Recurrence risk of myopic choroidal neovascularisation: a systematic review of current study.

INTRODUCTION: The rising prevalence of myopia is a concern in ophthalmology, with myopic choroidal neovascularisation (m-CNV) significantly affecting vision. However, long-term outcomes of m-CNV management have been unsatisfactory, leading to high recurrence rates. These studies aim to identify risk factors for m-CNV recurrence. METHODS: Comprehensive review followed a pre-registered plan in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The search strategy used various databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect using the keywords 'Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization', 'Recurrence' and 'Risk'. Eligible studies were identified and analysed based on predetermined criteria. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD4202343461). RESULTS: The systematic review included three retrospective studies investigating risk factors associated with m-CNV recurrence. These factors are: (1) requiring three or more injections for initial disease control, (2) older age, (3) larger myopic macular neovascularisation, (4) juxtafoveal CNV, (5) larger height of hyper-reflective foci (HRF) and (6) destruction or absence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for m-CNV recurrence include a greater number of required injections, older age, large macular CNV, juxtafoveal location, increased HRF height and changes in EZ and RPE structure. Understanding these factors can inform personalised treatment approaches and improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals at higher risk of recurrence and implementing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of m-CNV recurrence and progression. Further investigation is needed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic approaches for effective m-CNV management. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD4202343461.

Shaping effective communication skills in first-year medical students through community diagnosis exercise.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of students' participation in this community diagnosis (CD) exercise on their competency development. METHODS: The CD was performed by 235 first-year students through a home visit to obtain health data through questionnaire and physical examination; the data was analysed using the IBM® SPSS® version 24 statistical analysis software. The impact of CD participation on student skills development was evaluated using a cross - sectional questionnaire - based survey using the Likert five - point scale to assess student attitudes. RESULTS: CD exercise was performed by 235 first-year students by collecting data from 373 community residents. Subsequently, survey on effect of CD exercise on student competency responses were collected from 47 students (20%) of the 235 CD participants; the results showed that most agreed that CD enhanced their competence as physicians in all areas. The highest mean (SD) Likert scale score was recorded for the statement, 'CD enhanced effective communication' (4.47 ± 0.747). A total of 44 (93.6%) respondents supported the continuation of CD, claiming that the activity is a forum through which students can practice interacting with patients. CONCLUSIONS: The survey found that effective communication is the skill most established by involvement in CD, and the activity provides a good base for students' self-development as professional physicians.