Stress level and quality of life following pediatric cataract surgery / Avaliação do nível de estresse e de qualidade de vida em crianças submetidas à cirurgia de catarata

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the quality of life and stress level related to visual function following pediatric cataract surgery in a Brazilian public hospital. Methods: This prospective study analyzed children aged 6-14 years old who underwent cataract surgery. The Childhood Stress Scale and Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ) were used to assess stress levels and quality of life, respectively. Both instruments were applied by two psychologists before and after the surgery. Eye examination was performed by two ophthalmologists. Preoperative and postoperative data were compared. Results: In total, 23 children (32 eyes) were enrolled in the study, of which 9 had bilateral cataracts. The average age group at the time of surgery was 9.65 ± 2.26 (6-14) years old. One month after the surgery, the spherical equivalent was -0.90 ± 1.66D, and the corrected distance visual acuity was 0.13 ± 0.10 (0-0.3) LogMAR in bilateral cases and 0.50 ± 0.39 (0-1.3) LogMAR in unilateral cases (p<0.01). According to the Childhood Stress Scale, 77.7% of the bilateral cases and 57.1% of the unilateral cases had stable stress levels, and 34.7% of the children improved their stress level. The analysis of the CVFQ was based on scores for general health, general vision health, competence, personality, and treatment. After cataract surgery, 78.2% of the patients had improved or maintained CVFQ scores in the general health domain; 82.6%, general vision health; 95.6%, competence; 56.5%, personality; and 78.2%, treatment. Conclusion: Pediatric cataract surgery improves the visual function and the quality of life even in patients undergoing surgical procedures, without increasing the stress levels.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida e o nível de estresse relacionada à função visual após a cirurgia de catarata pediátrica em um hospital público brasileiro. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo em crianças de seis a 14 anos submetidas à cirurgia de catarata. A Escala de Stresse Infantil e o Questionário de Função Visual em Crianças foram usados para avaliar o nível de estresse e a qualidade de vida, respectivamente. Ambos os instrumentos foram aplicados por duas psicólogas antes e após a cirurgia. O exame oftalmológico foi realizado por dois oftalmologistas. Os dados coletados no pré e pós-operatório foram comparados. Resultados: Vinte e três crianças (32 olhos) foram incluídas no estudo, nove delas apresentavam catarata bilateral. A média de idade na cirurgia foi de 9,65±2,26 (6 a 14) anos. Um mês após a cirurgia, o equivalente esférico foi de -0,90 ± 1,66D e a acuidade visual corrigida a distância foi de 0,13 ± 0,10 (0-0,3) LogMAR em casos bilaterais e 0,50 ± 0,39 (0-1,3) LogMAR em casos unilaterais (p<0.01). De acordo com a Escala de Stresse Infantil, 77,7% dos casos de catarata bilaterais, e 57,1% dos casos unilaterais mantiveram o nível de estresse e 34,7% das crianças melhoraram o nível de estresse. A análise do Questionário de Função Visual em Crianças foi baseada em pontuações para saúde geral, saúde geral da visão, competência, personalidade e tratamento. Após a cirurgia de catarata, 78,2% dos pacientes melhoraram ou mantiveram o escore do Questionário de Função Visual em Crianças na saúde geral, 82,6% na saúde geral da visão, 95,6% na competência, 56,5% na personalidade e 78,2% no tratamento. Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata pediátrica melhora a função visual e a qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico, sem aumentar o nível de estresse.

Teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic / Teleconsulta em um hospital público de ensino oftalmológico durante a pandemia do COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods: Medical records of patients who requested ophthalmological teleconsultation between June 2020 and March 2021 were reviewed. The main outcomes included demographic data, eye disease symptoms, hypothesized diagnosis, and management. Moreover, the results of a satisfaction survey administered after the consultation were analyzed. Results: Medical records of a total of 161 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 45.98 ± 17.57 (8-90) years, and most were women (113, 70.20%). Only 57 (35.60%) of the patients had made previous follow-up visits to the hospital. The most frequent reason for consultation was the need for a new eyeglass prescription (73, 45.34%), followed by dry eye symptoms (16, 9.93%) and pterygium (13, 8.07%). Other reasons were the monitoring of previously diagnosed eye diseases, such as glaucoma, retinopathies, strabismus, and keratoconus. Regarding the satisfaction survey, 151 (93.78%) patients answered the online questionnaire. Most reported that they were satisfied with the teleconsultation (94.03%) and would participate in a future teleconsultation (90.06%). Conclusion: Teleconsultation could be widely used to assist patients in public ophthalmology healthcare and teaching hospitals. Even though new eyeglass prescriptions are a frequent reason for ophthalmological appointments, patients tend to be satisfied with teleconsultation, as it also provides guidance.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a teleconsulta em um hospital público de ensino oftalmológico, durante o período da pandemia do COVID-19. Métodos: Foram revisados os registros médicos dos pacientes que solicitaram teleconsulta oftalmológica, no período de Junho de 2020 a Março de 2021. Os resultados incluem dados demográficos, sintomas de queixas oculares e hipóteses diagnósticas. Além disso, foram analisados dados da pesquisa de satisfação aplicada após cada teleconsulta. Resultados: Um total de 161 prontuários foram revisados. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 45.98 ± 17.57 (8 a 90) anos, a maioria mulheres, 113 (70,20%). Apenas 57 (35,60%) eram pacientes acompanhados no hospital previamente. A principal razão pela busca pela teleconsulta foi o erro refracional, 73 (45.43%), seguido de olho seco, 16 (9.93%), pterígio, 13 (8.07%). Outros motivos foram o acompanhamento de doenças prévias como glaucoma, retinopatias, miopia, estrabismo e ceratocone. Quanto a pesquisa de satisfação, 151(93,87%) pacientes responderam a pesquisa on-line. A maioria deles mostrou-se satisfeito com a teleconsulta (94.03%) e fariam uma nova teleconsulta (90.06%). Conclusão: A teleconsulta pode auxiliar a saúde pública em oftalmologia podendo ser utilizada em hospitais universitários. Embora o erro refracional tenha sido o motivo mais frequente nas consultas, os pacientes mostraram-se satisfeitos com essa modalidade de atendimento que serve como um serviço de orientação.

Teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To analyze teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: Medical records of patients who requested ophthalmological teleconsultation between June 2020 and March 2021 were reviewed. The main outcomes included demographic data, eye disease symptoms, hypothesized diagnosis, and management. Moreover, the results of a satisfaction survey administered after the consultation were analyzed. RESULTS: Medical records of a total of 161 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 45.98 ± 17.57 (8-90) years, and most were women (113, 70.20%). Only 57 (35.60%) of the patients had made previous follow-up visits to the hospital. The most frequent reason for consultation was the need for a new eyeglass prescription (73, 45.34%), followed by dry eye symptoms (16, 9.93%) and pterygium (13, 8.07%). Other reasons were the monitoring of previously diagnosed eye diseases, such as glaucoma, retinopathies, strabismus, and keratoconus. Regarding the satisfaction survey, 151 (93.78%) patients answered the online questionnaire. Most reported that they were satisfied with the teleconsultation (94.03%) and would participate in a future teleconsultation (90.06%). CONCLUSION: Teleconsultation could be widely used to assist patients in public ophthalmology healthcare and teaching hospitals. Even though new eyeglass prescriptions are a frequent reason for ophthalmological appointments, patients tend to be satisfied with teleconsultation, as it also provides guidance.

Impact of cataract surgery on visual acuity and quality of life assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 in a public teaching hospital in Brazil / Impacto da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida usando o National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 em um hospital público de ensino no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study set out to examine the impact of surgical treatment of senile cataract on visual acuity and quality of life in patients operated in a public teaching hospital. Methods: Prospective study including patients aged over 60 years with clinical indications for cataract surgery treated at a medical residency service. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 was applied. Corrected distance visual acuity was measured before and after cataract surgery. Correlations between National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity were investigated. Surgeons in charge, and surgical complications were also reported. Results: A total of 69 patients (89 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Patients were submitted to unilateral (52) or bilateral (17) surgery. Mean patient age was 70.8 ± 7.3 (52 to 95) years. Mean preoperative and postoperative National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores were 77.4 ± 15.3 (25.7 to 98.2) and 89.7 ± 14.0 (28.2 to 100) respectively. The larger differences in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 subscale scores were associated with general vision (from 34.4 to 48.6). Mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity were 0.7 ± 0.39 (0.3 to 1.3) LogMAR and 0.24 ± 0.19 (0.1 to 1.0) LogMAR respectively. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative findings revealed significant (p<0.001) improvements in quality of life and corrected distance visual acuity. Most surgeries (70%, 74 eyes) were performed by surgeons in training. Comparative analysis between patients submitted to unilateral and bilateral surgery revealed significantly (p=0.016) larger visual acuity gains in patients requiring surgery in both eyes. However, questionnaire scores did not differ significantly (p=2.48). Complications were observed in 13 eyes (14.6%), posterior capsule tear being the most common. Even in these cases, total National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity increased significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Cataract surgery performed in teaching hospital settings improved patient quality of life and visual acuity. Therefore, public health agencies should ensure access to cataract surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da cirurgia de catarata na acuidade visual e na qualidade de vida em adultos submetidos à cirurgia de catarata em hospital público de ensino. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, que incluiu pacientes acima de 60 anos com indicação clínica para cirurgia de catarata em um serviço de residência médica. O National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi aplicado, e a acuidade visual corrigida à distância foi avaliada antes e após a cirurgia de catarata. Foram realizadas correlações entre o escore do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 e a acuidade visual. Cirurgiões e complicações cirúrgicas também foram descritos. Resultados: Foram incluídos neste estudo 89 olhos de 69 pacientes, em um total de 52 cirurgias unilaterais e 17 bilaterais. A idade média foi de 70,8±7,3 anos (52 a 95), e a pontuação média do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 antes da cirurgia foi 77,4±15,3 (25,7 a 98,2) e, depois, de 89,7±14,03 (28,2 a 100). A maior diferença entre os subdomínios do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 foi a visão geral (34,4 a 48,6). A acuidade visual corrigida à distância média antes do procedimento foi de 0,70±0,39 (0,3 a 1,3) LogMAR e, depois, foi de 0,24±0,19 (0,1 a 1,0) LogMAR. Comparando os resultados antes e após a cirurgia de catarata, houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual (p<0,001). Dentre as cirurgias, 70% (74 olhos) foram realizadas por cirurgiões em treinamento. A análise comparativa entre os grupos de pacientes de cirurgias unilaterais e bilaterais apresentou um ganho na acuidade visual maior no grupo que operou ambos os olhos, com significância estatística (p=0,016). No entanto, o aumento na pontuação do questionário, observado em ambos os grupos, não representou diferença estatisticamente significante (p=٢,٤٨٩). Complicações foram observadas em ١٣ olhos (١٤,٦٪), sendo a ruptura de cápsula posterior a mais frequente. Mesmo esses pacientes obtiveram aumento no escore total do National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (p<0,001) e na acuidade visual corrigida à distância (p<0,001). Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata realizada em ambiente hospitalar de ensino proporciona melhora na qualidade de vida e na acuidade visual, sendo fundamental que os órgãos de saúde pública garantam o acesso da população a esse procedimento.

Long-term results of in-the-bag primary intraocular lens implantation in children younger than 24 months / Resultados a longo prazo de implante primário de lente intraocular no saco capsular em crianças menores que 24 meses

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety of primary intraocular lens implantation in a large number of eyes in children aged <24 months. Methods: The medical records of patients aged 5-24 months, who underwent primary intraocular lens implantation in the capsular bag, were reviewed. A foldable three-piece acrylic intraocular lens was implanted by the same surgeon using a single surgical technique. Patients who had <1 year of follow-up after the surgery were excluded. The main outcome measurements included visual acuity, myopic shift, follow-up complications, and additional surgeries. Results: Sixty-eight patients (93 eyes) were analyzed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 15.06 ± 6.19 months (range: 5-24 months), and the spherical equivalent 1 month after surgery was 3.62 ± 2.32 D. After 5.67 ± 3.10 years, the spherical equivalent was -0.09 ± 3.22 D, and the corrected distance visual acuity was 0.33 ± 0.33 and 0.64 ± 0.43 logMAR in bilateral and unilateral cases, respectively (p=0.000). The highest myopic shift was observed in infants who underwent surgery at ages 5 and 6 months. The most frequent complications included visual axis opacification and corectopia. Glaucoma and retinal detachment were not reported. Conclusion: Primary in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in children aged 5-24 months is safe, and is associated with low rates of adverse events and additional surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a segurança do implante de lente intraocular primária em um grande número de olhos em crianças <24 meses. Métodos: Foram revisados os prontuários de pacientes com idade entre 5-24 meses, submetidos a implante primário de lente intraocular no saco capsular. Uma lente intraocular acrílica de três peças dobrável foi implantada pelo mesmo cirurgião usando uma única técnica cirúrgica. Pacientes que tiveram <1 ano de acompanhamento após a cirurgia foram excluídos. Os principais resultados incluíram medidas de acuidade visual, mudança miópica, complicações pós operatórias e cirurgias adicionais. Resultados: Foram analisados 68 pacientes (93 olhos). A média de idade dos pacientes no momento da cirurgia foi de 15,06 ± 6,19 (5 a 24) meses, e o equivalente esférico 1 mês após a cirurgia foi de 3,62 ± 2,32 D. Após 5,67 ± 3,10 anos, o equivalente esférico foi de -0,09 ± 3,22 D, e a acuidade visual corrigida à distância foi de 0,33 ± 0,33 e 0,64 ± 0,43 logMAR em casos bilaterais e casos unilaterais, respectivamente (p=0,000). A maior mudança míopica foi observado em bebês submetidos à cirurgia aos 5 e 6 meses de idade. As complicações mais frequentes incluíram opacificação do eixo visual e corectopia. Glaucoma e descolamento de retina não foram relatados. Conclusão: O implante primário de lente intraocular no saco capsular em crianças de 5-24 meses é seguro e está associado à baixas taxas de eventos adversos e cirurgias adicional.

Long-term results of in-the-bag primary intraocular lens implantation in children younger than 24 months.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety of primary intraocular lens implantation in a large number of eyes in children aged <24 months. METHODS: The medical records of patients aged 5-24 months, who underwent primary intraocular lens implantation in the capsular bag, were reviewed. A foldable three-piece acrylic intraocular lens was implanted by the same surgeon using a single surgical technique. Patients who had <1 year of follow-up after the surgery were excluded. The main outcome measurements included visual acuity, myopic shift, follow-up complications, and additional surgeries. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (93 eyes) were analyzed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 15.06 ± 6.19 months (range: 5-24 months), and the spherical equivalent 1 month after surgery was 3.62 ± 2.32 D. After 5.67 ± 3.10 years, the spherical equivalent was -0.09 ± 3.22 D, and the corrected distance visual acuity was 0.33 ± 0.33 and 0.64 ± 0.43 logMAR in bilateral and unilateral cases, respectively (p=0.000). The highest myopic shift was observed in infants who underwent surgery at ages 5 and 6 months. The most frequent complications included visual axis opacification and corectopia. Glaucoma and retinal detachment were not reported. CONCLUSION: Primary in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in children aged 5-24 months is safe, and is associated with low rates of adverse events and additional surgery.

Posterior Capsule Opacification after Cataract Surgery in Children Over Five Years of Age with Square-edge Hydrophobic versus Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials in square-edged acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 (hydrophobic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes) or group 2 (hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes). The study evaluated PCO rates using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification (EPCO) 2000 software at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative measurements also included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy and postoperative complications other than PCO. RESULTS: Both groups had significant increases in PCO rates after one year. Comparison of the groups showed no significant differences in the EPCO scores at three (group 1, 0.007±0.016 vs group 2, 0.008±0.014; p=0.830), six (group 1, 0.062±0.103 vs group 2, 0.021±0.023; p=0.184), or twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.200±0.193 vs group 2, 0.192±0.138; p=0.902). We also found no significant group differences regarding the change (delta, Δ) in EPCO scores between three and six months (group 1, 0.055±0.09 vs group 2, 0.013±0.02; p=0.113) or between six and twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.139±0.14 vs group 2, 0.171±0.14; p=0.567). Twenty-three percent of patients required Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the twelve-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in PCO rates were found between hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs in children between five and twelve years of age at one year of follow-up.

Posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery in children over five years of age with square-edge hydrophobic versus hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials in square-edged acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 (hydrophobic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes) or group 2 (hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes). The study evaluated PCO rates using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification (EPCO) 2000 software at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative measurements also included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy and postoperative complications other than PCO. RESULTS: Both groups had significant increases in PCO rates after one year. Comparison of the groups showed no significant differences in the EPCO scores at three (group 1, 0.007±0.016 vs group 2, 0.008±0.014; p=0.830), six (group 1, 0.062±0.103 vs group 2, 0.021±0.023; p=0.184), or twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.200±0.193 vs group 2, 0.192±0.138; p=0.902). We also found no significant group differences regarding the change (delta, Δ) in EPCO scores between three and six months (group 1, 0.055±0.09 vs group 2, 0.013±0.02; p=0.113) or between six and twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.139±0.14 vs group 2, 0.171±0.14; p=0.567). Twenty-three percent of patients required Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the twelve-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in PCO rates were found between hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs in children between five and twelve years of age at one year of follow-up.

Histological comparison of in vitro and in vivo development of peripheral posterior capsule opacification in human donor tissue.

In order to study the mechanisms involved in the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) we compared in vivo developed PCO with PCO formed in tissue culture with focus on the periphery of the lens capsule to evaluate lens regeneration potential. We studied three human tissue groups: Cultured lens capsules after mock cataract surgery (n = 6, 30 days), lens capsules from donors that had previously undergone cataract surgery (IOL capsules) (n = 12) and intact lenses (n = 6). All samples were stained with Vimentin, alpha Smooth Muscle Actin, Picro Sirius Red (for collagen) and Paired box protein (Pax6). We found that cultured capsules and less developed IOL capsules consisted mainly of monolayers of mesenchymal cells, while more developed IOL capsules, contained lens epithelial cells (LECs), globular cells and lens fiber cells. Many IOL capsule samples expressed collagen I and III in areas where cells were in contact with the IOL. Pax6 had a similar dispersed distribution in less developed IOL capsules and cultured capsules, while more developed IOL capsules and intact lenses, concentrated Pax6 in LECs at the equatorial lens bow. The similarities between cultured capsules and less developed IOL capsules indicate that our in vitro developed PCO is comparable to early in vivo developed PCO. The similar morphology of more developed IOL capsules and intact lenses seems to indicate an attempt at lens regeneration.

Retrospective study to assess the impact of ranibizumab 0. 5mg in the visual acuity of patients with macular diseases in a real life context / Estudo retrospectivo para avaliar o impacto de ranibizumab 0, 5mg na acuidade visual de pacientes com doenças maculares num contexto de vida real

Abstract Objective: The primary objective of the study is to evaluate, in a population in the state of Bahia, Brazil, the impact of ranibizumab in best-corrected visual acuity of patients with macular disease and macular edema. Methods: This study did a retrospective and observational assessment visual acuity of the group of patients followed at the Professor Edgard Santos University Hospital and Oftalmodiagnose Eye Hospital in 2011 and 2012 in a real life context. Results: The impact on sample patientes post-treatment demonstrated favorable outcome with an increase in visual acuity of 32%, which means improvement of more than one line in the snellem chart. Conclusion: Improvement in visual acuity of this group was observed from baseline to the end of follow up in a real-life context.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo principal do estudo é avaliar, em uma população no estado da Bahia, o impacto do ranibizumab na acuidade visual melhor corrigida de pacientes com doença macular e edema macular. Métodos: Para isso, fizemos uma avaliação retrospectiva e observacional da acuidade visual do grupo de pacientes seguidos no Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos e Oftalmodiagnose Hospital de Olhos em 2011 e 2012 em um contexto de vida real. Resultados: O estudo demonstrou desfecho favorável com aumento da acuidade visual de 32%, o que significa melhora de mais de uma linha no quadro snellem. Conclusão: A melhora da acuidade visual desse grupo foi observada desde o início até o final do seguimento em um contexto da vida real.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs during cataract surgery / Anticoagulantes e agentes antiaplaquetários na cirurgia de catarata

ABSTRACT Patients undergoing cataract surgery are generally elderly, and many take drugs with systemic effects. The surgeon must be aware of the risks of continuing or discontinuing such medications perioperatively. Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants, prescribed to reduce the incidence of thromboembolic events, are often used in this population. This paper aims to review the perioperative use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in the setting of cataract surgery. Topical or intracameral anesthesia is preferred over anesthesia injected with needles. Aspirin can be safely continued in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Warfarin has been extensively studied, and the risk of hemorrhage associated with cataract surgery is low if the international normalized ratio is in the therapeutic range. Only a few studies of direct oral anticoagulants are available, and therefore no definite recommendations regarding those agents can be made at this time. Anesthesia in cataract surgery carries a low risk, even for patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. The discontinuation of this class of drugs before cataract surgery may increase the risk of thromboembolism.

RESUMO Os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata são geralmente idosos e muitos deles usam drogas com efeitos sistêmicos. No entanto, o cirurgião deve estar ciente dos riscos em manter ou descontinuar medicamentos sistêmicos no pré-operatório da cirurgia de catarata, como os anticoagulantes e os antiplaquetários. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar a classe de drogas antiplaquetárias e anticoagulantes e orientar o cirurgião de catarata. A classe de fármacos anticoagulantes e antiplaquetária reduz a incidência de eventos potencialmente tromboembólicos. A anestesia tópica ou intracameral nesses pacientes deve ser preferida em relação à anestesia com agulhas. Aspirina pode ser mantida com segurança nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata. A varfarina foi amplamente estudada e os riscos na cirurgia de catarata são baixos, no entanto, o INR deve ser controlado. Mais estudos são necessários com anticoagulantes orais diretos. Anestesia na cirurgia de catarata tem baixo risco de complicações, mesmo em uso de anticoagulantes ou antiplaquetários sistêmicos. A descontinuação desta classe de medicamentos no pré-operatório da cirurgia de catarata pode aumentar os riscos sistêmicos tromboembólicos.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs during cataract surgery.

Patients undergoing cataract surgery are generally elderly, and many take drugs with systemic effects. The surgeon must be aware of the risks of continuing or discontinuing such medications perioperatively. Antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants, prescribed to reduce the incidence of thromboembolic events, are often used in this population. This paper aims to review the perioperative use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in the setting of cataract surgery. Topical or intracameral anesthesia is preferred over anesthesia injected with needles. Aspirin can be safely continued in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Warfarin has been extensively studied, and the risk of hemorrhage associated with cataract surgery is low if the international normalized ratio is in the therapeutic range. Only a few studies of direct oral anticoagulants are available, and therefore no definite recommendations regarding those agents can be made at this time. Anesthesia in cataract surgery carries a low risk, even for patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. The discontinuation of this class of drugs before cataract surgery may increase the risk of thromboembolism.

Long-term efficiency of cataract surgery with hydrophilic acrylic Ioflex intraocular lens.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of long-term cataract surgery using low-cost intraocular lens implantation in community campaigns. METHODS: Fifty-eight randomly selected patients were evaluated four years after phacoemulsification and Ioflex intraocular lens implantation. Causes of low visual acuity related to the intraocular lens were evaluated, and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72±10.2 years. Four years after surgery, 25 eyes (43.0%) had decreased visual acuity related to the intraocular lens: posterior capsule opacification was noted in 24 eyes (41.3%), and intraocular lens opacification was noted in one eye (1.7%). The total cost of the post-surgical complication treatments represented 6.3% of the initial budget of the entire surgical patient group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of cataract surgery with low-cost Ioflex intraocular lens implantation was significantly reduced in a long-term follow-up study because postoperative complications related to intraocular lenses emerged at higher rates than when the gold-standard treatment was used.

Long-term efficiency of cataract surgery with hydrophilic acrylic Ioflex intraocular lens

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of long-term cataract surgery using low-cost intraocular lens implantation in community campaigns. METHODS: Fifty-eight randomly selected patients were evaluated four years after phacoemulsification and Ioflex intraocular lens implantation. Causes of low visual acuity related to the intraocular lens were evaluated, and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72±10.2 years. Four years after surgery, 25 eyes (43.0%) had decreased visual acuity related to the intraocular lens: posterior capsule opacification was noted in 24 eyes (41.3%), and intraocular lens opacification was noted in one eye (1.7%). The total cost of the post-surgical complication treatments represented 6.3% of the initial budget of the entire surgical patient group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of cataract surgery with low-cost Ioflex intraocular lens implantation was significantly reduced in a long-term follow-up study because postoperative complications related to intraocular lenses emerged at higher rates than when the gold-standard treatment was used.

[Antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens among outpatients, 2000-2004]. / Resistência antimicrobiana dos uropatógenos em pacientes ambulatoriais, 2000-2004.

A retrospective study based on the electronic database of a university hospital was carried out to investigate the prevalence of etiological agents and their susceptibilities to antibiotics, among adult outpatients (> 18 years old) with urinary tract infections. Nine hundred and fifty-seven positive urine cultures were identified between January 2000 and December 2004. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella sp were the three principal bacterial etiological agents. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole presented the highest prevalence of bacterial resistance (46.9%), followed by cefalotin (46.7%), nalidixic acid (27.6%) and nitrofurantoin (22.3%). Over the study period, nalidixic acid presented annual increases of 5.9% in the rate of bacterial resistance (p = 0.02). Ciprofloxacin also showed an increasing trend, of 3.3% per year (p = 0.07). This study demonstrated that the antibiotics that are widely recommended for empirical treatment of urinary tract infection in adults presented high rates of bacterial resistance among the population studied.

Resistência antimicrobiana dos uropatógenos em pacientes ambulatoriais, 2000-2004 / Antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens among outpatients, 2000-2004

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo, baseado no banco de dados eletrônico de um hospital universitário, com objetivo de investigar a prevalência dos germes causadores e suas suscetibilidades aos antibióticos em adultos (idade >18 anos), com infecção do trato urinário atendidos ambulatorialmente. Foram identificados 957 exames de urocultura positiva no período entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2004. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabillis e Klebsiella sp foram três principais bactérias causadoras. Sulfametoxazol-trimetropim apresentou a maior (46,9 por cento) prevalência de resistência bacteriana seguida por cefalotina (46,7 por cento), ácido nalidíxico (27,6 por cento) e nitrofurantoína (22,3 por cento). Durante o período estudado, o ácido nalidíxico apresentou um aumento anual de 5,9 por cento na taxa de resistência bacteriana (p= 0,02). Ciprofloxacina mostrou também a tendência de aumento, com um crescimento anual de 3,3 por cento (p= 0,07). Este estudo demonstrou que os antibióticos amplamente recomendados no tratamento empírico da infecção do trato urinário em adultos apresentaram altas taxas de resistência bacteriana na população estudada.

A retrospective study based on the electronic database of a university hospital was carried out to investigate the prevalence of etiological agents and their susceptibilities to antibiotics, among adult outpatients (> 18 years old) with urinary tract infections. Nine hundred and fifty-seven positive urine cultures were identified between January 2000 and December 2004. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella sp were the three principal bacterial etiological agents. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole presented the highest prevalence of bacterial resistance (46.9 percent), followed by cefalotin (46.7 percent), nalidixic acid (27.6 percent) and nitrofurantoin (22.3 percent). Over the study period, nalidixic acid presented annual increases of 5.9 percent in the rate of bacterial resistance (p = 0.02). Ciprofloxacin also showed an increasing trend, of 3.3 percent per year (p = 0.07). This study demonstrated that the antibiotics that are widely recommended for empirical treatment of urinary tract infection in adults presented high rates of bacterial resistance among the population studied.