Ultra-low dose of intravitreal bevacizumab in retinopathy of prematurity.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the effectivity of the 0.0625 mg dose of bevacizumab in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and compare the results with 0.625 mg dose of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection. METHODS: The medical records of the patients with type 1 ROP who received IVB monotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The patients were classified into two groups with respect to received dose of bevacizumab as follows: group F (n = 46) (full dose of bevacizumab-0.625 mg/0.025 ml) and group L (n = 45) (low dose (one tenth) of bevacizumab-0.0625 mg/0.025 ml). RESULTS: Both treatment dose regimens have similar outcomes. Moreover, the mean retinal vascularization time seemed to be significantly higher in group F compared to group L, 168 ± 65 and 97 ± 29 days, respectively (p < 0.001). Disappearance of plus sign is observed earlier in group F (2.45 ± 1.7 vs 3.66 ± 2.46 days, respectively, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The low dose (0.0625 mg) of IVB treatment was effective as full (0.625 mg) dose in ROP treatment. Moreover, our results showed that low-dose treatment might provide faster retinal vascularization than the regular used dose. On the other hand, disappearance of the plus sign takes longer time in patients treated with low dose compared to eyes treated with full dose of IVB that should be taken into account.

Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients With Behçet's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sexual dysfunction in male patients with Behçet's Disease in comparison to healthy control subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two sexually active male patients with Behçet's Disease and 62 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were noted. Sexual function was assessed by means of the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. In addition, disease-related quality of life was measured by means of the Nottingham Health Profile, and anxiety and depression levels were assessed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Patients with Behçet's Disease scored significantly lower in each of the 5 parameters of International Index of Erectile Function (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale compared to healthy control subjects (p < 0.001). International Index of Erectile Function scores correlated with age, duration of disease and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Nottingham Health Profile scores in patients with Behçet's Disease (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sexual function is impaired in male patients with Behçet's Disease, which might be associated by age, duration of disease, psychological status and quality of life.

Evaluation of orbital arteries with colour Doppler ultrasonography in patients with psoriasis.

AIM: To evaluate the blood flow in arteries of the orbit in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: In total, 30 patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy control subjects were recruited to the study. Standard ophthalmic evaluation, fundus examination and retrobulbar colour Doppler ultrasonography assessment were performed. The ophthalmic, posterior ciliary and central arteries were evaluated, and peak systolic blood flow velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistance index and pulsatility index were measured. Results of the measurements were compared between the two study groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in blood flow parameters of the orbital arteries between the psoriasis group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The haemodynamics of the orbit might be affected in patients with psoriasis.