Factores asociados con el desprendimiento neurosensorial macular en pacientes miopes magnos con estafiloma inferior / Factors associated with serous retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma

OBJETIVO: Investigar los factores clínicos asociados con el desprendimiento neurosensorial macular en ojos de pacientes miopes magnos con estafiloma inferior. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal de 27 pacientes miopes magnos (44 ojos) con estafiloma inferior. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a un examen oftalmológico completo, incluyendo angiografía fluoresceína. El grosor coroideo, la interfaz vitreorretiniana y la altura del envainamiento macular se analizaron mediante el dispositivo DRI OCT Triton Swept-Source (Topcon Corp., Tokio, Japón). RESULTADOS: De los 44 ojos, 13 presentaron un desprendimiento de la retina neurosensorial y 31 carecían del mismo. No observamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en ninguna de las variables estudiadas (edad, sexo, equivalente esférico, longitud axial, agudeza visual, tracción vitreomacular, membrana epirretiniana o desprendimiento de membrana limitante interna). Los ojos con desprendimiento de la retina neurosensorial presentaron una mayor altura del envainamiento macular (p = 0,01) y una reducción del espesor coroideo (p = 0,02). El desprendimiento neurosensorial macular siempre se produjo en el borde superior del estafiloma inferior y se caracterizó por una hiperfluorescencia granular en la angiografía fluoresceínica. CONCLUSIONES: Una mayor altura del envainamiento macular y un menor grosor coroideo podrían ser factores importantes en el desarrollo del desprendimiento neurosensorial macular en pacientes miopes magnos con estafiloma inferior

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors associated with persistent serous retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma. METHODS: A total of 27 highly myopic patients (44 eyes) with an inferior posterior staphyloma were recruited. Serous retinal detachment was investigated; 13 eyes had persistent sub-macular fluid (study group), and 31 eyes lacked sub-macular fluid (control group). All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations, including axial length measurement and fluorescein angiography (FA). Triton Deep Range Imaging (DRI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Topcon Corp., Tokyo, Japan) scans through the fovea measured choroidal thicknesses, macular bend height, and vitreoretinal interface factors. RESULTS: Of the 44 eyes, 13 had neurosensory retinal detachment and 31 did not. No significant differences were found in any of the studied variables (age, gender, spherical equivalence, axial length, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, internal limiting membrane detachment), except a higher macular bend height (p = 0.01), and a reduced macular choroidal thickness (p = 0.02), which were associated with the risk of serous retinal detachment. No statistically significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed between the study and control groups. Serous retinal detachment always occurred at the bisected retinal pigment epithelium of the macula corresponding to the upper edge of the staphyloma, and was characterised by multiple hyperfluorescent granular patches on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS: A higher macular bend height and a reduced macular choroidal thickness may be important factors in the development of serous retinal detachment in patients with inferior posterior staphyloma

Factors associated with serous retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma. / Factores asociados con el desprendimiento neurosensorial macular en pacientes miopes magnos con estafiloma inferior.

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors associated with persistent serous retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes with inferior posterior staphyloma. METHODS: A total of 27 highly myopic patients (44 eyes) with an inferior posterior staphyloma were recruited. Serous retinal detachment was investigated; 13 eyes had persistent sub-macular fluid (study group), and 31 eyes lacked sub-macular fluid (control group). All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations, including axial length measurement and fluorescein angiography (FA). Triton Deep Range Imaging (DRI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Topcon Corp., Tokyo, Japan) scans through the fovea measured choroidal thicknesses, macular bend height, and vitreoretinal interface factors. RESULTS: Of the 44 eyes, 13 had neurosensory retinal detachment and 31 did not. No significant differences were found in any of the studied variables (age, gender, spherical equivalence, axial length, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, internal limiting membrane detachment), except a higher macular bend height (p = 0.01), and a reduced macular choroidal thickness (p = 0.02), which were associated with the risk of serous retinal detachment. No statistically significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed between the study and control groups. Serous retinal detachment always occurred at the bisected retinal pigment epithelium of the macula corresponding to the upper edge of the staphyloma, and was characterised by multiple hyperfluorescent granular patches on fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSIONS: A higher macular bend height and a reduced macular choroidal thickness may be important factors in the development of serous retinal detachment in patients with inferior posterior staphyloma.

Prospective analysis of macular and optic disc changes after non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively analyse macular and optic disc changes after the occurrence of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and study possible predictors of final visual outcome. METHODS: Patients with NAION underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula and optic nerve head. The examination was repeated 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after onset. Final visual prognosis was evaluated by visual field (VF) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final visit. Data within the NAION group were analysed over the course of the disease and compared to a disease-free control group at each visit. RESULTS: Twenty-two eyes with NAION and 43 eyes from a control group were included. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was significantly thicker in NAION eyes than controls at presentation (P=0.00), and significantly decreased during the next 3 months after presentation (P=0.02). The ganglion cell+inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) was thinner in the NAION group throughout the course of the disease (all P<0.05). Although the acute NAION eyes had significantly lower cup/disc ratios and higher neuroretinal and disc sizes (all P=0.00), there were no significant differences between groups from the third month onwards (all P>0.05). The best predictors of BCVA and VF were GCIPL at 3 months of follow-up (r2=0.32; P=0.03) and RNFL at 6 months of follow-up (r2=0.41; P=0.01) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RNFL and optic disc changes occur during the first 3 months after the onset of NAION, whereas GCIPL is affected soon after the onset of symptoms. GCIPL and RNFL are useful predictors of final visual outcome.

Estudio longitudinal de la función visual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente con y sin antecedentes de neuritis óptica / Longitudinal study of visual function in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with and without a history of optic neuritis

Introducción: El examen de la sensibilidad al contraste permite determinar la calidad de la función visual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM). El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las modificaciones evolutivas de la función visual en pacientes con EM remitente-recurrente. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal de 61 pacientes clasificados en 3 grupos: a) pacientes libres de enfermedad (grupo control); b) pacientes con EM y sin antecedentes de neuritis óptica (NO), y c) pacientes con EM y antecedentes de NO unilateral. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una exploración oftalmológica que incluía agudeza visual y test de sensibilidad al contraste tipo Pelli-Robson mono y binocularmente, tanto al inicio como a los 6 años de seguimiento. Resultados: La sensibilidad al contraste monocular en pacientes con EM con y sin antecedentes de NO fue significativamente inferior al grupo control tanto al inicio (p=0,00 y p=0,01) como a los 6 años (p = 0,01 y p = 0,02), manteniéndose estable a lo largo del seguimiento excepto en el grupo de pacientes con NO en el cual existe una pérdida significativa de sensibilidad al contraste (p = 0,01). La agudeza visual y la sensibilidad al contraste binocular al inicio y a los 6 años de seguimiento fueron significativamente inferiores en el grupo de pacientes con antecedentes de NO que en el grupo control (p = 0,003 y p = 0,002; p = 0,006 y p = 0,005) y con EM sin NO (p = 0,04 y p = 0,038; p = 0,008 y p = 0,01); sin embargo, no encontramos diferencias significativas en el seguimiento (p = 0,1 y p = 0,5). Conclusiones: El test de Pelli-Robson monocular podría servir como marcador evolutivo del deterioro de la función visual en ojos con NO

Introduction: The contrast sensitivity test determines the quality of visual function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study is to analyse changes in visual function in patients with relapsing-remitting MS with and without a history of optic neuritis (ON). Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study including 61 patients classified into 3 groups as follows: a) disease-free patients (control group); b) patients with MS and no history of ON; and c) patients with MS and a history of unilateral ON. All patients underwent baseline and 6-year follow-up ophthalmologic examinations, which included visual acuity and monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity tests. Results: Monocular contrast sensitivity was significantly lower in MS patients with and without a history of ON than in controls both at baseline (P=.00 and P=.01, respectively) and at 6 years (P=.01 and P=.02). Patients with MS and no history of ON remained stable throughout follow-up whereas those with a history of ON displayed a significant loss of contrast sensitivity (P=.01). Visual acuity and binocular contrast sensitivity at baseline and at 6 years was significantly lower in the group of patients with a history of ON than in the control group (P=.003 and P=.002 vs P=.006 and P=.005) and the group with no history of ON (P=.04 and P=.038 vs P=.008 and P=.01). However, no significant differences were found in follow-up results (P=.1 and P=.5). Conclusions: Monocular Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test may be used to detect changes in visual function in patients with ON

Longitudinal study of visual function in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with and without a history of optic neuritis. / Estudio longitudinal de la función visual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple remitente-recurrente con y sin antecedentes de neuritis óptica.

INTRODUCTION: The contrast sensitivity test determines the quality of visual function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study is to analyse changes in visual function in patients with relapsing-remitting MS with and without a history of optic neuritis (ON). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study including 61 patients classified into 3 groups as follows: a) disease-free patients (control group); b) patients with MS and no history of ON; and c) patients with MS and a history of unilateral ON. All patients underwent baseline and 6-year follow-up ophthalmologic examinations, which included visual acuity and monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity tests. RESULTS: Monocular contrast sensitivity was significantly lower in MS patients with and without a history of ON than in controls both at baseline (P=.00 and P=.01, respectively) and at 6 years (P=.01 and P=.02). Patients with MS and no history of ON remained stable throughout follow-up whereas those with a history of ON displayed a significant loss of contrast sensitivity (P=.01). Visual acuity and binocular contrast sensitivity at baseline and at 6 years was significantly lower in the group of patients with a history of ON than in the control group (P=.003 and P=.002 vs P=.006 and P=.005) and the group with no history of ON (P=.04 and P=.038 vs P=.008 and P=.01). However, no significant differences were found in follow-up results (P=.1 and P=.5). CONCLUSIONS: Monocular Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test may be used to detect changes in visual function in patients with ON.

[Analysis of the quantitative differences in the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer between time-domain and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis]. / Analisis de las diferencias cuantitativas en el grosor de la capa de fibras nerviosas retiniana entre la tomografia de coherencia optica de dominio-tiempo y de dominio-espectral en pacientes con esclerosis multiple remitente recurrente.

INTRODUCTION: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a tool that is increasingly more commonly used in the study of neuro-degenerative diseases. AIMS: To analyse and correlate the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) by means of time-domain and spectral-domain OCT in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), with and without a history of optic neuritis (ON). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the thickness (mean and by quadrants) of the RNFL of 15 disease-free subjects, 28 with MS with no prior history of ON and 18 with a history of ON. The full ophthalmologic examination included measurement of the RNFL by means of time-domain and spectral-domain tomography. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences are found between the two tomography scans on comparing the mean thickness of the RNFL of the control group (p = 0.000), the group with a history of ON (p = 0.000) and the group without ON (p = 0.000). We obtained a strong, statistically significant and directly proportional correlation between the mean thickness of the RNFL measured with the two types of tomography in the control group (rho = 0.842; p = 0.000), and the groups of eyes without ON (rho = 0.91; p = 0.000) and with ON (rho = 0.902; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong correlation between the two tomography scans in the measurement of the thickness of the RNFL in patients with MS, with and without a history of ON. Time-domain OCT quantifies greater thicknesses, and therefore both types of tomography have proven to be effective in the study of MS, although the results cannot be interchanged or extrapolated.

TITLE: Analisis de las diferencias cuantitativas en el grosor de la capa de fibras nerviosas retiniana entre la tomografia de coherencia optica de dominio-tiempo y de dominio-espectral en pacientes con esclerosis multiple remitente recurrente.Introduccion. La tomografia de coherencia optica (OCT) es una herramienta cada vez mas extendida en el estudio de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas. Objetivos. Analizar y correlacionar el grosor de la capa de fibras nerviosas retiniana (CFNR) mediante OCT de dominio-tiempo y dominio-espectral en pacientes con esclerosis multiple (EM) remitente recurrente, con y sin antecedente de neuritis optica (NO). Sujetos y metodos. Estudio transversal del grosor medio y por cuadrantes de la CFNR en 15 sujetos libres de enfermedad, 28 con EM sin historia previa de NO y 18 con antecedentes de NO. La exploracion oftalmologica completa incluia la medicion de la CFNR mediante tomografos de dominio-tiempo y dominio-espectral. Resultados. Existen diferencias estadisticamente significativas entre ambos tomografos al comparar el grosor medio de la CFNR en el grupo control (p = 0,000), el grupo con antecedentes de NO (p = 0,000) y el grupo sin NO (p = 0,000). Hemos obtenido una fuerte correlacion, estadisticamente significativa y directamente proporcional entre el grosor medio de la CFNR medido con ambos tomografos en el grupo control (rho = 0,842; p = 0,000), y los grupos de ojos sin NO (rho = 0,91; p = 0,000) y con NO (rho = 0,902; p = 0,000). Conclusiones. Existe una fuerte correlacion en la medicion del grosor de la CFNR entre ambos tomografos en pacientes con EM, con y sin antecedente de NO. La OCT de dominio-tiempo cuantifica grosores mayores, por lo que ambos tomografos se demuestran eficaces en el estudio de la EM, aunque los resultados no son intercambiables ni extrapolables.

Development of advanced biantibiotic loaded bone cement spacers for arthroplasty associated infections.

The incidence increase of infections in patients with hip or knee implants with resistant pathogens (mainly some S. coagulase-negative and gram positive bacteria) demands advanced antibiotic loaded formulations. In this paper, we report the design of new biantibiotic acrylic bone cements for in situ delivery. They include a last generation antibiotic (daptomycin or linezolid) in combination with vancomycin and are performed based on a novel modification of the Palacos R® acrylic bone cement, which is based on two components, a liquid (methyl methacrylate) and a solid (polymeric phase). Hence, the solid component of the experimental formulations include 45wt% of microparticles of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid, 55wt% of poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and supplements (10wt-% each) of antibiotics. These formulations provide a selective and excellent control of the local release of antibiotics during a long time period (up to 2 months), avoiding systemic dissemination. The antimicrobial activity of the advanced spacers tested against S. aureus shows that single doses would be enough for the control of the infection. In vitro biocompatibility of cements on human osteoblasts is ensured. This paper is mainly focused on the preparation and characterization of cements and the studies of elution kinetics and bactericidal effects. Developed formulations are proposed as spacers for the treatment of infected arthroplasties, but also, they could be applied in other antibiotic devices to treat relevant bone-related infection diseases.

Análisis del grosor macular y de capa de fibras nerviosas en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en relación con su nivel de gravedad y antecedentes previos de neuritis óptica / Analysis of macular and nerve fiber layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients according to severity level and optic neuritis episodes

Introducción: Evaluar cuantitativamente el grosor macular y de la capa de fibras nerviosas en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en relación con la escala expandida del estado de discapacidad (EDSS) con o sin antecedentes previos de neuritis óptica. Métodos: Sesenta y dos pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis múltiple (53 remitente recidivante y 9 secundariamente progresiva) y 12 libres de enfermedad fueron reclutados para el estudio. Se les realizó una exploración oftalmológica, incluyendo el análisis cuantitativo de la capa de fibras nerviosas retinianas y el grosor macular mediante tomografía óptica de coherencia. Los pacientes fueron clasificados según la escala EDSS en: A: inferior a 1,5; B: entre 1,5 y 3,5, y C: superior a 3,5. Resultados: El grosor medio ± desviación estándar de la capa de fibras nerviosas en los grupos control, A, B y C fue de 103,35 ± 12,62, 99,04 ± 14,35, 93,59 ± 15,41 y 87,36 ± 18,75 μm, respectivamente, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05). En pacientes sin una historia previa de neuritis, o con un episodio de esta patología entre 3 y 6 meses de evolución o anterior a 6 meses, el grosor medio fue de 99,25 ± 13,71, 93,92 ± 13,30, 80,07 ± 15,91 μm, respectivamente, con diferencias significativas (p < 0,05). El grosor macular medio en el grupo control, A, B y C se situó en 220,01 ± 12,07, 217,78 ± 20,02, 217,68 ± 20,77 y 219,04 ± 24,26 μm, respectivamente. Las diferencias observadas entre grupos no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: El grosor medio de la capa de fibras nerviosas en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple se relaciona con el nivel en la escala EDSS. Los pacientes con historia previa de neuritis óptica cursan con una disminución del grosor de esta capa respecto a aquellos sin antecedentes de neuritis. El grosor macular no se relaciona con el grado de afectación en la EDSS

Introduction: Quantitative assessment of macular and nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients with regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and presence or absence of previous optic neuritis episodes. Methods: We recruited 62 patients with multiple sclerosis (53 relapsing-remitting and 9 secondary progressive) and 12 disease-free controls. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including quantitative analysis of the nerve fibre layer and macular thickness using optical coherence tomography. Patients were classified according to EDSS as A (lower than 1.5), B (between 1.5 and 3.5), and C (above 3.5). Results: Mean nerve fibre layer thickness in control, A, B, and C groups was 103.35 ± 12.62, 99.04 ± 14.35, 93.59 ± 15.41, and 87.36 ± 18.75 μm respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). In patients with no history of optic neuritis, history of episodes in the last 3 to 6 months, or history longer than 6 months, mean nerve fibre layer thickness was 99.25 ± 13.71, 93.92 ± 13.30 and 80.07 ± 15.91 μm respectively; differences were significant (P < .05). Mean macular thickness in control, A, B, and C groups was 220.01 ± 12.07, 217.78 ± 20.02, 217.68 ± 20.77, and 219.04 ± 24.26 μm respectively. Differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients is related to the EDSS level. Patients with previous optic neuritis episodes have a thinner retinal nerve fibre layer than patients with no history of these episodes. Mean macular thickness is not correlated to EDSS leve

Grosor coroideo macular en la neuropatía óptica isquémica anterior no arterítica / Macular choroidal thickness in non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy

OBJETIVO: Analizar el grosor coroideo macular (GCM) en la neuropatía óptica isquémica anterior no arterítica (NOIA-NA). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Un total de 22 pacientes diagnosticados de NOIA-NA (22 ojos) y 42 sujetos sanos (42 ojos) fueron estudiados usando tomografía de coherencia óptica con técnica Enhanced Depth Imaging (EDI-OCT). Se realizó un escáner de una línea horizontal centrado en la fóvea 3 meses después del inicio de NOIA-NA. Se tomaron 3 medidas desde la parte posterior del epitelio pigmentario hasta la unión esclerocoroidea a intervalos de 500 μm en las 1.500 μm centrales de la mácula. Los resultados fueron analizados estadísticamente comparando la media de GCM entre grupos y correlacionando el GCM con otros parámetros oculares y sistémicos. RESULTADOS: Excepto en el error refractivo (p = 0,01), no hubo diferencias significativas en longitud axial (p = 0,53), edad (p = 0,88) ni en otros parámetros oculares ni epidemiológicos entre grupos. La media de GCM en la NOIA-NA y en el grupo control fue 236,21 ± 63,29 μm y 269,13 ± 52,28, respectivamente. La media del GCM fue significativamente más delgada en ojos con NOIA-NA que en sanos (p = 0,03). El adelgazamiento del GCM estuvo asociado con el diagnóstico de NOIA-NA después de ajustar por error refractivo (p = 0,04). CONCLUSIONES: Los ojos afectos con NOIA-NA mostraron un GCM significativamente más adelgazado que en sujetos sanos, después de ajustar por error refractivo

OBJECTIVE: To analyse macular choroidal thickness (MCT) in non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis was made on 22 patients diagnosed with NAION (22 eyes) and 42 healthy controls (42 eyes) using enhanced-depth imaging of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A horizontal raster scan centred on the fovea was obtained per eye 3 months after the onset of NAION. Three measurements of MCT were obtained from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium to the choroid-sclera junction at 500 μm intervals. Statistical analysis was used to compare the mean MCT and to correlate MCT with other ocular and systemic parameters. RESULTS: Except for refractive error (P=.01), there were no statistically significant differences between both groups in axial length (P=.53), age (P=.88) and other epidemiological and ocular parameters. Mean MCT in NAION eyes and control group was 236.21 ± 63.29 μm and 269.13 ± 52.28, respectively. Mean MCT was significantly thinner in NAION eyes than in healthy eyes (P=.03). Thinner MCT, adjusted for refractive error, was associated with the diagnosis of NAION (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes affected by NAION showed significantly thinner MCT compared with healthy control eyes after adjusting for refractive error

Macular choroidal thickness in non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. / Grosor coroideo macular en la neuropatía óptica isquémica anterior no arterítica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse macular choroidal thickness (MCT) in non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis was made on 22 patients diagnosed with NAION (22 eyes) and 42 healthy controls (42 eyes) using enhanced-depth imaging of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A horizontal raster scan centred on the fovea was obtained per eye 3 months after the onset of NAION. Three measurements of MCT were obtained from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium to the choroid-sclera junction at 500µm intervals. Statistical analysis was used to compare the mean MCT and to correlate MCT with other ocular and systemic parameters. RESULTS: Except for refractive error (P=.01), there were no statistically significant differences between both groups in axial length (P=.53), age (P=.88) and other epidemiological and ocular parameters. Mean MCT in NAION eyes and control group was 236.21±63.29µm and 269.13±52.28, respectively. Mean MCT was significantly thinner in NAION eyes than in healthy eyes (P=.03). Thinner MCT, adjusted for refractive error, was associated with the diagnosis of NAION (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes affected by NAION showed significantly thinner MCT compared with healthy control eyes after adjusting for refractive error.

Analysis of macular and nerve fiber layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients according to severity level and optic neuritis episodes. / Análisis del grosor macular y de capa de fibras nerviosas en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en relación con su nivel de gravedad y antecedentes previos de neuritis óptica.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative assessment of macular and nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients with regard to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and presence or absence of previous optic neuritis episodes. METHODS: We recruited 62 patients with multiple sclerosis (53 relapsing-remitting and 9 secondary progressive) and 12 disease-free controls. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, including quantitative analysis of the nerve fibre layer and macular thickness using optical coherence tomography. Patients were classified according to EDSS as A (lower than 1.5), B (between 1.5 and 3.5), and C (above 3.5). RESULTS: Mean nerve fibre layer thickness in control, A, B, and C groups was 103.35±12.62, 99.04±14.35, 93.59±15.41, and 87.36±18.75µm respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<.05). In patients with no history of optic neuritis, history of episodes in the last 3 to 6 months, or history longer than 6 months, mean nerve fibre layer thickness was 99.25±13.71, 93.92±13.30 and 80.07±15.91µm respectively; differences were significant (P<.05). Mean macular thickness in control, A, B, and C groups was 220.01±12.07, 217.78±20.02, 217.68±20.77, and 219.04±24.26µm respectively. Differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in multiple sclerosis patients is related to the EDSS level. Patients with previous optic neuritis episodes have a thinner retinal nerve fibre layer than patients with no history of these episodes. Mean macular thickness is not correlated to EDSS level.

Relación entre el test de sensibilidad al contraste y el nivel de gravedad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Relationship between contrast sensitivity test and disease severity in multiple sclerosis patients

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la utilidad de la prueba de sensibilidad al contraste Pelli-Robson en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple, dependiendo de la escala expandida del estado de discapacidad (EDSS). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 62 pacientes diagnosticados de esclerosis múltiple y remitidos desde el Servicio de Neurología a la Unidad de Neurooftalmología del Hospital Virgen de la Victoria. Los pacientes fueron clasificados según la escala EDSS en 3 grupos: A) inferior a 1,5; B) entre 1,5 y 3,5 y C) superior a 3,5. Se determinó la agudeza visual y la sensibilidad al contraste monocular y binocular mediante las pruebas de Snellen y Pelli-Robson, respectivamente. Un total de 12 pacientes libres de enfermedad fueron reclutados como grupo control. Se analizaron estadísticamente los resultados obtenidos. RESULTADOS: El tiempo medio de evolución de la enfermedad fue de 81,54 ± 35,32 meses. Los valores medios del Pelli-Robson monocular y binocular en el grupo control fueron 1,82 ± 0,10 y 1,93 ± 0,43, mientras que en los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple fueron 1,61 ± 0,29 y 1,83 ± 0,19 respectivamente, siendo estas diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el análisis monocular para un nivel de significación de p < 0,05. Respecto al nivel de gravedad, los valores medios monoculares y binoculares de la prueba de Pelli-Robson fueron en el grupo A: 1,66 ± 0,24 y 1,90 ± 0,98; en el grupo B: 1,64 ± 0,21 y 1,82 ± 0,16 y en el grupo C: 1,47 ± 0,45 y 1,73 ± 0,32, respectivamente. Las diferencias entre grupos mostraron una significación estadística para ambas pruebas: p = 0,05 y p = 0,027. CONCLUSIONES: La sensibilidad al contraste, monocular y binocular, analizada mediante la prueba de Pelli-Robson disminuye significativamente según aumenta el nivel de gravedad medida con la escala EDSS en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test in multiple sclerosis patients according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients with multiple sclerosis were included in a retrospective study. Patients were enrolled from the Neurology Department to Neuroophthalmology at Virgen de la Victoria Hospital. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to EDSS: group A) lower than 1.5, group B) between 1.5 and 3.5 and group C) greater than 3.5. Visual acuity and monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity were performed with Snellen and Pelli-Robson tests respectively. Twelve disease-free control participants were also recruited. Correlations between parameter changes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean duration of the disease was 81.54 ± 35.32 months. Monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson mean values in the control group were 1.82 ± 0.10 and 1.93 ± 0.43 respectively, and 1.61 ± 0.29 and 1.83 ± 0.19 in multiple sclerosis patients. There were statistically significant differences in the monocular analysis for a level of significance P<0.05. Mean monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson values in relation to gravity level were, in group A: 1.66 ± 0.24 and 1.90 ± 0.98, group B: 1.64 ± 0.21 and 1.82 ± 0.16, and group C: 1.47 ± 0.45 and 1.73 ± 0.32 respectively. Group differences were statistically significant in both tests: P=0.05 and P=0.027. CONCLUSIONS: Monocular and binocular contrast discrimination analyzed using the Pelli-Robson test was found to be significantly lower when the severity level, according EDSS, increases in multiple sclerosis patients

Effect of three pFSH doses on superovulation and embryo quality in goats during two breeding seasons in north-eastern mexico.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of three pFSH doses (80 mg; 145 mg and 215 mg) on ovarian response and on quantity and quality of transferable embryos of goats during the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. Ovary structures were exposed (laparatomy under general anaesthesia) and numbers of follicles and corpora lutea were registered. Surgical embryo flushing was conducted to count and classify embryos. There were more follicles (3.4 ± 1.1) in does administered 80 mg of pFSH (p < 0.05) than in goats administered 145 mg of pFSH (2.2 ± 1.1) and 215 mg of pFSH (0.9 ± 0.6). Numbers of corpora lutea, blastocysts, and recovered and transferable embryos of goats administered 145 mg pFSH (13.4 ± 3.7, 2.42 ± 1.0, 3.4 ± 1.2 and 3.2 ± 1.1, respectively) and those of goats administered 215 mg pFSH (11.6 ± 2.6, 3.2 ± 0.9, 5.7 ± 1.5, and 5.6 ± 1.5) were greater (p < 0.05) than values obtained from goats administered 80 mg pFSH (4.0 ± 1.5, 0.5 ± 0.3, 1.0 ± 0.5, and 0.8 ± 0.5). Numbers of morula of does administered 80 and 145 mg pFSH (0.4 ± 0.4 and 0.8 ± 0.3) were lower (p < 0.05) than those obtained from animals treated with 215 mg pFSH (2.4 ± 0.9). There was no effect of season upon the analyzed variables. In conclusion, under the prevalent conditions in north-eastern Mexico, administration of 145 or 215 mg pFSH in a decreasing dose schedule over 3.5 days to bred goats provided a satisfactory superovulatory result.

Relationship between contrast sensitivity test and disease severity in multiple sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the importance of the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test in multiple sclerosis patients according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 62 patients with multiple sclerosis were included in a retrospective study. Patients were enrolled from the Neurology Department to Neuroophthalmology at Virgen de la Victoria Hospital. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to EDSS: group A) lower than 1.5, group B) between 1.5 and 3.5 and group C) greater than 3.5. Visual acuity and monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity were performed with Snellen and Pelli-Robson tests respectively. Twelve disease-free control participants were also recruited. Correlations between parameter changes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean duration of the disease was 81.54±35.32 months. Monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson mean values in the control group were 1.82±0.10 and 1.93±0.43 respectively, and 1.61±0.29 and 1.83±0.19 in multiple sclerosis patients. There were statistically significant differences in the monocular analysis for a level of significance P<.05. Mean monocular and binocular Pelli-Robson values in relation to gravity level were, in group A: 1.66±0.24 and 1.90±0.98, group B: 1.64±0.21 and 1.82±0.16, and group C: 1.47±0.45 and 1.73±0.32 respectively. Group differences were statistically significant in both tests: P=.05 and P=.027. CONCLUSIONS: Monocular and binocular contrast discrimination analyzed using the Pelli-Robson test was found to be significantly lower when the severity level, according EDSS, increases in multiple sclerosis patients.

[Choroidal neovascularization secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum treated with ranibizumab: a report of 2 cases]. / Neovascularización coroidea secundaria a seudoxantoma elástico tratada con ranibizumab: a propósito de dos casos.

CASE REPORT: We report 2 cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum with angioid streaks and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in both eyes. Intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) was administered with successful results in both cases. DISCUSSION: CNV has been reported to occur in 72% to 86% of patients with angioid streaks. Although uncommon, the impact of CNV is important because it tends to affect people of working age. Based on the effectiveness of ranibizumab in other secondary CNVs, we decided to use it in our patients, observing the functional and anatomical improvement.

Neovascularización coroidea secundaria a seudoxantoma elástico tratada con ranibizumab: a propósito de dos casos / Choroidal neovascularization secondary to pseudoxanthoma elasticum treated with ranibizumab: a report of 2 cases

Caso clínico: Se presentan dos pacientes diagnosticados de seudoxantoma elástico (PXE), que presentaban estrías angioides (EA) en ambos ojos y neovascularización coroidea (NVC) secundaria de manera unilateral. Ambos fueron tratados con inyecciones intravítreas de ranibizumab (Lucentis), obteniendo una respuesta favorable en ambos casos. Discusión: La NVC afecta al 72-86% de los pacientes con estrías angioides. Es una enfermedad poco frecuente pero importante, ya que se presenta en pacientes con vida laboral activa. Se decidió emplear este tratamiento teniendo en cuenta la efectividad del ranibizumab en NVC secundarias a otros procesos patológicos, observando la mejoría anatómica y funcional del cuadro(AU)

Case report: We report 2 cases of pseudoxanthoma elasticum with angioid streaks andchoroidal neovascularization (CNV) in both eyes. Intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) was administered with successful results in both cases. Discussion: CNV has been reported to occur in 72% to 86% of patients with angioid streaks. Although uncommon, the impact of CNV is important because it tends to affect people of working age. Based on the effectiveness of ranibizumab in other secondary CNVs, we decided to use it in our patients, observing the functional and anatomical improvement(AU)

Time course of cardiac performance in hypertensive patients after verapamil assessed by nuclear ventriculography.

The effects of oral verapamil monotherapy (320 mg/day) given to a group of essential hypertensive patients (n = 16) on blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and ventricular function measured by means of nuclear ventriculography (NV) were investigated. Verapamil significantly lowered systolic (SP) (p less than 0.001) and diastolic (DP) (p less than 0.001) blood pressure. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ejection rate (LVER) were reduced from 61.61 +/- 6.34 to 54.16 +/- 6.09% (p less than 0.001) and from 255.6 +/- 58.9 to 217.4 +/- 56.03% (p less than 0.02), respectively. On the other hand, in the right ventricle, the drug only reduced the right ventricular filling rate (RVFR) from 225.2 +/- 60.02 to 167.5 +/- 43.7% (p less than 0.05). Total blood volume (TBV) was also significantly diminished (p less than 0.05). Variations in LVEF (delta LVEF) and RVEF (delta RVEF) correlated with variations in blood pressures and TVB (delta TVB). The results indicate that the hypotensive action mechanism of verapamil could be explained at least in part by a reduction in LVEF and systemic vasodilatation.

Relationships between verapamil plasma concentrations and its antihypertensive action.

Twenty-seven hypertensive outpatients were studied to evaluate the efficacy of verapamil after a single oral dose as well as following a short-term treatment and also in combination with oxprenolol. Blood pressure was significantly reduced (p 0.01) after verapamil monotherapy and the combined treatment. PR interval was lengthened from 30 min to 4 h during acute testing, and also after short-term treatment. QT was only prolonged after the verapamil monotherapy. Systolic time intervals (STIs) were not modified, except left ventricular ejection time (LVETc). Direct correlations were found among verapamil plasma concentrations and changes provoked on blood pressure and PR interval. The mean side effects found were disturbance of atrioventricular conduction in two patients without ulterior complications. The results suggest that verapamil monotherapy or in combination with oxprenolol could be useful in the treatment of essential hypertension.