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Biomedical subjects

S Dev

Publications and source records attributed to S Dev.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

The use of topical aqueous suppressants in the prevention of postoperative intraocular pressure elevation after pars plana vitrectomy with long-acting gas tamponade.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether topical aqueous suppressant therapy applied after pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade prevents postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade (SF6 18%-20% or C3F8 12%-16%) over a 1-year period. INTERVENTION: Treatment eyes received topical aqueous suppressants at the end of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative IOP at 4 to 6 hours, 1 day, and 1 week. RESULTS: Twenty-one control and 20 treatment eyes met the inclusion criteria. The IOP (in mmHg) measured at 4 to 6 hours (23.05 [control, 14.73 [treatment]) and 1 day (23.24 [control], 17.28 [treatment]) postoperatively showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.0038) at 4 to 6 hours and a trend toward significance (P = 0.057) at 1 day. Eleven control and three treatment eyes had an IOP spike above 25 mmHg at 4 to 6 hours or 1 day postoperatively (P = 0.02), and six control eyes and one treatment eye had postoperative IOP greater than 30 mmHg. A pressure rise greater than 40 mmHg was seen in two control eyes and no treatment eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Use of topical aqueous suppressants after pars plana vitrectomy with long-acting gas tamponade is effective in preventing significant postoperative IOP elevation in most cases.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1999

Methotrexate treatment for sarcoid-associated panuveitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) for sarcoid-associated panuveitis. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty eyes from 11 patients were analyzed. Eight patients had sarcoidosis. Three patients were clinically suspected of sarcoidosis despite negative laboratory testing. All charts of patients with sarcoidosis and idiopathic uveitis seen by the Duke Uveitis Service from 1989 to 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Those with sarcoid-associated or sarcoid-suspected panuveitis treated with MTX with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were studied. INTERVENTION: Low-dose MTX was administered to patients weekly and patients were followed with serial ophthalmologic and medical examinations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, oral and topical corticosteroid requirements, anterior chamber inflammation, and ability to undergo successful cataract extraction were used to measure the efficacy of MTX therapy. RESULTS: After MTX treatment was initiated, 90% of eyes had preserved or improved visual acuity. Mean initial Snellen visual acuity was 20/62 and mean final acuity was 20/40 (P = 0.044). Of those patients initially requiring oral corticosteroids, the dosage was decreased in 100%, and they were completely discontinued in 86%. The mean initial oral corticosteroid dose was 26.6 mg and the mean final dose was 1.5 mg (P = 0.012). Topical corticosteroids were decreased in 63% of eyes. The mean initial use was once every 1.6 hours, and the mean final use was once every 3.9 hours (P = 0.001). Ninety-five percent of eyes had stabilized or decreased inflammation. The mean initial inflammation score was 1.2, and the mean final score was 0.5 (P = 0.007). Five of six eyes previously unable to have cataract extraction because of uncontrolled inflammation became quiet on MTX and underwent surgery. One hundred percent of these eyes had improved vision after surgery. Side effects were mild and transient or reversible. CONCLUSION: Low-dose MTX is an effective and safe adjunct to treat chronic sarcoid-associated panuveitis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

Progression of diabetic retinopathy after endophthalmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of endophthalmitis on diabetic retinopathy. DESIGN: Noncomparative case series. METHODS: The records of all consecutive patients with endophthalmitis treated between 1992 and 1997 at the Medical College of Wisconsin were retrospectively reviewed. Those patients with diabetes mellitus were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS: From 77 reviewed records, 11 patients (12 eyes; 14%) were identified as diabetics with endophthalmitis and were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Stage of diabetic retinopathy, time to retinopathy progression, and visual acuity. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 68 years, and mean duration of diabetes was 11.7 years. Mean patient follow-up was 17 months. Of the six cases without evidence of retinopathy before the endophthalmitis, none went on to develop retinopathy. Of six eyes with pre-existing nonproliferative retinopathy, four showed evidence of progression within 6 months of the infection. Three developed severe proliferative disease and macular edema, and one developed severe nonproliferative disease. More patients without pre-existing retinopathy achieved a final visual acuity of 20/40 or greater. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy may be at increased risk for rapid retinopathy progression and a poorer visual outcome after endophthalmitis. These results support the concept that inflammation may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy for epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy and membrane stripping for visually significant macular epiretinal membranes associated with chronic idiopathic pars planitis. DESIGN: Consecutive noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for pars planitis from 1988 through 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven eyes of five patients who were diagnosed with visually significant epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis and who underwent vitrectomy and membrane stripping were analyzed. Patients were diagnosed with pars planitis based on characteristic clinical signs and pertinent negative laboratory test results. INTERVENTION: Pars plana vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane stripping. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and inflammatory grade were compared between the last preoperative visit and the most recent follow-up visit. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 31 years (range, 6 to 45 years). The mean duration of uveitis was 6.4 years (range, 6 months to 13 years). All patients were treated with combinations of periocular, topical, and oral corticosteroids before surgery. Five eyes had laser retinopexy, and two eyes had cryopexy to the inferior retina at the time of surgery. Five eyes had at least 3 Snellen lines of visual acuity improvement, and visual acuity in one eye worsened by 2 lines. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/73 (range, 20/50 to 20/300), and mean final visual acuity was 20/37 (range, 20/25 to 20/70). Five eyes had a final visual acuity of 20/40. Vitritis improved in all cases. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range, 3 to 54 months). Six of seven eyes had progressive cataract development, four of which underwent cataract extraction. No other intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of epiretinal membranes associated with pars planitis can be safely performed and may result in improved visual acuity. Patients often require subsequent cataract extraction to obtain the best long-term final acuity.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

The development of choroidal neovascularization in pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible association between the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and pregnancy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the clinical records of three patients who were pregnant at the time a choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) was diagnosed. The clinical presentations and treatment of the CNVM occurring in association with the pregnancies are described. RESULTS: Each patient had a decrease in visual acuity during her pregnancy: one in the first trimester, one in the second trimester, and one in the third trimester. Two patients were diagnosed with CNV related to presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) and one with an idiopathic CNVM. The two-patients with POHS showed progression of CNV after childbirth. All patients received laser photocoagulation directly to the site of the CNV. The two patients with ocular histoplasmosis experienced recurrence after treatment; one received further photocoagulation treatment, and the other underwent vitrectomy with removal of the CNVM. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period may be associated with development or recurrence of CNV in POHS or idiopathic cases. This may be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy, or the cases described may reflect only a coincidental association. This report discusses possible causal factors and mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A case of ureteric obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and carcinoid tumour.

We report the incidental finding at surgery for retroperitoneal fibrosis of a carcinoid tumour causing complete right ureteric obstruction. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that leads to extensive fibrosis throughout the retroperitoneum. It can occur at any age, peak incidence being in patients between 40 and 60 years of age. Carcinoid tumours arise from enterochromaffin or amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells that occur in gastrointestinal tract. Carcinoid tumours are an uncommon clinical entity and incidence varies with gender and age. No association between retroperitoneal fibrosis and carcinoid tumour has been previously reported in the English literature, although one case has been reported in a French journal.

Carcinoid Tumor↗
PubMed1999

Ancient-modern concordance in Ayurvedic plants: some examples.

Ayurveda is the ancient (before 2500 b.c.) Indian system of health care and longevity. It involves a holistic view of man, his health, and illness. Ayurvedic treatment of a disease consists of salubrious use of drugs, diets, and certain practices. Medicinal preparations are invariably complex mixtures, based mostly on plant products. Around 1,250 plants are currently used in various Ayurvedic preparations. Many Indian medicinal plants have come under scientific scrutiny since the middle of the nineteenth century, although in a sporadic fashion. The first significant contribution from Ayurvedic materia medica came with the isolation of the hypertensive alkaloid from the sarpagandha plant (Rouwolfia serpentina), valued in Ayurveda for the treatment of hypertension, insomnia, and insanity. This was the first important ancient-modern concordance in Ayurvedic plants. With the gradual coming of age of chemistry and biology, disciplines central to the study of biologic activities of natural products, many Ayurvedic plants have been reinvestigated. Our work on Commiphora wightti gum-resin, valued in Ayurveda for correcting lipid disorders, has been described in some detail; based on these investigations, a modern antihyperlipoproteinemic drug is on the market in India and some other countries. There has also been concordance for a few other Ayurvedic crude drugs such as Asparagus racemosus, Cedrus deodara, and Psoralea corylifolia.

Cognition Disorders↗
PubMed1999

Optic nerve sheath decompression for progressive central retinal vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To review our results with optic nerve sheath decompression (ONSD) for progressive central retinal vein occlusions (CRVO). METHODS: Patients selected all had evidence of progressively worsening CRVO, a component of optic nerve swelling, and most were already monocular from prior disease in the contralateral eye. ONSD was performed using a nasal approach under retrobulbar anesthesia. RESULTS: Eight eyes from 8 patients with a mean follow-up of 12 months were analyzed. Six patients improved, 2 worsened. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/160, and mean final postoperative visual acuity was 20/70. No complications occurred. Nonischemic CRVOs, patients < 65 years old, and those undergoing ONSD within 3 months of presentation seemed to do better. CONCLUSION: ONSD may improve vision or stabilize visual loss in patients with progressive CRVO.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Retinopathy progression and visual outcomes after phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: To determine the rate of progression of diabetic retinopathy following phacoemulsification surgery and to determine if surgeon experience and/or surgical duration adversely affect visual outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of 150 eyes of 119 diabetic patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery over a 5-year period was performed. Data collected included patient age, sex, type and duration of diabetes, diabetic control, associated systemic health factors, preoperative visual acuity and retinopathy grade, duration of surgery, intraoperative complications, and postoperative course. The effect of these factors on visual outcome and rate of retinopathy progression was studied. Resident and private cases were compared. RESULTS: The visual acuity improved by two or more lines in 117 eyes (78%). Ninety-three eyes (62%) had a final visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40. Retinopathy progression was seen in 37 eyes (25%) followed up for 6 to 10 months. Preoperative nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, prolonged surgical duration, and limited surgical experience were statistically associated with retinopathy progression. CONCLUSIONS: The visual results and rate of retinopathy progression after phacoemulsification surgery in our series do not appear to differ significantly from those reported using other techniques. Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, longer surgical duration, and surgical inexperience resulted in an increased rate of retinopathy progression.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Visual outcomes following lensectomy and vitrectomy for combined anterior and posterior persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the visual outcome after surgery for persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous using modern vitreoretinal techniques. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review during a 5-year period (June 1992 to June 1997). Information recorded for each patient included age, medical history, sex, results of preoperative ocular examination, age at diagnosis, procedure performed, intraoperative and postoperative complications, location and number of sclerotomy sites, type of aphakic rehabilitation, amblyopic therapy given, final visual acuity, and length of follow-up. RESULTS: Fourteen patients who underwent surgical management of combined anterior and posterior persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous were identified. Eleven patients underwent aphakic rehabilitation and aggressive amblyopic therapy consisting of occlusive therapy for several waking hours each day. One additional older patient received aphakic rehabilitation only. Ten eyes (71%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/300 or better, and 8 (57%) obtained a final visual acuity of 20/100 or better. Average length of follow-up was 22 months (range, 4-57 months). Nine patients were fitted with an aphakic soft contact lens, 2 older patients had a posterior chamber intraocular lens placed at the time of vitrectomy, and 1 patient wore aphakic spectacles. CONCLUSIONS: With modern vitreoretinal techniques, aphakic rehabilitation, and aggressive amblyopic therapy, useful vision can be obtained in the majority of patients with combined anterior and posterior persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Amblyopia↗
PubMed1998

A comparison of the Marcus Gunn and alternating light tests for afferent pupillary defects.

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared two methods, the Marcus Gunn test and the alternating light test, for detecting a relative afferent pupillary defect. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen patients with unilateral optic neuropathy. INTERVENTION: The Marcus Gunn and alternating light tests were performed on each patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The results of the Marcus Gunn and altemating light tests for detecting a relative afferent pupillary defect on the affected side. RESULTS: The Marcus Gunn test was able to identify the affected eye in only 8 of 14 patients, whereas the alternating light test correctly identified the affected eye in 13 of 14 patients. Results of the Marcus Gunn test were indeterminate in 4 of 14 patients and were incorrect in 2 of 14 patients. Results of the alternating light test were indeterminate in one patient and never incorrectly identified the affected eye. CONCLUSION: The alternating light test is superior to the Marcus Gunn test for detecting relative afferent pupillary defects.

Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗
PubMed1998

Rate of vascularization of coralline hydroxyapatite spherical implants pretreated with saline/gentamicin, rTGF-beta 2, and autogenous plasma.

Several authors have reported significant exposure rates using the hydroxyapatite orbital implant in the treatment of the anophthalmic socket. Histologic studies by ourselves and others have suggested that lack of fibrovascular ingrowth into the implants may contribute to conjunctival breakdown and exposure. Recently, much attention has been given to angiogenic factors, such as rTGF-beta 2 and those found in plasma, in accelerating wound healing and fibrovascular ingrowth. This pilot study compares the rate of vascularization of hydroxyapatite orbital implants pretreated with plasma, rTGF-beta 2, and a saline/gentamicin solution with that in untreated controls ina population of New Zealand albino rabbits. Hydroxyapatite orbital spheres were implanted subcutaneously and in enucleated orbits. Untreated implants were used as a control. Implants pretreated with plasma, rTGF-beta 2, and a saline/gentamicin solution were removed and examined histologically at weekly intervals for the first 3 weeks after implantation. Histologic studies demonstrated that the rate of vascularization significantly increased between 2 and 3 weeks postoperatively in all study groups. Pretreating the implants with rTGF-beta 2 in phosphate buffered solution (PBS) or autogenous plasma did not significantly increase the rate of vascularization in comparison with controls at weeks 1 and 2. However, pretreating the implants with a saline/gentamicin solution or PBS alone was associated with an increased rate of vascularization at weeks 2 and 3. No statistically significant difference in vascularization was noted between the subcutaneous and orbital implants at any week. Hydroxyapatite implants pretreated with saline/gentamicin or phosphate buffered solutions underwent more rapid vascularization at weeks 2 and 3 in comparison with controls. Additionally, all groups were noted to have a more rapid rate of ingrowth between weeks 2 and 3 than between weeks 1 and 2. Plasma and rTGF-beta 2 (at the dose used) did not significantly alter the rate of vascularization of hydroxyapatite implants during the first 2 to 3 weeks. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The use of topical aqueous suppressants in the prevention of postoperative intraocular pressure elevation following pars plana vitrectomy with long-acting gas tamponade.

PURPOSE: To determine if topical aqueous suppressant therapy applied after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas tamponade successfully prevents postoperative elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: A prospective, controlled study was performed on patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent PPV with gas tamponade (SF6 18%-20% or C3F8 12%-16%) over a 1-year period. Treatment eyes received topical aqueous suppressants at the end of surgery. Postoperative IOP checks were performed at 4 to 6 hours, 1 day, and 1 week. RESULTS: Twenty-one control (C) and 20 treatment (T) eyes met the inclusion criteria. The IOP (in mm Hg) measured at 4 to 6 hours (23.05 [C], 14.73 [T] and 1 day (23.24 [C], 17.28 [T]) postoperatively showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = .0038) at 4 to 6 hours, and a trend toward significance (P = .057) at 1 day. Eleven control and 3 treatment eyes had an IOP spike above 25 mm Hg at 4 to 6 hours or 1 day postoperatively (P = .02), and 6 control and 1 treatment eye had a postoperative IOP above 30 mm Hg. A pressure rise above 40 mm Hg was seen in 2 control eyes and no treatment eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Use of topical aqueous suppressants following PPV with long-acting gas tamponade is effective in preventing significant postoperative IOP elevation in a majority of cases.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed1998

Decrease in intraocular pressure after orbital decompression for thyroid orbitopathy.

BACKGROUND: The effect of thyroid orbitopathy on intraocular pressure (IOP) remains controversial. We carried out a study to determine the effect of orbital decompression surgery on the IOP in patients with advanced thyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: The records of 12 consecutive patients (22 eyes) who underwent decompression surgery for severe thyroid orbitopathy between 1985 and 1996 were reviewed. All patients were maintained on essentially the same medications before and after surgery. The IOP readings, obtained by means of applanation tonometry in primary gaze, from the pre- and postoperative visits were recorded, and the net change was calculated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative IOP values were 19.8 mm Hg and 16.8 mm Hg respectively, a significant difference (p = 0.008). Seven of eight eyes with an IOP of 21 mm Hg or greater preoperatively had a postoperative IOP less than 21 mm Hg; these eyes showed a mean decrease in IOP of 5.6 mm Hg. The degree of preoperative IOP elevation was found to be a strong predictor of the amount of IOP lowering after surgery (p = 0.014). INTERPRETATION: Our results support the concept that orbital congestion associated with thyroid orbitopathy produces an increase in IOP by elevation of episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and that orbital decompression may reduce the IOP by decreasing EVP. Decompression surgery may obviate the need for more aggressive management of glaucoma in patients with severe thyroid orbitopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Recombinant hirudin prevents postoperative fibrin formation after experimental cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: The authors studied the effect of a direct acting antithrombin agent, desulfatohirudin variant 1 (Revasc, Ciba-Geigy, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland), on postoperative fibrin formation after cataract surgery in rabbits. METHODS: Phacoemulsification was performed in a masked fashion on 28 eyes of 28 New Zealand white rabbits. Ten control group eyes had lactated Ringer's solution in the infusion and an intracameral injection (approximately 1.5 ml) at the end of the case. Ten group 1 eyes received hirudin 100 micrograms/ml in the infusion and intracameral injection. Eight group 2 eyes had 100 micrograms/ml hirudin in the intracameral injection only. Using slit-lamp examination, all eyes were graded for the amount of fibrin and intraocular hemorrhage in a masked fashion on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: Comparison of the mean postoperative fibrin grade (0-4) in group 1 (mean = 0.3), group 2 (mean = 0.25) and the control group (mean = 3.4) revealed a statistically significant difference between hirudin-treated and control eyes (P = 0.0002 for group 1, P = 0.0005 for group 2). No intraocular hemorrhage was noted in any group. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant hirudin significantly decreases postoperative fibrin formation in a rabbit cataract extraction model. Intracameral injection of hirudin alone appears to be at least as effective as infusion of hirudin throughout the case. With further study, this agent has potential for use in cataract surgery on patients known to be at high risk for postoperative fibrin formation.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Malakoplakia and colorectal adenocarcinoma.

We report a case of malakoplakia in association with colonic adenocarcinoma. Tumour-associated malakoplakia in the gastrointestinal tract is a rare finding, generally confined to the colon. It may be locally aggressive, with invasion of pericolic tissues, but is always located adjacent to the tumour. This contrasts with the often more diffuse, multifocal distribution of colonic malakoplakia in association with other pathologies.

Adenocarcinoma↗