The health and economic burden associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Trinidad and Tobago.

BACKGROUND: In Trinidad and Tobago, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death. Unhealthy diet is one modifiable NCD risk factor, which contributes to the NCD burden. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with an increased risk of NCDs. AIM: The aim of this paper is to estimate the burden of disease and economic costs associated with the consumption of SSBs in Trinidad and Tobago as evidence to support the implementation of health and fiscal policies on SSB consumption. METHODS: The results of this study were obtained through the use of a mathematical model which used a comparative risk assessment approach to estimate the health and economic burden associated with SSB intake, by sex and age. RESULTS: Estimates for one year showed that SSB consumption was associated with approximately 15,000 cases of overweight and obesity in adults and 11,700 cases in children, 28% of all the cases of diabetes and overall, an estimated 387 deaths and 9000 years of healthy life were lost due to premature death and disability. Approximately US$23.1 million was spent in the public healthcare system to treat diseases associated with consumption of sugary beverages. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of SSBs is associated with increases in diseases, deaths and rising healthcare costs in Trinidad and Tobago. It is hoped that the results of this study will provide an added rationale and impetus for the implementation of policies to reduce the consumption of SSBs.

Heterogeneity of cultured melanocyte elongation and proliferation factor in bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation.

A patient with bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) associated with endometrial cancer was treated with plasmapheresis, but failed therapy with progressive serous retinal detachment. We collected plasma before and after plasmapheresis therapy. Our goal was to determine if the cultured melanocyte elongation and proliferation (CMEP) factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was present in the IgG enriched fraction and understand why our patient failed plasmapheresis therapy. Melanocytes were cultured for 3-5 days in the presence of control medium, unfractionated pre-plasmapheresis BDUMP medium, IgG enriched or IgG depleted BDUMP medium, or unfractionated post-plasmapheresis BDUMP medium. Subretinal fluid was collected from patients with BDUMP and control retinal detachments and analyzed by electropheresis with immunoblotting. Medium with unfractionated BDUMP plasma stimulated melanocyte growth 1.4-1.5 fold compared to control medium on days 3-5 (p < 0.001 for all). Both IgG enriched and IgG depleted BDUMP medium mildly increased melanocyte growth 1.3 fold (p < 0.05 for enriched, p < 0.01 for depleted) compared to control. In comparison, unfractionated BDUMP medium caused a 1.7-fold increase in melanocyte growth, which was significantly more than the enriched (p < 0.01) and depleted (p < 0.05) fractions. Pre-plasmapheresis and post-plasmapheresis unfractionated BDUMP medium equally stimulated melanocyte growth 1.7-fold (p < 0.05) compared to control. HGF was present in IgG depleted, pre-plasmapheresis, and post-plasmapheresis samples, but absent in the IgG enriched fraction. There was no enrichment of IgG in the subretinal fluid from eyes with BDUMP. In conclusion, CMEP factor is not concentrated in the IgG enriched plasma fraction in our patient who failed plasmapheresis therapy. HGF levels have no correlation with melanocyte growth. Because plasmapheresis preferentially removes immunoglobulins from the plasma, our patient responded poorly to plasmapheresis treatment with worsening retinal detachment.

ULTRA-WIDEFIELD MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF PRIMARY VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA.

PURPOSE: To determine the features of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma on multimodal ultra-widefield imaging and correlate these findings to clinical outcomes. METHODS: We report a retrospective, observational case series of 43 eyes of 23 patients with biopsy-proven B-cell primary vitreoretinal lymphoma. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and indocyanine green angiography images were reviewed. Medical records were assessed for the central nervous system involvement and visual acuity outcomes at 6 and 12 months after presentation. RESULTS: Common fundus photography findings were sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions and vitritis alone. Common ultra-widefield FA findings were vascular leakage and scleral staining. Retinal optical coherence tomography features overlying sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions or within the macula predicted fluorescence patterns. The presence of retinal fluid or disorganization associated with hyperfluorescence and late leakage. Normal retinal structures associated with hypofluorescence of sub-retinal pigment epithelium lesions or macular leopard spotting on FA and fundus autofluorescence. Peripheral abnormalities noted on ultra-widefield fundus photography, FA, and indocyanine green angiography were more frequent than posterior pole abnormalities. No imaging characteristics predicted time to the central nervous system progression. CONCLUSION: Ultra-widefield imaging was more informative than posterior pole imaging in fundus photography, FA, and indocyanine green angiography. Common findings on multimodal ultra-widefield imaging may lead to early diagnostic vitrectomy and may reduce the delay in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma diagnosis.

PERIPHERAL RETINOSCHISIS IN INTERMEDIATE UVEITIS.

PURPOSE: To examine cases of intermediate uveitis complicated by retinoschisis and review the pathogenetic hypothesis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with intermediate uveitis. Data were collected at three uveitis referral centers on sex, age, best-corrected visual acuity, degree of vitritis, extent and location of snowbanking, presence of hard exudates, neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and extent and nature of retinal elevations. RESULTS: A series of 23 eyes of 20 patients were examined; patient's age ranged from 10 years to 70 years and follow-up period from 8 months to 6 years. Twenty-two eyes had retinoschisis (95.6%), and 1 had retinoschisis associated with serous retinal detachment (4.3%). Extensive inferior pars plana exudates with snowbanking were present in 12 eyes (52.2%), whereas 3 eyes had inferior snowballs over the elevated retina. Neovascularization of the vitreous base accompanied by vitreous hemorrhage occurred in one eye. There was no coexisting macular pathology in 16 eyes, whereas 4 eyes had cystoid macular edema. CONCLUSION: The appearance of peripheral retinoschisis in this series of uncontrolled intermediate uveitis patients seems to be secondary to a complex balance between the persistent fluorescein leakage, a subclinical peripheral ischemia, and the constant low-grade vitreous inflammation that causes vitreous shrinkage and traction. The results of this study suggest that the absence of macroscopic changes in the retina does not preclude ischemic peripheral abnormalities, and the detection of a peripheral retinoschisis in an intermediate uveitis patient with active fluorescein leakage must suggest the need for a more aggressive form of treatment despite the good visual acuity.

Sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis.

The purpose of this study is to review the results of treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis with the use of intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Sixteen eyes with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis received intravitreal dexamethasone implant to treat recalcitrant anterior segment inflammation (43.7 %), chronic macular edema (6.2 %), or a combination of both (50 %). One month after injection, mean visual acuity had improvement to 39.6 ± 11 ETDRS letters (p < 0.001). Mean AC cells measure at 1 month was 0.79 and 0.75 at 3 months. One month after injection, there was a significant reduction of central retinal thickness (CRT) to 342.4 ± 79.3 µm (p < 0.01). One month after the second implant, 11 eyes (91.6 %) achieved improved activity of the anterior uveitis, and mean best-corrected visual acuity improved to 44.6 ± 8.1 ETDRS letters (p < 0.01). At 1 month after the second injection, 4/5 eyes had resolution of macular edema with CRT of 250.4 ± 13.7 µm (p < 0.01). Of the 16 eyes, 12 eyes received a second injection at mean of 7.5 ± 3.1 months after the first treatment, and 5 eyes received a third Ozurdex injection on average 7 ± 4.6 months after the second injection. Of the 16 eyes, five eyes were pseudophakic prior to injection. Of the remaining 11 eyes, 8 (73 %) developed worsening posterior subcapsular cataract at a mean of 7.3 ± 1.2 months after the first injection. After the first injection, only one eye required topical antiglaucoma therapy with maximum pressure of 25 mmHg. In patients with recalcitrant JIA-associated active uveitis, injection of sustained-release dexamethasone can achieve control of anterior inflammation and resolution of macular edema.

Anterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of patients with anterior scleritis.

The purpose of the study was to describe the findings seen on anterior segment spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with anterior scleritis and determine the feasibility of using SD-OCT to image and grade the degree of scleral inflammation and monitor response to treatment. All patients underwent slit lamp examination by a uveitis specialist, and the degree of scleral inflammation was recorded. Spectral domain OCT imaging was then performed of the conjunctiva and scleral tissue using a standardized acquisition protocol. The scans were graded and compared to clinical findings. Twenty-eight patients with anterior scleritis and ten patients without ocular disease were included in the study. Seventeen of the scleritis patients were followed longitudinally. Common findings on SD-OCT in patients with active scleritis included changes in hyporeflectivity within the sclera, nodules, and visible vessels within the sclera. There was significant variation in findings on SD-OCT within each clinical grade of active scleritis. These changes on SD-OCT improved with treatment and clinical improvement. SD-OCT imaging provided various objective measures that could be used in the future to grade inflammatory activity in patients with anterior scleritis. Longitudinal imaging of patients with active scleritis demonstrated that SD-OCT may have great utility in monitoring response to treatment.

Automated Analysis of Anterior Chamber Inflammation by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine the feasibility of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to objectively image and quantify the degree of AC inflammation. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of a diagnostic test. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with anterior segment involving uveitis. METHODS: Observational case series of patients with uveitis. Single-line and 3-dimensional (3D) volume AS-OCT scans were manually graded to evaluate for the presence or absence of cells in the AC. Clinical grading scores were correlated to the number of cells seen in each line scan. An automated algorithm was developed to measure the number of cells seen in the 3D volume scan and compared with manual measurements and clinical grading scores. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Degree of anterior segment inflammation. RESULTS: A total of 114 eyes from 76 patients were imaged, 83 eyes with line scans and 31 eyes with volume scans. The average number of cells on line scans was 0.13 for grade 0, 1.2 for grade 1/2+, 2.6 for grade 1+, 5.7 for grade 2+, 15.5 for grade 3+, and 41.2 for grade 4+. Spearman correlation coefficient comparing clinical grade with the individual AS-OCT line scans was 0.967 (P < 0.0001). The range of cells in the automated cell count of 3D volume scans was 13.60 to 1222; the range for manual cell counts was from 9.2 to 2245. The Spearman correlation coefficients were r = 0.7765 (P < 0.0001) and r = 0.7484 (P < 0.0001) comparing the manual and automated cell counts with the clinical grade, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient comparing the automatic cell counts with manual cell count in the 3D volume scan was 0.997 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment OCT can be used to image and grade the degree of AC inflammation. Clinical grading strongly correlates with the number of cells on AS-OCT line scans and volume scans. The automated algorithm to measure cell count had a high correlation to manual measurement of cells in the 3D volume scans. This modality could be used to objectively grade response to treatment.

Acute and chronic Staphylococcus epidermidis post-operative endophthalmitis: The importance of biofilm production.

To report two cases of acute and chronic-onset, postoperative Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis and discuss the virulence and treatment of this saprophytic pathogen. After clinical diagnosis of endophthalmitis, prompt vitreous culture was performed with injection of intravitreal vancomycin 1 mg/0.1 mL and ceftazidime 2.25 mg/0.1 mL. With no improvement after this procedure, a pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy were performed to further decrease microbial load and repeat the intravitreal antibiotic. The lens and large amounts of fibrotic tissue were removed, and the posterior capsule was stripped. Vitreous cultures grew S. epidermidis sensitive to vancomycin. Intraoperative findings included dense vitreous opacification with extensive vitreous bands and pus extending into the zonules. During the removal of the IOL, adherent pus filaments were removed; however, only a moderate amount of bacteria was detected on the IOL. Further intravitreal vancomycin (1 mg/0.1 mL) and ceftazidime (2.25 mg/0.1 mL) were injected. Staphylococcus epidermidis is widely reported as responsible for medical device-related sepsis. This is mainly due to the production of slime, an exopolysaccharide that eventually leads to the formation of biofilm, one of the most important virulence factors. The failure of intravitreal antibiotic treatment in our two biofilm-associated infections may be due to the considerable amount of slime and pus found extending into the zonules and adherent to the IOL during surgery.

Long-Term Outcomes of Scleral-Sutured Fixated Secondary Intraocular Lenses in Patients With Uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the long-term outcomes of scleral-sutured fixated intraocular lenses (SSIOLs) in patients with uveitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive review of uveitis patients with SSIOL fixation from January 2017 to December 2020. SSIOL techniques included four-point fixation with the Akreos A060 (Bausch + Lomb) or enVista MX60 (Bausch + Lomb) lens, or Hoffman's pockets rescue. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients received an SSIOL (9 AO60, 2 MX60, 2 Hoffman's pockets). Diagnoses included pan- (9), anterior (2), and posterior uveitis (2). Average LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity pre- and postoperatively was 1.01 (Snellen ∼20/200) and 0.50 (Snellen ∼20/60), respectively (P = 0.003). No patients had postoperative SSIOL dislocation or conjunctival suture erosion. Six patients (46%) had uveitis flares postoperatively. Average follow-up was 50.2 months (range = 36.8 to 67.5). CONCLUSION: This series demonstrates a 0% dislocation and suture exposure rate. Risks of uveitis flares postoperatively are high despite aggressive perioperative control but are manageable with current treatments; therefore, patients must be continually monitored. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Management of Uveitis Patients on Anti-TNF Agents Who Develop Demyelinating Disease - A Case Series.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (Anti-TNF) agents have proven beneficial for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis, yet rare neurological complications and demyelinating disease can occur with their use. Management of uveitis and neurological disease after developing these rare complications is not well understood. We sought to identify these specific cases and their outcomes through a retrospective observational case series. METHODS: Electronic Medical Record (EMR) chart review of 394 non-infectious uveitis patients on anti-TNF therapy focused on identifying patients seen by uveitis specialists at a single institution who were on anti-TNF therapy and had developed neurological symptoms. Cases were reviewed for subsequent management and outcomes of both their neurologic and ocular inflammatory disease. RESULTS: Five (5) patients were included following complaints of neurological symptoms while on anti-TNF therapy. Subsequent demyelinating diagnosis, acute treatment, and long-term course were described. All five patients continue to be inactive at around three years of anti-TNF discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Unidentified rare neurological symptoms and demyelinating disease associated with the use of anti-TNF agents can be detrimental to patient treatment outcomes. Emphasis is given on possible avoidance and early identification of exacerbating underlying disease through a detailed neurologic history and use of imaging when suspicion is high. Patients may have no evidence of higher neurological risk prior to starting an anti-TNF treatment. Discontinuation of an anti-TNF agent and subsequent control of disease is possible with alternative immunosuppressive treatments.

Fungal Endophthalmitis Secondary to Aspergillus terreus Exacerbated by Intravitreal Dexamethasone in a Patient With Sarcoidosis.

Purpose: To report a case of Aspergillus terreus endophthalmitis associated with systemic immunosuppression and an intraocular steroid implant in a patient with sarcoidosis. Methods: A case report was evaluated and a literature review performed. Results: A patient with a history of pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis presented with new-onset uveitis and was treated for presumed sarcoid flare with oral prednisone and an intravitreal dexamethasone implant before developing worsening vision. She was ultimately diagnosed with A terreus endophthalmitis. Despite both systemic and local antifungals, the visual acuity at the most recent follow-up was no light perception without pain or active inflammation. No definitive source of the fungal disease had been identified. Conclusions: Endophthalmitis resulting from A terreus is associated with poor outcomes. Given the ability of fungal endophthalmitis to mimic other causes of uveitis, one must maintain a high suspicion in patients with any degree of immunosuppression.

What does our region need in order to strengthen public policies on sugar-sweetened beverages? decision-makers' dialogue. / ¿Qué necesita nuestra región para fortalecer políticas públicas sobre bebidas azucaradas? diálogo de decisores.

In order to prioritize public policies to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago and to identify information gaps related to the burden of disease attributable to their consumption, a policy dialogue was held with government members, civil society organizations, researchers and communicators from Latin American and Caribbean countries. Presentations and deliberative workshops were conducted using semi-structured data collection tools and group discussions. The prioritized interventions were tax increases, front labeling, restriction of advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and modifications regarding the school environment. The main perceived barrier was the interference from the food industry. This dialogue among decision-makers led to the identification of priority public policies to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the region.

Con el objetivo de priorizar políticas públicas para disminuir el consumo de bebidas azucaradas en Argentina, Brasil, El Salvador y Trinidad y Tobago e identificar las necesidades de información relacionadas con la carga de enfermedad atribuible a su consumo se realizó un diálogo de políticas en el que participaron miembros de gobierno, organizaciones de la sociedad civil, investigadores y comunicadores de países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Se llevaron a cabo exposiciones y talleres deliberativos utilizándose herramientas de recolección de datos semiestructuradas y discusiones grupales facilitadas. Las intervenciones priorizadas fueron el incremento de impuestos, el etiquetado frontal, la restricción de la publicidad, promoción y patrocinio y las modificaciones del entorno escolar. La principal barrera percibida fue la interferencia de la industria alimentaria. La realización de este diálogo de decisores permitió la identificación de las políticas públicas prioritarias para disminuir el consumo de bebidas azucaradas en la región.

Health and economic burden of disease of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in four Latin American and Caribbean countries: a modelling study.

OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity are important contributors to the non-communicable disease burden. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the burden of disease attributable to the consumption of SSBs and the costs to the healthcare systems in Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. DESIGN: Following a systematic review of models, a comparative risk assessment framework was developed to estimate the health and economic impact associated with the consumption of SSBs. SETTING: Argentina, Brazil, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago. PARTICIPANTS: Overall population. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The model estimated the effects of SSB consumption on health through two causal pathways: one mediated by body mass index (BMI) and health conditions associated with BMI and another that reflected the independent effects of SSB consumption on T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: The model results indicated that for all four countries, in 1 year, SSB consumption was associated with 18 000 deaths (3.2% of the total disease-related deaths), seven million disease events (3.3% of the total disease-related events), a half-million DALYs and US$2 billion in direct medical costs. This included 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in children/adolescents (12% of the excess weight cases) and 2.8 million cases in adults (2.8%); 2.2 million cases of type 2 diabetes (19%); 200 000 cases of heart disease (3.8%); 124 000 strokes (3.9%); 116 000 cases of musculoskeletal disease (0.2%); 102 000 cases of kidney disease (0.9%); and 45 000 episodes of asthma (0.4%). The Trinidad and Tobago population were the most affected by disease events. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that the consumption of SSBs is associated with a significant burden of disease and death in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Histoplasma capsulatum Pacemaker-related Endocarditis Presenting as Endogenous Endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To report a unique case of pacemaker-related infective endocarditis manifesting as endogenous endophthalmitis with chorioretinitis secondary to Histoplasma capsulatum. METHOD: Case Report. RESULTS: A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with blood culture-negative infective endocarditis and was admitted with deteriorating vision and ocular inflammation. Examination of the eye indicated significant vitreous inflammation and retinitis. Vitreous cultures were negative, but universal fungal PCR of the vitreous fluid was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. Histopathology of the fibrous cuff around the extracted right atrial lead demonstrated hyphal and yeast forms and PCR of this material identified Histoplasma capsulatum. Despite aggressive antifungal and surgical treatment, the eye became phthisical. CONCLUSION: We highlight the importance of considering Histoplasma capsulatum in the differential diagnosis of endogenous endophthalmitis, particularly among patients from endemic areas who present with possible endovascular infection.

Retinal Vasculitis Associated With Dermatomyositis Treated With Intravenous Steroids.

Purpose: This work aims to present treatment and long-term follow-up of a 31-year-old woman with dermatomyositis who presented with hemorrhagic retinal vasculitis and macular edema. Methods: A retrospective case report is presented. Results: A 31-year-old woman with dermatomyositis treated with systemic immunosuppression was evaluated for acute, reduced vision. Best-corrected visual acuity was hand motion in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed diffuse intraretinal hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, and vascular sheathing with a frosted branch angiitis-like appearance. Optical coherence tomography revealed significant macular edema and subretinal fluid that quickly resolved after admission and treatment with intravenous steroids. Multimodal imaging at 7-year follow-up disclosed long-term sequelae including peripheral nonperfusion and retinal neovascularization. Conclusions: When vasculitis associated with dermatomyositis is treated aggressively with intravenous steroids at initial presentation, good visual acuity outcomes can be achieved, but long-term consequences of retinal nonperfusion and neovascularization persist.

Panuveitis Presumed Secondary to Ibrutinib Therapy.

Although a small number of cases of secondary uveitis have been documented in the setting of ibrutinib therapy, panuveitis has not previously been described with this medication. The authors describe a presumed case of panuveitis in a patient on ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The purpose of this report is to document a case of asymmetric, bilateral panuveitis in the setting of ibrutinib use. Panuveitis may develop in the setting of ibrutinib use, and local steroid therapy can be successfully used for treatment without cessation of systemic cancer therapy. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:160-164.].

IMMUNE RECOVERY UVEITIS-LIKE SYNDROME MIMICKING RECURRENT T-CELL LYMPHOMA AFTER AUTOLOGOUS BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT.

PURPOSE: To report the multimodal imaging findings of immune recovery uveitis mimicking recurrent T-cell lymphoma after autologous bone marrow transplant therapy. METHODS: A 71-year-old man presented with posterior uveitis 6 weeks after chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplant for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Multimodal imaging included fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography. Diagnostic testing included ocular polymerase chain reaction and diagnostic vitrectomy. RESULTS: Clinical examination demonstrated vitritis and perivascular deep retinal whitening. Imaging of the retinal whitening showed late hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography, hyperautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence, and ellipsoid zone loss on optical coherence tomography without infiltrative lesions. Testing was negative for syphilis, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus. After no clinical improvement with valacyclovir and intravitreal foscarnet treatment, diagnostic vitrectomy was performed. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative, and herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus were not detected by polymerase chain reaction. Cytopathology showed mature small nonneoplastic lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes. Flow cytometry demonstrated a reactive T-cell population. The patient demonstrated clinical improvement over time with spontaneous resolution of all retinal findings. CONCLUSION: This case most likely represents immune recovery uveitis-like syndrome. Diagnostic vitrectomy is highly valuable when the differential includes inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes.

Bilateral infectious scleritis from Histoplasma capsulatum in an immunosuppressed uveitis patient.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral infectious scleritis secondary to Histoplasma capsulatum in the setting of a locally and systemically immunosuppressed patient. OBSERVATIONS: A 45-year-old man with HLA-B27 associated ankylosing spondylitis and anterior uveitis on systemic secokinumab, underwent bilateral cataract extraction which required extensive peri-operative steroids, including intravitreal triamcinolone, topical prednisolone, and oral prednisone. Six weeks after cataract surgery, the patient presented with mild eye irritation and was found to have bilateral subconjunctival purulence and necrosis. Histoplasma capsulatum was identified on fungal cultures and confirmed by DNA probe. The patient was treated with fortified amphotericin drops and oral itraconazole with complete resolution of scleritis. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: H. capsulatum is a rare cause of infectious scleritis that must be considered in our immunosuppressed and post-surgical patients.

Recurrence Rates of Inflammation after Switching from the Originator Infliximab to Biosimilar Infliximab-abda for Noninfectious Uveitis.

PURPOSE: To describe the frequency of ocular flares in patients with noninfectious uveitis who were switched from the originator infliximab to a biosimilar infliximab. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: All patients with noninfectious uveitis who were switched from the originator infliximab to biosimilar infliximab-abda for nonmedical reasons were reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had less than 3 months of follow-up on either drug. Data included patient demographics, infliximab dosage information, additional immunosuppression medications, and numbers of and times to flares. The main study outcome was frequency of flares, defined as new or worsening inflammatory activity on examination or imaging. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were no statistical differences between the duration of follow-up while on the originator and the duration while on the biosimilar infliximab (12.0 vs. 10.1 months, respectively; P = .307). Patients experienced more flares per person-years after switching to infliximab-abda (.92), than on the originator infliximab (0.19; P = .028). Four of the 6 patients (66.7%) who experienced flare after switching to infliximab-abda did so within 90 days. Only 1 patient had flares while on originator infliximab went on to develop a single flare on infliximab-abda. The final normalized dosage for patients who flared and remained on infliximab-abda (1.301 mg/kg/week) was higher than that for those who did not flare (1.186 mg/kg/week) but was not statistically significant (P = .417). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were switched to biosimilar infliximab-abda experience more flares than when previously treated with the originator infliximab. Providers should closely observe patients who switch to biosimilar infliximab, especially within the first 90 days. Patients who do have flares after switching may achieve quiescence with increased biosimilar dosage.

Unmasking of infectious retinitis and intraocular lymphoma in patients after uneventful dropless cataract surgery.

In this case series, 3 unique cases of severe immune-mediated pathologies (primary ocular lymphoma, toxoplasmosis chorioretinitis, and syphilitic retinitis) after dropless cataract surgery with intraocular steroid injection are reported. Patient immune status and subsequent local immunosuppression after dropless cataract surgery played roles in the worsening of these pathologies. This report demonstrates the need for vigilance when administering immunosuppressive agents locally during cataract surgery.