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Gower EW, Sisay A, Bayissasse B, Seyum D, Weaver J, Munoz B, Keil AP, Bankoski A, Sullivan KM, Kana H, Admassu F, Tadesse D, Merbs SL. The impact of modified incision height and surgical procedure on trichiasis surgery outcomes: Results of the maximizing trichiasis surgery success (MTSS) randomized trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012034. [PMID: 39226693 PMCID: PMC11398687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor surgical outcomes remain a problem in trachoma-endemic countries working to reach elimination thresholds. Methods to improve outcomes could positively impact programmatic success. METHODS This parallel, three-armed clinical trial conducted in Ethiopia randomized individuals with previously unoperated trachomatous trichiasis (TT) to receive surgery utilizing one of three approaches: bilamellar tarsal rotation with a 3 mm incision height (BLTR-3), BLTR with 5 mm incision height (BLTR-5) and posterior lamellar tarsal rotation (PLTR). We followed participants for one year. The primary outcome was post-operative trichiasis (PTT). Secondary outcomes were eyelid contour abnormalities (ECA) and pyogenic granulomata. FINDINGS We randomized and operated on 4,914 individuals with previously unoperated TT (6,940 eyes). Primary analyses include 6,815 eyes with follow-up. Overall, 1,149 (16.9%) eyes developed PTT. The risk difference for PTT was minimal comparing BLTR-3 and PLTR (adjusted risk difference [aRD] 1.8% (98.3%CI: -0.5-4.2%)), but significantly higher for BLTR-5 surgeries compared to BLTR-3 (aRD: 6.7% (3.9-9.4%)) and PLTR (aRD: 8.6% (5.9-11.3%)). BLTR-5 had the lowest ECA (6.1% versus 9.6% BLTR-3, 11.2% PLTR) and granuloma rates (5.2% versus 6.5% BLTR-3 and 7.5% PLTR). One eyelid operated with PLTR experienced an eyelid margin division; four BLTR-3 and eight BLTR-5 eyelids experienced excessive bleeding. INTERPRETATION We do not recommend modifying the BLTR incision height of 3 mm. Overall, we did not find a significant difference in PTT between BLTR-3 and PLTR in terms of PTT or ECA. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number: NCT03100747; ClinicalTrials.gov Full study protocol available at (https://doi.org/10.15139/S3/QHZXWD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W Gower
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Dawit Seyum
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jerusha Weaver
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Beatriz Munoz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Andrea Bankoski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kristin M Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hashiya Kana
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fisseha Admassu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Shannath L Merbs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Kreis AJ, Gower EW, Kropp M, Kello AB, Nouhoum G, Resnikoff S, Talero SL, Solomon AW. The prevention and management of postoperative trachomatous trichiasis: A systematic review. Surv Ophthalmol 2024; 69:93-102. [PMID: 36878359 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.02.008] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Among ocular infections, trachoma is the main cause of blindness. Repeated conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis infections lead to trichiasis, corneal opacification, and visual impairment. Surgery is often needed to relieve discomfort and preserve vision; however, a high postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) rate has been observed in various settings. We wanted to know why, whether PTT rates could be reduced, and how to manage the PTT that occurs. We performed a search of the literature. Of 217 papers screened, 59 studies were identified for inclusion as potentially relevant, the majority having been excluded for not directly concerning PTT in humans. Preventing PTT is a major challenge. Only one published trial, the STAR trial in Ethiopia, has reported a cumulative PTT rate <10% one year after surgery. The literature on the management of PTT is sparse. Though no PTT management guidelines are available, high-quality surgery with a low rate of unfavorable outcomes for PTT patients is likely to require enhanced training of a smaller group of highly-skilled surgeons. Based on the surgical complexity and the authors' own experience, the pathway for patients suffering from PTT should be studied further for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Kreis
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Emily W Gower
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Martina Kropp
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amir B Kello
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Guirou Nouhoum
- Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Institut d'Ophtalmologie Tropicale d'Afrique, University of the Sciences, Bamako, Mali
| | - Serge Resnikoff
- Organisation pour la Prévention de la Cécité, Paris, France; School of Optometry & Vision Science (SOVS), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandra L Talero
- Research Department of Development and Innovation, Superior School of Ophthalmology, Barraquer Institute of America, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Diallo AO, Bayissasse B, Sisay A, Seyum D, Weaver J, Munoz B, Merbs SL, Gower EW. Effectiveness of Trachomatous Trichiasis Case-identification Approaches in Ethiopia. Epidemiology 2023; 34:909-920. [PMID: 37757880 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trachoma control programs use multiple approaches to identify individuals with trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Evidence is limited regarding which approaches are most effective and cost-efficient. METHODS We evaluated the effectiveness of two TT case-identification approaches in Ethiopia: community mobilization to encourage self-referral for centralized screening and house-to-house screenings conducted by case finders. We compared the number of true cases found per 1000 population and costs associated with case identification under each approach, stratified by villages that received one or multiple screening visits. RESULTS We conducted screenings in 396 villages. In villages receiving one house-to-house visit, case finders identified 14,229 suspected cases, of whom 10,513 (73.9%) presented for TT confirmation. A median of 17.2% (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.1%-27.8%) of those presenting truly had TT (positive predictive value). In single-visit villages, the community mobilization approach yielded higher rates of confirmed cases than the house-to-house approach (1.5 [IQR: 1.1, 2.6] vs. 1.1 [IQR: 0.5, 1.9] cases per 1000 population), and the median cost of identifying a TT case was less ($5.59 vs. $31.18) using community mobilization than house-to-house. In multiple-visit villages, additional screening visits increased the median rate of confirmed cases to 2.5 per 1000 population in community mobilization villages, but the rate remained unchanged in house-to-house villages. CONCLUSIONS Community mobilization-based TT case finding had a higher yield than house-to-house, at a substantially lower cost. Future research should examine whether additional tools to aid case finders in their diagnosis increases case-finding efficiency and accuracy and whether TT prevalence and surgical program duration impact case-finding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpha Oumar Diallo
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Dawit Seyum
- Orbis International Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jerusha Weaver
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Beatriz Munoz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shannath L Merbs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Emily W Gower
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Abstract
Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with conjunctival strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. It can result in blindness. Pathophysiologically, trachoma is a disease complex composed of two linked chronic processes: a recurrent, generally subclinical infectious-inflammatory disease that mostly affects children, and a non-communicable, cicatricial and, owing to trichiasis, eventually blinding disease that supervenes in some individuals later in life. At least 150 infection episodes over an individual's lifetime are needed to precipitate trichiasis; thus, opportunity exists for a just global health system to intervene to prevent trachomatous blindness. Trachoma is found at highest prevalence in the poorest communities of low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa; in June 2021, 1.8 million people worldwide were going blind from the disease. Blindness attributable to trachoma can appear in communities many years after conjunctival C. trachomatis transmission has waned or ceased; therefore, the two linked disease processes require distinct clinical and public health responses. Surgery is offered to individuals with trichiasis and antibiotic mass drug administration and interventions to stimulate facial cleanliness and environmental improvement are designed to reduce infection prevalence and transmission. Together, these interventions comprise the SAFE strategy, which is achieving considerable success. Although much work remains, a continuing public health problem from trachoma in the year 2030 will be difficult for the world to excuse.
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Shrestha R, Merbs SL, Bayissasse B, Sisay A, Beckwith C, Courtright P, Gower EW. Characteristics and perspectives of patients with postoperative trichiasis in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. Int Health 2022; 14:i49-i56. [PMID: 35385867 PMCID: PMC8986352 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac004] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) is a challenge for trichiasis surgery programs. Little is known about PTT patients’ perceptions regarding outcomes and future disease management. This study aimed to understand the characteristics of PTT patients, how they managed trichiasis and their perceptions of prior surgeries and future surgery uptake. Methods Patients with PTT were identified during an existing trichiasis screening program in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. A vision assessment and evaluation of the eyelids were conducted to determine distance vision, presence and severity of trichiasis and eyelid contour abnormalities. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding patients’ perceptions of surgery and PTT management approaches. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize PTT and determine associations between PTT severity and patient perceptions. Results Among 404 participants, most were female (79.7%) and aged 40–60 y (62.6%). In total, 514 eyelids had PTT, and nearly half had severe PTT (46.9%). Although >50% of participants were currently epilating to manage their PTT, the majority (82.8%) indicated that they wanted repeat surgery. Most participants indicated that pain persisted despite epilation. The majority (75.1%) indicated satisfaction with their prior surgery and 59.6% indicated that they would recommend surgery to others. Conclusions This study, which included a large proportion of severe PTT cases, indicated that individuals were generally satisfied with prior surgery and would prefer to have surgery again for PTT management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riju Shrestha
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shannath L Merbs
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul Courtright
- Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, UK.,Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emily W Gower
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Williams LB, Prakalapakorn SG, Ansari Z, Goldhardt R. Impact and Trends in Global Ophthalmology. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 8:136-143. [PMID: 32837802 PMCID: PMC7306491 DOI: 10.1007/s40135-020-00245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Our goal is to provide a review of the impact, global estimates, and projection of vision impairment as well as ongoing systems for eye care delivery. Recent Findings Many of the blinding diseases in developing countries are preventable or curable, but the lack of ophthalmologists, the lack of education, and the lack of access to any eye care are some of the major obstacles encountered. Summary As our world becomes more interconnected through globalization, the interactions between different cultures and populations increase. Global ophthalmology is a field dedicated to building sustainable eye care delivery systems to deliver high-quality care in minimal resource settings, with the aim of reducing blindness around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd B. Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - S. Grace Prakalapakorn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - Zubair Ansari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th St, Office #275, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Raquel Goldhardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th St, Office #275, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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