Clinical-Decision Criteria to Identify Recurrent Diabetic Macular Edema Patients Suitable for Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant Therapy (ILUVIEN®) and Follow-Up Considerations/Recommendations.

Current management of diabetic macular edema (DME) predominantly involves treatment with short-acting intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) and/or corticosteroids; however, short-acting therapies (lasting between 1 and 6 months) require frequent injections to maintain efficacy, meaning a considerable treatment burden for diabetic patients with multiple comorbidities. Continuous injections needed in some cases are an economic burden for patients/healthcare system, so real-life clinical practice tends to adopt a reactive approach, ie, watch and wait for worsening symptoms, which consequently increases the risk of undertreatment and edema recurrence. On March 7th 2019, a group of experts in retinal medicine and surgery held a roundtable meeting in Madrid, Spain to discuss how to (1) optimize clinical outcomes through earlier use of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite therapy; and, (2) to provide guidance to assist physicians in deciding which patients should be treated with ILUVIEN. In this regard, a 36-month follow-up consensus protocol is presented. In conclusion, patients that achieve a complete or partial anatomical, and preferably functional, response following one or two intravitreal dexamethasone implants, but with recurrence of edema after 3-4 months, are deemed by the authors most likely to benefit from ILUVIEN, and the switch to FAc implant should not be delayed more than 12 months after the initiation of at least the first dexamethasone implant.

A Multiple Stakeholder Multicriteria Decision Analysis in Diabetic Macular Edema Management: The MULTIDEX-EMD Study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and economic management of retinal diseases has become more complex following the introduction of new intravitreal treatments. Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) offers the potential to overcome the challenges associated with traditional decision-making tools. OBJECTIVES: A MCDA to determine the most relevant criteria to decision-making in the management of diabetic macular edema (DME) based on the perspectives of multiple stakeholders in Spain was developed. This MCDA was termed the MULTIDEX-EMD study. METHODS: Nineteen stakeholders (7 physicians, 4 pharmacists, 5 health authorities and health management experts, 1 psychologist, and 2 patient representatives) participated in this three-phase project. In phase A, an advisory board defined all of the criteria that could influence DME treatment decision-making. These criteria were then screened using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) (phase B). Next, a multinomial logit model was fitted by applying the backward elimination algorithm (relevant criteria: p value < 0.05). Finally, the results were discussed in a deliberative process (phase C). RESULTS: Thirty-one criteria were initially defined (phase A) and grouped into 5 categories: efficacy/effectiveness, safety, organizational and economic impact, patient-reported outcomes, and other therapeutic features. The DCE results (phase B) showed that 10 criteria were relevant to the decision-making process for a 50- to 65-year-old DME patient: mean change in best corrected visual acuity (p value < 0.001), percentage of patients with an improvement of ≥ 15 letters (p value < 0.001), effect duration per administration (p value = 0.008), retinal detachment (p value < 0.001), endophthalmitis (p value = 0.012), myocardial infarction (p value < 0.001), intravitreal hemorrhage (p value = 0.021), annual treatment cost per patient (p value = 0.001), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (p value = 0.004), and disability level (p value = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: From a multi-stakeholder perspective, the selection of an appropriate treatment for DME patients should guarantee patient safety and maximize the visual acuity improvement and treatment effect duration. It should also contribute to system sustainability by being affordable, it should have a positive impact on HRQoL, and it should prevent disability.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A TREAT-AND-EXTEND REGIMEN WITH AFLIBERCEPT IN TREATMENT-NAIVE PATIENTS WITH TYPE 3 NEOVASCULARIZATION: A 52-Week, Single-Arm, Multicenter Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 52-week efficacy and safety of a treat-and-extend regimen of intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg on treatment-naive Type 3 neovascularization lesions. METHODS: Phase IV, prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial including patients with untreated Stage I/II Type 3 neovascularization lesions and baseline best-corrected visual acuity between 78 and 23 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters. Primary endpoint: mean change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline at 52 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes from 32 patients were included (mean ± SD age: 78.2 ± 7.7 years, 68.8% females, baseline best-corrected visual acuity: 57.9 ± 15.4 [Snellen fraction 20/70]). Best-corrected visual acuity increased by 10.5 ± 15.9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at Week 52 (P = 0.0001). The mean foveal and choroidal thickness decreased by 129.1 ± 80.1 µm (P < 0.0001) and 64.3 ± 96.5 (P = 0.0001), respectively. The proportion of patients with intraretinal/subretinal fluid decreased from 28 (87.5%) at baseline to 3 (11.5%) at Week 52 (P < 0.0001). Pigment epithelial detachment and lesion area showed nonsignificant changes over 52 weeks. The mean number of injections was 8.0 ± 2.0. Seven (21.9%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events and two (6.3%) experienced serious adverse events; one (3.1%) ocular serious adverse event requiring treatment withdrawal, endophthalmitis, and one (3.1%) nonocular spontaneously resolved serious adverse event, palpitations. One (3.1%) patient experienced an APTC ATE: nonfatal stroke not related to trial treatment. CONCLUSION: A treat-and-extend regimen of aflibercept improves visual acuity and retinal edema in eyes with Type 3 neovascularization over 52 weeks with good tolerability.

Análisis de impacto presupuestario del implante intravítreo de dexametasona para el tratamiento del edema macular diabético / Budget impact analysis of dexamethasone intravitreal implant for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto económico tras la inclusión del implante intravítreo de dexametasona para el tratamiento del edema macular diabético en un área sanitaria en España. Método: Se diseñó un modelo de impacto presupuestario a tres años para estimar los costes directos en pacientes adultos con edema macular diabético, desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud, considerando terapias intravítreas actualmente utilizadas (aflibercept/ ranibizumab/dexametasona). La población diana se obtuvo a partir de la prevalencia (6,41%) e incidencia (0,82%) del edema macular diabético publicadas para una población de 25.000 pacientes adultos. Se asumió un 20%, 30% y 40% anual de pacientes tratados con dexametasona, respectivamente. El coste total incluyó: coste farmacológico (precio de venta del laboratorio con deducción obligatoria y fraccionamiento de viales, según frecuencia de inyecciones necesarias cada año de tratamiento), administración intravítrea, seguimiento de pacientes y manejo de eventos oculares (cataratas, hipertensión ocular, endoftalmitis, hemorragia intravítrea y desprendimiento de retina) y cardiovasculares. El consumo de recursos según la práctica habitual fue estimado por expertos en retina y vítreo. Los costes unitarios (Euros 2016) se obtuvieron de la literatura y de bases de datos nacionales. Los análisis de sensibilidad evaluaron la robustez del modelo. Resultados: La inclusión del implante intravítreo de dexametasona supondría reducciones de 35.030 Euros (-4,2%), 10.743 Euros (-1,8%) y 5.051 Euros (-0,9%) cada año, respectivamente, disminuyendo principalmente por el menor número anual de inyecciones requeridas con dexametasona. La reducción anual promedio supondría 350 Euros, 96 Euros y 41 Euros por paciente

Objective: To assess the economic impact following the inclusion of an intravitreal implant of dexamethasone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in a healthcare area in Spain. Method: A 3-year budget impact model was designed to estimate healthcare direct costs for adult patients with diabetic macular oedema from the National Health System perspective. The approved therapies in use (aflibercept/ranibizumab/dexamethasone) were considered. The target population was estimated from published diabetic macular oedema prevalence (6.41%) and incidence (0.82%) for a population of 25,000 adults. Dexamethasone was assumed to be used annually in 20%, 30% and 40% of patients, respectively. Annual total costs included: drug acquisition (based on frequency of injections per every year, considering exfactory prices with mandatory deduction and split of vials), intravitreal administration, patient monitoring, management of cardiovascular and ocular adverse events (cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, endophthalmitis, vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment). Detailed resource consumption reflecting clinical practice was provided from local experts in retina and vitreous. Unitary costs (Euros 2016) were obtained from national databases and literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess model robustness. Results: The inclusion of intravitreal dexamethasone implant would lead to annual cost savings of Euros 35,030 (-4.2%), Euros 10,743 (-1.8%) and Euros 5,051 (-0.9%), years 1-3 respectively. Total costs were reduced mainly by the fewer annual injections required by dexamethasone. The average annual incremental costs were - Euros 350, -Euros 96 and -Euros 41 per patient

Efficacy and Safety of an Aflibercept Treat-and-Extend Regimen in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Macular Oedema Secondary to Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): A Prospective 12-Month, Single-Arm, Multicentre Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate efficacy and safety of an aflibercept treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen in patients with macular oedema (MO) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). DESIGN SETTING AND PATIENTS: Phase IV, prospective, open-label, single-arm trial in 11 Spanish hospitals. Treatment-naïve patients with <6 month diagnosis of MO secondary to CRVO and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 73-24 ETDRS letters were included between 23 January 2015 and 17 March 2016. INTERVENTION: Intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg monthly (3 months) followed by proactive individualized dosing. MAIN OUTCOMES: Mean change in BCVA after 12 months. RESULTS: 24 eyes (24 patients) were included; mean (SD) age: 62.8 (15.0) years; 54.2% male; median (IQR) time since diagnosis: 7.6 (3.0, 15.2) days. Mean BCVA scores significantly improved between baseline (56.0 (16.5)) and Month 12 (74.1 (17.6)); mean (95% CI) change: 14.8 (8.2, 21.4); P=0.0001. Twelve (50.0%) patients gained ≥15 ETDRS letters. Foveal thickness improved between baseline (mean: 569.4 (216.8) µm) and Month 12 (mean 257.4 (48.4) µm); P < 0.0001. At Month 12, 8.3% patients had MO. The mean (SD) number of injections: 8.3 (3.0). No treatment-related AEs were reported. Five (20.8%) patients experienced ocular AEs. Two nonocular serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSIONS: An aflibercept TAE regimen improves visual acuity in patients with MO secondary to CRVO over 12 months with good tolerability.

Budget impact analysis of dexamethasone intravitreal implant for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic impact following the inclusion of an intravitreal implant of dexamethasone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in a healthcare area in Spain. METHOD: A 3-year budget impact model was designed to estimate healthcare  direct costs for adult patients with diabetic macular oedema from the National  Health System perspective. The approved therapies in use  (aflibercept/ranibizumab/dexamethasone) were considered. The target  population was estimated from published diabetic macular oedema prevalence  (6.41%) and incidence (0.82%) for a population of 25,000 adults.  Dexamethasone was assumed to be used annually in 20%, 30% and 40% of  patients, respectively. Annual total costs included: drug acquisition (based on  frequency of injections per every year, considering exfactory prices with  mandatory deduction and split of vials), intravitreal administration, patient  monitoring, management of cardiovascular and ocular adverse events  (cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, endophthalmitis, vitreous  haemorrhage and retinal detachment). Detailed resource consumption reflecting  clinical practice was provided from local experts in retina and vitreous. Unitary  costs (€, 2016) were obtained from national databases and literature. Sensitivity  analyses were performed to assess model robustness. RESULTS: The inclusion of intravitreal dexamethasone implant would lead to  annual cost savings of €35,030 (-4.2%), €10,743 (-1.8%) and €5,051 (-0.9%), years 1-3 respectively. Total costs were reduced mainly by the fewer annual  injections required by dexamethasone. The average annual incremental costs  were -€350, -€96 and -€41 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for the  treatment of diabetic macular oedema would lead to cost-savings for the  considered health area, mainly by reducing the administration costs.

Objetivo: Determinar el impacto económico tras la inclusión del implante intravítreo de dexametasona para el tratamiento del edema macular diabético en un área sanitaria en España.Método: Se diseñó un modelo de impacto presupuestario a tres años para  estimar los costes directos en pacientes adultos con edema macular diabético,  desde la perspectiva del Sistema Nacional de Salud, considerando terapias  intravítreas actualmente utilizadas (aflibercept/ranibizumab/dexametasona). La  población diana se obtuvo a partir de la prevalencia (6,41%) e incidencia  (0,82%) del edema macular diabético publicadas para una población de 25.000  pacientes adultos. Se asumió un 20%, 30% y 40% anual de pacientes tratados  con dexametasona, respectivamente. El coste total incluyó: coste farmacológico  (precio de venta del laboratorio con deducción obligatoria y fraccionamiento de  viales, según frecuencia de inyecciones necesarias cada año de tratamiento),  administración intravítrea, seguimiento de pacientes y manejo de eventos  oculares (cataratas, hipertensión ocular, endoftalmitis, hemorragia intravítrea y  desprendimiento de retina) y cardiovasculares. El consumo de recursos según la  práctica habitual fue estimado por expertos en retina y vítreo. Los costes  unitarios (€, 2016) se obtuvieron de la literatura y de bases de datos nacionales.  Los análisis de sensibilidad evaluaron la robustez del modelo. Resultados: La inclusión del implante intravítreo de dexametasona supondría reducciones de 35.030 € (­4,2%), 10.743 € (­1,8%) y 5.051 € (­ 0,9%) cada año, respectivamente, disminuyendo principalmente por el menor  número anual de inyecciones requeridas con dexametasona. La reducción anual  promedio supondría 350 €, 96 € y 41 € por paciente.Conclusiones: La inclusión del implante intravítreo de dexametasona para el  tratamiento del edema macular diabético supone ahorros para el área sanitaria  considerada, fundamentalmente por la reducción de costes de administración.

Clinical Decision-Making when Treating Diabetic Macular Edema Patients with Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implants.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease frequently associated with comorbidities that include diabetic macular edema (DME). The current medical approach to treating DME involves intravitreal injections with either anti-vascular endothelial growth factors or steroids. However, the burden associated with intravitreal injections and DM-derived complications is high, underlining the need to find optimal treatment regimens. In this article we describe the considerations we apply when treating DME patients with dexamethasone intravitreal implants (Ozurdex®), particularly those that influence the clinical decision-making process during the follow-up period. These considerations are based both on the available medical literature and on our clinical experience following the use of these implants in this type of patient, the goal being to optimize the number of injections and the clinical outcome of this therapy. We also provide a general overview of the pathophysiology of DME, highlighting the inflammatory component as a rationale to use steroids in these patients.

Estudio del absentismo laboral de los celadores en un hospital de agudos / Work absenteeism of patient escort staff in an acute hospital

Introducción: El absentismo es un problema importante en la actualidad. Las bajas por enfermedad común no dejan de crecer y superaron en el año 2016 los 4,5 millones, produciendo unos perjuicios laborales y económicos de gran importancia. Objetivo: Estudio del absentismo laboral por causa de enfermedad o lesiones en la categoría de Celadores de un Hospital de Agudos, con el fin de identificar factores relacionados con este absentismo. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo. Se registró el absentismo laboral en 177 trabajadores con categoría celadores de un hospital de agudos durante el año 2015. Las variables analizadas fueron: número de Incapacidad Transistorias (I.T), periodos de I.T, sexo, edad, IMC, estado civil, número de hijos, practicar deportes, tipo de contrato, turno de trabajo, patologías, carga de trabajo, adaptación del puesto de trabajo por las patologías que padece, fecha de la Incapacidad Transitoria y días total de absentismo. Para el análisis estadístistico univariante se aplicó una χ2 en proporciones y la t-student en variables contínuas. Posteriormente se construyó un modelo mutivariante (Regresión Logística) cuya variable dependiente fue el absentismo. Resultados: Los días totales de baja fueron de 4425 días, lo que supone 33187.5 horas perdidas. La tasa de absentismo (T.A) por cada 100 horas trabajadas fue de 11.4 horas perdidas y la tasa general de absentismo (T.G.A.) fue de 25 jornadas perdidas por cada trabajador. Un 44.6 % del total de los trabajadores tuvieron una baja médica durante el año de estudio. Las variables relacionadas en el estudio univariante fueron el sexo, tener hijos, padecer patología osteomuscular u otras patologías, tener el puesto adaptado y el sobrepeso. En el modelo multivariante las variables significativas fueron padecer patología osteomuscular con una O.R. de 1.955 (0.982-3.89) y padecer Obesidad O.R. de 3.433 (1.372 - 8.590). Discusión: Las variables patología osteomuscular y obesidad, son las que mejor predicen el absentismo laboral en nuestra muestra. Se podrían obtener mejores datos en absentismo laboral si la institución mejorara la gestión de puestos de trabajo teniendo en cuenta la gran proporción de patología osteomuscular y se realizasen planes de promoción de la salud frente a la obesidad (AU)

Introduction: Absenteeism is a currently major problem. The sick leaves due to common illness continue to grow and exceeded 4.5 million in 2016, causing important labor and economic damages. Objective: Injuries or Illness work-related absenteeism in patient escort workers of an Acute Hospital in order to identify factors related with this absenteeism. Material and methods: Descriptive study. Along 2015 work absenteeism was registered in 177 patient escort workers from an Acute Hospital. The following variables were analyzed: number of temporary work disability and periods, sex, age, BMI, marital status, number of children, exercise, type of contract, work shift, pathologies, workload, adaptation of the workplace due to the pathologies suffered, date of Temporary Disability and total days of absenteeism. For univariate statistical analysis a chi-square (χ2) was applied in proportions and t-Student in continuous variables. Subsequently, a multivariate model was constructed (Logistic Regression) whose dependent variable was absenteeism. Results: The total days of leave were 4,425 days, which means a loss of 33,187,5 hours of work. The general rate of absenteeism per 100 hours worked was 11,4 hours lost and the general absenteeism rate was 25 days lost for each worker. 44,6% of the total workers took a medical leave during the year of study. The variables related in the univariate study were sex, having children or not, musculoskeletal or other pathology, post adjustment and overweight. In the multivariate model the significant variables were musculoskeletal pathology with an OR of 1,955 (0,982-3,89) and being obese OR of 3,433 (1,372 - 8,590). Discussion: Musculoskeletal pathology and obesity variables are the best predictors of work absenteeism in our sample. Better data could be obtained in work absenteeism if the Institution improves the job management taking into account the magnitude of musculoskeletal pathology and the health promotion programs on obesity were carried out (AU)

Individualized Therapy with Ranibizumab in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Individualized treatment regimens may reduce patient burden with satisfactory patient outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs are the current gold standard. Fixed monthly injections offer the best visual outcome but this regimen is not commonly followed outside clinical trials. A PRN regimen requires monthly visits where the patient is treated in the presence of signs of lesion activity. Therefore, an early detection of reactivation of the disease with immediate retreatment is crucial to prevent visual acuity loss. Several trials suggest that "treat and extend" and other proactive regimens provide a reasonable approach. The rationale of the proactive regimens is to perform treatment anticipating relapses or recurrences and therefore avoid drops in vision while individualizing patient followup. Treat and extend study results in significant direct medical cost savings from fewer treatments and office visits compared to monthly treatment. Current data suggest that, for one year, PRN is less expensive, but treat and extend regimen would likely be less expensive for subsequent years. Once a patient is not a candidate to continue with treatment, he/she should be sent to an outpatient unit with adequate resources to follow nAMD patients in order to reduce the burden of specialized ophthalmologist services.

Incapacidad temporal por contingencia común en 2013 en una empresa del sector bancario / Non work related sickness absence in 2013 in a spanish banking sector company

Objetivos: Describir la distribución de la incidencia y duración de la incapacidad temporal por contingencia común (ITcc), en el periodo comprendido entre enero y diciembre de 2013, por grupo diagnóstico, en una empresa del sector bancario. Métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo sobre una población que mostró 3.193 eventos que han conllevado ITcc de ≥1 día por motivo médico, distinto al accidente de trabajo o enfermedad profesional. Se examinó la distribución de los episodios por el diagnóstico médico, según la duración mediana, los percentiles 25 y 75, la media y la desviación estándar. Resultados: La duración mediana fue de 9 días para aquellos casos en los que se obtuvo un diagnóstico clínico (n=2.931, 91,8%); los percentiles 25 y 75 fueron de 4 y 32 días, respectivamente. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron las respiratorias (19,9%), las traumatológicas (19,1%), y las relacionadas con el embarazo (17,3%). Las neoplasias presentaron la mayor duración mediana (49 días), seguidas por las relacionadas con el embarazo (39 días) y las psiquiátricas (23 días). Conclusiones: La incidencia acumulada anual de ITcc en la muestra estudiada fue menor que la observada en estudios similares, pero la duración de los episodios en nuestra muestra fue mayor. Incidencia y duración por grupos diagnósticos son muy similares a la descrita en la bibliografía, excepto las relacionadas con el embarazo que son claramente superiores (incidencia de 4 a 11 veces y duración 0,4 veces) en la empresa estudiada (p<0,001). El seguimiento de la ITcc es útil desde el punto de vista preventivo, en la empresa estudiada sugieren la necesidad de priorizar el estudio de las exposiciones laborales que puedan repercutir en la salud de las trabajadoras embarazadas

Objectives: To describe the incidence and duration of episodes of non work-related temporary sickness absence (SA) between January and December of 2013, by diagnostic groups, in a banking sector Company. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 3.193 episodes of SA (≥1 day), excluding work-related injuries and illnesses. The distribution of the duration of SA episodes by medical diagnosis was analyzed by calculating the median duration, 25th and 75th percentiles, mean and standard deviation. Results: The median duration of SA was 9 days for cases where there was a medical diagnosis (n=2.931, 91.8%); the 25th and 75th percentiles were 4 and 32 days, respectively. The most frequent pathologies were respiratory (19.9%), followed by musculoskeletal (19.1%) and pregnancy-related disorders (17.3%). Neoplasms had the longest median duration (49 days), followed by pregnancy-related disorders (39 days) and psychiatric disorders (23 days). Conclusions: Overall sickness absence incidence in our study population was lower, but had a longer duration, as compared to similar studies. The incidence and duration by diagnostic groups were very similar to that reported in the literature, except for pregnancy-related disorders, where both were clearly higher (incidence 4 to 11 times and duration 0.4 times larger) in our company (p<0,001). This analysis is useful from a prevention perspective, and suggests the need to prioritize the study to the control of potential workplace exposures that might be affecting pregnant workers' health

[Non work-related sickness absence in 2013 in a Spanish banking sector company]. / Incapacidad temporal por contingencia común en 2013 en una empresa del sector bancario.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and duration of episodes of non work-related temporary sickness absence (SA) between January and December of 2013, by diagnostic groups, in a banking sector company. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 3.193 episodes of SA (≥ day), excluding work-related injuries and illnesses. The distribution of the duration of SA episodes by medical diagnosis was analyzed by calculating the median duration, 25th and 75th percentiles, mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: The median duration of SA was 9 days for cases where there was a medical diagnosis (n=2.931, 91.8%); the 25th and 75th percentiles were 4 and 32 days, respectively. The most frequent pathologies were respiratory (19.9%), followed by musculoskeletal (19.1%) and pregnancy-related disorders (17.3%). Neoplasms had the longest median duration (49 days), followed by pregnancy-related disorders (39 days) and psychiatric disorders (23 days). CONCLUSIONS: Overall sickness absence incidence in our study population was lower, but had a longer duration, as compared to similar studies. The incidence and duration by diagnostic groups were very similar to that reported in the literature, except for pregnancy-related disorders, where both were clearly higher (incidence 4 to 11 times and duration 0.4 times larger) in our company (<0.001). This analysis is useful from a prevention perspective, and suggests the need to prioritize the study to the control of potential workplace exposures that might be affecting pregnant workers' health.

OBJETIVOS: Describir la distribución de la incidencia y duración de la incapacidad temporal por contingencia común (ITcc), en el periodo comprendido entre enero y diciembre de 2013, por grupo diagnóstico, en una empresa del sector bancario. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal descriptivo sobre una población que mostró 3.193 eventos que han conllevado ITcc de ≥1 día por motivo médico, distinto al accidente de trabajo o enfermedad profesional. Se examinó la distribución de los episodios por el diagnóstico médico, según la duración mediana, los percentiles 25 y 75, la media y la desviación estándar. RESULTADOS: La duración mediana fue de 9 días para aquellos casos en los que se obtuvo un diagnóstico clínico (n=2.931, 91,8%); los percentiles 25 y 75 fueron de 4 y 32 días, respectivamente. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron las respiratorias (19,9%), las traumatológicas (19,1%), y las relacionadas con el embarazo (17,3%). Las neoplasias presentaron la mayor duración mediana (49 días), seguidas por las relacionadas con el embarazo (39 días) y las psiquiátricas (23 días). CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia acumulada anual de ITcc en la muestra estudiada fue menor que la observada en estudios similares, pero la duración de los episodios en nuestra muestra fue mayor. Incidencia y duración por grupos diagnósticos son muy similares a la descrita en la bibliografía, excepto las relacionadas con el embarazo que son claramente superiores (incidencia de 4 a 11 veces y duración 0,4 veces) en la empresa estudiada (<0,001). El seguimiento de la ITcc es útil desde el punto de vista preventivo, en la empresa estudiada sugieren la necesidad de priorizar el estudio de las exposiciones laborales que puedan repercutir en la salud de las trabajadoras embarazadas.

A delphi study to detect deficiencies and propose actions in real life treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose. Spanish retina specialists were surveyed in order to propose actions to decrease deficiencies in real-life neovascular age macular degeneration treatment (nv-AMD). Methods. One hundred experts, members of the Spanish Vitreoretinal Society (SERV), were invited to complete an online survey of 52 statements about nv-AMD management with a modified Delphi methodology. Four rounds were performed using a 5-point Linkert scale. Recommendations were developed after analyzing the differences between the results and the SERV guidelines recommendations. Results. Eighty-seven specialists completed all the Delphi rounds. Once major potential deficiencies in real-life nv-AMD treatment were identified, 15 recommendations were developed with a high level of agreement. Consensus statements to reduce the burden of the disease included the use of treat and extend regimen and to reduce the amount of diagnostic tests during the loading phase and training technical staff to perform these tests and reduce the time between relapse detection and reinjection, as well as establishing patient referral protocols to outside general ophthalmology clinics. Conclusion. The level of agreement with the final recommendations for nv-AMD treatment among Spanish retinal specialist was high indicating that some actions could be applied in order to reduce the deficiencies in real-life nv-AMD treatment.

IL-2 and IFN-gamma in the retina of diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of the early events leading to diabetic retinopathy is not fully understood. It has been suggested that Inflammatory processes are involved in the development of the disease; however, the concentrations of tissue retinal inflammatory mediators and their possible alteration in diabetic retinopathy have not been described. The aim of this work was to study T-helper cell cytokine and chemokine profiles, and tyrosine nitration in retinal tissue of diabetic rats. METHODS: Cytokines (interleukin IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNFa, GM-CSF, IFN-g), chemokines (MIP-1a, MIP-2, MIP-3a, MCP-1, GRO/KC, RANTES, Fractalkine), and tyrosine nitration were measured in retinal homogenate obtained from Long-Evans rats after 5 months of experimental diabetes. RESULTS: The T-helper type 1 cytokines IL-2 and INF-gamma, in addition to NO production (measured as nitrotyrosine), were found to be significantly elevated in diabetic rat retina homogenates. None of the other cytokines and chemokines studied were affected by the diabetic condition. CONCLUSIONS: Immunoregulatory cytokines belonging to the Th-1 group (IL-2 and IFN-gamma) were increased in the retina of experimental diabetic rats. Moreover, the nitrotyrosine formation (as an expression of increased NO production) was significantly elevated in the diabetic retina, supporting the concept of an inflammatory element in the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Serous retinal detachment as a presenting feature of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of diffuse unilateral retinal detachment as an initial symptom of chronic myelogenous leukemia in a 35-year-old woman. METHODS: This is a case report of a 35-year-old white woman who presented with painless acute visual loss in her left eye. RESULTS: A 35-year-old white woman presented with acute visual loss in her left eye. She had no systemic or ophthalmological medical history. Slit-lamp examination was normal in both eyes. Fundus examination of the left eye showed not only multiple retinal hemorrhages but also a diffuse serous retinal detachment affecting the nasal aspect of the retina and the posterior pole. The leukocyte count was 124,000/mm (99% blasts), and the Philadelphia chromosome was positive, an abnormality that is associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia. CONCLUSION: Serous retinal detachment is an uncommon feature among leukemias. Chronic myelogenous leukemia may remain asymptomatic until a blastic phase occurs. Prompt recognition of the disease leads to early systemic chemotherapy and may help to restore visual function.

Beneficial effect of docosahexanoic acid and lutein on retinal structural, metabolic, and functional abnormalities in diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and lutein (both compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties) on experimental diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were studied: non-diabetic controls, untreated diabetic controls, and diabetic rats were treated with DHA and lutein or the combination of DHA + insulin and lutein + insulin for 12 weeks. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, apoptosis, and functional tests were studied to confirm biochemical and functional changes in the retina of diabetic rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione concentrations (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) were measured as oxidative stress markers. TUNEL assay and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry and electroretinogram were performed. RESULTS: Diabetes increases oxidative stress, nitrotyrosine concentrations, and apoptosis in the retina. At 12 weeks after onset of diabetes, total thickness of retinas of diabetic rats was significantly less than that in control rats. Specifically, the thickness of the outer and inner nuclear layers was reduced significantly in diabetic rats and demonstrated a loss of cells in the GCL. These retinal changes were avoided by the administration of insulin and DHA and lutein alone or in combination with insulin. Impairment of the electroretinogram (b-wave amplitude and latency time) was observed in diabetic rats. DHA and lutein prevented all these changes even under hyperglycemic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Lutein and DHA are capable of normalizing all the diabetes-induced biochemical, histological, and functional modifications. Specifically, the cell death mechanisms involved deserve further studies to allow the proposal as potential adjuvant therapies to help prevent vision loss in diabetic patients.