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[HIV seroprevalence in ophthalmologic patients of Cameroon].

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to estimate the exact HIV infection rates in countries such as Cameroon because of diagnostic and statistical problems. The majority of people seek help from traditional healers outside the health system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A screening for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) was performed on 2452 patients of the western province of Cameroon. All data were evaluated regarding HIV seroprevalence and ophthalmological findings in HIV-seropositive patients. The test covered all patients who came for cataract surgery (group 1), all outpatients with suspicious ophthalmological findings (group 2), and all remarkable patients of the collaborating department of general medicine (group 3) between 20 September 2000 and 20 September 2001. RESULTS: Of the 2452 screened patients, 467 (19.0%) were HIV seropositive. A positive test result was obtained in 29 (5.5%) of the 525 patients in group 1, 154 (35.6%) of the 433 patients in group 2, and 284 (19.0%) of the 1494 patients in group 3. The main ocular manifestations of the 154 HIV-seropositive patients in group 2 were uveitis (17.6%), squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva (14.9%), zoster ophthalmicus (14.9%), and corneal ulcers (11.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the seroprevalence of the screened population of Cameroon lies between 5.5% (results of group 1) and 19.0% (results of group 3).

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Ophthalmologic considerations and testing in patients receiving long-term antimalarial therapy.

We do not as yet understand all the mechanisms involved in retinal toxicity. Such risk is lower with hydroxychloroquine than with chloroquine. The risk of true retinopathy rises with duration of therapy. The benefit/risk ratio for hydroxychloroquine is at least equal to or better than that of chloroquine, and when the currently recommended dosages of 400 mg per day of hydroxychloroquine and 250 mg per day of chloroquine are not exceeded, this ratio is medically and ophthalmologically acceptable. The most useful tests to detect retinopathy are ophthalmoscopic and/or photographic observation of the macular area for changes in pigmentation, sensitive central visual field testing, and automated computerized perimeter. These tests can be conducted by the attending physician provided that (1) baseline ophthalmologic studies are done (to exclude pre-existing ocular abnormalities); (2) such studies are conducted every six months thereafter; and (3) the patient with ocular abnormalities is immediately referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation, even in the absence of symptoms.

Adult↗

Current status of biomaterials in ophthalmology.

The artificial materials currently used in ophthalmology are reviewed. Those include poly(methyl methacrylate) in contact lenses, keratoprostheses, and intraocular lenses; cellulose acetate butyrate and the siloxane-containing polymethacrylates in contact lenses; the silicones in contact lenses, scleral buckling materials, and drainage implants in glaucoma; the hydrogels for contact lenses and retinal surgery implants; and the cyanoacrylate adhesives for corneal perforations and ulcers. The properties of the materials and their relationship to ocular tissues, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of their use in the eye are discussed. Probable future advances of biomaterials in ophthalmology are also discussed.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Biofeedback for ophthalmologic disorders.

The possible applications of biofeedback to the treatment of ophthalmologic disorders is reviewed. Studies have suggested utility in the management of blepharospasms, strabismus, nystagmus, and other eye movement disorders as well as the training of voluntary control of accommodation. Limitations of the current literature are discussed, as are prospects for the clinical use of biofeedback in ophthalmologic practice.

Adult↗

Neuro-ophthalmology and psychiatry.

Neuro-ophthalmology and psychiatry interact over several issues. The neuro-ophthalmologist can confirm the suspicion of nonorganic visual dysfunction by demonstrating the functional integrity of the visual system and the nonphysiologic nature of the visual complaints. He or she may recognize evidence of organic dysfunction in the patient with a presumed psychiatric diagnosis. In some cases, the pathology may be related to the use of certain psychiatric medications. Specialized examination techniques within the realm of neuro-ophthalmology may provide subtle information about the functional integrity of the central nervous system in patients with psychiatric disease. Clinical and investigational collaboration between the neuro-ophthalmologist and the psychiatrist will provide the most appropriate patient management and may further our understanding of the biological basis of psychiatry.

Brain Diseases↗

Ophthalmologic side effects during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ophthalmologic side effects have been reported during interferon therapy, particularly retinal lesions and neurovisual impairment. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the nature and the frequency of such lesions during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2003, 156 patients treated with standard or pegylated alpha-interferon, with or without ribavirin, had a regular ophthalmologic examination before and during treatment. No patient had signs of retinopathy before treatment. Cotton-wool spots were found in 31 patients and retinal hemorrhage in nine patients during treatment (24% of patients). These lesions remained asymptomatic and disappeared in all patients. A previous history of arterial hypertension (RR 4.60, 95% CI 1.95-10.85), age above 45 years (RR 2.80, 95% CI 1.36-5.85), and use of pegylated alpha-interferon (RR 2.75, 95% CI 1.41-5.38) were significantly associated with retinopathy. Neurovisual impairment was present in 31 patients (20%) before treatment and in 74 patients (47%) during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study showed that signs of retinopathy and neurovisual impairment were common in patients receiving alpha-interferon therapy but were rarely symptomatic. It suggests that alpha-interferon may usually be continued in asymptomatic patients as long as there is careful fundoscopic examination.

Adolescent↗

A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of the effects of ivermectin at normal and high doses, given annually or three-monthly, against Onchocerca volvulus: ophthalmological results.

A three-year randomized, controlled, double-blind trial was conducted in Cameroon to determine whether ivermectin, given at three-monthly intervals and/or at high doses (800 microg/kg), had a greater effect on adult Onchocerca volvulus than standard doses (150 microg/kg annually). As several patients complained of transitory subjective visual problems after treatment, some of them being of an unexpected type, we organized two series of detailed ophthalmological examinations to evaluate whether they were associated with ocular lesions. Analysis showed that these complaints were significantly more frequent in the two groups treated with high doses of ivermectin than in the reference group. In the ophthalmological examinations, the only differences recorded between the groups were a lower prevalence and mean number of microfilariae in the anterior chamber in the groups treated three-monthly, and, at the first examination round, a higher prevalence of early lesions of the iris in the group treated at high doses annually. These findings do not allow us to explain the cause of the transitory ocular complaints, nor why they were more frequent in the groups treated at high doses. However, one may conclude that using doses of ivermectin higher than the standard one should be considered with caution.

Adolescent↗

The polaroid suppression test in a pediatric population with ophthalmologic disorders.

PURPOSE: The Polaroid suppression test (PST) is a new method for early detection of amblyogenic factors by screening for suppression. The apparatus can elicit suppression with the use of Polaroid filters. The aim of the present study was to examine a population of children with known ophthalmologic disorders using the PST to determine the rate of false-negative results of the PST. METHODS: Six hundred four children, varying in age between 3 and 15 years (mean, 7.9) were examined using the PST. Ophthalmologic disorders ranged from strabismus and amblyopia to refractive disorders. RESULTS: Mean testing time for the PST was 43 seconds. The PST could not be administered to 34 children (5.6%); 443 children (73.3%) had abnormal results; and 127 children (22.2%) showed no suppression. The suppression in constant strabismus was detected in almost all cases. The sensitivity for accommodative forms of strabismus was lower, but amblyopia was never missed in these cases. In children with normal eye alignment, only 2.7% with an interocular acuity difference of more than 0.1 logMAR had no suppression. Of all 119 children with clinical defined amblyopia, only 1 (0.8%) did not have suppression. Overall sensitivity of the PST for strabismus and/or abnormal interocular acuity difference was 96.2% and specificity was 41.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The PST has great potential as a visual screening tool in young children. Only few children with amblyogenic factors were missed. Thus, the test can differentiate those children at risk for amblyopia from normally sighted children. Because specificity is lower, all children showing suppression with the PST in a screening situation should have further examination by the health care worker before being referred to the ophthalmologist.

Accommodation, Ocular↗

Ophthalmologic findings in patients with ataxia.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and spectrum of ophthalmologic findings in a large, heterogeneous group of patients with ataxia. METHODS: Medical records of 184 patients from a university-based ataxia clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as having Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar degeneration, cerebellar degeneration, familial or sporadic olivo-pontocerebellar atrophy, multisystem atrophy, spastic ataxia, myoclonic ataxia, or other diagnoses such as mitochondrial myopathy. All had complete ophthalmologic examinations, and 107 underwent electro-oculography. RESULTS: Among 184 patients with ataxia, diplopia was present in 52 (28%), best-corrected visual acuity was decreased in 29 (16%), and oscillopsia was present in 10 (5%). Diplopia was usually caused by an intermittent, small-angle heterotropia. The reduction in best-corrected visual acuity varied from mild to profound and was caused by optic atrophy, retinal degeneration, or both. Optic atrophy was present most frequently in spastic ataxia (five of 22 patients) and myoclonic ataxia (two of eight patients), followed by Friedreich's ataxia (three of 26 patients). Retinal degeneration and ophthalmoplegia were most characteristically associated with familial olivopontocerebellar atrophy and mitochondrial myopathy. Laboratory testing of ocular motility showed frequent abnormalities in all groups. Fixation instability was most characteristic of Friedreich's ataxia, whereas saccadic slowing was noticeably absent from patients with purely cerebellar degenerations. CONCLUSIONS: The ataxias may be associated with visual dysfunction caused by retinal degeneration, optic atrophy, oculomotor disturbance, or a combination of these.

Adolescent↗

Ophthalmologic examination of patients with seasonal affective disorder, before and after bright light therapy.

PURPOSE: We assessed the potential ocular hazards of bright light therapy for patients with seasonal affective disorder, after both short- and long-term treatment, and identified prospective patients with pre-existing ocular abnormalities. METHODS: Fifty patients with seasonal affective disorder received daily exposure to artificial light in the morning or evening for 30 minutes at an illuminance level of 10,000 lux (irradiant dose, 0.016 J/cm2). Ophthalmologic examinations were performed before and after short-term treatment (two to eight weeks) and after three to six years of use during the fall and winter months. Over the four years of patient intake, the eye examination included subsets of the following tests: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, color vision, visual field, fundus photography, Amsler grid, ocular motility, pupillary reactions, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, and the macular stress test. RESULTS: No ocular changes were detected after short-term treatment. Long-term treatment (three to six years) of 17 patients, with cumulative exposure durations of 60 to 1,250 hours, also resulted in no ocular abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Light therapy yields about 75% clinical remissions. It is effective as an antidepressant and appears safe for the eyes. Current knowledge is insufficient to specify any definite ocular contraindications for bright light therapy, although we recommend that patients with preexisting ocular abnormalities and those using photosensitizing drugs undergo treatment only with periodic ophthalmologic examination.

Adolescent↗

Common ophthalmologic concerns in infants and children.

Pediatric ophthalmology differs from adult eye care in many aspects. Some disorders are seen only in children although others may be found in adults as well. A major difference between pediatric and adult ophthalmology is the impact that almost any disorder may have on the developing visual system. This article addresses common pediatric eye disorders and their potential effects on the visually impaired immature child. Referral guidelines and vision screening are also discussed.

Adult↗

Ophthalmologic effects of psychotropic medications.

This article reviews the effects of psychotropic medications on the eye. Although some of these effects have been known for years, they have been largely ignored by psychiatrists. The ophthalmologic effects of antidepressants, neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, and lithium in therapeutic doses and overdose are reviewed and their implications discussed. Recommendations are made for appropriate monitoring, treatment, and ophthalmologic referral of patients on these medications.

Anticonvulsants↗

Lasers in ophthalmology.

Many sources of laser light are used in ophthalmology, most commonly the argon, krypton, and Nd:YAG laser. Each is described and evaluated regarding its qualities and advantages. Laser beam therapy can be used for a variety of ophthalmologic surgical procedures; it permits noninvasive, outpatient treatment that until recently has required invasive surgery. As laser knowledge advances, ophthalmic surgeons will be able to choose the wavelength appropriate to treat a variety of diseases.

Argon↗

Ophthalmologic findings in suspected child abuse victims with subdural hematomas.

PURPOSE: Shaken baby syndrome consists of intracranial and intraocular hemorrhages in young children in the absence of signs of direct head trauma. Because it has major medicolegal implications, it must be distinguished from accidental trauma. This study aimed to determine the ophthalmologic manifestations and their natural course in child abuse victims and whether ophthalmologic examination can help to distinguish shaken babies from children with accidental impact head trauma. DESIGN: Prospective comparative observational case series. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from January 1996 to September 2001 on 241 consecutive infants hospitalized for a subdural hematoma to determine the frequency and the type of ocular abnormalities encountered. At admission, 186 children were highly presumed to have been shaken (group 1), 38 children had signs of direct head trauma without any relevant history of trauma (group 2), some of them having been possibly shaken, whereas 7 children had proven severe accidental head trauma (group 3). RESULTS: Intraocular hemorrhages were the main finding. Their shape, laterality, and size were not significantly different in groups 1 and 2. However they were significantly more frequent in nonaccidental head trauma than in infants with head impact (77.5% versus 20%). None of the group 3 children had intraocular hemorrhage. Eighty-two percent of intraocular hemorrhages resolved within 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular hemorrhages are frequent in shaken babies but not specific of this syndrome. When associated with a subdural hematoma, they are strongly suggestive of shaken neglect. They are rare in pediatric accidental head trauma.

Child Abuse↗

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy with visual disturbances. An ophthalmologic investigation into four generations.

Fifty-one members of four generations of a family with autosomal dominant olivopontocerebellar atrophy with decreased visual acuity were examined by an ophthalmologist and a neurologist. Twenty-two persons were affected ophthalmologically and 27 were affected neurologically. We describe the ophthalmologic findings as well as the case history of our youngest patient (age 11 months) from whom we obtained brain tissue and an ophthalmopathologic report at autopsy.

Adolescent↗

Brown oculocutaneous albinism. Clinical, ophthalmological, and biochemical characterization.

The clinical, ophthalmological, and biochemical characteristics of a 28-year-old black woman with brown oculocutaneous albinism were determined. Hair color was medium brown and skin color was light brown, and a faint tan developed with sun exposure. The irides were light brown in the central one-third, blue-gray in the peripheral two-thirds, and showed punctate and radial translucency. Visual acuity was 20/60 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left eye. There was a moderate pendular nystagmus, and previous surgeries had corrected an exotropia. The foveal reflex was muted, and the retinal pigment was reduced. Hairbulb tyrosinase activity was 1.75 pmoles/120 min/hairbulb, hairbulb glutathione content 0.83 nmoles/hairbulb, and urine excretion of 5-S-cysteinyldopa 174.9 ng/mg creatinine. Electron microscopy of hairbulb and skin melanocytes showed arrested melanosomal development. These findings suggest that there is a partial block in the distal eumelanin pathway in this form of albinism. The ophthalmological characteristics of six additional cases of this form of albinism are also presented.

Adult↗

Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne spirochetal infection characterized by skin rash, neurologic, cardiac, and arthritic findings. The authors report six patients with Lyme disease who had neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations. One patient had meningitis with papilledema, two had optic neuritis, and one had neuroretinitis. Three patients had sixth nerve paresis, two of whom cleared quickly, whereas multiple cranial nerve palsies and subsequent optic neuropathy developed in another. Early recognition of neuro-ophthalmologic findings can help in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

Abducens Nerve↗

Automated suprathreshold static perimetry screening for detecting neuro-ophthalmologic disease.

PURPOSE: To devise and evaluate a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method of detecting neuro-ophthalmologic visual field defects. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients were evaluated with 76-point, central 30 degree automated static threshold perimetry on the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, as well as by a 76-point, central 30 degree suprathreshold examination with the central reference levels set at 2 or 4 dB lower than the estimated normal median central reference level adjusted for age. Six masked readers reviewed the fields. Their readings were compared with those of the other observers, as well as with the final diagnoses as determined from all available clinical information. RESULTS: In detecting abnormality, the full-threshold 30 degree test had a sensitivity (percent of eyes with true field defects identified by the field test) of 93 percent or 99 percent (depending on whether borderline results were counted as a positive or negative test) and a specificity (percent of cases without true field defects appropriately identified by the field test) of 71 percent or 91 percent. In comparison, the 4-dB offset suprathreshold test had a sensitivity (averaged over all reviewers) of 79 percent or 87 percent and a specificity of 81 percent or 89 percent, whereas the 2-dB test had a sensitivity of 87 percent or 94 percent and a specificity of 73 percent or 85 percent. The mean duration of the suprathreshold tests was 3.5 +/- 1.0 minute, compared with 14.8 +/- 2.8 minutes for the full-threshold technique. CONCLUSION: The central 30 degree, 76-point, 2-dB offset suprathreshold automated perimetry is more rapid and nearly as effective as the full-threshold test in detecting visual field abnormalities due to neuro-ophthalmologic disease. More quantitative, full-threshold perimetric strategies should be used in all equivocal cases and to follow progression of established disease.

Adult↗