Effectiveness and safety of XEN45 implant over 12 months of follow-up: data from the XEN-Glaucoma Treatment Registry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 1-year effectiveness and safety of the XEN45, either alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, in glaucoma patients. METHODS: This multicentre, prospective, observational study included consecutive eyes of glaucoma patients from the Italian XEN-Glaucoma Treatment Registry (XEN-GTR) who underwent XEN45 alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, with at least 1 year of follow-up. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) < 18 mmHg and ≥20% reduction from preoperative IOP, over 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-nine eyes (239 patients) were analyzed, 144 (60.2%) eyes in the XEN-solo and 95 (39.8%) eyes in the XEN+Phaco groups. One hundred-sixty-eight (70.3%) eyes achieved overall success, without statistically significant differences between study groups (p = 0.07). Preoperative IOP dropped from a median (IQR) of 23.0 (20.0-26.0) mmHg to 14.0 (12.0-16.0) mmHg at month 12 (p < 0.001), with overall 39.9 ± 18.3% IOP reduction. The mean number of preoperative ocular hypotensive medications (OHM) was significantly reduced from 2.7 ± 0.9 to 0.5 ± 0.9 at month 12 (p < 0.001). Preoperative IOP < 15 mmHg (HR: 6.63; 95%CI: 2.61-16.84, p < 0.001) and temporal position of the surgeon (HR: 4.25; 95%CI: 2.62-6.88, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with surgery failure. One hundred-forty-six (61.1%) eyes had no intraoperative complications, whereas 91 (38.1%) and 56 (23.4%) eyes experienced at least one complication, respectively early (< month 1) and late (≥ month 1), all self-limiting or successfully treated without sequelae. Needling occurred in 55 (23.0%) eyes at least once during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Over 1-year follow-up, XEN45 alone or in combination with phacoemulsification, had comparable success rates and effectively and safely lowered IOP and the need for OHM.

A deep learning approach to investigate the filtration bleb functionality after glaucoma surgery: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To distinguish functioning from failed filtration blebs (FBs) implementing a deep learning (DL) model on slit-lamp images. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study for development and validation of an artificial intelligence classification algorithm. The dataset consisted of 119 post-trabeculectomy FB images of whom we were aware of the surgical outcome. The ground truth labels were annotated and images splitted into three outcome classes: complete (C) or qualified success (Q), and failure (F). Images were prepared implementing various data cleaning and data transformations techniques. A set of DL models were trained using different ResNet architectures as the backbone. Transfer and ensemble learning were then applied to obtain a final combined model. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve, and area under the precision-recall curve were calculated to evaluate the final model. Kappa coefficient and P value on the accuracy measure were used to prove the statistical significance level. RESULTS: The DL approach reached good results in unraveling FB functionality. Overall, the model accuracy reached a score of 74%, with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 87%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.8, whereas the area under the precision-recall curve was 0.74. The P value was equal to 0.00307, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.58. CONCLUSIONS: All considered metrics supported that the final DL model was able to discriminate functioning from failed FBs, with good accuracy. This approach could support clinicians in the patients' management after glaucoma surgery in absence of adjunctive clinical data.

Risk Factors for Failure in Glaucoma Patients Undergoing Microshunt Implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors for failure of Microshunt in glaucoma patients. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The study included 220 eyes from 220 consecutive glaucoma patients undergoing Microshunt implantation at six glaucoma units. Four intraocular pressure (IOP) success criteria were defined: (A) IOP ≤21 mm Hg with ≥20% IOP reduction; (B) IOP ≤18 mm Hg with ≥20% IOP reduction; (C) IOP ≤15 mm Hg with ≥25% IOP reduction; and (D) IOP ≤12 mm Hg with ≥30% IOP reduction from baseline. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate success rates according to the criteria above, and multivariable Cox models were used to identified risk factors for failure according to criterion A. RESULTS: Success rates varied based on different criteria, ranging from 43.3% to 62.5% (overall success for criteria D and A, respectively) and from 35.3% to 44.4% (complete success for criteria D and A, respectively) at 1-year follow-up. Higher intraoperative MMC concentration was associated with reduced risk of failure to maintain complete (0.4 vs 0.2 mg/mL: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.441, P < .001) and overall (0.4 vs 0.2 mg/mL: HR = 0.360, P = .004) success. For complete success, other risk factors for failure were pseudoexfoliation glaucoma/pigmentary glaucoma (HR = 1.641, P = .004), primary angle closure glaucoma (HR = 1.611, P < .001), and previous non-glaucomatous ocular surgeries (HR = 2.301, P = .002). For overall success, other risk factors for failure were lower preoperative IOP (for 1-mm Hg increase, HR = 0.934, P = .005), higher number of preoperative antiglaucoma agents (HR = 1.626, P < .001), and Microshunt combined with cataract surgery (HR = 1.526, P = .033). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified risk factors for Microshunt failure, highlighting the importance of high intraoperative MMC dose and careful patient selection to optimize surgical success.

Managing the ocular surface after glaucoma filtration surgery: an orphan topic.

BACKGROUND: Ocular surface (OS) disorders before glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) have been considered to play a crucial role influencing the surgical outcome. Conversely, the impact of surgery itself on the OS is almost completely overlooked, though evidence suggest that ocular surface disease (OSD) may be induced in patients by GFS. This review analyzes the determinants involved in the OSD development after GFS, the clinical features and related consequences, the main diagnostic hallmarks, as well as the therapeutic strategies for its management. METHODS: The PubMed database was utilized for the literature examination. Keywords that were searched included ocular surface disease, glaucoma filtration surgery, filtration bleb, post-surgical management, and quality of life. RESULTS: After GFS, OSD is promoted by peri- and post-operative factors, such as the filtration bleb (FB) development, combined surgical approach with phacoemulsification, the use of antifibrotic agents and the reintroduction of antiglaucoma medications. This particular form of OSD that present similar clinical features to mild to moderate dry eye, can be named as post-glaucoma surgery-OSD (PGS-OSD). PGS-OSD may negatively affect the FB functionality, thus potentially hindering the disease control, and significantly worsen the patient quality of life (QOL). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians are encouraged to routinely include the OS evaluation after GFS and to consider proper management when the occurrence of PGS-OSD worsen the patient's QOL or exert negative effects to the FB functionality. An outline summarizing the main risk factors and the most appropriate therapeutic options to mitigate the PGS-OSD was proposed to support the routine practice.

A machine learning approach to predict the glaucoma filtration surgery outcome.

This study aimed at predicting the filtration surgery (FS) outcome using a machine learning (ML) approach. 102 glaucomatous patients undergoing FS were enrolled and underwent ocular surface clinical tests (OSCTs), determination of surgical site-related biometric parameters (SSPs) and conjunctival vascularization. Break-up-time, Schirmer test I, corneal fluorescein staining, Meibomian gland expressibility; conjunctival hyperemia, upper bulbar conjunctiva area of exposure, limbus to superior eyelid distance; and conjunctival epithelial and stromal (CET, CST) thickness and reflectivity (ECR, SCR) at AS-OCT were considered. Successful FS required a 30% baseline intraocular pressure reduction, with values ≤ 18 mmHg with or without medications. The classification tree (CT) was the ML algorithm used to analyze data. At the twelfth month, FS was successful in 60.8% of cases, whereas failed in 39.2%. At the variable importance ranking, CST and SCR were the predictors with the greater relative importance to the CART tree construction, followed by age. CET and ECR showed less relative importance, whereas OSCTs and SSPs were not important features. Within the CT, CST turned out the most important variable for discriminating success from failure, followed by SCR and age, with cut-off values of 75 µm, 169 on gray scale, and 62 years, respectively. The ROC curve for the classifier showed an AUC of 0.784 (0.692-0.860). In this ML approach, CT analysis found that conjunctival stroma thickness and reflectivity, along with age, can predict the FS outcome with good accuracy. A pre-operative thick and hyper-reflective stroma, and a younger age increase the risk of FS failure.

Ocular surface and glaucoma, a mutual relationship. Practical suggestions for classification and management.

The chronic use of glaucoma medications could improve the development of an ocular comorbidity, the glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease. This could be related to the exposure of the conjunctiva to preservatives, but also active compounds such as prostaglandin analogues may improve the risk of ocular surface inflammation. Inflammation has a negative impact on tolerability and adherence to eyedrops and to the outcome of filtration surgery as well. A stratification of glaucoma patients based not only on visual field progression but also on glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease would be desirable for a strategic management. Early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and safe surgical management should be the hallmarks of glaucoma treatment. One of the main issues for the proper and successful management of patients is the right timing, effectiveness and safety for both medical and surgical treatment options leading to a precision medicine in glaucoma disease as the best modern treatment.

Transanal transection and single-stapling techniques are associated with shorter rectal cuff and lower urgency rate after pouch surgery compared with the double-stapled approach.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is most commonly performed by double-stapling technique after rectal transection with a linear stapler. Double-stapling is increasingly criticized for the uneven longer cuffs and potential weak points. A transanal rectal transection and single-stapled anastomosis may potentially overcome the limitations of double-stapling. A single-stapled anastomosis may be accomplished through a transanal rectal transection followed by bottom-up dissection (transanal-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) or through an abdominal, rectal dissection and subsequent transanal transection and single-stapled anastomosis. The purpose of this study is to compare short-term and functional outcomes of double-stapling versus single-stapled techniques for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. METHODS: This is a single-institution, ambidirectional study. Patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis between 2014 and 2021 were included in the study and allocated into 2 groups: group 1, including double stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis, and group 2, including single-stapled-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The primary endpoint was the difference in functional parameters. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included, 46 undergoing double-stapling-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and 84 receiving single-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Rectal-cuff length (defined as the distance between the dentate line and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis) was shorter after single-stapled compared with double-stapling ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (1.98 ± 0.21 vs 2.20 ± 0.53 cm, P = .01). Anastomotic leak rate was comparable between group 1 and group 2 (6% vs 5%, P = .69). Functional parameters were comparable except for urgency, which was lower for single-stapled compared with double-stapling ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (8%, vs 30%, P = .002). CONCLUSION: Single-stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was associated with a shorter rectal cuff and lower urgency than double-stapling ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. In our opinion, these results warrant a prospective multicentric trial to scrutinize and confirm these benefits on a larger scale.

Safety and Efficacy of Ab Interno XEN 45 Gel Stent in Patients with Glaucoma and High Myopia.

This study reports on the safety and efficacy of Xen 45 in patients with glaucoma and high myopia. It was a retrospective study including patients with high myopia (>6D) who underwent Xen implant with 2 years of follow-up. The primary outcome was to report the incidence of hypotony (IOP ≤ 5 mmHg) and hypotony-related complications. Patients with high myopia treated with mitomycin-C-augmented trabeculectomy were included as a control group. We included 14 consecutive patients who underwent Xen implant (seven eyes) and trabeculectomy (seven eyes). The mean myopia was -14.71 ± 5.36 and -15.07 ± 6.11 in the trabeculectomy and Xen groups, respectively (p > 0.05). The success rate and the mean IOP at 1 and 2 years from the intervention were statistically comparable between the two groups. The group undergoing trabeculectomy showed a higher incidence of hypotony (six eyes (85.71%) vs. two eyes (28.57%)) and hypotony maculopathy (three eyes (42.86%) vs. zero eyes (0%)) and required more postoperative procedures. Patients with high myopia were at higher risk of hypotony-related complications after trabeculectomy. The Xen implant can achieve an IOP control comparable to trabeculectomy with a significantly better safety profile and can be considered as an option for the management of patients with high myopia and glaucoma.

Single-stapled anastomosis is associated with a lower anastomotic leak rate than double-stapled technique after minimally invasive total mesorectal excision for MRI-defined low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: After total mesorectal excision, distal rectal transection and anastomosis are critical for short-term, oncological, and functional outcomes, including anastomotic leak. A double-pursestring, single-stapled anastomosis avoids cross-stapling, overcoming the potential drawbacks of transabdominal rectal transection and double-stapled anastomosis. This study aims to compare the anastomotic leak rate in double-stapled and single-stapled anastomoses after minimally invasive total mesorectal excision for magnetic resonance imaging-defined low rectal cancer. METHODS: Adult patients (>18 years old) undergoing minimally invasive total mesorectal excision for magnetic resonance imaging-defined low rectal cancer with a stapled low anastomosis (below 5 centimeters from the anal verge) between January 2010 and January 2022 at a single institution were allocated to 2 groups according to the anastomosis: double-stapled (abdominal stapled transection and double-stapled anastomosis) or single-stapled (transanal rectal transection and double-pursestring single-stapled anastomosis). The exclusion criteria were nonrestorative procedures or any type of manual anastomosis. The primary endpoint was the rate of 90-day clinical and radiologic anastomotic leak. RESULTS: In total, 185 single-stapled and 458 double-stapled were included. Clinical and tumor characteristics were comparable between the groups. The 90-day anastomotic leak rate was significantly lower in the single-stapled group (6.48% vs 15.28%; P = .002), with similar rates of grade and timing. Thirty- and 90-day complication rates were higher in the double-stapled group (P = .0001; P = .02), with comparable Clavien-Dindo grades. At multivariable analysis, double-stapled anastomosis (P = .01), active smoking (P = .03), and the presence of comorbidities (P = .01) resulted as independent risk factors for an anastomotic leak. CONCLUSION: Transanal transection and double-pursestring, single-stapled anastomosis were associated with a lower anastomotic leak rate after minimally invasive total mesorectal excision for magnetic resonance imaging-defined low rectal cancer.

Effectiveness and Safety of XEN45 in Eyes With High Myopia and Open Angle Glaucoma.

PRCIS: XEN45 implant was an effective and safe procedure in primary open angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with high myopia. Although the hypotony incidence rate was relatively high, it resolved with medical therapy and was of short duration. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the XEN45 stent in eyes with OAG and high myopia. DESIGN: Retrospective and multicenter study. METHODS: Consecutive OAG patients who underwent a XEN45, either alone or in combination with cataract surgery, and had a refractive error higher than -6 D and an axial length ≥26 mm. The primary endpoint was the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes were included (96.8% with a primary OAG diagnosis). The mean refraction was -13.2±5.6 (range: -6.75 to-23.0) D. In the overall study sample, preoperative mean IOP (95% CI) was significantly lowered from 23.5 (20.5-26.4) mm Hg to 13.0 (12.2-13.8) mm Hg at the last follow-up visit, P <0.0001. At the last follow-up visit, 16 (57.1%) eyes achieved an IOP ≤14 mm Hg, 11 (68.9%) of them without treatment. The number of ocular hypotensive medications was significantly reduced from 3.0±1.1 drugs at preoperatively to 0.6±1.0 drugs at the last follow-up visit, P <0.0001. Median (95% CI) follow-up was 24.0 (12.0-24.0) months. Linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the preoperative refraction and the IOP lowering ( r =0.43, P =0.0155). Needling procedure was performed in 11 eyes (39.3%) and hypotony (defined as an IOP <6 mm Hg) was observed in 8 eyes (28.6%) during the first postoperative day and remained for a week. CONCLUSION: Although the Xen implant effectively lowered IOP in highly myopic eyes with glaucoma, the incidence of hypotony was high, and in most cases, resolved within the first month with medical management and monitoring.

Routine placement of abdominal drainage in pouch surgery does not impact on surgical outcomes.

The evidence does not support the routine use of abdominal drainage (AD) in colorectal surgery. However, there is no data on the usefulness of AD, specifically, after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of this study is to assess post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing IPAA with or without AD at a high volume referral center. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients undergoing IPAA with AD (AD group) or without AD (NAD group) was performed. Baseline characteristics, operative, and postoperative data were analyzed and compared between the two groups. A total of 97 patients were included in the analysis, 46 were in AD group and 51 in NAD group. AD group had a higher BMI (23.9 ± 3.9 kg/m2 vs 21.9 ± 3.0 kg/m2; p = 0.007) and more commonly underwent two-stage proctocolectomy with IPAA compared to the NAD group (50.0% vs 3.9%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in anastomotic leak rate (6.5% AD vs 5.9% NAD group; p = 1.000), major post-operative complication (8.6% vs 7.9%; p = 0.893); median length of stay [IQR] (5 [5-7] days vs 5 [4-7] days; p = 0.305) and readmission < 90 days (8.7% vs 3.9%; p = 0.418). The use of AD does not impact on surgical outcome after IPAA and question the actual benefit of its routine placement.

Genetic evaluation in phenotypically discordant monozygotic twins with Coats Disease.

PURPOSE: To report the unique case of a pair of phenotypically discordant monozygotic twins, with one of them affected by unilateral Coats disease. CASE REPORT: Both patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation and were genetically tested with whole-exome sequencing (WES). Any known or unknown potential genetic determinant of Coats disease wasn't found. CONCLUSION: It may suggest a non-genetic etiology for this disorder. This represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of genetic analysis of monozygotic twins, one of whom is affected by Coats disease. Further studies are warranted, including performing genetic analysis directly on retinal biopsy tissue.

A latanoprost cationic emulsion (STN1013001) vs. other latanoprost formulations (Latanoprost) in open angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension and ocular surface disease: an Italian cost-utility analysis.

BACKGROUND: STN1013001 is an innovative latanoprost cationic emulsion for open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension (OAG/OHT) and ocular surface disease (OSD). METHODS AND FINDINGS: A 5-year, 7 health states, 1-year cycle early Markov model-supported cost-utility analysis (CUA) of STN1013001 vs. other latanoprost formulations (Latanoprost) followed the Italian National Health Service (INHS) perspective.One-way, probabilistic and scenario sensitivity analyses tested the uncertainty of the baseline results. Value of information analysis (VOIA) investigated the potential cost-effectiveness of collecting further evidence. RESULTS: Over 5 years, the Markov model-supported CUA predicts STN1013001 to be potentially highly cost-effective vs. Latanoprost (+€57.60 cost at €2020 values; +0.089 Quality-Adjusted Life Years).The Incremental Cost-Utility Ratio (€647.65) falls well below the lower limit of the acceptability range proposed for Italy (€25,000-€40,000).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the baseline findings. VOIA highlighted that further information might only be cost-effective for OAG/OHT utilities and OSD-related disutility. CONCLUSION: STN1013001 is potentially highly cost-effective and strongly dominant vs. Latanoprost for OAG/OHT+OSD patients from the INHS perspective. These findings should be re-assessed using the data from the ongoing Phase III trial (NCT04133311) comparing the efficacy and safety of STN1013001 vs. Latanoprost and with future real-world CUAs upon the availability of STN1013001 on the Italian market.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Excluded Rectum in Crohn's Disease: A Multicenter International Study.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) require fecal diversion. To understand the long-term outcomes, we performed a multicenter review of the experience with retained excluded rectums. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all CD patients between 1990 and 2014 who had undergone diversionary surgery with retention of the excluded rectum for at least 6 months and who had at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: From all the CD patients in the institutions' databases, there were 197 who met all our inclusion criteria. A total of 92 (46.7%) of 197 patients ultimately underwent subsequent proctectomy, while 105 (53.3%) still had retained rectums at time of last follow-up. Among these 105 patients with retained rectums, 50 (47.6%) underwent reanastomosis, while the other 55 (52.4%) retained excluded rectums. Of these 55 patients whose rectums remained excluded, 20 (36.4%) were symptom-free, but the other 35 (63.6%) were symptomatic. Among the 50 patients who had been reconnected, 28 (56%) were symptom-free, while 22(44%) were symptomatic. From our entire cohort of 197 cases, 149 (75.6%) either ultimately lost their rectums or remained symptomatic with retained rectums, while only 28 (14.2%) of 197, and only 4 (5.9%) of 66 with initial perianal disease, were able to achieve reanastomosis without further problems. Four patients developed anorectal dysplasia or cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter cohort of patients with CD who had fecal diversion, fewer than 15%, and only 6% with perianal disease, achieved reanastomosis without experiencing disease persistence.

Patients with distal Crohn's disease often undergo colon resection with a stoma to divert the intestinal stream from the rectum in hopes of achieving sufficient healing to allow ultimate re-establishment of intestinal continuity. Patients and practitioners alike should be aware of the long-term success rates of this procedure. Our retrospective study of 197 patients found that half required later proctectomy and an additional one-quarter remained symptomatic with excluded rectums. Only 14% remained symptom-free after reanastomosis, and only 6% if perianal disease was the initial surgical indication. These data provide estimation of long-term surgical outcomes.

Different Oncologic Outcomes in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Sporadic Colorectal Cancer: A Regression Analysis on 2073 Patients.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in the population aged ≤ 49 (early-onset CRC-EOCRC). Recent studies highlighted the biological and clinical differences between EOCRC and late-onset CRC (LOCRC-age ≥ 50), while comparative results about long-term survival are still debated. This study aimed to investigate whether age of onset may impact on oncologic outcomes in a surgical population of sporadic CRC patients. Patients operated on for sporadic CRC from January 2010 to January 2022 were allocated to the EOCRC and LOCRC groups. The primary endpoint was the recurrence/progression-free survival (R/PFS). A total of 423 EOCRC and 1650 LOCRC was included. EOCRC had a worse R/PFS (p < 0.0001) and cancer specific survival (p < 0.0001) compared with LOCRC. At Cox regression analysis, age of onset, tumoral stage, signet ring cells, extramural/lymphovascular/perineural veins invasion, and neoadjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for R/P. The analysis by tumoral stage showed an increased incidence of recurrence in stage I EOCRC (p = 0.014), and early age of onset was an independent predictor for recurrence (p = 0.035). Early age of onset was an independent predictor for worse prognosis, this effect was stronger in stage I patients suggesting a potentially­and still unknown­more aggressive tumoral phenotype in EOCRC.

Italian Candidates for the XEN Implant: An Overview from the Glaucoma Treatment Registry (XEN-GTR).

Background The Italian XEN Glaucoma Treatment Registry (XEN-GTR) was created to acquire a comprehensive prospective dataset that includes the patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative management of glaucoma patients undergoing the XEN gel stent implantation. Methods This was a prospective observational, longitudinal clinical study involving 10 centres throughout Italy. The baseline examination included a comprehensive evaluation of demographic parameters (age, sex, ethnicity, and systemic condition), specific ophthalmological parameters, and quality of life questionnaire score collection. Results The baseline data of 273 patients were analysed. The median (IQR) age was 72 (65.0 to 78.0) years. Of the 273 patients, 123 (45%) were female and 150 (55%) were male. A total of 86% of the patients had open-angle glaucoma with a mean intraocular pressure of 24 ± 6 (range 12.0-60.0) mmHg. The mean number of medications was 2.7 ± 0.9 at baseline for the patients with a prevalence of prostaglandin analogues combined with a beta-blocker and anhydrase carbonic inhibitor (31.8%). The mean scores of the NEI-VFQ 25 and GSS questionnaires were 78 ± 18 (range 26.5-100) and 85 ± 14 (range 79-93), respectively. Combined XEN/cataract surgeries were scheduled in 73.7% of the patients. The preferred place for the XEN implant was the supero-nasal quadrant (91.6%). Conclusions Observing the baseline characteristics of the typical Italian candidates for the XEN gel implant shows that they are patients affected by POAG and cataracts, with moderate to severe glaucoma damage, all of which has an impact on their quality of life.

Citicoline/Coenzyme Q10/Vitamin B3 Fixed Combination Exerts Synergistic Protective Effects on Neuronal Cells Exposed to Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the rationale and efficacy of using a citicoline, coenzyme Q10 (CAVAQ10) and vitamin B3 fixed combination in combating inflammation and oxidation in neuronal cells exposed to oxidative stress. METHODS: HypoE22 cells and isolated hypothalamic specimens were selected as in vitro models to conduct the experiments. The efficacy of citicoline, CAVAQ10, and vitamin B3, with their fixed combination, were assayed after the exposure of hypothalamic cells to hydrogen peroxide (concentration range 1 nM-10 µM), in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of treatments. The activity of neuroprotective and pro-inflammatory factors, namely, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), involved in the neuronal cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases, were assayed in isolated hypothalamus. RESULTS: Neither citicoline, CAVAQ10, nor vitamin B3 significantly altered hypothalamic cell viability, thus suggesting the biocompatibility of single ingredients and fixed combination in the concentration range considered for the study. In the same condition, citicoline and CAVAQ10 were also effective in reducing the gene expression of monoaminoxidase-B, involved in dopamine degradation. However, only citicoline demonstrated an ability to reduce dopamine levels. Conversely, all compounds were effective in reducing the gene expression of IL-6, and TNFα, and in inducing the gene expression of BDNF, with the co-administration of citicoline/CAVAQ10/vitamin B3 being generally more effective than single ingredients. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings support the beneficial and synergistic effects of citicoline, CAVAQ10, and vitamin B3 in fixed combination in reducing inflammation and oxidation, and in stimulating neurotrophin production in neuronal cells.

Preparing the ocular surface for glaucoma filtration surgery: an unmet clinical need.

The mutual relationship among medical therapy, ocular surface (OS) and filtration surgery (FS) represents one of the most crucial issues in glaucoma management. As the long-term use of intraocular pressure-lowering medications significantly affect the OS health, patients with an uncontrolled disease frequently undergo glaucoma surgery in less-than-ideal conditions. As we known, OS changes strongly affect the post-operative bleb filtration capability. Therefore, improving the OS conditions before proceeding with FS is needed. Currently, given the rapid diffusion of new surgical procedures, this need is even more perceived. Nevertheless, despite surgeons retain the OS preparation of primary importance, and recognize the OS disease (OSD) as the only modifiable risk factor for filtration failure, there is no agreement on which strategies should be preferred to prepare patients. This is largely due to the lack of validated guidelines, which forces clinicians to adopt personal approaches based on evidence derived from low-quality studies. In this review, we provided an overview of risk factors involved in the FS failure, with particular attention to those depending on OS changes, and how OSD negatively affects the aqueous humor resorption after surgery. Moreover, we reported the most exploited measures to mitigate the OSD before surgery, the possible reasons underlying the absence of shared approaches, and the upcoming area of intervention to preserve the OS health during glaucoma management. Finally, based on the current evidence, we proposed a pre-operative outline reporting the main risk factors that should be considered before surgery, and the therapeutical options available to improve the OS.

Sutureless "Contact Lens Sandwich" Technique for Amniotic Membrane Therapy of Central Corneal Ulcers.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for sutureless and glue-free amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and to investigate its effectiveness to treat corneal persistent epithelial defects (PEDs), compared to bandage contact lens (BCL) application alone. METHODS: We performed AMT with "contact lens sandwich technique" (CLS-AMT) in 8 consecutive patients with central/para-central (up to 4.00 mm from the geometrical centre) PED/ulceration and we retrospectively compared the results with 11 BCL procedures. RESULTS: The procedures were performed successfully with no complications.CLS-AMT showed significantly shorter healing time than BCL (24.0 ± 19.1 vs 42.9 ± 14.6 days; P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Recurrence rates were 12% and 27% for CLS-AMT and BCL, respectively. CONCLUSION: CLS-AMT technique, based on the suction effect due to the superposition of a bandage contact lens on the AM-ring complex, represents a quick, low cost, easy to perform and nearly non-invasive AMT technique. This approach is able to provide adequate fixation of AM, and it seems to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with PEDs.