Surgical Time and Postoperative Symptoms Study in Pterygium Excision and Amniotic Membrane Graft Using Celularity Triple Layer Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane.

Purpose: To evaluate a novel sutureless glueless technique using a triple-layer dehydrated amniotic membrane (TLDAM) for pterygia excisions in surgical time, postoperative pain, epiphora, irritation, and FBS. Methods: Twenty eyes with pterygia underwent excision with mitomycin C. The conjunctival defect was closed with TLDAM placed on the dried scleral bed with the edges of the amniotic membrane tucked under the edges of the conjunctival defect. Surgical times were measured from injection of lidocaine to final placement of bandage contact lens. After a bandage contact lens was placed, the eye was patched until POD1. Patients graded self-administered questionnaires to rate pain, FBS, irritation, and epiphora on a scale of 1-5 (1-none; 5-severe) at POD1 and POW1. Results: Surgical times ranged from 6:55 to 12:00, with mean of 8:29. Compared with a previous study of sutureless glueless methodology, the difference in mean surgical time was 11.9 (p < 0.0001). Mean questionnaire scores were as follows: POD1 pain 1.8, FBS 2.3, irritation 1.0, and epiphora 2.6; POW1 pain 1.5, FBS 1.6, irritation 1.6, and epiphora 1.6. Compared to previous studies, this technique showed significantly improved pain at POD1 (p=0.0086, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001) and POW1 (p=0.0002, p=0.0016, p<0.0001). Significant improvement in irritation and FBS was noted at POD1 and POW1. See Table 1 for full analysis. Conclusion: The sutureless glueless technique using TLDAM is a safe and effective technique compared to current standard methods. There appears to be a significant benefit regarding surgical time and postoperative pain, irritation, epiphora, and FBS compared to previous studies.

Surgical Management of Intraocular Pressure With Ab Interno Canaloplasty in Postkeratoplasty Patients: 12-Month Results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report clinical outcomes of ab interno canaloplasty (ABiC) with the iTrack microcatheter (Nova Eye Medical, Fremont, CA) for surgical management of intraocular pressure (IOP) in postkeratoplasty patients. METHODS: This study was a single-center retrospective case series of postkeratoplasty eyes undergoing ABiC. Efficacy was evaluated based on graft survivability and mean reduction in IOP at 12 months postoperatively. Secondary end points consisted of visual acuity outcomes, number of topical hypotensive medications, and rate of complications. RESULTS: ABiC was successfully performed in 17 eyes after keratoplasty (8 penetrating keratoplasty, 6 DSAEK, 2 penetrating keratoplasty + DSAEK, and 1 DMEK) with elevated IOP refractory to topical hypotensive medications. The baseline mean IOP was 26.2 ± 8.4 mm Hg and reduced significantly to 15.0 ± 4.21 mm Hg at 6 months and 13.0 ± 2.99 mm Hg at 12 months ( P < 0.005). The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.61 ± 0.55 logMAR at baseline to 0.47 ± 0.59 and 0.49 ± 0.64 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, following ABiC (not statistically significant: P = 0.6769). The baseline mean number of topical hypotensive medications was 3.7 ± 1.8 and reduced to 2.7 ± 1.4 and 2.9 ± 1.3 at 6 and 12 months, respectively ( P = 0.096). One patient developed a hyphema which required anterior chamber washout. One patient required additional glaucoma surgery 19 months after ABiC. No patients experienced graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: ABiC is a clinically safe and effective treatment that can be performed in postkeratoplasty patients to reduce IOP for at least 1 year without any significant complications.

Treatment of ocular-involving monkeypox virus with topical trifluridine and oral tecovirimat in the 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak.

Purpose: To report a case of ocular involving monkeypox infection in the United States during the 2022 outbreak, and to review the literature regarding its clinical manifestations and management known to date. Observations: A 36-year-old man with well controlled HIV presented to the emergency department with anal pain, diffuse rash, right eye pain, and right eye redness after he tested positive for monkeypox one week prior. Ocular examination showed bilateral periorbital vesicular lesions, right eye conjunctival injection, and a single white plaque on his right medial bulbar conjunctiva. Macular, vesicular, and pustular lesions were noted throughout his body, including the genital and perianal region. His ocular and systemic symptoms completely resolved after treatment with a ten-day course of 1% trifluridine and moxifloxacin drops in both eyes, as well as two weeks of oral tecovirimat. Conclusion and Importance: In July of 2022, monkeypox virus was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization; however, there are no standard guidelines for monkeypox treatment. Data on its clinical presentation and course, especially pertaining to ocular manifestations, is limited. We highlight the importance of recognizing ophthalmic manifestations of monkeypox virus and a possible therapeutic approach to help guide the management of these patients.

Reversible HER2 antibody-drug conjugate-induced ocular toxicity.

PURPOSE: To report 3 cases of reversible epitheliopathy induced by A166-a human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for resistant HER2 tumours. METHODS: Advanced HER2 tumour patients were enrolled in A166 phase I/II clinical trial using Bayesian logistic regression model dose escalation. Key exclusion criteria were ≥grade 2 (G2) corneal pathology, severe organ disease, and other cancer therapy within 4 weeks. Eye exams were performed at baseline, regularly scheduled intervals, and additionally upon A166-induced ocular symptoms. Topical therapy with autologous serum tears (ASTs) was implemented based on visual acuity, symptoms, and slit lamp exam. A166 was withheld if ≥G2 ocular toxicity developed; if status improved to ≤G1, A166 therapy was resumed. Visual acuity, corneal exam, and subjective comfort were recorded. RESULTS: After ≥2 cycles of A166, 6 eyes of 3/23 enrolled patients developed whorl pattern epitheliopathy suggestive of limbal stem cell (LSC) dysfunction requiring cessation of A166 despite positive tumour response. Patients 1 and 3 received 3.6 mg/kg A166 dose, and patient 2 received 3.0 mg/kg. Topical steroids (2/4 eyes) failed to improve epitheliopathy. Adding ASTs improved vision, ocular comfort, and whorl pattern epitheliopathy in 6/6 eyes within 3 weeks. Patient 1 continues to improve on ASTs; patient 2 withdrew from the study; and patient 3 resumed A166 therapy. CONCLUSION: A166 precipitates LSC dysfunction-like epitheliopathy. Combination therapy including aggressive lubrication, withholding drug, and ASTs help reverse toxicity. Recognizing that ADC-induced epitheliopathy can respond to ocular management may enable cancer patients to continue lifesaving therapy.

Fill levels, cost comparisons, and expulsion force requirements of commonly used topical ophthalmic steroids.

PURPOSE: To determine volume fill levels, estimated costs, and force expulsion requirements per bottle of topical ophthalmic steroids commonly used in the United States. SETTING: Tertiary care academic referral center. DESIGN: Prospective laboratory investigation. METHODS: 8 commercially available medications were tested: loteprednol 0.5%, loteprednol gel 0.5%, loteprednol gel 0.38%, difluprednate 0.05%, generic fluorometholone 0.1%, branded fluorometholone 0.1%, generic prednisolone 1.0%, and branded prednisolone 1.0%. 10 bottles of each medication were tested. A double-blinded method was used to measure actual bottle fill volume and number of drops dispensed per bottle. The total perioperative cost per drop was calculated for each medication using a mean cash price. Force requirements were measured using a customized force gauge apparatus. Formulations were compared using Kruskal-Wallis 1way analysis of variances. RESULTS: All formulations were able to cover postoperative periods commensurate with commonly used dosing regimens for cataract surgery. All medications had greater than sticker volume. Loteprednol 0.5% suspension and branded fluorometholone had the highest and lowest number of drops among the medications tested, respectively. Loteprednol 0.38% gel was the most expensive medication, whereas generic prednisolone 1.0% was the least expensive. Gel and branded formulations of ophthalmic steroids required less expulsion force compared with other tested formulations. CONCLUSIONS: Volume fill levels, patient-incurred costs, and expulsion force requirements per bottle of topical steroid medications vary widely. Clinicians may wish to consider these findings when determining their perioperative prescribing regimen.

A structural model of high crime neighborhoods as a driver of toxic stress leading to asthma diagnoses among children of a large medical practice.

This study tested the relationship of neighborhood crime as a driver of pediatric asthma diagnoses via the mechanism of toxic stress utilizing data from a police department, and pediatric clinic in a large urban city in the southwestern United States. Using structural equation modeling, a full mediation model of neighborhood crime as a driver of toxic stress resulting in increased asthma diagnoses fit the data well (Χ2 = 14.0, p =.371; df = 13; RMSEA = .028 [90% CI: 0.00, 0.102]; CFI: 0.995; SRMR = .053). Advocates should explore ways to reduce neighborhood crime to address toxic stress and asthma.

A clinician survey of use assessment, documentation, and education about cannabis in persons with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: To help open the clinician dialogue regarding cannabis use in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the United States, we aimed to describe current practices of use assessment and documentation processes related to cannabis. METHODS: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey study was distributed via email to CF directors and coordinators and to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) listservs of nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, and psychology care team members. The survey tool included multiple choice, scaled, and open-ended items, which assessed participants' awareness of current cannabis laws in their state, prescribing practices for medical marijuana, screening and documentation practices, knowledge of and what indications participants believe cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) could be beneficial. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There were 282 survey participants, with majority as providers (28%) and social workers (29%), representing all US regions. Participants varied in terms of frequency of evaluating cannabis use, with 15.4% "always," 48.4% "sometimes," and 41% "rarely," or "never" asking about it. Regarding recreational versus medical cannabis use, 55.4% and 62.5% reported documentation of each type in the medical record, respectively. Participants reported appetite, pain, and nausea as the top three advocated indications for use. About 35% and 72% of participants felt "slightly" or "not at all" prepared to answer patient/family questions about cannabis and CBD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The approach to cannabis use assessment, documentation, and education across CF care centers is variable. There is a need for care team and patient/caregiver education materials about cannabis/CBD and CF.

The effectiveness of interruptive prescribing alerts in ambulatory CPOE to change prescriber behaviour & improve safety.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing alerts of an electronic health record are meant to be protective, but often are disruptive to providers. Our goal was to assess the effectiveness of interruptive medication-prescriber alerts in changing prescriber behaviour and improving patient outcomes in ambulatory care settings via computerised provider order entry (CPOE) systems. METHODS: A standardised search strategy was developed and applied to the following key bibliographical databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library. Non-comparison studies and studies on non-interrupted alerts were eliminated. We developed a standardised data collection form and abstracted data that included setting, study design, category of intervention alert and outcomes measured. The search was completed in August 2018 and repeated in November of 2019 and of 2020 to identify any new publications during the time lapse. RESULTS: Ultimately, nine comparison studies of triggered alerts were identified. Each studied at least one outcome measure illustrating how the alert affected prescriber decision-making. Provider behaviour was influenced in the majority, with most noting a positive change. Alerts decreased pharmaceutical costs, moved medications toward preferred medications tiers and steered treatments toward evidence-based choices. They also decreased prescribing errors. Clinician feedback, rarely solicited, expressed frustration with alerts creating a time delay. CONCLUSION: The current evidence shows a clear indication that many categories of alerts are effective in changing prescriber behaviour. However, it is unclear whether these behavioural changes lead to improved patient outcomes. Despite the rapid transition to CPOE use for patient care, there are few rigorous studies of triggered alerts and how workflow interruptions impact patient outcomes and provider acceptance.