes measured by spectral domain OCT in GATHER1. DESIGN: An assessment reliability analysis using prospective, randomized, double-masked phase 2/3 clinical trial data. METHODS: GATHER1 examined the efficacy and safety of avacincaptad pegol (ACP) for GA treatment. A post hoc analysis was performed to identify correlations between FAF- and OCT-based measurements of GA. GA area was measured on blue-light FAF images using semiautomatic segmentation software with support from OCT and near-infrared imaging. Machine-learning enhanced, multilayer segmentation of OCT scans were reviewed by human readers, and segmentation errors were corrected as needed. GA area was defined as total RPE loss on cross-sectional B scans. Time points included Months 0, 6, 12, and 18. Additionally, OCT-based GA-area changes between ACP and sham were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation (r = 0.93) between FAF and OCT GA area measurements that persisted through 18 months. Mean (SD) differences between OCT and FAF GA measurements were negligible: 0.11 mm2 (1.42) at Month 0, 0.03 mm2 (1.62) at Month 6, -0.17 mm2 (1.81) at Month 12, and -0.07 mm2 (1.78) at Month 18. OCT assessments of GA growth revealed a 30% and 27% reduction at Months 12 and 18, respectively, between ACP and sham, replicating FAF measurements from GATHER1. CONCLUSIONS: The strong correlation between blue FAF and OCT measurements of GA area supports OCT as a reliable method to measure GA lesion area in clinical trials.

Comparing Three-Dimensional Digitally Enabled Intraoperative OCT With Conventional Microscope-Integrated OCT in Vitreoretinal Surgery: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DISCOVER Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study compared the surgeon experience between conventional microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) and digitally enabled microscope-integrated iOCT in vitreoretinal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a post hoc case-control analysis of the DISCOVER study. Conventional microscope-integrated iOCT (Rescan 700, Zeiss) was compared with digitally enabled iOCT (Artevo 800, Zeiss). Compared variables included surgical field-based visualization (ie, ocular heads-up display in the conventional group; three-dimensional screen-based visualization in the digital iOCT group) and non-surgical field-based visualization (ie, review on the external two-dimensional monitor). RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were included. Surgical field-based visualization of iOCT was significantly higher in the digitally enabled group (P < 0.0001). Required endoillumination level was significantly lower in the digital iOCT group (P < 0.0001). Surgeons reported "significant" back discomfort and headache more frequently when using conventional iOCT (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Digitally enabled iOCT resulted in greater surgical visualization efficiency, appeared to require a lower illumination level, and may provide advantages for ergonomic-related discomfort. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:270-277.].

Indications for Systemic and Genetic Testing in Patients with Congenital Cataracts.

Congenital cataracts account for a significant proportion of blindness in children worldwide. They affect approximately 12-136 per 100,000 births worldwide. A genetic etiology is present in a large proportion of patients and can lead to isolated cataracts or those in the context of genetic multisystem disorders. We present two examples of genetically determined childhood cataracts and briefly review the work-up of such patients. Mutations in numerous genes have been identified that cause congenital cataracts, such as those encoding for crystallins, connexins and aquaporins, as well as some developmental regulatory proteins. Identifying the genetic or molecular etiology of congenital cataract is essential for identifying and better understanding the pathways leading to this disease, and for providing individualized genetic counseling and guiding treatment for possible associated systemic problems.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes of Trans-urethral Resection of the Prostate, Laser Vaporization, and Laser Enucleation: A Double Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative outcomes of 3 types of endourologic surgeries (trans-urethral resection of the prostate [TURP], laser vaporization [LVP], and laser enucleation [LEP]) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) treatment using the ACS-NSQIP database. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for men who underwent TURP, PVP, and LEP for treatment of BPH from 2011 till 2019. Demographics, clinical, operative characteristics, and 30-day outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression models were constructed. Propensity score matching was then performed as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: A total of 74,273 patients underwent endourologic surgeries for BPH, 65.4% had TURP, 28.6% PVP, and 5.9% LEP. Patients undergoing TURP were more likely to be older with higher ASA class, abnormal labs, and comorbidities (diabetic, congestive heart failure, and bleeding requiring transfusion) (P-value <.001). After adjusting for covariates and propensity score matching, LVP demonstrated shorter hospital stays, shorter operative times, less reoperation rates, decreased DVT/PE risk, with, however, higher odds of urinary tract infection and sepsis as compared to TURP (P-value<.028). Furthermore, LEP was found to have shorter hospital stays, longer operative times, and decreased odds of urinary tract infections and sepsis as compared to TURP (P-value<.006). CONCLUSION: LVP and LEP showed better surgical outcomes and characteristics as compared to TURP. Further research is needed to account for longer duration of follow-up and patient-specific urologic outcomes, such as prostate size, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.

Medicine in Unplanned Mass Gatherings: A Qualitative Study of Health-Care Providers' Response and Recommendations to Beirut's Protests.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at exploring the dynamics of health-care provision during recent unplanned public mass gatherings in Beirut, and how the health-care system adapts to mass movements in protests. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 12 health-care providers who volunteered at medical tents set during protests in Beirut, Lebanon. Responses were transcribed and coded. RESULTS: Three themes were noted: preparedness and logistics, encountered cases, and participants' proposed recommendations. In terms of preparedness and logistics, participants lacked knowledge of field medicine protocols and an organizational structure. They faced difficulties in securing equipment and advertising their services. Most encountered cases were physical injuries rather than mental health problems. The participants proposed both short-term recommendations, including advice on how to boost care provided, and long-term recommendations on structuring the health-care system to be better prepared. CONCLUSIONS: On-site health-care provision during unplanned mass gatherings is a vital need. We recommend forming a task force of health-care workers from various fields led by the Ministry of Public Health in every respective country to plan protocols, train personnel, and secure resources beforehand.