Recurrent Keratoconus. Clinical Case

Purpose: To provide a clinical case of recurrent keratoconus from our practice.Materials and method. A patient came to the clinic with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in the right eye. A series of standard instrumental examinations and Scheimpflug keratotopography were performed, and astigmatism of the right eye was diagnosed. Similar examinations were carried out during the patient’s attendance at follow-up examinations.Results. Based on the results of scanning Scheimpflug keratotopography, the diagnosis of keratoconus (forme fruste) was made. On examination after 1 year, there were no complaints of decreased visual acuity and data from the same instrumental examinations indicating keratoconus. After this examination, the patient came 3.5 years later with complaints of a new decreased visual acuity in the right eye. During instrumental examinations and keratopography, data were obtained indicating the presence of posterior keratoconus. After 1 year, a follow-up examination took place without complaints. The data of instrumental studies are identical to the previous visit; keratotopography revealed a decrease in posterior elevation.Discussion and conclusion. It was revealed that the patient was constantly taking the hydroxyurea drug against the background of systemic disease up to the 3rd visit, at the time of the 4th visit she had not taken it for 1 year. There are publications in the literature on the effect of this type of drugs on the collagen of the dermis of the skin, the type of which corresponds to the collagen of the cornea. We hypothesize that drugs may have an effect on the biomechanical properties of the cornea, which requires further in-depth study.

Acute Transient Macular Edema after Uneventful Cataract Surgery

Purpose: to provide a clinical case of recurrent keratoconus from our practice.Materials and method. A patient came to the clinic with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in the right eye. A series of standard instrumental examinations and Scheimpflug keratotopography were performed, and astigmatism of the right eye was diagnosed. Similar examinations were carried out during the patient’s attendance at follow-up examinations.Results. Based on the results of scanning Scheimpflug keratotopography, the diagnosis of keratoconus (forme fruste) was made. On examination after 1 year, there were no complaints of decreased visual acuity and data from the same instrumental examinations indicating keratoconus. After this examination, the patient came 3.5 years later with complaints of a new decreased visual acuity in the right eye. During instrumental examinations and keratopography, data were obtained indicating the presence of posterior keratoconus. After 1 year, a follow-up examination took place without complaints. The data of instrumental studies are identical to the previous visit; keratotopography revealed a decrease in posterior elevation.Discussions and conclusion. It was revealed that the patient was constantly taking the hydroxyurea drug against the background of systemic disease up to the 3rd visit, at the time of the 4th visit she had not taken it for 1 year. There are publications in the literature on the effect of this type of drugs on the collagen of the dermis of the skin, the type of which corresponds to the collagen of the cornea. We hypothesize that drugs may have an effect on the biomechanical properties of the cornea, which requires further in-depth study.

Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow in a rabbit

A 9-y-old, spayed female rabbit was presented for evaluation of hypoglycemia and lateral recumbency. The patient was hypothermic and had diffuse muscle wasting; weight loss since a previous visit was also noted. Hematologic abnormalities included progressive nonregenerative anemia and severe heteropenia. Evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate sample revealed active hematopoiesis with abundant pink matrix. The matrix material stained positively with periodic acid–Schiff and alcian blue, and a diagnosis of gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow (GTBM, serous atrophy of fat) was made. Although its precise prevalence remains to be determined, GTBM should be suspected in rabbits with persistent cytopenias following prolonged starvation or gastrointestinal disease.

POS0097 JOINT INFLAMMATION TENDS TO RECUR IN THE SAME JOINTS DURING THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DISEASE COURSE

Background:It is unknown whether in the disease course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammation recurs in the same joints over time or is more variable in joint locations. Joint involvement patterns over time might provide clues about the underlying mechanisms causing local joint inflammation.Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess if local joint inflammation at presentation of RA tends to recur or persist in the same joints.Methods:Data from the BeSt study were used, a treat-to-target (DAS≤2.4) trial in newly diagnosed RA (ACR 1987 criteria) patients. During 10 years, for each patient 68 joints were assessed three-monthly (41 visits) by trained nurses for swelling (yes/no) and tenderness.We analyzed the association between local joint swelling at baseline and later swelling of the same joint using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Models were adjusted for joint location and for timepoint, with joints clustered within patients. A sensitivity analysis was done for the 25% most affected joints (MCP 1-3, PIP 2-3, wrists and MTP 2-4).To investigate whether later swelling of a joint is predicted by baseline swelling of that same joint specifically, rather than by baseline swelling in general, a permutation test with 1000 permutations was performed. A p-value <0.05 indicates that joint swelling is better predicted by its baseline swelling than by baseline swelling of randomly selected other joints.In a separate model, with an interaction term between baseline swelling and previous visit swelling (yes/no), we evaluated if the association between baseline swelling and later local swelling was influenced by whether later swelling was persistent (swelling at both the current and previous visit) or recurrent (swelling at current visit but not at the previous visit).Results:The 508 patients had a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 10 (6-10) years. At baseline, 8,137/34,423 (24%) assessed joints were scored as swollen. Baseline swelling was subsequently persistent in 21% of the joints with a median (IQR) duration of 1 (1-2) visit (± 3 months after baseline). In addition, after resolution of initial swelling, swelling recurred at least once in 46% of the joints with baseline swelling.Baseline swelling was significantly associated with swelling in the same joint during follow-up (OR 2.37, 95% CI 2.30-2.43). A sensitivity analysis of the most affected joints showed similar results (OR 2.10 [95% CI 2.03-2.19]).The permutation test showed a significant result with p<0.001, indicating that joint swelling is better predicted by baseline swelling of that same joint than by baseline swelling of other joints.The association between baseline swelling and later local swelling was weaker in case of persistent swelling than in case of recurrent swelling (interaction term baseline swelling * swelling at previous timepoint ‘yes’: OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.75-0.85]).Conclusion:In newly diagnosed RA, over median 10 years of treatment to target DAS≤2.4, baseline swelling persisted in 21% of the joints, for median 3 months after baseline. Local recurrence after initial resolution occurred in 46% of the joints. Baseline joint swelling was significantly associated with local joint swelling during follow-up, even when taking into account the higher a priori chance of swelling in the joints that are most often affected, and joint swelling during follow-up was better predicted by baseline swelling of that particular joint than by baseline swelling of other joints. Local persistence and recurrence of joint swelling despite DAS≤2.4 steered treatment adjustments suggest that local joint conditions or even joint memory play a role in mechanisms of joint inflammation.Acknowledgements:We would like to thank all patients for their contribution as well as the rheumatologists who participated in the BeSt study group. We would also like to thank all other rheumatologists and trainee rheumatologists who enrolled patients in these studies, and all research nurses for their contributions.Disclosure of Interests:Sascha Heckert: None declared, Sytske Anne Bergstra: None declared, Xanthe Matthijssen: None declared, Yvonne Goekoop-Ruiterman: None declared, F. Fodili: None declared, Cornelia Allaart Grant/research support from: The original BeSt study was supported by a government grant from the Dutch insurance companies, with additional funding from Schering-Plough B.V. and Janssen B.V., Thomas Huizinga: None declared

Anifrolumab reduces flare rates in patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) management objectives include preventing disease flares while minimizing glucocorticoid exposure. Pooled data from the phase 3 TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 trials in patients with moderate to severe SLE were analyzed to determine anifrolumab’s effect on flares, including those arising with glucocorticoid taper. Methods TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 were randomized, placebo-controlled, 52-week trials of intravenous anifrolumab (300 mg every 4 weeks for 48 weeks). For patients receiving baseline glucocorticoid ≥10 mg/day, attempted taper to ≤7.5 mg/day prednisone or equivalent from Weeks 8–40 was required and defined as sustained reduction when maintained through Week 52. Flares were defined as ≥1 new BILAG-2004 A or ≥2 new BILAG-2004 B scores versus the previous visit. Flare assessments were compared for patients receiving anifrolumab versus placebo. Results Compared with placebo (n = 366), anifrolumab (n = 360) was associated with lower annualized flare rates (rate ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.95), prolonged time to first flare (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.55–0.89), and fewer patients with ≥1 flare (difference −9.3%, 95% CI −16.3 to −2.3), as well as flares in organ domains commonly active at baseline (musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous). Fewer BILAG-based Composite Lupus Assessment responders had ≥1 flare with anifrolumab (21.1%, 36/171) versus placebo (30.4%, 34/112). Of patients who achieved sustained glucocorticoid reductions from ≥10 mg/day at baseline, more remained flare free with anifrolumab (40.0%, 76/190) versus placebo (17.3%, 32/185). Conclusions Analyses of pooled TULIP-1 and TULIP-2 data support that anifrolumab reduces flares while permitting glucocorticoid taper in patients with SLE. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers TULIP-1 NCT02446912 (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02446912); TULIP-2 NCT02446899 (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02446899).

Syncope: call for the missed diagnosis

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Syncope is a common reason for emergency department attendance. This entity may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality and its differential diagnosis is not straightforward. Arrhythmic causes include tachycardia and bradycardia; the later may require pacemaker implantation. Many hospitals lack a dedicated syncope unit to approach these patients. So, patients’ triage may fall into medical or surgical (trauma) areas. Purpose To describe the population of patients that required permanent pacemaker implantation in the year of 2019, particularly those who had a previous visit to the emergency department with syncope or presyncope. Methods Single-center descriptive analysis of patients that implanted a permanent pacemaker in 2019 (inclusion criteria). Additional information was collected in patients with emergency department visits in the 365 days that preceded the device implantation. Results In 2019, a total of 398 patients were admitted for pacemaker implantation in 2019, 55% male (n = 218), 45% female (n = 180), with mean age of 79 years. Regarding indications for pacing, 41% (n= 156) had complete atrioventricular (AV) block, 26% (n = 105) had a second degree AV block, 16% (n = 64) had sinus node dysfunction, 13.5% (n = 53) had atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular conduction, and 3.5% (n = 14) had other indications. Twenty-two percent (n = 88) of patients had a previous visit to the emergency department (other than the ones that triggered the pacemaker implantation) with complaints of syncope (60%) or presyncope (40%). Of these, 73% (n = 64) were referred to a medical area and 27% (n = 24) were referred to a surgical area; 40 patients presented with traumatic lesions (68% cranioencephalic trauma and 32% other traumas). Of the 88 patients, only 67% (n = 59) performed an ECG and only 23% (n = 20) were referred for observation by a cardiologist in the emergency department. Comparing medical and surgical triage, we observe that patients referred to the surgical area were less likely to perform an ECG and to be observed by a cardiologist (with statistical significance). Conclusions Our work describes a common problem in hospitals without dedicated syncope evaluation units. As all the patients ended up implanting a pacemaker, it is interesting to observe that 22%of these had a "warning" visit to the emergency and 33% of the last did not get and ECG. Also, trauma-oriented approaches result in a lower likelihood of performing a complete evaluation of the cause of the syncopal event. This analysis highlights the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach of patients presenting with syncope and presyncope to promote early identification and treatment of arrhythmic causes, reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs.

Experiences of Personnel in Accreditations in Higher Educational Institution: Concerns and Actions

Aims: To determine the experiences of the participants who were involved in the accreditation process Study Design: Qualitative-phenomenology Place and Duration of Study: Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology for five months. Methodology: The participants were 12 program area leaders, and Internal Assessment Board in-charge. They were grouped into four and interviewed using the validated interview guide questionnaire. Results: Themes which concern emotional issues themes were: utilizing archive, enjoying unintended outcome, negotiating time availability, and dealing with inconveniences. Moreover, emerging themes describing the problems encountered in the 10 areas of accreditation included: lack of support, difficulties in documents preparation, utilized personal resources, undefined and unclear dissemination of tasks. Finally, themes for solutions conducted were: necessity of training and workshop, provision of matrix of activity, familiarity of the different tools and program offerings, and establish monitoring team. Conclusion: Preparations are the key to accreditations. The preparation processes should not start months before the scheduled accreditation visit rather right after the commencement of the previous visit. Qualified persons who are knowledgeable on accreditation processes should be. Higher education administration should observed due diligence. Recommendation: College’s Quality Assurance (QA) individuals may be trained to become knowledgeable on the processes of accreditation; preparations for accreditation may be done way ahead of the scheduled visit; area leaders may manage their time in the preparation of documents to avoid discrepancies during accreditation; reorganization of area leaders may be prevented to avoid unfamiliarity of tasks; budget for accreditation processes may be provided; appropriate incentives may be given for those who work overtime; the principle of “Every day is an Accreditation Day” may be observed in order to cultivate among the staff of the college the essence of accreditation. Lastly, creation of College Accreditation Coordinating Council may be created to oversee the processes of accreditation and serve as the focal point for strategic planning.

Asymmetric importance-performance analysis: Measuring classification changes of destination attributes into basic, performance and excitement factors according to the segmentation criterion

Studies combining Asymmetric Importance-Performance Analysis (AIPA) with segmentation are scarce and no study measures the magnitude of the changes in AIPA results when using different data sets: data sets belonging to general tourists and market segments. Consequently, no study evaluates whether one segmentation criterion produces greater changes in AIPA results than another. This study quantifies classification changes of destination attributes in AIPA results according to the previous visit and the origin of the visitors. Based on a sample of 409 tourists in Puerto López (Ecuador), results showed that “nature”, “adventure”, “sun and beach”, and “culture” were basic factors, while “grastronomy” was a performance factor. However, this classification differ considerably when different data sets are used, and especially, when considering segments by origin of the visitor.

Ambulatory cardiology telemedicine: a large academic pediatric center experience

We performed a retrospective study of cardiology telemedicine visits at a large academic pediatric center between 2016 and 2019 (pre COVID-19). Telemedicine patient visits were matched to data from their previous in-person visits, to evaluate any significant differences in total charge, insurance compensation, patient payment, percent reimbursement and zero reimbursement. Miles were measured between patient’s home and the address of previous visit. We found statistically significant differences in mean charges of telemedicine versus in-person visits (2019US$) (172.95 vs 218.27, p=0.0046), patient payment for telemedicine visits versus in-person visits (2019US$) (11.13 vs 62.83, p≤0.001), insurance reimbursement (2019US$) (65.18 vs 110.85, p≤0.001) and insurance reimbursement rate (43% vs 61%, p=0.0029). Rate of zero reimbursement was not different. Mean distance from cardiology clinic was 35 miles. No adverse outcomes were detected. This small retrospective study showed cost reduction and a decrease in travel time for families participating in telemedicine visits. Future work is needed to enhance compensation for telemedicine visits.

Healthcare disparities contribute to missed follow-up visits after cataract surgery in the USA: results from the perioperative care for intraocular lens study

ObjectiveTo identify factors that contribute to missed cataract surgery follow-up visits, with an emphasis on socioeconomic and demographic factors.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 1 January and 31 December 2014 were reviewed. Second eye cases, remote and international patients, patients with foreign insurance and combined cataract cases were excluded.ResultsA total of 1931 cases were reviewed and 1089 cases, corresponding to 3267 scheduled postoperative visits, were included. Of these visits, 157 (4.8%) were missed. Three (0.3%) postoperative day 1, 40 (3.7%) postoperative week 1 and 114 (10.5%) postoperative month 1 visits were missed. Age<30 years (adjusted OR (aOR)=8.2, 95% CI 1.9 to 35.2) and ≥90 years (aOR=5.7, 95% CI 2.0 to 15.6) compared with patients aged 70–79 years, estimated travel time of >2 hours (aOR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.4), smokers (aOR=2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8) and complications identified up to the postoperative visit (aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1) predicted a higher rate of missed visits. Ocular comorbidities (aOR=0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) and previous visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/50–20/80 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and 20/90–20/200 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9), compared with BCVA at the previous visit of 20/40 or better, predicted a lower rate of missed visits. Gender, race/ethnicity, language, education, income, insurance, alcohol use and season of the year were not associated with missed visits.ConclusionsMedical factors and demographic characteristics, including patient age and distance from the hospital, are associated with missed follow-up visits in cataract surgery. Additional studies are needed to identify disparities in cataract postoperative care that are population-specific. This information can contribute to the implementation of policies and interventions for addressing them.