scholarly journals Excimer Laser Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for the Treatment of Clinically Presumed Fungal Keratitis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang-Mao Li ◽  
Li-Quan Zhao ◽  
Ling-Hui Qu ◽  
Peng Li

This retrospective study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for clinically presumed fungal keratitis. Forty-seven eyes of 47 consecutive patients underwent manual superficial debridement and PTK. All corneal lesions were located in the anterior stroma and were resistant to medication therapy for at least one week. Data were collected by a retrospective chart review with at least six months of follow-up data available. After PTK, infected corneal lesions were completely removed and the clinical symptoms resolved in 41 cases (87.2%). The mean ablation depth was114.39±45.51 μm and diameter of ablation was4.06±1.07 mm. The mean time for healing of the epithelial defect was8.8±5.6days. Thirty-four eyes (82.9%) showed an improvement in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of two or more lines. PTK complications included mild to moderate corneal haze, hyperopic shift, irregular astigmatism, and thinning cornea. Six eyes (12.8%) still showed progressed infection, and conjunctival flap covering, amniotic membrane transplantation, or penetrating keratoplasty were given. PTK is a valuable therapeutic alternative for superficial infectious keratitis. It can effectively eradicate lesions, hasten reepithelialization, and restore and preserve useful visual function. However, the selection of surgery candidates should be conducted carefully.

2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212097604
Author(s):  
Reem R Al Huthail ◽  
Yasser H Al-Faky

Objective: To evaluate the effect of chronicity on the size of the ostium after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with intubation. Methods: Design: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent external DCR with intubation over 10 years from January 2003 at a tertiary hospital. All patients were recruited and examined with rigid nasal endoscope. Results: A total number of 66 (85 eyes) patients were included. The mean age at the time of evaluation was 53.1 years with gender distribution of 54 females (81.8 %). The mean duration ±SD between the date of surgery and the date of evaluation was 33.2 ± 33.6 (6–118 months). Our study showed an overall anatomical and functional success of 98.8% and 95.3%, respectively. The mean size of the ostium (±SD) was 23.0 (±15.7) mm2 (ranging from 1 to 80.4 mm2). The size of the ostium was not a significant factor for failure ( p = 0.907). No statistically significant correlation was found between the long-term duration after surgery and the size of the ostium ( R: 0.025, p = 0.157). Conclusions: Nasal endoscopy after DCR is valuable in evaluating the ostium with no observed potential correlation between the long-term follow-up after surgery and the size of the ostium.


CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S68 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Parkash ◽  
K. Magee ◽  
M. McMullen ◽  
M.B. Clory ◽  
M. D’Astous ◽  
...  

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia affecting 1-2% of the population. Oral anticoagulation (OAC) reduces stroke risk by 60-80% in AF patients, but only 50% of indicated patients receive OAC. Many patients present to the ED with AF due to arrhythmia symptoms, however; lack of OAC prescription in the ED has been identified as a significant gap in the care of AF patients. Methods: This was a multi-center, pragmatic, three-phase before-after study, in three Canadian sites. Patients who presented to the ED with electrocardiographically (ECG) documented, nonvalvular AF and were discharged home were included. Phase 1 was a retrospective chart review to determine OAC prescription of AF patients in each ED; Phase 2 was a low-intensity knowledge translation intervention where a simple OAC-prescription tool for ED physicians with subsequent short-term OAC prescription was used, as well as an AF patient education package and a letter to family physicians; phase 3 incorporated Phase 2 interventions, but added immediate follow-up in a community AF clinic. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of new OAC prescriptions at ED discharge in AF patients who were OAC eligible and were not on OAC at presentation. Results: A total of 632 patients were included from June, 2015-November, 2016. ED census ranged from 30000-68000 annual visits. Mean age was 71±15, 67±12, 67±13 years, respectively. 47.5% were women, most responsible ED diagnosis was AF in 75.8%. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6±1.8, with no difference amongst groups. There were 266 patients eligible for OAC and were not on this at presentation. In this group, the prescription of new OAC was 15.8% in Phase 1 as compared to 54% and 47%, in Phases 2 and 3, respectively. After adjustment for center, components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, prior risk of bleeding and most responsible ED diagnosis, the odds ratio for new OAC prescription was 8.0 (95%CI (3.5,18.3) p<0.001) for Phase 3 vs 1, and 10.0 (95%CI (4.4,22.9) p<0.001), for Phase 2 vs 1). No difference in OAC prescription was seen between Phases 2 and 3. Conclusion: Use of a simple OAC-prescription tool was associated with an increase in new OAC prescription in the ED for eligible patients with AF. Further testing in a rigorous study design to assess the effect of this practice on stroke prevention in the AF patients who present to the ED is indicated.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMC.S12654 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Meikle ◽  
A. Al-Sarraf ◽  
M. Li ◽  
K. Grierson ◽  
J. Frohlich

Objective To assess the effects of exercise on resting heart rate (RHR), weight, lipid profile, and blood pressure. We hypothesized that the participants who increased their physical activity would show improvement in their cardiovascular risk factors compared to those who did not. Design Retrospective chart review over the mean duration of 4.9 years of follow-up. Setting Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Participants We reviewed 300 charts of patients randomly selected from those who attended the Prevention Clinic between 1984 and 2009. 248 (82.7%) patients were referred for primary prevention and 52 (17.3%) for secondary prevention. Primary and secondary outcome measures Weight, RHR, lipid profile, and blood pressure were recorded at the initial and last visit. Results During a mean of 4.9 years of follow-up, 55% of participants improved their exercise. The mean decrease in the RHR for these patients (group 1) was 5.9 beats per minute (bpm) versus the mean increase of 0.3 bpm for the “no change” group (group 2) ( P < 0.01). The mean net weight increase in group 1 was 0.06 kg/year versus 0.25 kg/year in group 2. Because of medications, all patients had a significant improvement in their lipid profiles. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant greater reduction in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in group 1 versus group 2 (11.8% versus 15.1%, P < 0.01). Conclusion Participation in the program significantly reduces modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Improved exercise regimen results in lower RHR and greater reduction in FRS. However, even in a Prevention Program, despite strong advocacy of the importance of exercise, a significant percentage of participants does not improve their exercise habits.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Frank Cubas ◽  
Shannon Longshore ◽  
Samuel Rodriguez ◽  
Edward Tagge ◽  
Joanne Baerg ◽  
...  

Background: Atropine has been used as a successful primary medical treatment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Several authors have reported a higher rate of incomplete pyloromyotomy with the laparoscopic approach compared to open. In this study, we evaluated the use of atropine as a medical treatment for infants with emesis persisting greater than 48 hours after a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of infants receiving a laparoscopic pyloromyotomy between November 1998 and November 2012. Infants with emesis that persisted beyond 48 hours postoperatively were given 0.01mg/kg of oral atropine 10 minutes prior to feeding. Infants remained inpatient until they tolerated two consecutive feedings without emesis.Results: 965 patients underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy; 816 (84.6%) male and 149 (15.4%) female. Twenty-four (2.5%) received oral atropine. The mean length of stay for patients who received atropine was 5.6 ± 2.6 days, an average of 3 additional days. They were discharged home with a one-month supply of oral atropine. Follow up evaluation did not reveal any complications from receiving atropine. The median follow up was 21 days. None returned to the operating room for incomplete pyloromyotomy. There were 17 (1.8%) operative complications in our series; 9 mucosal perforations, 2 duodenal perforations, and 6 conversions to open for equipment failure or poor exposure. There were 4 (0.4%) post-operative complications: 2 episodes of apnea requiring reintubation and 2 incisional hernias that required a second operation. There were no deaths.Conclusion: Oral atropine is a viable treatment for persistent emesis after a pyloromyotomy and reduces the need for a second operation due to incomplete pyloromyotomy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110528
Author(s):  
Abdelrahman Salman ◽  
Ali Ali ◽  
Shaaban Rafea ◽  
Rana Omran ◽  
Buraa Kubaisi ◽  
...  

Aim To evaluate the long-term outcomes of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. Method In this retrospective non-comparative study, forty-five eyes of 31 patients with progressive keratoconus were treated with 30 min “epi-off” corneal cross-linking. The visual, refractive, topographic and tomographic outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at least 10 years after cross-linking. Results Ten years post-corneal cross-linking, the mean anterior maximum keratometry decreased (−2.10 ± 3.25 D, P = 0.0001). Conversely, the posterior maximum keratometry increased (6.38 ± 9.79 D, P = 0.065). Both uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity improved (LogMAR −0.08 ± 0.30) and (LogMAR −0.05 ± 0.21), respectively (P > 0.05, both). A statistically significant hyperopic shift was observed postoperatively (0.70 ± 1.31 D, P = 0.0009). The anterior topographic cylinder values revealed no change (−0.17 ± 1.31 D, P = 0.3), whereas the mean posterior cylinder values decreased (absolute value increased) significantly compared to baseline from −1.31 ± 0.97 D to −1.82 ± 1.78 D, (P < 0.05). The minimum corneal thickness values decreased significantly (−35.11 ± 48.63 µm, P = 0.0001). Four eyes (8.8%) showed more than 1 D increase in the anterior maximum keratometry. Conclusion This protocol and duration of Epi-off corneal cross-linking was found to be effective in halting keratoconus progression over the follow up period (10 years). Anterior corneal flattening and a hyperopic shift were observed. A statistically significant increase in the posterior corneal cylinder was observed. Although, not reaching statistical significance, the logMAR uncorrected and corrected visual acuity were improved.


2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1520-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Z. Ray ◽  
Mitchell A. Pet ◽  
Andrew Yee ◽  
Susan E. Mackinnon

Object The clinical outcomes of patients with brachial plexus injuries who underwent double fascicular transfer (DFT) using fascicles from the median and ulnar nerves to reinnervate the biceps and brachialis muscles were evaluated. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 29 patients with brachial plexus injuries that were treated with DFT for restoration of elbow flexion. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation using the Medical Research Council grading system. Results The mean patient age was 37 years (range 17–68 years), and there was a mean follow-up of 19 ± 12 months (range 8–68 months). At the most recent follow-up, all but 1 patient (97%) had regained elbow flexion. Eight patients recovered Grade M5, 15 patients recovered Grade M4, and 4 patients recovered Grade M3 elbow flexion strength. There was no evidence of functional deficit in the donor nerve distributions. Conclusions Study results demonstrated the reliable restoration of M4–M5 elbow flexion following double fascicular transfer in patients with brachial plexus injuries.


2020 ◽  
pp. 112067212094590
Author(s):  
Rohit Shetty ◽  
Rushad Shroff ◽  
Aishwarya Chhabra ◽  
Ritu Arora ◽  
Vaitheeswaran Ganesan Lalgudi

Purpose: To report a case of management of a post-LASIK superficial corneal scar using a novel single-step topography-based customized phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Methods: Surgical technique description. Results: Ablation was planned using Schwind Amaris® 1050RS excimer laser as decentered trans-epithelial PTK of 5 mm × 3.5 mm of 75 µm depth exactly over the area of the scar. UDVA, CDVA improved from 20/60 and 20/40 pre-operatively to 20/30 and 20/20p post-operatively. Refractive error improved from −2.5 DC @135 to +0.25 DS/−0.25 DC @75. Regularization of topography and stromal surface on ASOCT was noted with minimal hyperopic shift. Another step of ablation to address induced hyperopia was not required. Conclusion: Topography-based customized PTK appears to be an effective novel technique for the management of superficial corneal scars with minimal induced refractive change. This technique holds promise as an alternative in the targeted management of superficial corneal scars, traditionally treated by conventional PTK, without significant ablation of normal tissue.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler S Watters ◽  
Adam M Kaufman ◽  
John M Solic ◽  
Sandra S Stinnett

ABSTRACT Purpose Osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction can improve hip pain and function in patients with femoroacetabular impingement. We report our initial series of patients undergoing surgical treatment for symptomatic CAM type femoroacetabular impingement using a combined arthroscopic and mini-open approach. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of 20 consecutive patients was performed. Seventeen patients had adequate follow-up for inclusion. Preoperative clinical and radiographic characteristics as well as intraoperative findings were obtained from patient records. Postoperative Harris Hip scores and VAS pain scores were recorded at final follow-up. Results At an average of 27.8 months (range 12-48 months), the mean Harris Hip score improved from 64.7 preoperatively to 86.8 (p < 0.001). The mean VAS pain score improved from 4.80 to 1.53 (p = 0.001). Two patients (11.7%) underwent total hip arthroplasty at an average of 15 months postoperatively. Fourteen patients (82%) stated they would have the procedure again. There were no significant complications. Conclusion Surgical treatment of CAM type femoroacetabular impingement using a combined arthroscopic and mini-open anterior hip approach has a low complication rate and improves functional and pain scores at short-term follow-up. Watters TS, Kaufman AM, Solic JM, Stinnett SS, Olson SA. Combined Arthroscopic and Mini-Open Treatment of CAM-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement. The Duke Orthop J 2012;2(1):60-65.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8s2 ◽  
pp. CMC.S15230
Author(s):  
Christopher W. Lüdtke ◽  
Fabian Scheer ◽  
Peter Kamusella ◽  
Christian Wissgott ◽  
Reimer Andresen

Purpose Recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the femoropopliteal arteries depends on a successful lesion crossing with the guide wire. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and the primary results of retrograde recanalization of CTOs with balloon-assisted excimer–laser atherectomy (ELA) via a transpopliteal approach after failed antegrade attempts. Methods A total number of 15 patients (10 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 68.5 years (range: 43-91 years) treated with retrograde transpopliteal ELA in the years 2009-2012 were included retrospectively. After unsuccessful antegrade recanalization attempts with conventional guide wires and catheters, patients were treated with a retrograde recanalization attempt via a transpopliteal access using an excimer laser, followed by pressure-only balloon angioplasty (POBA). The mean length of the CTOs in the femoropopliteal arteries was 17.8 ± 5.4 cm (range: 9-29 cm). Results Technically successful recanalization was achieved in 14 of 15 patients. Provisional stenting was done in two cases. There were no major adverse events regarding the laser atherectomy or popliteal access site. One acute reocclusion was observed in the first 48 hours after intervention. The ankle-brachial Index increased from preinterventional 0.45 ± 0.07 to 0.77 ± 0.29 ( P < 0.05) in the follow-up period (1.5 months), resulting in a primary patency of 80%. Conclusion The retrograde ELA for recanalization of chronic femoropopliteal occlusions via a popliteal access turned out to be a safe and effective procedure with promising primary results. Thus it may be an endovascular treatment option for long chronic occlusions after failed antegrade recanalization or in patients who are not suitable for surgery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 1348-1354
Author(s):  
Sang Wook Jin ◽  
Hyun Chul Jeong ◽  
Hee Jung Cho ◽  
Woo Chan Park

Purpose: To investigate the long-term efficacy and stability of the use of various reinforcement material grafts on scleromalacia.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on scleromalacia patients who underwent surgical treatment with reinforcement material grafts from January 2012 to March 2019. The choice of amniotic membrane, Tenon’s capsule, acellular sclera, or collagen matrix implanted in the area of scleromalacia was made based on disease severity. Amniotic membrane transplantation with a pedicular rotatory inferior conjunctival flap was performed to prevent having a bare sclera. The patient demographics, cause of scleromalacia, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), recurrence rate, postoperative complications, and restoration appearance were evaluated.Results: A total of 58 patients (58 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 65.7 ± 9.6 years, and 32 patients (55.2%) were women. The mean follow-up period was 28.1 ± 17.3 months. The most common cause of scleromalacia was pterygium operation (53 patients, 91.4%). The reinforcement materials were mainly amniotic membrane (31 patients, 53.4%) and acellular sclera (15 patients, 25.7%). There was no recurrence of scleromalacia or structural instability during the follow-up period. The preoperative and postoperative mean BCVA values were 0.24 ± 0.24 and 0.21 ± 0.23 logMAR, respectively. Wound dehiscence (three patients, 5.2%) and conjunctival cyst (three patients, 5.2%) occurred with the highest frequency.Conclusions: The use of the appropriate reinforcement material graft according to the severity of scleromalacia and amniotic membrane transplantation using a pedicular rotatory inferior conjunctival flap to prevent a bare sclera can be effective for treating scleromalacia, without long-term recurrence.


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