Principais motivos de descarte de córneas para transplante na Paraíba: por que o anti-HBc merece atenção?* / Main reasons for discarding corneas for transplant in Paraíba: why does anti-HBc deserve attention?*

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar o perfil dos doadores de tecidos oculares humanos na área de atuação do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba, destacando o impacto da sorologia positiva para hepatite B no descarte dos tecidos para transplante. Métodos: O estudo é transversal e utilizou dados do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2022. Dados sobre procedência, idade, sexo, causa do óbito, tempo entre óbito e enucleação, resultados sorológicos e motivo de descarte das córneas dos doadores foram coletados. Resultados: O maior motivo de descarte foi por sorologia positiva (56,5%), sendo positivadas as sorologias positivas para hepatite B e HBsAg em 11,1% e 4,75% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Conclusão: A sorologia positiva para hepatite B como um critério de descarte absoluto é responsável por grande parcela de descartes, apesar da pouca informação sobre suas repercussões e representação de infectividade nos receptores do transplante.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the profile of human ocular tissue donors in the area covered by the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB), highlighting the impact of positive serology for hepatitis B (anti-HBc) in the disposal of tissues for transplantation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional that uses data from the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB) between January 2013 and December 2022. Data on origin, age, sex, cause of death, time between death and enucleation, serological results, and reason for discarded donor corneas were collected. Results: The main reason for discarding was due to positive serology (56.5%), with positive anti-HBc and HBsAg serology in 11.1% and 4.75% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-HBc positive serology as an absolute disposal criterion is responsible for great part of disposals, despite little information about its repercussions and representation of infectivity in transplant recipients.

Characterization of cornea donors at a tissue center in the city of Medellin, Colombia.

The cornea transplant is considered the most frequently performed type of transplant in the world, with a demand that has been increasing in recent years. An observational descriptive study was conducted, focusing on the ocular tissue extracted from cadaveric donors from January 2019 to December 2021 at the Red Cross Eye Bank in Medellin, Colombia. This is the first epidemiological characterization of corneal donor tissues within the eye banks of our city, where high rates of violence-related deaths explain that tissue donors are mostly young individuals. This, in turn, results in excellent counts of endothelial cells and tissue viability in their microscopic studies. Additionally, there are lower rates of discarded tissues compared to similar studies.

Alteração do perfil epidemiológico das conjuntivites no Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre após o início da pandemia da COVID-19 / Changes in epidemiology of conjunctivitis in Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o perfil epidemiológico das conjuntivites atendidas no Pronto Socorro do Hospital Banco de Olhos de Porto Alegre (HBO) com destaque à conjuntivite infecciosa e compará-lo aos atendimentos após o início da pandemia pelo Coronavírus, observando como o isolamento social e as questões de higiene amplamente enfatizadas e estimuladas desde o início a pandemia influenciaram o número de conjuntivites bacterianas e virais atendidas neste serviço de referência. Métodos Estudo transversal e retrospectivo através da análise dos prontuários eletrônicos dos pacientes atendidos no serviço de emergência do HBO no período entre março e junho de 2019 e 2020. Resultados Observou-se uma redução significativa no número de atendimento no departamento de emergência após o início da pandemia. De março a junho de 2019, 21.678 atendimentos foram realizados. No mesmo período de 2020, este número foi de 14.194, uma queda de 34,5%. O índice de conjuntivite como principal causa da visita oftalmológica diminuiu significativamente, sendo a conjuntivite infecciosa aquela que teve a maior queda. Em 2019, a mesma foi responsável por 30,2% dos atendimentos e, em 2020, por 15,5%. Não foi observado mudanças em relação ao sexo mais atendido, no entanto, observou-se um aumento significante na idade do paciente. Conclusão O estudo demonstrou uma importante redução no número de atendimentos na emergência em relacionados à conjuntivite infecciosa após o início da pandemia pelo Coronavírus. Acredita-se que este fato esteja diretamente relacionado ao aumento dos cuidados de higiene, isolamento social e a restrições impostas pela pandemia.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this paper is to evaluate the profile of the cases of conjuntivitis treated in the emergency department of the Banco de Olhos Hospital, emphasizing the infectious conjunctivitis, and compare before and after the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic and social isolation, both in public and private health care system. Methods A retrospective and transversal study where electronic files of the patients who visited the emergency department between March and June of 2019 and 2020 were reviewed. Results A significant reduction in the number of consultations at the emergency department was observed after the beginning of the pandemic. From March to June 2019, 21.678 visits were made. In the same period of 2020, this number was 14.194, a drop of 34.5%. The rate of visits having conjunctivitis as main cause also dropped significantly. Infectious conjunctivitis was the one who showed the highest decrease. In 2019, it was responsible for 30.2% of the visits and, in 2020, for 15.5%. There were no changes regarding the gender, but a significantly increase in patients' age was observed. Conclusion The study showed a dramatic reduction in the number of visits at the emergency department of ophthalmology regarding infectious conjunctivitis after the beginning of the pandemic, and we believe that the cause is related with an increase of hygiene care, social isolation and restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and public policies on corneal transplantations in Brazil / Impactos da pandemia da COVID-19 e das políticas públicas nos transplantes de córnea no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and public policies on corneal donations and transplantations in Brazil and get reliable indicators to support effective measures for improving the system of obtaining, processing, distributing, using, and controlling donated ocular tissues. Methods: A questionnaire was applied by the Brazilian office of the Pan-American Association of Eye Banks (APABO) to Brazilian Eye Banks to collect data from January to August 2020 and generate reliable indicators about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corneal donations and transplantations in Brazil. Results: Data from 37 Eye Banks showed that 76.1% of the 3,060 donations and 74.5% of the 3,167 transplants occurred in the pre-pandemic period. From the 6,052 processed corneas, 71.8% were provided for therapeutic purposes: 72.9% were transplanted, 26.1% ended up being discarded (45% of which qualified for optical transplantation), and 1% remained in stock in glycerin. Of the 1,706 corneas that could not be eligible for therapeutic use, 47.9% were excluded due to tissue conditions, 43.6% for serological reasons, 6.7% due to contraindications found in clinical history after retrieval, and 1.8% for other factors. Conclusions: The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corneal donations and transplantations in Brazil resulted from the recommendation of the Health Ministry to suspend the retrieval of ocular tissues from donors in cardiopulmonary arrest for almost six months. The indicators reveal the compelling requirement for updating both the classification and cornea provision criteria by the Eye Banks and improving the Brazilian corneal distribution system.

RESUMO Objetivos: Dimensionar o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 nas doações e transplantes de córnea no Brasil e obter indicadores confiáveis para o embasamento de proposições de medidas efetivas para a manutenção e o aperfeiçoamento do sistema de obtenção, processamento, distribuição, utilização e controle dos tecidos oculares doados. Métodos: Um questionário foi enviado, pelo escritório Brasil da Associação Pan-Americana de Bancos de Olhos (APABO), aos Bancos de Olhos brasileiros. Dados de janeiro a agosto de 2020 foram coletados para gerar indicadores confiáveis sobre o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 nas doações e transplantes de córnea no Brasil. Resultados: Dados de 37 Bancos de Olhos mostraram que 76,1% das 3.060 doações e 74,5% dos 3.167 transplantes aconteceram no período pré-pandemia. Das 6.052 córneas processadas 71,8% foram disponibilizadas para fins terapêuticos: 72,9% foram transplantadas, 26,1% acabaram sendo inviabilizadas (45% destas, classificadas para indicações ópticas) e 1%, em glicerina, permanecia em estoque. Das 1.706 córneas que não puderam ser disponibilizadas para uso terapêutico, 47,9% foram excluídas por fatores relacionados às condições dos tecidos, 43,6% por fatores sorológicos, 6,7% por contraindicações constatadas em histórico clínico após a captação e 1,8% por outros fatores. Conclusões: O impacto negativo da pandemia nas doações e transplantes de córnea no Brasil se deveu à recomendação do Ministério da Saúde de suspender, por quase seis meses, as captações de doadores em parada cardiorrespiratória. Os indicadores tornam evidente a necessidade de atualização dos critérios de classificação e disponibilização das córneas pelos Bancos de Olhos e do sistema nacional de distribuição destes tecidos.

Do Corneal Tissue Providers Inform Their Community That They Export Corneas? An Audit of Publicly Available Sector Websites.

AIM: The exportation of corneas from one nation to another, for transplantation services, is responsible for 23% of all global transplants. Global allocation is possible because of the end-of-life donations from citizens and residents of export nations. To date, there is no information indicating if export nation donors are aware that their corneas may be exported, nor if organizations that export provide information regarding their export engagement to their community. To ascertain if and how exporters inform their community, we audited known export organization public websites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed and conducted a double-blind audit of known exporting eye banks, eye tissue sharing and distributor organization websites. RESULTS: We audited 79 websites, from 9 nations. Of the 79, 46 (58.2%) did not mention corneal tissue exportation, 17 (21.5%) implied exportation, and 16 (10.2%) explicitly mentioned it. Of the 16 that mentioned they exported, 75% (12/16) provided information regarding their export license, and 12.5% (2/16) indicated partnership with a third party. We could not locate information explaining how organizations decided on how and to whom they export. DISCUSSION: Organizations that export corneal tissue across national borders do not share sufficient information regarding their export activities on their website. The general public and donors within export nations may not be aware that this practice occurs or could occur with their donation. Export organizations and the eye tissue sector must evaluate their communication strategies and collaborate, preferably nationally, to develop publicly appropriate information regarding corneal tissue exportation.

Corneal transplant during COVID-19 pandemic: the Italian Eye Bank national report.

To investigate the impact of Coronavirus Disease-2019 lockdown on the Italian Eye Bank organization. In this national retrospective, multicentric, cohort study, data from the Italian Eye Bank during both the lockdown and the first month after the lockdown period were retrieved. We compared the Italian Eye Bank metrics with the same timeframe of 2019 and 2018. Data from 13 out of 13 (100%) Italian Eye Banks were included in the analysis. A statistically significant reduction in the number of donor corneas retrieved in 2020 was found as compared to the same period in 2019 and in 2018, respectively (2020 = 1284; 2019 = 3088; 2018 = 3221; ANOVA: p < 0.0001). Only 534 corneas have been distributed by Eye Banks during the COVID-19-lockdown period (2020 = 534; 2019 = 1220; 2018 = 1237. ANOVA: p < 0.0001). Similarly, the number of wasted corneas due to postponed or cancelled surgeries was 421, resulting in a considerable increase as compared to the previous 2 years (2020 = 421; 2019 = 67; 2018 = 84; ANOVA: p = 0.0035). Overall, 45 donor corneas were rejected in accordance with the guidance of the Italian National Health Institute Italian National Transplant Centre (CNT). SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has profoundly affected every social and medical field, including the Eye Bank procurement and distribution programs. The current data collected from all the Italian Eye Banks highlights the present and the forthcoming difficulties that the Eye Bank community is going to experience, as for the ongoing pandemic.

[A summary of China's 70 years of development in diagnosis and treatment targeting corneal diseases].

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the diagnosis and treatment technology of corneal diseases has developed rapidly. In the field of infectious keratopathy, China was the first country that discovered chlamydia trachomatis in the world, which promoted the study on the pathogenesis as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious keratitis, especially fungal keratitis. In the aspect of surgical technology, we have learned from other countries and innovated different types of transplantation surgeries suitable for patients with corneal diseases in China. Regarding the construction of eye banks, the cornea donation process and the operation techniques have been developed and standardized. In addition, to improve the cornea disease-related inspection level, new equipment such as specular microscopy and confocal microscopy has been introduced. These efforts have decreased corneal diseases from the first blinding eye disease to the second in our country. In the past 70 years, China's diagnosis and treatment technology in corneal diseases has achieved remarkable progresses, but there are still many shortcomings. Standing on the shoulders of the older generations of ophthalmologists, we should continue to serve the patients with corneal diseases wholeheartedly. We would like to send congratulations on the 70th anniversary of Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology with this article. ( Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 401-408).

[Concept for 3D measurement of corneal donor tissue using a clinical OCT]. / Konzept zur 3­D-Vermessung von Hornhautspendergewebe mithilfe eines klinischen OCT.

PURPOSE: We present a concept for non-contact tomographic measurement and characterization of corneal donor tissue within the cell culture medium. The purpose is to screen corneal tissue for pathologies or alterations after refractive surgery. METHODS: Image acquisition is performed with the clinical anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) Casia 2 (Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan). An edge detection of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the donor cornea is performed after preprocessing and noise reduction of the data. A sphero-cylindrical surface model is then fitted to the detected surfaces in order to determine the radius of curvature, the surface refractive values, the keratometer readings and central thickness of the cornea. A cornea phantom with defined geometry was used to validate the algorithm and finally 74 donor corneas were measured in the cell culture flask. RESULTS: The large axial measurement range of the OCT enables measurement of the phantom and tissue samples within the culture flask with a diameter of approximately 7 mm. The developed program reliably removes artifacts caused by the wall of the flask and those originating from the tissue holder and facilitates calculation of the sphero-cylindrical model for the anterior and posterior surfaces. The measurement results for the phantom show minimal deviations from the manufacturer's data. The measured radius of curvature of the corneas was within normal limits. CONCLUSION: The anterior OCT Casia 2 enables rapid 3­dimensional measurement of corneal donor tissue in the culture medium. The measurable range covers approximately 7 mm of the graft diameter, which is mainly limited by the holder used for the donor tissue. Topographical and pachymetric parameters could be derived from the volume data.

Análise crítica das diferentes fontes de dados sobre transplante de córnea no Brasil / Critical analysis of the different data sources on corneal transplantation in Brazil

Resumo As doenças da córnea são responsáveis por cerca de 4 a 5% da cegueira reversível no mundo. O transplante de córnea é o tecido mais transplantado em todo o mundo e o único tratamento amplamente aceito para promover a transparência corneana e restaurar a visão. O monitoramento incorporou-se ao campo da Saúde Pública, com o objetivo de acompanhar sistematicamente a atuação das equipes e os dados de produção, por meio da criação de normas, inspeções de avaliação periódicas e acompanhamento dos indicadores de qualidade. As análises críticas dos resultados objetivam apontar falhas e riscos envolvidos no processo, e empreender ações capazes de modificar os achados negativos, a fim de aprimorar a qualidade dos serviços prestados à população. No Brasil, existem diferentes fontes de dados sobre transplantes de córnea e bancos de tecidos oculares. Nesta revisão, foi avaliada a precisão dos dados e a confiabilidade das informações divulgadas pelo Sistema Nacional de Transplantes, pela Associação Brasileira de Transplante de Órgãos e pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária sobre a situação do transplante de córnea no Brasil, a fim de nortear governos, gestores em saúde pública e pesquisadores.

Abstract Corneal diseases account for about 4 to 5% of reversible blindness in the world. Corneal transplantation is the most transplanted tissue in the world and the only widely accepted treatment to promote corneal transparency and restore vision. Monitoring was incorporated into the field of Public Health, with the objective of systematically monitoring teams' performance and production data, through the creation of norms, periodic evaluation inspections and monitoring of quality indicators. The critical analyzes of the results aim to point out flaws and risks involved in the process, and to undertake actions capable of modifying the negative findings, in order to improve the quality of the services provided to the population. In Brazil, there are different sources of data on corneal transplants and ocular tissue banks. In this review, the accuracy of the data and the reliability of the information disclosed by the National Transplant System by the Brazilian Organ Transplant Association and the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency on the situation of corneal transplantation in Brazil were evaluated in order to guide governments, public health managers and researchers.

Endothelial assessment of donated tectonic corneas: a viable option for posterior lamellar transplantation / Avaliação da viabilidade do uso de córneas tectônicas em transplantes lamelares posteriores a partir da análise da vitalidade das células endoteliais

ABSTRACT Purpose: Donated corneas are classified as tectonic if there are defects within any layers of the cornea which would prevent a satisfactory visual outcome after transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate whether some tectonic corneas have sufficient endothelial characteristics to allow their use in posterior lamellar keratoplasty, and explored their reclassification for use in this sight-improving procedure. Methods: A retrospective review of all corneal tissues preserved by the Sorocaba Eye Bank from January to April of 2014 was performed. All donated corneas classified as tectonic were included. Endothelial tissue was defined as healthy and viable for posterior lamellar keratoplasty if endothelial cell density was ≥2000 cells/mm2. Additional parameters analyzed included Descemet folds and stretch marks, loss of endothelial cells, corneal endothelial polymegathism/ pleomorphism, pseudo-guttata, and reflectivity. Results: During the study period, 2,847 corneas were preserved, of which 423 (14.85%) were classified as tectonic. Of these, 87 (20.56%) were reported as having endothelial viability and were included in the posterior lamellar keratoplasty group. Average corneal endothelial cell density of this group was 2,471 SD ± 256 cells/mm2 (range 2012-2967 cells/mm2). Conclusion: A significant number of corneas classified as tectonic showed endothelial viability and were included in the posterior lamellar keratoplasty group (20.56%). Despite stromal and/or epithelial alterations, these corneas could have been potentially distributed for posterior lamellar transplantation to improve vision, thus reducing the corneal transplantation waiting period. This study highlights how corneal tissue reclassification could increase the potential amount of corneal tissue available for optical transplantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a vitalidade endotelial das córneas classificadas como tectônicas e discutir a viabilidade de seu uso na ceratoplastia lamelar posterior. Métodos: Realizou-se uma revisão retrospectiva de todos os tecidos corneanos preservados pelo Banco de Olhos Sorocaba de janeiro a abril de 2014. Todas as córneas doadas classificadas como tectônicas foram incluídas e avaliadas com ênfase na vitalidade endotelial. Os parâmetros de avaliação da lâmpada de fenda de cada córnea e densidade de células endoteliais medidos por microscópio especular foram registrados: córneas que apresentavam vitalidade endotelial apesar de alterações no estroma e/ou no epitélio foram selecionadas e incluídas em um grupo denominado grupo lamelar posterior. O tecido endotelial foi definido como saudável e viável para a ceratoplastia lamelar posterior, se houvesse uma densidade de células endoteliais ≥2.000 células/mm2. Outros parâmetros também foram analisados, incluindo; estrias ou pregas na Descemet, perda de células endoteliais, polimegatismo e pleomorfismo endotelial, pseudo-guttata e reflexividade endotelial. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, foram preservadas 2.847 córneas, das quais 423 (14,85%) foram classificadas como tectônicas. Dessas, 87 (20,56%) apresentaram vitalidade endotelial e foram incluídos no grupo lamelar posterior. A densidade média das células endoteliais da córnea deste grupo era de 2.471 SD ± 256 células/mm2, variando de 2.012 a 2.967 células/mm2. Conclusão: Um número significativo de córneas classificadas como tectônicas apresentaram vitalidade endotelial e foram incluídas no grupo lamelar posterior (20,56%). Apesar de alterações estromais e/ou epiteliais, estas córneas poderiam ter sido potencialmente distribuídas para transplantes lamelares posteriores com finalidade ótica, otimizando a disponibilidade de tecidos, com impacto positivo na saúde pública.

Eye bank procedures: donor selection criteria / Procedimentos em banco de olhos: critério de seleção do doador

ABSTRACT Eye banks use sterile procedures to manipulate the eye, antiseptic measures for ocular surface decontamination, and rigorous criteria for donor selection to minimize the possibility of disease transmission due to corneal grafting. Donor selection focuses on analysis of medical records and specific post-mortem serological tests. To guide and standardize procedures, eye bank associations and government agencies provide lists of absolute and relative contraindications for use of the tissue based on donor health history. These lists are guardians of the Hippocratic principle "primum non nocere." However, each transplantation carries risk of transmission of potentially harmful agents to the recipient. The aim of the procedures is not to eliminate risk, but limit it to a reasonable level. The balance between safety and corneal availability needs to be maintained by exercising prudence without disproportionate rigor.

RESUMO Os bancos de olhos utilizam procedimentos estéreis na manipulação dos olhos, medidas antissépticas para a descontaminação da superfície ocular e critério rigoroso de seleção do doador. Essa seleção é feita por meio do prontuário médico e de testes sorológicos específicos post mortem. Para orientá-la e uniformizá-la, as associações de bancos de olhos e órgãos governamentais fornecem listas de contraindicações absolutas e relativas de uso do tecido, baseadas nas condições prévias de saúde do doador. Essas listas são as guardiãs do princípio de Hipócrates "primum non nocere" e, como tal, são conservadoras. Entretanto, cada transplante traz o risco de transmissão de agentes potencialmente nocivos ao receptor. O objetivo não é eliminar esse risco, mas limitá-lo a um nível razoável. Existe um equilíbrio entre a segurança e a disponibilidade de córneas. A sabedoria está em manter esse equilíbrio, exercendo a prudência sem rigor exagerado.

Avaliação do conhecimento de médicos com especialidade em clínica médica e clínica cirúrgica sobre o processo de doação de córneas / Evaluation of knowledge of physicians with specialty in medical clinic and surgical clinic about the process of corneas donation

Resumo Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento de médicos com formação nas especialidades de clínica médica e cirúrgica acerca do processo de doação de córneas, bem como avaliar a segurança por parte desses profissionais neste processo e, se há insegurança, os motivos para tal. Métodos: A pesquisa se baseia na coleta de dados por meio de um questionário com dez perguntas de múltipla escolha sobre o processo de doação de córneas, sendo duas perguntas sobre segurança no processo de doação. A amostra consiste em 60 profissionais médicos do Hospital Universitário HU-UFSC selecionados por conveniência e não probabilística. Resultados: Os entrevistados obtiveram uma média de acertos de 72,2%. Em relação à segurança no processo de doação de córneas, 41 (68,66%) referem se sentir seguros quanto ao mesmo e 19 (31,33%) revelam não ter segurança para essa condição. Do total de entrevistados que revelaram insegurança no processo de doação de córneas, 13 apontaram como fator contribuinte pouca informação sobre o assunto na faculdade. Alguns temas relevantes a respeito do assunto se mostraram insuficientes e 31,66% dos entrevistados se revelaram inseguros frente a uma situação que envolva doação de córneas. Conclusão: Esses achados sugerem a necessidade de melhorar o nível de informação transmitida durante o curso de graduação acerca do processo de doação de córneas, a fim de conscientizar, melhorar o conhecimento e promover segurança frente a um potencial doador.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of physicians trained in Internal medicine and General surgery specialties about cornea donation process clinic, as well as to assess the confidence by these professionals in this process and, if there is uncertainty, the reasons for this. Methods: The research is based on data collected through a questionnaire with ten multiple choice questions about the process of cornea donation, in which two questions are about confidence in the donation process. The sample consists of 60 physicians of University Hospital HU-UFSC selected for convenience and non-probability. Results: Respondents had a mean score of 72.2%. Regarding confidence in the donation of corneas, 41 (68.66%) feel confident in the donation process and 19 (31.33%) did not reveal safety for this condition. From the total of respondents who revealed insecurity in cornea donation process, 13 of these indicated as a contributing factor little information on the subject in college. Some relevant themes on the subject are insufficient and 31.66% of the interviewees proved insecure against a situation involving the corneal donation. Conclusion: This finds suggest the need to improve the level of information transmitted during the undergraduate course about the process of corneal donation in order to raise awareness, improve knowledge and promote confidence when facing a potential donor.

Changes in the conjunctival bacterial flora of patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit / Mudanças na flora bacteriana conjuntival de pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva

ABSTRACT Purpose: To identify the changes in aerobic conjunctival bacterial flora and to correlate culture results with physical health and the duration of patients' hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Patients hospitalized in the ICU were included in this study. Conjunctival cultures from all patients were obtained using a standard technique on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Swabs were plated on nonselective (blood agar) and enriched (chocolate agar) media within one hour. Visible colonies were isolated, and standard microbiological techniques were used to identify the bacteria. The frequency, identity, and correlation of culture results with patients' physical findings and the duration of hospitalization were determined. Results: We obtained 478 cultures (day 1, 270; day 3, 156; day 7, 36; and day 14, 16) from 135 patients; 288 (60.2%) cultures were positive, and 331 microorganisms were isolated. The most frequently isolated microorganism from the cultures was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (n=210/331, 63.5%), and the others were Corynebacterium diphtheriae (n=52/331, 15.7%), S. aureus (n=26/331, 7.9%), gram-negative bacilli other than Pseudomonas (n=14/331, 4.2%), Neisseria species (n=8/331, 2.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=6/331, 1.8%), Haemophilus influenzae (n=7/331, 2.1%), Acinetobacter species (n=6/331, 1.8%), and Streptococcus species (n=2/331, 0.6%). The frequency of positive cultures significantly increased (p<0.03) with time. Conclusions: Prolonged hospitalization significantly predisposes to bacterial colonization. The colonization rate of S. aureus and Neisseria spp. increased significantly after one week.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as mudanças na flora bacteriana aeróbia da conjuntiva e correlacionar os resultados da cultura com o estado de saúde física e a duração da hospitalização em pacientes em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Método: Pacientes que estavam na UTI foram incluídos neste estudo. Culturas conjuntivais foram obtidas nos dias 1, 3, 7 e 14 de todos os pacientes com uma técnica normalizada. Zaragatoas foram semeadas em placas não seletivas (ágar sangue) e enriquecidas (ágar chocolate) dentro de uma hora. Colônias visíveis foram separadas, isoladas, e identificadas utilizando técnicas microbiológicas convencionais. A frequência, identificação e correlação da cultura resulta com achados físicos e a duração da hospitalização foram determinados. Resultados: Um total de 478 culturas (no primeiro dia 270, terceiro dia 156, sétimo dia 36 e dia catorze 16 culturas) foram obtidas de 135 pacientes hospitalizados durante o estudo. Duzentos e oitenta e oito (60,2% de todas as culturas obtidas) culturas foram positivas. Trezentos e trinta e um microrganismos foram isolados a partir dessas culturas. Em todos os grupos, o microrganismo mais frequentemente isolado foi o Staphylococcus species coagulase negativo (n=210/331, 63,5% de todos os microrganismos isolados). Outras bactérias isoladas foram Corynebacterium diphteriae (n=52/331, 15,7%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=26/331, 7,9%), bacilos Gram-negativos que não sejam Pseudomonas (n=14/331, 4,2%), Neisseria species (n=8/331, 2,4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=6/331, 1,8%), Haemophilus influenzae (n=7/331, 2,1%), Acinetobacter species (n=6/331, 1,8%), e Streptococcus species (n=2/331, 0,6%). Como o tempo de hospitalização prolongada, a positividade em culturas aumentou significativamente (p<0,03). Conclusões: hospitalização prolongada predispõe significativamente a frequência de colonização bacteriana. A taxa de colonização de S. aureus e Neisseria spp. aumentou significativamente depois de uma semana.

Formação de membrana fibrótica cicatricial em paciente submetido à ceratoplastia penetrante / Fibrotic scar membrane formation in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty

RESUMO O surgimento de uma membrana fibrótica opacificada na córnea transplantada é pouco descrito nas literaturas nacional e mundial. O objetivo é relatar o caso de um paciente com leucoma total de olho esquerdo que foi submetido à ceratoplastia penetrante levando a formação de dupla câmara anterior devido ao surgimento de uma membrana fibrótica cicatricial. Paciente do sexo masculino, 54 anos, com leucoma total secundário a ceratite herpética, diabético há 20 anos, em uso de insulina, com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa. Realizou-se cirurgia de membranectomia com complicações pós-operatória.

ABSTRACT The emergence of opaque fibrotic membrane in transplanted cornea is little described in national and world literature. The goal is to report the case of a patient with leucoma total of left eye that was submitted to the penetrating keratoplasty leading to formation of double anterior chamber due to the emergence of a fibrotic scar membrane. Male patient, 54 years, with total herpetic keratitis secondary leucoma, diabetic for 20 years, using insulin, with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Held membranectomia surgery with postoperative complications.

Implementation of Organ Culture storage of donor corneas: a 3 year study of its impact on the corneal transplant wait list at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank.

Organ Culture corneal storage offers an extended storage time and increased donor pool and tissue assessment opportunities. In September 2011, the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank (LNSWEB) moved from hypothermic storage to Organ Culture corneal storage. This study evaluates the impact of implementation of Organ Culture on donor eye retrieval and the corneal transplant waiting list over a 3 year period in NSW, Australia. Retrospective review of the LNSWEB data from September 2011 to August 2014. Tissue collection, waiting list and tissue utilization data were recorded. The data from September 2008 to August 2011 for Optisol-GS storage was used for comparison. The annual donor and cornea collection rate increased 35 % and 44 % respectively with Organ Culture compared to Optisol-GS storage. The utilization rate of corneal tissue increased from 73.4 % with hypothermic storage to 77.2 % with Organ Culture storage. The transplant wait list decreased by 77.3 % from September 2011 to August 2014 and correlated with the increased rate of corneal transplantation (r = -0.9381, p < 0.0001). No other factors impacting the wait list changed over this period. Corneas not used from either storage method were due to unacceptable endothelial cell density/viability. The contamination rate of corneas stored in Organ Culture medium was low at 1.74 %. The Organ Culture storage method increases the corneal donor pool available to Eye banks. The practical benefits of the extended storage time and increased donor assessment opportunities have directly led to an increase in corneal utilization rate and a significant decrease in recipient wait list time.

Eye Care Professionals' Perspectives on Eye Donation and an Eye Donation Registry for Research: A Single-Institution, Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: A centralized eye donation registry for research could help to bridge the gap between patients interested in donating their eyes to science and scientists who conduct research on human eye tissue. Previous research has demonstrated patient and family support for such a registry. In this study, we assessed the views that eye care professionals have toward an eye donation registry for research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveys were distributed to all 46 clinical faculty members of the Duke University Eye Center. In addition to collecting demographic information, the surveys assessed clinicians' experience with discussing eye donation with patients, described the proposed eye donation registry for research and asked how the registry would affect the clinicians' practice. RESULTS: A total of 21 eye care professionals returned the survey. Thirty-three percent reported discussing eye donation with patients, and 43% reported that a patient has asked about donating their eyes for research on their disease. Eighty-six percent of eye care professionals reported that a centralized registry would improve the way they work with patients who express a desire to donate their eyes for research. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of eye care professionals at our academic institution indicated that an eye donation registry for research would improve how they work with patients who are interested in donating their eyes for research on their disease. Future research should examine how best to communicate this registry to ophthalmic patients.

Padronização do critério de exclusão para o vírus HTLV I e II nos bancos de olhos do Brasil / Standardization of the exclusion criteria for the HTLV I and II in brazilian eye banks

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar em quais Bancos de olhos do Brasil o HTLV I e II é utilizado como critério de exclusão para córnea. Atualmente a legislação brasileira pela Lei nº 9.434/97 e Portaria 2600/09 determina que a cada doação devem ser realizados, obrigatoriamente, testes laboratoriais de triagem de alta sensibilidade, para detecção de marcadores para doenças infecciosas transmissíveis pelo sangue: Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV), Vírus da Hepatite B (HbsAg), Anticorpo do Vírus da Hepatite B (AntiHBs), Anticorpo do Vírus da Hepetite B total (Anti-HBc total) e Vírus da Hepatite C (Anti-HCV), no entanto, o Capítulo VI, art. 47, alínea a exclui o Vírus Linfotrópico das Células T-Humanas (HTLV) como critério de exclusão para doadores de córnea. Métodos: Para a realização da pesquisa, foram analisadas as informações de 35 Bancos de Olhos pela base de dados da Central de Transplante da Paraíba, avaliados através do Teste de Homogeneidade do Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: Constatou-se que a sorologia positiva para HTLV I e II foi considerada critério de exclusão em 18 dos 35 Bancos de Olhos analisados. Quanto à análise geográfica dos Bancos de Olhos do Brasil, os da região Nordeste e Sul foram os que mais consideraram o HTLV como critério de exclusão. Conclusão: Os Bancos de Olhos analisados não apresentaram diferença ou associação significativa entre os que consideram e os que não consideram este critério, mostrando, desta forma, não haver uma padronização entre os Bancos de Olhos do Brasil.

ABSTRACT Objective: Investigate in which eye banks in Brazil the HTLV I and II is used as exclusion criteria for cornea. Nowadays Brazilian Legislation, through Law nº 9.434/97 and Ordinance 2600/09 determines that for each donation, laboratory screening tests of high sensibility must be done mandatorily for detection of markers of infectious diseases transmissible by blood: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HbsAg), Antibody of the Hepatitis B Virus (AntiHBs), Antibody of total Hepatitis B Virus (total Anti- HBc) and Hepatitis C Virus (Anti-HCV), however, paragraph a of Chapter VI, Art. 47 excludes the HTLV as exclusion criteria for cornea donors. Methods: For the realization of this research, information from 35 eye banks was analyzed, through the database of the Transplant Central of Paraiba, evaluated through the Chi-Square Homogeneity Test. Results: It was observed that the positive serology for HTLV I and II was considered exclusion criteria in 18 of the 35 eye banks analyzed. In relation to the geographic analysis of the Eye Banks in Brazil, the ones in the Northeastern and Southern regions were the ones that most considered the HTLV as exclusion criteria. Conclusion: The analyzed Eye Banks did not present difference or significant association between the ones that consider and the ones that do not consider this criterion, showing, this way, that there is not a standardization among the Eye Banks in Brazil.

Skills and abilities for nursing practice in eye banks / Competencias y habilidades para la práctica de enfermería en bancos de ojos / Competências e habilidades para atuação do enfermeiro em bancos de olhos

The study describes the skills and abilities required for working in Eye Banks, from the perspective of nurses, and offers subsidies for professional nursing practice in these services. This was an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven nurses working in this service and analyzed with the support of content analysis. By analyzing the testimonies of the subjects in this study, the managerial dimension was perceived as relevant for the subjects, through their statements. Skills required to work in Eye Banks, from the perspective of nurses, included: skills related to education, communication, leadership to maintain team unity; ability to deal with the corpse; and, dexterity in the technical procedures involved. It became clear that nurses needed to devote greater attention to the dimensions of teaching and research. This is a new scenario for nursing practice and it is required that nurses acquire new professional skills.

El estudio describe las destrezas y habilidades necesarias para el adecuado rendimiento en los Bancos de Ojos desde la perspectiva de las enfermeras y visa ofrecer subsidios para la práctica profesional de enfermería en estos servicios. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas con siete enfermeras que trabajan en este servicio y se analizaron con el apoyo del análisis de contenido. Mediante el análisis de los relatos de los sujetos de este estudio se desprende que la dimensión empresarial recibió un interés significativo en las declaraciones. Dentro de las habilidades necesarias para trabajar en los Bancos de Ojos desde la perspectiva de los servicios de enfermería se incluyen las habilidades relacionadas con la educación, comunicación, liderazgo para mantener la unidad del equipo, la capacidad para hacer frente al cadáver y destreza en los procedimientos técnicos involucrados. Se hizo evidente que las enfermeras deben prestar mayor atención a las dimensiones de la enseñanza y la investigación. Se trata de un nuevo escenario para la práctica de enfermería y requiere que las enfermeras cuenten con habilidades profesionales.

O estudo objetivou descrever competências e habilidades requeridas à atuação nos Bancos de Olhos, sob a óptica dos enfermeiros, e oferecer subsídios para a prática profissional de enfermagem nestes serviços. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, com sete enfermeiros que atuam neste serviço, e analisados com o suporte da análise de conteúdo. Ao analisar os depoimentos dos sujeitos desta pesquisa verifica-se que a dimensão gerencial recebeu relevância nos depoimentos dos sujeitos. Dentre as habilidades requeridas para o trabalho nos Bancos de Olhos, sob a ótica dos enfermeiros dos serviços, destacam-se habilidades relacionadas à educação, à comunicação, à liderança para manter a união da equipe, habilidade para lidar com o cadáver e a destreza nos procedimentos técnicos envolvidos. Ficou evidente que os enfermeiros precisam dedicar maior atenção às dimensões de ensino e pesquisa. Trata-se de um novo cenário de prática para a enfermagem e requer que o enfermeiro adquira competências profissionais.

Análise da qualidade das córneas doadas e do intervalo entre óbito, enucleação e preservação após a implantação de novas normas técnicas e sanitárias em Banco de Olhos Universitário / Comparative analysis of the donor cornea quality and of the interval between death and preservation before and after new sanitary and technique rules in a University Eye Bank

OBJETIVO: Comparar o intervalo entre o óbito e a enucleação (ΔT-O-E), entre a enucleação e a preservação (ΔT-E-P) e a qualidade da córnea antes e após a implantação de novas normas técnicas e sanitárias baseadas na Resolução RDC 347. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo em que foram avaliados os prontuários dos doadores de córnea do Banco de Tecidos Oculares da Santa Casa de São Paulo, 2 anos antes e 2 anos depois da implementação de novas normas sanitárias. RESULTADOS: Foi observado aumento do número absoluto de 205 para 374 doadores após as mudanças adotadas. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante no Δt-O-E e ΔT-E-P antes e após as mudanças implantadas. Do total de 1.105 córneas doadas, foi observado 388 córneas doadas antes das mudanças e 717 córneas doadas após as mudanças implementadas. Foi observado aumento estatisticamente significante da graduação da qualidade da córnea doada de 1,76 ± 0,90 para 1,94 ± 0,88 após a implementação das novas normas da Resolução. CONCLUSÃO: Após as mudanças técnicas e sanitárias exigidas pela Resolução 347, houve grande aumento no número de córneas doadas, captadas e preservadas. O Banco de Tecidos Oculares não diminuiu os ΔT O-E e ΔT E-P. A qualidade da córnea apresentou-se inferior após as mudanças realizadas no setor.

PURPOSE: To compare the interval between death and enucleation (ΔT-O-E), between enucleation and preservation (ΔT-E-P) and the quality of the cornea before and after the implantation of new technique and sanitary rules. METHODS: A retrospective study that evaluated the records of cornea donors in Sao Paulo's Santa Casa Eye Tissue Bank 2 years before and 2 years after the implementation new sanitary rules. RESULTS: An increase was observed in the absolute number of 205 to 374 donors following the adopted changes. There was no statistically significant difference in Δt-O-E and ΔT-E-P before and after the implemented changes. Of the total of 1,105 donor corneas, 388 donor corneas were observed before the changes and 717 donor corneas after the implemented changes. We observed a statistically significant increase in grading of donor cornea quality from 1.76 ± 0.90 to 1.94 ± 0.88 after the implementation of new standards of resolution. CONCLUSION: After the changes required by Resolution 347, there was a large increase in the number of donated, taken and preserved corneas. The BTO has not diminished the ΔT O-E and ΔT E-P. Cornea quality presented itself lower after the new rules.