Burnout syndrome in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American ophthalmologists: a cross-sectional analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite the well-known consequences of burnout syndrome, there has been little research into this syndrome in the field of ophthalmology. Our objective is to determine the frequency of burnout syndrome between Spanish, Portugal and Latin-American ophthalmologists, as well as to analyse its relationship with different sociodemographic variables. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional descriptive study including ophthalmologists from Spain, Portugal and 15 Latin American countries. Burnout syndrome was evaluated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. Burnout syndrome was defined as high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. In addition, we recorded sociodemographic variables and aspects related to the type of work. A conditional backwards stepwise multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was run to assess the variables associated with burnout syndrome, expressed as an odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: A total of 527 surveys were analysed, the majority from Spain (401; 76.1%), followed by Argentina (45; 8.5%), and Mexico (31; 5.9%). The number of ophthalmologists with burnout syndrome was 351 (66.6%). The results show the profile of a young ophthalmologist (age OR 0.985), carrying out a public activity (OR 2.118) and dedicated to general ophthalmology (OR 1.860). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency detected in this study confirms a steady increase in rates of burnout among ophthalmologists. As the consequences of this are well known, it is vital for health centre managers to develop a strategic plan to allow the causes to be understood better and to implement steps to improve the situation in each medical centre.

Alemtuzumab induces severe orbitopathy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

CONTEXT: Treatment with Alemtuzumab (ALZ) in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is associated with the development of ALZ-induced Graves' disease (GD-ALZ). Some cases may develop associated Graves´ Orbitopathy (GO-ALZ), with possible visual compromise. AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the main clinical and biochemical characteristics of GD-ALZ, as well as the clinical course of a case series of GO-ALZ METHODS: This study is a retrospective observational study, carried out in a reference hospital for the care of patients with RRMS in Spain. Cases treated with ALZ in the period 2014-2022 were included. GO-ALZ cases were identified among those with clinical symptoms compatible with thyroid eye disease after initiating ALZ treatment. RESULTS: A total of 135 cases, with a mean follow-up of 69.6 months after the first ALZ cycle, were included. The incidence of GD-ALZ was 32.6% (44/135), with a predominance of women (77.3%) and mean age of 41.9 years. The presence of first-degree relatives with hypothyroidism was identified as risk factor for the development of GD-ALZ (adjusted P-value: 0.02). GO-ALZ was diagnosed in 6 cases (incidence: 13.6%), of which 3 had severe clinical forms of GO, requiring anti-IL-6 treatment. A favorable response was reported in all of them, with a significant decrease in disease activity and improvement in proptosis. CONCLUSIONS: We report one of the largest cohorts of GD-ALZ and GO-ALZ cases. The diagnosis of these entities should be taken into account in patients treated with Alemtuzumab, given the risk of developing severe clinical forms. In moderate-severe forms of GO-ALZ, drugs with anti-IL-6 activity are a safe and effective option.

Novel technique for late scleromalacia in a ciliary body melanoma due to brachytherapy.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a technique using an sclerocorneal endograft sewed through the cornea to solve late scleromalacia following exoresection and brachytherapy of a ciliary body melanoma. METHODS: Vitrectomy ports were placed. A perforating 400-micron trepan keratoplasty of the cornea was performed allowing the prepared donor graft to be inserted and sutured in place. Intravitreal Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) was used to stabilize the pressure throughout and maintain the graft in place. Once sutured in place, the PFCL was removed and 5000cs of silicone oil introduced. An amniotic membrane was placed surrounding the scleromalacia. The cornea was closed with running sutures. RESULTS: At one month, the anterior segment optical coherence tomography showed successful endograft placement with no aqueous humor leakage nor hypotony. Currently, the conjunctiva is becoming slightly thicker due to light inflammation, and the eye has recovered the whiteness at the scleromalacia. CONCLUSIONS: This internal graft technique provides advantages when dealing with poorly healing radiated tissue and reduces the risk of post-operative aqueous humor leakage. Surgeons may consider this approach in cases with a high risk of poor healing or complications resulting from lack of tissue.

Clinical Outcomes after Surgical Resection Combined with Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanomas.

Currently, brachytherapy is the most commonly used therapeutic approach for uveal melanomas. Surgical resection by means of endoresection or exoresection is an alternative approach. The present report recounts our experience over 15 years in the treatment of uveal melanoma using a combined approach of resection surgery with brachytherapy. This is a single-center observational retrospective cohort study in which we describe clinical outcomes, complications and survival in 35 cases of melanoma of the iris or the ciliary body after a combination of surgery and brachytherapy or brachytherapy alone. Local treatment of the tumor was successful in all cases with surgery and brachytherapy. The most frequent complications were scleromalacia, bullous keratopathy, retinal toxicity, cataracts, hypotonia, and photophobia. There were three cases of recurrence, all of which were found in the group of patients who had received brachytherapy alone, and in one case we had to perform a secondary enucleation due to tumor growth after brachytherapy. At present, only one patient has died during follow-up due to liver metastases six years after the start of treatment. In carefully selected patients, this approach can be effective and safe, as long as a close follow-up is carried out after surgery.

Sclerouvectomy plus intraoperative ophthalmic brachytherapy for iris-ciliary body melanomas.

BACKGROUND: Partial lamellar sclerouvectomy was designed more than 30 years ago by Jerry and Carol Shields, in order to remove melanomas that involved the ciliary body and/or the choroid, while leaving intact the outer portion of the sclera and the overlying sensory retina [1]. METHODS: We present two cases of iris-ciliary body melanoma with different size. The performed surgery was a partial lamellar sclerouvectomy plus iridectomy, complemented by intraoperative juxtalimbar ruthenium-106 brachytherapy. RESULTS: Both cases achieved anatomical success without developing chronic ocular hypotony in the postoperative period, an infrequent but possible complication [2]. Even one of them reached a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.7 after silicone oil removal and intravitreal implant of dexamethasone because of secondary macular edema. The other remains stable with counting fingers vision. In this case, the poor functional outcome might be influenced by larger size and longer evolution of the tumor, as well as the uncontrolled arterial hypertension and older age of the patient. DISCUSSION: Intraoperative ophthalmic brachytherapy may have a beneficial effect not only over neoplastic activity [2], but also over early choroidal detachments. Its pro-fibrotic/hemostatic stimulus should be further examined by comparative studies with larger cohorts, either prospectively or retrospectively. Other protective factors could be the utilization of equine pericardial grafts for covering scleral defects as well as leaving high-density silicone oil. Another key aspect is to maintain low blood pressure levels during these procedures in order to avoid intraocular hemorrhages [3], especially when the patient exceeds the sixth decade, so the anaesthesiologist will also play a decisive role in the operating room. We prefer to anticipate the likely development of lens opacification after this operation [4], performing cataract surgery at the beginning and using a Cionni capsular tension ring due to a probable zonular instability. Pars plana vitrectomy would also remove peripheral vitreoretinal tractions and seal the retina preventing a detachment. CONCLUSION: As can be observed during the surgical video, a wide range of complications could occur during a partial lamellar sclerouvectomy. Tackle them ahead of time is crucial to achieve anatomical and functional success.

Auditoría inmunitaria de COVID-19 en el servicio de Oftalmología de un hospital de tercer nivel antes del desconfinamiento / Immune audit of COVID-19 at the Department of Ophthalmology of a tertiary hospital before deconfinement

No disponible

Improved Tear Film Stability in Patients with Dry Eye After Hyaluronic Acid and Galactoxyloglucan Use.

PURPOSE: Artificial tears only provide transient relief for dry eye. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to objectively compare treatment with artificial tears with Keratograph 5M, which allows accurate and objective investigation of dry eye and artificial tear treatment. We aimed to evaluate whether a preservative-free combination of 0.4% hyaluronic acid and 0.2% galactoxyloglucan can improve dry eye using the new topographer, Keratograph 5M. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal, single-arm interventional cohort study was performed at a tertiary referral center and involved 20 patients with dry eye (40 eyes). Preservative-free artificial tears were administered every 3 h. The participants underwent clinical and instrumental evaluations at baseline, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after instillation and 1 week and 1 month after treatment. Baseline values were considered as the controls. All patients were assessed with Keratograph 5M for non-invasive Keratograph first break-up time and non-invasive Keratograph average break-up time, conjunctival hyperemia, and tear meniscus height. Ocular surface staining with fluorescein was evaluated using the slit-lamp and fluorescein break-up time examinations, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score was recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The signs and symptoms improved after 1 month of preservative-free 0.4% hyaluronic acid and 0.2% galactoxyloglucan treatment. There was a significant increase in the non-invasive Keratograph first break-up time and non-invasive Keratograph average break-up time at 15, 30, 60, and 90 min, and 1 week and 1 month (P < 0.05) and a decrease in hyperemia, corneal staining, and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores after 1 week and 1 month (P < 0.05). No treatment-related adverse event was observed. CONCLUSION: A combination of 0.4% hyaluronic acid and 0.2% galactoxyloglucan artificial tears seems effective for treating dry eye. Keratograph 5M can objectively detect these changes during the follow-up period.

Renal function and choroidal thickness using swept-source optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients.

AIM: To assess the relationship between choroidal thickness and renal function in diabetic patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective clinical study of 42 eyes of 21 ocular treatment-naïve diabetic patients. Demographic data included: age, sex, type and course of diabetes. Ocular data included: severity of diabetic retinopathy; retinal thickness at the central macular region, as well as choroidal thickness at the central and paracentral quadrants, using automatically generated maps by swept-source optical coherence tomography; presence of cystic macular edema; and ocular axial length (AXL). Lab-test parameters included: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), albuminuria, albumin/creatinine ratio in urine, and glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: A significant negative correlation was mainly observed between several choroidal thicknesses, age (P<0.020) and ocular AXL (P<0.030). On the contrary, a significant positive correlation was found between all choroidal thicknesses, HbA1c (P<0.035) and albuminuria (P<0.040). CONCLUSION: Choroidal thickness can represent an additional tool to help clinicians predicting the renal status in ocular treatment-naïve diabetic patients.

Intravitreal air bubble during exoresection of an iris-ciliary body melanoma.

In this manuscript, as members of a National Reference Unit in Ocular Oncology, we present succinctly our preferred surgical technique for iris-ciliary body melanomas. We attach a video describing the steps we usually follow [Video Clip 1], in which an impressive image of an intravitreal air bubble through the hyaloid membrane can be observed [Fig. 1].

Extreme Surgical Maneuvers in Fungal Endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To present the different evolution of 2 cases of endophthalmitis caused by Fusarium solani, an aggressive filamentous fungus, depending on the medical and surgical treatment performed. METHODS: We present 2 cases of endophthalmitis caused by Fusarium solani. Topical, intrastromal, intravitreal, and systemic antifungal treatment (natamycin, voriconazole, amphotericin B) failed in both cases. Corneal perforation took place in one of them, being unsuccessfully treated with cyanoacrylate and several amniotic membrane transplants. It became necessary to perform a hot penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in both patients. The lenses were removed, and the microbiological analysis showed their colonization by Fusarium solani. In one of the cases, a second PK and a more aggressive pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were performed after corneal recurrence detected by confocal microscopy, as well as the following therapeutic intra- and postoperative maneuvers: anterior chamber washing with povidone-iodine 5% for 1 min; iridectomy of the infiltrated regions; aspiration of the fungal colonies with vitrector; several air/fluid/amphotericin/voriconazole exchanges during PPV; endodiathermy and endophotocoagulation of the chorioretinitis foci; and intrascleral angle injections of voriconazole and amphotericin. RESULTS: These were the only cases of endophthalmitis caused by Fusarium attended to at our hospital during the last 10 years. In the case in which PPV was performed without those maneuvers, endophthalmitis rapidly recurred in a more aggressive way, so finally it became necessary to eviscerate the globe. On the other hand, in the patient who underwent PPV with the specific surgical maneuvers and postoperative procedures described above, we could preserve the eye and even a vision of hand motion without an intraocular lens. CONCLUSIONS: The main objectives of these surgical procedures are to control the fungal infection and to preserve the ocular globe. It is essential to eliminate all ocular structures (iris, lens, vitreous, etc.) affected by this strain of fungus in order to reduce the risk of recurrence. When indicated, early surgery with the appropriate maneuvers detailed above may make an evisceration unnecessary and even recover some visual acuity.

Intraorbital granuloma annulare in an elderly patient.

Classically, granuloma annulare (GA) is a cutaneous disorder localized to the dorsum of the hands and/or feet in children and young adults. Very rarely it can present on the face and rarer still on periorbital structures such as the eyelid and orbital rim. Diagnosis hinges on clinical presentation and histological features, such as palisading granulomas with central destruction of collagen, presence of mucin and lymphohistiocytic infiltration. The etiology of this condition remains unknown, but may involve a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, malignancy and/or infection. Herein is the first reported case of an intraorbital GA in an 86-year-old male patient who presented with right eye proptosis.

Surgical Approaches for Vitreomacular Tractions.

PURPOSE: The aim is to describe the main characteristics of different approaches in vitreomacular traction surgery. Setting/Venue: The video (see www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/ 000442579) about vitreomacular traction surgery was created at the Department of Ophthalmology, Virgin Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain. METHODS: We present the surgical release of vitreomacular tractions in three different pathologies: (1) idiopathic epimacular membrane; (2) proliferative diabetic retinopathy with long-term hemovitreous, and (3) Coats' disease. RESULTS: Although functional success is less common than anatomical success, we will never be able to improve vision without restoring retinal anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: Vitreomacular tractions are perfectly well known by ophthalmologists. However, the method used to release them must be the least aggressive possible in order to avoid retinal tears or macular holes with subsequent visual loss.

Delayed Boston Keratoprosthesis Exchange due to a Preceding Vitreoretinal Surgery with Intraoperative Choroidal Detachment.

PURPOSE: The aim is to describe the main characteristics of an anterior/posterior segment surgery and how to resolve intraoperative complications. Setting/Venue: The anterior and posterior segment surgical video was created at the Department of Ophthalmology, Virgin Macarena University Hospital, Seville, Spain. METHODS: We present the case of a male with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and severe limbal deficiency who needed a Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis, reaching a visual acuity of 0.4 (0.05 before surgery). In the course of follow-up, he developed corneal melting with perforation, immune vitritis, and a large epimacular membrane. We decided to perform a 23-gauge vitrectomy associated with keratoprosthesis exchange. As a consequence of inappropriate anesthesia, the patient woke up during the surgery, provoking a retinal tear besides a choroidal detachment. These damages needed endolaser photocoagulation as well as silicone oil tamponade, forcing us to postpone the exchange. An intravitreal dexamethasone implant was also injected. Two months later, the silicone oil was removed, and the Boston keratoprosthesis was replaced by a new type 1 model with a titanium back plate, which likely improves biocompatibility and retention and may reduce complications such as retroprosthetic membranes and stromal corneal melts. RESULTS: Good anatomical results were achieved, and visual acuity slightly improved to 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: Combined anterior and posterior segment surgery represents a great challenge that can improve not only visual acuity but also quality of life in patients with severe diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.