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Nieuwenhoff MD, Nguyen HT, Niehof SP, Huygen FJPM, Verma A, Klaassen ES, Bechakra M, Geelhoed WJ, Jongen JLM, Moll AC, Vrancken AFJE, Petzold A, Groeneveld GJ. Differences in corneal nerve fiber density and fiber length in patients with painful chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2024. [PMID: 39056231 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) detects small nerve fiber loss and correlates with skin biopsy findings in diabetic neuropathy. In chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) this correlation is unknown. Therefore, we compared CCM and skin biopsy in patients with CIAP to healthy controls, patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and diabetics without overt neuropathy (DM). METHODS Participants with CIAP and suspected small fiber neuropathy (n = 15), PDN (n = 16), DM (n = 15), and healthy controls (n = 16) underwent skin biopsy and CCM testing. Inter-center intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for CCM parameters. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, patients with CIAP and PDN had significantly fewer nerve fibers in the skin (IENFD: 5.7 ± 2.3, 3.0 ± 1.8, 3.9 ± 1.5 fibers/mm, all p < .05). Corneal nerve parameters in CIAP (fiber density 23.8 ± 4.9 no./mm2, branch density 16.0 ± 8.8 no./mm2, fiber length 13.1 ± 2.6 mm/mm2) were not different from healthy controls (24.0 ± 6.8 no./mm2, 22.1 ± 9.7 no./mm2, 13.5 ± 3.5 mm/mm2, all p > .05). In patients with PDN, corneal nerve fiber density (17.8 ± 5.7 no./mm2) and fiber length (10.5 ± 2.7 mm/mm2) were reduced compared with healthy controls (p < .05). CCM results did not correlate with IENFD in CIAP patients. Inter-center ICC was 0.77 for fiber density and 0.87 for fiber length. DISCUSSION In contrast to patients with PDN, corneal nerve parameters were not decreased in patients with CIAP and small nerve fiber damage. Therefore, CCM is not a good biomarker for small nerve fiber loss in CIAP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska D Nieuwenhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hoang-Ton Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd P Niehof
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J P M Huygen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Malik Bechakra
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joost L M Jongen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette C Moll
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F J E Vrancken
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Petzold
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Szalai E, Nagy K, Kolkedi Z, Csutak A. Corneal nerve fiber morphology following COVID-19 infection in vaccinated and non-vaccinated population. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16801. [PMID: 39039160 PMCID: PMC11263336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine corneal subbasal nerve changes in patients who received vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 virus and underwent COVID-19 infection compared to infected non-vaccinated patients and healthy controls. Twenty-nine eyes of 29 vaccinated patients (mean age: 36.66 ± 12.25 years) within six months after PCR or Ag test proven COVID-19 infection and twenty-eight eyes of 28 age-matched infected, non-vaccinated patients (mean age: 42.14 ± 14.17 years) were enrolled. Twenty-five age-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 47.52 ± 18.45 years) served as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module, Germany) was performed in each group. Corneal subbasal nerve plexus morphology and corneal dendritic cells (DC) were evaluated. Significantly higher corneal nerve fiber density (P < 0.001), nerve branch density (P < 0.001), nerve fiber length (P < 0.001), total branch density (P = 0.007), nerve fiber area (P = 0.001) and fractal dimension (P < 0.001) values were observed in vaccinated patients after COVID-19 infection compared to the non-vaccinated group. Significantly higher DC density was observed in the non-vaccinated group compared to the control group (P = 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the size of mature DCs (P < 0.0001) but the size of immature DCs did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P = 0.132). Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may have a protective effect against the complications of COVID-19 disease on the corneal subbasal nerve fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary.
| | - Katalin Nagy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Kolkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
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Ponirakis G, Al-Janahi I, Elgassim E, Homssi M, Petropoulos IN, Gad H, Khan A, Zaghloul HB, Ali H, Siddique MA, Mohamed FFS, Ahmed LHM, Dakroury Y, El Shewehy AMM, Saeid R, Mahjoub F, Al-Thani SN, Ahmed F, Hussein R, Mahmoud S, Hadid NH, Al Obaidan A, Salivon I, Mahfoud ZR, Zirie MA, Al-Ansari Y, Atkin SL, Malik RA. Sustained corneal nerve loss predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1393105. [PMID: 39015377 PMCID: PMC11249546 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1393105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study was undertaken to investigate whether sustained rather than a single measure of corneal nerve loss was associated with the onset of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Participants underwent clinical, metabolic testing and assessment of neuropathic symptoms, vibration perception threshold (VPT), sudomotor function, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline, 1, 2, and 4-7 years. Sustained corneal nerve loss was defined as abnormal corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, <24 fibers/mm2), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD, <21 branches/mm2), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL, <16 mm/mm2) persisting for ≥50% of the study duration. Results A total of 107 participants with a mean duration of T2D of 13.3 ± 7.3 years, aged 54.8 ± 8.5 years, underwent baseline and follow-up assessments over a median duration of 4 years, ranging from 1 to 7 years. The DPN prevalence at baseline was 18/107 (16.8%), and of the 89 participants without DPN at baseline, 13 (14.6%) developed DPN during follow-up. Approximately half of the cohort had sustained corneal nerve damage, and corneal nerve measures were significantly lower in this group than those without sustained damage (p < 0.0001). Sustained corneal nerve damage was associated with the development of DPN (p < 0.0001), a progressive loss of vibration perception (p ≤ 0.05), an increased incidence of burning pain, numbness, or a combination of both (p = 0.01-0.001), and a borderline association with progressive sudomotor dysfunction (p = 0.07). Sustained abnormal CNFL effectively distinguished between participants who developed DPN and those who did not (AUC: 76.3, 95% CI: 65.9-86.8%, p < 0.0001), while baseline and other sustained measures did not predict DPN onset. Conclusion Sustained abnormal CCM is associated with more severe corneal nerve damage, DPN development, and the progression of neuropathic symptoms and deficits. Regular CCM monitoring may enable the identification of those at greater risk of developing and worsening DPN who may benefit from more aggressive risk factor reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Al-Janahi
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Einas Elgassim
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moayad Homssi
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadeel B. Zaghloul
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamda Ali
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mashhood A. Siddique
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima F. S. Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lina H. M. Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Youssra Dakroury
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ruba Saeid
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadwa Mahjoub
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaikha N. Al-Thani
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farheen Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rawan Hussein
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salah Mahmoud
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nebras H. Hadid
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aisha Al Obaidan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Iuliia Salivon
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mahmoud A. Zirie
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yousuf Al-Ansari
- National Diabetes Center, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Badian RA, Lagali N. The inferocentral whorl region and its directional patterns in the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus: A review. Exp Eye Res 2024; 244:109926. [PMID: 38754688 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
There has been a growing application of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in the examination of corneal microstructure, including different corneal layers and corneal nerve fibers in health and in pathological conditions. Corneal nerves forming the sub-basal nerve plexus (SBNP) beneath the corneal basal epithelial cell layer in particular have been intensively researched in health and disease as a marker for corneal neurophysioanatomical and degenerative changes. One intriguing feature in the SBNP that is found inferior to the corneal apex, is a whorl-like pattern (or vortex) of nerves, which represents an anatomical landmark. Evidence has indicated that the architecture of this 'whorl region' is dynamic, changing with time in healthy individuals but also in disease conditions such as in diabetic neuropathy and keratoconus. This review summarizes the known information regarding the characteristics and significance of the whorl region of nerves in the corneal SBNP, as a potential area of high relevance for future disease monitoring and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza A Badian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Unit of Regenerative Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Khanna RK, Catanese S, Blasco H, Pisella PJ, Corcia P. Corneal nerves and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an in vivo corneal confocal imaging study. J Neurol 2024; 271:3370-3377. [PMID: 38498118 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe motor neuron disorder. Diagnosis is challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity and the absence of definitive diagnostic tools, leading to delays averaging between 9.1 and 27 months. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy, assessing the sub-basal nerve plexus of the cornea, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for ALS. We aimed to determine whether the assessment of corneal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy can serve as an imaging biomarker for ALS. METHODS A single-centre prospective case-control study was conducted in France from September 2021 to March 2023 including patients with ALS according to the revised EI Escorial criteria. The corneal sub-basal nerve plexus was analysed using in vivo confocal microscopy. An automated algorithm (ACCMetrics) was used to evaluate corneal parameters: nerve fibre density, nerve branch density, nerve fibre length, nerve fibre area, nerve total branch density, nerve fibre width, and nerve fractal dimension. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with ALS and 30 controls were included. No significant differences were found between ALS and control groups for all corneal parameters (p > 0.05). Corneal sensitivity did not differ between groups, and no correlation was identified between corneal nerve parameters and ALS disease duration, severity and rate of progression (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present study does not support the use of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy as an early diagnostic or prognostic tool for ALS. Further research, especially longitudinal investigations, is needed to understand any potential corneal innervation changes as ALS progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul K Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France.
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France.
| | - Sophie Catanese
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Pisella
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
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Patzkó Á, Csutak A, Tóth N, Kölkedi Z, Pfund Z, Kis-Jakab G, Bosnyák E, Rozgonyi R, Szalai E. Analysis of the ocular surface functional unit in episodic migraine. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1591-1598. [PMID: 38038730 PMCID: PMC11031433 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disease that affects the trigeminovascular system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate corneal subbasal nerve fibers, dendritic cells and to measure tear film parameters in migraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS 87 eyes of 44 patients suffering from migraine with a mean age of 33.23 ± 11.41 years were included in our study. 25 age-matched controls (mean age of 30.16 ± 12.59 years; P = 0.162) were recruited. The corneal subbasal plexus and the dendritic cells (DC) were analyzed using in vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH), and the tear film was imaged using LacryDiag (Quantel Medical, France). RESULTS Regarding the subbasal nerve fibers of the cornea, none of the examined parameters differed significantly in migraine patients from controls. We found a significant increase in the corneal DC density (P < 0.0001) and DC area (P < 0.0001) in migraine patients compared to healthy volunteers. DC density showed a positive correlation with the monthly attack frequency (r = 0.32, P = 0.041) and the DC area a negative correlation with corneal nerve branch density (r = -0.233, P = 0.039), nerve fiber length (r = -0.232, P = 0.04) and total branch density (r = -0.233, P = 0.039). Using LacryDiag a significant loss of Meibomian gland area could be detected on the superior eyelid (P = 0.005) in migraine. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest the presence of neuroinflammation in the cornea of migraine patients affecting the peripheral trigeminal system. Dendritic cells surrounding the subbasal plexus may be involved in the activation and modulation of pain in migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Patzkó
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Noémi Tóth
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Kölkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Pfund
- Department of Neurology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rét u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gréta Kis-Jakab
- Department of Neurology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rét u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Edit Bosnyák
- Department of Neurology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rét u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Renáta Rozgonyi
- Department of Neurology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rét u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi u. 2, 7623, Pécs, Hungary.
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Wu PJ, Tseng HC, Chao CC, Liao YH, Yen CT, Lin WY, Hsieh ST, Sun WZ, Sun CK. Discontinuity third harmonic generation microscopy for label-free imaging and quantification of intraepidermal nerve fibers. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100735. [PMID: 38503290 PMCID: PMC10985268 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Label-free imaging methodologies for nerve fibers rely on spatial signal continuity to identify fibers and fail to image free intraepidermal nerve endings (FINEs). Here, we present an imaging methodology-called discontinuity third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy (dTHGM)-that detects three-dimensional discontinuities in THG signals as the contrast. We describe the mechanism and design of dTHGM and apply it to reveal the bead-string characteristics of unmyelinated FINEs. We confirmed the label-free capability of dTHGM through a comparison study with the PGP9.5 immunohistochemical staining slides and a longitudinal spared nerve injury study. An intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) index based on a discontinuous-dot-connecting algorithm was developed to facilitate clinical applications of dTHGM. A preliminary clinical study confirmed that the IENF index was highly correlated with skin-biopsy-based IENF density (Pearson's correlation coefficient R = 0.98) and could achieve differential identification of small-fiber neuropathy (p = 0.0102) in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Jhe Wu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chieh Tseng
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chao Chao
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Liao
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Tung Yen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Tsang Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Zen Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Kuang Sun
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
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Chen J, Chen Y, Qin G, Li L, Li M, Cheng Y, Zhuang S, Li Z, Zhang Q, Wu Y, Yang L, Moutari S, Moore JE, Xu L, He W, Yu S, Pazo EE, He X. A protocol for a single center, randomized, controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of 3% diquafosol and 0.1% hyaluronic acid in diabetic patients with dry eye disease. Trials 2023; 24:803. [PMID: 38087329 PMCID: PMC10714480 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07818-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise and 70% of diabetic individuals have dry eye disease (DED) that leads to subsequent abnormalities of the corneal epithelium, corneal nerves, tear film, or corneal endothelium. In addition, persons with diabetes produce fewer tear secretions than healthy individuals. While several anti-inflammatory drug-based therapies for dry eye in diabetic individuals are currently being administered, their efficacy has not been studied in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3% diquafosol (DQS) vs 0.1% hyaluronic acid (HA) eye drops in diabetic dry eye patients. METHODS This triple-blind randomized, control trial will include 202 diabetic-related DED and will be assigned to DQS (n = 101) and HA (n = 101) one drop, six times per day for 8 weeks. Tear film lipid layer, non-invasive breakup time, conjunctivocorneal staining score, corneal sensitivity, tear MMP-9 levels, meibomian gland expression and quality, tear meniscus height, corneal nerves, immune/inflammatory cell change, conjunctival hyperemia, and ocular surface disease index questionnaire score will be assessed and compared at baseline, week 4, and week 8. DISCUSSION This study will be a standardized, scientific, clinical trial designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of DQS and HA for diabetic dry eye treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.govNCT05682547. Registered on December 05, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mingze Li
- Dalian Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Dalian Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Zhihui Li
- Dalian Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Wu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Salissou Moutari
- Mathematical Sciences Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Ling Xu
- He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei He
- He Eye Specialist Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Sile Yu
- He University, Shenyang, China
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Frizziero L, Salvalaggio A, Cosmo E, Cipriani A, Midena E, Briani C. Ophthalmological involvement in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis: A multimodal imaging study. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:586-596. [PMID: 37552555 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ophthalmological abnormalities have been reported in hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) but not in wild-type transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTRwt). METHODS Patients with ATTRwt, ATTRv, and light chain amyloidosis (AL) and healthy subjects (controls) underwent complete eye examination, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). RESULTS Seventeen ATTRwt, nine ATTRv, two ATTRv carriers, and seven AL patients were enrolled. Compared with other groups, ATTRwt patients had 10 letters lower visual acuity and a higher prevalence of glaucoma, cataract, and retinal pigment epithelium alterations. In the whole group of patients, especially in ATTRwt, we observed (1) a reduced corneal nerve fiber length and more tortuous stromal nerves at CCM, (2) a reduced macular volume and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness at OCT, and (3) impairment of peripapillary and macular vascularization at OCTA. INTERPRETATION Ophthalmological abnormalities are common in ATTRwt, significantly impairing visual acuity. Noninvasive imaging modalities allow for the identification of small nerve fibers and small vessel damage, which may represent further warning signs for early diagnosis of ATTRwt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Frizziero
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Cosmo
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cipriani
- Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Cardiology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Edoardo Midena
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Briani
- Department of Neuroscience-Neurology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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10
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Zhang C, Zhu L, Liang X, Li Y, Sun G, Hu J, Zhang H. Corneal characteristics of Mongolian population with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy in inner Mongolia, China: an assessment using corneal confocal microscopy. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:460. [PMID: 37968622 PMCID: PMC10652475 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify corneal nerve fiber parameters in a Mongolian population with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) by corneal confocal microscopy. METHODS This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 114 participants from Hulunbuir between January 2020 and December 2021. The participants included healthy controls, Mongolian and Han patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Demographic, medical, and laboratory data were collected, and neuropathy was evaluated by confocal corneal microscopy. And compare various parameters between Han and Mongolian were performed using SPSS software. RESULTS The average waist circumference of Mongolian diabetic patients was larger than that of Han diabetic patients (P < 0.05). The mean HbA1c of Mongolian was 9.30 (8.15, 10.30) %, and that of Han was 8.30 (7.20, 9.40) % (P = 0.023). The average values of Corneal Nerve Fiber Density (CNFD), Corneal Nerve Fiber Length (CNFL) and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) in Mongolian diabetic patients were significantly lower than those in Han diabetic patients (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between CNFL and age was - 0.368. ROC results show that CNBD has a certain diagnostic value for DPN in Mongolian patients with type 2 diabetes and the optimal cut-off point value is 24.99(no./mm2), the sensitivity is 80.0%, and the specificity is 77.8%. CONCLUSION The corneal confocal microscopy could possibly represent a promising adjuvant technique for the early diagnosis and assessment of PDN in Mongolian T2DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Xiuwen Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Hulunbuir Zhong Meng Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hulunbeir People's Hospital, Hulunbuir, China
| | - Guotong Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Shouguang Hospital of T.C.M, Weifang, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Honghong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 San-Xiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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11
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Chan K, Badanes Z, Ledbetter EC. Decreased corneal subbasal nerve fiber length and density in diabetic dogs with cataracts using in vivo confocal microscopy. Vet Ophthalmol 2023; 26:524-531. [PMID: 36854901 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether there is a difference in corneal sensitivity and corneal subbasal nerve plexus (CSNP) morphology in cataractous dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM) versus without DM. ANIMALS STUDIED Twenty six domestic dogs with cataracts of various breeds presented for phacoemulsification, 13 with DM and 13 without DM. PROCEDURE The inclusion criteria for the study were dogs with bilateral cataracts and no clinical evidence of corneal disease. The diabetic group had documented hyperglycemia and was currently treated with insulin. The non-diabetic group had no evidence of DM on examination and bloodwork. Complete ophthalmic examination, corneal esthesiometry, and in vivo confocal microscopy of the CSNP was performed for both eyes of each dog. The CSNP was evaluated using a semi-automated program and statistically analyzed. RESULTS The mean (±SD) CSNP fiber length was significantly decreased in diabetic (3.8 ± 3.0 mm/mm2 ) versus non-diabetic (6.7 ± 1.9 mm/mm2 ) dogs. Likewise, the mean (±SD) fiber density was significantly decreased in diabetic (8.3 ± 3.1 fibers/mm2 ) versus non-diabetic (15.5 ± 4.9 fibers/mm2 ) dogs. The corneal touch threshold was significantly reduced in diabetic (2.1 ± 0.8 cm) versus non-diabetic (2.8 ± 0.4 cm) dogs. There was a non-significant trend towards subclinical keratitis in diabetic (9/13) versus non-diabetic (4/13) dogs. CONCLUSIONS Morphological and functional abnormalities of the CSNP were present in dogs with DM, including decreased fiber length, fiber density, and corneal sensitivity. These findings are consistent with diabetic neuropathy and could contribute to clinically significant corneal complications after cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kore Chan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Zachary Badanes
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Eric C Ledbetter
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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12
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Chiang JCB, Roy M, Kim J, Markoulli M, Krishnan AV. In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Imaging analysis, biological insights and future directions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:652. [PMID: 37336941 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy is a powerful imaging technique which provides clinicians and researcher with the capabilities to observe microstructures at the ocular surfaces in significant detail. In this Mini Review, the optics and image analysis methods with the use of corneal confocal microscopy are discussed. While novel insights of neuroanatomy and biology of the eyes, particularly the ocular surface, have been provided by corneal confocal microscopy, some debatable elements observed using this technique remain and these are explored in this Mini Review. Potential improvements in imaging methodology and instrumentation are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, NSW, UK
| | - Maitreyee Roy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Juno Kim
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Neurology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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13
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Kirthi V, Reed KI, Alattar K, Zuckerman BP, Bunce C, Nderitu P, Alam U, Clarke B, Hau S, Al-Shibani F, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Pissas T, Bergeles C, Vas P, Hopkins D, Jackson TL. Multimodal testing reveals subclinical neurovascular dysfunction in prediabetes, challenging the diagnostic threshold of diabetes. Diabet Med 2023; 40:e14952. [PMID: 36054221 PMCID: PMC10087038 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore if novel non-invasive diagnostic technologies identify early small nerve fibre and retinal neurovascular pathology in prediabetes. METHODS Participants with normoglycaemia, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes underwent an exploratory cross-sectional analysis with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), handheld electroretinography (ERG), corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and evaluation of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC). RESULTS Seventy-five participants with normoglycaemia (n = 20), prediabetes (n = 29) and type 2 diabetes (n = 26) were studied. Compared with normoglycaemia, mean peak ERG amplitudes of retinal responses at low (16-Td·s: 4.05 μV, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.96-7.13) and high (32-Td·s: 5·20 μV, 95% CI 1.54-8.86) retinal illuminance were lower in prediabetes, as were OCT-A parafoveal vessel densities in superficial (0.051 pixels/mm2 , 95% CI 0.005-0.095) and deep (0.048 pixels/mm2 , 95% CI 0.003-0.093) retinal layers. There were no differences in CCM or ESC measurements between these two groups. Correlations between HbA1c and peak ERG amplitude at 32-Td·s (r = -0.256, p = 0.028), implicit time at 32-Td·s (r = 0.422, p < 0.001) and 16-Td·s (r = 0.327, p = 0.005), OCT parafoveal vessel density in the superficial (r = -0.238, p = 0.049) and deep (r = -0.3, p = 0.017) retinal layers, corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL) (r = -0.293, p = 0.017), and ESC-hands (r = -0.244, p = 0.035) were observed. HOMA-IR was a predictor of CNFD (β = -0.94, 95% CI -1.66 to -0.21, p = 0.012) and CNBD (β = -5.02, 95% CI -10.01 to -0.05, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS The glucose threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes is based on emergent retinopathy on fundus examination. We show that both abnormal retinal neurovascular structure (OCT-A) and function (ERG) may precede retinopathy in prediabetes, which require confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varo Kirthi
- King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate I Reed
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Catey Bunce
- Biomedical Research Centre, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Paul Nderitu
- King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Bronagh Clarke
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Scott Hau
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Theodoros Pissas
- King's College London, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Prashanth Vas
- King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Hopkins
- King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Timothy L Jackson
- King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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14
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Kolkedi Z, Csutak A, Szalai E. Pre-Ophthalmoscopic Quantitative Biomarkers in Diabetes Mellitus. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 36971679 PMCID: PMC10064920 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.3.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess whether retinal microvascular or corneal nerve abnormalities occur earlier in diabetes mellitus (DM) and to identify imaging biomarkers in order to help prevent the subsequent irreversible retinal and corneal complications. Methods The study comprised 35 eyes of 35 healthy volunteers and 52 eyes of 52 patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy were performed in both groups. Corneal sub-basal nerve plexus and vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were evaluated. Results All corneal sub-basal nerve fiber parameters were decreased in patients with DM compared with healthy subjects and the difference was significant for each result except for nerve fiber width (P = 0.586). No significant correlation was obtained between any nerve fiber morphology parameters and disease duration or HbA1C. VD in SCP was significantly decreased in the superior (P < 0.0001), temporal (P = 0.001), and nasal quadrant (P = 0.003) in the diabetes group. In DCP, only superior VD (P = 0.036), decreased significantly in the diabetes group. Ganglion cell layer thickness in the inner ring showed a significantly lower value in patients with DM (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results implicate a more pronounced and earlier damage to the corneal nerve fibers compared to the retinal microvasculature in patients with DM. Translational Relevance In DM, an earlier and more pronounced damage to the corneal nerve fibers was observed compared to the retinal microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Kolkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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15
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Recovery of Corneal Innervation after Treatment in Dry Eye Disease: A Confocal Microscopy Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051841. [PMID: 36902628 PMCID: PMC10003258 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the changes in corneal innervation by means of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients diagnosed with Evaporative (EDE) and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE) and treated with a standard treatment for Dry Eye Disease (DED) in combination with Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF). METHODS Eighty-three patients diagnosed with DED were enrolled in this study and included in the EDE or ADDE subtype. The primary variables analyzed were the length, density and number of nerve branches, and the secondary variables were those related to the quantity and stability of the tear film and the subjective response of the patients measured with psychometric questionnaires. RESULTS The combined treatment therapy with PRGF outperforms the standard treatment therapy in terms of subbasal nerve plexus regeneration, significantly increasing length, number of branches and nerve density, as well as significantly improving the stability of the tear film (p < 0.05 for all of them), and the most significant changes were located in the ADDE subtype. CONCLUSIONS the corneal reinnervation process responds in a different way depending on the treatment prescribed and the subtype of dry eye disease. In vivo confocal microscopy is presented as a powerful technique in the diagnosis and management of neurosensory abnormalities in DED.
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16
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Petropoulos IN, Al-Shibani F, Bitirgen G, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mahfoud ZR, Altarawneh H, Rehman MH, John K, Al-Merekhi D, George P, Uca AU, Ozkagnici A, Ibrahim F, Francis R, Canibano B, Deleu D, El-Sotouhy A, Vattoth S, Own A, Shuaib A, Akhtar N, Kamran S, Malik RA. Corneal axonal loss as an imaging biomarker of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864221118731. [PMID: 36776530 PMCID: PMC9909084 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221118731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resourceful endpoints of axonal loss are needed to predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect axonal loss in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and established MS, which relates to neurological disability. Objective To assess corneal axonal loss over time in relation to retinal atrophy, and neurological and radiological abnormalities in MS. Methods Patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS) (n = 68) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) (n = 15) underwent CCM and optical coherence tomography. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD-fibres/mm2), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD-branches/mm2), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL-mm/mm2) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL-μm) thickness were quantified along with neurological and radiological assessments at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Age-matched, healthy controls (n = 20) were also assessed. Results In patients with RRMS compared with controls at baseline, CNFD (p = 0.004) and RNFL thickness (p < 0.001) were lower, and CNBD (p = 0.003) was higher. In patients with SPMS compared with controls, CNFD (p < 0.001), CNFL (p = 0.04) and RNFL thickness (p < 0.001) were lower. For identifying RRMS, CNBD had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (0.99); and for SPMS, CNFD had the highest AUROC (0.95). At follow-up, there was a further significant decrease in CNFD (p = 0.04), CNBD (p = 0.001), CNFL (p = 0.008) and RNFL (p = 0.002) in RRMS; in CNFD (p = 0.04) and CNBD (p = 0.002) in SPMS; and in CNBD (p = 0.01) in SPMS compared with RRMS. Follow-up corneal nerve loss was greater in patients with new enhancing lesions and optic neuritis history. Conclusion Progressive corneal and retinal axonal loss was identified in patients with MS, especially those with more active disease. CCM may serve as an imaging biomarker of axonal loss in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima Al-Shibani
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Division of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heba Altarawneh
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Karen John
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dhabia Al-Merekhi
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pooja George
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Ulvi Uca
- Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozkagnici
- Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Faiza Ibrahim
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reny Francis
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Dirk Deleu
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Surjith Vattoth
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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17
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Meng Y, Preston FG, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Petropoulos IN, Kaye S, Malik RA, Alam U, Zheng Y. Artificial Intelligence Based Analysis of Corneal Confocal Microscopy Images for Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy: A Binary Classification Model. J Clin Med 2023; 12:1284. [PMID: 36835819 PMCID: PMC9963824 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the leading cause of neuropathy worldwide resulting in excess morbidity and mortality. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence deep learning algorithm to classify the presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in participants with diabetes or pre-diabetes using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images of the sub-basal nerve plexus. A modified ResNet-50 model was trained to perform the binary classification of PN (PN+) versus no PN (PN-) based on the Toronto consensus criteria. A dataset of 279 participants (149 PN-, 130 PN+) was used to train (n = 200), validate (n = 18), and test (n = 61) the algorithm, utilizing one image per participant. The dataset consisted of participants with type 1 diabetes (n = 88), type 2 diabetes (n = 141), and pre-diabetes (n = 50). The algorithm was evaluated using diagnostic performance metrics and attribution-based methods (gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) and Guided Grad-CAM). In detecting PN+, the AI-based DLA achieved a sensitivity of 0.91 (95%CI: 0.79-1.0), a specificity of 0.93 (95%CI: 0.83-1.0), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (95%CI: 0.83-0.99). Our deep learning algorithm demonstrates excellent results for the diagnosis of PN using CCM. A large-scale prospective real-world study is required to validate its diagnostic efficacy prior to implementation in screening and diagnostic programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanda Meng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Frank George Preston
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 0JE, UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 0JE, UK
| | | | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Rayaz Ahmed Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
- St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
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Corneal Sub-Basal Nerve Plexus in Non-Diabetic Small Fiber Polyneuropathies and the Diagnostic Role of In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020664. [PMID: 36675593 PMCID: PMC9862881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) allows the immediate analysis of the corneal nerve quantity and morphology. This method became, an indispensable tool for the tropism examination, as it evaluates the small fiber plexus in the cornea. The IVCM provides us with direct information on the health of the sub-basal nerve plexus and indirectly on the peripheral nerve status. It is an important tool used to investigate peripheral polyneuropathies. Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a group of neurological disorders characterized by neuropathic pain symptoms and autonomic complaints due to the selective involvement of thinly myelinated Aδ-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers. Accurate diagnosis of SFN is important as it provides a basis for etiological work-up and treatment decisions. The diagnosis of SFN is sometimes challenging as the clinical picture can be difficult to interpret and standard electromyography is normal. In cases of suspected SFN, measurement of intraepidermal nerve fiber density through a skin biopsy and/or analysis of quantitative sensory testing can enable diagnosis. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about corneal nerves in different SFN. Specifically, we explore the correlation between nerve density and morphology and type of SFN, disease duration, and follow-up. We will discuss the relationship between cataracts and refractive surgery and iatrogenic dry eye disease. Furthermore, these new paradigms in SFN present an opportunity for neurologists and clinical specialists in the diagnosis and monitoring the peripheral small fiber polyneuropathies.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Saeed A, Khan WA, Moqeet MA, Ali W, Khan FU. Peripheral Neuropathy in Beta-Thalassemia: Corneal Confocal Microscopy-Based Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e32122. [PMID: 36601181 PMCID: PMC9805547 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral neuropathy is a controversial but serious complication of beta-thalassemia (β-Th). Although few studies have reported no relationship between neuropathy and thalassemia, many have linked it with increasing age, iron overload, and iron chelator toxicity. This study aims to investigate the presence of neuropathy in β-Th using corneal nerve fibers. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted using corneal confocal microscopy on individuals with intermediate and major β-Th who were compared to healthy individuals. The main outcome variables were corneal main nerve and branch nerve densities which were calculated using Image J software. The comparison between groups was done using the independent-samples F-test and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Results There was reduced corneal main nerve and branch nerve density in β-Th intermediate and major patients compared to the control group, and the results were statistically significant (p-value <0.05). However, a significant correlation was not observed between serum ferritin levels and corneal nerve parameters. Conclusions The reduction in corneal nerve parameters in β-Th patients compared to healthy controls can be an indication of peripheral neuropathy in β-Th. Further work is needed to confirm these findings.
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Chen Z, Yin X, Lin L, Shi G, Mo J. Centerline extraction by neighborhood-statistics thinning for quantitative analysis of corneal nerve fibers. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac7b63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. Corneal nerve fiber (CNF) has been found to exhibit morphological changes associated with various diseases, which can therefore be utilized to aid in the early diagnosis of those diseases. CNF is usually visualized under corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in clinic. To obtain the diagnostic biomarkers from CNF image produced from CCM, image processing and quantitative analysis are needed. Usually, CNF is segmented first and then CNF’s centerline is extracted, allowing for measuring geometrical and topological biomarkers of CNF, such as density, tortuosity, and length. Consequently, the accuracy of the segmentation and centerline extraction can make a big impact on the biomarker measurement. Thus, this study is aimed to improve the accuracy and universality of centerline extraction. Approach. We developed a new thinning algorithm based on neighborhood statistics, called neighborhood-statistics thinning (NST), to extract the centerline of CNF. Compared with traditional thinning and skeletonization techniques, NST exhibits a better capability to preserve the fine structure of CNF which can effectively benefit the biomarkers measurement above. Moreover, NST incorporates a fitting process, which can make centerline extraction be less influenced by image segmentation. Main results. This new method is evaluated on three datasets which are segmented with five different deep learning networks. The results show that NST is superior to thinning and skeletonization on all the CNF-segmented datasets with a precision rate above 0.82. Last, NST is attempted to be applied for the diagnosis of keratitis with the quantitative biomarkers measured from the extracted centerlines. Longer length and higher density but lower tortuosity were found on the CNF of keratitis patients as compared to healthy patients. Significance. This demonstrates that NST has a good potential to aid in the diagnostics of eye diseases in clinic.
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Klisser J, Tummanapalli SS, Kim J, Chiang JCB, Khou V, Issar T, Naduvilath T, Poynten AM, Markoulli M, Krishnan AV. Automated analysis of corneal nerve tortuosity in diabetes: implications for neuropathy detection. Clin Exp Optom 2022; 105:487-493. [DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1940875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Klisser
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Juno Kim
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Vincent Khou
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tushar Issar
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Naduvilath
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ann M Poynten
- Department of Endocrinology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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22
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Corneal toxicity associated with belantamab mafodotin is not restricted to the epithelium: neuropathy studied with confocal microscopy. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 242:116-124. [PMID: 35752319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate epithelial and neuronal changes in patients with refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma (RRMM) before/during belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) treatment using confocal microscopy. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS RRMM patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing and slit-lamp examination/photography, followed by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to evaluate the epithelium and subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) to measure corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), -branch density (CNBD), and -fiber length (CNFL) before and during belamaf treatment. RESULTS In 14 eyes of 7 patients (4 female, 68±10 years) with complete follow-up (4±2 months), the median BCVA dropped from 20/25 (20/25-20/20) to 20/40 (20/200-20/32) in the worse eye at the end of follow-up. Microcystic epithelial changes and ocular surface disease were demonstrated biomicroscopically. CCM showed "grape-like" hyperreflective spots in the central basal epithelium that changed to polymorphous-structured cysts in the superficial epithelium, with no pathology detected at the(peri-)limbal structures. The baseline, normal SNP morphology with a mean CNFD, CNBD, and CNFL of 20.25±7.06/mm2, 19.49±12.34/mm2, and 11.8±3.74mm/mm2 respectively, showed severe fiber fragmentation during follow-up, and an observed complete loss of the SNP at the end of follow-up in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to illustrate neurotoxic effects of belamaf on the human cornea.
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Setu MAK, Schmidt S, Musial G, Stern ME, Steven P. Segmentation and Evaluation of Corneal Nerves and Dendritic Cells From In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Images Using Deep Learning. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:24. [PMID: 35762938 PMCID: PMC9251793 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.6.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Segmentation and evaluation of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images requires manual intervention, which is time consuming, laborious, and non-reproducible. The aim of this research was to develop and validate deep learning–based methods that could automatically segment and evaluate corneal nerve fibers (CNFs) and dendritic cells (DCs) in IVCM images, thereby reducing processing time to analyze larger volumes of clinical images. Methods CNF and DC segmentation models were developed based on U-Net and Mask R-CNN architectures, respectively; 10-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate both models. The CNF model was trained and tested using 1097 and 122 images, and the DC model was trained and tested using 679 and 75 images, respectively, at each fold. The CNF morphology, number of nerves, number of branching points, nerve length, and tortuosity were analyzed; for DCs, number, size, and immature–mature cells were analyzed. Python-based software was written for model training, testing, and automatic morphometric parameters evaluation. Results The CNF model achieved on average 86.1% sensitivity and 90.1% specificity, and the DC model achieved on average 89.37% precision, 94.43% recall, and 91.83% F1 score. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between manual annotation and automatic segmentation were 0.85, 0.87, 0.95, and 0.88 for CNF number, length, branching points, and tortuosity, respectively, and the ICC for DC number and size were 0.95 and 0.92, respectively. Conclusions Our proposed methods demonstrated reliable consistency between manual annotation and automatic segmentation of CNF and DC with rapid speed. The results showed that these approaches have the potential to be implemented into clinical practice in IVCM images. Translational Relevance The deep learning–based automatic segmentation and quantification algorithm significantly increases the efficiency of evaluating IVCM images, thereby supporting and potentially improving the diagnosis and treatment of ocular surface disease associated with corneal nerves and dendritic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Asif Khan Setu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Division of Dry Eye and Ocular GvHD, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Gwen Musial
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Division of Dry Eye and Ocular GvHD, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael E Stern
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Division of Dry Eye and Ocular GvHD, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,ImmunEyez LLC, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Philipp Steven
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Division of Dry Eye and Ocular GvHD, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence: Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Corneal Confocal Microscopy Identifies People with Type 1 Diabetes with More Rapid Corneal Nerve Fibre Loss and Progression of Neuropathy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082249. [PMID: 35456342 PMCID: PMC9030140 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need to accurately identify patients with diabetes at higher risk of developing and progressing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Fifty subjects with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and sixteen age matched healthy controls underwent detailed neuropathy assessments including symptoms, signs, quantitative sensory testing (QST), nerve conduction studies (NCS), intra epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Overall, people with type 1 diabetes mellitus showed no significant change in HbA1c, blood pressure, lipids or neuropathic symptoms, signs, QST, neurophysiology, IENFD and CCM over 2 years. However, a sub-group (n = 11, 22%) referred to as progressors, demonstrated rapid corneal nerve fiber loss (RCNFL) with a reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (p = 0.0006), branch density (CNBD) (p = 0.0002), fiber length (CNFL) (p = 0.0002) and sural (p = 0.04) and peroneal (p = 0.05) nerve conduction velocities, which was not related to a change in HbA1c or cardiovascular risk factors. The majority of people with T1DM and good risk factor control do not show worsening of neuropathy over 2 years. However, CCM identifies a sub-group of people with T1DM who show a more rapid decline in corneal nerve fibers and nerve conduction velocity.
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Gu Y, Liu X, Yu X, Qin Q, Yu N, Ke W, Wang K, Chen M. Corneal in vivo Confocal Microscopy for Assessment of Non-Neurological Autoimmune Diseases: A Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:809164. [PMID: 35372389 PMCID: PMC8965464 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.809164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the features of corneal nerve with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) among patients with non-neurological autoimmune (NNAI) diseases. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published until May 2021. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), tortuosity, reflectivity, and beadings per 100 μm with a 95% CI between NNAI and control group were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results The results showed 37 studies involving collective totals of 1,423 patients and 1,059 healthy controls were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results manifested significantly decreased CNFL (WMD: −3.94, 95% CI: −4.77–−3.12), CNFD (WMD: −6.62, 95% CI: −8.4–−4.85), and CNBD (WMD: −9.89, 95% CI: −14–−5.79) in NNAI patients. In addition, the NNAI group showed more tortuous corneal nerve (WMD: 1.19, 95% CI:0.57–1.81). The comparison between NNAI patients and healthy controls in beadings per 100 μm corneal nerve length was inconsistent. No significant difference was found in the corneal nerve fiber reflectivity between NNAI and the control group (WMD: −0.21, 95% CI: −0.65–0.24, P = 0.361). Conclusions The parameters and morphology of corneal nerves observed by IVCM proved to be different in NNAI patients from healthy controls, suggesting that IVCM may be a non-invasive technique for identification and surveillance of NNAI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Gu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoning Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Naiji Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weishaer Ke
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaijun Wang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
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Ponirakis G, Hamad HA, Khan A, Petropoulos IN, Gad H, Chandran M, Elsotouhy A, Ramadan M, Gawhale PV, Elorrabi M, Gadelseed M, Tosino R, Arasn A, Manikoth P, Abdelrahim YH, Refaee MA, Thodi N, Vattoth S, Almuhannadi H, Mahfoud ZR, Bhat H, Own A, Shuaib A, Malik RA. Loss of corneal nerves and brain volume in mild cognitive impairment and dementia. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12269. [PMID: 35415208 PMCID: PMC8983001 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study compared the capability of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain volumetry for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants with no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI, and dementia underwent assessment of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), MRI brain volumetry, and CCM. Results Two hundred eight participants with NCI (n = 42), MCI (n = 98), and dementia (n = 68) of comparable age and gender were studied. For MCI, the area under the curve (AUC) of CCM (76% to 81%), was higher than brain volumetry (52% to 70%). For dementia, the AUC of CCM (77% to 85%), was comparable to brain volumetry (69% to 93%). Corneal nerve fiber density, length, branch density, whole brain, hippocampus, cortical gray matter, thalamus, amygdala, and ventricle volumes were associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for confounders (All P's < .01). Discussion The diagnostic capability of CCM compared to brain volumetry is higher for identifying MCI and comparable for dementia, and abnormalities in both modalities are associated with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | | | - Hoda Gad
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Mani Chandran
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Priya V. Gawhale
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwa Elorrabi
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Masharig Gadelseed
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Rhia Tosino
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Anjum Arasn
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Pravija Manikoth
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | | | - Mahmoud A Refaee
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Noushad Thodi
- MRI UnitRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Surjith Vattoth
- RadiologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesArkansasUSA
| | - Hamad Almuhannadi
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Harun Bhat
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaAlbertaCanada
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
- Faculty of BiologyMedicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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Analysis of microvascular and neurodegenerative complications of mild COVID-19. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:2687-2693. [PMID: 35304621 PMCID: PMC8933129 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine retinal and corneal neurodegenerative and retinal microvascular changes in patients after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease compared to age-matched controls. Methods Thirty-five (35) patients after PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection and 28 age-matched controls were enrolled. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy were performed in both groups. Corneal subbasal nerve plexus was quantified. Vessel density for superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) and structural OCT parameters were recorded. Results Significantly lower nerve branch density (P = 0.0004), nerve fiber area (P = 0.0001), nerve fiber density (P = 0.0009), nerve fiber length (P < 0.0001), and total nerve branch density (P = 0.002) values were observed in patients after COVID-19 compared to healthy controls. VD of the temporal SCP was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.019). No other SCP and DCP vessel density parameter differed significantly between the two groups. Conclusions Our results suggest that peripheral neurodegenerative changes may occur even after mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. No relevant microvascular changes were seen with OCT angiography and structural OCT parameters did not show any signs of optic neuropathy in post-COVID patients. In vivo confocal microscopy seems to be an important tool in monitoring peripheral neuropathy in patients after COVID-19.
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Al-Bazz DY, Nelson AJ, Burgess J, Petropoulos IN, Nizza J, Marshall A, Brown E, Cuthbertson DJ, Marshall AG, Malik RA, Alam U. Is Nerve Electrophysiology a Robust Primary Endpoint in Clinical Trials of Treatments for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy? Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:731. [PMID: 35328284 PMCID: PMC8947384 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is an established primary endpoint of disease-modifying therapies in DPN and clinical trials have been powered with an assumed decline of 0.5 m/s/year. This paper sought to establish the time-dependent change in NCV associated with a placebo, compared to that observed in the active intervention group. A literature search identified twenty-one double-blind, randomised controlled trials in DPN of ≥1 year duration conducted between 1971 and 2021. We evaluated changes in neurophysiology, with a focus on peroneal motor and sural sensory NCV and amplitude in the placebo and treatment groups. There was significant variability in the change and direction of change (reduction/increase) in NCV in the placebo arm, as well as variability influenced by the anatomical site of neurophysiological measurement within a given clinical trial. A critical re-evaluation of efficacy trials should consider placebo-adjusted effects and present the placebo-subtracted change in NCV rather than assume a universal annual decline of 0.5 m/s/year. Importantly, endpoints such as corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) have demonstrated early nerve repair, whilst symptoms and NCV have not changed, and should thus be considered as a viable alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Y. Al-Bazz
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Andrew J. Nelson
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Ioannis N. Petropoulos
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; (I.N.P.); (R.A.M.)
| | - Jael Nizza
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Anne Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Emily Brown
- Obesity and Endocrinology Research Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (E.B.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Daniel J. Cuthbertson
- Obesity and Endocrinology Research Group, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (E.B.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Andrew G. Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; (I.N.P.); (R.A.M.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK; (A.J.N.); (J.B.); (J.N.); (A.M.); (A.G.M.)
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Preston FG, Meng Y, Burgess J, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Petropoulos IN, Kaye S, Malik RA, Zheng Y, Alam U. Artificial intelligence utilising corneal confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. Diabetologia 2022; 65:457-466. [PMID: 34806115 PMCID: PMC8803718 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05617-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based deep learning algorithm (DLA) applying attribution methods without image segmentation to corneal confocal microscopy images and to accurately classify peripheral neuropathy (or lack of). METHODS The AI-based DLA utilised convolutional neural networks with data augmentation to increase the algorithm's generalisability. The algorithm was trained using a high-end graphics processor for 300 epochs on 329 corneal nerve images and tested on 40 images (1 image/participant). Participants consisted of healthy volunteer (HV) participants (n = 90) and participants with type 1 diabetes (n = 88), type 2 diabetes (n = 141) and prediabetes (n = 50) (defined as impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance or a combination of both), and were classified into HV, those without neuropathy (PN-) (n = 149) and those with neuropathy (PN+) (n = 130). For the AI-based DLA, a modified residual neural network called ResNet-50 was developed and used to extract features from images and perform classification. The algorithm was tested on 40 participants (15 HV, 13 PN-, 12 PN+). Attribution methods gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), Guided Grad-CAM and occlusion sensitivity displayed the areas within the image that had the greatest impact on the decision of the algorithm. RESULTS The results were as follows: HV: recall of 1.0 (95% CI 1.0, 1.0), precision of 0.83 (95% CI 0.65, 1.0), F1-score of 0.91 (95% CI 0.79, 1.0); PN-: recall of 0.85 (95% CI 0.62, 1.0), precision of 0.92 (95% CI 0.73, 1.0), F1-score of 0.88 (95% CI 0.71, 1.0); PN+: recall of 0.83 (95% CI 0.58, 1.0), precision of 1.0 (95% CI 1.0, 1.0), F1-score of 0.91 (95% CI 0.74, 1.0). The features displayed by the attribution methods demonstrated more corneal nerves in HV, a reduction in corneal nerves for PN- and an absence of corneal nerves for PN+ images. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We demonstrate promising results in the rapid classification of peripheral neuropathy using a single corneal image. A large-scale multicentre validation study is required to assess the utility of AI-based DLA in screening and diagnostic programmes for diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank G Preston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Yanda Meng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester and Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester and Manchester Diabetes Centre, Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Yalin Zheng
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and the Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Pedrotti E, Bonacci E, Chierego C, De Gregorio A, Cozzini T, Brighenti T, Caldarella G, Pastore G, Fasolo A, Marchini G. Eight months follow-up of corneal nerves and sensitivity after treatment with cenegermin for neurotrophic keratopathy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:63. [PMID: 35189948 PMCID: PMC8862484 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgroud Cenegermin (Oxervate, Dompè Farmaceutici, Milan, IT), a recombinant human NGF, is a potentially healing new drug for neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), a rare but challenging disease affecting the cornea. To date, studies that evaluate its mid-term effect on corneal nerves and sensitivity are lacking. Objective To evaluate the recovery and morphology of subbasal corneal nerves in patients treated with Cenegermin for NK and assess their correlation with corneal sensitivity. Methods This prospective, observational case series study was carried out between May 2018 and August 2020 at the Ophthalmic Clinic of the University of Verona. Clinical evaluation, sensitivity, and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed in the central and all four corneal sectors at baseline, the end of therapy (8 weeks), and 2, 4, and 8 months after therapy. Consecutive patients with NK (stage 2–3), treated with Cenegermin (1 drop 6 times daily for 8 weeks), were enrolled. During each visit, Corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber total branch density (CTBD), corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension (CNFraD) and Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry (CBE) were measured. Results We enrolled 18 patients. Complete NK healing was noted in 14/18(78%) patients after 8 weeks of treatment; then in 14(78%), 15(83%), and 13(72%) patients at 2-, 4-, and 8-months, respectively. Starting at 8 weeks through 4-month follow-up there was progressive improvement in CBE in all corneal sectors (p ≤ 0.01), which continued thereafter. There was significant corneal nerve regrowth especially in the peripheral cornea: centripetal progression starting at 8 weeks (CNFL and CNFrad) and significant branching starting at 2 months (CTBD), which continued through to the end of follow up. Sector-coupled IVCM and CBE findings correlated at all evaluations (all r ≥ 0.62 starting at 2 months, with highest values in the peripheral sectors). Conclusions After Cenegermin we observed a subbasal corneal nerve regeneration, a recovery of sensitivity and a lasting epithelial healing, suggesting that the effect of its action persists several months after discontinuation in patients with NK.
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Verdugo RJ, Matamala JM, Inui K, Kakigi R, Valls-Solé J, Hansson P, Bernhard Nilsen K, Lombardi R, Lauria G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Treede RD, Baumgärtner U, Jara PA, Campero M. Review of techniques useful for the assessment of sensory small fiber neuropathies: Report from an IFCN expert group. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:13-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Burgess J, Petropoulos I, Gad H, Nevitt SJ, Ponirakis G, Ferdousi M, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, Kaye S, Malik RA, Alam U. Corneal confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Hippokratia 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Burgess
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine and the Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences; University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospital NHS Trust; Liverpool UK
| | - Ioannis Petropoulos
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division; Qatar Foundation, Education City; Doha Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division; Qatar Foundation, Education City; Doha Qatar
| | - Sarah J Nevitt
- Department of Health Data Science; University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division; Qatar Foundation, Education City; Doha Qatar
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health; The University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health; The University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health; The University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Stephen Kaye
- Department of Ophthalmology; Royal Liverpool University Hospital Trust and University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division; Qatar Foundation, Education City; Doha Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Ophthalmology; Royal Liverpool University Hospital Trust and University of Liverpool; Liverpool UK
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
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Jin Y, Wang W, Chen W, Guo S, Li C, Zhu D, Bi Y. Corneal confocal microscopy: A useful tool for diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Investig 2021; 12:2183-2189. [PMID: 34134175 PMCID: PMC8668068 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) for small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS There were 186 participants with type 2 diabetes enrolled in this cross-sectional research. Pure small fiber neuropathy and mixed fiber neuropathy were defined using clinical examination, electromyography, and quantitative sensory testing. Demographics and clinical data, corneal confocal microscopy parameters, and other neuropathy measures were compared among the groups. The diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy for small fiber neuropathy was assessed by the receiver operating curve. RESULTS Of the 186 patients, 24.7% had a pure small fiber neuropathy and 17.2% of patients were diagnosed with mixed fiber neuropathy. The corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were significantly lower in subjects with pure small fiber neuropathy compared with those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (all P < 0.05). The receiver operating curve analysis for corneal confocal microscopy diagnosing small fiber neuropathy demonstrated the area under the curve for CNFD of 0.791, CNFL of 0.778, CNBD of 0.710. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 2 diabetes with pure small fiber neuropathy showed more corneal nerve loss compared with those without diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It was revealed that corneal confocal microscopy can be a reasonable marker in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin
- Department of EndocrinologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
- Department of OsteoporosisLianyungang Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityLianyungangChina
| | - Weimin Wang
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Simin Guo
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Chenxi Li
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Dalong Zhu
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of EndocrinologyNanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of EndocrinologyDrum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingChina
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34
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Liu C, Luan X, Liu X, Wang X, Cai X, Li T, Cao L, Long D. Characteristics of ocular findings of patients with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:3231-3237. [PMID: 34797461 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the ocular characteristics of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID), caused by GGC repeat expansion in the NOTCH2NLC gene, combined with the systemic clinical manifestations, and propose early diagnostic features of NIID. METHODS Six patients (12 eyes) were enrolled in this study. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM), fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), full-field electroretinography (ERG), and electromyography were performed. RESULTS The average corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) was 6.83 ± 4.96 number/mm2, and the corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) was 6.76 ± 1.96 mm/mm2. The nerves were looser and more curved in affected individuals. Dendritic cells were observed in patients with NIID. Chorioretinal atrophy, hyper-AF spots, and outer retinal abnormalities were observed during FAF imaging and OCT examinations. In full-field ERGs, the amplitudes of the a-wave and b-wave reduced or extinguished over time. The compound muscle action potential and motor nerve conduction velocity of the left common peroneal nerve decreased substantially. CONCLUSION The findings of IVCCM and retinal changes should be included in the diagnostic criteria for NIID. Corneal confocal characteristics may precede the systemic neurological manifestations and provide a clinical basis for the early treatment and staging of the disease. ClincalTrials.gov. Identifier: ChiCTR21000500227.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xinghua Luan
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiangning Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xuan Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Da Long
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Xuhui District, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China.
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Barros A, Queiruga-Piñeiro J, Lozano-Sanroma J, Alcalde I, Gallar J, Fernández-Vega Cueto L, Alfonso JF, Quirós LM, Merayo-Lloves J. Small fiber neuropathy in the cornea of Covid-19 patients associated with the generation of ocular surface disease. Ocul Surf 2021; 23:40-48. [PMID: 34781021 PMCID: PMC8588585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To describe the association between Sars-CoV-2 infection and small fiber neuropathy in the cornea identified by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Methods Twenty-three patients who had overcome COVID-19 were recruited to this observational retrospective study. Forty-six uninfected volunteers were also recruited and studied as a control group. All subjects were examined under in vivo confocal microscopy to obtain images of corneal subbasal nerve fibers in order to study the presence of neuroma-like structures, axonal beadings and dendritic cells. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Schirmer tear test were used as indicators of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and ocular surface pathology. Results Twenty-one patients (91.31%) presented alterations of the corneal subbasal plexus and corneal tissue consistent with small fiber neuropathy. Images from healthy subjects did not indicate significant nerve fiber or corneal tissue damage. Eight patients reported increased sensations of ocular dryness after COVID-19 infection and had positive DED indicators. Beaded axons were found in 82.60% of cases, mainly in patients reporting ocular irritation symptoms. Neuroma-like images were found in 65.22% patients, more frequently in those with OSDI scores >13. Dendritic cells were found in 69.56% of patients and were more frequent in younger asymptomatic patients. The presence of morphological alterations in patients up to 10 months after recovering from Sars-CoV-2 infection points to the chronic nature of the neuropathy. Conclusions Sars-CoV-2 infection may be inducing small fiber neuropathy in the ocular surface, sharing symptomatology and morphological landmarks with DED and diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ignacio Alcalde
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo & Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis Fernández-Vega Cueto
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - José F Alfonso
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis M Quirós
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo & Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jesús Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo & Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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36
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Petropoulos IN, Fitzgerald KC, Oakley J, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, George P, Deleu D, Canibano BG, Akhtar N, Shuaib A, Own A, Malik T, Russakoff DB, Mankowski JL, Misra SL, McGhee CNJ, Calabresi P, Saidha S, Kamran S, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates axonal loss in different courses of multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21688. [PMID: 34737384 PMCID: PMC8568943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal loss is the main determinant of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to assess the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in detecting corneal axonal loss in different courses of MS. The results were confirmed by two independent segmentation methods. 72 subjects (144 eyes) [(clinically isolated syndrome (n = 9); relapsing–remitting MS (n = 20); secondary-progressive MS (n = 22); and age-matched, healthy controls (n = 21)] underwent CCM and assessment of their disability status. Two independent algorithms (ACCMetrics; and Voxeleron deepNerve) were used to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (ACCMetrics only), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD). Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared to controls, patients with MS had significantly lower CNFD (34.76 ± 5.57 vs. 19.85 ± 6.75 fibers/mm2, 95% CI − 18.24 to − 11.59, P < .0001), CNFL [for ACCMetrics: 19.75 ± 2.39 vs. 12.40 ± 3.30 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 8.94 to − 5.77, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 21.98 ± 2.76 vs. 14.40 ± 4.17 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 9.55 to − 5.6, P < .0001] and CNFrD [for ACCMetrics: 1.52 ± 0.02 vs. 1.45 ± 0.04, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.05, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 1.29 ± 0.03 vs. 1.19 ± 0.07, 95% − 0.13 to − 0.07, P < .0001]. Corneal nerve parameters were comparably reduced in different courses of MS. There was excellent reproducibility between the algorithms. Significant corneal axonal loss is detected in different courses of MS including patients with clinically isolated syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kathryn C Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pooja George
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dirk Deleu
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ahmed Own
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Taimur Malik
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Joseph L Mankowski
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stuti L Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shiv Saidha
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Saadat Kamran
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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37
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Wu PY, Wu JH, Hsieh YT, Chen LCC, Cheng T, Wu PY, Hsieh BJ, Huang WL, Huang SL, Chen WL. Comparing the results of manual and automated quantitative corneal neuroanalysing modules for beginners. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18208. [PMID: 34521890 PMCID: PMC8440557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of in vivo confocal microscopic neuroanalysis by beginners using manual and automated modules. Images of sub-basal corneal nerve plexus (SCNP) from 108 images of 18 healthy participants were analyzed by 7 beginner observers using manual (CCMetrics, [CCM]) and automated (ACCMetrics, [ACCM]) module. SCNP parameters analyzed included corneal nerve fiber density (NFD), corneal nerve branch density (NBD), corneal nerve fiber length (NFL), and tortuosity coefficient (TC). The intra-observer repeatability, inter-observer reliability, inter-module agreement, and left–right eye symmetry level of SCNP parameters were examined. All observers showed good intra-observer repeatability using CCM (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.60 for all), except when measuring TC. Two observers demonstrated especially excellent repeatability in analyzing NFD, NBD, and NFL using manual mode, indicating the quality of interpretation may still be observer-dependent. Among all SCNP parameters, NFL had the best inter-observer reliability (Spearman’s rank-sum correlation coefficient [SpCC] and ICC > 0.85 for the 3 original observers) and left–right symmetry level (SpCC and ICC > 0.60). In the additional analysis of inter-observer reliability using results by all 7 observers, only NFL showed good inter-observer reliability (ICC = 0.79). Compared with CCM measurements, values of ACCM measurements were significantly lower, implying a poor inter-module agreement. Our result suggested that performance of quantitative corneal neuroanalysis by beginners maybe acceptable, with NFL being the most reliable parameter, and automated method cannot fully replace manual work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ying Wu
- Department of General Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hsuan Wu
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Yi-Ting Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin Chih-Chieh Chen
- Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Jun Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Lung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Photonics and Optoelectronics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Advanced Ocular Surface and Corneal Nerve Regeneration Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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38
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Al-Janahi E, Ponirakis G, Al Hamad H, Vattoth S, Elsotouhy A, Petropoulos IN, Khan A, Gad H, Chandran M, Sankaranarayanan A, Ramadan M, Elorrabi M, Gadelseed M, Tosino R, Gawhale PV, Arasn A, Alobaidi M, Khan S, Manikoth P, Hamdi Y, Osman S, Nadukkandiyil N, AlSulaiti E, Thodi N, Almuhannadi H, Mahfoud ZR, Own A, Shuaib A, Malik RA. Corneal Nerve and Brain Imaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:1533-1543. [PMID: 32925064 PMCID: PMC7683060 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Visual rating of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) is an accepted structural neuroimaging marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive ophthalmic technique that detects neuronal loss in peripheral and central neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of CCM for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia compared to medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) rating on MRI. Methods: Subjects aged 60–85 with no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI, and dementia based on the ICD-10 criteria were recruited. Subjects underwent cognitive screening, CCM, and MTA rating on MRI. Results: 182 subjects with NCI (n = 36), MCI (n = 80), and dementia (n = 66), including AD (n = 19, 28.8%), VaD (n = 13, 19.7%), and mixed AD (n = 34, 51.5%) were studied. CCM showed a progressive reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD, fibers/mm2) (32.0±7.5 versus 24.5±9.6 and 20.8±9.3, p < 0.0001), branch density (CNBD, branches/mm2) (90.9±46.5 versus 59.3±35.7 and 53.9±38.7, p < 0.0001), and fiber length (CNFL, mm/mm2) (22.9±6.1 versus 17.2±6.5 and 15.8±7.4, p < 0.0001) in subjects with MCI and dementia compared to NCI. The area under the ROC curve (95% CI) for the diagnostic accuracy of CNFD, CNBD, CNFL compared to MTA-right and MTA-left for MCI was 78% (67–90%), 82% (72–92%), 86% (77–95%) versus 53% (36–69%) and 40% (25–55%), respectively, and for dementia it was 85% (76–94%), 84% (75–93%), 85% (76–94%) versus 86% (76–96%) and 82% (72–92%), respectively. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of CCM, a non-invasive ophthalmic biomarker of neurodegeneration, was high and comparable with MTA rating for dementia but was superior to MTA rating for MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Al-Janahi
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester, UK
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Surjith Vattoth
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Neuroradiology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- Neuroradiology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mani Chandran
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Marwa Elorrabi
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Masharig Gadelseed
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rhia Tosino
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Priya V Gawhale
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anjum Arasn
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maryam Alobaidi
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shafi Khan
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pravija Manikoth
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yasmin Hamdi
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Susan Osman
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Navas Nadukkandiyil
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Essa AlSulaiti
- Geriatric & Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Noushad Thodi
- MRI Unit, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamad Almuhannadi
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad R Mahfoud
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Manchester Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Mertsch S, Neumann I, Rose C, Schargus M, Geerling G, Schrader S. The effect of Rho Kinase inhibition on corneal nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:213-223. [PMID: 34419637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Impairment of corneal nerves can lead to neurotrophic keratopathy accompanied with severe ocular surface damage, which due to limited treatment options, can result in severe visual deterioration. This study evaluates a possible new treatment by enhancing the corneal nerve regeneration using a Rho Kinase inhibitor (Y27632). ROCK is known to play an important role in regulating cell morphology, adhesion and motility but little is known about its role in corneal nerve regeneration. METHODS Effects of ROCK inhibition on murine peripheral nerves was assessed in single cell- and wound healing assays as well as a 3D in vitro model. Furthermore, Sholl analysis evaluating neuronal branching and life-death assays evaluating toxicity of the inhibitor were performed. An in vivo mouse model was established, with monitoring weekly corneal nerve regrowth using confocal microscopy. Additionally, corneal nerve fiber length was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Underlying pathways were examined by qrtPCR. RESULTS ROCK inhibition leads to a significant enhancement of fiber growth in vitro. Sholl analysis revealed a higher degree of branching of treated fibers. Cytotoxicity assay showed no influence of Y27632 on cellular survival. In vivo measurement revealed significant enhanced regeneration after injury in the treated group. QrtPCR of trigeminal ganglia confirmed ROCK knock-down as well as altered pathways. CONCLUSION The inhibition of ROCK after corneal nerve injury resulted in an enhanced regrowth of fibers in vitro and in vivo. This might be a step towards a new therapeutic concept for the treatment of impaired corneal nerves in diseases such as neurotrophic keratopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Mertsch
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Inga Neumann
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Cosima Rose
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Marc Schargus
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Asklepios Hospital Nord-Heidberg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Laboratory of Experimental Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Pius-Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany
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Corneal inflammatory cell infiltration predicts disease activity in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15150. [PMID: 34312451 PMCID: PMC8313721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94605-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of disease activity is fundamental in the management of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Previous studies with small patient numbers found an increase of corneal immune cell infiltrates as a potential marker of inflammation in patients with CIDP. However, its clinical relevance remained unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether the amount of corneal inflammatory cells (CIC) measured by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) detects disease activity in CIDP. CIC were measured in 142 CCM-investigations of 97 CIDP-patients. Data on clinical disease activity, disability (INCAT-ODSS) and need for therapy escalation at the timepoint of CCM, 3 and 6 months later were analyzed depending CIC-count. Pathological spontaneous activity during electromyography was examined as another possible biomarker for disease activity in comparison to CIC-count. An increased CIC-count at baseline was found in patients with clinical disease activity and disability progression in the following 3-6 months. An increase to more than 25 CIC/mm2 had a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.71 to detect clinical disease activity and a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.64 to detect disability progression (increasing INCAT-ODSS) in the following 6 months. An increase to more than 50 CIC/mm2 had a sensitivity of about 0.51 and a specificity of 0.91 to detect clinical disease activity and a sensitivity of 0.53 and a specificity of 0.80 to detect disability progression. CIC count is a non-invasive biomarker for the detection of disease activity in the following 6 months in CIDP.
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Herrera-Pereda R, Taboada Crispi A, Babin D, Philips W, Holsbach Costa M. A Review On digital image processing techniques for in-Vivo confocal images of the cornea. Med Image Anal 2021; 73:102188. [PMID: 34340102 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2021.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This work reviews the scientific literature regarding digital image processing for in vivo confocal microscopy images of the cornea. We present and discuss a selection of prominent techniques designed for semi- and automatic analysis of four areas of the cornea (epithelium, sub-basal nerve plexus, stroma and endothelium). The main context is image enhancement, detection of structures of interest, and quantification of clinical information. We have found that the preprocessing stage lacks of quantitative studies regarding the quality of the enhanced image, or its effects in subsequent steps of the image processing. Threshold values are widely used in the reviewed methods, although generally, they are selected empirically and manually. The image processing results are evaluated in many cases through comparison with gold standards not widely accepted. It is necessary to standardize values to be quantified in terms of sensitivity and specificity of methods. Most of the reviewed studies do not show an estimation of the computational cost of the image processing. We conclude that reliable, automatic, computer-assisted image analysis of the cornea is still an open issue, constituting an interesting and worthwhile area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raidel Herrera-Pereda
- Departamento de Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnologías Computacionales, Universidad de las Ciencias Informáticas (UCI), Carretera a San Antonio de los Baños Km 2 1/2, Torrens, Boyeros, La Habana, Cuba; TELIN-IPI, Ghent University - imec, Belgium.
| | - Alberto Taboada Crispi
- Centro de Investigaciones de la Informática, Universidad Central "Marta Abreu" de Las Villas (UCLV), Carretera a Camajuaní, km 5 1/2, Santa Clara, VC, CP 54830, Cuba
| | | | | | - Márcio Holsbach Costa
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Stewart S, Liu YC, Lin MTY, Mehta JS. Clinical Applications of In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Keratorefractive Surgery. J Refract Surg 2021; 37:493-503. [PMID: 34236907 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20210419-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the contribution of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) to the understanding of corneal wound healing following refractive surgery, and its role in the diagnosis and management of complications arising from keratorefractive procedures. METHODS Review of the basic science and clinical literature relating to the study of keratorefractive surgical procedures using IVCM. RESULTS Extensive research using IVCM has generated a comprehensive understanding of tissue responses after corneal refractive surgery. Epithelial thickness and stromal keratocyte density can be quantified postoperatively and studied longitudinally. Corneal nerve loss and subsequent reinnervation has been characterized and differs significantly between laser refractive techniques. IVCM has also been used to study complications arising from postoperative inflammation (diffuse lamellar keratitis, central toxic keratopathy, ring keratitis, and ectasia), infection (microbial keratitis), and neuropathy (dry eye and neuralgia). This imaging technique can have a critical role in the diagnosis of these complications and subsequent monitoring of treatment response. Manual processing of IVCM images is time-consuming and there may be significant interobserver and intraobserver variability with poor repeatability. However, increasing automation and the use of artificial intelligence is improving the speed and accuracy of image analysis. CONCLUSIONS IVCM has historically been confined to a research setting because image capture and subsequent processing was extremely labor intensive. However, advances in both hardware and software capabilities promise to allow the use of IVCM in routine clinical practice. Real-time evaluation of the cornea at a cellular level will be particularly useful in patients with inflammatory, infectious, or neuropathic complications of keratorefractive surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(7):493-503.].
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Szalai E, Szucs G, Szamosi S, Aszalos Z, Afra I, Kemeny-Beke A. An in vivo confocal microscopy study of corneal changes in patients with systemic sclerosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11111. [PMID: 34045565 PMCID: PMC8160323 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate corneal microstructure of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). 33 patients with SSc and 30 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination including IVCM (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) and ocular surface evaluation. Subbasal nerve plexus morphology was investigated using automated software analysis (ACCMetrics V3; University of Manchester, Manchester, UK). Keratocyte cell densities in the anterior stroma were significantly lower in patients with SSc compared to controls (P < 0.0001). In 7 SSc patients no keratocyte nuclei were identified in the anterior stroma and in most patients scattered hyperreflective punctate material were observed in the anterior stroma. Significantly lower subbasal nerve fiber parameters were found in patients with SSc compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the duration of SSc and any of the corneal cell density values. Tear break-up time values (4.82 ± 3.15 s) and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (33.27 ± 30.11) were abnormal, Schirmer values (6.78 ± 5.82 mm) were borderline in SSc patients. In SSc, corneal morphological changes and accumulation of punctate material in the stroma was detected with confocal microscopy. Severe ocular surface disease was observed in SSc patients with significant impairment in subbasal nerve plexus morphology resembling peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pecs, Rakoczi u. 2, 7623, Pecs, Hungary.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella Szucs
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsa Aszalos
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Moricz Zsigmond krt. 22, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ildiko Afra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Adam Kemeny-Beke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
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Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Kalteniece A, Khan A, Gad H, Bashir B, Marshall A, Boulton AJM, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Biomarker for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Clin Ther 2021; 43:1457-1475. [PMID: 33965237 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnosing early diabetic peripheral neuropathy remains a challenge due to deficiencies in currently advocated end points. The cornea is densely innervated with small sensory fibers, which are structurally and functionally comparable to intraepidermal nerve fibers. Corneal confocal microscopy is a method for rapid, noninvasive scanning of the living cornea with high resolution and magnification. METHODS This narrative review presents the framework for the development of biomarkers and the literature on the use and adoption of corneal confocal microscopy as an objective, diagnostic biomarker in experimental and clinical studies of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar based on the terms "corneal confocal microscopy," "diabetic neuropathy," "corneal sensitivity," and "clinical trials." FINDINGS A substantial body of evidence underpins the thesis that corneal nerve loss predicts incident neuropathy and progresses with the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Corneal confocal microscopy also identifies early corneal nerve regeneration, strongly arguing for its inclusion as a surrogate end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies. IMPLICATIONS There are sufficient diagnostic and prospective validation studies to fulfill the US Food and Drug Administration criteria for a biomarker to support the inclusion of corneal confocal microscopy as a primary end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies in diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Bashir
- Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Clinical Neurophysiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J M Boulton
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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45
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Takhar JS, Joye AS, Lopez SE, Marneris AG, Tsui E, Seitzman GD, Keenan JD, Gonzales JA. Validation of a Novel Confocal Microscopy Imaging Protocol With Assessment of Reproducibility and Comparison of Nerve Metrics in Dry Eye Disease Compared With Controls. Cornea 2021; 40:603-612. [PMID: 33038151 PMCID: PMC9830965 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to assess the reproducibility of a novel standardized technique for capturing corneal subbasal nerve plexus images with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and to compare nerve metrics captured with this method in participants with dry eye and control participants. METHODS Cases and controls were recruited based on their International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) diagnoses. Participants completed the following 3 ocular symptom questionnaires: the Ocular Surface Disease Index, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, and Dry Eye Questionnaire 5. A novel eye fixation-grid system was used to capture 30 standardized confocal microscopy images of the central cornea. Each participant was imaged twice by different operators. Seven quantitative nerve metrics were analyzed using automated software (ACCmetrics, Manchester, United Kingdom) for all 30 images and a 6-image subset. RESULTS Forty-seven participants were recruited (25 classified as dry eye and 22 controls). The most reproducible nerve metrics were corneal nerve fiber length [intraclass correlation (ICC) = 0.86], corneal nerve fiber area (ICC = 0.86), and fractal dimension (ICC = 0.90). Although differences were not statistically significant, all mean nerve metrics were lower in those with dry eye compared with controls. Questionnaire scores did not significantly correlate with nerve metrics. Reproducibility of nerve metrics was similar when comparing the entire 30-image montage to a central 6-image subset. CONCLUSIONS A standardized confocal imaging technique coupled with quantitative assessment of corneal nerves produced reproducible corneal nerve metrics even with different operators. No statistically significant differences in in vivo corneal confocal microscopy nerve metrics were observed between participants with dry eye and control participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaskirat S. Takhar
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI
| | - Ashlin S. Joye
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA
| | - Sarah E. Lopez
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Athanasios G. Marneris
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Edmund Tsui
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Gerami D. Seitzman
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jeremy D. Keenan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - John A. Gonzales
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the short-term (up to 1 month) clinical outcomes in patients undergoing corneal laser refractive surgery and the impact on dry eye disease (DED) metrics and corneal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS The unaided distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, and spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) were determined in 16 and 13 patients undergoing FS-LASIK and SMILE, respectively. DED metrics assessed were Ocular Surface Disease Index, Dry Eye Questionnaire 5-items (DEQ-5), tear film osmolarity, tear meniscus height, noninvasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT), ocular staining, and meibomian gland atrophy. An automated analysis of corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension were obtained from the IVCM scans using ACCMetrics software (University of Manchester). RESULTS Both surgical techniques provided good refractive and visual outcomes. DED symptoms were found to be higher after FS-LASIK compared with SMILE (P < 0.05). A decrease in tear meniscus height (∼31%) and NIKBUT (∼40%) was reported after FS-LASIK (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively) but not after SMILE. Both procedures affected corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, CNFL, and corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension, but the impact was significantly greater with FS-LASIK (P = 0.001). Only CNFL correlated with the reported symptoms (DEQ-5) after FS-LASIK (r = -0.545, P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS FS-LASIK and SMILE provided good refractive and visual outcomes. There was an increased impact on DED symptoms after FS-LASIK compared with SMILE, although there were no significant differences between the procedures for most of the other ocular surface metrics assessed. The IVCM findings showed that SMILE had less impact on corneal nerves compared with FS-LASIK.
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Fernandes D, Luís M, Cardigos J, Xavier C, Alves M, Papoila AL, Cunha JP, Ferreira JT. Corneal Subbasal Nerve Plexus Evaluation by in Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Multiple Sclerosis: A Potential New Biomarker. Curr Eye Res 2021; 46:1452-1459. [PMID: 33734930 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.1904509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/Aim: Our study aims to evaluate corneal subbasal nerve plexus morphology by in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients and to explore its potential ability to distinguish between MS patients and healthy subjects.Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, including 60 MS patients and 22 healthy subjects. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to assess neurological disability. All participants underwent full ophthalmology evaluation, CCM and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fibre length (CNFL) and fibre tortuosity (CNFT) were analysed. Generalized additive regression models were used to analyse the data.Results: Compared to controls, MS patients had lower CNFD, CNBD and CNFL (p < .001) and higher CNFT (p = .002). The area under the ROC curve to distinguish MS patients from healthy controls with CNFD and CNBD was 0.84 (95%CI: 0.75 to 0.93; 95%CI: 0.75 to 0.92, respectively). A nonlinear association between EDSS and CNFD was found, with an initial density increase followed by a significant decrease until more severe disability status. EDSS was associated with CNFL and CNBD, with values being significantly lower for patients with an EDSS > 2.5 (-2.06 mm/mm2; 95%CI: -3.84 to -0.28; p = .027 and -8.70 branches/mm2; 95%CI: -14.69 to -2.71; p = .006, respectively). An optic neuritis (ON) history did not influence CCM parameters.Conclusions: Our results confirm CCM parameters' potential to differentiate MS patients from healthy subjects, not being influenced by a previous ON history. A significant relationship between patient's disability and corneal nerve morphology was also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Fernandes
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Luís
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Cardigos
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Xavier
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Alves
- Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Research Centre, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Papoila
- Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Research Centre, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Cunha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital CUF Cascais, Cascais, Portugal.,Department of Orthoptics and Vision Sciences, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Tavares Ferreira
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital CUF Cascais, Cascais, Portugal.,Department of Orthoptics and Vision Sciences, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal.,Neuro-Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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Abstract
A biomarker is a "characteristic that is measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions." Recently, calls for biomarkers for ocular surface diseases have increased, and advancements in imaging technologies have aided in allowing imaging biomarkers to serve as a potential solution for this need. This review focuses on the state of imaging biomarkers for ocular surface diseases, specifically non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus measurement and corneal epithelial thickness with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), meibomian gland morphology with infrared meibography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), ocular redness with grading scales, and cellular corneal immune cells and nerve assessment by IVCM. Extensive literature review was performed for analytical and clinical validation that currently exists for potential imaging biomarkers. Our summary suggests that the reported analytical and clinical validation state for potential imaging biomarkers is broad, with some having good to excellent intra- and intergrader agreement to date. Examples of these include NIBUT for dry eye disease, ocular redness grading scales, and detection of corneal immune cells by IVCM for grading and monitoring inflammation. Further examples are nerve assessment by IVCM for monitoring severity of diabetes mellitus and neurotrophic keratitis, and corneal epithelial thickness assessment with anterior segment OCT for the diagnosis of early keratoconus. However, additional analytical validation for these biomarkers is required before clinical application as a biomarker.
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49
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Dhage S, Ferdousi M, Adam S, Ho JH, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, Alam U, Ponirakis G, Petropoulos I, Atkinson AJ, Marshall A, Jeziorska M, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy identifies small fibre damage and progression of diabetic neuropathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1859. [PMID: 33479291 PMCID: PMC7820596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81302-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately quantifying the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is key to identify individuals who will progress to foot ulceration and to power clinical intervention trials. We have undertaken detailed neuropathy phenotyping to assess the longitudinal utility of different measures of neuropathy in patients with diabetes. Nineteen patients with diabetes (age 52.5 ± 14.7 years, duration of diabetes 26.0 ± 13.8 years) and 19 healthy controls underwent assessment of symptoms and signs of neuropathy, quantitative sensory testing, autonomic nerve function, neurophysiology, intra-epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to quantify corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD) and fibre length (CNFL). Mean follow-up was 6.5 years. Glycated haemoglobin (p = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.0009) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (p < 0.0001) improved. Neuropathy symptom profile (p = 0.03), neuropathy disability score (p = 0.04), vibration perception threshold (p = 0.02), cold perception threshold (p = 0.006), CNFD (p = 0.03), CNBD (p < 0.0001), CNFL (p < 0.0001), IENFD (p = 0.04), sural (p = 0.02) and peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.03) deteriorated significantly. Change (∆) in CNFL correlated with ∆CPT (p = 0.006) and ∆Expiration/Inspiration ratio (p = 0.002) and ∆IENFD correlated with ∆CNFD (p = 0.005), ∆CNBD (p = 0.02) and ∆CNFL (p = 0.01). This study shows worsening of diabetic neuropathy across a range of neuropathy measures, especially CCM, despite an improvement in HbA1c and LDL-C. It further supports the utility of CCM as a rapid, non-invasive surrogate measure of diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaishav Dhage
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Safwaan Adam
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan Hoong Ho
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool & Liverpool University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ioannis Petropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew J Atkinson
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool & Liverpool University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maria Jeziorska
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Handrean Soran
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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Ando A, Miyamoto M, Saito N, Kotani K, Kamiya H, Ishibashi S, Tavakoli M. Small Fibre Neuropathy Is Associated With Impaired Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653277. [PMID: 33935969 PMCID: PMC8079951 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and endothelial dysfunction are prevalent complications of diabetes mellitus. Currently, there are two non-invasive markers for endothelial dysfunction: flow-mediated dilation and reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). However, the relationship between diabetic small fibre neuropathy and macroangiopathy remains obscure thus far. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has emerged as a new diagnostic modality to assess DPN, especially of small fibre. To clarify the relationship between diabetic small fibre neuropathy and vascular dysfunction, we aimed to determine the functions of peripheral nerves and blood vessels through clinical tests such as nerve conduction study, coefficient of variation in the R-R interval, CCM, and RH-PAT in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes. Forty healthy control subjects were also included to study corneal nerve parameters. Correlational and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between neuropathy indices and markers for vascular functions. The results revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower values for most variables of CCM than healthy control subjects. RH-PAT solely remained as an explanatory variable significant in multiple regression analysis for several CCM parameters and vice versa. Other vascular markers had no significant multiple regression with any CCM parameters. In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction as revealed by impaired RH-PAT was significantly associated with CCM parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. This association may indicate that small fibre neuropathy results from impaired endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. CCM parameters may be considered surrogate markers of autonomic nerve damage, which is related to diabetic endothelial dysfunction. This study is the first to report the relationship between corneal nerve parameter as small fibre neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and RH-PAT as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko Ando
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nishio Hospital, Nishio, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akihiko Ando,
| | - Michiaki Miyamoto
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aiseikai Clinic for Internal Medicine and Gynecology, Kuki, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Naoko Saito
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kotani
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Centre for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideki Kamiya
- Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Shun Ishibashi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Mitra Tavakoli
- Diabetes and Vascular Research Centre, NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
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