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Gundogan AO, Oltulu R, Belviranli S, Tezcan A, Adam M, Mirza E, Altaş M, Okka M. Corneal innervation changes ın Alzheimer's: implications for sensory dysfunction. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:270. [PMID: 38914919 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03162-1] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare, between Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy individuals, corneal subbasal nerve plexus (CSNP) parameters and corneal sensitivities. METHODS Twenty-two patients who were followed up with Alzheimer's disease (Alzheimer's group) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. CSNP parameters, including nerve fiber length (NFL), nerve fiber density (NFD), and nerve branch density (NBD), were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy. Corneal sensitivity was evaluated using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. The results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS In the Alzheimer's group, NFL was 12.2 (2.4) mm/mm2, NFD was 12.5 [3.1] fibers/mm2, and NBD was 29.7 [9.37] branches/mm2. In the control group, NFL was 16.5 (2.0) mm/mm2, NFD was 25.0 [3.13] fibers/mm2, and NBD was 37.5 [10.9] branches/mm2. All three parameters were significantly lower in the Alzheimer's group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Similarly, corneal sensitivity was significantly lower in the Alzheimer's group (55.0 [5.0] mm) compared to the control group (60.0 [5.0] mm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION We determined that, in AD, corneal sensitivity decreases significantly, in parallel with the decrease in corneal nerves. Changes in the corneal nerve plexus and a decrease in corneal sensitivity may be used in the early diagnosis and follow-up of AD. In addition, ocular surface problems secondary to these changes should also be kept in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Refik Oltulu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Selman Belviranli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ali Tezcan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Adam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Enver Mirza
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Altaş
- Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Okka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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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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Schmitz F, Klimas R, Spenner M, Schumacher A, Hieke A, Greiner T, Enax-Krumova E, Sgodzai M, Fels M, Brünger J, Huckemann S, Stude P, Tegenthoff M, Gold R, Philipps J, Fisse AL, Grüter T, Pitarokoili K, Motte J, Sturm D. Morphological Differentiation of Corneal Inflammatory Cells: Proposal of Pragmatic Protocol. Cornea 2024:00003226-990000000-00534. [PMID: 38588437 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal confocal microscopy is a noninvasive imaging technique to analyze corneal nerve fibers and corneal inflammatory cells (CICs). The amount of CICs is a potential biomarker of disease activity in chronic autoinflammatory diseases. To date, there are no standardized criteria for the morphological characterization of CICs. The aim was to establish a protocol for a standardized morphological classification of CICs based on a literature search and to test this protocol for applicability and reliability. METHODS A systematic review of the literature about definitions of CICs was conducted. Existing morphological descriptions were translated into a structured algorithm and applied by raters. Subsequently, the protocol was optimized by reducing and defining the criteria of the cell types. The optimized algorithm was applied by 4 raters. The interrater reliability was calculated using Fleiss kappa (K). RESULTS A systematic review of the literature revealed no uniform morphological criteria for the differentiation of the individual cell types in CICs. Our first protocol achieved only a low level of agreement between 3 raters (K = 0.09; 1062 rated cells). Our revised protocol was able to achieve a higher interrater reliability with 3 (K = 0.64; 471 rated cells) and 4 (K = 0.61; 628 rated cells) raters. CONCLUSIONS The indirect use of criteria from the literature leads to a high error rate. By clearly defining the individual cell types and standardizing the protocol, reproducible results were obtained, allowing the introduction of this protocol for the future evaluation of CICs in the corneal confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fynn Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rafael Klimas
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marie Spenner
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aurelian Schumacher
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alina Hieke
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tineke Greiner
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Melissa Sgodzai
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Miriam Fels
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jil Brünger
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sophie Huckemann
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Stude
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg Philipps
- Department of Neurology and Neurogeriatrics, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Minden, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Fisse
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Grüter
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jeremias Motte
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Agaplesion Bethesda Krankenhaus, Wuppertal, Germany; and
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Sperlich K, Bohn S, Reichert KM, Stolz H, Guthoff RF, Stachs O, Allgeier S. [Chromatic Swept-Source Laser Scanning - Concept for a Cell-Resolving Confocal Laser Slit Lamp?]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:1375-1382. [PMID: 38092004 DOI: 10.1055/a-2184-9382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The in vivo characterisation of corneal epithelial tissue morphology is of considerable importance for diagnosis, disease prognosis, and the development of a treatment strategy for ocular surface diseases. In contrast to many alternative methods, in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) not only provides a macroscopic description of the corneal tissue but also allows its visualisation with cellular resolution. However, the translation of CCM from research to clinical practice is significantly limited by the complex and still largely manual operation of available CCM systems. In addition, for cross-sectional images, and analogously to conventional slit lamp microscopy, volume data must be acquired in time-consuming depth scans due to the frontal orientation of the image field in CCM, from which depth slices can subsequently be calculated. The pure acquisition time is already in the range of seconds, and additionally, motion artefacts have to be corrected in a sophisticated way. MATERIALS AND METHODS This paper presents the concept and optics simulation of a new imaging technique based on a swept-source laser in combination with special chromatic optics. Here, the laser periodically changes its wavelength and is focused at different depths due to the wavelength-dependent aberration of the chromatic optics. RESULTS The optics simulation results promise good optical resolution at a total imaging depth of 145 µm. CONCLUSION The long-term goal is cell-resolving in vivo corneal confocal microscopy in real time with differently oriented sectioning directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Sperlich
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Deutschland
- Department Leben, Licht & Materie, Universität Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Bohn
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Deutschland
- Department Leben, Licht & Materie, Universität Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Klaus-Martin Reichert
- Institut für Automation und angewandte Informatik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Deutschland
| | | | - Rudolf F Guthoff
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Deutschland
- Department Leben, Licht & Materie, Universität Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Oliver Stachs
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Deutschland
- Department Leben, Licht & Materie, Universität Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Allgeier
- Institut für Automation und angewandte Informatik, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Deutschland
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Bitirgen G, Kucuk A, Ergun MC, Satirtav G, Malik RA. Corneal nerve loss and increased Langerhans cells are associated with disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2950-2955. [PMID: 36808180 PMCID: PMC10516870 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by articular and extra-articular manifestations. Neuropathy is a poorly studied manifestation of RA. The aim of this study was to utilize the rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique of corneal confocal microscopy to identify whether there is evidence of small nerve fibre injury and immune cell activation in patients with RA. SUBJECTS/METHODS Fifty consecutive patients with RA and 35 healthy control participants were enrolled in this single-centre, cross-sectional study conducted at a university hospital. Disease activity was assessed with the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Central corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet contact corneal esthesiometer. A laser scanning in vivo corneal confocal microscope was used to quantify corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD), nerve fibre length (CNFL), and Langerhans cell (LC) density. RESULTS Corneal sensitivity (P = 0.01), CNFD (P = 0.02), CNBD (P < 0.001), and CNFL (P < 0.001) were lower, and mature (P = 0.001) and immature LC densities (P = 0.011) were higher in patients with RA compared to control subjects. CNFD (P = 0.016) and CNFL (P = 0.028) were significantly lower in patients with moderate to high (DAS28-ESR > 3.2) compared to mild (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) disease activity. Furthermore, the DAS28-ESR score correlated with CNFD (r = -0.425; P = 0.002), CNBD (ρ = -0.362; P = 0.010), CNFL (r = -0.464; P = 0.001), total LC density (ρ = 0.362; P = 0.010) and immature LC density (ρ = 0.343; P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates reduced corneal sensitivity, corneal nerve fibre loss and increased LCs which were associated with the severity of disease activity in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Adem Kucuk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Cagri Ergun
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gunhal Satirtav
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
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Posarelli M, Chirapapaisan C, Muller R, Abbouda A, Pondelis N, Cruzat A, Cavalcanti BM, Cox SM, Jamali A, Pavan-Langston D, Hamrah P. Corneal nerve regeneration is affected by scar location in herpes simplex keratitis: A longitudinal in vivo confocal microscopy study. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:42-52. [PMID: 36646165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.01.003] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effect of corneal scar location on corneal nerve regeneration in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in their affected and contralateral eyes over a 1-year period by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and to correlate these findings to corneal sensation measured by Cochet-Bonnet Esthesiometer. METHODS Prospective, longitudinal, case-control study. Bilateral corneal nerve density and corneal sensation were analyzed centrally and peripherally in 24 healthy controls and 23 patients with unilateral HSV-related corneal scars using IVCM. RESULTS In the central scar (CS) group, total nerve density in the central cornea remained significantly lower compared to controls at follow-up (11.05 ± 1.97mm/mm2, p < 0.001), and no significant nerve regeneration was observed (p = 0.090). At follow-up, total nerve density was not significantly different from controls in the central and peripheral cornea of the peripheral scar (PS) group (all p > 0.05), but significant nerve regeneration was observed in central corneas (16.39 ± 2.39mm/mm2, p = 0.007) compared to baseline. In contralateral eyes, no significant corneal nerve regeneration was observed in central or peripheral corneas of patients with central scars or peripheral scars at 1-year follow-up, compared to baseline (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between corneal nerve density and sensation in both central (R = 0.53, p < 0.0001) and peripheral corneas (R = 0.27, p = 0.0004). In the CS group, the corneal sensitivity was <4 cm in 4 (30.8%) and 7 (53.8%) patients in the central and peripheral corneas at baseline, and in 5 (38.5%) and 2 subjects (15.4%) at follow-up, whereas in the PS group only 1 patient (10%) showed a corneal sensation < 4 cm in the central cornea at baseline, and only 1 (10.0%), 3 (30.0%) and 1 (10.0%) patients at follow-up in the central, affected and opposite area of the cornea, respectively. CONCLUSION The location of HSV scarring in the cornea affects the level of corneal nerve regeneration. Eyes with central corneal scar have a diminished capacity to regenerate nerves in central cornea, show a more severe reduction in corneal sensation in the central and peripheral corneas that persist at follow-up, and have a reduced capability to restore the corneal sensitivity above the cut-off of 4 cm. Thus, clinicians should be aware that CS patients would benefit from closer monitoring for potential complications associated with neurotrophic keratopathy, as they have a lower likelihood for nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Posarelli
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chareenun Chirapapaisan
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Muller
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandro Abbouda
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrea Cruzat
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bernardo M Cavalcanti
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Arsia Jamali
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, USA; Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Pavan-Langston
- Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Yan Y, Jiang W, Zhou Y, Yu Y, Huang L, Wan S, Zheng H, Tian M, Wu H, Huang L, Wu L, Cheng S, Gao Y, Mao J, Wang Y, Cong Y, Deng Q, Shi X, Yang Z, Miao Q, Zheng B, Wang Y, Yang Y. Evaluation of a computer-aided diagnostic model for corneal diseases by analyzing in vivo confocal microscopy images. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1164188. [PMID: 37153082 PMCID: PMC10157182 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1164188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective In order to automatically and rapidly recognize the layers of corneal images using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and classify them into normal and abnormal images, a computer-aided diagnostic model was developed and tested based on deep learning to reduce physicians' workload. Methods A total of 19,612 corneal images were retrospectively collected from 423 patients who underwent IVCM between January 2021 and August 2022 from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China) and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, China). Images were then reviewed and categorized by three corneal specialists before training and testing the models, including the layer recognition model (epithelium, bowman's membrane, stroma, and endothelium) and diagnostic model, to identify the layers of corneal images and distinguish normal images from abnormal images. Totally, 580 database-independent IVCM images were used in a human-machine competition to assess the speed and accuracy of image recognition by 4 ophthalmologists and artificial intelligence (AI). To evaluate the efficacy of the model, 8 trainees were employed to recognize these 580 images both with and without model assistance, and the results of the two evaluations were analyzed to explore the effects of model assistance. Results The accuracy of the model reached 0.914, 0.957, 0.967, and 0.950 for the recognition of 4 layers of epithelium, bowman's membrane, stroma, and endothelium in the internal test dataset, respectively, and it was 0.961, 0.932, 0.945, and 0.959 for the recognition of normal/abnormal images at each layer, respectively. In the external test dataset, the accuracy of the recognition of corneal layers was 0.960, 0.965, 0.966, and 0.964, respectively, and the accuracy of normal/abnormal image recognition was 0.983, 0.972, 0.940, and 0.982, respectively. In the human-machine competition, the model achieved an accuracy of 0.929, which was similar to that of specialists and higher than that of senior physicians, and the recognition speed was 237 times faster than that of specialists. With model assistance, the accuracy of trainees increased from 0.712 to 0.886. Conclusion A computer-aided diagnostic model was developed for IVCM images based on deep learning, which rapidly recognized the layers of corneal images and classified them as normal and abnormal. This model can increase the efficacy of clinical diagnosis and assist physicians in training and learning for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Weiyan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Linying Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shanshan Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongmei Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Miao Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huiling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lianlian Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Simin Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuelan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiewen Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yujin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuyu Cong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qian Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiaoshuo Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zixian Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qingmei Miao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Biqing Zheng
- Department of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Resources and Environmental Sciences of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- *Correspondence: Yanning Yang,
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8
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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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Tyler EF, McGhee CNJ, Lawrence B, Braatvedt GD, Mankowski JL, Oakley JD, Sethi S, Misra SL. Corneal Nerve Changes Observed by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Patients Receiving Oxaliplatin for Colorectal Cancer: The COCO Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164770. [PMID: 36013010 PMCID: PMC9409896 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164770] [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] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An objective method of early identification of people at risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is needed to minimize long-term toxicity and maximize dose intensity. The aims of the study were to observe corneal nerve microstructure and corneal sensitivity changes and peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving oxaliplatin, and to determine its association with corneal parameters at different stages of treatment and assess utility as non-invasive markers to detect and monitor peripheral neuropathy. Twenty-three patients scheduled to receive oxaliplatin chemotherapy with intravenous 5-FU for gastro-intestinal cancer were recruited and followed up with for 12 months. Ocular examinations including corneal and retinal evaluations, alongside peripheral neuropathy assessment, were performed. The corneal nerve density did not show significant change after chemotherapy when measured with a widely used semi-automated program or an automated analysis technique. Macula and optic nerve function did not change during or after oxaliplatin chemotherapy. However, the corneal nerve density modestly correlated with clinical peripheral neuropathy after 20 weeks of chemotherapy (r = 0.61, p = 0.01) when peripheral neuropathy is typical most profound, and corneal nerve sensitivity correlated with neuropathy at 12 (r = 0.55, p = 0.01) and 20 weeks (r = 0.64, p = 0.006). In conclusion, corneal changes detected on confocal microscopy show moderate association with peripheral neuropathy, indicating their potential to identify the development of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen F. Tyler
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Charles N. J. McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Lawrence
- Department of Oncology, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey D. Braatvedt
- Department of Endocrinology, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
| | - Joseph L. Mankowski
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Sargun Sethi
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Stuti L. Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
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10
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Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Implications on Corneal Refractive Surgery. Ophthalmol Ther 2022; 11:1301-1307. [PMID: 35690708 PMCID: PMC9253221 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common inherited polyneuropathy, with a characteristic phenotype of distal muscle weakness, atrophy, and sensory loss. Variable ocular involvement has been documented in patients with CMT, with optic atrophy as the most frequently reported symptom. Although the Charcot–Marie–Tooth Association has generally deemed laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK) a safe option for patients with CMT, reports of corneal refractive surgery are lacking in this patient population. This commentary discusses the current understanding of CMT, including its ocular manifestations, and additional specific testing to consider when evaluating these patients for corneal refractive surgery.
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11
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Neuroimmune crosstalk in the cornea: The role of immune cells in corneal nerve maintenance during homeostasis and inflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101105. [PMID: 35868985 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the cornea, resident immune cells are in close proximity to sensory nerves, consistent with their important roles in the maintenance of nerves in both homeostasis and inflammation. Using in vivo confocal microscopy in humans, and ex vivo immunostaining and fluorescent reporter mice to visualize corneal sensory nerves and immune cells, remarkable progress has been made to advance our understanding of the physical and functional interactions between corneal nerves and immune cells. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent studies relating to corneal immune cells and sensory nerves, and their interactions in health and disease. In particular, we consider how disrupted corneal nerve axons can induce immune cell activity, including in dendritic cells, macrophages and other infiltrating cells, directly and/or indirectly by releasing neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. We summarize growing evidence that the role of corneal intraepithelial immune cells is likely different in corneal wound healing versus other inflammatory-dominated conditions. The role of different types of macrophages is also discussed, including how stromal macrophages with anti-inflammatory phenotypes communicate with corneal nerves to provide neuroprotection, while macrophages with pro-inflammatory phenotypes, along with other infiltrating cells including neutrophils and CD4+ T cells, can be inhibitory to corneal re-innervation. Finally, this review considers the bidirectional interactions between corneal immune cells and corneal nerves, and how leveraging this interaction could represent a potential therapeutic approach for corneal neuropathy.
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12
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Bu Y, Shih KC, Tong L. The ocular surface and diabetes, the other 21st Century epidemic. Exp Eye Res 2022; 220:109099. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Cañadas P, García-Gonzalez M, Cañones-Zafra R, Teus MA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy Findings in Neuro Lyme Disease: A Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:343. [PMID: 35204434 PMCID: PMC8870814 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020343] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro Lyme disease is caused by several bacteriae of the Borreliaceae family, such as Borrelia Miyamotoi. In late stages of illness, patients with Lyme disease may develop chronic neurologic symptoms such as cognitive disturbances or small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Confocal microscopy is a non-invasive method designed to evaluate the human cornea in vivo. Thus, all the corneal layers, including the cells and the sub-basal nerve plexus, can be easily visualized and analyzed. This is the first report of the morphology of small-fiber peripheral neuropathy analyzed by confocal microscopy in a patient diagnosed of neuro Lyme disease. The decrease in the number of unmyelinated sub-basal nerve fibers with abundant presence of dendritic cells (DC) in comparison with healthy corneas strongly supports the diagnosis of small fiber peripheral neuropathy in a case of neuroborreliosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cañadas
- Department of Optometry and Vision, School of Optics and Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat García-Gonzalez
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
- Clínica Rementería, Calle Almagro, 36, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Cañones-Zafra
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Miguel A. Teus
- Clínica Novovisión, P.° de la Castellana, 54, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-G.); (R.C.-Z.); (M.A.T.)
- Hospital Universitario “Príncipe de Asturias”, University of Alcalá, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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14
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Rahman L, Hafejee A, Anantharanjit R, Wei W, Cordeiro MF. Accelerating precision ophthalmology: recent advances. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2022.2154146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Loay Rahman
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ammaarah Hafejee
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rajeevan Anantharanjit
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wei Wei
- Imperial College Ophthalmology Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- The Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG), Imperial College London, London, UK
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15
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Corneal Confocal Microscopy in the Diagnosis of Small Fiber Neuropathy: Faster, Easier, and More Efficient Than Skin Biopsy? PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2021; 29:1-8. [PMID: 35366285 PMCID: PMC8954271 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29010001] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain may affect 30–50% of the world’s population and an important cause is small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Recent research suggests that autoimmune diseases may be one of the most common causes of small nerve fiber damage. There is low awareness of SFN among patients and clinicians and it is difficult to diagnose as routine electrophysiological methods only detect large fiber abnormalities, and specialized small fiber tests, like skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing, are not routinely available. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid, non-invasive, reproducible method for quantifying small nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration, and could be an important tool for diagnosing SFN. This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of CCM and highlights the evolution of this technique from a research tool to a diagnostic test for small fiber damage, which can be a valuable contribution to the study and management of autoimmune disease.
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16
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罗 靓, 霍 文, 张 钦, 李 春. [Clinical characteristics and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis with ulcerative keratitis]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2021; 53:1032-1036. [PMID: 34916677 PMCID: PMC8695151 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors and prognosis of ulcerative keratitis (UK) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Sixteen patients with UK (the UK group) were screened among 4 773 RA patients hospitalized at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2003 to May 2021, and 72 patients with RA without UK in the control group were selected by propensity score matching (PSM). The clinical features, laboratory data and medications between the two groups were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The average age of the patients with RA was 60 years at the time of the complication of UK. UK appeared on average in the 16th year of RA, with the majority of UK occurring in the 7th year of RA and beyond (14 cases), however, a minority of UK was the first symptom of RA (1 case). UK associated with RA manifested as simple marginal UK in 8 cases, marginal UK with perforation in 5 cases, marginal UK with uveitis in 2 cases and central UK with perforation in 1 case. The number of swollen joints was significantly higher in the UK group than in the control group [6.0(2.5, 23.0) vs. 3.0(1.0, 9.8), Z=-2.047, P=0.041], and the proportion of secondary Sjögren syndrome (SS, 37.5% vs. 6.9%, χ2=11.175, P=0.004) and interstitial lung disease (ILD, 37.5% vs. 8.3%, χ2=9.456, P=0.008) were significantly higher in the RA patients with UK than the patients without UK. The uses of sulfasalazine (12.5% vs. 48.6%, χ2=7.006, P=0.008), leflunomide (31.3% vs. 63.9%, χ2=5.723, P=0.017) and gold salt(6.3% vs. 33.8%, χ2=4.841, P=0.032)were significantly lower in the UK group than in the control group. However, there was no statistically significant comparison between the two groups for the 28-joint disease activity score-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (5.3±1.8 vs. 5.1±1.6, t=0.309, P=0.761). Logistic analysis showed the number of swollen joints (OR=1.148), secondary SS (OR=79.118), complicated with ILD (OR=6.596) and the use of sulfasalazine (OR=0.037) were independent relevant factors (P < 0.05) for UK in RA patients. CONCLUSION The number of swollen joints, secondary SS, complicated with ILD and the use of sulfasalazine are independent relevant factors for UK in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- 靓 罗
- 北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
- 重庆市中西医结合康复医院康复科,重庆 400013Department of Rehabilitation, Chongqing Rehabilitation Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western, Chongqing 400013, China
| | - 文岗 霍
- 河北以岭医院风湿免疫科,石家庄 050091Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Hebei Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - 钦 张
- 北京大学人民医院眼科,北京 100044Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 春 李
- 北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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17
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Avetisov SE, Surnina ZV, Zinovyeva OE, Safiulina EI, Shcheglova NS, Nosovsky AM. [State of corneal nerve fibers in systemic amyloidosis]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:231-237. [PMID: 34669332 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2021137052231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The term systemic amyloidosis unites a group of diseases with a single pathogenetic mechanism involving diffuse deposition of a pathological fibrillar protein (amyloid) in the intercellular space of various organs. Among the systemic forms of amyloidosis, light chain amyloidosis (AL-amyloidosis) occurs most often in clinical practice, while transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR-amyloidosis) is its most common hereditary form. Laser corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) allows for in vivo and non-invasive assessment of the state of corneal nerve fibers (CNF). PURPOSE To assess the state of CNF in systemic amyloidosis by confocal microscopy data obtained in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS The main study group included 16 patients (6 men and 10 women, mean age 60.5±11.6 years) with morphologically confirmed primary AL-amyloidosis, and 14 patients (5 men and 9 women, mean age 59.4±11.3 years) with genetically and morphologically confirmed hereditary TTR-amyloidosis. The control group included 23 healthy volunteers of the same age range without any neurological pathologies. The state of CNF was assessed by in vivo CCM data recorded on the HRT III system and its consequently processing using authors' self-developed program Liner 1.2. The criteria for neuropathy intensity was the degree of CNF tortuosity characterized by coefficients of anisotropy (KΔL) and symmetry (Ksym) of CNF orientation. RESULTS According to the NIS scale, the manifestations of neuropathy in the subgroup of patients with TTR-amyloidosis were significantly more pronounced compared to AL-amyloidosis patients. The severity of clinical manifestations of neuropathy did not depend on the duration of TTR-amyloidosis and AL-amyloidosis (Spearman R rs=0.21, p=0.58 and rs= -0.49, p=0.055, respectively). Changes in the quantitative indicators (a decrease in the anisotropy coefficient and an increase in the symmetry coefficient of the fibers orientation) confirm increased tortuosity of CNF in systemic amyloidosis. CONCLUSION The clinical picture of systemic amyloidosis is characterized by polymorphism of neurological manifestations that include various symptoms of damage to the peripheral somatic and autonomic nervous system. In vivo CCM can be used to reveal qualitative and quantitative changes in CNF in patients with systemic amyloidosis. However, statistical unreliability of the identified quantitative changes allows considering the state of CNF in amyloidosis only as a component of the disease monitoring algorithm, but not as a biomarker of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Avetisov
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, Moscow, Russia.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z V Surnina
- Research Institute of Eye Disease, Moscow, Russia
| | - O E Zinovyeva
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - E I Safiulina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - N S Shcheglova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Nosovsky
- Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate dry eye disease (DED) in patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the literature on PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases from conception to 30 April 2020 for studies related to dry eye, secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) and SLE. Original full-text articles with the number of patients diagnosed with SLE of over 15 were included. The risk of bias was evaluated with a validated critical appraisal tool which assessed study quality based on confounding factors, selection bias, bias related to measurement and bias related to data analysis. Data were extracted and pooled to evaluate the overall prevalence of DED with the random-effect model and sSS with the fixed effect model. RESULTS A total of 29 studies were included and 18 273 participants were involved. The pooled data showed that the overall prevalence of DED was 16% (95% CI 10% to 21%, p<0.001) in patients of SLE. Dry eye symptoms and abnormal Schirmer's test were found in 26% (95% CI 20% to 32%, p<0.001) and 24% (95% CI 14% to 34%, p<0.001) of patients with SLE, respectively. 12% (95% CI 9% to 15%, p<0.001) of patients also met the criteria of sSS. The OR of DED in patients with SLE was 4.26 (95% CI 3.47 to 5.05, p<0.001) compared with healthy controls. The meta-regression analysis showed that the sample size (p=0.004) and study location (p=0.022) could be the source of heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS DED and sSS are both common in patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingping Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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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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20
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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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Sterenczak KA, Stache N, Bohn S, Allgeier S, Köhler B, Bartschat A, George C, Guthoff RF, Stachs O, Stachs A. Burst of Corneal Dendritic Cells during Trastuzumab and Paclitaxel Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050838. [PMID: 34066952 PMCID: PMC8148560 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During breast cancer therapy, paclitaxel and trastuzumab are both associated with adverse effects such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and other systemic side effects including ocular complications. Corneal nerves are considered part of the peripheral nervous system and can be imaged non-invasively by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) on the cellular level. Thus, in vivo CLSM imaging of structures of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) such as sensory nerves or dendritic cells (DCs) can be a powerful tool for the assessment of corneal complications during cancer treatment. During the present study, the SNP of a breast cancer patient was analyzed over time by using large-scale in vivo CLSM in the course of paclitaxel and trastuzumab therapy. The same corneal regions could be re-identified over time. While the subbasal nerve morphology did not alter significantly, a change in dendritic cell density and an additional local burst within the first 11 weeks of therapy was detected, indicating treatment-mediated corneal inflammatory processes. Ocular structures such as nerves and dendritic cells could represent useful biomarkers for the assessment of ocular adverse effects during cancer therapy and their management, leading to a better visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina A. Sterenczak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (N.S.); (S.B.); (R.F.G.); (O.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nadine Stache
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (N.S.); (S.B.); (R.F.G.); (O.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany; (C.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Sebastian Bohn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (N.S.); (S.B.); (R.F.G.); (O.S.)
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Stephan Allgeier
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.A.); (B.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Bernd Köhler
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.A.); (B.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Andreas Bartschat
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany; (S.A.); (B.K.); (A.B.)
| | - Christian George
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany; (C.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Rudolf F. Guthoff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (N.S.); (S.B.); (R.F.G.); (O.S.)
| | - Oliver Stachs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (N.S.); (S.B.); (R.F.G.); (O.S.)
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Angrit Stachs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany; (C.G.); (A.S.)
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McCarron ME, Weinberg RL, Izzi JM, Queen SE, Tarwater PM, Misra SL, Russakoff DB, Oakley JD, Mankowski JL. Combining In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy With Deep Learning-Based Analysis Reveals Sensory Nerve Fiber Loss in Acute Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Cornea 2021; 40:635-642. [PMID: 33528225 PMCID: PMC8009813 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize corneal subbasal nerve plexus features of normal and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques by combining in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) with automated assessments using deep learning-based methods customized for macaques. METHODS IVCM images were collected from both male and female age-matched rhesus and pigtailed macaques housed at the Johns Hopkins University breeding colony using the Heidelberg HRTIII with Rostock Corneal Module. We also obtained repeat IVCM images of 12 SIV-infected animals including preinfection and 10-day post-SIV infection time points. All IVCM images were analyzed using a deep convolutional neural network architecture developed specifically for macaque studies. RESULTS Deep learning-based segmentation of subbasal nerves in IVCM images from macaques demonstrated that corneal nerve fiber length and fractal dimension measurements did not differ between species, but pigtailed macaques had significantly higher baseline corneal nerve fiber tortuosity than rhesus macaques (P = 0.005). Neither sex nor age of macaques was associated with differences in any of the assessed corneal subbasal nerve parameters. In the SIV/macaque model of human immunodeficiency virus, acute SIV infection induced significant decreases in both corneal nerve fiber length and fractal dimension (P = 0.01 and P = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The combination of IVCM and robust objective deep learning analysis is a powerful tool to track sensory nerve damage, enabling early detection of neuropathy. Adapting deep learning analyses to clinical corneal nerve assessments will improve monitoring of small sensory nerve fiber damage in numerous clinical settings including human immunodeficiency virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E McCarron
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rachel L Weinberg
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jessica M Izzi
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Suzanne E Queen
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Patrick M Tarwater
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stuti L Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | | | | | - Joseph L Mankowski
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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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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24
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Conforti A, Di Cola I, Pavlych V, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Ursini F, Giacomelli R, Cipriani P. Beyond the joints, the extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102735. [PMID: 33346115 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease typically affecting the joints, but the systemic inflammatory process may involve other tissues and organs. Many extra-articular manifestations are recognized, which are related to worse long outcomes. Rheumatoid nodules are the most common extra-articular feature, found in about 30% of patients. Secondary Sjögren's syndrome and pulmonary manifestations are observed in almost 10% of patients, also in the early disease. Active RA with high disease activity has been associated with an increased risk of such features. Male gender, smoking habit, severe joint disease, worse function, high pro-inflammatory markers levels, high titer of rheumatoid factor, and HLA-related shared epitope have been reported as clinical predictors of occurrence of these rheumatoid complications. In addition, there is a little evidence deriving from randomized controlled trials in this field, thus the therapeutic strategy is mainly empiric and based on small case series and retrospective studies. However, considering that these extra-articular manifestations are usually related to the more active and severe RA, an aggressive therapeutic strategy is usually employed in view of the poor outcomes of these patients. The extra-articular features of RA remain, despite the improvement of joint damage, a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, since these are associated with a poor prognosis and need to be early recognized and promptly managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Ilenia Di Cola
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Viktoriya Pavlych
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Onorina Berardicurti
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Ursini
- IRRCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paola Cipriani
- Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Corneal nerves in diabetes-The role of the in vivo corneal confocal microscopy of the subbasal nerve plexus in the assessment of peripheral small fiber neuropathy. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 66:493-513. [PMID: 32961210 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cornea's intense innervation is responsible for corneal trophism and ocular surface hemostasis maintenance. Corneal diabetic neuropathy affects subbasal nerve plexus, with progressive alteration of nerves' morphology and density. The quantitative analysis of nerve fibers can be performed with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy considering the main parameters such as corneal nerve fibers length, corneal nerve fibers density, corneal nerve branching density, tortuosity coefficient, and beadings frequency. As the nerve examination permits the detection of early changes occurring in diabetes, the invivo corneal confocal microscopy becomes, over time, an important tool for diabetic polyneuropathy assessment and follow-up. In this review, we summarize the actual evidence about corneal nerve changes in diabetes and the relationship between the grade of alterations and the duration and severity of the disease. We aim at understanding how diabetes impacts corneal nerves and how it correlates with sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy and retinal complications. We also attempt to analyze the safety of the most common surgical procedures such as cataract and refractive surgery in diabetic patients and to highlight the specific risk factors. We believe that information about the corneal nerve fibers' condition obtained from the in vivo subbasal nerve plexus investigation may be crucial in monitoring peripheral small fiber polyneuropathy and that it will help with decision-making in ophthalmic surgery in diabetic patients.
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26
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Badian RA, Utheim TP, Lagali N. Region of interest and directional analysis of subbasal nerves in wide-area corneal nerve plexus mosaics in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10802. [PMID: 32612112 PMCID: PMC7329902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) imaging of the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SBNP) is a clinical imaging modality gaining popularity for the diagnosis and follow-up of corneal neuropathy in various conditions such as diabetes mellitus. There remain, however, major limitations to the method, hindering its widespread clinical use. Finding the same exact area of the central cornea to standardize image acquisition is difficult without a reference point. Alternatively, creating wide-area mosaics of the SBNP is resource-intensive and has not yet been developed for routine clinical use. Here, we investigated whether IVCM analysis of the corneal SBNP in a predetermined, anatomically standardized region of interest (ROI) could be applied as an equivalent substitution for wide-area SBNP mosaic generation and analysis. Furthermore, we investigated nerve patterns outside the central corneal region for a possible relationship to type 2 diabetes mellitus status using a publicly available dataset. We found that corneal nerve fibre length density (CNFL) based on the ROI underestimated the mosaic-based CNFL by an average of 34% in 90% of cases (150 eyes), and did not exhibit a significant reduction with diabetes, as seen in the full SBNP. Outside the central cornea, nerve orientation differed depending on the anatomic region (left, central or right superior plexus, P < 0.001). Moreover, in long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (≥ 10 years, 28 subjects), nerve density in the left superior sector of the SBNP was decreased (P < 0.001) while that in the central superior SBNP increased (P = 0.01) relative to 35 age-matched healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance. These results indicate that subbasal nerve degeneration in type 2 diabetes mellitus can vary according to anatomic location, and regions with potential diagnostic value outside the central SBNP may warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza A Badian
- Unit of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.,Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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27
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Coppey L, Davidson E, Shevalye H, Obrosov A, Torres M, Yorek MA. Progressive Loss of Corneal Nerve Fibers and Sensitivity in Rats Modeling Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Is Reversible with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intervention: Supporting Cornea Analyses as a Marker for Peripheral Neuropathy and Treatment. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2020; 13:1367-1384. [PMID: 32425569 PMCID: PMC7189026 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s247571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether cornea nerve fiber density and/or corneal function are valid markers for early detection and treatment of peripheral neuropathy in rats modeling prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. METHODS High-fat feeding combined without or with low-dose streptozotocin was used to create rat models for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes that were longitudinally studied for loss of structure and function of sensory nerves in the cornea and skin as well as nerve conduction velocity and vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles. There were three time points examined in each of the three conditions with 12 rats per group. The latest time point (24 weeks of high-fat diet with or without 16 weeks of hyperglycemia) was used to examine reversibility of neuro and vascular pathology following 16 weeks of treatment with menhaden oil, a natural source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The number of rats in the intervention study ranged from 6 to 17. RESULTS Our longitudinal study demonstrated that vascular and neural dysfunction associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes occur early and are progressive. Decrease in cornea nerve fiber length and function were valid markers of disease in both the pre-diabetic and diabetic rat models and were more sensitive than decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density of the skin and thermal nociception of the hindpaw. Late intervention with menhaden oil significantly reversed both vascular and peripheral nerve damage induced by chronic obesity or type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION These studies provide support for examination of corneal structure and function as an early marker of peripheral neuropathy in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil are an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy that occurs with chronic obesity or type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Coppey
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Eric Davidson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hanna Shevalye
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alexander Obrosov
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael Torres
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mark A Yorek
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Correspondence: Mark A Yorek Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Health Care System, Iowa City, IA52246Tel +1-319-338-0581 ext. 7696Fax +1-319-339-7162 Email
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28
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C-Fiber Assays in the Cornea vs. Skin. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110320. [PMID: 31718074 PMCID: PMC6896162 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
C-fibers are unmyelinated nerve fibers that transmit high threshold mechanical, thermal, and chemical signals that are associated with pain sensations. This review examines current literature on measuring altered peripheral nerve morphology and discusses the most relevant aspects of corneal microscopy, especially whether corneal imaging presents significant method advantages over skin biopsy. Given its relative merits, corneal confocal microscopy would seem to be a more practical and patient-centric approach than utilizing skin biopsies.
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29
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ČESKÁ BURDOVÁ M, KULICH M, DOTŘELOVÁ D, MAHELKOVÁ G. Effect of Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 Diagnosis on the Corneal Cell Densities and Nerve Fibers. Physiol Res 2018; 67:963-974. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Relation of diabetes mellitus (DM) to the various stages of corneal nerve fiber damage is well accepted. A possible association between changes in the cornea of diabetic patients and diabetic retinopathy (DR), DM duration, and age at the time of DM diagnosis were evaluated. The study included 60 patients with DM type 1 (DM1) and 20 healthy control subjects. The density of basal epithelial cells, keratocytes and endothelial cells, and the status of the subbasal nerve fibers were evaluated using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Basal epithelial cell density increased with age (p=0.026), while stromal and endothelial cell density decreased with age (p=0.003, p=0.0005, p<0.0001). After the DM1 diagnosis was established, this association with age weaken. We showed nerve fiber damage in DM1 patients (p˂0.0001). The damage correlated with the degree of DR. DM1 patients with higher age at DM1 diagnosis had a higher nerve fiber density (p=0.0021). These results indicated that age at DM1 diagnosis potentially has an important effect on final nerve fiber and corneal cell density.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - G. MAHELKOVÁ
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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30
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Pagovich OE, Vo ML, Zhao ZZ, Petropoulos IN, Yuan M, Lertsuwanroj B, Ciralsky J, Lai E, Kiss S, D'Amico DJ, Mezey JG, Malik RA, Crystal RG. Corneal confocal microscopy: Neurologic disease biomarker in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Neurol 2018; 84:893-904. [PMID: 30294800 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the mitochondrial protein frataxin, is characterized by ataxia and gait instability, immobility, and eventual death. We evaluated corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) quantification of corneal nerve morphology as a novel, noninvasive, in vivo quantitative imaging biomarker for the severity of neurological manifestations in FRDA. METHODS Corneal nerve fiber density, branch density, and fiber length were quantified in individuals with FRDA (n = 23) and healthy age-matched controls (n = 14). All individuals underwent genetic testing and a detailed neurological assessment with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS). A subset of individuals with FRDA who were ambulatory underwent quantitative gait assessment. RESULTS CCM demonstrated a significant reduction in nerve fiber density and length in FRDA compared to healthy controls. Importantly, CCM parameters correlated with genotype, SARA and FARS neurological scales, and linear regression modeling of CCM nerve parameter-generated equations that predict the neurologic severity of FRDA. INTERPRETATION Together, the data suggest that CCM quantification of corneal nerve morphology is a rapid, sensitive imaging biomarker for quantifying the severity of neurologic disease in individuals with FRDA. Ann Neurol 2018;84:893-904.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelya E Pagovich
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Mary L Vo
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Zoe Z Zhao
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | | | - Michelle Yuan
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | | | - Jessica Ciralsky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Edward Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Szilard Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Donald J D'Amico
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jason G Mezey
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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Yoon MS, Pitarokoili K, Sturm D, Haghikia A, Gold R, Fisse AL. Treatment of an acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy with propionate in a 33-year-old male. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418809580. [PMID: 30542375 PMCID: PMC6236647 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418809580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this work was to report a case of an acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) treated with propionate to evaluate its therapeutic potential in AMSAN. Materials and methods The patient was investigated by clinical examination, electroneurography, high-resolution nerve ultrasound and confocal corneal microscopy at baseline and the 2 month follow up. We compared the outcome with those of five other patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and AMSAN of who were referred to our neurology department in the past 5 years. Results Considering the poor prognosis of patients with acute axonal neuropathies and in comparison with the previously treated patients with AMAN or AMSAN in our clinic, the regression of our patient's symptoms and the improvement in the additional examinations under propionate seemed exceptionally good. Conclusion Propionate may have an additional therapeutic effect in autoimmune inflammatory neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Suk Yoon
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- Department of Neurology, Bergmannsheil University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Fisse
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, St. Josef-Hospital, Gudrunstrasse 56, Bochum 44791, Germany
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Acute hyperalgesia and delayed dry eye after corneal abrasion injury. Pain Rep 2018; 3:e664. [PMID: 30123857 PMCID: PMC6085140 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Corneal nerves mediate pain from the ocular surface, lacrimation, and blinking, all of which protect corneal surface homeostasis and help preserve vision. Because pain, lacrimation and blinking are rarely assessed at the same time, it is not known whether these responses and their underlying mechanisms have similar temporal dynamics after acute corneal injury. Methods: We examined changes in corneal nerve density, evoked and spontaneous pain, and ocular homeostasis in Sprague-Dawley male rats after a superficial epithelial injury with heptanol. We also measured changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which has been implicated in both pain and epithelial repair. Results: Hyperalgesia was seen 24 hours after abrasion injury, while basal tear production was normal. One week after abrasion injury, pain responses had returned to baseline levels and dry eye symptoms emerged. There was no correlation between epithelial nerve density and pain responses. Expression of both ATF3 (a nerve injury marker) and CGRP increased in trigeminal ganglia 24 hours after injury when hyperalgesia was seen, and returned to normal one week later when pain behavior was normal. These molecular changes were absent in the contralateral ganglion, despite reductions in corneal epithelial nerve density in the uninjured eye. By contrast, CGRP was upregulated in peripheral corneal endings 1 week after injury, when dry eye symptoms emerged. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate dynamic trafficking of CGRP within trigeminal sensory nerves following corneal injury, with elevations in the ganglion correlated with pain behaviors and elevations in peripheral endings correlated with dry eye symptoms.
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33
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The corneal subbasal nerve plexus and thickness of the retinal layers in pediatric type 1 diabetes and matched controls. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14. [PMID: 29311586 PMCID: PMC5758564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retina and corneal confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of the subbasal nerve plexus (SBP) are noninvasive techniques for quantification of the ocular neurodegenerative changes in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In adult T1DM patients these changes are hardly related to T1DM only. Instead, ageing and/or lifestyle associated comorbidities have to be considered as putative confounding variables. Therefore, we investigated pediatric T1DM patients (n = 28; 14.2 ± 2.51 y; duration of disease: 5.39 ± 4.16 y) without clinical signs of diabetic retina disease, neuropathy, vasculopathy or nephropathy and compared our findings with those obtained in healthy controls (n = 46; 14.8 ± 1.89 y). The SBP was characterized by the averaged length, thickness, and tortuosity of nerve fibers as well as the number of branching and connecting points. OCT was used to determine the total thickness of the retina (ALL) and the thickness of each retinal layer. Both methods revealed signs of early neurodegenerative changes, e.g. thinning of distinct retinal layers at the pericentral ring and shortening of corneal nerve fibers that are already present in pediatric T1DM patients. Standardization of instruments and algorithms are urgently required to enable uniform comparison between different groups and define normative values to introduce in the clinical setting.
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Moein HR, Kheirkhah A, Muller RT, Cruzat AC, Pavan-Langston D, Hamrah P. Corneal nerve regeneration after herpes simplex keratitis: A longitudinal in vivo confocal microscopy study. Ocul Surf 2018; 16:218-225. [PMID: 29305292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term alterations of corneal nerves in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal, cross sectional. METHODS This study included 16 patients with a history of HSV keratitis and 15 age-matched normal controls. Slit-scanning IVCM was performed in all subjects at baseline and then after a mean follow-up of 37.3 ± 1.7 months in the patient group. Corneal subbasal nerve density and corneal sensation were compared between groups at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, the mean subbasal nerve density was significantly lower in both affected eyes (1.4 ± 0.6 mm/mm2) and contralateral unaffected eyes (6.4 ± 0.7 mm/mm2) compared with the controls (14.1 ± 1.6 mm/mm2; all P < .001). At the end of follow-up, the mean nerve density in affected eyes increased to 2.8 ± 0.7 mm/mm2 (P = .006), with no significant change in contralateral unaffected eyes (6.5 ± 1.0 mm/mm2, P = .72). However, both eyes had lower nerve density than controls (all P < .001). Corneal sensation was significantly lower in affected eyes (2.6 ± 0.6 cm) than in the control group (6.0 ± 0.0, P < .001) and showed no significant change at the end of follow-up (2.5 ± 0.6 cm, P = .80). Corneal sensation in contralateral unaffected eyes was not different in comparison with controls at both baseline and follow up (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that although corneal nerve regeneration occurs in patients with HSV keratitis, this change is not clinically significant and does not results in changes of corneal sensation. Therefore, these patients need to be followed closely for complications of neurotrophic keratopathy and might benefit from neuro-regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid-Reza Moein
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad Kheirkhah
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rodrigo T Muller
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea C Cruzat
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Pavan-Langston
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Ocular Surface Imaging Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Translational Ocular Immunology, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Mandathara PS, Stapleton FJ, Kokkinakis J, Willcox MDP. A pilot study on corneal Langerhans cells in keratoconus. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2017; 41:219-223. [PMID: 29066264 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the density and morphology of cells that are analogous to corneal Langerhans cells and their associations in keratoconus. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of keratoconus subjects aged between 18-65 years. Corneal topography, assessment of ocular symptoms, tear variables, corneal sensitivity, in-vivo confocal microscopy were performed. The number of Langerhans cells were manually counted and averaged across three central corneal images. Cell morphology was graded on a 0-3 scale, where grade 3 indicates cells with long visible dendrites. Associations of Langerhans cells with other variables were evaluated using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS Twenty-one keratoconus subjects with a mean age of 43±11 years were included. Eighty-one percent of them were males, 48% had mild keratoconus and 52% were contact lens wearers. Langerhans cells were present in the central cornea in 91% of subjects. Median cell density was 15 cells/mm2(IQR: 3-21). Cell morphology of grades 2 or 3 (with short or long dendrites) was seen in 71% of subjects. There was a significant association between Langerhans cell frequency and density with male gender (rho and p-values: -0.669, 0.001 and -0.441,0.045) and between Langerhans cell density and nerve fibre tortuosity (0.479,0.028). No significant association observed with age, contact lens wear or ocular symptoms. CONCLUSION Langerhans cells were present in a significant number of subjects suggesting the possibility of inflammation in keratoconus. Based on the association of Langerhans cells with nerve parameters, we propose inflammation as the underlying cause for corneal nerve changes in keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jim Kokkinakis
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Australia; The Eye Practice, Sydney, Australia
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Cao Y, Zhang W, Wu J, Zhang H, Zhou H. Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis Associated with Autoimmune Disease: Pathogenesis and Treatment. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:7298026. [PMID: 28785483 PMCID: PMC5530438 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7298026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is type of crescent-shaped inflammatory damage that occurs in the limbal region of the cornea. PUK is always combined with an epithelial defect and the destruction of the peripheral corneal stroma. PUK may have a connection to systemic conditions, such as long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Wegener granulomatosis (WG), relapsing polychondritis, classic polyarteritis nodosa and its variants, microscopic polyangiitis, and Churg-Strauss syndrome. However, the most common connection is with RA, which is also the focus of this review. The pathogenesis of PUK is still unclear. It is thought that circulating immune complexes and cytokines exert an important influence on the progression of this syndrome. Treatment is applied to inhibit certain aspects of PUK pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Wensong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
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Stepp MA, Tadvalkar G, Hakh R, Pal-Ghosh S. Corneal epithelial cells function as surrogate Schwann cells for their sensory nerves. Glia 2016; 65:851-863. [PMID: 27878997 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The eye is innervated by neurons derived from both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system (PNS). While much is known about retinal neurobiology and phototransduction, less attention has been paid to the innervation of the eye by the PNS and the roles it plays in maintaining a functioning visual system. The ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal ganglion contains somas of neurons that innervate the cornea. These nerves provide sensory functions for the cornea and are referred to as intraepithelial corneal nerves (ICNs) consisting of subbasal nerves and their associated intraepithelial nerve terminals. ICNs project for several millimeters within the corneal epithelium without Schwann cell support. Here, we present evidence for the hypothesis that corneal epithelial cells function as glial cells to support the ICNs. Much of the data supporting this hypothesis is derived from studies of corneal development and the reinnervation of the ICNs in the rodent and rabbit cornea after superficial wounds. Corneal epithelial cells activate in response to injury via mechanisms similar to those induced in Schwann cells during Wallerian Degeneration. Corneal epithelial cells phagocytize distal axon fragments within hours of ICN crush wounds. During aging, the proteins, lipids, and mitochondria within the ICNs become damaged in a process exacerbated by UV light. We propose that ICNs shed their aged and damaged termini and continuously elongate to maintain their density. Available evidence points to new unexpected roles for corneal epithelial cells functioning as surrogate Schwann cells for the ICNs during homeostasis and in response to injury. GLIA 2017;65:851-863.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Stepp
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
| | - Gauri Tadvalkar
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
| | - Raymond Hakh
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
| | - Sonali Pal-Ghosh
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC
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Maddaloni E, Sabatino F. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy in diabetes: Where we are and where we can get. World J Diabetes 2016; 7:406-411. [PMID: 27660697 PMCID: PMC5027004 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v7.i17.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) is a novel, reproducible, easy and noninvasive technique that allows the study of the different layers of the cornea at a cellular level. As cornea is the most innervated organ of human body, several studies investigated the use of corneal confocal microscopy to detect diabetic neuropathies, which are invalidating and deadly complications of diabetes mellitus. Corneal nerve innervation has been shown impaired in subjects with diabetes and a close association between damages of peripheral nerves due to the diabetes and alterations in corneal sub-basal nerve plexus detected by IVCCM has been widely demonstrated. Interestingly, these alterations seem to precede the clinical onset of diabetic neuropathies, paving the path for prevention studies. However, some concerns still prevent the full implementation of this technique in clinical practice. In this review we summarize the most recent and relevant evidences about the use of IVCCM for the diagnosis of peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy and of autonomic neuropathy in diabetes. New perspectives and current limitations are also discussed.
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Köhler B, Bretthauer G, Guthoff RF, Reichert KM, Sieber I, Stachs O, Toso L, Allgeier S. EyeGuidance – a computer controlled system to guide eye movements. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/cdbme-2016-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe densely innervated human cornea is the only superficial tissue of the human body in which nerve fibres are accessible in vivo by corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Morphological parameters of the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (SNP) derived from CCM images can potentially serve as a sensitive biomarker for early diagnosis of various neurodegenerative diseases. The evaluation of a single image with a typical field of view of 0.16 mm2 is insufficient for robust morphometric assessment. Mosaicking approaches have therefore been proposed to examine the SNP on a larger scale. Here we present a highly automated technique that significantly facilitates the generation of mosaic images of the SNP and is suitable for clinical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Köhler
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Georg Bretthauer
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Martin Reichert
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ingo Sieber
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Lorenzo Toso
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Stephan Allgeier
- 1Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Computer Science, POB 3640, D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
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