Ocular trauma score as a visual prognostic factor of open globe injuries in a hospital of southern Brazil / Escore de Trauma Ocular como fator de prognóstico visual em traumas oculares abertos em um hospital do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the visual acuities predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score and each one of the Ocular Trauma Score variables with the final visual acuities of the victims of open globe injuries in a southern Brazil hospital. Methods: A total of 120 eyes of 119 individuals with open globe injuries were analyzed in this cross-sectional retrospective study that was developed in a university hospital. The information on age, sex, affected eye, trauma mechanism, and other data (such as initial visual acuity, the presence of globe rupture, perforating injury, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and afferent pupillary defect) were used to calculate the Ocular Trauma score, and the final visual acuities of all patients were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Results: We noted an agreement between the visual acuity predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score and the final visual acuity in our study. An isolated analysis of the variables demonstrated significance with regard to the initial visual acuity (p<0.001), retinal detachment (p=0.001), and afferent pupillary defect (p=0.004). No significant differences were detected between the final visual acuities and those determined by the Ocular Trauma Score system for the present study population. Conclusions: The Ocular Trauma Score can be applied for the determination of the visual prognoses of victims of open globe injuries. The most significant variables in this predictive analysis are initial visual acuity, retinal detachment, and afferent pupillary defect. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a acuidade visual prevista pelo Escore de Trauma Ocular com a acuidade visual final dos pacientes vítimas de trauma ocular aberto atendidos em hospital no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Foram analisados 120 olhos de 119 vítimas de trauma ocular aberto. Foi realizado um estudo observacional e retrospectivo em hospital universitário. Foram extraídos dados de prontuários relacionados a idade, sexo, olho acometido e mecanismo de trauma, bem como dados para o cálculo do Escore de Trauma Ocular (acuidade visual inicial, presença de ruptura de globo, perfuração, endoftalmite, descolamento de retina, defeito pupilar aferente) e acuidade visual final. Resultado: Houve concordância entre a acuidade visual prevista pelo Escore de Trauma Ocular e a acuidade visual final prevista no presente estudo. A análise isolada das variáveis demonstrou significância para acuidade visual inicial (p<0,001), para descolamento de retina (p=0,001) e para defeito pupilar aferente (p<0,004). Não houve diferença significativa entre a acuidade visual final do estudo original do Escore de Trauma Ocular. e na população abordada no presente estudo. Conclusão: O Escore de Trauma Ocular pode ser aplicado à população estudada no presente estudo como ferramenta de determinação do prognóstico visual em vítimas de trauma ocular aberto. As variáveis mais significativas são acuidade visual inicial, descolamento de retina e defeito pupilar aferente. Estudos prospectivos com amostras maiores são necessários para comprovar tal hipótese.

Ocular trauma score as a visual prognostic factor of open globe injuries in a hospital of southern Brazil.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual acuities predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score and each one of the Ocular Trauma Score variables with the final visual acuities of the victims of open globe injuries in a southern Brazil hospital. METHODS: A total of 120 eyes of 119 individuals with open globe injuries were analyzed in this cross-sectional retrospective study that was developed in a university hospital. The information on age, sex, affected eye, trauma mechanism, and other data (such as initial visual acuity, the presence of globe rupture, perforating injury, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and afferent pupillary defect) were used to calculate the Ocular Trauma score, and the final visual acuities of all patients were retrieved from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: We noted an agreement between the visual acuity predicted by the Ocular Trauma Score and the final visual acuity in our study. An isolated analysis of the variables demonstrated significance with regard to the initial visual acuity (p<0.001), retinal detachment (p=0.001), and afferent pupillary defect (p=0.004). No significant differences were detected between the final visual acuities and those determined by the Ocular Trauma Score system for the present study population. CONCLUSIONS: The Ocular Trauma Score can be applied for the determination of the visual prognoses of victims of open globe injuries. The most significant variables in this predictive analysis are initial visual acuity, retinal detachment, and afferent pupillary defect. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

Long-term use of topical tacrolimus ointment: a safe and effective option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis / Uso prolongado de tacrolimus tópico: opção eficaz e segura no tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite vernal

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the compliance, efficacy, and safety of the long-term use of topical tacrolimus for the clinical management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Methods: The medical records of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis undergoing long-term treatment with 0.03% topical tacrolimus were retrospectively reviewed. The duration of tacrolimus use and the causes for drug discontinuation were used to assess treatment compliance. To assess drug efficacy, the need for and the number of times that topical corticosteroids were used to control symptoms were registered. Side effects related to tacrolimus use were monitored to determine drug safety. Results: The study cohort consisted of 21 patients who met the eligibility criteria. The mean duration of tacrolimus use was 41.3 ± 18.5 months. Fourteen patients (66.7%) continuously used tacrolimus, and three (14.3%) discontinued treatment following complete remission. Four patients (19%) did not use tacrolimus as prescribed or interrupted tacrolimus use on their own: two (9.5%) because of discomfort upon application and two (9.5%) because of the lack of improvement. Ten patients (47.6%) maintained disease control without the use of corticosteroids, whereas 11 (52.4%) required an average of 2.70 ± 1.35 corticosteroid cycles to control symptoms. The only reported side effect was discomfort upon application. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size and study design limitations, these results support the long-term use of topical tacrolimus as an effective and safe option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with good compliance of patients to the treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a aderência, a eficácia e segurança do uso prolongado de tacrolimus tópico no controle clínico da ceratoconjuntivite vernal. Métodos: Um estudo retrospectivo foi desenvolvido através da análise de prontuários de pacientes com ceratoconjuntivite vernal em tratamento prolongado com tacrolimus tópico 0,03%. A duração do tempo de uso do ta­crolimus e as causas de descontinuação da medicação foram usadas para avaliar a adesão ao tratamento. Para avaliar a eficácia da droga, a necessidade e o número de vezes em que corticoides tópicos foram utilizados para controlar os sintomas foram registrados. Os efeitos colaterais relacionados ao uso do tacrolimus foram monitorados para determinar a segurança da droga. Resultados: Vinte e um pacientes preencheram os critérios de eleição e foram incluídos no estudo. A duração média do uso de tacrolimus foi de 41,3 ± 18,5 meses. Quatorze pacientes (66,7%) usaram continuamente o tacrolimus e 3 (14,3%) descontinuaram o tratamento após a remissão completa. Quatro pacientes (19%) não usaram o tacrolimus conforme prescrito ou interromperam o uso da droga isoladamente: 2 (9,5%) por desconforto na aplicação e 2 (9,5%) pela falta de melhora. Dez pacientes (47,6%) mantiveram a doença sob controle sem o uso de corticoides, enquanto 11 (52,4%) necessitaram em média 2,70 ± 1,35 ciclos corticoides para controle dos sintomas. O único efeito adverso relatado foi desconforto na aplicação. Conclusões: Apesar do pequeno tamanho da amostra e das limitações do desenho do estudo, esses resultados suportam o uso prolongado do tacrolimus tópico como opção eficaz e segura para o tratamento da ceratoconjuntivite vernal, com boa adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento.

Long-term use of topical tacrolimus ointment: a safe and effective option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the compliance, efficacy, and safety of the long-term use of topical tacrolimus for the clinical management of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. METHODS: The medical records of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis undergoing long-term treatment with 0.03% topical tacrolimus were retrospectively reviewed. The duration of tacrolimus use and the causes for drug discontinuation were used to assess treatment compliance. To assess drug efficacy, the need for and the number of times that topical corticosteroids were used to control symptoms were registered. Side effects related to tacrolimus use were monitored to determine drug safety. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 21 patients who met the eligibility criteria. The mean duration of tacrolimus use was 41.3 ± 18.5 months. Fourteen patients (66.7%) continuously used tacrolimus, and three (14.3%) discontinued treatment following complete remission. Four patients (19%) did not use tacrolimus as prescribed or interrupted tacrolimus use on their own: two (9.5%) because of discomfort upon application and two (9.5%) because of the lack of improvement. Ten patients (47.6%) maintained disease control without the use of corticosteroids, whereas 11 (52.4%) required an average of 2.70 ± 1.35 corticosteroid cycles to control symptoms. The only reported side effect was discomfort upon application. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size and study design limitations, these results support the long-term use of topical tacrolimus as an effective and safe option for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis, with good compliance of patients to the treatment.

Topical tacrolimus 0.03% as sole therapy in vernal keratoconjunctivitis: a randomized double-masked study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of the isolated use of tacrolimus compared with the combined use of tacrolimus and olopatadine for the treatment of severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Twenty-one patients with severe VKC were randomized into two groups: one treated with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment combined with 1% olopatadine ophthalmic solution and the other with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment combined with placebo eye drops. The clinical signs and symptoms were graded from 0 to 3, and the efficacy of treatment was determined by the difference between the score at the beginning of treatment and after 30 days. The clinical impression of improvement as perceived by the evaluator and the self-assessment provided by the patient were scored at day 30 of treatment and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The scores for symptoms decreased between the assessments in both groups (-1.7±3.9 in the experimental group; -0.6±1.6 in the control group), with no significant difference between groups (P=0.205). The scores for clinical signs decreased between the assessments in the experimental group (-1.1±2.7) and increased in the control group (0.3±0.9) but with no significant differences (P=0.205). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the self-assessment (P=0.659) and the clinical impression of the evaluator (P=0.387). CONCLUSIONS: The isolated use of tacrolimus and the combined use of tacrolimus and olopatadine seems to have the same efficacy, although controlled studies with larger samples are required to confirm this hypothesis.

Antifúngicos em infecções oculares: drogas e vias de administração / Antifungals in eye infections: drugs and routes of administration

O tratamento das infecções oculares por fungos representa um desafio à prática oftalmológica. Para obtermos resposta terapêutica adequada, além do uso da droga correta, é necessária a administração desta de forma eficaz. Este manuscrito reúne informações a respeito das principais drogas antifúngicas utilizadas em infecções oculares, suas concentrações e principais vias de administração.

Treatment of fungal eye infections represents a challenge to the ophthalmology practice. For an adequate therapeutic response, besides correct drug choice, it is necessary an effectively administration. This script gathers information about the major antifungal drugs used in eye infections, their concentrations and main administration routes.

[Epidemiological profile of keratomycosis at the HC-UNICAMP]. / Perfil epidemiológico das ceratomicoses atendidas no HC-UNICAMP.

BACKGROUND: Fungal keratitis is an important cause of corneal infection mainly in tropical countries. With high morbidity due to delay in diagnosis, laboratory examination is mandatory in these cases. However, technical difficulties in obtaining samples generate a large number of false negatives. In these cases a detailed patient assessment for specific characteristics of this entity may help in diagnosis. PURPOSE: To create an epidemiological profile of patients with keratomycosis to assist in early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by searching patients with keratomycosis diagnostic on the corneal ulcers database. Information about gender, household location, educational level, occupation, age, predisposing and precipitating factors (ocular and systemic), initial etiological hypothesis, laboratory results, healing time, complications, and adjuvant treatments were collected. RESULTS: Of 599 patients with corneal ulcer, 150 (25%) were diagnosed as fungal infection. There was a higher prevalence in males of working age and low educational level. Trauma with plant material was involved in 74 (49.33%) cases. Other factors such as workers and residents of rural areas also supports trauma with vegetal as the main risk factor identified in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the collected data, it was possible to form a profile of patients with fungal ulcers treated by HC-UNICAMP.

Perfil epidemiológico das ceratomicoses atendidas no HC-UNICAMP / Epidemiological profile of keratomycosis at the HC-UNICAMP

INTRODUÇÃO: A ceratite fúngica é uma importante causa de infecção corneana, principalmente em países tropicais. Com alta morbidade devido à demora no diagnóstico, o exame laboratorial torna-se obrigatório nesses casos. Dificuldades técnicas na obtenção das amostras, porém, geram um grande número de exames falso-negativos. Nesses casos, uma detalhada avaliação do paciente em busca de características específicas dessa entidade pode auxiliar na elucidação diagnóstica. OBJETIVOS: Formar um perfil epidemiológico dos portadores de ceratomicose para auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo em base de dados de portadores de úlceras corneanas em busca de pacientes com diagnóstico de ceratomicose. Foram coletadas informações a respeito de sexo, situação do domicílio, grau de instrução, profissão, idade, fatores desencadeantes e predisponentes (oculares e sistêmicos), hipótese etiológica inicial, resultado laboratorial, tempo de cicatrização, complicações e tratamentos adjuvantes. RESULTADOS: Dos 599 pacientes atendidos por úlcera de córnea, 150 (25%) foram diagnosticados como de etiologia fúngica. Houve maior prevalência em homens em idade produtiva e baixo nível de escolaridade. Trauma com material vegetal esteve presente em 74 (49,33%) casos. Demais fatores identificados como trabalhadores e moradores de áreas rurais também suportam o trauma vegetal como principal fator de risco identificado no estudo. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nos dados do estudo foi possível formar um perfil dos portadores de úlceras fúngicas atendidos pelo HC-UNICAMP.

BACKGROUND: Fungal keratitis is an important cause of corneal infection mainly in tropical countries. With high morbidity due to delay in diagnosis, laboratory examination is mandatory in these cases. However, technical difficulties in obtaining samples generate a large number of false negatives. In these cases a detailed patient assessment for specific characteristics of this entity may help in diagnosis. PURPOSE: To create an epidemiological profile of patients with keratomycosis to assist in early diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by searching patients with keratomycosis diagnostic on the corneal ulcers database. Information about gender, household location, educational level, occupation, age, predisposing and precipitating factors (ocular and systemic), initial etiological hypothesis, laboratory results, healing time, complications, and adjuvant treatments were collected. RESULTS: Of 599 patients with corneal ulcer, 150 (25%) were diagnosed as fungal infection. There was a higher prevalence in males of working age and low educational level. Trauma with plant material was involved in 74 (49.33%) cases. Other factors such as workers and residents of rural areas also supports trauma with vegetal as the main risk factor identified in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the collected data, it was possible to form a profile of patients with fungal ulcers treated by HC-UNICAMP.

Estudo da prevalência dos óbitos por trauma nos principais pronto-socorros de Curitiba no período de abril/2001 a abril/2002 / Prevalence deaths by trauma in the main emergency hospitals of Curitiba in the period 04/2001 until 04/2002

O trauma é a terceira maior causa de morte no mundo, com índices menores que as neoplasias e doenças cardiovasculares. Esse estudo objetiva verificar a prevalência de óbitos por trauma nos tres principais pronto-socorros curitibanos, quanto às etiologias mais frequêntes, o sexo e a faixa et0ria mais acometidos e evidenciar a média de anos perdidos devido a esse agravo. Ocorreram no período de abril/2001 a abril/2002 749 óbitos por trauma. A causa mais frequênte foi acidente de trânsito, 43,9 por cento. A faixa etária mais acometida foi 24-29 anos (17,8 por cento), sendo a idade média da mortalidade 35,5 anos, representando 29,5 anos produtivos perdidos. O sexo mais afetado foi o masculino, 82,2 por cento. Conclui-se que jovens em idade produtiva morrem mais por acidentes de trânsito. A maioria destes säo homens e perdem em média quase 30 anos produtivos, levando-se em conta que a vida produtiva de uma pessoa se estende até os 65 anos