Vitreous levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic and non-diabetic retinopathy: associated factors and anatomical correlation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the vitreous levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VGEF) among patients with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Also, this study correlates the levels of PEDF with RRD characteristics. METHODS: All patients who were scheduled for PPV for any indication were included in the study. They were divided into a case group which included patients with advanced PDR and a control group which included the remaining diagnoses. During the PPV, an undiluted vitreous sample was taken and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was utilized to measure the levels of VEGF and PEDF. RESULTS: Eighty eyes were involved. Patients diagnosed with advanced PDR and endophthalmitis exhibited higher levels of VEGF. PEDF was affected inversely by the age of the patients and PEDF levels were higher in RRD and endophthalmitis cases. In patients with RRD, the level of PEDF was higher if the tear was found inferiorly, if the macula was detached, and with a longer duration of RRD. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the clinical importance of those biomarkers. Anti-VEGF-based treatment is the mainstay against PDR. PEDF may show a promising predictive values regarding patients with RRD.

The Economic Burden of Diabetic Retinopathy in Jordan: Cost Analysis and Associated Factors.

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of visual loss worldwide in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The aims of our study are to describe the costs associated with (DR) and to evaluate its economic impact in Jordan. Methods: Retrospectively, we included all patients with DM and classified them according to the severity of DR. Data regarding medical history, ophthalmic history, stage of DR, presence of DME, and the ophthalmic procedures and operations were collected. The total DR-related cost was measured as a direct medical cost for the outpatient and inpatient services. Results: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients were included in the study. Only 49.7% of the patients presented without DR, and 21% presented with diabetic macular edema (DME) unilaterally or bilaterally. The DR-related cost was significantly associated with insulin-based regimens, longer duration of DM, higher HbA1c levels, worse stage of DR at presentation, the presence of DME at presentation, the presence of glaucoma, and increased mean number of intravitreal injections, laser sessions, and surgical operations. Multivariate analysis should the presenting stage of DR, presence of DME, and the presence of DME be the independent factors affecting the DR-related cost. Conclusion: This study is the first study to be conducted in Jordan and encourages us to establish a screening program for DR for earlier detection and treatment. DM control and treatment compliance will reduce the heavy costs of the already exhausted healthcare and financial system.

Single-Dose enoxaparin for portomesenteric venous thrombosis prophylaxis after sleeve gastrectomy.

Introduction: Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT) may complicate sleeve gastrectomy. We believe that single dose of enoxaparin postoperatively can reduce the risk of PMVT. Objective: The objective was to study the outcomes of enoxaparin single dose compared to other perioperative prophylactic doses in preventing PMVT. Methods: Participants included 590 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). These retrospective cohort data were collected from patient medical charts after bariatric surgery. Patients were followed up in the close postoperative period and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. The objective was to estimate the incidence of PMVT with postoperative single 40 mg subcutaneous enoxaparin prophylactic regimen. Results: From January 2017 to December 2021, 590 patients with obesity underwent LSG. Five patients developed PMVT with an estimate incidence of 0.85%. Three patients had unexplained tachycardia and three patients had postoperative bleeding. Conclusions: Single-dose enoxaparin 40 mg is an effective thrombosis prophylaxis without increasing risk of bleeding.

Résumé Introduction: La thrombose veineuse portomésentérique (TVPM) peut compliquer la gastrectomie en manchon. Nous pensons qu'une dose unique d'énoxaparine en postopératoire peut réduire le risque de PMVT. Objectif: L'objectif était d'étudier les résultats de la dose unique d'énoxaparine par rapport à d'autres doses prophylactiques périopératoires dans la prévention de la PMVT. Méthodes: Les participants comprenaient 590 patients ayant subi une gastrectomie laparoscopique en manchon (LSG). Ces données de cohorte rétrospectives ont été collectées à partir des dossiers médicaux des patients après une chirurgie bariatrique. Les patients ont été suivis dans la période postopératoire étroite et à 1, 3, 6, 12 et 18 mois. Une analyse statistique descriptive a été réalisée. L'objectif était d'estimer l'incidence de la PMVT avec un régime prophylactique postopératoire unique d'énoxaparine sous-cutanée de 40 mg. Résultats: De janvier 2017 à décembre 2021, 590 patients obèses ont subi une LSG. Cinq patients ont développé une PMVT avec une incidence estimée à 0,85 %. Trois patients présentaient une tachycardie inexpliquée et trois patients présentaient des hémorragies postopératoires. Conclusions: Une dose unique d'énoxaparine de 40 mg est une prophylaxie efficace contre la thrombose sans augmenter le risque de saignement. Mots-clés: Énoxaparine, gastrectomie laparoscopique en manchon, thrombose veineuse portomésentérique prophylaxie, thromboembolie veineuse.

Silicone Oil Utilized in Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Patients with Advanced Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Physico-Chemical and Optical Properties.

Objective: Silicone oils have the role in maintaining the attachment of the retina in conditions where the risk of retinal re-detachment is high. However, silicone oils have the tendency to emulsify with subsequent complications. In this work, analyses have been performed to understand changes that occurred to the optical, and physical characteristics of the oil after removal from the vitreous cavity of patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for fibrovascular membranes/tractional retinal detachment (FVM/TRD). Methods: Four samples of silicone oil were allocated from patients who underwent PPV for FVM/TRD. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, micro-viscometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectrometer analyses were utilized to determine the changes in its chemical bondings, viscosity, absorbance, transmittance, buoyance, and specific gravity. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.0 years. The mean duration of silicone oil implantation was 18.9 months. FTIR analysis showed significant breaking in the chemical bonding that was related to the lens status during the primary PPV, the presence of significant retinal hemorrhages, the duration of silicone oil implantation, and the degree of silicone oil filling. Similarly, viscosity and contact angle analyses revealed a reduction in the viscosity with similar factors to the FTIR analysis. Moreover, absorbance and transmittance were largely affected by the aggressiveness of FVM/TRD. Conclusion: This study revealed that certain factors such as the age of the patient, duration of silicone oil implantation, lens status, and the presence of retinal hemorrhages, the degree of silicone oil filling and aggressiveness of FVM/TRD may contribute to the emulsification process.

Vitreous Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Clinical Correlation.

Background: The global epidemic status of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its burden presents an ongoing challenge to health-care systems. It is of great interest to investigate potential prognostic biomarkers of DR. Such markers could aid in detecting early stages of DR, predicting DR progression and its response to therapeutics. Herein, we investigate the prognostic value of intravitreal concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in a DR cohort. Materials and methods: Vitreous sample acquisition was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) between December 2020 and June 2022. Samples were obtained from any patient scheduled to undergo a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for any indication. Included patients were categorized into a DR group or a corresponding non-diabetic (ND) control group. Demographics, clinicopathological variables, standardized laboratory tests results, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data were obtained for each included individual. Intravitreal concentrations of VEGF and PDGF were assessed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 80 eyes from 80 patients (DR group: n = 42 and ND control group: n = 38) were included in the analysis. The vitreous VEGF levels were significantly higher in the DR group compared to the ND control group (DR group 5744.06 ± 761.5 pg/mL versus ND control group 817.94 ± 403.1 pg/mL, p = 0.0001). In addition, the vitreous PDGF levels were also significantly higher in the DR group than those in the ND control group (DR group 4031.51 ± 410.2 pg/mL versus ND control group 2691.46 ± 821.0 pg/mL, p = 0.001). Bassline differences between test groups and clinical factors impacting VEGF and PDGF concentrations were investigated as well. Multiple regression analysis indicated PDGF as the sole independent risk factor affecting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up visit: the higher the PDGF vitreous levels, the worst the BCVA. Conclusions: Vitreous concentrations of VEGF and PDGF are correlated with DR severity and may exhibit a possible prognostic potential value in DR. Further clinical and experimental data are warranted to confirm the observed findings and to help incorporate them into daily practice.

The Effect of Visual Impairment and Its Severity on Vision-Related and Health-Related Quality of Life in Jordan: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To assess the effect of visual impairment (VI), its severity, and ocular diseases on vision-related and health-related quality of life (QoL) in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted among a group of 278 patients with VI aged ≥ 18 years, and age and sex-matched control group of 278 individuals with no VI. An interviewer administered the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to all participants. Results: All the mean VFQ-25 subscales scores, physical component scale (PCS) and the mental component scale (MCS) of the SF-12 were significantly lower in patients with VI compared to controls with no VI. The VFQ-25 subscales (except general health and ocular pain), PCS, and MCS scores significantly decreased with more severity of VI. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, lower level of education (p=0.013), male sex (p=0.016), and the presence of cerebrovascular disease (p=0.019) were significantly associated with lower VFQ-25 composite scores in visually impaired patients compared to controls. Ocular disease duration of >5 years and progressive VI were significantly associated with lower VFQ-25 composite scores (p= 0.026 and p<0.001) respectively, in patients with VI. Glaucoma had a significantly larger reduction in mean scores of all the VFQ-25 subscales, and the PCS of the SF-12 compared to all other ocular diseases. Conclusion: Both VI and increasing severity of impairment were associated with reduced vision-related and health-related quality of life in adult Jordanians. Glaucoma patients and less educated people were particularly affected. Routine assessment of QoL in visually impaired patients and improving referral protocols to vision rehabilitation services is recommended to improve the QoL in those patients.

Postoperative exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Escherichia coli: a rare case report and literature review.

Aim: We report a rare case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by Escherichia coli. Case description: The diagnosis of postoperative endophthalmitis in our patient was established based on the clinical signs of hypopyon along with vitritis. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, anterior chamber washout, intraocular lens removal, and intravitreal antibiotics (amikacin and vancomycin) injection. The culture of both the vitreous sample and the intraocular lens, revealed a heavy growth of Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Escherichia coli is an unusual microorganism to cause postoperative endophthalmitis. A major breach in the sterilization may explain this infection. Proper sterilization and prophylactic measures are crucial to avoid this disastrous complication.

Endophthalmitis is a rare catastrophic sight threatening complication after cataract surgery. It is commonly caused by Gram­positive bacteria. In this rare case report, we present a case of postoperative cataract surgery caused by Escherichia coli; a Gram-negative bacteria. Proper prophylactic measures in the operation rooms along with proper prophylactic antibiotics may aid in avoiding such complications by such rare microorganism.

Optical and Physical Properties of Silicone Oil Extracted from the Vitreous of Patients Who Underwent Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment.

Purpose: Silicone oil (SO) is a crucial tool in vitreoretinal surgery. SO has the tendency to emulsify depending on certain factors. In this work, detailed analyses have been conducted to understand changes that occurred to the physical, optical, and chemical characteristics of the oil after removal from the vitreous cavity. Methods: Five samples of SO were collected from patients who underwent vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, and contact angle analysis were utilized to determine the changes in its chemical bondings, transmittance, absorbance, viscosity, buoyance, and specific gravity. Results: FTIR analysis showed significant changes in the chemical bonding that might be related to the age of the patient, lens status, the presence of retinal hemorrhages, and the exposure to laser after implantation of SO. In addition, contact angle analysis revealed that the viscosity might be affected by duration of implantation and the age of the patient. Moreover, transmittance and absorbance were largely affected by the exposure to laser retinopexy after implantation. Conclusion: This study showed that certain factors such as the age of the patient, the exposure to laser, lens status, and the presence of retinal hemorrhages may contribute to the emulsification process.

Outcomes of Iris-Claw IOL Implantation in Patients with Marfan's Syndrome in Jordan.

Objective: The management of ocular complications of Marfan's syndrome, especially ectopia lentis, is challenging. In this study, we present the effectiveness and the safety of iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation along with lensectomy for those patients. Also, we compare the practice of implanting these IOLs either in the anterior chamber of retropupillary. Methods: Retrospectively, we included all patients with Marfan's syndrome who underwent lensectomy with iris-claw IOL implantation as a result of ectopia lentis. The patients were categorized into two groups: anterior chamber iris claw IOL and retropupillary iris-claw IOL. The clinical and demographic data, the visual outcome and postoperative complications were compared. Results: Eighteen eyes of 10 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 19.1 years. Six patients were males. The iris-claw IOL was implanted anteriorly in 13 eyes. The visual outcome was comparable between both groups and most patients achieved improvement in the visual acuity. In addition, the postoperative complications developed similarly in both groups. However, all cases of IOL disenclavation (6 cases) developed in the anterior group. It is revealed that the age of the patient was the most significant factor affecting the occurrence of IOL disenclavation. Conclusion: Iris-claw IOL (either anteriorly or retropupillary) is an effective and relatively safe method in treating ectopia lentis in patients with Marfan's syndrome. In younger patients, anterior iris-claw IOL is safer than retropupillary iris-claw IOL as the risk of disenclavation is higher in younger patients.

Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Keratitis on a Corneal Graft Following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination.

Background: Ocular herpes simplex is usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and less commonly by the type 2 virus (HSV-2). Ocular manifestations of HSV include blepharitis, conjunctivitis, lacrimal system obstruction, corneal involvement, and uveitis. Corneal involvement is one of the causes of loss of vision and can be epithelial herpetic keratitis or stromal herpetic keratitis. Objective: A significant population has a colonization of herpes viruses. Under certain circumstances, these viruses can reactivate with a significant ocular morbidity. Globally, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended; however, the vaccine safety data are limited. Case report: Herein, we reported a case of herpetic keratitis reactivation that occurred 2 days after receiving SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. The patient is a 50-year-old man who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in 2020 for corneal opacity caused by a previous herpes simplex keratitis in 2013. Herpetic keratitis was treated successfully with topical antiviral acyclovir along with topical moxifloxacin and artificial tears. After treatment, prophylactic oral acyclovir was started. Conclusion: Both ophthalmologist and patients should be aware of this phenomenon. Long-term prophylactic antiviral treatment may be recommended for those patients.

Anterior Versus Retropupillary Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens: Indications, Visual Outcome and Postoperative Complications.

INTRODUCTION: In cases of inadequate capsular support for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, iris-claw IOL is a practical option. Iris-claw IOL can be implanted anteriorly or retropupillary. In this study, we compare the outcome of implantation of iris-claw IOL between anterior and retropupillary locations. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent iris-claw "Artisan®" intraocular lens implantation (IOL) during the period of January 2014 to July 2020. The study population included all patients who underwent iris-claw IOL implantation, whether as a primary or secondary implantation, regardless of the causative indication. The study population was categorized by location of implantation and indication. The outcome was compared by visual acuity and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In this study, 171 eyes of 151 patients were included. Iris-claw IOL was implanted anteriorly in 110 (64.3%) eyes. The most common indication for iris-claw IOL was complicated cataract surgery, followed by ectopia lentis and by trauma. Patients with retropupillary position achieved better visual outcome whatever the causative indication. Anterior iris-claw IOL patients had more high intraocular pressure readings and macular edema. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that retropupillary iris-claw IOL may achieve better visual outcome without significant postoperative complications. Further prospective studies and trials on larger sample sizes are needed.

Fungal keratitis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and a potential promising therapeutic effect of antibacterial agents: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Microbial keratitis is a serious potentially blinding corneal infection. Contact lens wear remains the most common predisposing factor. Fungal keratitis represent only a small fraction of the overall number of cases of contact lens-associated microbial keratitis, however they are proportionally more severe. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 18-year-old female, who occasionally used eye cosmetic soft contact lenses, presented with pain, redness, and blurring of vision in her left eye. DIAGNOSIS: The left eye showed decreased visual acuity, central corneal ulcer and abscess, and severe ciliary injection. A provisional diagnosis of infectious keratitis was considered. INTERVENTION: Corneal scrapings were aseptically collected and directly inoculated onto sterile bacterial and fungal agar plates that were immediately incubated. The patient was admitted and started on topical and systemic antibacterial agents. OUTCOMES: The infection showed signs of satisfactory clinical resolution. However, the mold Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was isolated in pure colonies 5 days after presentation. CONCLUSION: We report the first case from Jordan of fungal keratitis caused by the mold S brevicaulis. A high index of suspicion is required for fungal keratitis caused by S brevicaulis in immunocompetent patients who wear contact lenses despite its rarity. This fungal infection was successfully treated using antibacterial agents. However, larger studies are recommended to investigate the clinical effectiveness of antimicrobial agents that have both antibacterial and antifungal effects and to assess their role as empirical therapeutic modalities for infectious keratitis.

The Influence of COVID-19 Lockdown in Jordan on Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment in working-age adults. Patients with DR need extensive follow-ups with timely proper treatment. In Jordan, a complete lockdown was decided during the COVID-19 pandemic including the closure of outpatients' clinic. In this study, we assess the effect of the lockdown on the progression and visual outcome for patients with DR who had interruption in their plan. METHODS: Retrospectively, we identified all patients who were scheduled for procedures for the management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) during the COVID-19-related quarantine period in Jordan from March 16th to June 6th, 2020. All demographics and clinical data, procedure information, and visual outcome were collected. Another control group of patients with similar characteristics who were scheduled for procedures related to DR before the COVID-19 pandemic from October 15th to December 31st, 2019 were included. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven eyes planned for procedures from 89 patients were included. The case group comprises 56 eyes (40.9%). The mean age of the patients was 61.4 years. The right eye was involved in 69 procedures (50.4%). The mean change in visual acuity for the case group in the procedure eye was 0.176 in LogMAR (drop of almost 9 LogMAR letters) and the mean change in visual acuity for the control group in the procedure eye was -0.103 LogMAR (gain of about 5 LogMAR letters). Also, the central subfield thickness (CST) values were significantly worse in the case group. Furthermore, patients in the case group had significantly more disease progression (new findings and worsening of the already established findings). CONCLUSION: Interrupting the important procedures for DR patients and delaying their follow-up may adversely affect their visual outcome. National decisions should consider conducting these procedures and exempt those patients from any lockdown with proper precautions. Moreover, certain measures would be considered, such as treat-and-extend protocol, home screening and portable OCT examination, and newer long-acting anti-VEGF drugs.

Unilateral Ocular Siderosis Bulbi Due to Missed Metallic Intraocular Foreign Body Masquerading as Anisocoria of Neurological Origin: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Ocular siderosis is an uncommon cause of vision loss due to a retained ferrous intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) that cause iron deposition in ocular tissues. The most common manifestations are cataract formation, diffuse pigmentary changes of the retinal pigment epithelium, iris heterochromia, dilated pupils, secondary glaucoma, iritis, and cystoid macular edema. CASE REPORT We report a case of 38-year-old man who presented with a left dilated pupil and visual field defect. Neurological examination results were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a gross artifact at the site of the left globe. The visual field test showed a peripheral arcuate nasal visual field defect in the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed peripheral pigmentary changes and a black elongated and elevated lesion located very anterior and inferior-temporal and attached to the retina with fibrous tissue. A computed tomography scan revealed a 1×1-mm-round hyperdense IOFB in the left vitreous cavity. The diagnosis of siderosis bulbi secondary to a missed IOFB was established. The patient underwent a pars plana vitrectomy for removal of the IOFB. Two weeks later, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment developed, and repair with silicon oil injection was done. One year after the last operation, the best corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 6/120, with normal intraocular pressure and an attached posterior pole. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of investigating for a retained IOFB in cases of unilateral retinitis pigmentosa changes.

Clinical care pathway program versus open-access system: a study on appropriateness, quality, and efficiency in the delivery of colonoscopy in the colorectal cancer.

Open-access colonoscopy (OAC), whereby the colonoscopy is performed without a prior office visit with a gastroenterologist, is affected by inappropriateness which leads to overprescription and reduced availability of the procedure in case of alarming symptoms. The clinical care pathway (CCP) is a healthcare management tool promoted by national health systems to organize work-up of various morbidities. Recently, we started a CCP dedicated to colorectal cancer (CRC), including a colonoscopy session for CRC diagnosis and prevention. We aimed to evaluate the appropriateness, the quality, and the efficiency in the delivery of colonoscopy with the open-access system and a CCP program in the CRC. Quality indicators for colonoscopy in subjects in the CCP were compared to referrals by general practitioners (OAC) or by non-gastroenterologist physicians (non-gastroenterologist physician colonoscopy, NGPC). Attendance rate to colonoscopy was greater in the CCP group and NGPC group than in the OAC group (99%, 99%, and 86%, respectively). Waiting time in the CCP group was shorter than in the OAC group (3.88 ± 2.27 vs. 32 ± 22.31 weeks, respectively). Appropriateness of colonoscopy prescription was better in the CCP group than in the OAC group (92 vs. 50%, respectively). OAC is affected by the lack of timeliness and low appropriateness of prescription. A CCP reduces the number of inappropriate colonoscopies, especially for post-polypectomy surveillance, and improves the delivery of colonoscopy in patients requiring a fast-track examination. The high rate of inappropriate OAC suggests that this modality of healthcare should be widely reviewed.

COVID-19 Lockdown and Eye Injury: A Case Series from Jordan.

Novel coronavirus or COVID-19 is a viral illness that can cause severe respiratory symptoms. It spreads between people through direct, indirect (through contaminated objects or surfaces), or close contact with infected people via mouth and nose secretions. COVID-19 has caused a worldwide pandemic that necessitated many countries to perform a national lockdown. In Jordan, a complete lockdown was imposed by the government on March 17th, 2020 and continued for more than two months. The lockdown included every single sector in the country. Hospitals were only dealing with outpatient emergency cases, urgent referrals from primary or secondary health institutions and with inpatients whose medical conditions required keeping them admitted. Elective clinics and surgeries were canceled. At the King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), which is the only tertiary center in northern Jordan, we dealt with four cases of traumatic eye injury that resulted in a ruptured globe. The four cases were for eyes that had a history of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and were visually compromised in the involved eye compared to the other eye. The percentage of open globe injuries to the total number of emergency cases presented during the lockdown was significantly higher than the percentage of open globe injuries to the total number of emergency cases presented during the corresponding period in the previous year (p=0.0005). We believe the lockdown inside homes has resulted in higher risk of trauma and rupture globe in this group of patients.

International multi-center study of iatrogenic retinal tears in pars plana vitrectomy.

AIM: To study and compare the effect of different surgical settings on the development of iatrogenic retinal tears (IRT) in conventional (20-gauge) and microincisional vitrectomy. METHODS: An international retrospective comparative study of 394 patients who had simple vitrectomy at three tertiary centers. Surgeries were performed by four retina surgeons using different viewing systems. Two groups of eyes were compared: microincisional vitrectomy (327 eyes) and conventional (67 eyes) vitrectomy. An iatrogenic tear was defined as the occurrence of one or more peripheral retinal tears during surgery or at any visit in the first 6wk postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean age was 67±12y and 55% were female. Iatrogenic tears occurred in 11/394 (2.8%) of eyes. The rate of tears was similar among different surgeons and viewing systems (P=0.93 and P=0.76, respectively). Surgical indication, preexisting pseudophakia/aphakia, induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) during surgery, and the use triamcinolone acetonide didn't significantly affect the rate of tears (P>0.1 for all factors). A higher rate of tears was found in the conventional group compared to the microincisional group (respectively, 7.5%, 1.8%, P=0.02). CONCLUSION: The rate of IRT in vitrectomy is not significantly affected by surgical indication, preexisting PVD or pseudophakia, or use of triamcinolone or different viewing systems but is significantly higher in conventional vitrectomy. Microincisional platforms improve the safety of vitrectomy regardless of the viewing system used.

Protective Effects of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling in Celiac Disease Mucosa and in Poly I:C-Induced Small Intestinal Atrophy Mouse Model.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor activated by a large number of natural and synthetic agents, modulates the activity of immune cells in the gut and represents an important link between the environment and immune-mediated pathologies. In this study, we investigated the role of AhR in celiac disease (CD), a gluten-driven enteropathy. AhR expression was evaluated in intestinal biopsies taken from patients with CD and controls by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. AhR was also analyzed in ex vivo organ cultures of duodenal biopsies taken from inactive CD patients incubated in presence or absence of peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin. IFN-γ, TNF-α, granzyme B, and perforin expression was evaluated in anti-CD3/CD28-activated intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) and intestinal intra-epithelial cells (IEL) of active CD patients cultured in the presence or absence of the AhR agonist 6-formylindolo(3, 2-b)carbazole (Ficz). Finally, the protective role of AhR was evaluated in a mouse model of poly I:C-driven small intestine damage. AhR RNA transcripts were reduced in active CD samples as compared to inactive CD and normal controls. Flow cytometry confirmed such results and showed a reduction of AhR in both IEL and LPMC of active CD patients. The addition of a peptic-tryptic digest of gliadin to ex vivo organ cultures of duodenal biopsies taken from inactive CD patients reduced AhR expression. Treatment of CD IEL and LPMC with Ficz reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, granzyme B and perforin. Mice injected with Ficz were protected against poly I:C-induced intestinal lesions. Our findings suggest that defective AhR-driven signals could contribute to amplify pathogenic responses in the gut of CD patients.

Metformin inhibits inflammatory signals in the gut by controlling AMPK and p38 MAP kinase activation.

Metformin, a hypoglycemic drug used for treatment of type 2 diabetes, regulates inflammatory pathways. By using several models of intestinal inflammation, we examined whether metformin exerts anti-inflammatory effects and investigated the basic mechanism by which metformin blocks pathologic signals. Colitic mice given metformin exhibited less colonic inflammation and increased expression of active AMP-activated protein kinase, a mediator of the metabolic effects of metformin, in both epithelial and lamina propria compartments. Pharmacological inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase reduced but did not prevent metformin-induced therapeutic effect as well as treatment of colitic mice with a pharmacological activator of AMP-activated protein kinase attenuated but did not resolve colitis. These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of metformin relies on the control of additional pathways other than AMP-activated protein kinase. Indeed, metformin down-regulated p38 MAP kinase activation in colitic mice through an AMP-activated protein kinase-independent mechanism. Expression of active form of AMP-activated protein kinase was reduced in inflammatory bowel disease patients and treatment of mucosal cells of such patients with metformin enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase activation and reduced p38 MAP kinase activation, thereby inhibiting interleukin-6 expression. Our findings indicate that metformin is a good candidate for inhibiting pathological inflammation in the gut.

Clinical Efficacy of Simulated Vitreoretinal Surgery to Prepare Surgeons for the Upcoming Intervention in the Operating Room.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the virtual reality training simulator Eyesi to prepare surgeons for performing pars plana vitrectomies and its potential to predict the surgeons' performance. METHODS: In a preparation phase, four participating vitreoretinal surgeons performed repeated simulator training with predefined tasks. If a surgeon was assigned to perform a vitrectomy for the management of complex retinal detachment after a surgical break of at least 60 hours it was randomly decided whether a warmup training on the simulator was required (n = 9) or not (n = 12). Performance at the simulator was measured using the built-in scoring metrics. The surgical performance was determined by two blinded observers who analyzed the video-recorded interventions. One of them repeated the analysis to check for intra-observer consistency. The surgical performance of the interventions with and without simulator training was compared. In addition, for the surgeries with simulator training, the simulator performance was compared to the performance in the operating room. RESULTS: Comparing each surgeon's performance with and without warmup trainingshowed a significant effect of warmup training onto the final outcome in the operating room. For the surgeries that were preceeded by the warmup procedure, the performance at the simulator was compared with the operating room performance. We found that there is a significant relation. The governing factor of low scores in the simulator were iatrogenic retinal holes, bleedings and lens damage. Surgeons who caused minor damage in the simulation also performed well in the operating room. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large variation of conditions, the effect of a warmup training as well as a relation between the performance at the simulator and in the operating room was found with statistical significance. Simulator training is able to serve as a warmup to increase the average performance.