The Protective Effect of Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops (Ripasudil) on Corneal Endothelial Cells After Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract surgery poses a risk to corneal endothelial cells. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop (ripasudil) on corneal endothelial cells after cataract surgery over 12 months. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded comparative study including 43 patients divided into two groups: the ripasudil group (22 patients, 23 eyes) and the control group (21 patients, 21 eyes). All patients had grade 3 nuclear cataract and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. In the ripasudil group, one drop of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® ophthalmic solution 0.4%) was administered three times a day for 5 days. Outcome measures included central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD), which were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In the ripasudil group, the median ECD was 2398 (interquartile range [IQR] 410, 2201-2611) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2262 (IQR 298, 2195-2493) cells/mm2 at 12 months postoperatively. In the control group, the median ECD was 2503 (IQR 390, 2340-2730) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2170 (IQR 324, 2049-2373) cells/mm2 at 12 months postoperatively. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was 12.8% in the control group, significantly reduced to 4.5% in the ripasudil group (p = 0.001*). CCT (p = 0.042), age (p = 0.383), sex (p = 0.944), and duration of surgery (p = 0.319) were not significant factors. No adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating ripasudil into postoperative management could help maintain corneal endothelial cell integrity and reduce cell loss after cataract surgery, potentially decreasing the need for endothelial transplantation in patients who have undergone intraocular surgeries.

Morphologically aggressive appearance of a human papilloma virus (HPV)-related conjunctival papilloma that was clinically suspicious for malignancy - A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Conjunctival squamous papilloma is a benign tumor that might be linked to Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The most common appearance is a pedunculated fleshy mass. We are reporting a unique of HPV-related conjunctival papilloma that was excised with the suspicious of malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old Saudi male who has been investigated for a suspicious pancreatic lesion and presented with a concurrent right eye conjunctival yellowish cystic mass. The mass was excised for diagnostic purpose to rule out malignancy in view of the history, the clinical appearance of the lesion, and the adjacent conjunctival severe congestion. The histopathological examination concluded a viral-related conjunctival papilloma. There was no evidence of recurrence of the lesion 2 years postoperatively. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The common clinical appearance of a benign conjunctival papilloma is usually described as fleshy pedunculated mass with irregular grayish red surface. Such a lesion might be related to several etiologies, one of which is HPV. The mass in our case was highly vascularized and cystic with yellowish areas, which raised the suspicion of a malignant lesion. The histopathological findings, however, confirmed the benign nature of the lesion and supported the viral etiology by HPV. CONCLUSION: HPV-related conjunctival papilloma may have various morphological appearances. Histopathological examination is the key for final diagnosis of such types of lesions.

A Systematic Review Evaluating the Effectiveness of Several Biological Therapies for the Treatment of Skin Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin illness that has the potential to manifest at any stage of life, it is most frequently observed in early adulthood. Biological drugs have significantly transformed the landscape of psoriasis treatment through the provision of focused therapy, which effectively mitigates inflammation and regulates the overproduction of skin cells. Notwithstanding the accessibility of these biological drugs, rigorous evaluations that juxtapose their safety and efficacy profiles are necessary. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough investigation of the relative efficacy of these drugs in alleviating psoriasis symptoms and increasing the quality of life for patients by synthesizing the existing evidence. A comprehensive review was conducted to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of different biochemical medicines utilized in the management of psoriasis. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, the review process was conducted among the available studies. A search was conducted across electronic databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase, utilizing a combination of keywords and Mesh phrases pertaining to psoriasis, biological medications, and particular names of pharmaceuticals. In total, 475 studies were ascertained by the preliminary search of the database. After eliminating duplicate research, 358 distinct studies remained. After meticulous screening of titles and abstracts against the predefined inclusion criteria, 281 papers were deemed ineligible and thus excluded. For final inclusion, the whole texts of the remaining 77 studies were evaluated. Forty additional papers were removed during the full-text evaluation for a variety of reasons, including improper research design, or insufficient outcome data. Finally, 37 studies were included in this systematic review since they satisfied all inclusion criteria. The results of the current systematic review showed that all biological medications showed high efficacy in the treatment of skin psoriasis compared with placebo based on the clinical assessment outcomes using different tools such as PASI.

A Retrospective Analysis from A Single Center Perspective On Complications After Fixing Distal Radius Fracture In Pediatric Population.

Background: The Distal radius fractures in the pediatric age group have similar complications to any other fracture. One interpretation of the high fracture incidence in the distal third of the radius is the relative weakness of the metaphyseal part. Objective: The aim of this study is to provide an evaluation of Surgical complications of distal radius through satisfactory reduction and proper fixation by K-wires through bone growth plates. Methods: A retrospective single-center study in a tertiary hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2021, using the hospital's electronic records system. The Inclusion criteria of this study involve all distal radius fracture cases who underwent surgical fixation by k-wire or plating system and are up to 14 years old. The exclusion criteria include loss of follow-up, incomplete data, and age of more than 14 years. Results: the study included 103 patients. The side of injury was almost equally distributed between the left and right sides. The odds of having at least one complication increase by 2.5 folds if the site of fracture is at the diaphysis. Further, if the distance of the fracture line to the epiphysis is more than 20 mm, the odds of reporting at least one complication post-procedure is 4.4 times higher than if it was at the level of the epiphysis. The majority of diaphyseal fractures required less than 6 weeks for radiological healing, which is significantly different from other sites which were evaluated. Conclusion: Complications of distal radius fracture due to Surgical intervention could be confounded by the complexity of the fracture itself. In our study, we found the distance of the fracture from the physis was inversely proportional to the likelihood of complications. For a comprehensive appreciation of physeal plate, we recommend extended follow-up for those who present with signs of severe distal radius fracture, especially in case of associated ulnar fracture.

Willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia: a multiregional cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide, and the vaccine remains the ultimate cornerstone to overcoming its long-term impact. Vaccine hesitancy might obstruct the effort to achieve herd immunity and eradicate the virus. We assessed Saudi Arabian individuals' willingness, beliefs, and barriers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and their adherence to preventive measures during and after the pandemic. METHODS: A self-administered electronic validated questionnaire was distributed among the five major regions in Saudi Arabia between November and December 2020. The questionnaire addressed the sociodemographic data, beliefs, potential barriers, parents' acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children, and adherence to protective measures during and after the pandemic. RESULTS: Of 8,056 participants, 4,218 (52.4%) of a non-representative sample were willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Being a young adult, male, having less than a high school degree, being a smoker, having a chronic disease, and having a history of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake were positive predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Hesitant participants reported concerns about vaccine side effects and safety as the main barriers to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Some refusers (26.1%) declared that they would reconsider vaccination only if the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine were reported by more studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a promising willingness to accept the vaccine among the population, with positive beliefs and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. However, a considerable proportion of the population was reluctant to accept the vaccine. Thus, publicly providing information about vaccine safety and implementing health education programs is crucial for increasing the public's confidence in the vaccine.

Fahr's Syndrome Presenting With Hypocalcemia and Psychotic Features.

Fahr's disease is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder described as "bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis" (BSPDC). It is characterized by calcium deposition crossing the blood-brain barrier and calcifying different brain areas. Here, we report a case of a 26-year-old Saudi young lady, known as a case of epilepsy since childhood, a major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism. CT brain showed extensive coarse calcifications involving the infra and supratentorial white matter, predominantly within the basal ganglia, thalami, and dentate nuclei of cerebellar hemispheres. This report will discuss the challenging presentation, clinical symptoms, and the multidisciplinary approach to manage Fahr's syndrome symptoms. In conclusion, this case emphasizes the importance of neuroimaging and metabolic workup when investigating the seizure's etiology. The goal of treatment in Fahr's syndrome is to manage the underlying conditions.

Phenotypic delineation of the retinal arterial macroaneurysms with supravalvular pulmonic stenosis syndrome.

Retinal arterial macroaneurysms with supravalvular pulmonic stenosis (RAMSVPS), also known as Familial Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms (FRAM) syndrome, is a very rare multisystem disorder. Here, we present a case series comprising ophthalmologic and systemic evaluation of patients homozygous for RAMSVPS syndrome causative IGFBP7 variant. New clinical details on 22 previously published and 8 previously unpublished patients are described. Age at first presentation ranged from 1 to 34 years. The classical feature of macroaneurysms and vascular beading involving the retinal arteries was universal. Follow up extending up to 14 years after initial diagnosis revealed recurrent episodes of bleeding and leakage from macroaneurysms in 55% and 59% of patients, respectively. The majority of patients who underwent echocardiography (18/23) showed evidence of heart involvement, most characteristically pulmonary (valvular or supravalvular) stenosis, often requiring surgical correction (12/18). Four patients died in the course of the study from complications of pulmonary stenosis, cerebral hemorrhage, and cardiac complications. Liver involvement (usually cirrhosis) was observed in eight patients. Cerebral vascular involvement was observed in one patient, and stroke was observed in two. We conclude that RAMSVPS is a recognizable syndrome characterized by a high burden of ocular and systemic morbidity, and risk of premature death. Recommendations are proposed for early detection and management of these complications.

An unusual case of penetrating eye injury caused by a bird: A case report with review of the pertinent literature.

Penetrating eye injuries caused by bird pecking are uncommon with less than 40 cases reported in the literature. In this article, we present a case of penetrating ocular injury caused by a bird along with pertinent literature review. An otherwise healthy 56-year old man presented to the emergency department complaining of right eye severe pain and decreased vision following trauma caused by a bittern bird. The patient was diagnosed with penetrating ocular injury & he underwent primary repair. On follow up, he was found to have traumatic cataract, which was operated, however, the surgery was complicated with IOL dislocation into the vitreous cavity. The patient was referred to retina service where he underwent pars plana vitrectomy with IOL repositioning in the sulcus. After two months, the patient's uncorrected visual acuity improved from counting fingers at 2 feet to 20/30-2. This case serves as a reminder that bird pecking is one of the causes of penetrating eye trauma.

The outcomes and prognostic factors of vitrectomy in chronic diabetic traction macular detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for chronic diabetic traction macular detachment (CTMD). METHODS: Ninety-six eyes that underwent PPV for CTMD of at least 6 months duration were retrospectively analyzed. Retinal reattachment rate, final vision, and prognostic factors for poor visual outcome were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: All eyes had long-standing TMD (median 12, range: 6-70 months). The median postoperative follow-up was 15 (range: 3-65) months. Eighty-seven eyes (90.6%) had their retina and macula reattached after one PPV. At final examination, 84 eyes (87.5%) had stable vision or at least one line improvement, and three had no light perception. Seventeen (17.7%) and 41 (43%) eyes had preoperative visual acuity of ≥20/200 and ≥5/200 as compared to 40 (41.6%; P=0.0005) and 64 (66.7%; P=0.0014) eyes at final follow-up, respectively. Age >50 years (Odds ratio [OR] =5.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.53-22.19, P=0.01), preoperative vision <20/400 (OR =7.012, 95% CI =1.82-26.93, P=0.005), and ischemic macula (OR =14.13, 95% CI =3.61-55.33, P<0.001) were significantly associated with final vision <20/400. CONCLUSION: PPV for CTMD may be beneficial particularly in patients who are relatively younger and have good baseline vision and no macular ischemia.

Full-Thickness Macular Hole Secondary to High-Power Handheld Blue Laser: Natural History and Management Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report the natural history and management outcomes of full-thickness macular hole (MH) caused by momentary exposure to a high-power handheld blue laser device and highlight the dangers of such easily available devices. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. METHODS: A chart review of all patients presenting with full-thickness MH from exposure to blue-light high-powered lasers from January 2012 to May 2014 at 2 institutions was performed. Evaluation included a full ophthalmic examination, fundus photography, macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography. The main and secondary outcomes were MH closure and final visual acuity, respectively. RESULTS: There were 17 eyes of 17 patients with full-thickness MH. Best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation ranged from 20/30 to 2/200 (mean: 20/210). The MH minimum diameter ranged from 168 µm to 620 µm (mean: 351 µm). Fourteen eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas or silicone oil tamponade. Eleven of the 14 (78.6%) operated eyes had complete closure of the macular hole. Of the 3 unoperated eyes, only 1 eye with the smallest macular hole (minimum diameter: 168 µm) closed spontaneously with observation. Final BCVA in all cases had a mean of 20/62 (range: 20/20-4/200). CONCLUSION: Full-thickness MH can result from momentary exposure to high-power handheld laser devices. While spontaneous closure may occur in rare cases, most cases require early surgical intervention. Vitrectomy may be successful in closing the macular hole with visual acuity improvement in most of the cases.

IFT27, encoding a small GTPase component of IFT particles, is mutated in a consanguineous family with Bardet-Biedl syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive ciliopathy with multisystem involvement. So far, 18 BBS genes have been identified and the majority of them are essential for the function of BBSome, a protein complex involved in transporting membrane proteins into and from cilia. Yet defects in the identified genes cannot account for all the BBS cases. The genetic heterogeneity of this disease poses significant challenge to the identification of additional BBS genes. In this study, we coupled human genetics with functional validation in zebrafish and identified IFT27 as a novel BBS gene (BBS19). This is the first time an intraflagellar transport (IFT) gene is implicated in the pathogenesis of BBS, highlighting the genetic complexity of this disease.

Autozygome-guided exome sequencing in retinal dystrophy patients reveals pathogenetic mutations and novel candidate disease genes.

Retinal dystrophy (RD) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary diseases caused by loss of photoreceptor function and contributes significantly to the etiology of blindness globally but especially in the industrialized world. The extreme locus and allelic heterogeneity of these disorders poses a major diagnostic challenge and often impedes the ability to provide a molecular diagnosis that can inform counseling and gene-specific treatment strategies. In a large cohort of nearly 150 RD families, we used genomic approaches in the form of autozygome-guided mutation analysis and exome sequencing to identify the likely causative genetic lesion in the majority of cases. Additionally, our study revealed six novel candidate disease genes (C21orf2, EMC1, KIAA1549, GPR125, ACBD5, and DTHD1), two of which (ACBD5 and DTHD1) were observed in the context of syndromic forms of RD that are described for the first time.