[Emergencies in general practice, 5. Acute vision loss].
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Acute Disease↗
Biomedical subjects
A Kampik
Publications and source records attributed to A Kampik.
[Cornea donation. Factors influencing consent].
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine factors that influence the decision of the next living relative of a deceased for consent on cornea donation. METHODS: The interviews with the relatives of 94 potential cornea donors of the Eye Bank of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich were analysed. The influence of sociological factors on the frequency of obtained consent was investigated. RESULTS: During a 3-month-period, 77 relatives of 94 possible donors were asked for consent to cornea donation and 56 consents (73%) and 21 refusals (27%) were obtained. In 17 (18%) of the cases the relatives could not be reached. Analysis showed a higher consent rate for donors with a university degree (82%) versus those without (71%). Consent was more often obtained for donors who were divorced (88%) than from those who were single (62%). Children of full age (83%) consented more frequently to cornea donation than husbands and wives (78%) or the parents of the deceased (60%). Examination of the postal codes of the residential area indicated more frequent refusals for donors from the rural (54% consent rate) than the urban Munich population (77% consent rate). The situation was the opposite for the residential area of the consenting relative where there was a higher willingness to donate in cases of suicide (93%) in contrast to other causes such as natural deaths (78%) and traffic accidents (71%). CONCLUSION: Socio-economic factors such as education, marital status, residential area and situational factors such as the cause of death, play an important role on the willingness to consent to donate. This study can improve the understanding of the donor family's decision making and as such help the physician asking for consent and improve information to the public which may increase the number of cornea donors in Germany.
Adolescent↗
X-linked ocular albinism (Nettleship-Falls): a novel 29-bp deletion in exon 1. Carrier detection by ophthalmic examination and DNA analysis.
BACKGROUND: Mutations in the OA1 gene on the short arm of the X chromosome are known to cause X-linked ocular albinism (x1OA) in males. A four-generation family with this disorder, including asymptomatic carrier females, was investigated by molecular analysis of the OA1 gene. METHODS: DNA samples were available from 22 individuals of this family, including 6 affected males and 6 obligate carriers. The nine exons of the OA1 gene were amplified and further analyzed by SSCP and sequencing. RESULTS: A detailed clinical examination of the index patient and two female carriers showed the typical signs of ocular albinism. Visual evoked potential responses showed markedly asymmetrical responses from the two hemispheres in the affected person as well as in the carriers, as a result of misrouting and decussation of optic nerve fibers. Molecular genetic analysis demonstrated a previously undescribed 29-bp deletion at position 225-253 in exon 1 of the OA1 gene, which segregated in the family. CONCLUSION: Clinical examination combined with molecular genetic analysis enhances the potential for a precise diagnosis for persons at risk of x1OA and provide an accurate basis for genetic counseling.
Adult↗
Indocyanine green selectively stains the internal limiting membrane.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate whether indocyanine green stains the inner limiting membrane of the retina or residual vitreous cortex. METHODS: We report on the intraoperative staining patterns of the vitreomacular interface in 10 eyes of 10 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy with indocyanine green staining for macular hole formation and diffuse diabetic macular edema. RESULTS: In five eyes of five patients with macular holes, indocyanine green staining of the macula after posterior vitreous detachment resulted in an immediate visibility of a discernable membrane that was not previously seen. In five eyes of five patients with diffuse diabetic macular edema and adherent cortical vitreous, indocyanine green failed to stain the vitreomacular interface. After peeling off the residual vitreous cortex, however, a discernable membrane could be identified using indocyanine green dye again. Light and transmission electron microscopy revealed the inner limiting membrane as the membrane that had been stained and removed in all specimens. CONCLUSION: Indocyanine green selectively stains the inner limiting membrane. Staining of the vitreomacular interface using indocyanine green as a vital dye enables the surgeon to distinguish between the residual vitreous cortex and the inner limiting membrane, and it allows safer and easier removal of the inner limiting membrane.
Basement Membrane↗
Macular hole surgery in an eye with an optic pit.
PURPOSE: To report an eye with a full-thickness macular hole and an associated optic pit and the noteworthy intraoperative findings. METHODS: Case report. A 56-year-old woman presented with visual acuity LE: 20/100, a full thickness macular hole, and an optic pit. Optical coherence tomography and ophthalmic examination were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Although usually a macular hole associated with an optic pit tends to be a lamellar and characterized by outer layer defects within preexisting macular detachments or schisis-like cavities, this type of macular hole was not presented in this case. Although the macular hole resembled the idiopathic type on clinical examination as well as on optical coherence tomography, it could only be closed in the third surgical attempt after using silicone oil as a long-standing tamponade. Peeling of an epiretinal membrane or the internal limiting membrane was not possible during any of the three surgeries. CONCLUSION: Our observations suggest that in cases of macular hole in association with optic pit, instillation of silicone oil should be considered in the first surgical procedure, especially if no epiretinal membrane or internal limiting membrane peeling is possible intraoperatively.
Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗
Antibiotic resistance pattern and visual outcome in experimentally-induced Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE: To study whether the clinical outcome of Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced endophthalmitis in rabbits is related to the antibiotic resistance pattern of the infecting strain. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. PARTICIPANTS: The right eyes of 36 New Zealand white albino rabbits were inoculated with strains of S. epidermidis that displayed various patterns of antibiotic resistance. METHODS: There were 12 rabbits in each of three study groups: fully antibiotic susceptible (FS), partially antibiotic resistant (PR), and multiresistant (MR). Five days after inoculation, the eyes were enucleated and prepared for histologic studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparisons among the three groups were made based on electroretinographic (ERG) findings, histologic evaluation by a masked observer, and clinical examination. RESULTS: Electroretinographic findings on all rabbits were made by an unmasked observer. At 30 hours after inoculation, the ERG was diminished to 65% of normal for group FS, compared with a flat ERG waveform for groups PR (P < 0.05) and MR (P < 0.05). The ERG waveform was flat for all three groups at 72 hours after inoculation. Histologic evaluation by use of a histologic score revealed that the degree of inflammation and destruction of the retina was less for group FS (n = 10) compared with groups PR (n = 8) and MR (n = 8). Clinical examination revealed that there was a trend of less ocular inflammation for group FS compared with groups PR and MR. CONCLUSIONS: In a rabbit model of S. epidermidis-induced endophthalmitis, antibiotic-susceptible strains caused less inflammation and destruction of the infected retina than did antibiotic-resistant strains.
Animals↗
Ultrastructure of the vitreoretinal interface following plasmin assisted vitrectomy.
AIMS: To investigate the ultrastructure of the vitreoretinal interface following plasmin induced posterior vitreous detachment. METHODS: Plasmin (1 or 2 U/0.1 ml) was injected into the vitreous cavity of 24 eyes of freshly slaughtered pigs. The 24 fellow eyes received calcium-free and magnesium-free PBS and served as a control. After incubation at 37 degrees C for 30 and 60 minutes, the globes were placed in fixative and hemisected. Specimens for light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were obtained from the posterior pole, the equator, and the vitreous base using a corneal trephine. RESULTS: All plasmin treated eyes showed posterior vitreous detachment. However, the inner limiting membrane (ILM) was covered by remnants of cortical vitreous at the posterior pole and at the equator. There was a direct correlation between the concentration and exposure times of plasmin and the degree of vitreoretinal separation. Eyes exposed to 1 U plasmin for 30 minutes had a dense network of residual collagen fibrils while those exposed to 1 U plasmin for 60 minutes had only sparse collagen fibrils covering the ILM. Eyes treated with 2 U plasmin for 60 minutes had a smooth retinal surface, consistent with a bare ILM. At the vitreous base there was no vitreoretinal separation. In all control eyes the vitreous cortex was completely attached to the retina. There was no evidence of retinal damage in any plasmin treated eye. CONCLUSION: Plasmin induces a cleavage between the vitreous cortex and the ILM without morphological changes to the retina. In contrast with previous reports, plasmin produces a smooth retinal surface and additional surgery is not required in this experimental setting. The degree of vitreoretinal separation depends on the concentration and length of exposure to plasmin.
Animals↗
Paracentral scotomata: a new finding after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole.
AIMS: To report the occurrence of paracentral scotomata after pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes. METHODS: In 15 patients static microperimetry using a Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO-105) was performed preoperatively and 6 or 12 weeks postoperatively (stimulus size 0.2 degrees (Goldmann II), employed intensity 0 and 12 dB, 20 degrees fields in all tests). Surgery consisted of standard three port vitrectomy including removal of epiretinal membranes and the inner limiting membrane. RESULTS: Postoperative paracentral scotomata were detected in areas that were tested normally before surgery. They were mostly located temporally and/or inferiorly and often appeared like nerve fibre bundle defects. The greatest dimension varied from 1.2 degrees to 4.0 degrees (360-1200 microm), smallest dimension from 0.25 degrees to 2.0 degrees (75-600 microm). In three patients more than one scotoma was observed. CONCLUSION: Small, mostly asymptomatic, paracentral scotomata as a complication after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole have not been reported in the literature so far. Whether they are caused by trauma to the nerve fibres during surgery or other factors remains unknown.
Aged↗
Peripheral visual field defects after macular hole surgery: a complication with decreasing incidence.
AIM: To prospectively evaluate peripheral visual fields after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes. METHODS: Goldmann perimetry was performed in 105 patients before, as well as 6 weeks and 12 months after macular hole surgery. RESULTS: Only one patient (< 1%) with a stage III macular hole developed an asymptomatic postoperative visual field defect. The scotoma was wedge-shaped, peripherally located in the temporal quadrant, and remained unchanged during the following 12 months. CONCLUSION: Peripheral visual field defects after macular hole surgery can be a complication of very low incidence. A rather low pressure set during air-fluid exchange as well as special aspects of the surgical technique may be responsible for this low incidence of peripheral visual field defects.
Aged↗
[New hope for difficult to treat corneal damage. Cornea from the laboratory. Interview by Petra Eiden].
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Cells, Cultured↗
[Powdery corneal opacities and joint changes].
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Adult↗
[Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. Retrospective analysis of risk factors and complications].
UNLABELLED: Cicatricial pemphigoid (CP) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by subepidermal blistering and progressive cicatrization affecting the skin and mucosa. Ocular involvement occurs in approximately 70% of the patients. METHODS: The course of the disease, complications and putative risk factors in patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) treated at the Departments of Ophthalmology and Dermatology were analyzed retrospectively from 1986 to 1998. RESULTS: Eighteen of 28 patients (64%) with CP demonstrated ocular involvement. The mean age of patients with OCP was 73 years; 61% were female. At the time of referral to our hospital, all patients had reached advanced stage III (83%) or IV (17%) of OCP. In 38% of patients vision was already reduced to < 20/200 at first presentation. Twenty-eight percent of patients additionally suffered from glaucoma. Two patients exhibited life-threatening extraocular manifestations of CP (larynx stricture, esophagus stricture). Conjunctival or mucosal biopsies were performed in 15 patients with OCP and showed typical immuno-deposits at the basement membrane zone in 12/15 patients. Therapy with dapsone (12 patients), oral steroids (11 patients), azathioprine (5 patients), cyclophosphamide (4 patients), colchicine (2 patients) and methotrexate (1 patient) was used concomitantly or consecutively. Complications of OCP including entropion, recurrent epithelial erosions, corneal ulcers, keratitis, and corneal perforations required multiple surgical interventions such as entropion surgery (8 patients), tarsorrhaphy (3 patients), mucous membrane grafting (1 patient), amniotic membrane transplantation (1 patient), tectonic keratoplasty (1 patient), keratoprosthesis (1 patient) and enucleation (1 patient). Despite control of the inflammatory process, further visual loss occurred in 53% of eyes. Reading visual acuity could only be maintained in 35% of eyes. DISCUSSION: Early diagnosis and therapy can prevent ocular complications of OCP. This study indicates that advanced stages of the disease often result in irreversible visual loss despite institution of immunosuppressive therapy. Whether or not the high association of OCP with glaucoma and/or anti-glaucomatous treatment in our patients represents part of the underlying disease process or plays a role in the pathogenesis of OCP must still be clarified.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
[Posterior embryotoxon].
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Alagille Syndrome↗
[Role of vitreoretinal interface in the pathogenesis and therapy of macular disease associated with optic pits].
PURPOSE: Although the relationship between optic pits and macular lesions was described nearly a century ago, the pathology and pathogenesis of macular detachment remain unclear. Recent OCT studies have shown schisislike spaces in connection with the disc. None of the hypotheses of pathogenesis proposed so far could have been proven. Besides the hypothesis of exudation, the role of the vitreoretinal interface is kept in the background of discussion. We describe a case of macular detachment associated with optic pit that regained full vision after pars plana vitrectomy with laser coagulation and gas tamponade over a follow-up of 26 months. The purpose of our case report is to emphasize the role of the vitreoretinal interface in the pathogenesis of macular detachment associated with optic pits. CASE REPORT AND THERAPY: A 32-year-Caucasian woman developed macular detachment associated with an optic pit on her right eye. The vision deteriorated to 24/60. A standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy was performed. After creating a posterior vitreous detachment, all vitreoretinal adhesions were removed carefully. Peripapillary laser coagulation and gas tamponade with 15% C2F6-air mixture followed. For 26 months after surgery the macula has been flat. The vision is 60/60. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the exudative component of macular detachment, the vitreoretinal interface seems to play an underestimated role in the pathogenesis of maculopathy associated with optic pits. Tractional forces could explain the delay of macular detachment in young adulthood and the frequency of treatment failure after laser coagulation and gas tamponade. Pars plana vitrectomy with complete removal of all vitreoretinal adhesions should be a suitable technique in the treatment of macular detachment associated with optic pits.
Adult↗
[Pars plana vitrectomy in diabetic retinopathy. From pathogenetic principle to surgical strategy].
Diabetic retinopathy is the most important manifestation of diabetic eye disease. There are retinopathy, maculopathy, pathology of the vitreoretinal interface, and tractional retinal detachment. The development of surgical approaches based on pathogenetic ideas are shown. The beneficial effect of pars plana vitrectomy for persisting and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, epiretinal fibrovascular proliferation, and retinal detachment is discussed. The surgical skills and experiences in diabetic eyes are stressed.
Diabetic Retinopathy↗
[Expansion of intraocular gas due to reduced atmospheric pressure. Case report and review of the literature].
Since the advent of vitrectomy and the increased use of intraocular gases, there had been concern voiced about the safety of air travel for patients with intraocular gas. Anecdotal reports and experimental models verify the danger of acute glaucoma and central retinal artery occlusion following depressurization and expansion of intraocular gas. However, the amount of gas, that can be compensated for, is a matter of controversy. CASE REPORT I: A 58-year old man underwent vitrectomy with intraocular air tamponade as a primary procedure for retinal detachment. The patient went home by airplane with a residual gas volume of less than 30% of the volume of the eye. Before takeoff at 530 m (1739 ft) above sea level, the intraocular pressure was 12 mmHg. During the ascent, severe ocular pain and loss of vision occurred. CASE REPORT II: A 38-year old woman underwent vitrectomy for primary repair of retinal detachment. The eye was injected with a 15% mixture of perfluoroethan (C2F6). When traveling home to Italy by car, the eye contained a residual gas volume of 50% of the volume of the globe. Intraocular pressure was 17 mmHg. During the ascent to the "Brennerpass", 1375 m (4511 ft) above sea level, the eye became severely painful and vision was lost for approximately three minutes. Descending to a lower altitude relieved the symptoms. CONCLUSION: The expansion of intraocular gases depends on the atmospheric pressure and the mechanisms for compensation. Small volumes of intraocular gas or moderate traveling altitudes can cause a symptomatic rise in intraocular pressure.
Adult↗
[Sterilization of phacoemulsification and vitrectomy instruments. Contamination and evaluation].
BACKGROUND: Contamination of automated surgical equipment is widely disregarded as a potential source of perioperative infection. We investigated the possibility of contamination of the aspiration fluid by the vacuum control manifold (VCM). The normal, unsterile internal VCM was compared with a modified external VCM that was regularly disinfected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 37 aspiration fluid specimens from routine cataract and vitrectomy operations performed with automated evacuation systems. There were 25 specimens from three automated evacuation systems equipped with an internal VCM (experimental groups) and 12 specimens from one system equipped with a modified external VCM (control group). No hygiene procedures were used with the hidden internal VCM, but the modified external VCM was regularly rinsed and filled with 70% isopropanol overnight. Specimens were collected under sterile conditions, centrifuged, cultured for bacterial growth on blood agar and MacConkey agar for 24-48 h at 37 degrees C, and analyzed microbiologically. RESULTS: Aspiration fluids of irrigation/aspiration systems used for intraocular surgery were found to be severely contaminated with bacteria originating from the VCM. In all aspiration fluid specimens from internal VCM systems, 2(+)-4+ bacterial growth was found. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (17), Comamonas acidovorans (8), and Agrobacterium radiobacter (13) were found most frequently. All specimens from the modified external VCM system remained sterile. There was a significant difference with regard to the frequency of contamination of the aspiration fluid between experimental and control groups (P = 0.0001, chi 2). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the aspiration fluid of common phaco- and vitrectomy systems was strongly contaminated by bacteria originating from the internal VCM. The technical modification of an external VCM allows easy disinfection and prevents contamination of the aspiration fluid.
Bacteriological Techniques↗
[Multifactorial analysis of therapeutic outcome of pseudophakic retinal detachment surgery].
BACKGROUND: Pseudophakic retinal detachment is one of the most severe complications after cataract surgery and is a common cause of permanently reduced visual acuity. We evaluated parameters predicting reduced functional outcome by a model of stepwise regression analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 102 consecutive patients with pseudophakic retinal detachment were analyzed for various parameters regarding cataract surgery, retinal surgery, and retinal detachment features. First, univariate analysis determined the correlations with reduced functional outcome. Secondly, a stepwise regression model analyzed statistically significant variables for their predictive value of a reduced visual outcome. RESULTS: The overall reattachment rate was 99%. In 69% of the patients there was an improvement of more than two lines at the end of the follow-up period. The most predictive factors for reduced functional outcome were the need for a silicone oil tamponade and the visual acuity prior to retinal detachment surgery. When silicone oil tamponade was not needed, the requirement of more than two retinal surgeries was the most predictive factor for reduced visual outcome. CONCLUSION: In our series the strongest predictive factors for a reduced functional outcome were the necessity of silicone oil, reduced visual acuity at the time of retinal detachment, and the requirement of more than two retinal surgeries. These findings suggest that first-line procedures should not be necessarily minimally invasive measurements but rather procedures that result in a stably attached retina in the first instance without permanent silicone oil tamponade, even if this first operation consists of an extended pars plana vitrectomy.
Adult↗