Choroidal structural changes in different intermediate AMD patterns

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212199200
Author(s):  
Pasquale Viggiano ◽  
Lisa Toto ◽  
Giada Ferro ◽  
Federica Evangelista ◽  
Annamaria Porreca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Imagej Software ◽  
Healthy Eyes

Purpose: To report variation of choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in subjects with drusen and subjects with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) compared with healthy individuals using the Spectral-domain (SD)-Optical Coherence Tomography with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) system. Design: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Subjects: Eighty-four participants. Methods: The patients were imaged using the Heidelberg Spectralis device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) with EDI mode. EDI-OCT images were exported and then imported into image analysis ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda) and a semiautomated algorithm was used for subsequent quantitative analysis. Main outcome measures: This study evaluated two choroidal parameters: (i) choroidal thickness (CT); (ii) choroidal vascularity index (CVI). Results: CT analysis was performed in three different regions: (i) foveal region, (ii) parafoveal region; (iii) perifoveal region. All the analyzed regions were significantly decreased in RPD pattern, as compared with both the drusen group ( p < .005) and healthy eyes ( p < .005). CVI was significantly decreased in the RPD pattern, as compared with healthy eyes ( p < 0.001). However, the drusenoid pattern did not have statistical significance in comparison with the control group suggesting the lower incidence of this pattern on choroidal vasculopathy. Conclusions: We report CT and CVI difference in RPD and drusen eyes. The RPD pattern seems to be a consequence of an alteration in the choroidal vascularity resulting in severe ischemia and excessive hypoxia inducing an increased risk of late AMD compared to the drusenoid pattern.

scholarly journals Choroidal vascularity index in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale Loiudice ◽  
Marco Pellegrini ◽  
Michele Marinò ◽  
Barbara Mazzi ◽  
Ilaria Ionni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Score ◽  
Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽  
Clinical Activity ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Activity Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy ◽  
Imagej Software

Abstract Background Hemodynamic changes have been observed in patients with Graves’ disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate choroidal vascular change using the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, 40 patients affected by TAO were recruited. Forty healthy individuals, matched for age and sex, served as controls. Foveal enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography scans were obtained from all participants. Images were binarized using the ImageJ software and luminal area (LA) and total choroidal area (TCA) were measured. CVI was calculated as the proportion of LA to TCA. The relation between CVI or subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and clinical activity score, exophthalmometric value, diplopia status, gender, and age was evaluated. Results CVI was significantly higher in patients with TAO (P = 0.004). No significant difference was observed in SFCT (P = 0.200) and TCA (P = 0.153) comparing TAO patients and healthy controls. LA was significantly higher in TAO group (P = 0.045). On multiple regression analysis, CVI was associated with TCA (P = 0.043). No association was found between SFCT or CVI and TCA, clinical activity score, exophthalmometric value, Inami value, diplopia status, gender or age (P > 0.05). Conclusions This is the first study that has demonstrated an increase in CVI in eyes with TAO compared with healthy controls and has assessed its association with clinical features.

scholarly journals Decreased choroidal and scleral thicknesses in highly myopic eyes with posterior staphyloma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Un Chul Park ◽  
Eun Kyoung Lee ◽  
Bo Hee Kim ◽  
Baek-Lok Oh
Keyword(s):  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pathologic Myopia ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Swept Source ◽  
Posterior Staphyloma ◽  
Myopic Maculopathy

AbstractIn this cross-sectional study, we investigated choroidal thickness (CT) and scleral thickness (ST) in highly myopic eyes and their associations with ocular factors. Patients underwent widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the CT and ST at the subfovea and 3000 μm superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal to the fovea and macular curvature. A total of 237 eyes (154 patients) were included. At all five measurement points, thinner CTs and STs were associated with longer axial lengths (r = − 0.548 to − 0.357, all P < 0.001) and greater macular curvatures (r = − 0.542 to − 0.305, all P < 0.001). The CT and ST were significantly thinner in eyes with posterior staphyloma than in those without at all measurement points (all P ≤ 0.006) but did not differ between eyes with the wide macular and narrow macular type of staphyloma. Eyes with myopic maculopathy of category ≥ 3 according to the International Meta-Analysis for Pathologic Myopia classification had significantly thinner CTs and STs than those with category ≤ 2 (all P ≤ 0.005). In highly myopic eyes, a decrease in the CT and ST was more pronounced in eyes with more structural changes, such as longer axial length, steeper macular curvature, and the presence of posterior staphyloma.

scholarly journals Validation of the SavvyCheckTM Vaginal Yeast Test for Screening Pregnant Women for Vulvovaginal Candidosis: A Prospective, Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Philipp Foessleitner ◽  
Herbert Kiss ◽  
Julia Deinsberger ◽  
Julia Ott ◽  
Lorenz Zierhut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidosis

Pregnant women have an increased risk of vulvovaginal candidosis. Recurrent candidosis is under debate as a contributor to preterm birth, and vertical transmission may cause diaper dermatitis and oral thrush in the newborn. Apart from cultural methods, the gold standard for diagnosing candidosis is Gram staining, which is time-consuming and requires laboratory facilities. The objective of this prospective study was to validate a point-of-care vaginal yeast detection assay (SavvyCheckÔ Vaginal Yeast Test) and to evaluate it in asymptomatic pregnant women. We enrolled 200 participants, 100 of whom had vulvovaginal candidosis according to Gram stain (study group) and 100 were healthy pregnant controls (control group). Of these, 22 participants (11%) had invalid test results. The point-of-care test of the remaining 85 and 93 study participants in the study and control groups, respectively, showed a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 98.9%, positive predictive value of 90.3%, and negative predictive value of 99.4% when compared with Gram stain. In conclusion, we found a high correlation between the SavvyCheckÔ Vaginal Yeast Test and Gram-stained smears during pregnancy. This suggests a potential role of this point-of-care test as a screening tool for asymptomatic pregnant women in early gestation.

scholarly journals Profile of Estrogen Metabolism in Endometriosis Patients

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tirsa Verani ◽  
 Kanadi Sumapradja
Keyword(s):  
Blood Level ◽  
Obstet Gynecol ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Estrogen Metabolism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Keywords Endometriosis ◽  
Test Result

Objective: To assess the estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) blood level and its ratio (E2:E1, E2:E3 and E1:E3) between women with and without endometriosis. Method: We performed an analytical cross sectional study with 27 women with endometriosis and 27 women without endometriosis who met the inclusion criteria. The samples were recruited in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital and other satellite hospitals from October 2012 to April 2013. The blood level of estrogen metabolites was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparison between the two groups was analyzed by using Mann- Whitney test. Result: The level of estrone was found to be lower in endometriosis group compared to that in the control group (54.66 pg/ml vs 73.52 pg/ml, p=0.229). Similarly, the levels of estradiol and estriol were lower in endometriosis group (29 pg/ml vs 35 pg/ml, p=0.815 and 1.11 pg/ml vs 1.67 pg/ml, p=0.095, consecutively). The E2:E1 ratio was higher in endometriosis group (0.51 pg/ml vs 0.38 pg/ml, p=0.164), as well as E2:E3 ratio (26.53 pg/ml vs 21.11 pg/ml, p=0.223) and the E1:E3 ratio (58.55 pg/ml vs 50.28 pg/ml, p=0.684). However, all those differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The estrone, estradiol and estriol levels in women with endometriosis were lower compared to those in women without endometriosis. The ratio of E2:E1, E2:E3 and E1:E3 were higher in endometriosis group. However, all those differences failed to reach statistical significance. [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 3: 127-131] Keywords: endometriosis, estradiol, estriol, estrogen, estrone

Comparison of Psychotropic Agent use among Rural Elderly Caregivers and Noncaregivers

1996 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 583-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane R Mort ◽  
Phyllis M Gaspar ◽  
Debra I Juffer ◽  
Mary B Kovarna
Keyword(s):  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Rural Caregivers ◽  
Psychotropic Agents ◽  
Elderly Caregivers

Objective To determine the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) psychotropic medication and social drug (alcohol and caffeine) use patterns of community-based elderly caregivers of patients with dementia and elderly noncaregivers. Design Cross-sectional study design in which characteristics of psychotropic medication and social drug use were collected including the specific agent, frequency, dose, and reason for use. Setting A rural, sparsely populated agricultural area in the midwest region of the US. Sample Thirty elderly caregivers of patients with dementia were recruited through a public health agency and homemaker health aid service. Thirty elderly noncaregivers were recruited through the senior citizens center in a neighboring rural community. Data were collected by interview. Results A significantly greater number of caregivers used OTC psychotropic agents (43%) than did noncaregivers (3%; p < 0.001). In all cases these agents were used for sleep. The combined number of caregivers using prescription and OTC psychotropic products (63%) also achieved statistical significance compared with the control group (10%; p < 0.001). Caffeine was used by all members of both groups and alcohol was consumed by eight caregivers and seven noncaregivers. Conclusions A greater percentage of rural caregivers of patients with dementia in this study took psychotropic agents compared with the noncaregiver group. OTC products for sleep were the most frequently used agents.

Cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Resende Camargos ◽  
Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo ◽  
Sueli Ferreira da Fonseca ◽  
Mariana Aguiar de Matos ◽  
Katherine Simone Caires Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Cortisol Levels

AbstractBackgroundThe salivary circadian diurnal cortisol plays an important role in growth and development. Inappropriate levels may induce changes associated with an increased risk of obesity later in life. It is unknown if there are differences in cortisol secretion pattern between overweight/obese infants when compared with theirs peers in infancy. Thus, this study aimed to compare the salivary cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants.MethodsThirty-three (overweight/obese = 17 and normal weight = 16) infants between 6 and 24 months of age had saliva samples collected upon awakening (T1), 30 min after waking (T2), at 12:00 am or before the baby’s meal (T3), and prior to bedtime (T4). Highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays were used for cortisol analyses.ResultsSalivary cortisol levels were similar between the groups: T1 (p = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.65, 1.37), T2 (p = 0.24; 95% CI: −8.23, 2.17), T3 (p = 0.95; 95% CI: −3.16, 2.96), and T4 (p = 0.81; 95% CI: −1.39, 1.08); and no differences were observed between area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.80; 95% CI: −4.58–13.66). The cortisol level reduced in T4 (95% CI: 1.35–2.96) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.15–8.49) and T2 in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.02–11.04). In the normal-weight group, the cortisol reduced in T3 (95% CI: 2.86–8.18) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.64–12.28) and decreased until T4 (p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.25–3.37).ConclusionsThe overweight/obese infant group presented a different pattern of cortisol secretion, although cortisol levels did not differ between the control group.

scholarly journals Relationship between pediatric liquid medicines (PLMs) and dental caries in chronically ill children

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Ankita Goyal ◽  
Vatchala Rani ◽  
Bhadravathi Cheluvaiah Manjunath ◽  
Kanupriya Rathore
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chronically Ill Children

Introduction: Purpose of this research is to assess the relationship between long-term pediatric liquid medicines (PLMs) consumption and dental caries in 2–12-years-old chronically ill children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a public pediatric hospital in India for a period of 6 months. A total of 455 children aged 2–12 years old with various chronic diseases who were receiving PLMs for more than 6 months were selected as the subjects in this study and compared with 531 children of similar age group and diseases who received other forms of medication. Dental caries was measured by DMFT/dmft and data collected were analyzed with SPSS (17th version) using statistical tests such as t-test and one-way ANOVA. Univariable logistic regression was used where the significance was fixed at a a p value of less than 0.001. Results: Children on PLMs had an increased risk of dental caries than those on other forms of medications (OR: 3.142, 95% CI: 2.37–4.15, p < 0.001). The prevalence of dental caries was higher (77.8%) in children consuming PLMs when compared to other forms of medication (52.7%). The mean DMFT and dmft scores were significantly higher in the study group when compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Long-term consumption of pediatric liquid medicines containing sucrose as a risk factor for dental caries among chronically ill children. sugar free options has to be used during prescription to prevent medication-triggered caries.Keywords: Paediatric liquid medicine, medication-triggered caries, sugar-free medication

scholarly journals Resting heart rate variability in regular yoga practitioners - A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Selvakumar Subash ◽  
Manikandan Sathiyaseelan ◽  
Dayanalakshmi Ramachandran
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Yoga Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Resting Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Yoga Practitioners

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful and powerful non-invasive tool for quantitative assessment of cardiac autonomic function. Recent studies have shown that low heart rate variability is an indication of increased risk for cardiac diseases and sudden cardiac death. Yoga has been associated with improved cardio-respiratory performance. Thirty male regular yoga practitioners doing yoga for more than 3 years, age between 25-45 years (yoga group) and 30 male non-yoga practitioners, age-matched (control group) were included. A computerized Niviqure ECG system with HRV software was used for heart rate variability recording. Our results show that frequency-domain parameters like LF power, LF n.u, and LF/HF ratio were significantly lower in yoga group compared to control group. Time-domain parameters like mean RR, NN50, pNN50 were significantly higher in yoga group compared to control group. We conclude that the yoga increases heart rate variability by optimizing the autonomic functions, which is a good indicator of cardiac autonomic activity during rest.

Choroid thickness profile in patients with lupus nephritis

Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Braga ◽  
R Rothwell ◽  
M Oliveira ◽  
D Rodrigues ◽  
S Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Central Nervous System Involvement ◽  
Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Ophthalmological Examination ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthy Control

Background Choroidopathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This entity is associated with active phases of severe SLE and it is frequently accompanied by acute kidney failure, central nervous system involvement and coagulopathy. Purpose To evaluate the choroid thickness of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) without choroidopathy, and to compare this with that of age-matched SLE patients without LN and healthy control subjects. Study design Cross-sectional case control study. Material and methods Fifteen women with LN in remission phase (study group), 15 women with SLE in remission without LN (SLE control group), and 15 healthy women (healthy control group), without ocular diseases or significant refractive error, were recruited. Full ophthalmological examination and a macular optical coherence tomography in enhanced depth imaging mode were performed. The choroid thickness was measured at nine macular points and six lines of mean choroidal thickness were determined. A comparative analysis between the three groups was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and the paired t-test. The choroid thickness of patients under corticotherapy was also compared to that of patients without corticotherapy. Additionally, the correlation between choroid thickness and disease duration was evaluated using the Pearson analysis. Results The mean macular choroidal thickness was 295.73 ± 67.62 μm in the study group, 233.34 ± 41.01 µm in the SLE control group, and 240.98 ± 37.93 μm in the control group ( p = 0.00006 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Additionally, the choroid thickness was significantly thicker than in the SLE and healthy control groups at the foveal ( p = 0.004 and p < 0.000), nasal ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001), superior ( p = 0.002 and p < 0.000) and inferior ( p < 0.000 and p = 0.001) mean lines. The choroidal thickness in this group was not associated with the duration of the disease. The subgroup of patients with LN under corticotherapy did not reveal a significantly different choroidal thickness. Conclusion This study suggests a relationship between LN and choroidal changes, which may represent an increased risk for choroidopathy in these patients. Choroid thickening was not related with the duration of the disease. This thickening may be correlated with histopathological changes similar to those occurring in kidney glomeruli.

scholarly journals Psychological and behavioural aspects in children and adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism diagnosed by neonatal screening: comparison between parents' and children's perceptions

2011 ◽  
Vol 164 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicoletta Bisacchi ◽  
Milva Orquidea Bal ◽  
Laura Nardi ◽  
Ilaria Bettocchi ◽  
Graziana D'Addabbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Hypothyroidism ◽  
Neonatal Screening ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

ObjectiveTo compare the psychological adjustment and behaviour of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) children and their parents with a control group.Study designA cross-sectional study was carried out with 84 CH subjects diagnosed by neonatal screening (range 2.7–18.6 years), subdivided into four age groups: group 1 (2–5 years); group 2 (6–10 years); group 3 (11–13 years); and group 4 (14–18 years) and was compared with an age-matched control group. Patients were assessed using two questionnaires: Child Behaviour Checklist for parents and Youth Self-Report for children over 11 years of age.ResultsIn groups 1, 3 and 4, total score (TS), internalising score (IS=problems within the self) and externalising score (ES=conflicts with other people) as reported by parents were not significantly different in CH patients and in controls. In group 2, parents of CH children showed values of TS (P<0.05), IS (P<0.05), ES (P<0.05) and scores on other scales significantly higher than controls. In self-reports of groups 3 and 4, the behavioural scales were not significantly different in CH patients and in controls.ConclusionsPaediatricians should be informed about the increased risk of the development of behavioural problems at primary school age in CH patients. At this age special attention should be paid to parental worries and anxiety. However, it can be reassuring for the patients and parents to know that the problems may be related to CH, and that they may spontaneously disappear.

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